I've absolutely run into this during my 1975 Dodge restoration. All of this. Finding a replacement sending unit... Which apparently wasn't the stock 1975 unit?! And someone had changed the carburetor at some point and it wasn't working properly... Because it wasn't meant for the 5.9L v8. I'm nowhere near done restoring my rig, but it has been very educational and rewarding to learn. Videos like yours are very helpful and appreciated.
I too have had to slog through the week with so many things, seems like everything is harder than it should be. I think that is another reason I enjoy having a "project" like the RV. It's a place for me to go and get away at my leisure to do some simple work and think through things. Seems relaxing to work on the RV most of the time.
I've seen your dash and handful of times and thought "thats the '77 dash, thats not a '78. Bet that RV was just released a year late" haha. Sorry you had to find that out through purchases and returns. Hopefully that can help others out though. Great video series!
Awesome project. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. You brought to light some stuff that I would never have thought about replacing or doing, in the 10 videos. High 5's to classic dodge RV's.
I wanted to get a *cheap* motor home and since replacing the engine on a class A did not seem like anything close to fun if it was necessary, I chose to look for a class C. Since my budget is near rock bottom, it looks like only ones from the late 70's are available to me. I was worried about figuring out all the maintenance on these but your videos helped me a lot! I haven't bought one yet but have my eye on one for $900 (with a free generator after I asked if it had one) on CG. As long as there is no major water damage and the mechanics are good, I think it could be an outstanding RV. I want to look at it tomorrow. Praying the fridge, HW tank, and furnace work. I had bought my friend's truck and had done pretty much all the maintenance you did on the RV plus paint, tires, then totaled it less than a year after replacing the entire coolant system and heater core. The frame was toast. '92 @ 106k RIP
I just came across your video channel and have been grinning all afternoon going through these restore videos. I was searching videos to give me ideas for my project vehicle, a 1976 Dodge tradesman 200. I now have to paint my valve covers the original blue when I replace the gaskets this week and add breathers and a newer style air filter. It was my first vehicle at 15 years old and and 15 years later I still get giddy working on it. You're inspiring me to step up my game in the little details. To top it off one video started off in Target field and I realized you're a fellow Minnesotan. I rolled my eyes and thought I bet he's got BWCA videos too. Ha! I've found prepping and the boundary waters to be a great way of multi tasking hobbies.
Really excellent work. Man shines a whole new light on the possibilities- especially when you do own tools and have no problem working on things.. Brakes might be a little over my head, master cylinder too, but with a manual- I don't think so! Thanks again! *A.
I admire your attention to detail from bumper to bumper, job well done !. I did the same with a 99 Chevy K3500 and a 1985 Fleetwood prowler. As a professional transmission mechanic I humbly must advise you to to replace the torque converter on your otherwise bullet proof 727 torqueflite transmission (The torque converter is the Torqueflite Achilles heel). Most aftermarket converters are furnace brazed and will not balloon. again great job on an indestructible setup.
VERY COOL! Best recycle project ever. Parts have to be pretty cheep for that thing and it has plenty of miles, smiles and family memories yet to give. It seems so much more intimate and authentic than stepping into a new $100,000 rig that you have no idea how the systems work.
Least amount of money I ever spent for the most amount of fun is the best way to describe it. It's a little work, but simple and relaxing. Lots of family memories are going to come out of it.
The camper is looking good! I worked in auto parts for about 4 after high school working for a NAPA then an autozone till about 2000. I'm a ford but can't stand working on them for the same reason you had with your brakes. In my experience Ford and Dodge are FAMOUS for there "midyear changes." Pretty sure your right about the camper being bought then made later, but lol I wouldn't be surprised if you stumble across more goofy stuff like that! I've had to ask what the 6th or 7th letter in the vin code is on cars just to get some brakes for this guy once, and the BOOK was asking for it not the computer like these kids use in auto parts stores do now.
Sometimes those year changes sneak up on you. I have to order all my 440 parts for my 1979 American Clipper for model year 1978, because the 440 was discontinued in 1979. As with your Midas rig, the coach manufacturer probably purchased the chassis during the prior model year.
Might want to reinstall your zinc anode with out the Teflon tape, It can sometimes electrically isolate the anode from the tank and rendering it useless. I've seen a lot of salt water systems eaten up because people were using Teflon. We use a copper based anti-seize as a replacement. Probably less of a big deal with fresh water but it's just my two penny's worth. Keep up the great vids, I really appreciate the channel. Have a good one.
Hey Yankee. Have you tried elastomeric caulk? Just from projects I have done for some clients, I have noticed that it is a real improvement over silicone. It bonds great and it very flexible. I have bonded two pieces of wood end to end, let it dry and cure and you can bend it 180 degrees. Hope this helps. If not, I still really enjoy the videos.
Hey Yankee Prepper, Excellent work on all of your videos. I bought a 1977 Dodge Brougham RV literally today. It has the exact b300 or 360 LA Small Block motor. I plan to do ALL of the projects you did and I will definitely follow your videos every step of the way. Here's my issue... one thing I have never done and I can't find a resource to help just yet is replace belts. My first project will be installing a new alternator belt on this camper. However, after a hard look today I'm still not sure how to proceed. I do know all belts have to come off the pully prior to installing the alternator as it is the one furthest to the back. I hate to ask or to bother, but might you have any thoughts on this very first project of mine related to my '77 Dodge?
The 1st thought I have is that changing belts is about the easiest job you are going to encounter on the RV other than filling the tires with air or filling the windshield wiper reservoir. The vids I have up cover what I had to do to get an old rig going, but the vids won't cover ever detail. A person has to bring mechanical skill to the table for these simple vids to do any good really.
I have been working on my 78 Tradesman for the past 2 years originally brought it home after letting it sit for 10 years cut it up and take the drivetrain use in it 2002 Dodge Ram girlfriend talk me into restoring it
I actually have been thinking the same thing!! Great minds really do think the same way I guess! Thinking about have a large "Appeal to Heaven" flag applied the back of the RV, just under the window, been trying to find a place locally that can do that.
+Yankee Prepper - Preparing for the Wrath of God and Fine Coffee. Ha, that's great! I think that will add the perfect touch and look great on your rv. Can't wait to see it
How do you find RV parts on Rock Auto? My Dodge M-400 has parts available at the parts counter with someone else looking them up, and me paying the price. In the list of auto makes and models, no Winnebago, no Dodge M-400.
I like the project a lot. Just a question, what is the MPG on that thing. I have a friend that has something close to yours and does not use it for long hunting trips b/c the MPG is only 8 ish at best. Thoughts appreciated.
12...10 if windy or going 70 mpg usually at 65 (10 if windy or going 70 mpg) I did put on taller tires, increasing the speed at the same rpms. Even at 8 mpg I would take it on long trips, since it's a lot cheaper than hotels and you can't step out of the hotel and be in your hunting area already. Sometimes I sit on top of the camper with a rifle and hot cup of coffee.
Another great vid. Enjoy your trips. I'm surprised that I haven't seen a vid form you concerning the recent gun grab by the left. Over the mass shooting in FL. LOL
Thanks man. In my defense, I have done a couple vids on the recent murder rampage by the" Homosexual lifestyle practicing /Radical Muslim".......In my Patriot in Exile vid for example I predicted it....not because I am a prophet....but because it's obvious on where we are going. People are going to become more and more violent...the worship of guns, hate, and violence make it inevitable. Sooner than later at this point.....THE PEOPLE of the USA will be begging the GOV to take away all the guns to keep them "safe". They (THE PEOPLE) will continue to vote in anti-gun politicians to do their bidding as well. The country is going to get EXACTLY what it wants.
i have a 1977 dodge class c like yours like your videos im 65 yrs old and still do all my own work
i have a 1977 dodge just like yours and im restoring it thank you for your videos helps alot
I've absolutely run into this during my 1975 Dodge restoration. All of this. Finding a replacement sending unit... Which apparently wasn't the stock 1975 unit?! And someone had changed the carburetor at some point and it wasn't working properly... Because it wasn't meant for the 5.9L v8. I'm nowhere near done restoring my rig, but it has been very educational and rewarding to learn.
Videos like yours are very helpful and appreciated.
I have a 1972 dodge superior and you’ve helped me more than ya know!!
I just bought a similar RV the other day...really appreciate that these videos are here, learning a lot already. Horseradish, who would have known?!
love it very informative, i just aquired a 79 flair 63000 original miles has sat since 2006
I inherited a 1978 jamboree RV. It’s been sitting for years. I think I’m here to see if I wanna try to save it
In a crappy week, this is just what I needed. A reminder to return the focus on family and projects. Thanks Yankee.
I too have had to slog through the week with so many things, seems like everything is harder than it should be. I think that is another reason I enjoy having a "project" like the RV. It's a place for me to go and get away at my leisure to do some simple work and think through things. Seems relaxing to work on the RV most of the time.
I've seen your dash and handful of times and thought "thats the '77 dash, thats not a '78. Bet that RV was just released a year late" haha. Sorry you had to find that out through purchases and returns. Hopefully that can help others out though. Great video series!
Incredible vid series! Reminds me of the days of my old 74 dodge Amigo class A care!
Nice video
love these videos
Great looking rig.
Awesome project. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. You brought to light some stuff that I would never have thought about replacing or doing, in the 10 videos. High 5's to classic dodge RV's.
Nice update, hope you folks get to enjoy a lot of trips. Thanks for sharing.
Always enjoy seeing these different vids. Love to learn some new tricks and be able to put another tool in the box of ideas.
Always like your camper update videos, thanks for sharing.
I wanted to get a *cheap* motor home and since replacing the engine on a class A did not seem like anything close to fun if it was necessary, I chose to look for a class C. Since my budget is near rock bottom, it looks like only ones from the late 70's are available to me. I was worried about figuring out all the maintenance on these but your videos helped me a lot! I haven't bought one yet but have my eye on one for $900 (with a free generator after I asked if it had one) on CG. As long as there is no major water damage and the mechanics are good, I think it could be an outstanding RV. I want to look at it tomorrow. Praying the fridge, HW tank, and furnace work.
I had bought my friend's truck and had done pretty much all the maintenance you did on the RV plus paint, tires, then totaled it less than a year after replacing the entire coolant system and heater core. The frame was toast. '92 @ 106k RIP
Happy and safe camping dude. love the vids keep them coming.
I just came across your video channel and have been grinning all afternoon going through these restore videos. I was searching videos to give me ideas for my project vehicle, a 1976 Dodge tradesman 200. I now have to paint my valve covers the original blue when I replace the gaskets this week and add breathers and a newer style air filter. It was my first vehicle at 15 years old and and 15 years later I still get giddy working on it. You're inspiring me to step up my game in the little details. To top it off one video started off in Target field and I realized you're a fellow Minnesotan. I rolled my eyes and thought I bet he's got BWCA videos too. Ha! I've found prepping and the boundary waters to be a great way of multi tasking hobbies.
I like that LeakSeal. I wasn't aware of a canned solution. Thanks! Thanks for the last batch of coffee too, really good. - Mike in Coronado
Thanks for your videos! Appreciate your time
The RV is looking niiiiiice. God bless brother have a great summer
Really excellent work. Man shines a whole new light on the possibilities- especially when you do own tools and have no problem working on things.. Brakes might be a little over my head, master cylinder too, but with a manual- I don't think so! Thanks again! *A.
you got that old boy looking clean
I admire your attention to detail from bumper to bumper, job well done !. I did the same with a 99 Chevy K3500 and a 1985 Fleetwood prowler. As a professional transmission mechanic I humbly must advise you to to replace the torque converter on your otherwise bullet proof 727 torqueflite transmission (The torque converter is the Torqueflite Achilles heel). Most aftermarket converters are furnace brazed and will not balloon. again great job on an indestructible setup.
Hello: Good video. Drive safe.
Good ideas in there.
Nice Job on that Rig. Everything done just like the Real Men Like it. It looks Great! I know it's going to be Pretty Reliable. Very Impressive Sir!
Wow very cool
VERY COOL!
Best recycle project ever. Parts have to be pretty cheep for that thing and it has plenty of miles, smiles and family memories yet to give. It seems so much more intimate and authentic than stepping into a new $100,000 rig that you have no idea how the systems work.
Least amount of money I ever spent for the most amount of fun is the best way to describe it. It's a little work, but simple and relaxing. Lots of family memories are going to come out of it.
Hey man!
I own the same year rv, your video on the the front brakes was the same issue with me!
NICE!!!
The camper is looking good! I worked in auto parts for about 4 after high school working for a NAPA then an autozone till about 2000. I'm a ford but can't stand working on them for the same reason you had with your brakes. In my experience Ford and Dodge are FAMOUS for there "midyear changes." Pretty sure your right about the camper being bought then made later, but lol I wouldn't be surprised if you stumble across more goofy stuff like that! I've had to ask what the 6th or 7th letter in the vin code is on cars just to get some brakes for this guy once, and the BOOK was asking for it not the computer like these kids use in auto parts stores do now.
How do you like that Rustoleum Leak Seal does it seem to hold up for a decent amount of time?
Sometimes those year changes sneak up on you. I have to order all my 440 parts for my 1979 American Clipper for model year 1978, because the 440 was discontinued in 1979. As with your Midas rig, the coach manufacturer probably purchased the chassis during the prior model year.
I have a 1978 American Clipper that I am modifying/restoring. Looking forward to some camping in it.
Might want to reinstall your zinc anode with out the Teflon tape, It can sometimes electrically isolate the anode from the tank and rendering it useless. I've seen a lot of salt water systems eaten up because people were using Teflon. We use a copper based anti-seize as a replacement. Probably less of a big deal with fresh water but it's just my two penny's worth. Keep up the great vids, I really appreciate the channel. Have a good one.
That's a great idea,. I like the copper anti -seize better anyway!
Hey Yankee. Have you tried elastomeric caulk? Just from projects I have done for some clients, I have noticed that it is a real improvement over silicone. It bonds great and it very flexible. I have bonded two pieces of wood end to end, let it dry and cure and you can bend it 180 degrees. Hope this helps. If not, I still really enjoy the videos.
Hey Yankee Prepper,
Excellent work on all of your videos. I bought a 1977 Dodge Brougham RV literally today. It has the exact b300 or 360 LA Small Block motor. I plan to do ALL of the projects you did and I will definitely follow your videos every step of the way. Here's my issue... one thing I have never done and I can't find a resource to help just yet is replace belts. My first project will be installing a new alternator belt on this camper. However, after a hard look today I'm still not sure how to proceed. I do know all belts have to come off the pully prior to installing the alternator as it is the one furthest to the back. I hate to ask or to bother, but might you have any thoughts on this very first project of mine related to my '77 Dodge?
The 1st thought I have is that changing belts is about the easiest job you are going to encounter on the RV other than filling the tires with air or filling the windshield wiper reservoir. The vids I have up cover what I had to do to get an old rig going, but the vids won't cover ever detail. A person has to bring mechanical skill to the table for these simple vids to do any good really.
There is an old saying in RV magazine never look a used RV in the waste water drain pipe. Because that's when the black water valve will fail. LOL
I'm always run into the 1/2 year change like 2000 1/2 (2000 + 6 month)
What about a solar panel up grade for power ?
I have been working on my 78 Tradesman for the past 2 years originally brought it home after letting it sit for 10 years cut it up and take the drivetrain use in it 2002 Dodge Ram girlfriend talk me into restoring it
Its a Sportsman on a Tradesman frame
That camper is looking awesome YP! I think you should paint your Appeal To Heaven flag on the side to personalize it, would be very cool I think
I actually have been thinking the same thing!! Great minds really do think the same way I guess! Thinking about have a large "Appeal to Heaven" flag applied the back of the RV, just under the window, been trying to find a place locally that can do that.
+Yankee Prepper - Preparing for the Wrath of God and Fine Coffee. Ha, that's great! I think that will add the perfect touch and look great on your rv. Can't wait to see it
Hey do you know where I can find a Tune up Kit 1976 F40 Dodge Sportsman
How do you find RV parts on Rock Auto? My Dodge M-400 has parts available at the parts counter with someone else looking them up, and me paying the price. In the list of auto makes and models, no Winnebago, no Dodge M-400.
I like the project a lot. Just a question, what is the MPG on that thing. I have a friend that has something close to yours and does not use it for long hunting trips b/c the MPG is only 8 ish at best. Thoughts appreciated.
12...10 if windy or going 70 mpg usually at 65 (10 if windy or going 70 mpg) I did put on taller tires, increasing the speed at the same rpms. Even at 8 mpg I would take it on long trips, since it's a lot cheaper than hotels and you can't step out of the hotel and be in your hunting area already. Sometimes I sit on top of the camper with a rifle and hot cup of coffee.
Of course with a hot cup of coffee on top the roof w/ a rifle. DUH.
Or be like me pay to have someone do it I found out paying someone sometimes is better because they know what they doing I don't
Congratulations. You just discovered we are not all EQUAL.
I just bought a 78 sportsman..with no break fluid coming out of the front breaks...any thoughts..
Amber it could just be the way your spelling brakes. break as in broken is pretty funny. I am just fun-in with you. sorry I couldn't resist.. : )
Are there mechanic's today that can work on a 78 Dodge? Or few and far?
Another great vid. Enjoy your trips.
I'm surprised that I haven't seen a vid form you concerning the recent gun grab by the left. Over the mass shooting in FL. LOL
Thanks man. In my defense, I have done a couple vids on the recent murder rampage by the" Homosexual lifestyle practicing /Radical Muslim".......In my Patriot in Exile vid for example I predicted it....not because I am a prophet....but because it's obvious on where we are going. People are going to become more and more violent...the worship of guns, hate, and violence make it inevitable. Sooner than later at this point.....THE PEOPLE of the USA will be begging the GOV to take away all the guns to keep them "safe". They (THE PEOPLE) will continue to vote in anti-gun politicians to do their bidding as well. The country is going to get EXACTLY what it wants.
***** Sad but true. It' s no wonder the increase in folks looking to get of grid. Yet I don't think they will escape the rather of stupidity for long.