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Topic: New vs maintaining and updating old - pondering...... (Read 12 times) previous topic - next topic
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New vs maintaining and updating old - pondering......
Yahoo Message Number: 114856
My name is Jerry.  I've posted here occasionally and this group has been very helpful.  I acquired a 92 (91 E350 chassis) Mid Bath LD 1 1/2 years ago from the original owners daughter in Sacramento.  It's a very well maintained rig with all working parts just turned over 70,000 miles.  I have beefed up the chassis to tow a race car trailer, it has a newer fridge, updated shocks, desert cooler just installed, new king pins, new tires, fantastic fans and generally has been very well maintained both cosmetically and mechanically.  The rest of the systems are original and working.  The roof A/C needs a gasket and the shower bubble thing is cracking.  The interior mauve is slightly faded but the materials, wood, walls, etc. are in stunning condition.  I get comments all the time, especially when people find out how old it is.
 Anyway, I've been pondering my future with this particular rig.  It lacks some of the modern amenities like power windows, a decent stereo, solar, etc.
 Do I continue to updgrade and maintain this particular unit or plan to eventually get a newer one?

My list of things to do over the next few years would include:

* Air bags for the rear and a better leveling system * Plan for a transmission rebuild and strengthening of the trans at the same time * Modernize the stereo and entertainment systems * Steering stabilizer and professional alignment * Solar panels and upgraded inverter system * Replace carpet with vinyl or fake wood * Service or replace the roof air conditioner
 One thing I notice is the overall design has not changed in terms of storage, etc. so I am leaning toward just continuing to maintain her and upgrade things as I can afford to and have the time.  I know as I do upgrades I will never get my money back.  I paid $9,000 originally and have the cost of tires and other maintenance/upgrade items I have already done.  I should mention I don't personally see the V10 as a big advantage.  Sometimes older technology is cheaper to maintain and the 460 is a good motor.

Thoughts from the group?

Thanks, Jerry
1992 MB
New vs maintaining and updating old - pondering......
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 114868
I read your posting with great interest.
 I also have an older 94' LD 26.5' MidBath which I absolutely love! The folks at Lazy Daze put a lot of thought into the design, functionality and construction of their units.
 I get comments all the time when I'm out... about people not believing it's a 94', that my paint looks new, the overall condition of my LD...
 And you're right! Not a whole lot of major "visable" changes over the years. (The one at the top of my "Wish I had it" list is the ThermoPane windows!) Even the original paint design is still available today making it harder to distinguish our older LD's from the newer years. (Our front end is a dead giveaway)
 Considering the new price of a MidBath is currently $82,750.00, one could do a lot of upgrades on an older unit and not even begin to approach that figure. And truly, 70,000 miles on a tough E-350 with V-8 is still low mileage!
 I noticed about half of the items on your list were upgrades, solar, etc., while the other half was beefing up the components of the vehicle itself. You would still probably do the upgrades like solar to a new unit as well, which would still be above the base price.
 I personally think Ford built a really tough vehicle in the E-350 proven by years of improvements (Lazy Daze too) and think it wiser (for me anyway) to stay with my 94' and add what I want to make it more custom for my needs.
 With that thought in mind, I enthusiastically recommend you get  the "Eureka CD" that is offered on AndyBaird. Com, you will absolutely love it. It reviews a ton of helpful, concise and well thought out improvements to his LD MidBath and is really a "Must Have" and very cheap at the price offered for all that you get, and lots if stuff custom for your MidBath design! Be Warned though! You may lose a lot of sleep like I did. When I first downloaded mine, I couldn't stop looking through it. Spent many late nights reviewing the tons of materials and pics Andy has in it! Kinda like I now do reviewing all of the great and useful apps for my iPhone!
 Good luck on your decision which ever you choose. You've already chosen the best built Class C offered, I'd say you're off to a great start.

Ed 94' Lazy Daze 26.5' MidBath Port Richey, Fl