Archive
25 Years Later I Stand by My Views
2/13/2025
The first two are still in the work so this one we’ll call Rodney’s Ramblings #3, unscripted, unfiltered, most definitely grammatically incorrect.
It came to my attention on Facebook that once again the Town of La Valle Board is looking to limit a specific recreational activity on Lake Redstone as are many lakes and I’m guessing even many states are. On a lake that I was lucky enough to grow up on and lucky enough to probably spend more hours on the water then any other kid. A lake that back in the day I was lucky enough to be part of the Lake Redstone Ski Club that made lifelong friends, many of whom still either have parent(s) that still own their place on the lake and others who have bought on the lake. Other’s who have sold and some who own homes on other lakes. We still get together occasionally and still tell the same stories and have the same laughs of the wonderful and crazy times we had growing up on Lake Redstone.
And for another topic (Rodney’s Ramblings #1 that I hope to release soon) I had read my letters that I wrote to the Town of La Valle Board and to the Lake Redstone Property Owners Board almost 25 years ago now. I’ll include them at the end and I hope you take the time to read them all.
You see back 25 years ago they wanted to limit the hours for waterskiing and personal watercrafts to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I think it was from the State law of sunrise to sunset. And even though I myself wasn’t getting up at sunrise to ski anymore I felt I had to do all I could to fight for those who where still enjoying it. To fight for the minority.
Letter’s that I think helped preserve those rights that I so cherished growing up. Back when I was growing up there was absolutely no better way than to start the day then on a slalom ski run on a glass calm lake or a barefoot run where the lake is so calm it feels like your feet are being sliced open.
And this past Labor Day when I was at a low point mentally it was some random skiers that came slalom skiing down Lake Redstone while I was out for an early morning ponton ride that reminded me why I fight the hard fights, and it inspired me to work on Rodney’s Ramblings #1. I thought 25 years ago I was fighting to protect sunrise waterskiing for future generations, turns out I fought for the generation before me.
And even though I don’t own a wakeboard boat I have tried it a few times, I have friends on the lake that own them, and I see the attraction to it, especially in my older and out of shape years. So I might be a bit biased but if you fully read my letters I don’t think so. To me it still falls far short of the exhilaration of crossing the wakes on a slalom ski at 60 mph or barefooting the length of the lake on a calm morning.
And while I do realize that they do create a huge wake and at time make it difficult for me on our old pontoon boat to take a slow easy cruise without turning into their wakes they do have just as much rights to enjoy the lake how they like as anyone else. The funny thing was back 25 years ago they were after the water skiers and personal watercraft users for being loud on the lake in the morning. Nothing was said about banning the fishing boat many of who had more horsepower then the 90 HP Johnson we spent countless hours slalom skiing and barefooting behind.
And I hope that those who do enjoy the wake boats take a proactive stance and get together and give the Town Board some options. Propose a further distance from shore that you will stay away from. Be conscious of other boats and try to stay in the center of the lake. Go slow or dump your ballast to reduce wakes when not pulling someone. Actually research the facts and prove to the Town Board what causes the major shoreline damage. I pretty sure my father would have said that the ice shifting in the spring could cause more damage in a week or two to our shoreline than the entire year of boats and wind.
Because if you are not proactive your rights will be gone in no time. You’re the minority, only you can fight and prove them wrong.
And if after reading my letters below you are still set on banning the wake boats from the lake then fight away. Not just with I want them gone because I don’t like them, get the facts to back up your feelings.
We all enjoy this lake in our own way and we all have to learn to live together and protect not only the lake but also all of the activities on the lake for everyone. Had waterskiing been banned back when I grew up I probably would have missed out on becoming friends with some of the greatest people I know.
And if you do read these letters and it changes your views please let me know. If it doesn’t please let me know also, give me your facts, change my mind that we shouldn’t give them a chance to find a solution first.
And above all enjoy the hell out of your time on Lake Redstone!
And here’s the PDF of the letters I had written to the Town of La Valle Board and Lake Redstone Property Owners against restricting the hours for water skiers on Lake Redstone back in 2000.
2019 RZR XP4 and 14′ Aluminum Tandem Axle Trailer Package
$3,000 in new parts and service in the last year and $1,00 in new parts waiting to be installed. This package is ready to hook on and go anywhere.
I’m the second owner and I have owned it since it 11/2019 when it only had 24 hours and 335 miles on it. Currently 174 hours and 2735 miles. Only selling because we are preparing to move.
Always serviced at Ride Now in Apache Junction. Not perfect but it sure cleaned up nice and almost looks new. A few scratches in the decals but nothing major.
It’s never been to the dunes and most miles are a mix of highway, forest service roads up North, Bulldog, and various other trails around Phoenix.
Never rolled, never ridden hard. We almost always had our dog along while riding.
Only 2 things I noticed cleaning it up is it will need a new passengers front seat belt which is fraying a bit and the drivers seat cover on the side is torn a bit.
Upgrades from stock:
Fuel 30” beadlock rims
Aluminum 2 piece roof
Bluetooth stereo and pod speakers
Front light bar
Toolbox
Cooler
Air pump
Spare belt
Over $3,000 in new parts and service in the last year alone.
10/2022 – Battery
3/2023- Tires QBT 30x10x15
7/2023 – Shock Therapy spring kit
7/2023 – Tier 2 service which included all fluids changed.
Over $1100 of new parts still I haven’t gotten around to installing that go with it.
$389 – XTC Self Canceling Turn Signal Kit
$299 – Samsung Tablet S6 Lite
$200 – Polaris brake pads
$75 – Wolfsnout Cool Cab Insulation Kit
$65 – Tablet Glove Box Mount
$49 – Fang Lights for Front
$35 – 2” Hitch Receiver Kit
Extremely nice tandem axle trailer I purchased new in 10/2020 to tow it behind our motor home and go camping with. It tows wonderful with the electric brakes in the mountains here and the furthest trip with the trailer was to Silverton, CO a few years back so not many mile on the trailer either.
Stealth Model: SPA0714TA2
78″x14′ inside dimensions
All Aluminum including decking
Recessed tie down anchors in 4 corners
Bifold aluminum drive on gate
Spare Tire
2-5/16” ball
7 pin wiring
Electric brakes
Large aluminum toolbox on front for extra gear storage
Dual propane tank setup for camping
Wooden box to hold extra gas cans
Tire ratchet straps for the RZR
Extra 2 sets of Erickson over the tire tie downs included if you want to go that route.
Nemisis wheel lock
Protected: 5124 E Singletree St, Apache Junction, AZ
1957 Dodge COE Custom Crewcab Cummins 2500 4×4
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SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD
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1957 Dodge D500 Custom Crewcab on a 2007 5.9 Cummins 2500 4×4 Automatic Chassis with 274,000 miles. Rebuilt trans and engine runs great but frame is damaged. You can drive it around the neighborhood and free to have someone inspect the frame and see if they think it can be repaired.
I did not do the build but purchased it from the gentleman who did. He said it was a 1957 Dodge D500 COE that he used a 1956 D150 pickup back cab so he had the curve around back window in the crewcab. It’s mounted to a 2007 Dodge 2500 4×4 5.9 Cummins Automatic with I believe 274,000 miles. Build was done as a rat rod, not for a custom show truck.
I’ve put over $9000 in parts and labor ($4850 alone for tranny work, billet torque converter, extra deep transmission pan
new Mopar transmission throttle control valve) in redoing things the right way since I bought it from the original builder of it.
But I’ll be honest that I do not have the time to swap the frame so will be paying someone else to so it if I don’t sell it.
I purchased it without having it inspected and while a couple people said the frame repair should be fine I now know that someone cut the frame in the front and spliced it back and hence things are off just a bit. I originally thought they had straightened it and put some reinforcing plates in but that doesn’t appear to be the case. It still handled great on the freeway. Rather than trying to correct the tight clearance on the sway bar and track bar I’ve decided if I keep it I’m going to pay someone to swap the frame. I was also planning this for my daily driver so not taking any chances if I keep it.
AGAIN I’M NOT AN EXPERT BUT I WOULD SAY THE FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. Hence why I’m loosing money and priced it well below what I have into it.
If you want to keep the flatbed I think you would want to use a 140.5″ shortbed mega cab 2500 or 3500 4×4 frame.
Essentially from what I can tell the entire chassis, drivetrain, wiring is all stock 2007 Dodge for the most part. Minor modifications to accept the 1957 headlights and stuff like that.
Or really make it cool and swap a 3500 Dually 4×4 diesel frame under it.
Registered in Arizona as the 1957 Dodge D500 in my name. Being a D500 it is a commercial licensed vehicle in Arizona because it’s a 2 ton truck. I was told it doesn’t matter but does cost a little more per year for registration. Same registration as any 3500 or larger series truck they told me at the title place so you don’t need a CDL or anything like that. They just want extra tax money for the roads.
VIDEO LINKS
Link to extensive video of the truck sorry I apologize in advance for my poor video skills.
https://youtu.be/LGXXmTQsEQ4
Also video of what I’m seeing on the frame damage.
https://youtu.be/g9cQE284p28
PLEASE DON”T WASTE EITHER OF OUR TIME. Don’t just ask if it’s still available you won’t get a response. The reason I’m selling it is I don’t have the time to work on it. I’m not a mechanic, I’m a hobbyist. I’ve tried to spell out everything I’ve learned in the last 2 months. Ask relative questions not already covered here or in the video Provide a phone number to call back.
THIS IS A PROJECT STILL. Running driving project but I’ll go through what I know about it below. Drive it once you swap the frame as you work on it. It gets lots of attention as it is. Super cool and unique and how often do you find a 4×4 Diesel COE Crewcab. It took me years of looking but now realizing it’s going to take me years to finish up at the rate I’m moving on it.
PRICE IS FIRM. I don’t need to sell it and don’t really want to sell it. But I’m also not finding the time to work on it. I’m loosing too much money already and anything below $20,000 I’m just going to put towards paying for the frame swap.
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEOS. I think I’ve gone over most of the bad and good in it. I’ll try to do a better one someday but it should go through what you will find if you come look at it. Again I’m trying to not waste either of our time, not just pitch the good points of it.
LIST OF NEW PARTS AND WORK I HAVE HAD DONE TO IT. OVER $9000 IN PARTS AND LABOR.
REBUILT AND UPGRADED 48RE transmission. ($4850 alone for tranny work)
Billet Torque Converter
Extra Deep Transmission Pan
New Mopar transmission throttle control valve
Engine professionally checked over.
Valve lash set
Oil Changed
Fuel Filter Changes
New intercooler hose at the turbo
Radiator Flushed and Filled
2 New Group 65 Batteries
New Front Shocks Bilstein 24-185776
New Front Shock Isolators
Used Stock Front Springs
New Front Brake Pads
New Front Brake Calipers
New Front Brake Rotors
New Front Brake Flexible Lines
New Front Left ABS Sensor
New rear ABS speed sensor
Canbus decoders for headlights (not installed yet).
New Control Arms (not installed yet)
HERE’S WHAT I KNOW IT NEEDS
So now I’ll give you some of the things that still need to be addressed first to make you realize it’s still a project. Great start and running and driving but I don’t have time to waste and I don’t want to waste yours.
1.) The frame in the drivers front has been repaired before and where I thought they just reinforced it I now know that in at least one spot it was cut to change the angle of it. It did drive straight, no death wobble, I’ve had it up just past 70 so far on the Interstate for about 50 miles. I did drive it to Good Guys the other week before I ground into the frame splice and can see it’s been fully cut in at least one spot and made the decision the frame would be swapped if I’m keeping it.
2.)The rear doors need windows and likely electric regulators since the door isn’t as wide as the front for the stock regulator . It’s flat glass so they can be custom cut by a guy in Mesa. I have test fitted some plexiglass windows in it for now.
3.)The rear doors are functional but personally I would redo them with suicide hinges and upgraded bearclaw type latches. And improve them for better sealing.
4.) No heat or A.C. yet but the compressor and condenser are there and some controls and he gave me the Vintage Air inside evaporator and fan unit for it. So it shouldn’t be hard to add.
5.) It looks like the lower ball joint nuts are cocked at times so I’m assuming it will need a set of steering knuckles also as those might be worn out. Might just be that they are not torqued properly but I assume the worst. The shop that did the springs say they are pretty sure the spindles are likely wallowed out some and recommend new or used spindles, ball joints, control arms, track bar basically redo it all and do it right.
6.) I replaced the front calipers and brakes but the rears should be done also if you keep these axles.
7.) I don’t like how he did the intercooler on an angle under it so I think it should be done similar to the 2013+ Ram’s with it vertical behind and below the bumper. I’m not a diesel guy but that’s my thinking.
8.) Intercooler piping, boots, and clamps need to be checked over. There’s a short pipe coming off the intercooler that does not have a flange on it and the clamps are just t-bolt clamps where I think they should be compression spring t-bolts. I did blow the hose off the end of that the one time I really got on it so doubled up the clamp there for now.
9.) All lights function but he said that the LED headlights go out or flicker every now and then. I read that these have a canbus system on them that does not like LED lights so I have the decoders and wiring but haven’t had time to redo it all. While it functions I would redo all the splices he put in if I was keeping it
10.) A couple times I have had the chime when you brake but hasn’t done so recently. I’m guessing it’s light related from what I have read. Maybe due to the third brake light he mounted or might be because the flatbed has all LED lights. Again that wiring should probably be redone in the cab and go from there.
11.) Second battery still needs to be mounted down. For now I have it in the drivers side toolbox but long term would probably mount it under the cab or something.
12.) I reworked the cold air intake some but personally I think it needs something better and maybe remount the radiator overflow and get the air filter closer to the front.
And then finish it to your liking or not finish it and just keep it a rat rod.
Now the good and cool parts of it since I haven’t scared you off yet.
It’s a very cool and unique truck. You definitely get lots of looks and honks in the couple times that I have driven it. You’ll definitely be the only one with one of these. I haven’t driven it far and I have only ran up to 70 mph so far but overall it drives nice as is without the ball joints and suspension fully looked over yet.
Registered in Arizona as the 1957 Dodge D500 in my name.
It’s mounted on a 2007 Dodge 2500 4×4 with the Cummins 5.9 and I believe the 274,000 miles is correct.
The 2007 Cummins starts great even when cold, new dual batteries, 2007 wiring harness is stock, turbo, chassis and so on. He used the original radiator, air conditioning condenser, and trans cooler by the looks of it. So you have a completely modern chassis with the last of the 5.9 Cummins without all the emissions which is always desirable..
REBUILT AND UPGRADED 48RE transmission. The transmission has been professionally rebuilt in Apache Junction with a new billet torque converter and a new extra deep pan added at the time since I was planning on towing with it. Also replaced the transmission throttle control valve with a new Mopar one. $4850 alone for all that work.
Engine was professionally checked over, oil changed, and valve lash set. They replaced the intercooler hose on the turbo and suggested I get a better cold air intake for it. It starts and runs great from what I can tell but it is the first diesel I have ever had.
The original builder had cut the front springs and it sat way too low. I had a shop put back in a stock set of springs and Bilstein 5100 series shocks in front to get it back to stock height.
Also completely new front brake calipers, flexible lines, rotors, and pads.
Fairly new Rancho shocks in rear installed by the previous owner.
275/70/18 Cooper Discovery AT3 tires, great tread, DOT Date code 12/21.
Runs nice, no death wobble, I’ve only driven it a bit and only about 50 miles down the interstate at 70 mph. Figure I want to get everything else cleaned up in the suspension and intercooler before pushing it much.
The 57 and 56 look pretty solid but I’m no expert. Slight rust through on the drivers side and passenger side cab floors where the wheel well hump is in the front that someone fiberglassed over. He did say it took him a long time to find a good 56 cab for the back half.
So most of the major work has been done. Yes there’s plenty to do still but it’s a perfect rat rod as it is and you can use it and enjoy it as you finish it off. That’s what attracted me to it because I could finish it the way I wanted. I just am not finding the time to do it unfortunately.
DIMENSIONS – APPROXIMATE
Overall Length 18′-8″ (224″)
Wheelbase 11′-8″ (140″)
Width at Running Boards 6′-8″ (80″)
Width at Flatbed 7′-4 (88″)
Height to top of Horn 8′-2″ (98″)
Height to top of running board 1′-7″ (19″)
Flatbed Width 7′-0 (84″)
Flatbed Length 8′-9″ (105″)
Flatbed Inside width 6′-5 (77″)
1979 Hobo Houseboat
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SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD
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SOLD – This was my brother’s boat who unfortunately passed away so I’m helping our mother sell it. These pictures are as the boat has sat for year and I unfortunately did not have time to wash it down even. I had the second Hobo on our lakes and my brother bought this from a friend of ours and at one time this was the 3rd one we had on the lakes in Fox Lake, Illinois area.
The previous owner had the transom and front deck professionally replaced in 2018 he said so structurally everything should be solid.
The previous owner had the front door custom made and is a very nice door with locking handle on it and the back door half of it slides open to walk through the back. This boat feels much more open than my hobo did with the larger back door and the larger glass in the front door.
The boat is wired for 110 and does have a 110 refrigerator in it along. The sink has a 10 gallon tank that has a 12Volt water pump and switch for it with the sink water draining back into the lake which is legal on our lakes. The cook-top is a propane cook-top that I believe was also new in 2018. It also has an accordion door for the porta-potty which is removable if you just want to use it as storage. A back dinette with a half table and the front couch/ bunk bed combination completes the interior.
The boat appears to be in good shape with some minor peeling of the paint in the corners up top and on the back where the door has been built in. The bottom white has a nice shine for not being cleaned up and the very bottom paint needs to be redone but that was a yearly job in Illinois after pressure washing each season. The top deck has an antislip coating on it. Floors appear to be solid and is painted, no carpet or covering on it.
From what I know the 1979 100 HP Evinrude engine was running well when he last used it which I think was 2 summers ago. It does have both trim and tilt on it.
The Trailer looks solid with good tires and it has the poles to help center it as well as bearing buddies on it.
Here is a link to a quick overview video I did of it on youtube. https://youtu.be/vCjdh8TsG3g
Click on the pictures below for larger versions.
Scan of one of the original Hobo brochures I had found on the web some years back.
1989 Caribbean by Hardin Marine
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SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD
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1989 21′ Caribbean by Hardin Marine open bow, 454 Mercruiser re-manufactured engine (8 hrs) , Bravo outdrive. The model from the original bill of sale is 21′ Empress Open Bow model. 1988 Competitive tandem axle trailer custom made for it. The original sales receipt lists it as a $38,000 package back in 1989.
These boats were custom made in Anaheim, CA from what I could find and the gelcoat lines are just as straight as my Eliminator was I would say. This one looks to be about 5 colors of blue. It’s a very sharp boat and a timeless look to it which is what I loved about it when I saw it for sale.
To me the boat feels bigger than 21′ and definitely has more room in the bow than the 21′ Eliminators I have seen.
Long story short I bought the boat after selling an Eliminator I was going to finish up because I decided I wanted an open bow instead. I bought it knowing it needed the floor replaced but in the end it needed an engine also so I replaced everything planning on keeping the boat for a long time. I even put in a new oil pressure sending unit while at it.
I honestly have no idea on the top speed of it as the engine still isn’t broken in. I would guess the hull is a little bit heavier and deeper than say an Eliminator Skier for that year range.
But things change and we are now camping and using the Rzr more so if this finds a good home I would be willing to sell it. I don’t need to sell it so no use low balling me.
All of the work below has been done since June 2018 and most of it the Spring of 2019. I just recently finished rebuilding the wood bases and part of the front seat and just finished installing that. I’ll try to get some more pictures and video of it the last week of July when I return from camping.
Hull and Interior
New floor professionally installed and glassed over. Stringers and transom were rock solid so I just had the floor replaced.
Rear seat base rebuilt. Marine plywood, epoxy coated, even spaced off floor with PVC strips to it should far outlast the original. Front seat bases rebuilt and epoxy coated also.
Gray and white stripped Synthetic EVA Foam flooring. This is the eBay flooring sheets I did myself, not the SeaDek that that they custom machine to your boat but it looks great.
Blue bimini top for the cockpit with storage cover
Interior is in great shape with no major rips or tearing. 1 minor cut and a few knicks out of the welting on the back seat that I can think of.
Hull does have some scratches on the bottom and a few minor spider cracks in the top. Better than probably 95% of boats this age.
Engine
Re-manufactured 454 engine long block in May 2019. As of July 31, 2020 I have exactly 8.0 hours on it. We pretty much replaced everything at that time as I was planning on keeping this long term and wanted to have a trouble free boat.
New cap, rotor, spark plugs wires, spark plugs.
Carburetor rebuilt – July 2020
New exhaust manifolds
New exhaust risers
New exhaust flappers
New water circulation pump
New thermostat
New raw water pump in 2019 and new one waiting to be installed again.
New hoses
New belts
New fuel lines
New fuel and water separator – July 2020
Dual fuel tanks with electric actuated switch
Fuel was drained and only premium used in the engine so far. Engine is stock so it doesn’t need premium but I wanted to run premium through the break in stage at least.
Outdrive
Bravo 1 Outdrive
New coupler
New u-joints
New gimbal bearing
New bellows
New shift cable boot
New trim sending units
New Halo Drive shower
New o-ring on top cap of drive.
Drive fluid changed – July 2020.
Electrical
New dual batteries – May 2018
New battery selector switch – May 2018
New bilge pump – May 2018
New bilge blower motor – May 2018
New bluetooth marine stereo
2 new Boss 6×9 speakers
4 new Boss 6.5″ LED lighted speakers
New hour meter. Original one had 65 or 67 hours I think it was but not sure if it was working or not.
Trailer
AZ title for trailer in my name
5 New tires – May 2018
4 New aluminum rims – May 2018
Trailer bearings repacked in 2018
Guide posts added to back of trailer
Roller guides added to back of trailer
Retractable Boat buckles safety straps mounted permanently on trailer
New master cylinder and shock for the trailer brakes. (Still needs to be bled)
Misc
Has an good full cover. Cover does need minor patches in front where I think the pack rats chewed on it when I left it on the ground one time.
Added support poles and vents to the cover
Stainless prop. I think right now I have a 23 pitch Mirage on it and it also comes with a 24 pitch 4 blade.
Life jackets, paddle, fire extinguisher, everything you need to take it to the lake and have a blast with it.
Performance
Please keep in mind the numbers I’m giving below are during break in and no way optimized for speed. The engine still isn’t even broken in yet so I’ve mainly been taking it easy but here are the speeds from the Speedometer app on the iPhone July 31, 2020. Below are close speeds I had and approximate RPM (have not verified tach yet but sounds correct rpm wise) with a Mirage 23 pitch prop on it. It still had lots of throttle left and I was using very little trim on all of these.
34 mph @ 3000 rpm
39 mph @ 3500 rpm
42 mph @ 4000 rpm
48 mph @ 4600 rpm (Calculated based on max recommended rpm)
Calculated Values – This are just basic guesses not taking into account using more trim on the boat or decreased slip of higher pitch prop or anything like that.
48 mph @ 4600 rpm with 23 pitch we have on it now
51 mph @ 4800 rpm with 25 pitch
56 mph @ 4600 rpm with 27 pitch
This is what it still needs
You can take the boat to the lake today and use it but I don’t have to sell my stuff so I’ll tell you everything I know wrong with it.
A good buff and polish job. It shines up VERY NICE as it is but I’ve never a had it professionally detailed so I know it can be even better.
One of the windshields is cracked. It’s glued back together the proper way so it’s structurally sound. It’s hard to notice it but I like to point out anything I know before someone comes and looks at it. I was either going to have new ones made or maybe since I don’t look though them just have a wrap put on them.
Trailer brakes still need to be bled and checked over. Master cylinder did not work when I bought the boat but I just replaced that with a new one.
It should probably have a new water pump impeller installed. I have the kit but haven’t had the time. I like to replace them yearly even though it only has a few hours on it my father said it’s always the cheapest insurance you can do on any boat is to replace it every year. It’s not running hot or anything and I just put 1.3 hours of solid running on it and temps were great.
Needs another 12 hours of break in still. Vary speeds and do not go full throttle was the suggestion. Another oil change after that.
Cover does need minor patches in front where I think the pack rats chewed on it when I left it on the ground one time.
Trailer will need some touch up painting.
I have a new backlight connector on order for one of the gauges. Most sellers would silicone it in and call it good. I tracked down the correct connectors for it I believe and ordered some up to fix it correctly for the next 30 years.
The gauges will fluctuate when you turn on the lights and such. Temp gauge will increase by 20 degrees or so. Looks to be common on boats and could be a loose ground or just the way it’s wired. Here’s some interesting points I found on it.
http://teamtalk.mastercraft.com/archive/index.php/t-38124.html
Videos
Here’s a couple quick videos showing you more what the minor things wrong with the boat so we don’t waste either of our time. Again I don’t have to sell it so I’m not going to just show you the good views and pictures of it as most sellers would. Videos taken on 7/28/2020 after just uncovering and wiping top down with rag.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7B8Sy9stxQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayn7XzhQKBc
Interior Pictures
Interior Pictures from the lake on July 31, 2020. Please forgive my wet footprints on the flooring.
Cover Pictures
Pictures showing the cover and the few holes in the front that Mr. Pack Rat decided to have a snack the time I left it off overnight.
Older Pictures
Here are the old pictures of it from 2018 when I first took it to the lake. I’ll get new pictures and a video as soon as I can get a chance to clean it up.
Time For Someone Else to Enjoy the Fiat
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SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD
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If you’ve been thinking about a Fiat 124 Spider don’t pass this one up. This is an extremely clean, rust free, solid driving car. The car does have the automatic transmission making it really comfortable to drive when stuck in traffic. It has no problem keeping up with the cars in the fast lane on the freeway and is a blast to drive even being an automatic. The mileage is believed to be 123,800 but you would never know it by looking or driving it.
We have owned it since 2014 but it’s time for someone else to enjoy it. (Too many other toys and not enough time to use them all). We have only put about 12,000 miles on it in 6 years and usually used for taking a morning cruise to the Arboretum or park to take the dog for a walk.
I just lowered the price along with having 4 new tires, 4 new shocks, both front wheel bearings, and new windshield installed this Spring. This car is ready for someone to drive it home and enjoy it as we have, hopefully just more.
New high quality canvas top (not cheap vinyl) installed in 2017.
In 2018 we had a the driveshaft and flex joints redone. And way to many other things through the years.
The car was professionally restored around 2012 in California with a Cabernet red finish, (single stage urethane, color sanded and polished) with new black leather upholstery for front seats. Even the trunk, door jams, radiator core support, underside of trunk and hood were repainted on this car. From what I know and what others have said it was a very high end paint job done on this car.
Also the car was undercoated I’m guessing when they did the rest of the work.
I believe the rims are the real extremely rare mid 70’s era Italian Campagnolo Rango Alloy Rims and could be Magnesium even. I forgot I was going to have them get the date codes off the back when they installed the new tires but a set of these rims just sold for $1455.00 on auction and another set for $1350 a year ago. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/staggered-13-campagnolo-alloy-wheels/
Automatic transmission which makes it a very rare combination! Reliable GM OPEL built TH180 transmission which makes it really easy and comfortable to drive. You’ll especially enjoy the automatic when stuck in traffic.
More new parts than I can list in the last few years. I even switch it to the 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, single plane intake manifold, and 34 ADF carb (Chinese carb) for more horsepower and removed most of the power robbing emissions. Also went with an electric fuel pump at the time. I do have the original emissions equipment, intake, carb, exhaust manifold if anyone ever wants to convert it back. Along with a bunch of other spare parts.
We have it registered as an historic vehicle and avoid recurring emission tests here in Arizona.
It does have a restored/salvage Arizona title and was a restored/salvage California titled car when we bought it. I never worried about it because of the amount of work and money someone had put into the restoration of it before we bought it. Due to the age you can not get a Carfax on it (from what I could figure out) but I was able to track down the California Emissions testing which does place it in California from 1999-2013. Again after seeing the car in person and how much work was put into it I didn’t worry about the past history of it.
Unlike most people I don’t have to sell it and don’t want to waste either of our time. So I will tell you everything about it and not hide anything I know. Which is why I mentioned the title upfront. I’m not a salesman and I talk my vehicles down to not waste anyone’s time.
The paint is probably 9 out of 10. It gets complements everywhere we take it but this is Arizona and stone chips are a way of life and hence the need for a new windshield. From 2 feet it looks like a brand new car and all it really needs is a professional polish to remove some light swirl marks that you can see in direct sun if you get a foot or so away.
The dash pad has 2 splits in it and another section that is starting to crack that you can see in the pictures. Easy repair I’m guessing with a vinyl repair kit, cover, or replacement dash.
The center console also has a few flaws in it but again it’s easy to put a replacement or a cover over it.
The car rides great and tight. That said it looks like the tie rod ends and such have been replaced but the a-arm bushings might need to be done in the upcoming years.
Link to Youtube video from April 2020
https://youtu.be/M-ytYJ3ttVE
I can also do Facetime or Skype video with any potential buyers. Pictures from April 2020 taken with my iPhone after my quick wash and wax and pointing out some of the paint chips also. Click on the pictures for a larger version.
1971 Sealander 25′ Trailerable Houseboat – 12/23/2019 Remodel Progress
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SOLD – SOLD – SOLD – SOLD
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Sorry the Sea Lander has been sold already. Another great boat the I’m going to miss.
Rare 1971 Sealander 25’ trailerable houseboat that is lake ready with tandem axle trailer. I’ve only found pictures from about 3 of these boats online. The boat is located in Apache Junction, Arizona which is just 45 minutes east of Phoenix.
Boat is running and is lake ready.
NEW VIDEO OF PROGRESS AS OF 12/23/2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxz65b9XF98
The video and pictures are as the boat is sitting on 12/23/2019. We purchased this boat after selling our 1971 Chris Craft 34′ Houseboat that I had for almost 20 years. The idea was to remodel it like we did with the Chris Craft and have one of the nicest trailerable houseboats to enjoy and not have the monthly slip rental costs.
But with another speed boat, camper, Rzr and other toys we just never get around to working on this and using it so it’s up for sale to a good home for a fair price.
The boat is priced for less than I have in it not counting any time we have spent on it. It’s running, ready for the lake, and a very cool and unique boat.
These boats are so unique and they were actually designed to be used as an RV also with the rear steps folding flat on land to easily board. It’s between a tri hull design and catamaran and it rides nice and I think we had it running about 23 mph on plane. This one has a straight 6 Mercruiser 165HP engine and Mercruiser outdrive with trim and tilt. Motor starts and runs excellent.
Some of the new items I’ve purchased and installed since we bought it in September 2016. I worked on this with plans to keep it 20 years like my last houseboat.
- Tires
- Spark Plugs
- Spark Plug Wires
- Distributor Cap
- Rotor
- Carb Rebuilt
- Steering helm
- Steering cable
- 3 automatic bilge pumps
- All new wiring. Heavy duty marine grade wiring. Over $200 in wire alone probably.
- LED side navigation lights.
- LED anchor light
- New Fuel tank mounted in hull with side fill
- Dual batteries. One still needs to be wired. Was waiting to see where I wanted to mount the battery charger first.
- Newer gauges.
- All new lighted switch panels. 3 total switch panels. Each bilge pump even has a separate manual override switch.
- Water pump impeller (probably due for another new one since it’s been sitting in the hot AZ summers)
- Installed foam teak flooring
- Built benches for the flip flop sofas. You can lift the cushions up for storage underneath
- Benches flip down to a 76″x80″ KING SIZE BED. How often do you get that in a 25′ boat.
- Back wall cut out to make it more open. Aluminum channels powder coated to frame it in and back curtain made to keep rain out.
- Bluetooth stereo and speakers.
- LED inside lights
- Front spotlights work
- New bearings on trailer.
- 4 new sets of brake backing plates, wheel cylinders, brakes shoes, hardware.
- New brake actuator
- New brake flexible lines and part of hard line is new.
The back of the boat is setup for canvas top and full canvas enclosure if you choose to have one made.
Plenty more that I probably forgot to list and most of the hard work is done.
Great part is you can use the boat as is and finish the remodeling to your liking.
For us I was probably going to be a small countertop up front that was open under it for a place for our dog. In the back I was going to build a large sundeck over the engine compartment with a flip up porta potti under it like you have on the pontoon boats.
Boat is 8′ wide and trailer is 8′-6″ so you can tow it anywhere. If I had to guess the weight I would say 4700 lbs and probably 6700 lbs total with trailer. I’m just guessing here based on the 4720 lbs of the Land N Sea from that age which was a similar boat.
2001 Coach House Wide Body 192KS Camper Van
Flo Rider has been sold to a wonderful couple in California who will love her as much or more than we did. It’s great to see a toy go to another loving family. Flo might even get to go to Burning Man next year.
Flo Rider has been a great van for us but it’s time to let someone else enjoy her. I’m really going to miss how easy it is to drive this around town.
2001 Coach House Wide Body 192KS Dodge 5.9(360) Engine with 121,000 miles. You will not find a nicer camper van in this price range. This is the perfect small camper van with all the comforts of home that anyone can drive, park in a regular parking space and even tow with. This camper van is so easy to drive I’ll even use it to run errands around town at times.
Custom Grey Diamond Glitter paint job and strips are only a few years old. Looks better than new. No boring white RV here. Everything works so this camper van is ready for you to jump in and go camping. Passed emissions on 4/2019. Coach House was and is still one of the top manufacturers of RV’s. The full fiberglass shell means you don’t have to worry about the roof going bad like other RVs.
Thermostatically controlled 13,500 BTU roof air and electric heat strip, propane furnace, propane hot water heater, 2 burner propane stove top, 3 way refrigerator, toilet and shower, 2.8 KW electric start built-in Onan generator, air shocks, King size electric bed that folds into couch, small removable table, wireless backup camera, and the list goes on and on.
5,000 lb hitch, both 4 wire and 7 wire connectors, and electric brake controller for towing.
Michelin tires have date code of 08/16.
Generator had new carburetor prior to us buying it in 2018.
Engine Battery Date: 5/18
Coach Batteries Date: 3/17 and 4/17
We purchased it 5/18 & have had the following professionally replaced in the last year:
Full tuneup, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, air filter, PCV Valve.
Front brakes new rotors, brake pads, calipers, and hardware.
Rear brakes new drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, and hardware.
New radiator, thermostat, antifreeze.
Clean Carfax report, we are the 5th owner. Previous owners registered in Arizona, Texas, and Washington.
We love this camper van and the only reason we are selling it is we are upgrading to a larger Coach House. We drove it to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and back last summer.
Buy now and you can go camping for the 4th. If the ad is up it’s still available. Ad will be pulled as soon as it’s purchased or cash deposit is down on it.
We don’t need to sell so please, no solicitations, offers to assist in selling, trades or a ridiculously low price. Price is firm.
YouTube video of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdSgF1K2VvU
1958 Lakewood Canned Ham
SOLD THIS GEM BACK IN 2018 I THINK IT WAS
After looking at a few around Phoenix, then down to Tucson, back to Phoenix, and off to Lake Havasu City we finally ended up with our first camper, a 1959 Lakewood Canned Ham. It was August of 2014 and I swear it must have been 130 in Lake Havasu city but it was late in the day so we decided to pull it home with the Murano. It was a long day to say the least but well worth it in the end. From what my memory serves me the camper was owned by the previous family for 16 or 17 years and always kept under a carport. But now with the kids in their mid 20’s the owner said he didn’t use it much.
Our original intention was to just use it. But it didn’t take long and Tammy thought it should be painted white inside to feel larger and she was right. I’m glad we did go to the extra work of replacing some of the sidewall paneling and inside roof, adding a 120V system, replacing the icebox with a 120V fridge, and things like that. She was right in that it feels much better with the white inside and overall it turned out awesome.
One of the things I really liked was how we raised up the bed so Dixie would have enough room for her dog bed underneath and always out of the way. Plus for when it was cool enough we lined it with pegboared so we could leave the outside storage hatch open and she could get some more fresh air down there.
At 15′ there really wasn’t enough room to add a toilet in and we haven’t needed one yet. My plan was if we were going to camp someplace without restrooms was to buy a popup enclosure for a porta potty to put outside. https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Camping-Toilet-Changing-Outdoor/dp/B00AZ0ZO56
There is also about 18″ or 19″ of height in the area below the bed to store one also.
The water system I added a pressurized inlet and a faucet at the sink for it. It also has the original fresh water tank and the hand pump faucet.
The greywater system uses a wheeled tank that fits under the camper once you park it. Some pictures of the tank are in the pictures below.
The 120V system uses the standard 30Amp twist lock connector and has outlets for the refrigerator as well as 2 outlets on the wall. It is connected to a WYCO converter that also charges the 12V battery.
The 12V battery runs the 2 LED lights and the Fantastic ceiling fan.
The propane system is connected to the stove and burners and also has a second backup tank that you can use to connect to a propane grill also.
The camper uses a 2″ ball and has a 7 wire hookup since it is also setup for electric trailer brakes which work.
I’ll include our Craigslist Ad with more information below the pictures and video.
Here’s some pictures of it from June 2018.
Here’s a little video I made of it also.
And here’s the Craigslist ad when we decided to sell it since I’m tearing into the 1974 28′ Silver Streak.
This is a lovingly restored and modernized 15′ long 1958 Lakewood Canned Ham Camper. It’s ready to go Glamping this weekend and is looking for a new home that will enjoy it even more than we did. The owner we had purchased it from had it for 16 or 17 years and we have now owned if for almost 4 years and did most of the remodeling in late 2014 and early 2015.
The canned hams were one of the coolest designed campers of all time. So cool that they have started making retro ones with the similar curved design. This one does have the Shasta Wings on it that the previous owner had mounted but it is a Lakewood, NOT a Shasta.
We had lots of fun remodeling it and everyone who has been in it loves how well it turned out and how spacious it feels for a 15′ camper.
It has a very comfortable bed in the back that is about 48″x78″ and the front dinette can make into a bed that is about 38″x72″. The interior height is 6′-1 to the bottom of the supports going across the width. All of the windows are functional and seal well. There are no water leaks that we know about. Lights work and it uses a 2″ hitch ball and it does have electric brakes that work.
The kitchen area has a new fridge, original sink, and the original propane stove and burners. It also comes with a removable portable air conditioner that can sit on top of the stove and vents out through the window when you need it.
There is ample amounts of storage in the closest, cabinets, as well as under the front dinette seats. It also does not have a grey water tank built in but it does have an external wheeled water tank that sits under the camper. It actually is nice because you don’t have to wait in line for the RV dump.
Also has a blue retractable awning.
It DOES NOT have a toilet.
I’m not sure on the weight of it. We have towed it with our 2006 Nissan Murano to San Diego and back.
Just a few of the things we replaced in 2014-2015 when we restored it.
1.) Replaced tires.
2.) Repacked bearings with new seals.
3.) Electric brakes functional with safety break away switch.
4.) Had Cliff’s Welding add additional tubing to stiffen up trailer tongue.
5.) Added stabilizing jacks on all 4 corners.
6.) Added a Fantastic vent with thermostat control.
7.) Added AC refrigerator to replace old icebox.
8.) Added a 12 volt battery, power converter, and 120 volt wiring with breakers.
9.) Added a 120 volt outlet with USB charging ports built in.
10.) Added 12 volt power outlet inside.
11.) Replaced all interior lighting with LED.
12.) Repainted interior a bright white which really made it feel larger and look more modern. Also painted the inside of the cabinets and closet.
13.) Recovered the dinette cushions.
14.) Built the bed up higher so we had a nice spot below for our dogs bed. She is 60 lbs and loved her little spot.
15.) Made new curtains.
16.) Added a dual propane tank holder to the front so we had 1 for our gas grill.
17.) Plumbed in a fresh water hookup to a hose. We did leave the original water tank in under the bed and do have the original hand pump faucet, I just never got around to hooking it up since we had never needed it.
18.) Replaced some of the paneling and added some Styrofoam insulation but we did not take the entire camper down to the studs since most of the paneling showed no signs of water damage.
19.) Recovered the table, counter tops, and front cabinet doors in a vintage looking boomerang laminate.
20.) For AC I found a portable unit that fits on top of the stove and vents out through the window for the times that we needed it. We didn’t want to put a rooftop unit on it and ruin the vintage looks of the canned ham.
21.) Added a stainless steel looking backsplash.
22.) We recently replaced the flooring with a checkerboard vinyl sheet flooring.
What’s left for you to do is to repaint or wrap the outside if you want to your liking.
We’re hoping she finds a good home that will have time to take her one even more adventures than we did.
The Pink Flamingo in Arizona 