Amazing progress has been made at the hands of restoration artist, “Mike”…

Mike did not want his picture taken. He finally said “Oh. Alright…” He is a very modest man, as are most truly talented men. In one of my conversations with Mike he revealed he had been around a “body” shop since he was three years old. Seems he absorbed much of what he observed. I find him very easy to talk to, but I would definitely slow his progress with many continued adoring, admiring, comments and my incessant questions. Best if I just shoot a few photos and be on my way. Mike said he may have it complete by Saturday. The work he has done so far is spot-on…

I attached this photo to show how really dangerous the condition of the frame was, when I unknowingly drove it home from Kentucky… “By the grace of God”…

Mike scarfed the new frame section in just forward of the spring-perch. I can tell you from having seen it first hand – he is an artist… This shot of the passenger side shows the amazing job he did of marrying new part to old…

Driver side is just as “pretty”. I have no doubt the new frame section is stronger than the original it replaced. I was completely at the end of my rope on this Roadtrek. I had prayed almost continually for a solution and spent hours looking for a suitable technician to save our dream vehicle. When God puts the right worker on the job, nothing can stand in the way… I am so full of gratitude and thanksgiving I have tears in my eyes while I type this. Thank you Lord and thank you Mike. The “Cobra Shop” has made it all happen…

Cobra Shop ordered the two new “headlight baffles” (white sheet-metal pieces) from Dodge and replaced them as well. There was enough rust in that area to make it unsafe. The red cross-member was part of the frame that came from Sebring, Florida. Mike actually had to drill out about two hundred factory spot welds to properly install the very important frame component. I am taking all of these photos, so that in the unlikely event we decide to sell “Voyageur”, the buyer can be assured he is buying a completely sound vehicle. I wish I would have been so lucky…

It is my personal belief that God can use any situation as an opportunity to increase our faith. I have learned to forgive. I have no animosity for the person I bought the van from. I believe I should have done a better job of researching before I purchased the vehicle. I also believe that God used this situation to teach me patience and perseverance. Through the long process, I learned not to doubt, but to remain strong in my faith. I asked God to help me glorify His name through the resolution of the problem. He chose to do so and we are forever grateful…

Just a few more days and Voyageur will be back at O.O.C. where we will make final preparation for our first trip. Destination Hartselle, Alabama, for a reunion with our daughters Charlotte and Aimee… I am very excited.

Please feel free to contact me about the repair, the Cobra Shop, or Mike – the expert that is putting everything right…

Spokesman Dave