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Topic: Time for a change (Read 1282 times) previous topic - next topic

Time for a change

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

Re: Time for a change

Reply #1
you got my favorite coach
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Time for a change

Reply #2
Welcome
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Time for a change

Reply #3
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
Retired Nurse and Bat Chief
2001 U320 36' 450 Cummins
Past 1981 Bluebird 36' 3208 Cat
HD2500 Chevy Toad

Re: Time for a change

Reply #4
It has good bones and we are in the process of a makeover.
Gee, I wonder if it might get fresh flooring?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Time for a change

Reply #5
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.

Re: Time for a change

Reply #6
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!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Time for a change

Reply #7
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. 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR


Re: Time for a change

Reply #9
Reply # 7

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

Regards

Klaus
The world is not interested in the storms you encountered, but whether or not you brought in the ship.
Raul Armesto

2003 U 320 4020 Unit 6145

Re: Time for a change

Reply #10
I think it is the woodwork around the windows
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Time for a change

Reply #11
These guys.
 Maybe a little dated.  Although I'm ok with dated ( brass coated fixtures) I'd like the valences in wood.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Time for a change

Reply #12
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.

Re: Time for a change

Reply #13
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
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Time for a change

Reply #14
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.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Time for a change

Reply #15
Hey Ernie...here is our Ernie.
He/it "drives" our towed.
I don't see ANY resemblance, do you??
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Time for a change

Reply #16
Looking forward to seeing your craftsmanship in this one Ernie.
2000 U320 4010

Re: Time for a change

Reply #17
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.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Time for a change

Reply #18
Roger, those patches are much cooler than the standard sticker map of the US that everyone has. Great idea
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

 

Re: Time for a change

Reply #19
We started demo- chairs and sofa off to be reupholstered. Brenda took up the tile.
Cleaning lady due in this weekend.