Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: erniee on May 10, 2021, 06:29:17 pm

Title: Time for a change
Post by: erniee on May 10, 2021, 06:29:17 pm
Many of you know that I have been on this forum as a commercial member. Brenda and I have had more motor homes than I have fingers and toes to count on. Another fellow and I were the original founders of the Bluebird Wanderlodge forum decades ago. We owned 4 of those, and then bought our Liberty. Both of us are tired of the complexity of those coaches. We did own a Gran Villa a long while back. As I have been working on Foretravels we like what we saw and purchased Roger Berkes' coach.
It has good bones and we are in the process of a makeover. So- here we are. Ernie and Brenda Ekberg
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: John S on May 10, 2021, 07:37:52 pm
you got my favorite coach
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Lt403 on May 10, 2021, 07:52:00 pm
Welcome
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Marilyn and Glen Clark on May 10, 2021, 10:59:10 pm
When we had our Bluebird, I used to read your posts.  I really enjoyed them and will most likely really enjoy what are going to post about your coach in this forum as well.

Glen
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on May 10, 2021, 11:03:33 pm
It has good bones and we are in the process of a makeover.
Gee, I wonder if it might get fresh flooring?
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: erniee on May 11, 2021, 07:37:50 am
Total makeover is in the works. I'll post photos of the after demo process as most have probably seen the current photos.
Oh- we do this to every coach we purchase.
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: juicesqueezer on May 11, 2021, 09:23:30 am
Congrats on your new to you coach Ernie!  I was interested in Rogers coach, but realized it didn't have a slide, which is unusual for that year.  Being full time, the 42 and 45 foot coaches have been a dream!  What are you going to do with your Liberty?
Looking forward to seeing your upgrades as always!  Always gives me inspiration on what I can accomplish with ours!
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Bob & Sue on May 11, 2021, 11:24:51 am
Total makeover is in the works. I'll post photos of the after demo process as most have probably seen the current photos.
Oh- we do this to every coach we purchase.
  Congratulations and welcome to the bunch. But
Well that ain't entirely true, cause I don't think I've seen it.  I'll be patient. 

 Ernie. Don't know why I haven't thought to ask. Do you do valance woodwork? We want them redone in oak. 
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on May 11, 2021, 11:32:20 am
Well that ain't entirely true, cause I don't think I've seen it.
For Sale 2000 42' U320 - DGFE Floor Plan (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=41903.0)
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: kepeters on May 11, 2021, 11:42:41 am
Reply # 7

I am a woodworker but do not know what valance woodwork is.

Regards

Klaus
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: oldguy on May 11, 2021, 11:49:50 am
I think it is the woodwork around the windows
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Bob & Sue on May 11, 2021, 12:12:58 pm
These guys.
 Maybe a little dated.  Although I'm ok with dated ( brass coated fixtures) I'd like the valences in wood.
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: erniee on May 11, 2021, 05:44:49 pm
We are going to put the Liberty for sale very soon. Sorry, I don't do wood valance work. Our valances will be coming down for new fabric.
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Rich Bowman on May 12, 2021, 08:06:03 am
We converted from the OEM Day/Night shades and cloth covered valences to MCD shades and a Ultra leather/wood combo on the valences.  I made the verticals out of solid cherry to match the cabinets.  After stripping the fabric off the horizontal piece, I ran it through a table saw and cut off about 2" from the bottom edge and then sent it off to the upholster.

IMHO, one of the big advantages of the MCD conversion that is not often mentioned is the ability to narrow the top/horizontal part of the valence by about 2 inches.  It makes a significant difference in the amount of light coming into the coach and your exterior view.

Here's a couple of pictures.  Before and After.  You can see how much larger the window area is.

Rich
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Elliott on May 12, 2021, 10:22:29 am
IMHO, one of the big advantages of the MCD conversion that is not often mentioned is the ability to narrow the top/horizontal part of the valence by about 2 inches. 
That is a great nugget of information and has moved blind replacements up higher on the list for us. Thank you.
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: nitehawk on May 12, 2021, 10:29:47 am
Hey Ernie...here is our Ernie.
He/it "drives" our towed.
I don't see ANY resemblance, do you??
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: evantwheeler on May 20, 2021, 09:51:47 am
Looking forward to seeing your craftsmanship in this one Ernie.
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on May 20, 2021, 10:16:28 am
I have seen a lot of different window surround treatments. Ours has lightly padded vinyl covered vertical pieces. The horizontal pieces are vinyl, a darker brown fabric piping and a lighter brown fabric panel. All materials used in the rest of the coach.  We collect iron on patches wherever we go and the get attached to the fabric section.  Adds color and interest. We like it.

Our couch is sort of a South West look. Only available in 2001 and we have only seen one or two others like it.  One of the reasons we liked this coach.

And 👍👍for MCD shades.
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: Elliott on May 20, 2021, 11:08:09 am
Roger, those patches are much cooler than the standard sticker map of the US that everyone has. Great idea
Title: Re: Time for a change
Post by: erniee on May 20, 2021, 05:44:13 pm
We started demo- chairs and sofa off to be reupholstered. Brenda took up the tile.
Cleaning lady due in this weekend.