Farmington, NM Maintenance Stop - Any Recommendations?

[technomadia]

After today's air system scare (see http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=21727.0), we are contemplating routing through Farmington, NM tomorrow to try and find a diesel shop that can take a look at a few things for us.

This is what I hope to get handled, ideally at someplace that has a lift or ramps to get under our bus:

+ We need drain valves for both of our 4106's air tanks - the NAPA Truck Parts place in Page, AZ had nothing in stock and I think replacing these is getting urgent.  As best I can tell, the rear (wet) tank doesn't even have a drain valve at the moment, just a plug in the bottom.  (The old rusted through manual release valve was just left dangling on the release line, tied up under the bus....)  And the front tank's valve is so rusty that when I pull the cable release, it sticks open, and I have to use a stick to push it shut again.

+ I'd like someone to look over our Mini-Max brakes, and adjust them as necessary. They seem to stop just fine, but they haven't had any maintenance in decades I am sure.

+ Our chassis probably hasn't been lubed in 20 years.  It could probably use some grease in various places.

Is there anything else should I try to get looked at tomorrow?

Has anyone heard of "Falcon Diesel Parts & Service" - they seem to be the most promising destination I can find searching Google.  There is also "Marvin's Truck & Equipment Repair" nearby.

Any other recommendations in the area, or along our path eastward?  (We are debating heading NE to Salida, CO next, or SE to Albqueque, NM).

We are in Monument Valley for the night tonight, with intentions to get on the road (and calling ahead) to Farmington first thing in the morning.

The goal is to handle whatever simple things we can so that we can head towards the Choo Choo Chattanooga rally safely.

Thank you all, it was great to get so many posts and calls offering help when we were on the side of the road this morning.  Bus nuts are the best!

Cheers!

  - Chris

[eagle19952]

FWIW If Durango CO is not to far out of your way I would call and sound out these folks, i am guessing by morning you will have other options posted.
best wishes, welcome to full timing
1978 EAGLE 05


http://www.vandegriftdiesel.com/

[buswarrior]

It is a good thing to have one of the bus industry garage indexes aboard.

Try adding this to your computer and cell phone:

http://www.busnut.mobi/

Cummins in Farmington is listed as bus friendly.

We busnuts that like books in our hands have a problem.

The internet is making trouble for the hard copy publications. The demand for Bus Garage Index and similar publications has dropped badly, and the sponsorship that paid for it went away.

Who has some advertising budget available?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[luvrbus]

That is a oil field town you should not have any problem finding you some help there mobile mechanics are a dime a dozen in Farmington and it is not a rocket science to fix the small problem.
Doyle Castle had a shop in Farmington I have no idea if he is still there are not but if he is he will treat you right (a Eagle owner)

good luck

[Busted Knuckle]

I knew Clifford would know someone there.

If unable to locate Doyle, there is the busnut in Albuquerque that Clifford and other busnuts know who runs a service truck.
  BK 

[technomadia]

mobile mechanics are a dime a dozen in Farmington

I would love to have a dozen mechanics look over our bus for a dime.  Hell - I'd even pay them a dime each!  *grin*

But...  Any tips on finding mobile mechanics who do bus work?  Yellow pages?

Doyle Castle had a shop in Farmington I have no idea if he is still there are not but if he is he will treat you right (a Eagle owner)

A bit of Googling didn't turn up anything - so I don't know where to look to find him.

Thanks!

   - Chris

[jbnewman]

Doyle Castle had a shop in Farmington I have no idea if he is still there are not but if he is he will treat you right (a Eagle owner)

A bit of Googling didn't turn up anything - so I don't know where to look to find him.

Superpages people search is your friend.

-jbn

[Rick59-4104]

 Check that plug on the bottom of your rear tank if it has a slot in the center that should be the drain, I inserted the end of a pony bar clamp in it and it will turn to drain if it is like my 4104.

I would not drive far without at least greasing the drive line and the u-joints, could prevent some problems down the road. The drive shaft has a grease fitting it is my understanding it is important to keep this well lubed.  Just my 2-cents worth