Gary_M

Odd that the shop would be disconnecting anything besides the battery terminals for a simple coach battery replacement. If you can provide pictures of the hookup in your coach that would be helpful. The only manual close is a 92 Dolphin. Page 23 shows the battery hookup, white primary, black primary and red.

You put a lot work into this rig and not enjoying the fruits of your labor? I must be the opposite, I'd love to renovate mine but I know once I start it'll never leave the driveway. The previous owner told me Gary don't put money into these things they are a pit, only put money in when it breaks. 😉

And the smoking pipes, upper left, I remember those. 😉

No pictures but email and ask. https://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/ptd/d/auto-parts-for-sale/7368704891.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/rvs/d/nordland-1981-toyota-sunrader-4x4/7368139883.html

Depends on how good of shape the engine is in. Check the tire pressure for sure. I've traveled to tailgates with 5 people no problem, just very slow on the hills of downtown Seattle almost going backwards. 😉 Take it easy on the mountain passes if your going that way and if the temperature gauge starts running high pull off and let it cool down. Gary

Dogman, if you plan to take it out for shakedown and camping I would take care of the tires, even if tires look good they are deceiving and having a blowout is no picnic. So the rule is if your tires are 8 years or older get them replaced. And don't try to fix everything all at once by that I mean keep the ability to take it out for some enjoyment, don't sideline it in the driveway you never leave if you do too much. Good luck! Gary

Whoa! They made some really nice coach seats!

I concur! A recently rebuilt A43d and suspension is a bonus! An to think that we did away with emission checks 2 years ago in Washington State, ye haw! Close by is this 1985 Nissan, looks good as well for the price!

Hi Morgan I would say it's the opposite most of our toys come with the 22r series. The 22 is not bad, yeah a little under powered but armor class bullet proof. Myself I've been thinking of going to a V6 but that depends on the mechanic and price like you're looking for. Post pictures of ones you are looking at, we can give you some better input and things you might not see. Good luck and good hunting! Gary

It's all good everyone. I still give the OP Spungo great credit for this thread "the greatest thread of all time!". I still go back to the beginning and read his story on occasions. Makes we want to tear out my A43D and overhaul it on my kitchen table! Shortly thereafter, it started slipping out of 3rd. The worst part is that it happened while listening to Pink Floyd's Echoes, one of the greatest works in history. How utterly uncool. We pulled over and spent the night with about 100 loud cows (which was pretty fun, really) and limped about 650 miles home

Hamkid, Yes shops tend only specialize and do not get into other repairs. My rear transmission seal was leaking and I had to take that to a specialized shop for repair. As for the springs I'm going to use a shop that specializes in spring repair. I also worked with Les Schwab that will do my brakes, bearings and tires. I had to give them time up front to procure the parts then they will tell me bring it in. I'm also going to replace the head gasket and timing chain, not sure if I'll do that myself or get a shop to do but again no-one is going to do it all, you have to work at it. Good luck! Gary

Linda you're spot on, the experience is everything! Morgan here is a redone Odyssey that has that nice big window you like, not fiberglass per say but is metal framed, the side walls I believe. This also has a V6 which has much more power than a 22re 4 cylinder engine that you find in most Sunrader models. Something to think about. Gary

Hi Morgan, There are not many models from the Toyota line that are more water tights than the Sunrader line. Though Chinooks had similar molded design they are much older, smaller in footprint and much harder to find. I've dealt with leaks in my Conquest but being aluminum framed it has been minimal if any damage caused. I would consider an welded aluminum frame coach like a Winnebago, New World and Conquest model as a secondary choice. Also congratulations on your move to Whidbey Island, my stomping ground and my dreams to retire there! I have many friends on Whidbey and the camping is top notch. BTW-not so rainy as you think in fact more people wear sunglasses in the PNW than anywhere else in the country, the wine is getting better. 😉 Keep in touch, maybe we can meetup sometime in the future. Cheers, Gary

I'd love to have one in any size but they've gotten terribly expensive. Your probably looking a 20 grand for one in good shape IMHO. Good luck! Gary

Congratulations! Yeah now comes the fun huh? Hopefully get the engine in order and take it out for a shakedown outing. A bonus to the New World models are that the coach frame is of welded tubular aluminum, no worries about wood frame rotting or roof sag like the "finned" models. A keeper for sure! Good luck! Gary

Depending on your home renovations you might want to take it with you in case you need a temporary place to stay. Just saying my little toy although doesn't get much camping time these days does get used. Last winter we lost power for several days, the propane fridge saved most of our food, we were also able to cook. This summer we experienced a stretch of heat that forced us out of the house, no central air. The toy keep us cool and comfortable 3 days and nights. You have a great rig there and I wanted to give you the other side to keeping it. Good luck and congrats on the new house! Gary

Who knows but mine have a 2 3/4 " gap measured on both doors.

Found the brochure but it was the same as what Linda and others posted. I did find a past camping picture of my rig next to my friends Chevy Conquest, I believe his was a 1990 model. Same interior color as mine but you notice the cab over bunk space is much larger on a toy than other models.

My 87 Conquest is also aluminum framed, a keeper for that exact reason. I'll post another earlier brochure that I have in my archive as soon as I can get it scanned. I might have posted it here in the past but finding anything from the past is a chore.

I haven't got the toy out this summer at all, what a bummer! One thing after another... the heatwave hit us in June, I did use the toy the for the ac, no central air. Made for a couple nights of comfortable sleep in the driveway. Now with the fire danger parks are closed or a fire ban is in effect, what's the use of going camping if you can't have a fire? Pretty soon the cold is going to hit and the weather will be hit or miss. Now I get it why most of my camping days are in the fall winter time frame. To top it off I have a dead cab battery, 2/14 date so it probably needs to be replaced anyway. Hope you all are are fairing better. Cheers Gary

This has the looks of a luxury train car. Also hard to believe they would pull these trailers with the family station wagon.

If you are in the Oregon area and looking for a fuel tank or spare this one is right up your alley. Much better than the replacement tanks and this one includes the inline pump. Cheers and Happy New Year! Gary

Agree with Linda! Get the basic interior done to the point you can take it out for a shakedown outing, then finish it out to your likening . There is noting more pleasing then taking your rig out for a enjoyable getaway. Gary

Thanks Linda! Yes we got very lucky on the weather, now it's raining and will be like that for some time. The rules here haven't applied for camping so the sites are full which is quite odd for this time of year. La Hacienda is the best I agree, happy hour they serve their perfect margaritas by the pitcher so you have to be careful. 😉 There was a La Hacienda in Everett, we'd go there for lunch there as it was right next to the factory, cheap fast and great food! Cheers! Gary