So as I have said before, my father bought my Grand Villa brand new in 1994. He got cancer in 1995 and passed away in 1996. Although my mom could not drive it, she insisted on keeping it. The last time it was registered was in 2001; she died after a long illness in 2005. It sat in storage from 2001 until I finally made a decision to get it back on the road in 2014. Even though it only had +/- 25K miles, it took until April 2015 in order to even get it started and in gear. Over the past 3+ years I have put many hours and many CB's into the transformation. I have come to this forum many a time for help and suggestions and with your help I have brought this amazing machine back to life...better and nicer than even I could have hoped. Thank you!! As always, there are still items on the list, but most of the major modifications and replacements are done. So ...now for the bragging...all cleaned up this is what she looks like. Thanks again for all the help!!
A few more...
Looking good!!!
Just one word. WOW.
I am sure your Dad would be proud of his (now your) coach and more of you for honoring his memory in such a special way.
Very nice job Karl
You had good bones and you built a beautiful body on them. A very talented person and it shows in your pictures. You will get many years of use out of the grand lady. Congratulations on a job very well done.
My thought is.....Fantastic!!!
WELL DONE!!!!
Nice! Any pics of the outside???
Great Job
Karl, Lots of hard work there, absolutely a beautiful outcome. Your Dad & Mom would be VERY proud. Hope to meet you on the road someday!
Best, Jeff and Kristen
Good job, your Dad would be proud! I own build number 4466 also a 1994 but completed in Oct. Of 1993. Yours is just after mine great coaches. ^.^d
Now it's time to put some miles on that beautiful baby! We hope to see you soon in Alaska and other great places.
Outstanding !
Mine, same vintage is in progress.. is your wood oak?
Wood from the cockpit to the bedroom? Nice stairs...
What did you use in the cockpit area?
Did you make the valences?
Great job
Wow. Waaayyy special, now. Incredible transformation. It's time to take it beyond the Aggie games.
Looks good Karl,where do you store the tv during traveling?
Awesome job Karl, most folks would have wrote the old girl off as not worth fixing. (Not knowing the quality of a FT). Glad that you saw the potential in your Parents old coach and had the desire and fortitude to put it back in shape and on the road again where it belongs and not in a trailer park somewhere.
Your parents are smiling!
Justin
Speechless. Amazing transformation, a lot to be proud of. This is the nicest remodel I've seen.
Are the kitchen counters granite?
Karl,
Beautiful remodel/upgrade job. Not many 36' WTBI Grand Villas here on the forum!
Jerry
Inspiring works...very well done
Karl,
We can see the pride in your workmanship, well done.
What type of floor did you install?
GeoffH
One word: beautiful!!
Keith
What a beautiful job of restoration.
Karl, I sure don't call that bragging! How nice of you to let us see the fruit of your labors. Absolutely great choices and a great job. Thank you.
Van
As I always learned.....it ain't bragging if you can back it up! Looks really nice, Karl.
WHOOP!
There are some beautiful Grand Villas on this forum. I think you might just have the nicest. Any chance of getting some photos of the running gear, compartments and interior?
jor
Karl what a beautiful job, I just did pretty much the same thing with my U270, so I know what it takes to get that kind of result from a remodel, Again FANTASTIC JOB!!!
Karl
Not braggin, and a very cool surprise "unveil" . Very inspiring - love the makeover and as stated earlier what a great tribute to your Mom and Dad. Enjoy every mile, and call me when you want to sell/trade!
Hope to see it live on the road.
It's not bragging when you can back it up. Truly outstanding job. Would love to see it in person.
Steve
That is a great job and it looks fabulous
WOW!!!! Absolutely Beautiful!!! Outstanding design and workmanship!
The words that come to my mind reading and seeing this post are legacy and love! You are carrying your parents legacy and love beautifully into the future. For certain, they are both proud!
As opposed to SOBs, I believe we are stewards of our Foretravels, and your story definitely affirms my thinking! Thanks for sharing
Hope to see ya down the road!
Lol...you are right! But we are in Aggieland tonight for the first W of the Jimbo era.
Here are some outside pics.
I would love to make the trip to Alaska!!
The floor is Hickory/pecan...I chose it because the coach is pecan as well. I have not redone the cockpit yet but plan to use the stair nosing that I used on the entry and insert new carpet inside. I want to have new pecan drawer fronts made to replace the carpeted drawers below the cockpit. I had the valances and the headboard reupholstered at the same time that I did the jack knife couch and chairs.
I have 2 TV's one for outside and one that we use upfront and store them both between pillows between the bed and the wall. The large TV for outside stays home except during football season ...used for tailgating.
Yes, we used chiseled edge granite. Some say it is too much weight but the DW doesn't weigh much :)
Geoff
I used glue a glue down hickory...It is an oil finish so it is nor very shiny.
Just watched the first win of the Jimbo era. We are in the Aggie RV park tonight...WHOOP!!
Way cool, will watch for the adventure and more pictures of your travels. Thankyou for the inspireation to continue my updates on my new to me 1 year ago 1997 FT
We will be back home in a few days and will add some pics. thanks for the kind words!
Very Nice! We're just starting our remodel and this is inspiring.
Wow! What a beautiful coach!
Awesome job. Lots of work and coach bucks I'm sure. Your dad is smiling.
see ya
ken
I'm sure it took a lot of your "spare" change and time. Looks great and better than new.
Pierce
Looks awesome! What my "Falcor" looked like in it's first set of clothes. Nice interior mods and looks livable!
Beautiful coach. Inside and out. Your parents would be very proud. Definitely one of the best looking Remods I have seen.
What did you do concerning the shower frame?
Yes, would like to know how you modified the gold trim in the bath to what appears to be antique brass or bronze?
I replaced the Moen trims on the shower valve leaving the existing valve in place. Added the slide rod and a new shower wand. The door...well I took it all apart and took it to the powder coater....while it was there Harvey hit and the place I took it was under water. Eventually I got it back and started to put it together and realized that all of the parts were not there. They did a great job but not all of the parts came back...I punted and had a new door installed. They did do all of the lights, towel rings and bars and they came back intact ....You wins some...you lose some. I consider my self very fortunate to have only lost a shower door in Harvey I know many would trade places!
Very impressed with your restoration work and the love you put into your Mom and Dad's coach. You will get many memories and wonderful trips with your vision to bring the girl back better than new!
You've heard it already, but DAMN! What a rig!
Looks great! Any outside pictures?
John M.
Very nice Karl.. the outside looks like new! Outstanding job. We live in Pasadena south of town and would love to have an opportunity to check it out in person some time....
Keith
Sweet coach Karl .....
it's all been said already but I can tell you that I jacked several of the picks. I realy like some of your choices and ours is a sister coach to yours only 95 vintage. Especially the kit area.
It's like bringing back a 57 Chevy only way better, you can LIVE in it.