First, I got a call from a good friend who asked what burr got up my ass yesterday? OK, I have to admit that things I post are things on my mind most. Delivery time always adds stress to our work and it would be so nice not to have the delivery process out when it comes to a restoration. Hey, but that’s not possible so we get through it the best we can. While it’s true what they say…..we take time to do our work I’m not sure that time could be circumvented either. “It takes time to bake a cake” is true….there’s just no way to rush things….organization helps and we’re getting better on that so please, no one get their feathers ruffled…..I’m just blurting out the first things that are biting me on the butt……..it’s all normal and the beat goes on. I hope you can see thet in the pics I show youall daily….it’s important that we stay tethered to our work and our customers. OK…we good here?
The death of another part….what I mean is as our coaches age, ALL the parts age…even the pieces/parts used in the rebuilding of key parts. The key there is rebuilt or remanufactured parts. I’ve always said never use a rebuilt part….all the builder did was to clean it up squeeky clean….find the bad parts, replace them and box it. We always need more than that.
So I’ve always maintained on key components like starters, alternators, AC compressors, carbs and a few others….steering boxes to always get a “remanufactured” part. On them….again it’s cleaned up squeeky clean but then all the wear components are replaced not just the defective ones. This way you get a part that is as good as it can get to service you. Great…right?
I have been forced to give up on remanufactured “A6” dash AC remanufactured compressors. You know it’s time when compressors start failing on a higher rate. And brother, now is the time.
We have been replacing dash AC compressors before they leave the shop to “get a good one”. We have gotten good ones but replacing again 0 a compressor doubles labor and you just havta wonder how long that A6 will last! That all is just no good.
WHAT TO DO? Boy I’m glad you asked……..as we all know there are technology improvements in newer designs of components……several years ago it was passed around through the GMC community to switch to the new Chinese design rotary compressors……I looked at it and at that time the A6 was working out pretty well…I saw no reason to modify our motors in that way and decded for myself I would stay with the Ole tried and true original compressors……..today is today though and now with all the heartache doing dash AC work AND with these new designed in dash AC systems we are putting in it’s time……..say goodbye to the Ole work horse and let me introduce to you the hot rod compressor for the future
You can buy these NEW for under $200. These things are in about every new car today…you know that motor in your new car you never look at…or check….or replace a part on.
With a set of new brackets…not modified…. we can install this new compressor without rigging into your GMC and from there on out you are set for the new design better part. The guys that came up with this idea first were right………. this is the way to go both economically and reliability!
Another bonus….remember that &%^%$@#@ AC bracket hovering over your passenger side valve cover? Will that’s gone now too so servicing the valve cover is easy now
These compressors are on every part dealers shelf It’s much lighter, NEW and I mean all new. Now, NEVER buy a used or remanufactured dash AC compressor…..buy NEW. The cost of the new brackets AND a new compressor costs less than finding a new A6 clone too so it’s an all around good move.
From now on, dash AC work hear means you will get a new Senyen compressor and the proper brackets. It’s just gotta be and kudos to those that came up with the idea first….it wasn’t me.
Oh but wait there’s more…….yesterday our windshield guru made it….after a traffic accident 2 weeks ago where the steering wheel had to be removed by the fire department from his leg……..I’m happy he made it and happy to get David’s windshields in And look, windshields CAN be installed without removing the visor! If ya know what you’re doing and can work backwards
Don brings “The big guy” to help hold things and to be the designated watcher. While he was here, we had Ruby’s windshields installed too Ruby gets a new gasket…heck everything else is new! And even though Ruby, a 1973 #41 prototype the windshields slipped in perfect
We’re not having the top seam sealed yet still having a bit of roof work to do……David’s windhsields are sealed first in the gasket and then on the seam outside
So let me close by saying yes, there is stress doing this work but we tell customers to make no plans until the restored motorhome is in your hands and been through a shakedown with YOU. Remember, the shipyard builds the ship but the crew does the shakedown………. it takes time but it has to happen wether you make plans for it or not. Leaving a bad taste to a restoration just because of the time take to do the work just should not be involved in the building of these unique fun machines. There’s really no president of having a 40 year old machine do the same or better than when it was built….cept aircraft but look at their preventive maintenance schedules……….it takes what it takes…I guess that’s the message I want to say to our customers….please don’t bring time into the stress of your restoration………no one I know has the ability to do all the things we can do….not a brag just a fact. And man we sure want to do our best.
Gotta go..it’s getting on to 8am and the guys will meet to get their orders…see ya tomorrow and thanks for your support………..no trolls accepted……