Welding and metal work in southern AZ?

Sean · February 04, 2007, 08:31:05 PM

Well, we managed to crush our exhaust system again, and we need someone to make us a new one. We're in Tucson, and could get this done here or maybe Phoenix. Don't want to go too much further with the amount of exhaust backpressure this must be generating.

We have a 6" exhaust system, which comes down from the headers into the top (center) of a Cowl spiral muffler. The 6" diameter side discharge from the muffler exits directly to a welded-on custom duct that translates the 6" round duct into a 15" x 2" rectangular duct, which extends perhaps three feet or so to the back of the coach. The entire length is critical to move the hot exhaust past the intakes for the radiator.

There isn't room below the coach for a 6" round pipe (it would get crushed almost immediately), hence the rectangular cross-section.

Anyway, we managed to slam down onto a rock or something, flattening most of the duct and even damaging the weird transition section coming out of the Cowl. So what I need is someone who can cut off the damaged section (well, OK, I could do that part, but I'd rather not), and fabricate a new one out of heavy-gauge metal sheet. I'm not sure what gauge it is now, but I can't spread it open with a Gorilla Bar, so it's pretty heavy, maybe 1/8" or so. (I'd like the new one to be lighter gauge, so we can at least spread it back out a little the next time this happens.)

In an ideal world, this would also be someone who can take the whole darn thing off the bus (muffler and all) and put the new one back on again, but I'm willing to do that part if I have to. We sheared off the welded-on mounting bracket as well, so we'll need to have one of those made (but it will have to bolt on -- I'd rather not have to disconnect everything in order to weld directly to the coach).

So, does anyone have a reference in the greater Tucson or Phoenix areas they can pass along? (Or else, does anyone on this forum, with the required skills and equipment, in either of these areas want to make some spare change?)

Thanks!

-Sean
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com

p.s. Oh, yeah -- for the curious: we were fording a wash with about 6-8" of standing water. In order not to get the 47,000-lb bus stuck up to its axles in the wet sand at the bottom, we got a flying start and hit the wash around 15mph or so. I knew we'd bottom out on the rear skids, as we often do, and I thought the sand would be kind to them. The exhaust took more of the blow than I expected. Louise captured this on video, which I expect her to upload to our blog in the next day or two -- it was quite spectacular.

Busted Knuckle · February 05, 2007, 08:14:33 AM

Sean,
Sorry to hear about yer problemo! I am also surprised nobody else has made any suggestions! I'm go'n to be pass'n thru Tuscon in a few hrs. Are you near I-10? I know TusconTattoo is from the area and would probably more than willing to offer some suggestions if he were to know about yer problem, but he's not been on the board much as he's remodeling his house, and shop ! Maybe someone will chime in soon!
BK

Sean · February 05, 2007, 11:37:47 AM

I've probably missed you already -- I've been under the bus rebuilding a leveling valve.

We're at Beaudry RV, just off the freeway at exit 264.

-Sean

Sammy · February 05, 2007, 01:54:05 PM

Sean, here's a few places to try - don't know anything about them but they were in my bus garage index.
Hope it might help.
Sammy

Interstate Detroit Diesel
Tucson, AZ
520-574-1474

WW Williams
Tucson,AZ
1-800-624-8331

Sammy · February 05, 2007, 02:13:07 PM

Here's a few repair shops in Phoenix:

WW Williams
1-800-944-7375

Desert West Coach Service
602-340-8287

All Coach & Truck Repair
602-305-6414, 602-412-6943

All advertise they are familiar with Neoplans....
Good Luck!
Sammy

Busted Knuckle · February 05, 2007, 03:56:32 PM

Sean,
Yup sorry I missed ya! But I can vouch for Greg at Interstate Diesel, Inc exit 268 across the interstate from the Triple T truck stop! I had an axle leaking and pulled in there (after TTT said they couldn't touch it). He jumped right on it did a great job and had me ready to roll in no time! He was out of rear-end grease so I ended up back over at the TTT getting it topped off, but it was better than losing a bearing or rear-end!Call or stop in and see if he'd be able to fabricate what ya need? If not I'll bet $ he'll be able to recommend someone who'll do ya a good job! It's the same shop Sammy lists for ya!
Interstate Diesel, Inc.
7083 S. Crayxcroft Rd.
(520)574-1474
Tucson, AZ 85706
I-10 exit 268 SE corner

I'm already down here at Casa Grande, fix'n to get a bite while I wait on Phoenix traffic to die down!
BK

Sean · February 06, 2007, 10:25:14 AM

Well, I just spoke to Interstate Diesel and they said they would not work on coaches, only trucks. So they're off the list...

-Sean

Sean · February 06, 2007, 10:38:20 AM

OK, looks like we are going to All Coach and Truck Repair in Phoenix tomorrow. Thanks for all the pointers.

-Sean

belfert · February 06, 2007, 11:28:15 AM

Personally, I would not go to a Detroit dealer like Interstate Diesel unless there is a specific engine or Allison tranny problem only they can fix. (I didn't realize Interstate Diesel had branches all the way down in Arizona too.)

Coaches do take longer to work on due to access issues, but that just means more billable hours. I'm not sure why the hourly rate is also more.

Brian Elfert

Busted Knuckle · February 06, 2007, 01:41:11 PM

Quote from: belfert on February 06, 2007, 11:28:15 AM
Personally, I would not go to a Detroit dealer like Interstate Diesel unless there is a specific engine or Allison tranny problem only they can fix. (I didn't realize Interstate Diesel had branches all the way down in Arizona too.)

Coaches do take longer to work on due to access issues, but that just means more billable hours. I'm not sure why the hourly rate is also more.

Brian Elfert

Brian the shop I'm refering too is not a Detroit Dealer but a small independant shop right off the Interstate! (hence the name). Besides you should know by now I wouldn't recomend a DD unless it was a warranty or dealer specific deal!
BK

belfert · February 06, 2007, 03:02:42 PM

Quote from: Busted Knuckle on February 06, 2007, 01:41:11 PM
Quote from: belfert on February 06, 2007, 11:28:15 AM
Personally, I would not go to a Detroit dealer like Interstate Diesel unless there is a specific engine or Allison tranny problem only they can fix. (I didn't realize Interstate Diesel had branches all the way down in Arizona too.)

Coaches do take longer to work on due to access issues, but that just means more billable hours. I'm not sure why the hourly rate is also more.

Brian Elfert

Brian the shop I'm refering too is not a Detroit Dealer but a small independant shop right off the Interstate! (hence the name). Besides you should know by now I wouldn't recomend a DD unless it was a warranty or dealer specific deal!
BK

I assumed the Interstate Diesel you were talking about is the same Interstate Diesel we have here in Minnesota that is a DD dealer and had a number of branches.

Brian Elfert

John E. Smith · February 06, 2007, 08:07:22 PM

Sorry I'm late on this topic... there is a excellent welder just south of Los Reales Road. You take Craycroft south and make the bend onto Los Reales Road heading west. His shop is just before you hit Alvernon, on the left. I can't remember the name, but I had some welding done on my tractor a few years ago and he did great work and didn't charge me an arm and a leg.