I am between Jackson and Chelsea, Michigan. Can you recommend a shop (closer than Holland) that has considerable experience repairing collision damage to a bus-style motor coach? After navigating through parking lots and obstacles (while towing) in six states, the right front of my 1999 ForeTravel U295 got hung up on the earthen berm along the side of a parking lot only ten miles from home. It is the worst corner to sustain damage -- has skewed the door opening, stairway and air-operated step. This was just yesterday, when I had almost made it home from spending DEC in FL.
I feel sick about this :-[ and certainly don't want to get more sick due to choosing the wrong repairs shop. wish I were closer to TX.
Texas is pretty nice in winter---- and it would be done right. Foretravel or MOT.
I saw the coach that got turned into a 5th wheel and the front door frame is just a piece of steel....the rest is the fiberglass cap. There is not that much structure up there. Bend the door frame back and you probably are good to go.
My coach had similar damage when I bought it. I'd like to tell you it's easy to fix but instead recommend that, if it's an insurance claim, you take it to Foretravel or Extreme. The steps and subassembly will need to be taken out as they are structural support for the door and entry area, rebuilt and reinstalled. Door removed, reinstalled and adjusted when all work is complete. It's a pretty involved process, coupled with the fiberglass work, and has to be done right in order for the door to work properly. It can not be hydraulically pulled back into position and repaired as body shops might be inclined to do. Everything has to be precise for door, step cover, slide cover etc. to work properly.
One other thought, it might be that, depending on level of fiberglass damage, you could have the headlight conversion done for not much more than the cost of repairing glass damage. Is the generator cover still lined up and operating properly?
Strongly recommend you take some detailed shots, send them to FOT and Xtreme, and see if they will quote repairs.
FOT would give me a quote on repairs without seeing the coach. No amount of pictures changed that response. We are headed to Xtreme.
Roger
If you are still looking ...Shelby Township may be closer but I'm not sure. Our local shop here works on them all the time and did a great job on my FT last year at this time. They worked with NAC for the body parts and all looks like new.
Lakeside Collision 586-532-8690
My thanks to each of you has helped with info, both in this thread and by private communication. The estimator from Superior Collision, Brighton has looked at the coach (in my driveway) and has been cooperative. I see that Lakeside gets mostly good reviews on Yelp. I had not heard of it, though it happens to be just a little due North of where I get my MINI serviced -- Detroit Tuned.
As each day goes by, I am more and more inclined to have SOMEBODY do the headlamp update, rather than restore the front back to it's fifteen year old configuration. Whereas the estimator at Superior was quoted over $3,000 just to have FT make the lower rt frt body panel, PLUS $350 for the (Ford) lamps, the updated front end should be very conceivable with little or no $$ for insurance betterment.
How ironic it is that my miles to Nacogdoches would be nearly identical to the miles I was driving back from Zephyrhills, FL when the damage occurred (9 miles short of making it home). That is a tall drink of diesel, albeit much less expensive diesel that we've seen for a while. Rather than go to TX, I am hoping that FoT or MoT or Xtreme might sell the materials needed for a Michigan shop to accomplish the lamp retrofit. The other work, minor distortion of the stairway cage and minor buckling of the rf wheel opening, should be relatively easy.
If I were to put it back to the 1990's configuration, a forum member pointed out that one or more of the shops in Nacogdoches might have a pile of the scrap OEM lower front body panels that have been cut off coaches retrofitted with HID lamps. Aftermarket versions of the Ford lamps are readily available for reasonable prices on eBay. This week, I hope to learn more from the Texas shops.
So, what was the outcome? Are you buying a kit and having the conversion done? Work done in Michigan?
Chuck, thanks for rattling my cage to make me get this thread up to date.
Superior Collision, Brighton had sent their Truck & Trailer Manager about 1.5hr to my house on a bitter cold and windy day. Back at his office, he got parts prices and then prepared an estimate to put the coach back to pre-loss condition.
Lakeside Collision, Shelby Township (2hr away) was also recommended. However, they showed NO willingness to come here and do an estimate. They tried to persuade me to drive the coach there, and leave it with them anyway. NOT.
About a week ago, I finally talked with Mr. Stallings at Xtreme, after failing to accomplish a good dialogue with him via email. During our conversation, he told me how they routinely inspect the bulkheads and roof and other areas of coaches they put in the shop. That helped me decide to go all the way to Nacogdoches for the collision repairs plus HL update. The previous owner assured me the coach has no problem with bulkhead fasteners. Bill Clinton assured us he did not have sex with that woman....
In the Spring, I will make the trek to Xtreme. chuckled to myself when I looked at Google street view because the shop doesn't look like much other than a nondescript pole barn. hope fuel is not back up to $4 or more by the time I leave.
AAA Michigan agreed to pay me directly pursuant to the Superior Collision estimate, less deductible. I expect check yet this week.
Thanks again to those on this forum who have provided feedback. It has been helpful.
Yes to Xtreme, Make the trip. Make your list because you can get everything you need right here in Nac between Xtreme, MOT, FOT and Bernd. We are at Xtreme now, 2 weeks into a 3 weeks of a face lift. Hl, TL and steps plus extra high tail lights and some other minor repairs. Nice folks, take their time and do it right. Exactly what I want. Gel coated the front end yesterday. Sanding and polish to come.
Roger
Glad to see you chose Xtreme for the repair. You will be satisfied. If you're not, it will be made right the way you want. Your experience there will be a good one.
We have driven from GA to Extreme, best possible option. I have never heard of anyone who was not happy with their work.
You made a good decision.
^.^d Excellent choice! You will not regret it...
Don