Into The Shop

Now mind you I feel that I can be quite the handy person but there are some things this old gal will not do, nor should try to.  Brakes, air conditioning & electrical problems are to name a few.  I'll leave those to my friendly neighborhood garage.

While driving my little rig to the garage, I noticed that I had to really push hard on the brake pedal in order to come to a slow roll/stop.  I know this thing is old and weighs a lot, but it can't weigh that much to affect the stopping distance like it does.  So I had the mechanic take a gander for me.  His response:  You drove this here?  Ahhh, yup I sure did, Why?  Your back brakes weren't working at all and your fronts were only grabbing about 50%.  Ya know Ma'am,  I don't know if I would have driven this!  Well, Mr. Mechanic don't ya think it's a little late.  I'm here aren't I?  (p.s. downshifting works wonders).  So with the brakes repaired along with the tail light wiring and air conditioner I am on my way to possibly camp this year....safely.  Woohoo!

My Surprise!

Now that the roof is nice and shiny and my arms are healing from the intense abuse.  I focus my attention on the front wheels.  Oh, those ugly wheels.  What to do?  I decide to pull the hubcaps off to see what is behind them.  I am assuming they are the old steel wheels and nothing more.

Off it comes, with the years of dirt and grime.  What I reveal, and to my amazement, is a beauty that has been sleeping behind that old hubcap.

I take a rag and begin to wipe away the years of travel this old wheel has endured.  I am like a kid on Christmas morning as I jump up and down with excitement!  I cannot believe what stands before me! The original 1985 Chrome Wheel!  Hidden beneath an old ugly hub cap!  I am now scrubbing with joy 

and can't wait for the results.  

As luck would have it all that grime actually saved the rim from rust!

What a beautiful find!

Another Leak?

Before Roof Vent

After a gusher of a rainstorm I went inside the camper to check to see if there were any "new" leaks and sure enough, there was.  This one appeared in the closet.  Ugh!  Up to the roof I go and I find the source of my problem.  It's the black water tank vent.  Geez, this thing looks like it has been through.....well, it's been on there a long time!  It's cracked in several places and it's looking pretty sad.  I'm ashamed that I did not replace this ugly thing sooner.  Well, I'm off to my favorite camper store to pick up a new one.  Yippee!

Well, I bought a new vent and I'm  really amazed on how easy the installation was.  Now I should not have to worry about that leaking for a long time!

Up To The Roof

Now with the Upper Bunk complete, I placed my attention back on the outside of the coach.  It's time to get down and dirty with the roof.  It had become a chalky mess which was in dire need of attention.

I bought and used the 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound.  I went over the roof twice by hand with it. After what I had thought was my arm falling off.  I continued to punish myself with some more intense rubbing/polishing.  So, I went to my local boat place who recommended Mequiras Flagship Premium Cleaner/Wax.   I have always been a huge fan of Meguiars so it was a no brainer to give this new wax a try.  Two more days of waxing and intense pain now in both my arms, I finally finished with better than average results.  I am pleased to say the roof is looking mighty good and my arms too!