Sounds like a project for sure. For any complex repairs to the Ford chassis,
including the dash heater/ac, rear door, and turn signals, you might want to see
if there's a trusted garage or Ford dealership near you. If they aren't able to do the
fix ups cheap, they may be able to suggest someone who could. I'd get the turn signals,
heater/ac, and rear door fixed first, at Ford, if you can "af-Ford" it. Tires can be got pretty
much anywhere, but make sure you get the correct ones for the weight and handling
characteristics of the 1980 Eldorado Motorhome. Don't put P rated tires on it, if it needs
LT (light truck) tires, or you may wind up with more repairs than you already have when
they blow. This is worth looking into before you get new ones. Make sure you do.
If you can afford it, maybe try a Discount Tire store. I got a great deal earlier this year
on a set of 4 Michelins for my Roadtrek 190P.
BTW, does it look like this one?
http://www.thebiglot.com/auto_photos.as ... =Nebraska&
Not a bad looking rig, if it does. :wink: More of a B plus, or a wide-body, possibly the first one ever!!!! :thumbup:
The leaks and the roof hatch/vent can probably be worked on by you, if you have the time and
energy to try it. I don't know about spraying bed liner - I'm not familiar with what it'll do or
look like, but it's up to you if you think it'll work. Maybe ask for a second opinion at an RV
shop or a Ford dealer. They may have some experience with leak sealants and their relative
effectiveness. Might be worth a go, but it's not my van. :wtf:
One thing you may or may not have, is rust behind the inside walls on the van, unless the outer
panels are fiberglass or carbon fiber or some other non-metallic substance. It's a 30 year old
vehicle, and before you spend any real money on it, you want to make sure it's not going to
rust out from under you, with the long term exposure to damp and moisture. If the body behind
the cab isn't metal, you might be OK.
That's all I can think of for now. Maybe some of the other forumites have some ideas?
Be patient. Don't start getting ahead of yourself, as the temptation to get it ready to go
is pretty hard to resist. Try to draw up a plan of attack, and prioritize your repairs by "need
to do" versus "nice to do".
Good luck.
UPDATE- I now realize after looking at the pictures I found, that Ford probably won't be
able to fix your rear door as it's not OEM. Maybe the RV place could help with it as well
as the other body integrity issues. Also, although it's not recommended, you can probably run
the propane furnace at low speeds around town, but I wouldn't try it on the highway. If you
try it and the thing keeps blowing out that will tell you it's NOT a good idea. Also, DO NOT
go anywhere near a gasoline or propane filling station while any propane appliances are on,
or could be started. It's also a good idea to turn off or disable your coach batteries when you
need to get gasoline. If that shuts off your furnace, fridge, etc., that's a good thing.
After refueling, you can drive away from the pumps, stop, and then restart whatever.
