New Owner - Questions regarding dashboard controls

[Hinoserm]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 1980 American Clipper, not knowing a whole lot about it.  It looks like the previous owner(s) and some kind of tiny animals have done quite a bit of damage to the electrical system (well, everything honestly), and I've been trying to piece it back together with limited success.

Would someone possibly be able to tell me if the controls on my dashboard are original to this motor home and what they're supposed to do or connect to?  Many are barely connected or have been violently disconnected -- several were connected with jumper wires directly bypassing systems and fuses.  Several labels make reference to fuel pressure and fuel pumps, but I have been unable to locate any fuel pumps beyond the engine's original mechanical fuel pump (which was faulty and has been replaced with an electronic fuel pump for now)  It looks like there may be (or have been) air pumps wired in somehow related to some kind of air-based leveling or suspension system?  I really have no idea what kind of features these motor homes may have been equipped with originally, how many were added/removed/destroyed by the previous owner(s) or what I might be doing wrong.

Another unique thing is there is a key slot on the outside of the vehicle near the driver door that seems to be wired to a nondescript black plastic box with 3 wires.  Most of the wiring was destroyed, but it seemed like it may have originally been tied into the start solenoids?  Since I was not given any keys that fit in the slot and since it was no longer connected in a way that made any sense at all, I have since removed it, and I have not noticed any differences thus far.

I have not really been able to find any information regarding how to know exactly what model I might have, although it does have a 440 engine and I have been using the 1978 Dodge B300 to order parts from local auto parts stores.  Title says "1980 AMERICAN CLIPPER".  Almost all the original decals and identification plates & stickers have been damaged or destroyed beyond readability.

I cannot seem to figure out how to attach photos here, so here is a link where you could view some:  http://ginkosoft.com:8080/rv2/dash

I look forward to gaining more information on this.

-Michael

[pop427]

What part of the country are you in? There has been a lot of aftermarket things added for sure. I have rewired many cars and trucks after fires or vandalism and it is not fun work. See if you can get a new wiring harness. Remember it is just a Dodge van. Another good thing about Chrysler wiring is they use the same color code wires for all their cars, trucks and vans. A blue wire with a red tracer goes to the same thing on every one. I have wiring books so I can help you there if you need a wiring schematic.

Good luck,   Doug

[Hinoserm]

Hello,

I am in west Texas, the Lubbock area specifically.

So far, the van's wiring harness has not been an issue.  There's very little of the van's original electronics left, and I haven't been having any issues following the old wires and just replacing the damaged ones.  My biggest concern, really, is what all these 'extra' switches and lights are supposed to do, or if they're even supposed to be there.

I have a couple of repair manuals that cover the Dodge van aspect of things, though there are many parts of the engine that don't match up with any of the info I've found online or in these books.

-Michael

[Bob G]

Hi,

Check eBay. Guys sell factory manuals in the eBay Motor section of the site. You may find one for your Dodge. I found a guy selling CD copies of factory manuals for my 1978 Chevy Clipper. Very reasonable price. Also simply Google something like "Dodge van repair manuals" and you should be able to find companies that sell such manuals. There are a bunch of them out there. You really need a set of wiring diagrams for this project. Check at you auto parts store and see if they have manuals that cover your year vehicle. I'd also check at your local Chrysler dealer's parts counter and ask if they can get you factory manuals for your year. That's a long shot being that the Clipper is over 30 years old, but you never know until you ask. Have fun. Bob G.

[John Eversoll]

Hi there Texas, Hey to get a REAL idea of the year Check the VIN#

it will be right in there either a 78  or an 80....

then you can get the right part!!!

John

[LARRY RAY]

Looks like you may have purchased a Clipper from someone that liked gadgets. Looks like from the pictures he probably had some type of electric pump connected to the front and rear tank and switches and lights to see when they were on and a pressure switch that told him if it was too low or high. Just a guess, because I'm sorta that way with mine. As far as the extras key slot in the door, most likely some type of add-on alarm. If you ever get on the other side of Lubbock give me a call and I would be glad tho let you have a look at mine. 78 dodge 440.   By the way, I' in Littlefield. My email is listed on here. Cell # 806-523-3509