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Topic: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan? (Read 1116 times) previous topic - next topic

Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

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.
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #1 –
Texas is pretty nice in winter---- and it would be done right.  Foretravel or MOT.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #2 –
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.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #3 –
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. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #4 –
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
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #5 –
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

Jeff & Carrie
2023 Geneva 31VA
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED "The Button Pusher" - GONE 🥺

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #6 –
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.
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #7 –
So, what was the outcome?  Are you buying a kit and having the conversion done?  Work done in Michigan? 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
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.
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #9 –
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
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #10 –
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.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #11 –
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.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.
 

Re: Where to get collision repairs in Michigan?

Reply #12 –
 ^.^d Excellent choice! You will not regret it...
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson