davidstephchap

Evening guys... So I knew this was going to be a labor of love, certainly by the crap inspection that was done by the RV place that did my PID inspection prior to pickup (I didn't pay for it, hope nobody did). Seems the alternator is out on my Toy. I got one from Amazon today (will be delivered Thursday) and looks pretty straight forward. I'm a "pseudo" wrench, but have never done an alternator before. Anything special I should pay attention too ? It's currently at my storage area and my battery is dead. Have the battery here charging up now and plan to pick up the rig on Thursday for a nice long weekend of alternator changing. My dad is funny, he was like "just don't get pissed off and everything will be ok". He's a mechanic so I knew what he meant lol. Any insight would be great. Again, doesn't look bad at all. Distributor is in the way a bit, but can work around that. Respectfully, David

thats exactly what I was thinking as well.

i usually got to home depot and get the wrap tubing for water lines. what we used in cali for all our trucks. cheap surf protection. yeah, this may work Linda. It's only $113 with a coupon code. it looked similar to the ones you had with your motor and the other gentleman that made his kayak rack. i can stabilize the upper section of my surfboard by strapping to the ladder I think.

Found this the other night as well. I think a little doctoring up, this may work. Just add pipe covers for padding. This may work actually. Just depends on how high it goes up.

And yeah, I ride a Stewart 8' and a Kies 9'. I'm covered.

Man, all good ideas... I saw the vertical ones and were super intrigued... Much appreciated guys.

Morning guys... In anticipation of my 1990 Odyssey, I've been piecing my ideas together. Question please. What is the best way to get a surfboard up on the rig. Not seeing a whole lot on the way of roof racks. I know I could fashion something inside, but would prefer to put on the roof. Any advice would be awesome and appreciated. v/r David

I'm just glad i'm 5'4" Derek. I can do backflips without hitting ceiling

Right on Joe. Thank you much. Super stoked.

Thak you sir. Totally agree. Gonna get it wet a little bit with local camp and then plan on doing all you are talking about. I'm an ok wrench and love to tinker for sure.

You may have just become my hero Derek. thank you so much... Getting all of them to my phone now.

Thank you Derek. Just got it and worked like a champ. Much appreciated sir.

And if anyone might have the owners manual, that would be awesome. didn't see it in during the test drive but didn't look very hard either.

Thank you Derek. I can't wait to get this thing and do my personal touches. My family is so excited. Already planning outings... I'm just trying to get my loan done lol

Yes sir, just bought it. So stoked... down payment and pick up on Saturday.

Yep, that's the one. Glad the same story I got on the phone matches what was posted on FB. Much appreciated. Leaving in a few to check it out. v/r David

I will for sure check the windows for water damage, and all of the interior. The dealer was very forthcoming and talked alot about it. The dealer here specialized in weirder RV, mainly Toyota brand. He disclosed that a vent was leaking and that has been replaced, as well as the cracked windshield it had. The dealer also sent it out to there RV mechanics for a full "once over" and all was sound. No generator but that's the only difference between that and the dolphin I was looking at, although, this looks way nicer from the pix I have seen.

That's what the prices have been Anthony, and thank you for the advice. All Dolphins here are above 7k with tons of work needed. I'm gonna go check her out tomorrow and see whats what. Respectfully, David

Just luckily stumbled across a non listed 1990 Fiberglass Toyota Odyssey Americana with 91k. Has the V6 as well. Owned by a little old lady and husband who are just to old to take it out anymore. They were the original owners. I plan on taking a look at it tomorrow and the gentleman said he was going to post it for $14,500, which certainly is in my range. Thoughts? Respectfully, David

I haven't driven the 4 cyl or any Dolphin for that matter Linda. I plan on taking the one I am looking at out next week to feel it out.

Kind of a hike from where i'm at Linda. But thank you. I'm really trying to get these guys down to 10k. That is my starting point.

Hi guys... I'm David and am in the market for a Dolphin. Unfortunately, up here in Portland, OR, they hold there value like crazy, which is a good thing for a seller and a bad thing for me lol, the buyer. My girl and I stumbled across an '88 with 56k on the odometer at a small dealer out here. The inside has been completely redone, not the best job, but not the worst either. Clean we'll say. All cushions redone. New reefer. An Onan 2.6 microlite with 70 hours on it. Roof got redone already as the cab over had some water damage, as all RV's do. New batteries in engine and for shore. Engine was clean. Didn't look like it was detailed either actually. Didn't see any oil blowing at all. Underside was ok but didn't look to hard either. Outside was repainted by original owner and did find out that the original owner used this RV place for service, so they know everything about the rig. Now the bad part, the price lol. I can more than likely get out the door at $12,500, which I know is way too much, and the price is actually higher than that, but had a "feel out" convo with the dealer today. I know how long it's been on the lot as well. The others I have been looking at have been around $7k needing a ton of work. This sucker is road ready from what I can tell. I can more than likely work in an extended warranty as well. The engine looks super easy to work on as well. I'm relatively mechanical and pretty good at engines. I haven't taken it out yet for a drive, which is next, but wanted to know what all thought. I have never owned an actual RV before, and only trailers and tent camping. My goal eventually, when I retire in 15 or so years, is to do this half time. For now, this would allow me to travel to Boston to see my family and head back down to Oceanside, CA, where I lived for 18 years, and get some surf and some fun it. Guys, am I crazy to even think on this, or is it worth it? I know there will be money that I will have to sink in, and hopefully not a lot, but I dig the rig. What should I look for? What are the commons? The roof is done. Let me know if you would and thank you... I'm hoping to hear some positives here... Respectfully, David