RUNDLC
Elk Grove, California
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Joined: 12/22/2008
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I have always been this way! I can never leave anything in it's stock form! I have always changed or customized my cars to suit my desires. I am that way with my stick home, my wife leaves town, I start designing a way to change something! This has happened at least three times.
This trend is continuing with my current RV, I want to add a slideout(LONG term)side cameras, install a factory screen door (that was not offered in the 93 navigator) now I want to redesign the old looking dashboard, my thoughts are to start with the look of either an 03-06 sportscoach or a 02-03 Alpha. I prefer the sportscoach because it looks so much better to me. I know this is a lot of unneccessary work but that is just what I like doing. Lord is there any help for me??
I understand the cost and issues, the fiberglass work, re-covering etc. I only need to find the salvaged parts at a cost I can afford and the cutting begins.
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jefff929
Pacific wonderland, wet side
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Joined: 05/23/2004
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You are an addict.
Better
Off
Modified
Baby
You are also a BOMBer.
2001 Dodge 2500 QC, Diesel, Auto, 4x4 Shortbox, Stull running boards, 26.5' Sundance 5er
My Baby
Another NWBomber
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DarnJoe
Home
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Joined: 10/06/2009
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Hey man. If it make you happy! Have at it!
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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Hi,
There used to be a couple of companies that could install a slide out on a RV that did not come with one. However with the cost to upgrade to a newer model year under about $5,000, many go this way instead of putting an additional $15,000 into a older coach. With materials going above the $5,000 range, it just is not practical for a slide out installation company to stay in business.
I do think that changing coaches to one with a slide, like Alpine Coach would make sense in both resale value and reasonable cost to upgrade from a non-slide to a slide model, even if the exterior looks must change as well.
I know a guy who had a 230 HP 8.3L Cummings in a 34' class A, 1987 or 88 vintage that he bought new. He kept thinking I want the layout like this or that, more horsepower, ect. Finally another friend said "Do you really want to make the custom bus happen?" and had found a 1990 MCI for sale, with a 8V92 engine (about 550 HP) and Allison trans. It was a older coach with hardly any miles on it, and he had it converted to his specs by a company in Las Vegas. He was even able to include things he found - like air ride seats from a junk cement truck recovered to use as the drivers and co-pilot seats. No dinette in his coach (none in mine either) but Lazy Boys!
IF you keep looking around, and happen to have a $250,000 budget, you can get what you want in a motorhome. He even has a 150 gallon stainless steel water tank, and pair of 75 gallon black and grey mounted above it with a valve to drain some into the black tank if it gets to full. He could also stay months in the desert, if he buries the grey and stores the black until leaving.
Have you looked into ordering a subscription to custom bus conversion magazines? I am sure your wife would find that interesting to show up in the mail each month.
As Jay Leno's wife says "At least I know he is at work or in the garage".
Fred.
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polar76
Oklahoma
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Joined: 11/29/2009
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Go for it and post photos of progress.... 
1997 32' Country Coach Allure
2002 Jeep Wrangler
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Executive
California/Arizona/South Dakota
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Joined: 02/07/2008
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Don't go to Northwest RVin Eugene Oregon.. ...they have tons, like a whole upper level of dash and dash parts.....be sure to show us pictures as you progress.....Dennis
Dennis and Debi
Monaco Executive M-45PBQ Quad Slide
525HP Cummins ISM 6 Spd Allison
Chevy HHR W/ ReadyBrute
Full Timing and Living the Dream 
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kjburns
Prescott, AZ
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Joined: 07/13/2008
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Seek professional help immediately!!! The withdrawals will be painful, but you'll feel better later...or not 
2011 Winnebago Tour 42QD
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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Learn to tinker less and travel/camp more.
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rgatijnet1
Florida
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Joined: 06/22/2009
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You need to check into the Henry Ford clinic for treatment.
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ctpres
SAN BERNARD RIVER VALLEY, Needville , TX
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Joined: 06/05/2009
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Maybe we could start a club. As an old techie I promised myself that retirement home would be simple and low tech. But that promise did not extend to our RV. Have over 75 modifications to our rig so far. Since we started with a new model, I don't (yet) spend time thinking about big stuff like slides or rebuilding dash. For me it is a great retirement activity that keeps my bain and hands busy. Just about anything can be improved. My current big project is a modest fire fighting addon to the plumbing system. No plans to put out forest fires, but maybe an occasional smoking clump of roadside grass. Enjoy you improvements and don't stop looking for new ones.
Foreman Chuck USNR, USAF & USCGA
and
Headhoncho Suzie
BAR-BOB Ranch, San Barnard River Valley, Texas
2010 Damon Daybreak Classic 32'
1990 Jeep Wrangler
2011 Sea Eagle 385 Fast Track inflatable kayak
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