Arrived at Suncoast Design in Hudson FL, 727-868-2773, for resealing five windows. We had called three weeks before to get our appointment. They have a site set up similar to Foretravel with water and 50 amp. We are having the two couch and two kitchen windows done and the door. We noted a small area starting on the door so decided to get it done on this trip. At 6:45am we were greeted by the estimator who marked the windows. Made the 7:30 call at FOT seem casual.
Initial estimate is $1239.86. That comes to $225 per window plus tax. We did not need the drivers window done. It is the exception in repairs at $275. Not because of three panes but rather the difficulty removing it.
They offer a shop tour at 1pm every workday. Documenting the process and will update.
I LOVE hearing about service companies and vendors who really know how to take care of their customers! Looking forward to the factory tour...with LOTS of photos!
Windows are out. The process was very quick and they are now in the shop. Openings have templates in place.
When we had the buff out I noted two repairs to passenger side windows as the gelcoat had variance in shine. I was worried what we would find with the window removed. Whoever did the repair, I think it was FOT, did a very thoughtful job and some beautiful wood work. No signs of leakage anywhere on the coach windows. The door has no leakage but the fiberglass has started separating from the wood.
Having one or more windows removed lets you closely examine the famous Foretravel "sandwich" wall construction. A lot of owners never get this exciting opportunity, so consider it a "free" BONUS that is included in the cost of the rebuild. Helps ease the pain... 8)
Great thread and thanks for documenting! Are they fixing the window creep, or just resealing?
Just talked with a guy last week that had his done there. He said to keep a close eye on their work. He said they stripped out many of his window screws and put some in sideways. He made them remove the window again and repair it a second time.
Mark
A lot of places will not allow our kind of folk to be near the coach while "the work" is being done, citing insurance regulations. My feeling is, "it's MY HOME, I'll sign a waiver and I want to know what's going on." I, quite frankly, don't trust anyone who've I've not worked with before to do any work without Mr. Picky standing over them! ^.^d
Siren...it is fixing the internal seals that are creeping or starting to creep.
We are watching every step so I will hear it if they strip. I was surprised at the relatively short time that the crew members have been working for the company. The three we had have worked from 3 months to two years. It is very repetitive simple work which could cause turnover.
Today our windows went through the process. Kevin gave us a guided tour of the inside from opening the frame to final cooling. The first picture is the removal and scraping process. From there it goes to the deep cleaning process and rolls, machine is a mini car wash complete with dryer, as plate into the clean room. Kevin then replaces the seals seen as blue on rolls. From there to the furnace that heats and compresses the new seals and then it is cooled before being reframed.
Note the window he holds up to the light. There is a cloudy white on the glass. That can not be reused. He explained this owner had allowed water to enter and remain in the glass. The water has acid in it and scores the window.
Tomorrow they will reinstall and we will do a final update. So far no complaints.
This is out of order but it is a fun part of doing this. Honu's windows have the templates in place. Inside of those templates previous customers have singed their names and recommended places to eat. So many nice hole in the walls with great food in this area.
My door has the fiberglass skin loose in the middle on the lower part. I'm not sure how long it's been like this, but It'll probably stay that way forever!
Question: Did Suncoast remove the valences or did you?
Suncoast removed them. The door skin is firm about an inch or so down. I had the driver windshield replaced at FOT. When removed we found separation in that area as well. They indicated it was common on our years. Replaced adhesive and clamped for 8 hours then kept level. They felt the glass would not be stable otherwise.
The windows are finished and I am pleased with the work they did. The crew was courteous and attentive to our needs. They finished on time and as promised. I would use them again if the need arises. It is a ten year warranty with 100% the first year 90 the second etc.
As to stripping screws, I requested they use a smaller bit and that coupled with hand screwing alleviated any issues. The window screws for our coaches are smaller than what you might find on other brands and other years. Ours is the first year for dual panes as standard. They were water tested after installation.
Nice write up George. Love the photos. Great to meet you and Steph in Nac this year. The pourtravels were a blast! :) Hope we meet up down the road.
see ya
ken