rdsrds123

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/rvs/d/compton-1980-toyota-dolphin/6883001765.html Here is one, but there may be too much rust underneith. Can't get this guy to return my call.

The early hilux has a frame that is 3 inches narrower than '79 and later. The spring perches need to be repositioned.Also shock mounts need welding work. That axle is 300 pounds. Not many go through the cost and expense upgrading that axle and none think their rig should be priced less without it. I wouldn't trust that old axle too far. I see the foolies going strong on 21 ft rigs. I know of several that snapped off. One was on a Sunrader that I've seen in pictures on this site. It was 2 years ago in Mexico. The woman who owned it was going 45 mph. Dodged a bullet. They just put in a new axle shaft and then she drove it home to Alaska. That's the last I heard of it.

Not sure on that. I've seen them both ways. They say if you have to run the foolies to use 5 psi less air pressure in the outer tires. Most of the aluminum sided models are '78s. Only seen a few with later body style. Either is ok. I'll read your links. Thanks!

I have to say $65 is a good price. Get them before the Chinese tariffs raise the price. Do they seem as sturdy as OEM?

Yes, this is all true. I've already been searching for a very long time. That's why I'm trying this approach. Most times if I find something it sells immediately and before I can respond to the ad. This way there may be a better chance, but still I have to find one.

Hi, just want to bump this up. Still looking...

Hi everyone, this is a really cool and active forum, neatly hidden away off the paths most traveled. I especially like the way this site is set-up, and that it is not on FB for once. I' m looking to buy an early Toyota motorhome, and the problem is that what I want has been difficult to find. I like the very early aluminum sided 18' "shorty" Dolphin type rig (Dolphin name used here as an example only). The Sunraders and Chinook type are nice too, but my focus is away from fiberglass. These units came from many different manufacturers back then, few of which made it very far into the 80s. They are usually the 1978 cab style because shortly (not a pun) after that most companies that survived went to the 21' variety with the later body style. Difficult to find, but so worth it to find a nice one, many would agree. I live on the East coast and will travel, no problem. I do not have a driveway, so I have no place to tear one apart to restore. I need one in, for the most part, decent ready to go shape. However, being rather weak in this area, the right one that appeals to me may not need to be in that great a shape. I do need to be able to somehow get it home though. I daily use Marketplace and Searchtempest but come up short( I swear using that word again was an accident) or a day late. I can find Toyota motorhomes on these services myself. What I thought I might find here is someone who has one they would like to sell, or someone who knows where one is stashed that I may be able to pry away from its current owner. Any leads are appreciated, and I hope something shows up. Included here is an image something like I'm looking for. Thanks for reading.

I once tore down a Dometic from a Vanagon and did "research" on it all winter. I know the burner orifice can clog, and is critical for the correct heat. This particular Dometic had never been used, though it was thirty years old. I thought I had a gem, but nothing could get this unit to work. In the end, I concluded that the hydrogen had leaked out through the charging port, leaving behind the sodium bromide and additives, I think. Units that are used often might cause the threads of the charging port to seal with the additives, and might actually be the better units. My imput.