Re: 2000 Intrigue 36' - Ray Bensten
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104078
Hi Mary,
Yeah, Ron seems to be almost OCD in his pride of all of his gear. His home shop is amazing too. He rebuilt a best of show many time winner 55 Chevy too, he has quite a few different skill sets.
Some of the mods I recall, he said somewhere between 75-85 modifications in all: > His engine access hatch, and engine area -Added insulation under the hatch, and under bed area, to reduce engine heat -Bult a smaller access panel within the hatch, to easily get in and lube the pac brake -He cut in a chrome louvered vent grill to the rear access hatch. Looks good, and heat escapes -He built a slash guard under the fan controller, -He extended a shield along the bottom of the fan, that really reduces dust blowing up (CC too pictures of what he did, and incorporated this into future models.) -He built sheet metal splash guards around the running gear joints, to keep fresh lube/oiil from being tossed up all over the surrounding area -The OTR heater rear circulation pump (he thinks he only has one in his 36' coach(?). He added a switch to turn off the power to the pump, until he wants heat up front.
-He built a drain tube with plug, to catch any dripping slobber area. Drains it once every six months.
-He closed off the bottom of his battery compartment, as he is running AGM's.
-He beefed up his rear hitch capability, to handle carrying a bike on back > He built a custom tool box in the rear (not front driver like I had thought) basement. Just great usage of space, and avery clean looking tool box.
He built a small 5" deep slide out shelf, that has on rollers attached to the rear side of one of second basement. This spans the full side of the coach. And he carries cleaning fluids, spray cans, and other smaller gear. Just slide it all the way out, an you have access to anything.
He built a slide out drawer, that he flushed out to be even with the bottom of the rail. about 6" of useable storage in an area that many people don't utilize the space due to the bulk head.
In one of the two large bays, I think the rear one, he built two slide out trays, retaining about a 6" wide area t to slide larger items, like his ladder. He also attached to the bottom of the rail, a 3" diameter storage tube that he carries his telescoping flag pole in.
On his mirrors, he added a top chrome mirror, making this now a three head mirror > Inside were TV's. Added storage spaces. custom corrian tops added to many areas. Like he replace the oak table with corrrian and added a slide out drawer underneath. He replaced the oak tops to the side boards next to he bed. Replaced the plastic bathroom sink with a one piece corrian top with embedded sink. Added corrrian splash guards to the kitchen counter. And more. He has bench table seating, and extended the depth of the storage area for enhanced storage. He cut in an access panel with finished door, to get to the rear of the water heater. He replaced the front landing carpet, with tile. (I still can't believe his carpet is not new, but he said nope, OEM!). He built an angled deadman foot rest to the left side of brake pedal, to rest his left foot on more comfortably while driving.
Outside, he has new custom painting accent to the side, and a mural on the back of otters laying on their back. (Forget the name of the gent who did this for him. Last name begin with N. Supposed to be well known.)
I've just scratched the surface. And just to be clear to all, I really do not know Ron that well, my second meeting and conversation with him yesterday. I really respect what he had done. If I were downsizing to a 36' coach today, I would really carefully consider a single driver slide only coach - that is how nice this unit is. The miles do not bother me, as I know it has been taken care of. He took delivery at CC for this, his second CC. And I also admit, that my first look at CC's were these classic sort of cream white units. With the plexiglass front bug shields. Such a classic look. (And yeah, he made mod's to too, to reduce bugs and stuff from getting tossed up behind it.)
Just a neat guy. When i see he has this out on RVT or Craigslist, I'll attach. Ron knew many of the old CCI gang, having been to several of the rallies over the years. He knew a few of the names I mentioned from this board. Probably knew more too, but he said he remembered faces better then names:)!
Best to you, and all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Topic: 2000 Intrigue 36' - Ray Bensten (Read 1430 times)
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