1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

[InMotion]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Yup, that's what I'm counting on! I'll only be going a few times per year, all easy highway trips. Good luck in your search!

Thanks man... FYI: It towed pretty good overall --- low in the back end but pulled great and stopped just fine. The fix that had to be done was $2000!!! ouch!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Mailbus of the vintage you guys have have some chronic steering issues. Check for any recalls or TSBs and make sure they've been done.

 

[InMotion]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Mailbus of the vintage you guys have have some chronic steering issues. Check for any recalls or TSBs and make sure they've been done.

Yup... had mine done 3 times before they finally got it with an updated, updated version! Worked fine for the last 4 years though.

J.

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Good luck Jim, hope it is a good one, and don't forget the pics if it happens.
Glen

 

[InMotion]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Hmmmmm, the Admiral she likes!

She realllllly liked the new one.... might even be enough to get her out of her Mazda!!!! The Rav is properly quick. Tons of room for the kids too. Definitely would tow the tinny no problemo.

Me thinks this will be the choice... but we'll see.


Boat notes... got the screw holes filled in on the wood on the gunwales and the splash well wood. Also, got the gauge and switches put back on the dash. Man the new spar varnish job came out like glass. Looks waaaay better the round one!

Also, cleaned up all the tools and jb welded two holes in the bow.

Little things... but considering my list of things to get done before splash is down to less then one page of graph paper!!!!!

Have a great evening guys!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Congrats on a fairly likely new tow rig....

 

[barato2]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

you'll like the R4. i find i love my taco more and more as it ages; it's now at 150K, feels amazingly new still, and never a hiccup. the reason you only got 196K out of your camry was rust, si? one of my colleagues just traded his in at 300K......and it has years left in it (he uses me as his mech consultant and reality check on what the dealer tells him, so i was pretty familiar with the car.)

 

[InMotion]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

you'll like the R4. i find i love my taco more and more as it ages; it's now at 150K, feels amazingly new still, and never a hiccup. the reason you only got 196K out of your camry was rust, si? one of my colleagues just traded his in at 300K......and it has years left in it (he uses me as his mech consultant and reality check on what the dealer tells him, so i was pretty familiar with the car.)

Yup... frame rot... engine ran like a top. Interestingly... taco's up here run $40 large. But then again, an f150 can easily top $50 grand.

Gonna have the "car discussion" shortly... this may take some time!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

The only problem I can see is that Rav4s are chic cars

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

If she can tow the boat & back down the ramp, even better! A Mazda wagon can probably take some speed/zoom zoom parts

 

[InMotion]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Ok... Rav 4 is out. Couple of reasons: 1. The 2012 models only come with a sunroof in the Sport model which is the one we liked the most --- and I just don't fit. 2. I sit really high up... so after driving 4 of them (3 used and 1 new), it really felt kinda busish for me... the steering wheel and dash is really low for me and I cannot really quite get a good driving position. Always good to go back and re-drive something again and again to get the true feel --- especially something you plan on keeping a while. 3. The used ones all had a nasty transmission howl --- couldn't believe it, that's why we drove 3 of them. I like to drive used ones to get a feel for how things hold up over time.

So we looked at this:

But felt the ground clearence lacked...

Then we looked at this...

But felt the back seat room lacked (Aston Martin DB9 Convertable -- $257,000!!!)

So we are back to 2 vehicles that I fit in, can tow 2000+ lbs and we liked to drive:

The all new 2013 Mazda CX5
2012 Chevy Equinox

So... the process continues.

Good news on the boat... I pickup the Dek Master tonight. So, now I can get everything wrapped up and ready for paint!!

IM

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

The CX5 would be really nice. Have you looked at Ford Escapes? Once the few man-acceptable small SUVs IMHO.

 

[dave 524]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

The CX5 would be really nice. Have you looked at Ford Escapes? Once the few man-acceptable small SUVs IMHO.

I went with a 2006 low mileage Jeep Liberty over the Escape, real 4 wheel drive not front wheel drive/all wheel drive, solid rear axle, 5000 pound towing with package. 2 speed tranfer case is nice on questionable launch ramps.

 

[InMotion]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

The CX5 would be really nice. Have you looked at Ford Escapes? Once the few man-acceptable small SUVs IMHO.

2012's or the new soon to come out 2013's?? Lot's out there... just finding the right mix is a challange. Mrs Motion wants something that will zoot around town and not have a "higgly piggly" ride (her words!!!) and yet be able to tow... tall order really. Plus at $5 a gallon... gotta keep gas prices in mind too!

Interesting note: Tow rating of vehicles is based on people, gear and what you are dragging behind. So my Malibu is rated for 1000lbs including people, gear and trailer. Ya.... I see why I broke the car... been 2 1/2 times over the max when towing!!! Yikes!

Couple of other's we have yet to test drive:

2012 VW Tiguan 6pd Manual
2013 Ford Escape
2008-2011 GMC Acadia

Can't think of any others... the search continues.

J.

 

[lakelover]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Interesting note: Tow rating of vehicles is based on people, gear and what you are dragging behind. So my Malibu is rated for 1000lbs including people, gear and trailer. Ya.... I see why I broke the car... been 2 1/2 times over the max when towing!!! Yikes!

Couple of other's we have yet to test drive:

Yup, when you read the fine print, they don't leave you much leeway!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

From what I understand, the Acadia gets crap mileage.

 

[InMotion]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Hey Fella's... whatcha think?

 

[lakelover]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

All I can say is, Man, my mouth is watering!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Yeah, its ok, if ya like bitchin....... Nice looking wheel, looks like that wheel was destined for this helm!

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1968 Starcraft Jupiter - Rebuild

Awsome Jim, just awsome
Glen