No problem Mark! The way I did things was very different than some. I had one valve on one six pack stick, so I had them all rebuilt. Had to replace a fuel pump that failed in the aquahot, so called Rodger and replaced just about everything I could. Same with a/c's, had one bad compressor, so replaced all the them, same with circuit boards on a/c, and new fridge compressor.
I really think people sometimes go crazy overthinking things when buying a pre owned Newell. You could have all the house systems inspected, and something could break tomorrow. These Newells are tanks. The series 60s are just about as bulletproof as can be. I didn't HESITATE to buy this thing, and the fridge was not cooling as good as it should be, aqua hot fuel pump had a leak, one a/c compressor was dying and a few other little things. Sure I could have just fixed the things that were broken and saved many thousands of $$$, but by being proactive I have not had any issues and that was my goal.
As far as oil analysis ect... My coach had only 60k miles, and was owned by a NASCAR driver (non-active) that owned over a dozen car and truck dealerships. He had his diesel mechanics do a lot of the maintenance, so no receipts. Some people on here do their own oil changes too. Same with generator. No receipts. Nothing scared me to buy this coach. Yes I did an oil analysis but probably would not do another unless the coach had high mileage 150k+ which isn't really that high LOL.
Dave
First I want to thank each and every one of you for your posts. I have learned so much from all of you...
One thing that someone said, and we know who you are by the way, that I found to be astounding and that is putting a refrigerator in through the windshield. I thought "No way that's just crazy"! You buy a $3,000.00 refrigerator and then pay $4,000.00 to get it installed. Just a little lopsided right!
What about a Sub-Zero? Arguably the best refrigerator on the planet and I've found standard in many Newell's. It's 24" deep. Wouldn't that fit through a mid-door Newell?
All I can tell you is if you guys think you're coming over for a visit and want to enter through the windshield you nuts!
However, I can take you to places in Wyoming where you can get a deer, antelope, bear or elk do that on almost any given day if thats what you want. You can even throw in an occasional buffalo and no I don't mean a guy from New York. Although they are fair game in Wyoming!
Seriously through, the windshield?
Harry
It is not that difficult to remove and replace a windshield if you have the right people/equipment and know what you are doing. As to going through the door, remember that some Newells have a curved stairwell with a handrail which hinders ingress/egress with large objects. Taking a refrigerator through the door may or may not work, I am very doubtful that you could get a refrigerator through the door on a front entry Newell no matter how many pieces you removed from the refrigerator.
Last year Clarke and I had the distinct pleasure of helping Tom replace his refrigerator in his coach. He has the curved entryway mid-door and it fit. Tight but it did fit.
Forest that is good news... Lets hear it for the curved entry! BTW was it a Sub-Zero? I don't know of any other that is 24" deep and is a full house refrigerator?
Is there anything else that may require taking off the windshield?
Through the windshield is a very common method on bus conversions.
With a front entry it is typically the ONLY practical way and it is not that difficult to remove a windshield. I have had two windshields replaced. The total cost of removing the old windshield and installing the new windshield was less than $700 including the cost of purchasing the new windshield. I don't know what the labor component was but it could not have been much.
fridge discussions is a whole different ballgame.
i have built in fridges in two houses. they cost a ton more but not sure they are any better than the regular fridges. though easier to work on.
there are several makers of counter depth fridges. we were in canada at the time and the only one that would fit my opening was a stainless kitchenaid. it is a very nice fridge and it was pricey.
even then i had to do some modifications to the opening.
there is an entire thread on our adventure if you search on it
tom
Another option is to remove one of the large windows rather than the windshield. Choosing a replacement refrigerator may be governed by what will fit in the space exited by the old one. Many coaches, including mine, have the Amana combo.
if a new fridge will go through my bode air door with a curved entrance steps, you can get it in any of the mid entry coaches. if you have a large tv up front like i do, you would not get a fridge through the front window. you would have to do the side picture window. what a hassle that would be.
we took the trim off the air door frame, took the fridge as apart as we could and with 4 of us we got it done with not too much difficulty. there was probably less than 1/2" to spare on each side of the door as we took it in.
once inside, it is a piece of cake. but.....you do have to make that stand to set it on and then slide it on the stand to the opening and slide it back from there. also, the solenoid latch wouldnt retrofit on mine. we use velcro now and it works fine
http://newellgurus.com/Thread-amana-frid...kitchenaid
tom