I had my son Todd, who lives in Providence, RI, pick me up at the ferry and we headed North. Todd has a new car that he is really proud off, a Dodge Challenger. Here is Todd at the wheel.
After a 2+ hour trip we reach Frank's Garage.
And there was the Travco.
I was greeted by Frank's father's German Shepherd.
Another photo of the Travco along side Todd's Challanger.
Now for the bad news. Frank had my radiator re-cored. The radiator had a hole in it caused by the improper fan clutch.
The radiator, when removed, was found to be in pretty bad shape. Makes me wonder what was done to the radiator at Henry's Diesel, where I was charged $200 (line item) for radiator repair. I think all they did was paint it.
Now for the rest of the bad news, the bill :) Here is Frank getting it ready with his 2 pups who stand guard at the office.
Now for the good news or I should probably say the GREAT news!. The Travco performed flawlessly on my way home. I am happy I found Frank and his shop solved my overheating problem. They also solved my backfire problem. There was a hole in my exhaust system right before the muffler. They were able to put a patch on it and to my delight..... not one backfire.
Another trip on the ferry. On line.
Getting ready to get on the ferry.
On the ferry.
Like I said the Travco rode great. It does draw some head turning. I had a bunch of turned heads and thumbs up. I feel I could drive somewhere with little fear of breaking down. I was concerned that the overheating problem might cause other engine problems, but that seemed unfounded. Frank did a great job and if possible I will be a return client.
As far as Henry's Diesel, I feel they did a great job with most of the work they did but they failed me with the radiator and fan clutch. Due to that I can not recommend them. They are a very busy garage, were non responsive to my calls and never returned one. I realize everyone is entitled to a mistake, but there customer service is terrible. I will never return and my recommendation is if you have the chance to go there, don't!
The expense of the mechanical work done so far, my total budget for this year has been wiped out with nothing left for a restoration project. I plan on using the Travco for some weekend trips this Fall, and fingers crossed, nothing mechanical crops up.
Next year, most likely, I will tackle the suspension, rims and tires. Also in the Spring get the systems (water & propane) ready. I would also like to get the outside painted. Hopefully the following year a complete interior restoration. It really is a great vehicle and perfect for my needs.
