As I previously posted bought a 1976 palmbeach In March 1998 and have been
working on it every since to make it roadworthy. I would be generous in
calling it a white elephant. Although it looks beautiful, mechanically it
was a nightmare!!! Would not stop in a 40 acre lot, wallowed like a ship,
40 MPH top speed, and never shifted out of 2nd gear.
I am a retired engineer and have over 40 years experience with cars as my
main hobby(many Olds Toronados). The coach did not have much maintenance by
previous owners. Engine for the most part is done (now sounds and feels
like an olds 455)and I have been troubleshooting the air suspension system
(it leaked like a sieve and the compressor never shut off). Replaced the
connectors and some of the air lines (all available at my local truck
dealer), check valve(excellent solid brass one from Gateway)and made several
additions to make it work better. System now shows no pressure change
overnight and seems to work fine. If anyone is interested in knowing how to
troubleshoot the compressor and wet tank system to quickly find the problems
let me know and I would be glad to help.
Plan to change the system to an electro level later in the year, and am now
researching sources for solenoid valves etc. Anyone change from a power
level to an electro level system, and have any ideas???
Installed new KYB gas adjust shocks on all wheels yesterday and can sure
attest to the change in handling and control that it made. It is a different
handling coach. Very very nice addition. I believe that the shocks on my
1976 palmbeach were original by the looks of them. Now have to tackle the
steering damper tomorrow morning and replace it with a Moog SSD-55 unit so
can take it on the first trip tomorrow afternoon.
Still very anxious about this first trip of about 350 miles roundtrip. Does
everyone have visions of their coach breaking down far away from home and
having it towed back to the garage on the first trip???
working on it every since to make it roadworthy. I would be generous in
calling it a white elephant. Although it looks beautiful, mechanically it
was a nightmare!!! Would not stop in a 40 acre lot, wallowed like a ship,
40 MPH top speed, and never shifted out of 2nd gear.
I am a retired engineer and have over 40 years experience with cars as my
main hobby(many Olds Toronados). The coach did not have much maintenance by
previous owners. Engine for the most part is done (now sounds and feels
like an olds 455)and I have been troubleshooting the air suspension system
(it leaked like a sieve and the compressor never shut off). Replaced the
connectors and some of the air lines (all available at my local truck
dealer), check valve(excellent solid brass one from Gateway)and made several
additions to make it work better. System now shows no pressure change
overnight and seems to work fine. If anyone is interested in knowing how to
troubleshoot the compressor and wet tank system to quickly find the problems
let me know and I would be glad to help.
Plan to change the system to an electro level later in the year, and am now
researching sources for solenoid valves etc. Anyone change from a power
level to an electro level system, and have any ideas???
Installed new KYB gas adjust shocks on all wheels yesterday and can sure
attest to the change in handling and control that it made. It is a different
handling coach. Very very nice addition. I believe that the shocks on my
1976 palmbeach were original by the looks of them. Now have to tackle the
steering damper tomorrow morning and replace it with a Moog SSD-55 unit so
can take it on the first trip tomorrow afternoon.
Still very anxious about this first trip of about 350 miles roundtrip. Does
everyone have visions of their coach breaking down far away from home and
having it towed back to the garage on the first trip???
and all the front end components replaced) and a 6- wheel
