What's a S&S chassis and box worth?

Jim Blackwood · May 26, 2024, 08:47:37 AM

My older son bought an old Fleetwood Flair and completely disregarded the roof. Over the last week I've been engaged in stripping out the interior and at this point the only things left are the bed platform, rear cabinet and toilet enclosure. It has a slider. (hydraulic)

The engine is great. Fires up immediately and runs strong. The tires are a few years old but we put those on new and they have nearly full tread. Front air bags hold air. I'm going to pressure wash it inside and out and remove the awning including the attachment rail.

The box has a steel square tubing frame with styrofoam insulation that appears to have been cast in place which means the box is rigid, But the inside paneling on one side is falling off from water damage and a fair bit of the ceiling is discolored or damaged. I've removed almost all of the exposed wiring and plumbing. The floor is sound, as is the roof, but it all leaks when it rains. So for the most part it is an empty box.

Dose anybody have an idea what it might be possible to sell this beastie for? I mean,... maybe someone could use it for a truck or something? Seems a shame to let a perfectly good chassis go to waste.

Jim

luvrbus · May 26, 2024, 11:34:47 AM

Is that on the P30 GM chassis ?

Jim Blackwood · May 27, 2024, 05:55:04 AM

I believe that is correct, definitely P series. Has the 7.4L(454) SFI L29 engine. Ah, looks like the P37 1 ton chassis. 1997, 16,001-19,500 gvwr. 32 ft box. 53,000 miles. With hydraulic levelers as well. It's really a shame the water was allowed to destroy the interior it was a pretty nice rig at one time.

Jim

windtrader · May 27, 2024, 09:01:50 PM

Jim

" The floor is sound, as is the roof, but it all leaks when it rains. So for the most part it is an empty box."

it leaks? What needs to be done to waterproof the roof and windows and what condition is the foam/sheathing like?[/size]

Jim Blackwood · May 28, 2024, 07:23:38 AM

The foam appears to be fine. The inside panelling is pretty much gone on the passenger's side. Outside sheathing is intact but may have a bulge or two, I'll know more after I pressure wash it. The roof is rubber and we laid some additional rubber over that side when he bought it but apparently that wasn't good enough. It's gone several years with roof leaks. But I think the roof is solid. Again, I will know more after washing it.

Jim

Jim Blackwood · June 02, 2024, 10:50:37 AM

So, no ideas on the original question then?
Can't complain, I'm mostly at a loss too. I'm thinking I might be able to get a couple grand out of it though once I spray off the crud that has built up on it and at least make it look presentable.

I left the bathroom, the bed pedestal and the rear cabinetry in it. The rest is a big empty box. But I have to say I have a whole new appreciation for anyone who can take a barrel full of 1x1 sticks and a staple gun and build a brand new RV out of them. I guess if that's all you have to work with then you do your best. Still no surprise when they get in a wreck. This one at least has a steel framework.

Jim

luvrbus · June 02, 2024, 01:26:19 PM

All the class A motor homes with hard siding have had steel framing since the late 80's just not enough ,the higher end like Fortravel, Country Coach, Beaver and a few others even had a cage in the drivers and passengers' area for safety

Jim Blackwood · June 03, 2024, 09:32:03 AM

That's cool. Doesn't help me decide what to ask for it, but good to know anyway.

Jim

luvrbus · June 03, 2024, 10:53:29 AM

I seen those sell for $3000.00 up to $10,000 asking price that were useable, someone needs a engine you could probably get 2 to 3 k for just the engine and transmission, I been offered 3 k for the engine in the Coachman I have here but don't want deal with removing the engine and dealing with rest of the motorhome

windtrader · June 03, 2024, 09:50:04 PM

What are the dimensions? And what is the engine and tranny? Does all chassis mechanical and electrical work like lights, turn signals, shocks, steering, etc? So, is the shell and windows, ec. all weathertight, no leaking? How many miles? Pics?

Would you send a friend to drive to the west coast?

luvrbus · June 04, 2024, 08:09:33 AM

The slide components are worth some money if they are HWH ,the happy jack slide components won't add much to value they were pretty much cheap junk ,the 454 engine is a good engine I have owned a lot of those over the years but they love gasoline every one I owned would get 10 mpg 5 going and 5 coming empty or loaded

Jim Blackwood · June 04, 2024, 08:20:58 AM

All the chassis electricals and mechanicals are good. It's the '97 version of the Chevy big block engine I guess, 454 cu. in. Probably the 4L80E transmission I would guess? That would seem to be the one they were using. With new-ish tires (should still be within 7 years of purchase) and 53K miles I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere. It'd just need a new battery probably. Might want to slap some plywood over the holes where the furnace and water heater were removed. The engine fires right up and sounds exactly like it should.

>Has the 7.4L(454) SFI L29 engine. Ah, looks like the P37 1 ton chassis. 1997, 16,001-19,500 gvwr. 32 ft box. 53,000 miles. With hydraulic levelers as well.

Windows are all there, roof does leak, that was the issue. But it does seem to be solid. Interior is stripped out as mentioned.

I am positive the slide is HWH and it works better than it has any right to after sitting so long. Flawless. It's hydraulic.

I'm not going to post any pictures until after I pressure wash it. I'll try to get started on that today since it's expected to be warm.

Jim

Jim Blackwood · June 08, 2024, 04:12:19 AM

Got photos. First here's the "good". I'll get to the bad and the ugly as we go. Outside it cleans up pretty nicely as you can see. Could still use a bit of pressure washer work on the top of the front cap but my pump broke so I had to stop before I was really done. The tires are 5 years old btw with full tread.

So, great running gear, pretty good external, and a couple of significant roof leaks that definitely need attention.

How to I tell who made the slider btw? I thought the jacks were HWH but they are not.

Jim

Jim Blackwood · June 08, 2024, 04:16:16 AM

Next we go inside to look at the "bad". The ugly is yet to come. As you can see, almost fully stripped out and trust me there wasn't much of what was removed that anyone would have wanted left in place. I've not thrown the appliances away of course, but rebuilding this as an RV doesn't strike me as a great option.

Jim

Jim Blackwood · June 08, 2024, 04:21:49 AM

...and the "ugly". Couple of soft places in the floor under the roof leaks, and then there's the wall paneling. I sprayed down the inside with bleach but it still has a musty smell and that's not going as long as the roof leaks and maybe not after that.

So what do you guys think, is there a market for something like this?

Jim