02-28-2017, 11:06 AM
John,
First off, welcome to the group. You have definitely found the very best resource for everything Newell. My first Newell was a '73 33' with the Cat 1160. I was able to find matching 'Formica' for the '73 and '86 at Home Depot, brand name Wilsonart.
I personally would not paint the vinyl ceiling, I've painted vinyl years ago and it was mainly for used car lots and it's not a permanent solution. I would check with auto detailers in your area and get some estimates. Those guys can do wonders (the good ones), read some reviews of their work.
A trick for getting rid of smokers smell, buy some inexpensive (cheap) cans of ground coffee. Remove the top and set them around in your coach with doors and windows closed.
If you ever decide to fiddle with the drive train, I would suggest getting a donor bus. There's a lot of Cummins 5.9 and 8.3 mated to 6 speed Allison transmissions in school buses that would fit in your engine bay. With a donor bus, you get all the necessary parts for changing the radiator from the rear to the side. Mine is currently in Missouri where the DD 8V92 is being replaced with a Cummins 10.8. Missouri Mike has done lots of bus engine swaps including ones for several Newell gurus.
Check out @Retro gallery and posts on re-powers. Retro's gallery
My '86 was from Michigan and the previous owner replaced the propane furnaces with a Proheat diesel coolant heater, the water heater works off of engine heat or electric element.
Congratulations and welcome!
First off, welcome to the group. You have definitely found the very best resource for everything Newell. My first Newell was a '73 33' with the Cat 1160. I was able to find matching 'Formica' for the '73 and '86 at Home Depot, brand name Wilsonart.
I personally would not paint the vinyl ceiling, I've painted vinyl years ago and it was mainly for used car lots and it's not a permanent solution. I would check with auto detailers in your area and get some estimates. Those guys can do wonders (the good ones), read some reviews of their work.
A trick for getting rid of smokers smell, buy some inexpensive (cheap) cans of ground coffee. Remove the top and set them around in your coach with doors and windows closed.
If you ever decide to fiddle with the drive train, I would suggest getting a donor bus. There's a lot of Cummins 5.9 and 8.3 mated to 6 speed Allison transmissions in school buses that would fit in your engine bay. With a donor bus, you get all the necessary parts for changing the radiator from the rear to the side. Mine is currently in Missouri where the DD 8V92 is being replaced with a Cummins 10.8. Missouri Mike has done lots of bus engine swaps including ones for several Newell gurus.
Check out @Retro gallery and posts on re-powers. Retro's gallery
My '86 was from Michigan and the previous owner replaced the propane furnaces with a Proheat diesel coolant heater, the water heater works off of engine heat or electric element.
Congratulations and welcome!
Jon & Chris Everton
1986 40' Dog House #86
450 hp ISM 5 spd ZF Ecomat 2
2004 Range Rover L322 Toad