The Restoration Process
| To Clarify Here are some definitions from Mr. Webster to help you better understand our philosophy and process:
We have a small lot, so most of the Campers here are undergoing preparation for delivery. The rest are in storage off site. Most people who visit our lot to see our Campers assume they're new. That is our goal: To return the Campers to as close to new as we can. So, that being said, we feel we can define our Campers as restored, and here are a few things to consider: What We Do Pop Top Heaven is by NO means a "wash and flip" operation, and the following should be understood: These aren't just Eurovans, they're also Winnebagos, which means they have many custom parts that only came on these conversions and may not available anymore. We're not referring to major parts (most of them are still used to this day), but instead minor parts like molded plastic panels, etc. If something is broken, we replace it. If it can't be replaced, we repair it to the best of our ability. We've heard stories about people buying a Camper sight-unseen, and ending up with a Camper missing all sorts of parts, or camping equipment that doesn't function. To the best of our ability, we make sure that all the Campers we sell will work 100% when they leave the lot, from the refrigerator to the wiper blades, and all parts will be there! It's impossible for every Camper we buy to be perfect upon arrival at Pop Top Heaven, so when a Camper does require body work, we disclose this to you, and all repair records are available for viewing prior to delivery. We also make each Camper 100% mechanically sound, this includes, but is not limited to tune-up, next required service as per schedule, repair or replacement of any component that is not functioning, and the list goes on and on...to the tune of about 400 different items we inspect! By the time we finish getting one of our Campers in as "close-to-new condition" as we can, it has passed through many very capable hands. What We Do NOT Do Promise a FIRM expected completion date. If you purchase TODAY, your estimated completion date is 8/31/2017. We can estimate an expected completion date based on our past experience, but during the restoration process unexpected delays may occur due to any number of factors, including availability of parts, complexity of necessary repairs, availability of requested accessories, or the number of Campers ahead of yours in the queue. We promise we will complete your Camper as quickly as possible, and ask that you be patient. Remember...we can do it fast, or we can do it right. Expedite restoration prior to receiving payment. Most of our Campers are in some stage of the restoration process, but we must give priority to a customer who has paid for his or her Camper. Also, we sometimes must order accessories to be installed on a Camper, or perform special paint or decal application, and we can't do this until those items have been paid for. Assemble some accessories sold with Campers being shipped (cargo carrier, bike rack, etc.). We do this because some items, like those mentioned here, are too large to attach to Campers that are loaded on a transport truck. We have assembled them in the past and shipped them inside the Camper, only to have them shift during shipping, damaging the interior of the Camper. Because of this, these types of accessories will be shipped inside the Camper and inside their original packaging to avoid damage. Repair or replace aftermarket multi-CD changers or other aftermarket products. We do test these additions, but if they are not functional, or can't be tested, they are usually removed unless the customer requests they stay in the vehicle. Replace the decals. Unless the decals are in pristine condition, we remove them from the Rialta, and perform any required body work to prepare it for new custom decals we designed, or for pin striping. If no decals are present, you will need to specify if you'd like pin striping or decals at the time of purchase. About Our Prices You may see Campers we carry listed for as much or more than our prices. You may also see them listed for less than our prices. Some are private parties, some are dealers who happen to take one in on trade. Either way, when you purchase from a private party or a dealer who doesn't specialize in these Campers, you never know what you're going to get. Has it been inspected and repaired? Is the correct transmission fluid in the vehicle? Does the refrigerator work on all settings? How about engine codes, brakes, transmission, camping components, air conditioner, etc.? The bottom line is saving a few thousand dollars buying from someone else may cost you many times that savings in repairs. Here are a few reasons to buy from us:
In Other Words We make the BEFORE (left) look like the AFTER (right). Click images to enlarge. |
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A quick summary of our process. |
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Chris and Kyle handle Camper purchases using some very strict standards. We're contacted all the time by people wishing to sell their Campers, so we spend the time to research the its history, current condition, and any known mechanical or camping equipment issues. If the Camper meets or exceeds our standards, we buy it and prepare it for the restoration process. Once the Camper arrives at Pop Top Heaven via transport truck, We perform an external and internal inspection. We check for any missing, damaged, or non-functional components, and lists anything that needs to be addressed on the Camper. | ||||||
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Next, our on-site mechanic Jeff performs a thorough mechanical inspection. He's authorized to repair any and all issues he finds to make sure the Camper is 100% safe and road-ready. He also performs the next service as required by the VW™ maintenance schedule. All fluids, filters are changed, and all belts are inspected and replaced if necessary. The brake pads, rotors, shoes, drums, and tires are all also inspected and replaced if needed. | ||||||
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Next, Angel performs a complete camping equipment inspection, and replaces or repairs any broken or missing components, from cup holders to shore lines, and cabin batteries to refrigerators. If it's missing or broken, it's repaired or replaced 100%. | ||||||
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When the Camper comes back to Pop Top Heaven, Chris examines the Camper, then it's assigned to Flores Enterprises for any required paint or minor repair, and for replacement of emblems, or painting of wiper arms. We try to keep as much of the paint original. We strive to get the exterior of the Camper back to as close to new as we can. | ||||||
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Now it's time for Nick to perform the final detail. Any curtains are washed, seats are steam-cleaned, and interior components are thoroughly cleaned. They then buff, wax, and clean the entire interior and exterior. Chris performs a final inspection of the Camper to make sure everything is in its place and it's ready to hit the road. Once Chris gives the Camper his seal of approval, it receives a "safety" sticker, and it's ready for sale. | ||||||
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Mary or Rick help you complete any remaining purchase paperwork, then take you on a tour of the Camper, demonstrating how everything works, and answering any questions you have regarding the operation of the camping equipment. Finally, Mary or Rick take a picture of you with your Camper, add you to the Happy Campers page, then send you off on your first adventure. | ||||||
