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Looking for mechanic around Vegas
#1

Looking to buy a 1988 40ft tag Newell there and cant find anybody to work on it, not even PM work.  WW Williams wont touch it, or their PHX location.  It needs full fluid/filter changes and steering adjusted.  Longer term, looking for somebody to work on it in SoCal or Phoenix area: air bags, shocks, bushings, etc.  I've spent the last few weeks reading lots of posts here for the different systems it has and am becoming very familiar with it, but a little worried that I won't be able to find somebody to work on it long term.  I've called 10+ shops in Vegas with no luck and a few near Indio with the same result. I'm willing to do more of this in the future, but right now I don't have the tools, knowledge or place to work on it. 
Thanks,
Mark

2005 Newell coach #717 Detroit Diesel 60 Allison 6 speed "Green Machine"
1988 Newell 40ft tag #165 “Purple Haze”
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#2

I don't know if you are aware, but Newell techs make a trip out to Indio every winter.  If you can wait to schedule, you could get them to work on your coach there.

I don't know if they do serious work, but for general maintenance that might be an option for you.  

I think Newell can also recommend shops that can work on their coaches throughout the US.
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#3

Yes, I live there in the winter. They will do pm (not radiator flush) and light troubleshooting, maybe 1-2 airbags or a few shocks but no big projects and no engine work. And, they are booked for the rest of this season. I'm looking for somebody to help with the steering and full engine/coolant PM service before I drive it 5 hours on the highway.

2005 Newell coach #717 Detroit Diesel 60 Allison 6 speed "Green Machine"
1988 Newell 40ft tag #165 “Purple Haze”
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#4

Looks like you will change you signature to “purple machine”

You might have to find mobile mechanics or consider some of that simple maintenance stuff yourself. It’s getting hard to find anyone who wants to work on the 8v92. I see it has been hard selling the classic Newell’s, I watched that purple coach since last September. Either nobody wanted purple or people are really pulling back from the 8v92.

Busnit (Simon) used a shop if I remember right, maybe he will comment who he uses.

Johnny
Former   1987 Newell series 60
Former 1986 Newell -92-
Wichita,Ks
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#5

Leo at all aboard america in mesa az is one of the best in the west. knows 2 stroke detroits.

tell him tom mccloud sent you

tom

2002 45'8" Newell Coach 608  Series 60 DDEC4/Allison World 6 Speed HD4000MH

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#6

Johnnyboy,
It’s not as nice as your old one, but i love the look of them!. I just found a mobile guy in vegas, but he will only do the coolant, which is my main concern for the drive to CA. I found a mobile guy on Phoenix that would work on the engine if needed.

I asked my local shop if he would have worked on it if it had a S60 and he said most shops won’t touch a conversion. So not sure there’s much love for these old ones unless i find the right shop.

And WW Williams said they have a 20 year rule so theoretically my 2005 is getting ready to age out.

I’ve been chatting with Simon too.

2005 Newell coach #717 Detroit Diesel 60 Allison 6 speed "Green Machine"
1988 Newell 40ft tag #165 “Purple Haze”
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#7

Tom,
I’ve reached out to him but no response yet. Simon thinks he might be pulling back from 2 strokes … I’ll try to call him tomorrow.
Mark

2005 Newell coach #717 Detroit Diesel 60 Allison 6 speed "Green Machine"
1988 Newell 40ft tag #165 “Purple Haze”
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#8

I certainly am familiar with your situation finding mechanics that are not only experienced, but willing to work on antique Detroits. Leo at All Abord America in Mesa was very good to us, including an emergency air brake repair, but was very honest about the pitfalls of chasing parts that are getting very difficult to find. When it was time for a major survey of   our 8V92TA coach, we made the journey to Bus Grease Monkey Garage in Centerville Tennessee. He does nothing but 2 cycle Detroit powered coaches. We had a 50 amp hookup at his place, and every day they worked on our bus, and only our bus, until all jobs were checked off our list. Good luck with your Newell.

Guy & Sue
1984 Classic 40' #59
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#9

Leo did emergency repair on our '86 and knew a lot about the older coaches, however he is close to retirement and slowing down some. We have maintained contact. There are literally thousands of 2 stroke Detroits in use in fishing, tug and pleasure boats. I have never had an issue finding '92 series parts. Many of the mechanics I know don't want to work on bus/coach applications due to access issues. The Newell classics are actually quite easy to access, except the compressor and steering pump. The cooling system is very simple, pretty much anyone can change out the coolant and flush system. The issue some mobile guys may have is what to do with old coolant?? With the number of charter bus companies around you should be able to find someone to help u out.

Mark and Marian

1986 #125   (left us for a new home in Oregon)
1999 Wanderlodge LX40
1979 Mc 8 6V92
Pace 28' stacker

Regina Beach SK  Maricopa AZ
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#10

Old coolant makes for some good weed killer Wink Jus' sayin' (I am not affiliated with such uses of old coolant. Please recycle responsibly)

--Simon
1993 8v92TA #312
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