New owner of 76 newell - Printable Version

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New owner of 76 newell - Mike's 76 - 08-26-2026

Hello all, i just recently purchased a 1976 newell custom coach. This is my first ever RV.And as soon as I saw it, I wasTaken by the classic styling, it needs a lot of work.But first and foremost , the engine is seized. It has a Cummins 555, which from what my research has told me, is not an easy engine to find parts for.
The coach seems to be overall in pretty good shape. Couple of soft spots on the walls, which I'm assuming are from a leaking roof which I will need to reseal. My first order of business is going to be getting it running and checking the drive line and brakes so I can get it transported from Florida, where it is now to New Jersey where I will be working on it and restoring it. If anyone has any information or can direct me toward a running 555, that would be greatly appreciated. I am looking forward to this restoration and can't wait to see this classic coach back on the road.

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RE: New owner of 76 newell - Jack Houpe - 08-27-2026

Welcome! I love the classics there are a few people here that are in the process of restoring theirs but after awhile tend to stop posting. Personally don't know anything about the 555 but have read on google parts are hard to find and also they had reputation of being problematic so you might consider a retrofit.

Happy 50 birthday Newell!

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RE: New owner of 76 newell - HoosierDaddy - 08-27-2026

I owned a 1978 Classic for 10 years. The 555 ran well , sounded great but struggled in the hills. The 555 was quite common in agricultural equipment. If the 555 failed I would have considered retrofitting a newer engine. If I remember correctly the final drive ratio favored a V8 engine rather than an inline 6. I considered the Ford/ navistar 7.3 or GM Duramax. There are parts available and the modern turbochargers can be modified for more power.
My Newell had “wedge style” brake actuators. When I rebuilt I converted to “S cam” actuators. That requires changing the brake backing plates and hardware which can be purchased from a truck salvage yard. I would highly recommend that upgrade. “S cam” are more robust and easier to obtain parts.
Where are the walls “soft” ?

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RE: New owner of 76 newell - [email protected] - 08-27-2026

Welcome! Love the classics too!

Nice, looks like you have a project ahead of you. I would think about a Detroit 6v92 to replace the V555 but I am partial to Detroits. Nothing like the sound of a 6v92. Lots of 6v's out there and plenty of parts. 

Where in Florida is this coach? I am located in the Tampa area.

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