JStro23 Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 So I have wanted a dolphin for many years. My intention has been to completely overhaul the body itself so I primarily have wanted something with a sound engine/brakes/suspension etc. A friend of a friend recently made a post to sell her dolphin for $800. The body has some water damage and is cracked on top, but mechanically it is perfectly sound. Given that it was already my intention to completely overhaul the body and interior, is this a good purchase? The body work simply to get it back to basics (meaning protection from the elements) was estimated at $2000 and then I would begin my interior customization. Given the pricing I have seen online this feels like a good opportunity to finally follow my dream of having and living in a customized dolphin. I just wanted to consult thkse with more experience. I dont know if links work on this forum, but the facebook post would not let me save the images. Here is the link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 Links work but not to FB Marketplace ads. So can't look at larger photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStro23 Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 Ill see if there is some other way to get the pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 Doesn't look that bad to me. Go for it. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStro23 Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 Thank you! My phone wouldnt let me save any photo files off marketplace. Its been a dream of mine for years and this seems like the exact opportunity I have been holding out for. Was never looking for a fully modded or tricked out model, always wanted a fixer upper due to my inclination towards customizing it. So the price in addition to solid mechanics seems like a steal for my purposes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 Can't go wrong for $800. Especially if you can do the work yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStro23 Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 Well I've never done work specifically on rv's but am quite handy at repairs. I have a few friends who live in rv's and could help, in addition to the countless youtube tutorials I have watched and are available. Still in my lease at the currwnt plave for 9 more months so I have plenty of time to put in the work and get it at least livable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStro23 Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 (edited) Solar panels, inverters, compost toilet, led light conversion, and such might be further down the road. Edited February 13, 2019 by JStro23 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 Most of the coach section looks pretty sound. In bad ones you can see noticeable droop in overhead bed section and way more damage than this. Don't just start ripping it apart. Take it slow and take pictures. It's a learning process and I've seen many go too far and then loose interest. Think home remodeling. You don't tear your house down to remodel it. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStro23 Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 Absolutely. I created this account so I could ask for advice from the seasoned pros 😜 so I will most likely become a regular as I go through the process of renovations/customization. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStro23 Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 She was dangling other people's offers over me so I took the plunge and paid her through facebook. Thankfully she is an old friend of one of my closest friends or I would be worried sending a stranger 800 bucks could be a scam. Wouldn't have done it if she wasn't closely connected to one of my best friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 Congrats! Looking forward to the project and at that price, you cant go wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunkaman Posted February 15, 2019 Share Posted February 15, 2019 HI THERE, AS LINDA COMMENTED, DOES NOT LOOK, FROM PICS, REALLY ALL THAT BAD. HOPE THIS IS TRUE, AND YOU CAN SAVE ANOTHER TOYA MH TO LIVE ANOTHER DAY. BEST OF LUCK. BTW, THE PEOPLE HERE ARE A GODSEND FOR ALL YOUR FUTURE QUESTIONS, JOE FROM DOVER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdfrost64 Posted February 15, 2019 Share Posted February 15, 2019 good luck dolphins are all stick built. you are better just buying it and scrapping it out. you would make more money. you would double your money on the rear end and rims. just for the fact how the pass side window is scabbed in would turn me away from it. who knows what else is jerry rigged. but good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odyssey 4x4 Posted February 15, 2019 Share Posted February 15, 2019 I’d prepare for a FULL rebuild including walls and everything. Can’t beat the price for a project start! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStro23 Posted February 15, 2019 Author Share Posted February 15, 2019 Well I was talking to the owner who is bringing it to me on Sunday. She gave me a full run down of the damage and evidently even has detailed plans written up for the necessary fixes. The interior I will, over time, be fully customizing. For now I will be primarily interested in restoring the body itself to a sound condition. Which she had inspected and has a full run down of the problem areas. So that should assist in my initial body restorations quite well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JStro23 Posted February 15, 2019 Author Share Posted February 15, 2019 "So, the crack is right above the door frame so it's caused the door frame to bend. There is a hole in the flooring over the driver's side back tire from what i am guessing was a tire blow out from the prievious owner. The skylights are original so there's some leaking with those but im sure when you redo the roof you can reuse the casings and put them on properly. I bought a new water pump it just needs to be installed a majority of the water damage to it is above the bed on the passenger side." Quote of damage from the owner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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