Hi All,
Been lurking for awhile but its time for an introduction and advice.
Purchased an '06 RB-50 (built by SMB West) from my wife's uncle at the end of May. I've been eyeing SMBs for a bit and when the opportunity came up, I jumped! And now the reality is setting in
. What I know about the history of the rig I can fit in a very thin folder:
> I'm the 4th owner,
> 55K on then odometer,
> The last 6 years have been in Vermont
> Lots of sitting in the past few years, the uncle-in-law drove it very little
> No service records
> I do have the original gray SMB owner's notebook
I'm learning that owning a specialty vehicle can be challenging at times:
Me: "I'm calling about my 2006 Sportsmobile"
Mechanic: "Your what?!"
Me: "Ugh" & a heavy sigh
What I've done so far:
> Replaced the original tires (cracks and all),
> Replaced the original house battery (dead, dead,dead),
> Replaced the original front shocks (PO had a set of Fox he ordered from SMB)
> Replaced front wheel bearings (had a broken stud that needed replacing and when doing that work the shop recommend doing the bearings)
> Had a vehicle inspection done by Ken Imler who put together a list of "to dos"
> Lots of searching this forum and learning
To say I'm feeling overwhelmed by the vehicle is an understatement and the $$ are just beginning to flow out. "Buyer beware" and "Be careful what you wish for" certainly apply ... no regrets (yet) but my optimism is waning.
Now for my questions:
> What do you folks recommend for tackling rust? Nothing inside the van, its all underneath and appears to be just surface rust ... I've poked and prodded and everything still seems solid but I'm concerned about the small things like fasteners and clamps.
> Lots of info about the front axle, where can I learn about the rear?
>Thoughts about engine mods/fixes? Bulletproofing, etc.
> Any words of encouragement? (Much needed right about now!)
Any and all comments/thoughts welcome ... thanks for reading and I really enjoy this forum, great info.
Thanks,
james