Places We Have Called Home In 2019
Home Is Where We Park It: Duncan/Gerber Collision & Glass, Elkhart, Indiana
August 5, 2019
Temperature 86 Degrees
Time Out for Repairs
Time to take Graybeard in for planned repairs.
We decided to let Duncan/Gerber Glass and Collision do the work we needed done. They had excellent reviews on the web. Then when we got here we met two customers who really put us at ease. The first stated that they live in Tennessee but when glass or body work or interior remodeling is necessary they come back here. The second said the same thing. He had had an older coach which they completely remodeled inside. Having sold that coach he was now back with another one for some interior upgrades.
What brought us here?
For quite some time now we’ve been noticing rust particles on the dash every time we move from one home to the next. This is a known issue with Winnebago Class A rigs. The windshield sits in four tabs on the bottom and on the top there is a steel bar that goes across the entire top to which the windshield is glued. Above this bar is a gasket which in time dries out and lets water in with the result that the steel bar begins to rust.
The normal fix is to remove the windshield, grind out the rust, treat it with a rust inhibitor, re-glue the windshield back in place, and then seal the top so water can’t get back in. But as I’ve come to find out with Graybeard in the past nothing is normal.
In order to get the windshield out would have required removing the hood, two inner panels, two side wings and the entire windshield wiper assembly. Then you can finally get to the windshield. Of course while doing this you keep your fingers crossed that nothing breaks as you remove it. Not easy with a 12 year old rig. Time for plan B.
The tech assigned to us has been doing these repairs for over 12 years so after a bit of poking and prodding and checking this and that he suggested we leave the windshield in place. He was confident that the rust was at a very early stage and not that bad. What he would do instead would be to pry the windshield out a bit from the top, insert as much rust inhibitor that he could and then he would reseal everything from left to right. Works for me.
While he was at it he checked a few other things for us. He found the top front marker lights full of water. So he drained and then resealed them. Yes, they still work. He then resealed both top front cabin windows. Finally he found the correct gutter extensions and installed them for us. Amazing how many people had tried to find the right ones and he was the only one who did. Then he turned a hose on everything for about 30 minutes. No leaks. Yipee!
Now it’s my turn. He pointed out two projects that he suggested I tackle as soon as possible. Which I will do just as soon as we get to the Escapees Park where we’ll be staying for two weeks. As he said, why should I pay him to do what he knows I can do. I like that.
Repairs done we’re here for the night. We’re level, have 50 amp and water so we’re comfortable for the night. Tomorrow we hit the road again.
Of course while Graybeard was being attended to we decided to go off sight seeing. A little teaser, we went to
An absolutely fascinating place where we spent the better part of three hours. A detailed tour will be coming up within two to three days. First I have hundreds of pictures to sort through and put in order. Stay tuned.
That was our day on The Road of Retirement. Repairs have been made. An added bonus was that our bill was only one third of what we were expecting. We had a great day of sightseeing. To finish it all off we have a decent place to call home for the night. Life is good. Thank you Lord.
Thanks for joining us again. We always appreciate your company and comments. Catch you tomorrow.
These are the voyages of Graybeard and it’s two human soul mates. Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before
See you on down the road!
"On The Road of Retirement" 
It’s so good to find a tech that looks for the best and most economical way to fix the problem. That was also great of him to suggest that you fix the items that you can handle. Looking forward to seeing pictures from the Studebaker museum.
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