1969 30ft Newell coach

[RoadDust]

I have the opportunity to buy this coach. I have never driven a coach before but have traveled many miles
with a 23 ft and more with a 32 ft 5th wheel.

I have long been interested in a Newell, just not ready to buy yet. Then this 1969 is offered for sale.

It has a 391 ci Industrial motor with automatic transmission. I do not recognize this motor and would appreciate
any info on it. Is it gas or diesel? Problems?
What questions should I ask the seller, what in particular questions on the phone before I go look at it?

It has new Michelin tires and Alcoa rims. The few pictures I have seen looks like it has had little use. He did say it runs.

RoadDust

[Newell Attack]

http://www.luxurycoachlifestyle.com/forum/manuals-datasheets/3508-used-rv-inspection-checklist.html ( Inspection Checklist)


Displacement 391 cu in (6.4 L)

Bore 4.052 in (102.9 mm)

Stroke 3.784 in (96.1 mm)

Gas Engine






There is a field problem with two popular engines in the medium duty field. They are the Ford truck 361 and 391 cubic inch displacement engines.

The 361 and 391 are the same engine, with a slight increase in stroke accounting for the difference in displacement. There have been two problems that have come to our attention. The first is an overheating condition that shortens the life of the engine below normal expectations, and the second is excessive oil consumption past the valves.

OVERHEATING PROBLEM


In regard to the overheating problem, extreme care should be taken to maintain 100% efficiency in the cooling system at all times, as it is evident that this is barely sufficient in many cases, even when in the best possible condition. The radiator should be kept entirely clean of insects, debris, and dirt which may affect the flow of air through the radiator core, and be flushed regularly, and protected with a rust inhibitor (Stop-Rust) at all times.




Where the climate is extremely warm, a low temperature thermostat should be installed. Retarded timing also contributes to overheating, so engine timing must be periodically checked. Of course all the usual cooling system parts - water pump, fan belts, and hoses--should also be watched and kept in good repair. Due to the heat problem these engines should not be rebored over .030.
VALVE GUIDE OIL PUMPING


The oil going down the guides is a simpler matter. The installation of our P.S. valve seals will completely eliminate the excess oil going down the guides. We have found some engines consuming a startling amount of oil past the guides. At the time of seal installation the intake manifold gaskets should also be carefully checked, as this is also a potential source of oil entering the combustion chamber in the valve area.

Untitled Document (http://www.hastingsmfg.com/ServiceTips/ford_truck_361_391.htm)

[MrE]

If you buy her, you'll need to look at Ken's (Neweller) posts on engine swaps:thumbup: I had a '73 with a Cat 1160 that was 33' and got 12mpg w/o toad and 10mpg with. It was a great coach, quieter going down the road than many of the cookie cutter coaches that I test drove that were only a few years old.

[Neweller]

The 391 HD Ford engine is the heavier duty brother of the 390 Ford car or light truck engine. The main difference is the 391 has a lower compression producing less horsepower but more torque than the 390. They were one of the better Ford engines for longevity and reliability. A 1969 Newell Coach was built on a Madson Bus Chassis. In 1970 Newell Coach went to their own custom designed and built bridge pusher chassis. This new design eliminated the frame rails between the front and rear axles which maximized under the floor storage creating the first basement motorhome. In 1972 the company introduced their first diesel engine.

[rellick]

So those were a FC? not a pusher? and the gennie was in the rear?

[RoadDust]

This coach has been sitting for years on a lot. But the generator runs and the
engine started up when they turned the key. He said other than that he knows nothing.
But it might be in the company archives?

He is guessing the brake lines need to be bled etc. and does not recommend it be driven.
But if it has new tires on it?
It is in Joplin Mo. and there was a serious tornado that about blew the city away... The owner is not
in the area.
He sent me pictures though my email. How do I load them here? Or does any one want to see them. The asking price is $4000
and he can get more at the salvage than that.....

[rellick]

This coach has been sitting for years on a lot. But the generator runs and the
engine started up when they turned the key. He said other than that he knows nothing.
But it might be in the company archives?

He is guessing the brake lines need to be bled etc. and does not recommend it be driven.
But if it has new tires on it?
It is in Joplin Mo. and there was a serious tornado that about blew the city away... The owner is not
in the area.

He sent me pictures though my email. How do I load them here? Or does any one want to see them. The asking price is $4000
and he can get more at the salvage than that.....
http://s1.yzimg.com/000375dr0n1el2cm.640x480Here it is:unsure:

[The Newell]

Yes, Please upload pictures.

You can upload pictures by clicking on the insert image tab. The image looks like a photo. Click on that then click select files and upload.

Joseph

[RoadDust]

318931903191319231933194

Here are a few pictures

[Neweller]

This could be that "Bad Boy" wheelie stander replacing the Jolly Rancher and touring around the country. :bounce: Maybe get one of the amusement parks on board as a major sponsor.


Hey, 20 years from now, this baby might bring the big dollars at a Barrett-Jackson Auction.

[RoadDust]

You think I would get kicked out of a bunch of parks because of age? <G> That I should have a banjo on my knee? and dancing the polka?

That orange dates it doesn't it?

[rellick]

I think if you had the patience to fix it up, and some mechanical ability, it would get alot of thumbs up from alot of people. Me being one! :thumbsup: I love the classics, I would definately look into an engine upgrade. If you have to pay someone to fix it I wouldnt buy it

[Neweller]

Actually the orange was ahead of its time a little. A person can go a little retro with it. Look what they did to this bus conversion: http://www.luxurycoachlifestyle.com/forum/classic-luxury-coach-inspirations/4341-did-1952-flexible-daycoach-give-inspiration-early-newell-coach-others.html

[Bob Gage]

I am late to the party. Did you buy it. I bought mine in Texas and drove it home to Seattle. I love it. I have been restoring it for 3 years. I am looking for a buyer. Take a look. It now has a 460. Recored Radiator. Rebuilt Transmission. New tires and rims. Flowmaster exhaust. ALL new brakes, calipers, drums, lines, shoes Master Cylinders.

[rellick]

Any pics Bob? I'm sure there is a lot of people that would like to see them!! I'm not sure what happened to the 69, I haven't seen it for a while. Tornados were pretty close, maybe someone else knows? There is a pretty cool 75 on here that used to be a mobile bank http://www.luxurycoachlifestyle.com/forum/coach-bus-buyer-seller-exchange/5535-anyone-ever-seen-1975-newell-gasser-heres-one-sale.html

[RoadDust]

I am late to the party. Did you buy it. I bought mine in Texas and drove it home to Seattle. I love it. I have been restoring it for 3 years. I am looking for a buyer. Take a look. It now has a 460. Recored Radiator. Rebuilt Transmission. New tires and rims. Flowmaster exhaust. ALL new brakes, calipers, drums, lines, shoes Master Cylinders.


No i did not buy it..not sure if it is sold yet or being resold . I have seen it listed all over the country.......

[1993Newell]

Yeah I saw this coach listed on a few sites online.

[rellick]

I would so like to see this 69 fixed up with a 5.9 cummins and a 6speed. How about disc brakes all around, a nice paint job, and some interior work. It would live on as one sweet little coach!!:thumbsup: