Well from what little bit I've read from a year old posts I may be barking up the wrong tree with this question. But after several searches I can't find an area with the address and info of all the RV places that used to be available in Indiana and South Michigan. Used to be on the old Mak board you could ask and no matter how many times it was asked someone had updated info. So??? Whats the latest on these places? I know of 4 guys converting RTS busses here and thier duying for parts. Since I was going up that way with the coach I thought I'd do a little shopping for them. E-mail me @ gregpaciga@hotmail.com if you have new info on the 5 or 6 places that USED to be available in Indiana.
Greg Paciga (S. Ga)
How about posting them for everyone.
Bontrangers in White Pigeon Michigan is a good sourse for parts and information, they are 12 miles from Elkhart on the michigan side and I've either been able to get parts I need thru them or they know where to find them, they mainly buy factory overruns but they sure came thru for me when I had a problem with my power steering pump on my eagle. They have a lot across from their store that you can park in for a few days if needed, my power steering pump was loosing fluid and they got ahold of a guy that came over on a sunday and fixed it for me, the cost was a cup of coffee.
There are only really two true RV surplus places left in Elkhart. The others have closed or don't carry RV surpluis.
Bontrager's
RV Surplus Salvage
There is also Factory RV Surplus if I remmeber right, but I've been through Elkhart three times and they were only open one of those times. RV Surplus Salvage said Factory RV Surplus is rarely open.
Here is a couple links and a list.
http://bart.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/rvsalvage.htm
http://www.rverscorner.com/info/rvsalvage.html
This list is from Joe in Alaska.
>
Parts Sources
Jefferson Bus Parts - Ask for Norris (800) 813-9367 Oklahoma
International Bus Parts - (800) 468-5287 Florida
Nimco Bus Parts (used Differentials, drop box, Torsilastics, etc) (800)
526-8055 NJ
Universal Coach Parts - (800) 323-1238
Curved Glass - (windshields) Ask for Evelyn (800) 243-6546 Connecticut
Translite (windshields) Ask for Mike Turner (800) 934-3450
CHF Inc - Ask for Hector (800) 37EAGLE (972) 225-1960 Texas (Many new parts)
Conversion Parts Sources
(I have gathered these from the different boards and updated this list as more
information became available. Thanks to all the people tat posted this information.)
ARIZONA
Arizonia RV Salvage
Phoenix AZ. 602-272-0301
Collision repair parts for all RV exteriors
Economy Used RV Parts,
Apache Junction AZ. 800-224-2601, 520-982-2678
Salvage and surplus. Discount prices/obsolete parts.
Used/new/recondition.
CALIFORNIA
All Rite Exteriors
Hollister CA. 800-262-6541
Howell's RV Appliance Repair.
El Cajon CA. 619-441-0066
New, used and reconditioned RV appliances.
Ideal RV and Trailer Supply.
Redwood City CA. 415-365-1574
Hard to find new and used parts.
Mather Auto Wrecking.
Sacramento CA. 800-822-6110, 916-366-8211
Buy insurance wrecks. Specialize in Dodge Moterhomes.
R.V. Recyclers
Rancho Cordova CA. 916-635-9303
All used parts from 1990 and newer stock. open 7 days ship nationwide.
RVS Corp.
Morgan Hill CA. 800-821-2266
Parts available for 1973-76 FMC 2900R-- all molds, tooling, dies. Onan generators doc. back to early 70's.
Walt's RV Supply
16616 Valley Blvd.
Fontana CA. 909-823-0563
new/surplus RV parts. Specializing in Fleetwood as well as National and Cobra RV's.
Faxon Auto Literature,
Corona, CA. 800-458-2734
Repair and owners manuals
COLORADO
Cherokee RV Salvage,
Denver CO. 303-295-3433
Largest RV salvage west of the Mississippi.
FLORIDA
Brandon Auto Salvage
Balrico FL. 800-282-7462, 813-689-8131
Appliances
Dixie Trailer Supply/RV parts/Service
FT. Lauderdale FL. 305-565-9210
New and hard to find trailer and RV parts.
INDIANA
Cooper RV Salvage
Elkhart IN. 219-293-3027
all types of parts for all types of RVs.
D.T.L. Inc. Parts Unlimited,
New Middlebury IN. 800-289-0919, 219-825-5858
Reconditioned/scratch and dent appliances. RV appliance parts.
This company does not want to do business with individuals. Good prices on scratch and
dent items to dealers.
Icke's RV Surplus,
Montpelier IN. 317-728-5668
new/surplus RV parts. UPS nationwide
Midwest Salvage
Shipshewanna IN. 219-825-9822
M-F 8:30-5, S 8:30- 1:30
Not much salvage, but a lot of reasonably priced RV stuff.
Many items are from RV manufacturing, and not just standard camping store items.
Location info: It is south of the center of the town of Shipshewana. The mailing
address is based on a point outside the town so the address 1700N is actually
south of the center of town. WIRE LOOM
Factory RV Surplus.
1537 West Bristol St,
Elkhart. 574-262-3327.
Decent prices, not a large place, but very neat and orderly. Great prices on holding
tanks. Some interesting shower bases I had never seen before. Lots of accessory
items. Some appliances, roof vents, etc. Some doors.
It's very close to RV surplus salvage (www.rvsurplussalvage.com), which was not
where I expected it to be (maybe moved recently?) This place has a HUGE
selection of stuff, furniture, appliances, hardware, doors, dashboards,
accessories, window blinds, mattresses, dinette booths, lighting, pretty much
you name it. Careful with the website, though. I thought the furniture I was
looking at was all new---not so, it's a mix of new and used. Some of it was
pretty shopworn, so I would be cautious about buying it online.
Elkhart Surplus Salvage-
28301 US 33 West, Elkhart IN 46516;
(US 33 West of SR #19 Elkhart)
(219) 295-8903
9:00-5,
Have LP tanks, lights, windows and doors
plus much else. This place also has RV furniture as do others. We got the best
price here for air conditioners and furnace. They have taken down the US 33
signs in Elkhart. Coming from the west the yard is about 2 miles after the US 33
ends and about a half mile before SR19. SR19 has also moved from what is shows
on my map. US33 is also called Lincoln St. It runs along the north side of a
railroad yard and is about a half mile south of St Joseph river.
RV Salvage,
3551 Cassopolis St. (Rt.19 North),
Elkhart, IN
(219) 264-2350;
Located with American Trailer Supply; One large back room of surplus/salvage;
Within sight of Turnpike Exit.
RV Surplus and Salvage,
1312 Westwood, Elkhart, IN
(219) 264-5575;
(Westwood runs E-W between Highland Blvd N and CR 5 just north of Bristol St (SR112 and
SR19 where it runs E-W for a small section). Windows, sinks, doors, furniture, paneling, etc.
Salvage Co.
65504 US 31 South, Lakeville, IN,
219-784-8954,
About 12 mile south of South Bend just north of Lakeville
M-S 9-5:30 East side of Rt.31
State Line Salvage
51027-2 St. Rd. 13,
Middlebury, IN 46540;
(219) 825-7540.
Van Seats, Tires, VCRs, TVs, Drink Trays, Consoles and Misc. Van/RV Accessories.
Warehouse Salvage
11721 McKinley Hwy (RT20)
Osceola, IN.
219-674-9302,
Mostly van items. Small store M-F 9-5 Sat 9-1.
Truck and RV Supply Co.
1601 W. Bristol St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
219-262-1850,
1-800-298-3109
TIRES Surplus New US 131 N. of US 12 616-435-5533
Sunshine Salvage Co.
LaPaz, IN (219)784-3453
ABC Salvage Co.
South Bend, IN (219)234-8440
CCW Enterprises and Salvage
New Carlisle, IN (219)654-7907
L&M Salvage,
701 W Jefferson Blvd,
Mishawaka, IN 219-256-2606,
Jefferson is E-W about half mile south of US 20. The E/W dividing line is RT331.
Midwest Salvage,
1700N Rt. 5, Shipshewana, IN 46563
(219) 825-9822;
KANSAS
RV Specialist
Augusta KS. 316-775-3098
RV repairs. Does alot of skin jobs.
Irv Bishko Auto Lit.
Novelty OH. 800-544-3312
Owners and shop manuals primarily for Dodge Chassis MH.in the 1970's
MICHIGAN
Bontrager's Surplus Parts -
18719 E US 12, White Pigeon MI 49099;
(616) 483-7017;
New and used parts. Shipping nationwide
Just north-east of Elkhart; The biggest with the best prices. About 5
miles from Turnpike. Lots of windows, main doors, doors for storage
compartments, upholstery material, piano hinges plus much else. ASK FOR JASON -
GOOD PRICES
Cinnabar Engineering Inc.
Sandusky MI. 800-720-2227
All GMC moterhome parts and publications
Graber Industries, Inc.
Open 8-5 (Closed Sun & Mon)
19100 Fairchilds Road
Constantine MI 49042
(616) 279-5288/5289.
Obsolete and new RV parts and supplies.
Another big one. Building Materials, Lumber, Carpeting, Plumbing, Electrical
& RV Supplies & Furniture. in 8 buildings and acres of outside area some in
trailer trucks. It is south west of Centerville & north east of Constantine.
(north and east of White Pigeon, MI.) (Formerly G&G Salvage).
Weller Auto
Grand Rapids MI. 616-528-5000
Wrecked RVsgas and diesel. Drive train parts plus Manuals.
MISSOURI
Colaw RV Salvage,
Carthage, MO. 417-358-4640 (877)548-2125
Actively dismantling hundreds of damaged RVs for the purpose
of reselling used RV parts.
NORTH CAROLINA
National Recovery Service Inc.
Liberty NC. 800-903-7285, 910-622-7285
Rebuilds damaged RVs. Engines and drive train parts.
0HIO
Airstream Manuals.
Henel Davis,
PO Box 484 Sidney OH. 44536
Private individual has copies of onwers manuals and shop
manuals for models going back to mid 60's. most are $35, plus postage.
Cinnabar Engineering Inc.
Sandusky OH. 800-720-2227.
GMC motorhome parts and Publication.
Irv Bishko Auto Lit.
Novelty OH. 800-544-3312
Owners and shop manuals primarily for Dodge Chassis MH.in the 1970's
OREGON
RV Northwest
Eugene, OR
Liquidator
SOUTH CAROLINA
LaPorte's Parts Distributors.
Hartsville SC.803-332-0191
Unique inventory of new and obsolete heating, AC. and appliance parts. Wholesale only, have dealers call.
WASHINGTON
Gundie's Inc. 800-444-4344, 360-733-5036
Large number of rebuildable RVs. all types of parts for all types of RVs.
Singleton RV Salvage & Sales
Rochester WA. 360-273-9566
check them before you buy. appliance, propane tanks, axles, body parts, door, windows, jack and more. Open Thur-sunday.
Custom RV Interiors
Vancouver WA.
www.customrvinteriors.com
Again, a lot of the RV Surplus places on that list simply don't exist anymore or don't actually sell RV surplus or not to the public at least. Be sure to call before you try to find these places.
Two years ago I spent three or four days on a trip to Elkhart and couldn't find a lot of places on the list from that website. Last year, one of the RV Surplus places was closed and converted to a flea market when I stopped in Elkhart on my way back from picking up my bus.
Greg and others,
If you know of some of the salvage places that are no longer in business please help us correct the list.
I gathered up that list from the available sources maybe 10 years ago.
I personally have only been to a few of the places and none of the Elkhart ones but all the ones I visited actually existed at the time.
If the list is outdated, it is of no use to anyone. Please everyone, post changes you know about and we'll have a useable document again. I personally would never drive to one of the sites without calling first to check status, hours, etc.
List updates:
Factory RV Salvage - rarely open. Not all that big compared to Bontragers and RV Surplus/Salvage. As of spring 2006 they were supposed to be moving down the block, but had been "moving" for six months at that time.
D.T.L Parts Unlimited - No indications they sell anything surplus and won't normally sell to public.
Stateline Salvage - Drove by there numerous times and no indication they sell anything RV related. I believe I stopped and nobody was there. Looks like an old time auto service place with junk all over.
Elkhart Surplus Salvage - I believe this is the place that was converted to a flea market as of April 2006. The sign was still on a pole out front, but the building said flea market on it. I looked in the windows and it was certainly flea market junk. They were closed so I couldn't ask what happened to the RV place.
Truck and RV Supply - Exactly zero RV stuff. Mostly fancy aluminum rims for cars and trucks. They had a few seats from vans and trucks that might work for bus conversions.
I tried to find some of the other RV Surplus places listed in the Elkhart area and never found them. I don't recall the details.
RV Surplus/Salvage on Bristol St (rvsurplussalvage.com) had the best selection of stuff for a bus conversion.
When I was in Indiana all of the surplus shops were closed on the weekends.
Some said they were open on Saturday till noon but that's if they feel like it.
Before I went ,I got the verizon yellow pages for Elkhart =
http://www.directorystore.com/product/productdetail.jsp?item_number=0229370001&type=us
The copy I have is area codes 574 and 269, from 2004.
???
I can attest to Bontrangers being alive and well, I ordered some parts from them on tuesday and they arrived today. They are also open on weekends, even sunday.
Bontragers is open Sunday, but not Saturday.
Bontragers has a little of everything. They have cleaned up a lot in recent years and even expanded the main building a little bit in 2005 or 2006.
Greg,
Been a long time since I remember seeing a post from you. How's it going? How's the bus? How's the other bus (eagle)? :-) Catch us up on what's been going on in your life!
-Brian
Hey ther Brian. Not much man. Bus is doing well. I have the fiberglass wrap around dash and fiberglass fenders sitting here ready for me to tackle, When I do I'll definetly be taking pics on the project and posting them with all the other conversion steps. I'm pretty sure I stopped in here right after the super Bowl to say I took the coach to the game and posted some pics on web shots site.
http://community.webshots.com/user/greggpaciga
I still have the Eagle. It's making an ideal storage area for many items. I have two neighbors hounding me several times a month about buying it. But i'm not ready to start paying for storage just yet. LOL
This trip around I'm making special travel plans to spend a couple of days in Indianna. Not that I'm needing much more. But I was thinking of loading up the coach for the next Ralley in Arcadia and making a few bucks. If anyone needs me to look for anything in particular just e-mail me.
greggpaciga@hotmail.com
Later All