This is a photo of a very happy RV traveler.
We picked up our Roadtrek from the Cobra Shop and the frame looks better than new. Mike and his crew did a marvelous job. Everything feels solid and true. I will schedule a “four-wheel alignment in the next few days just to straighten everything back to – perfect. Our new front bumper is on order from “Discount Auto Parts” and I expect it to arrive within the next week…
Yesterday, I prepped the new aluminum, custom-made, air-conditioning louver, for installation. It will provide a waterproof vent for the air-conditioner exhaust air. I didn’t like the flimsy factory original so I had one fabricated locally.
The new louver will fill the opening and be secured over a fresh bed of clear silicone caulk with 3/16″ aluminum pop-rivets…
My new LG air-conditioner needs room to breathe and this should work fine…
Since everything is already apart I decided to sand – Ospho – and paint the old bumper brackets. They were kind of rusty and I DO NOT WANT ANYMORE RUST. Before I install the new bumper I am going to clean and prep the backside of the chrome bumper and paint it with a coat of spray-on bedliner. The way Chrysler designed the huge bumper makes it subject to retaining water from road-spray. I figure “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
Self Portrait of the hard working “Queen” – Spokes-model Lucy…
As soon as “Voyageur” was parked safely in our driveway, Lucy got busy preparing the inside. She is packing all of the necessary cooking and life-support gear. Due to the incredible amount of “tucked away” storage, in this little twenty foot long RV, she is using labels made of blue painters tape to list the contents of each compartment. It will take a lot of searching to find a few of the items.
What is your favorite flat-screen TV?
We are currently shopping for a 12 volt, flat-screen, LED television and wall mount. If any of you have suggestions for suitable units please post them under “comments”. We would like one with an integrated DVD player…
We still have a weeks worth of RV chores and projects to complete but having a totally sound frame is an incredible relief…
Best wishes from Spokesman Dave
Five Spoke Wheel 
Jul 05, 2012 @ 16:25:04
Way to go, won’t be long now. Don’t forget the bug spray. Did you see the advertisement where you get the bug repellent that you wear on your belt?
Jul 06, 2012 @ 10:34:43
Good morning Sue. Actually Lucy bought us each one of the belt-worn, battery powered, repellent dispersers and they work great. The refills are relatively inexpensive, but I have to order them online. We do have a bumper crop of “mozzies” this year. Lee County mosquito planes have been flying overhead, but the mozzies are winning the war…
Jul 06, 2012 @ 09:02:25
Sounds like everything is coming together for you. Good for you with your persistence. Hope you have many happy miles in Voyageur.
Jul 06, 2012 @ 10:38:36
Good morning Jo… Yes. The Roadtrek is almost 100%. Today it is in the shop for a new passenger side exhaust manifold and a complete tune-up. New plugs, wires, cap and rotor and all of the other magic that “Brian’s Complete Automotive” can do. She should run better than new. We are anxious to get some miles under the tires and get to know Voyageur on a more personal level. It has been difficult being patient (and seeing part of our savings disappear) but in the end I know it will all be worth it… All the best to you and Fred.
Dec 14, 2012 @ 20:02:35
WOW, What a long road with your Roadtrek. I didn’t do much better buying my Rialta, but the frame is solid. No cab AC, Gen will turn over, but not run. Muffler bandaided right now. Stuck on the side of the road waitting for 4 new tires (were all old dry rot). need brakes….
Dec 15, 2012 @ 07:49:21
Good morning Carolyn.. I know your Rialta will become a wonderful rolling haven for your adventures. Lucy and I both love the Rialta’s. What we found,is that as long as “Voyageur” will travel safely from point “B” to point “A”, or vice versa, everything else just falls into place. We have no expectation of “Restoring” it to “Like New” we just want a comfortable home-away-from-home. We will leave in early January for a no destination “Wander”. We are both very excited. Best of luck with your “Rialta Renewal”…
Sep 03, 2015 @ 13:40:46
Great to see people keeping these old Roadtreks on the road. They are such wonderful machines. Where did you go to get the custom air conditioning louver? I recently removed mine and the think is very brittle and snapped when I tried to get it back in.
Sep 04, 2015 @ 09:23:15
ActuallyI found a fabricator in Bradenton. I’m sorry I don’t recall the name…