Here is the skinny. We had an air leak on one of our drive axle air bags a few years ago, so we simply cut the floor to get at the offending fitting. Fast forward to yesterday, and I noticed the cutout above the air bag wasn't sitting flat.
I really knew what was going on, but I confirmed it. The main supports, that are under the floor, and run across the bus side to side, are totally rotted out. The air bag is buckling the support up, which is what I noticed.
So here is my question. I really don't want to tear the entire back of the bus apart and pull the floor up, just to weld new beams in there. I thought, at one point, we heard about someone doing it from the bottom side of the coach. Anybody know?
Second part of the question, that Belfert (Brian) might now. Is CJ bus repair good and reliable?
Thanks for the help.
John
Yes, I like C&J Bus Repair. The labor rates are getting up there at $109 an hour, but not out of line with other heavy truck shops. The local Freightliner shop charges $129 an hour with $169 an hour for RVs! My bus is presently at another shop getting brake chambers replaced. The other shop is recommended by a busnut and is $30 an hour less than C&J. I'll still take the bus to C&J for chassis inspection and lubrication since they have a lift large enough for a bus.
Your issue is a bus specific issue so I would go to C&J as they have probably seen the issue before especially with the salt here locally.
Are you in the Minneapolis area now? Maybe we can get together if I can find a hole in my very busy schedule.
John, call Sonnie Gray @ 1-903-815-2141 he will do it right located on the OK and Texas border 75 bucks a hr plus materials and it will be better than new, the most honest guy you will ever meet
good luck
That can't be Clifford,, cause I'm that guy and poor to prove it!!>>>Dan
Quote from: Utahclaimjumper on June 18, 2013, 01:31:40 PM
That can't be Clifford,, cause I'm that guy and poor to prove it!!>>>Dan
I've met you both, and my money's on Sonnie Gray! ;D
Wow, I thought I was pretty bad with some rust that ate at the bay walls. And a few pin holes in the beam.
Be careful and good luck.
Let me clarify my answer about C&J bus repair. If you are near the Minneapolis area I would use them. If you are not near Minneapolis I might not make a special trip to see them. If you are looking nationally and willing to travel I might consider Bryce Gaston (B_K) near Nashville or Choo-Choo garage in Chattanooga.
Brian thanks for the endorsement. But John's problem is a COMMON one with the DL3's. And not one I am prepared or experienced in doing.
I'd second Clifford's recommendation on Sonnie aka "Catskinner" for that kind of work. Sonnie is a master fabricator and has done awesome work on his own and other people's coaches.
(he also knows real buses are supposed to have yellow engines! LOL)
;D BK ;D
Thanks for the replies. That is exactly what I needed. We are researching options right now, so this is really helpful.
I asked about CJ, because I thought I had heard about somebody that repaired DL3 beam rot on a regular basis, and something told me it was CJ.
At some point, we will give Sonnie a call and chat with him, and see if he is familiar with the repair. If Clifford says he is good, that is just about all I need.
Now that you mention it, we might just stop by BK's, and get him to do it. BK, how else are you going to get experience fixing them? LOL
Thanks again. I will keep you updated.
John
I would call C&J to see what they say about doing the repairs. 952-881-0034 JD might be able to give you a rough estimate on cost since they seem to have done it a lot. I suspect they would do a good job although the price might be high.
Thanks, Brian. Good idea. We will certainly be calling them to chat about the project.
So I called Sam Caylor, and he said he can replace the beams for us. He price seemed decent and he is really close to us. We have had great experience's purchasing things from him. Do I assume that his work is also good? Anybody know? He would be our first choice now, and since he does quite a few of them.
Who was it that had their bus wrecked by the old caddy down south (Matt somebody?), and had Sam repair it?
Oh yes. Parts from MCI are 2,700 alone ;D.
Clifford, thoughts?
Thanks,
John
Sam should know what he is doing the guy has been at it for years
That is what we figured. MCI said it would take 80 hours to replace. Sam said several days. He said they just got done with another DL3.
Monday morning, first thing we are taking it in.
Thanks for the help.
John piece of OSB and a couple of screws eh. ;-) Getter done. Sorry it happened to you guys.
Dave5Cs from Galaxy S III
Dave,
That is almost what we have now ;D. Turns out early detection might be our saving grace. So far, it is holding up, even though we discovered the problem 24 hours away from home. The floor would not have deflected yet, but we saw the slightest movement when that piece of plywood wasn't sitting flat.
Sam Caylor will take care of it next week. Overall, things could be a lot worse.
Thanks,
John
I was on my way out the door when I made my last post. And as soon as I pulled out of the driveway I thought "John is right there in Sam Caylor country. He should check with Sam, I'm sure Sam is well familiar with this as he is an MCI buyer, seller and repair business."
But as I said I was on the road an when I got home I had no internet. (don't get me stated there!)
But I'm glad you thought of him and are getting it done. With Sam doing it I'd bet good $ it'll be done right!
;D BK ;D
Bump................................
Well come on John give us a progress report! ;)
;D BK ;D