WildE's Xtreme Makeover

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- James Bock's FBP

WildE's Xtreme Makeover

February 13, 2025, 11:21:05 am

And so it begins

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #1 – February 13, 2025, 12:53:20 pm

Is that a full body paint with windows still installed?

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #2 – February 13, 2025, 01:02:07 pm

Yes it will be FBP.

The windows will be fully removed and new gaskets installed. We do have a couple with mild snaking that will be repaired as well.

Currently its getting its initial gel coat sanding. They started by removing all of the other parts, ladders, lights, awnings, wipers, decals, etc.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #3 – February 13, 2025, 01:45:58 pm

Best of luck, how long does this project take roughly?

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #4 – February 13, 2025, 06:02:35 pm

Quote from: Kiwitex – February 13, 2025, 01:45:58 pm

how long does this project take roughly?

I have no idea

... its really several other updates/projects in addition to full body paint., plus we have not finalized a paint design. But as a guess 4-5 weeks? Others who have done this before can give a better answer.

Here are today's updates, see they did remove the windows !

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #5 – February 13, 2025, 06:10:10 pm

With Windows & mirrors off, we decided to replace with new, Motion Windows and paintable 3-motor mirrors & base.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #6 – February 13, 2025, 06:22:57 pm

Had not considered that ... did you go with the Elite Series 1800? Were they pretty much a drop in replacement or were some modifications needed inside/outside?

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #7 – February 13, 2025, 08:27:58 pm

Drop in windows and no problems over the next decade.

Not sure about the Elite series, but have attached order details. Also a blown-up section with order details.

We did reuse awnings. Also installed different over door LED lamp and all new LED marker lights.

Also rewired both new mirror motors with third dash switch, with each switch controlling top, middle, or bottom mirrors. While it is nice to be able adjust mirrors, after set they were never moved again, so a manual adjustment would be just fine without all the wiring changes.

Our choices was driven by: with everything removed, can we improve things by replacing with new rather than replacing old.

BTW, as full-timers, Xtreme gave us temporary no-extra charge, nice living in their next door home for over a month while coach was in the shop. We rented space in a storage facility down the road a few miles away to store lots of bay and roof stuff. We also used Xtreme to lift up a new home refrigerator while side window was out, and remove old propane fridge.

Rance also modified rear engine door with his clever light-weight, hinged top design, and repaired bay door and roof things.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #8 – February 13, 2025, 08:50:10 pm

Quote from: Michelle – February 13, 2025, 11:21:05 am

And so it begins

At Xtreme?

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #9 – February 13, 2025, 08:52:38 pm

Quote from: AC7880 – February 13, 2025, 08:50:10 pm

At Xtreme?

Exactly

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #10 – February 13, 2025, 09:05:12 pm

Quote from: Barry & Cindy – February 13, 2025, 08:27:58 pm

Drop in windows and no problems over the next decade.

Not sure about the Elite series, but have attached order details. Also a blown-up section with order details.

Perfect - thank you!

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #11 – February 13, 2025, 09:06:41 pm

New Ramco mirror notes:

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #12 – February 13, 2025, 09:08:48 pm

@Barry & Cindy thank you for sharing those details, greatly appreciated ...Yes the elite is the 1800 series.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #13 – February 13, 2025, 09:24:55 pm

We removed solar panels, roof storage pod, stored them in rented storage place.

Xtreme patched all roof holes, painted with one-step paint that had grit and clear-coat in the white paint. Grit worked VERY well to improve safety on roof.

We later remounted solar and storage pod little differently than original layout with improved cable runs.

New hinged engine door did not support original aluminum lower tube ladder section, but we did replace top ladder section to aid in safely climbing onto roof. To reach roof ladder section and clean sides, we used an 8' regular aluminum Lowes A-ladder that was stored on edge in big bay with 1" to spare on touching inside edges of bay doors. Aluminum ladder has a narrower bottom width than better, insulated, types of A-ladders.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #14 – February 13, 2025, 09:30:23 pm

You are welcome, Steve & Michelle, nice to be able to support you with parts of our personal experiences.

Good luck on all that needs yet to be finalized. May want to find a secret personalization painted somewhere on the coach that most would not be aware of.

We also bought a new Trimark upgraded model, outside-door lighted grab bar.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #15 – February 13, 2025, 09:50:56 pm

How exciting. I hope it's a wonderful journey

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #16 – February 13, 2025, 09:56:15 pm

Quote from: Barry & Cindy – February 13, 2025, 09:30:23 pm

May want to find a secret personalization painted somewhere on the coach that most would not be aware of.

The WildEBeest approves of this suggestion

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #17 – February 14, 2025, 09:00:45 am

By the time you get done you are going to have a new coach.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #18 – February 14, 2025, 09:58:57 am

I'm really happy to see you doing this and can't wait to see the result.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #19 – February 14, 2025, 11:34:31 am

If you care to share a "ballpark" cost for the makeover it would be appreciated, as I have the same agenda on my radar to remove decals, painted "swoops" and a headlight upgrade

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #20 – February 14, 2025, 02:40:33 pm

Just made an appointment to drop ours off in June for headlight conversion and step conversion...

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #21 – February 14, 2025, 07:31:27 pm

It's great to see 20+ year old Foretravels getting makeovers. It's a testament to the quality of these coaches.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #22 – February 14, 2025, 07:54:59 pm

Quote from: Peter – February 14, 2025, 11:34:31 am

If you care to share a "ballpark" cost for the makeover it would be appreciated, as I have the same agenda on my radar to remove decals, painted "swoops" and a headlight upgrade

I get the question completely, but that's something that needs to be answered by Xtreme. Each coach is unique given age and condition, and they really need to assess it on an individual basis. Ours is much different in scope, both starting point (our decals were already gone) and what the overall project encompasses (full body paint, lots of other enhancements/upgrades), than what you're considering.

Quote from: turbojack – February 14, 2025, 09:00:45 am

By the time you get done you are going to have a new coach.

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #23 – February 14, 2025, 10:53:41 pm

Think Full Body Paint is about $20,000

Re: WildE's Xtreme Makeover

Reply #24 – February 15, 2025, 07:22:49 am

I am taking my 1999 U295 in June for headlight upgrade. It's about $5000. But every coach is different and depends on fog lights, painting required, Etc.. Xtreme would be the place to call .

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