Re: [VAL] Argosy Minuet

[overlander64 <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Tom!

The figures that you quote are in the ballpark according to
what I paid for my '78 Minuet a little more than two years
ago - - in fact, mine was toward the lower end of the range.
 Mine needed new tires, bearing service, new water heater,
new/rebuilt water pump, and new Univolt.  The Minuets have
been building quite a following - - they are easy to tow and
even when fully loaded for an extended trip, mine tips the
scales at 3,100 to 3,125 pounds with a gross hitch weight of
525 pounds.

If you haven't been researching the Minuets, you may be
surprised to learn that the following about these unique
little coaches:

1.  They are 8" narrower than the standard Argosy line at
7'.  The only complication that can arise as a result of
this is that the only way to protect the deep-wrap wing
windows is to modify the current three-piece rock guard (the
center section must be narrowed by about 8").

2.  Many 6.0 Metre (20') and some 6.7 Metre (22') Minuets
came from the factory with Composite Aluminum floors
resulting in no worry about wood rot - - the downside is
that the composite material can develop sag and become
"springy" with age - - the solution that has worked with
mine was to install Armstrong Laminate flooring over
Armstrong Quiet Step underlayment (pad).

3.  All of the interior cabinetry is vinyl-clad aluminum
with laminate tambours.

One thing to be cautious about with the 1977 models is that
not all 20' Argosy coaches were Minuets.  The Minuet was
introduced during the 1977 model year so there are some
Argosy 20 (standard width) coaches as well as Argosy Minuet
6.0 Metre coaches.  The best means of telling which you are
looking at is to check the badging (should be Minuet 6.0
Metre), and check the measurement at the floor level (should
be 7').  Another tip-off if the coach has the front lounge
is the presence or absence of an armrest on the lounge - -
if there is an armrest, it is almost always an Argosy 20'
while if there isn't and armrest it is almost always a
Minuet.

You can find a scan of the '78 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre sales
literature at:

http://www.airstreamforums.com/attachments/gallery/files/8/2/7/argosy_minuet_6_metre_1978.jpg

The 1977 literature does not show the Minuet, only the
Argosy 20 a scan of the 1976 sales literature (same data as
1977) page can be found at:

http://www.airstreamforums.com/attachments/gallery/files/8/2/7/argosy_20_22_24_1976.jpg

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400
VORTEC/4.10 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1974 Cadillac Eldorado
Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)