Search | Statistics | User Listing | Member Roster | Coach DB Forums | Albums
FMC Owner's Forum
Home -> FMC Owner's Forum ->  General Discussion -> Discussion -> View Thread

You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

New To Me!
View previous thread :: View next thread
   General Discussion -> DiscussionMessage format
 
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-06 11:37 AM (#4494)
Subject: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
Hello I registered today with the intent to get any advise/feedback on an up coming purchase. I am looking at buying #509 on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
So what should I be looking out for specific to these units? I know my way around engines and RV systems in general. But I am assuming these older Motorhomes might come with there own set of problem areas. Thanks.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BigRabbitMan
Posted 2017-04-06 12:00 PM (#4495 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



Location: Cottage Grove, OR
(97.94.227.253)
Welcome to the forum and, hopefully, you will become an FMC owner. Virtually all issues with FMC's are a result of deferred maintenance which can be rectified by bringing the maintenance up to date. A previous owner of #509 will be able to give you some background on that unit and what he did to the coach. I have seen the coach when it was still in California and believe that it is in fairly good shape that will only need any deferred maintenance done and not any major issues.

FMC's have fewer issues than many other brands as they age as they were well built originally. With no wall or end cap seams the incidences of water leakage is minimized to only the roof penetrations and window seals.

Take care,
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-06 12:04 PM (#4496 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
Thanks for the quick response.
Here is a link to the listing of #509 http://www.kijiji.ca/v-rv-motorhome/vancouver/gas-pusher/1242353342...
It appears to be in good shape, I'm going to go see it on Saturday and do all the standard testing and driving before finalizing the deal.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
dkarnath
Posted 2017-04-06 12:37 PM (#4497 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Medford, OR
(204.10.247.1)
That 509 looks familiar? Was it recently in the states Stephen? Or maybe a contributor to this forum used to own it??
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-06 12:44 PM (#4498 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
The current owner bought it in California, I believe he said 12 yeas ago?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
dkarnath
Posted 2017-04-06 12:59 PM (#4499 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Medford, OR
(204.10.247.1)
Ohhhh, then I am off then. Thanks and good luck on the purchase. These are extremely unique rigs. If you buy it, start a photo album on here, share the love.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
5Dollar
Posted 2017-04-06 2:15 PM (#4502 - in reply to #4499)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Bethune, SC
(204.116.151.110)
One consideration is the current wheel size. If the wheels are the original 17" wheels, they are split-ring Budd wheels. If you are going to use them, they are not made for radial tires. If you put radial tires on them with liners and tubes, over time radials tend to get splits at the bead. Bias ply tires of this size are not widely available. One source is Summit Racing. Also, in the US, many tire shops will not change these tires due to the risks involved. The rims and rings are at least 40 years old and can have metal rust and fatigue issues. I have been told by more than one tire shop that an additional rider is required on their liability insurance. If the wheels and tires have been upgraded to 19.5" or 22.5", you can save the $2,500 to $3,000 it would cost to make the change in wheel size. During my teenage years, I worked in a tire shop. Even inflating split ring tires in a cage was scary. This was when the rims were usually much newer and in better condition. There are YouTube videos showing this type of tire inflation gone wrong -- not pretty. There are many comments on this site about 17" Budd wheel and tire replacement. This additional cost may give you a purchase price bargaining point. Henry
Top of the page Bottom of the page
LCAC_Man
Posted 2017-04-06 2:08 PM (#4501 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Oceanside, CA
(70.183.105.121)
board member rig for sale that is an active rig
https://swmi.craigslist.org/rvs/6040565648.html
be sure and look/drive 3 or 4 of them first...condition is everything with these and worth the money to buy up..
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-06 2:23 PM (#4503 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
Thanks for the info so far. I'll be sure to check out the tires.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
LCAC_Man
Posted 2017-04-06 2:34 PM (#4504 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Oceanside, CA
(70.183.105.121)
http://www.fmcowners.com/mbbs22/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid...
509 album
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-06 3:26 PM (#4505 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
Wow, thanks. That looks like the previous owner. They are based in California. I wonder if the rig was purchased from them in 2012? Not 12 years ago.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
LCAC_Man
Posted 2017-04-06 5:49 PM (#4506 - in reply to #4505)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Oceanside, CA
(172.10.134.245)
There is a couple other albums from them just look for user name "Bair"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BigRabbitMan
Posted 2017-04-06 6:57 PM (#4508 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



Location: Cottage Grove, OR
(97.94.227.253)
It was purchased in CA a few years ago (2012?) by an FMC owner in Victoria, BC who did some improvements then resold it to the currrnt owner.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
dkarnath
Posted 2017-04-06 8:53 PM (#4509 - in reply to #4508)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Medford, OR
(97.94.236.95)
I knew 509 sounded familiar!!!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-09 7:42 PM (#4510 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
Hello, all! I saw 509 today, it's in great shape, but does have the older 17.5 inch tires. The generator won't turn over and I think it's the carburetor. Of note it was not bought from Terry in Victoria BC, he still has his. It was bought in California in 2012, directly by the current owner at the same time. Also oddly the photos posted on here for coach 509 do not match. The coach I saw definitely says 509 on the serial number, but has no modifications at all. No LED tail lights....nothing of the sort....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
dkarnath
Posted 2017-04-09 11:07 PM (#4511 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Medford, OR
(97.94.236.95)
Were the dip sticks yellow???? That would be a sure give away.......... Lol

Edited by dkarnath 2017-04-09 11:08 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
LCAC_Man
Posted 2017-04-10 6:47 AM (#4512 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Oceanside, CA
(172.10.134.245)
There were some comments in the album about heavy rust on the underside of 509...I'd pay particular attention to that, working on steering/suspension/brakes is hard enough without having to deal with every other bolt head snapping off..

nymeria - 2017-04-09 5:42 PM

. Also oddly the photos posted on here for coach 509 do not match. The coach I saw definitely says 509 on the serial number, but has no modifications at all. No LED tail lights....nothing of the sort....

If the previous owner bought another FMC he may have swapped those to his new coach..

Edited by LCAC_Man 2017-04-10 6:50 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-16 6:12 PM (#4513 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
Ok, So I've read what threads I could find on the tires and rims. The 17" split-rings are hard to get a shop to replace but the tire and tub itself are readily available out there.
I am planning to do some long haul trips (e.g.. this summer BC, Canada to Baja, Mexico.
I just want a spare or two that I can get and have put on in the case of a blowout. My thought are the 19.5" are hard to find and the 22.5" are a small fortune to modify. So why bother?
Any feedback appreciated.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BigRabbitMan
Posted 2017-04-16 7:01 PM (#4514 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



Location: Cottage Grove, OR
(97.94.227.253)
Alcoa aluminum 19.5 wheels are hard to find. But you can order new steel 19.5 wheels from a couple of different sources. You then have a readily available tire size. Some used Dodge steel 19.5's are also available at times. These require a slight modification.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
5Dollar
Posted 2017-04-16 7:22 PM (#4515 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Bethune, SC
(204.116.151.110)
!9.5" radial tires are much easier to find than 17" bias ply. No modifications are needed for the proper 22.5 rims, but they are impossible to find. The 17" bias ply tire sold by Coker and the same Coker tire is sold by Summit Racing. Good luck on finding them in more remote areas. Michelin does no make a 17" bias ply tire. If you want to call Michelin Customer Service, they will tell you the danger of putting their radial ply tires on split ring rims. They will in no way support it.

I suggest you look at a few Youtube videos from workplace cameras. The elephant in the room is the danger involved in changing a tire on a 40+ year-old split ring rim. If you can find someone selling a non-running motor home with a 1973 or later Dodge motor home chassis with 5 lug 19.5 Budd wheels, that may be the cheapest way to get the wheels. These wheels will have to have the center hole reamed, machined or drilled 1/8". I often see these for sale for less than $1,000.

If you continue down the 17" bias tire route, you may have maintenance and safety issues that I would choose to avoid.

Henry
Top of the page Bottom of the page
hemi354az
Posted 2017-04-16 11:11 PM (#4516 - in reply to #4515)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(24.251.160.88)
ENOUGH !
The 1000+ FMCs were sold with 17" split rims of the same type that is used in hundreds of thousands of US ARMY trucks. Have you ever heard of Army personnel getting killed, maimed, dismembered, crushed, crippled, hurt by exploding rims on their trucks ? We won WW II in Europe and the Pacific with the M-1 Garrand Rifle, the P-51 Mustang, and the deuce and a half ton 6 wheel drive US ARMY TRUCK with split ring rims. The US Army is not going to put up with a rim design that might kill you and certainly is not going to carry around some steel cage every place their Trucks operate. There is a wheel type of split rim that does require special procedures for changing and filling the tire with air . . . but the FMC 17" Stock Factory Rim AIN"T THAT DESIGN ! I have read every single entry on this FMC Web Site, and every single entry on the other FMC Yahoo Web Site . . . and not one FMC 17" Stock Rim has ever hurt anyone . . . which encompasses thousands of miles of FMC travel hither and yon.

Yes, 17" 8 ply radials with a suitable LOAD RATING are few to pick from. But there are tubes now made for Radial tires, and I assume the inner liner as well. The FMC Service Manual Section 8.3 shows pictures of changing the tire on a stock FMC 17" rim. Of course CAR/Pickup Truck tire shops won't have anything to do with those rims . . . but real TRUCK TIRE SHOPS have no issue with those rims. Perhaps if you are handy with tire spoons and a big tire hammer you can change tire, tube, liner yourself.

Certainly if 19.5" steel or aluminum wheels with the right 5 lug 8" bolt circle are available and you can afford a set . . . GET THEM. But understand the difference between HUB Centered and LUG Centered wheels and the different types of LUG NUTS and stud lengths that may be required. No one knows the source of the few FMCs that have 22.5" rims (6 lug ?, 10 lug ?) . . . or they ain't tellin', so do not expect those to suddenly appear, besides you would have to change the hub/drum/disc to match.

Understand the FMC is a 44 YEAR OLD vehicle . . . often called AN ANTIQUE . . . that with certain care and feeding . . . is still running around hither and yon . . . but you can't get a new one or pull into a Factory Service Center when you hear a squeak.
Roll ON ! Lou #120


Edited by hemi354az 2017-04-16 11:19 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
hemi354az
Posted 2017-04-17 12:17 AM (#4517 - in reply to #4516)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(24.251.160.88)
The 17" Michelin XCAs that Benny and Anja put on FMC #4 and drove all the way across country (see other entries on this website) on stock FMC split rims were made in 2015 and are available :
http://www.arsenal.mx/DetallesDelProducto?id=01tA0000003dyC9IAI&tip...

Keep on Truckin'
Lou #120
Top of the page Bottom of the page
hemi354az
Posted 2017-04-17 12:45 AM (#4518 - in reply to #4517)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(24.251.160.88)
And if you look at Page 19 you will see the specs on the XCA 7.50R17
http://www.michelintruck.com/assets/pdf/Truck_Tire_Data_Book_Jan200...
Other stuff in the Index including TUBES and Flaps and even a cross section drawing of tube, flap, and tire on a split ring type rim !
There are also a couple other 17" "light Commercial" tires that you may want to consider.
Apparently these 17 tires are available here in the USA as the Michelin Dealer Website here in Phoenix says they can be ordered.
But that is up to all of you out there that still have steel 17" FMC Stock Rims.
(They look great CHROMED !)
I have 19.5 Alcoas on my FMC.
Who knew ?
Lou #120

Edited by hemi354az 2017-04-17 12:59 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
5Dollar
Posted 2017-04-17 9:45 PM (#4523 - in reply to #4518)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Bethune, SC
(204.116.151.110)

#4 sat in front of my shop for a couple of weeks.  The 17" XCA's still looked great.  The problem is that the bead of the split-ring rim does not offer proper support for a radial tire bead.  As these tires age, the poor support often causes the bead to separate from the radial tire.

 If you want to know what Michelin thinks of XCA's on split rings, here is the information you need.

United States/Canada: 1-888-622-2306Our customer support is open:

Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time

 Henry

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
hemi354az
Posted 2017-04-21 12:27 AM (#4536 - in reply to #4518)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(24.251.160.88)
If you don't like a radial on the stock FMC 17" split ring rim then get these 10 Ply bias belted tires for 128 dollars American, each -
https://simpletire.com/samson-7.5017-180722-tires?stmodel=traker-plu...
There are a couple other 17" tires at the bottom of the page but I don't know anything about them.
Rollin', Rollin', Rollin' . . . Lou #120
Top of the page Bottom of the page
dkarnath
Posted 2017-04-17 9:30 AM (#4520 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Medford, OR
(204.10.247.1)
Yes, chrome lock ring wheels look sick! I called one place in SO Cal to get a quote (because our local plating shop closed), the SO Cal shop said they would have to cut the wheels in two, then re-weld with correct rod in order for the wheel welds to not stain after chroming?? wtf? I just ended my search with that. BIG money they wanted. I replaced all six of my own 17" tubes in my driveway....Carry a good spare, and I also carry an extra tube. The Tornell's drive/ride/steer fine. I was told by another FMC owner that the 10 ply Tornell was ruff riding, I went with the 8 ply due to that is what came factory on the FMC. I haven't driven down through Mexico or across the country, but for my local adventures they've been fine.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-17 11:07 PM (#4527 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
I found a guy with a 1972 Empress motor home about 6hrs away. It's on the dodge M500 chassis with the 19.5 inch 5 lugs. He wants $1200 for the whole unit. It's got a dodge 440 in it.
Anyway I am curious has anyone changed out the rear axle on there FMC?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
5Dollar
Posted 2017-04-17 11:43 PM (#4528 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Bethune, SC
(204.116.151.110)
You are on the right track. I am surprised it is a 72 model because the 500 chassis came out a year or two later. Forget changing the rear end. There is a place in CA that will sell you new 19.5 rims for $200 each plus shipping (Larry Enoksen bought some.). They have been mentioned in earlier posts. That RV may also have a spare, so you would be set. Nothing says you could not mount the 17" tires on the Empress and resell it if the hubs support hub centric rims.

If you only get 6 wheels, a 17" rim/tire can serve as a spare. They are both almost the same diameter.

Henry
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-23 11:15 AM (#4537 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
Has anyone used these guys before? http://www.wheelsnowinc.com/catalog/index.php?brandID=2&diaID=11
Top of the page Bottom of the page
hemi354az
Posted 2017-04-23 11:32 AM (#4538 - in reply to #4537)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(24.251.160.88)
Tried . . . see following:

From: louiscruse
Sent: Saturday, August 6, 2016 5:30 PM
To: Sales
Subject: Custom bolt pattern ?

Can you make 50 each tubeless wheels similar to your #29667 with 5 lug (3/4-16 studs) on a 8” bolt circle with a HUB pilot of 6.005-6.010” (152.5mm) ?
Price for 50 wheels, individually boxed, FOB your dock, Waukesha ?
Please advise, Thanks,

Louis Cruse
Scottsdale AZ


From: Craig Banker
Sent: Monday, August 8, 2016 6:51 AM
To: louiscruse; Sales
Subject: RE: Custom bolt pattern ?

Hello Louis,

Thank you for the inquiry, based on an order of 50 wheels, we can build for $378.86 each, plus shipping.

Let me the know the address and I can give you an accurate quote on freight charges.
Lead time to complete order of 50 wheels is approximately 2 weeks.
If you have any further questions please let us know.

Have a great week.
Craig Banker | Sales Representative

Email: CraigBanker@wheelsnowinc.com Sales@wheelsnowinc.com
Wheels Logo Final_Large
Ag | Construction & Earthmover | Commercial Truck | Industrial | Military | Specialty & Custom …wheels, rims and parts
1.800.782.5145 | Fax: 262.547.8660 | www.WHEELSNOWINC.com






Edited by hemi354az 2017-04-23 11:34 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
hemi354az
Posted 2017-04-23 11:47 AM (#4540 - in reply to #4538)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(24.251.160.88)
Also tried for a 22.5 " forged aluminum rim (19.5" not available) which would help all FMCs, Reply follows, but Price is FOB Asia, and does not include center clearance hole or five lug nut holes, or a valve stem hole! :

Hi, Louis
It’s nice to talk to you at SEMA 2016.

Here is the spec of U001-15MA, 22.5”x8.25” forged aluminum blank wheels, Machined Finish:

U001-15MA Drawing:

If order less than one pallet(28 wheels), $200 per wheel + shipping.

If order one pallet(28 wheels) or more, $195 per wheel + shipping.

Please let me know if any question about 22.5 blank wheels.
Have a nice day.

David Chen

September Forged Wheels
1-626-626-1589 office

1-626-575-0343 Fax

2202 Santa Anita Ave

South El Monte, CA 91733
yen@septemberforgedwheels
http://septemberforgedwheels.com

Original contained nice picture of their display at SEMA 2016, picture of forged machined rim (no holes), and machining drawing. I can send those pictures and drawing if you provide me with your E-mail Address.


Edited by hemi354az 2017-04-23 12:13 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BigRabbitMan
Posted 2017-04-23 6:44 PM (#4542 - in reply to #4537)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



Location: Cottage Grove, OR
(97.94.227.253)
nymeria - 2017-04-23 9:15 AM Has anyone used these guys before? http://www.wheelsnowinc.com/catalog/index.php?brandID=2&diaID=11[/Q...

I believe that is the supplier that Larry E. purchased some wheels from. He is currently unavailable for a couple of weeks, but I will try to remember to ask him when he is again available.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nymeria
Posted 2017-04-23 11:41 AM (#4539 - in reply to #4494)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



(70.67.253.185)
Ouch! Thats $3000 for a set of 7, maybe I'll just change the axle to an F-550 lol.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
hemi354az
Posted 2017-04-23 12:10 PM (#4541 - in reply to #4539)
Subject: Re: New To Me!


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(24.251.160.88)
Well, you bought WheelsNow up ! What are you going to do with the other 43 rims ?

Did you BUY the Vancouver FMC ? If so, WELCOME to the FMC World ! Each and every FMC is it's own unique "Antique Road Show" !

Take lots of pictures of your F-550 Rear Axle change in your FMC. It will be interesting to see how "they" cut and weld that Ford Diff for the Independent Torsion Bar FMC Rear Suspension. Or do you plan to change to a conventional Spring/Diff setup ? We would all be VERY interested to see just how that can be done . . . and of course . . . how much that differential change costs, and who did the work.

Please see Sections 6, 17, and 18, of the FMC Manuals - http://www.fmcmotorcoach.com/Manuals.html - before you begin the F-550 Rear Axle Change.

90 degree rotation change ON ! Lou #120

Edited by hemi354az 2017-04-23 12:16 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BigRabbitMan
Posted 2017-04-23 6:59 PM (#4543 - in reply to #4539)
Subject: Re: New To Me!



Location: Cottage Grove, OR
(97.94.227.253)
nymeria - 2017-04-23 9:41 AM Ouch! Thats $3000 for a set of 7, maybe I'll just change the axle to an F-550 lol.


WOW!! That would be a huge engineering challenge. Since the FMC does not have a "rear axle" you would have a lot to deal with. To go to a solid axel the drive shaft would have to be lengthened from its current 6" to about 18" or longer and it means that the engine/tranny would have to be moved rearward a similar amount. That would mean that the coach itself would have to be extended and then rebalanced and frame strengthened to handle the change in weight and the leverage effect

One thing to keep in mind is that nothing connected to a motor home, FMC or other brand, is inexpensive. The least cost thing is to just buy new tires from one of the sources posted. The next level is to buy new wheels from one of the sources and new tires. If you want a second spare 17" wheel, just post in the Traders Market section what you want and you may be able to secure an additional spare.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

Go to FMCowners.com HomeRunning MegaBBS ASP Forum Software
© 2002-2024 PD9 Software
(Delete all cookies set by this site)