Douglas17313

The carpet looks really nice. Great job. Did you cut the carpet to fit or did you remove the furniture and walls? I'm about to do the same thing to my '87 Conquest.

When adding a 25' extension cord to my 1987 Conquest, which amp size should I purchase?

The previous owner had the exhaust routed to exit just in front of the rear wheels which is just under the largest window above the couch/bed. I can't help but wonder if this allows the exhaust to enter the coach. Your setup seems much more practical and logical.

As my 1986 Gulfstrem gets rehabed, I'm driving it more. The more I drive it, I think that exhaust is leaking into the coach. Right now the tailpipe exits on the drivers side right in front of the rear wheels. Is this correct? I drive it with all the windows open. The unit sat for years and smells musty, not mildewey, so I'm trying to air it out. Just got the transmission serviced. A cable going to the transmission was completely frozen/rusted. Works great now. Next week the roof is getting strengthened. Starting to get a noticeable "bowl" around the A/C. The exhaust location is concerning though. Is there a reliable method to determine whether a leak exists or how to locate it? The exhaust system has less than 3000 miles on it. Thanks in advance for your excellent advice.

Thank you, Linda. You're right, they are expensive. think I'll try to find a set of something "unique" as well. Maybe something that looks fast lol.

I have been looking to get a set of Stainless Steel / Chrome wheel inserts for my 1986 Gulfstream. I've not been able to locate any in the 14" size. Does anyone have a vendor from which I might get a set?

In one of the first posts I read from Linda S., she stated that the outside rubber trim did not seal the window, it was the butyl tape that kept the moisture out. While I will definitely replace the fossilized rubber trim sealant, my main focus, as directed by Linda, is the pulling the window assembly, cleaning the frame of old adhesives and dirt, and then replacing with fresh butyl tape. What would be the recommended width for the tape? I've seen it in 3/4 and 1 inch width. Since I'm going to end up doing all of the windows, the marker lights and some trim, I don't want to waste any by having to cut it off, other than trim around the window after installation.

Thank you, Linda. The top, larger image is exactly the type I have.

The rubber strip around the windows has dried out and shrunk over the years. The corners of the largest window and over cable front window are completely exposed.

I am in the process of sealing my 1986 Gulfstream. Since it is 30+ years old, I want to begin with the windows. Could someone please tell me the best brand of butyl tape, the correct width, and maybe a good source for the rubberized, (now fossilized) weather stripping? Thanks in advance.

I really like your idea. My 1986 Conquest roof is a little bit concave. I don't know yet if it is enough to cause a problem. My first thought was to correct it from the inside, but I really like your idea going from the outside. What about the nuts on the inside of the coach after the bolts are cut off?

Thank you for your response. I've used synthetic so long that I hate to go backwards. I have been getting conflicting info about a 30 year old engine going specifically to synthetic.

I just bought a 1986/7 Gulfstream Conquest with about 37K actual miles. This weekend my area is expected to have warm weather and I want to change the oil. In all my cars I use synthetic. I would like to do the same with the Toyota as well, however I'm not sure of the effect this will have on the engine. Should I use conventional or synthetic? I do not have the service records so I don't know it's history. Thanks in advance for any advice.

I have a 1986 Gulfstream Conquest. At one time there was a small water leak that was corrected very quickly. The walls are sound and solid, however one area about the size of half a shoe box lid (that stretches over 2 panels) is soft and dry. I would like to replace these panels. They are in the rear, it was the refrigerator exhaust vent that leaked, the panels cover the area over the rear kitchen and the bathroom. How difficult is it to replace the panels? Do the walls around the bathroom and shower have to be taken down? Also, where can I get replacement panels. The ceiling panels that are currently in place do not have water stains or look bad, it's just that I know that they crackle when touched. Thanks in advance. Doug

I actually purchased this camper last week. Before I looked at the unit the seller disclosed small leak that was difficult for me to find during the inspection. He was very honest about each area. The 37K on the engine is correct according to carfax. There might be some hidden issues but at the price, which he lowered significantly, it a good platform to start and learn. I looked for two years before deciding on this unit.

My first order of business is to reseal the roof. It currently has a lot of "caulking " around the vents and a/c. I see liquid and tape available for sealing. Is one better than another or does it depend on the application. I also see varying degrees of cost. EDPM's cost is just under $300 for a 4 gallon container and has great reviews. On the other hand other brands are significantly less. Is there one brand or type better than another?

Thank you all for the advice thus far. I found your site a while back and have been reaching back to it as I have looked for the right rig. Reading this site and seeing the wealth of knowledge gave me the confidence to actually buy one. I look forward to the good times owning this unique motorhome will bring. I also look forward to exchanging ideas and learning from the experience and talent of these members.

I just purchased a 1987 Gulfstream. It has 37K carfax miles. The engine purrs and the transmission shifts smoothly. The window seals are in need of a replacement and my first order of business is to reseal the roof. Before I even looked at the rig, the previous owner told me about a small leak that was immediately repaired. It took a bit, but I did find what he was talking about and it is dry. After the above, what should I, in order, do to restore or upgrade the on board Systems? Thanks for any advice you can provide. I searched for the right right for about two years.

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. It will help me in making an educated decision.

Well, I looked at and test drove the '83 Sunrader. Overall I really liked it. Owe very, a couple of concerns: 1. The furnace kicked on very quickly and heated the coach nicely. When the furnace was turned off the smell of gas was strong. 2. The steering felt loose and had a lot of play. 3. The engine started quickly and seemed solid, however I thought it smelled as if it was running rich, it also sputtered a couple of times. 4. One headlight was much brighter than the other and the brake light on the same side was dim. 5. Fridge would not work on gas or electric. Owner will resolve this problem. There were two small leaks but with the Sunrader it was obvious as to their origin and are a simple repair It was the first time in one of these and was really surprised at how small. It took a bit to get used too, but I quickly got used to it and ended up liking it. Any thoughts as to the above issues?

Thank you. I'm looking at this as something I can get immediate use out of but looking long term as a project and remodeling.

Thank you for the replies. I'm quite nervous about jumping into this. I've always done my own vehicle maintenance, brakes, fluids, etc and do most of my home repairs. So, I'm thinking with manuals, forums and you tube videos I might be good to accomplish my own repair. Just want to make certain I begin with a solid vehicle.

I'm going to look at an '83 Sunrader with 67K. It has a manuel transmission and has been owned by the same guy over 10 years. He has receipts for $1200 of recent work and sent pics showing the the rear axle with 6 lugs and the center cap also with 6 lugs, telling me that it has been replaced. What else should I look for as I check the unit out? Price is just over NADA. Thank you for any advice you can provide.