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Thread: Beached Bus

  1. #41
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Clermont
    Posts
    974

    Default Repair Decision Update

    You guys have been so candid and generous with your feedback, cautions, guidance, and suggestions regarding the repair of my bus that I wanted to give you an update regarding our decision process to choose a repair facility. We've just spoken with the owner of our preferred local service center, Dave Kobos of Apalachee RV Center in Duncan, GA (61 miles from our home). We were straight up with Dave regarding the concerns expressed here about an RV service center working on a Prevost. I'm happy to report that Dave confirmed that Apalachee RV is an authorized Prevost repair facility that has dedicated factory trained Prevost collision repair specialists on staff. They are also factory authorized by AquaHot (and, in fact, corrected an AquaHot problem that surfaced just after we first bought the bus). Dave and his top Prevost guy have reviewed the pictures of the damage and described to us his preliminary plan of attack (subject to alteration upon actually assessing the damage in person, of course). The major steps described by Dave so far mirrors exactly the suggestions that many of you have voiced - right down to the welding cautions (Dave does recommend replacing, and reinforcing the floor of the bent bay). Dave did comment that having a regular RV Center tackle this restoration would be like asking a bicycle shop to work on the space shuttle, so he understood and respected the concerns of my POG brethren.

    Bottom line, we've made the decision to take the bus to Apalachee RV for a detailed inspection and repair estimate. If I hear anything in the process that shakes my current confidence level in Dave's team, I reserve the right to take the bus to another repair facility (probably Parliament Coach in Clearwater, FL).

    Am I doing the right thing? Who knows? At this time, it feels right in my gut. Apalachee has done right by us so far (including modifying some of the controls - like repositioning the emergency brake button) to accomodate my disability/lack of mobility and make the bus easier/safer for me to operate.

    If I'm making a mistake, time will tell and I'll own up to it and share my tale of woe as a caution to other poor Prevost newbies (I have very little shame left at this juncture of my life! ).

    Thanks again for sharing your collective experience and wisdom. It is much appreciated and sincerely respected.

  2. #42
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    anytown
    Posts
    8,908

    Default

    Do it and don't look back. You took the concerns expressed here to the shop you are considering and he said all the right things.

    The fact that he is a Prevost shop reinforces that.

    And he is close enough to you so you can monitor the progress and stop things if something gets out of hand.

  3. #43
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    East Texas
    Posts
    946

    Default

    Good luck on the repair Michael, I hope it goes well.

    There is not currently an award for "Oh Crap, I Picked The Wrong Repair Shop" but I think Mango & JDUB can come up with something if necessary.

    I'm jerking your chain. You will be fine.

  4. #44
    sawdust_128 Guest

    Default

    Michael:

    You have done everything to prepare yourselve to make these hard decisions and swing the odds of success your way. At his point, all I can do is wish you Good Luck and hope that the Gods of the torch, spray gun and polishing pad are all kind to you.

    Keep the faith.

  5. #45
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Clermont
    Posts
    974

    Default

    Thanks guys! I will keep POG posted on the progress and the final outcome/results. We should be driving the bus out to Apalachee tomorrow for a detailed inspection, estimate, and repair go/no go decision.

  6. #46
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Port St. Lucie, FL
    Posts
    1,745

    Default

    Don't forget to document the repairs/progress with plenty of pictures. They may be useful to you in the future.

    And posting 'em for the group here might lead to a learning experience for all of us.

    Good luck with your repairs. Sounds like you have made a good decision regarding the service facility.

    Hopefully, the most painful part will just be the time spent apart from your beloved bus

  7. #47

    Default Apalachee RV

    Michael.

    I live ten miles from this shop (Dacula) and they've done work on my previously owned 2008 Monaco Executive. I no longer own that RV and they have not done any work on my current Prevost coach. That is primarily because I've not been satisfied with their previous work. During my last visit, I watched them replace two rub rails on a Liberty Coach and based on that, I'd make the trip to Nashville.
    Richard and Audrey Barnes
    and Jessie Jane The Wonder Dog!
    1998 Liberty
    2008 Saturn VUE

    My Blood Runs Deep Orange

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