We have owned our 1982 Newell for just over 5 years now, and have not had a problem locating parts. About a year ago while we were in Tyler, TX the engine water pump failed. I was able to find the exact gear driven water pump on Ebay for $89. When we first bought the coach the dash air wasn't working. The old Chrysler belt driven compressor in the rear had to be replaced, and again it was not difficult to find the part. The original cruise control had quit working, and the maker was no longer in business so we had it replaced with a modern Cruise King cruise control. Internally, we have just been upgrading....we replaced both CRT TV's with flat screens. The old Dometic fridge was replaced with a late model Dometic. The microwave, again with a late model replacement, and on it goes. We have replaced all the interior lighting with LED lighting ourselves.
The biggest issue is being able to find competent mechanics who know Detroit Diesel 2 strokes. They are still around, but you have to look. As others have said, the more trouble shooting you can do to isolate the problem yourself, the less it will cost to fix things. This forum, and others are a great resource to find the information, and, or parts you need.
Personally, if you are going for an 80's Newell I would avoid the ones with basement A/C's.
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