1988 FWC Keystone, repairs/mods in Los Angeles

[Paul B.]

We have an ‘88 FWC Keystone. We have extensive repairs and modifications we would like done. Beginning with a new canvas installation. The existing one is actually not bad, but we want one with 2 bigger windows vents on each side. We camp in the desert in warm weather. There is not enough air flow.

Could also use some help getting the refrigerator and the heater working. The thing is bone stock. Not sure why the refrigerator won’t work. Maybe I just need someone to show me how to work the heater and the refrigerator.

Down the road I’d love to have some electrical work done on the camper and the truck itself. The camper is bolted to the utility bed truck permanently. So I’m thinking I want to rewire the whole truck and camper to integrate solar panels, Engel type fridge, winches, aux batteries, etc.

I’ve never owned anything like this before. I’m unfamiliar with it’s workings. Once I know how to work it I’m pretty good at operating and maintaining things.

We might want to go so far as to gut the interior and redo the whole thing.

Where can I find a shop or someone like that in Los Angeles?

 

[philos65]

I picked up an 80s keystone nine months ago and tore apart the interior, took off the roof and trashed the canvas. I've got all the "parts" to restore the thing, following a couple threads here on the forum. Waiting for the knee surgery to heal to get back into it.

There is enough information here to do all the work yourself. Others can pipe in with actual threads. All I know is that I've got a wealth of "how to" information to do anything with the Keystone after spending about 20 hours reading the threads. Don't spend the money to have someone else do it. Better to have bought one $10K more expensive and be done with it.

Here's the thread that got my juices flowing...

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/12116-new-build-1981-grandby-to-become-a-hawk/

Jeff
Laramie, WY

 

[pollux]

please call FWC dealer American RV company in Socal Azusa
their have inhouse repair mechanics
Jason 6265130952
or 626 5134778

 

[Paul B.]

Hey philos65,

I know you’re right. But the truth is money is not as dear in Los Angeles. I’m busy making money with my business and I’d like this thing done. I can make way more money doing what I do and pay somebody to fix it. Doesn’t make any sense?

There is no way I can read up on here and do the work myself. It’s just not an option. I don’t have the time. I’m 60 years old. I want to just use it.

Maybe I will go looking for a whole new camper.

 

[Paul B.]

Pollux,

Thank you. I will call them in the morning.

 

[Paul B.]

Lastly, is there an RV or marine electrician here in LA they would like to rewire the whole truck for me? Solar panels extra batteries winches etc.?

 

[AZ_Nick]

It's a slippery slope. This started out as a 1980's Keystone too. If everything else is in good shape I wouldn't hesitate to throw a couple thousand at it to get thing where you want. If it's rough, like mine was, you might consider a new camper that is ready to go.

 

[Paul B.]

AZ Nick,

Thank you for your reply. But no no no this thing is sweet. It’s not broken. It’s all bone stock. It seems like it’s been in California all it’s life. Possibly even garaged. Nothing is rotten. Everything should be working it just needs just need a little maintenance type of repair work. The first thing I want done is a canvas with bigger windows. That’s something I know I cannot do. I’m getting ready to take it to American RV in Azusa, to have that done. But the solar panels, electrical, that type of stuff? That I can definitely do and this camper is worth every bit of my time to do that. Thanks for your help and support.

 

[pollux]

Lastly, is there an RV or marine electrician here in LA they would like to rewire the whole truck for me? Solar panels extra batteries winches etc.?

The in-house technician at American RV in Azusa can install all electrical and solar wiring as well.