ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[CGarage]

Basically just an alternator and starter motor rebuild shop, but they also stocked and sold individual parts/components, such as diode rectifiers/bridges, bearings, brushes and bendix's. Anything related to charging and/or starting systems.

Any way you can find out where the staff left off to after the business closure ? I am sure they too, would like to have you around as a point of contact to talk to!!

 

[zmotorsports]

Any way you can find out where the staff left off to after the business closure ? I am sure they too, would like to have you around as a point of contact to talk to!!

There wasn't a "staff" per se. It was two brothers who owned it and after the first one passed away about 10 or 12 years ago, they moved to a much smaller building, and the remaining brother kept it running while trying to bring his kids and his brother's kids into the picture. None wanted it from my understanding and then when the remaining brother got sick, I heard much of the inventory was sold off and the the last of it along with the building once he passed away. At least that's the way I heard it from my cousin who was quite close the two brothers. I knew them and had a good rapport with them during their business years, but not as good of a relationship as my cousin who went back more than 6 decades with them. One of my mechanics was also a distant relative so I got quite a bit of the family drama from him, which wasn't good. Unfortunately, he isn't still with us either.

 

[Jgaz]

Those shops are/were a treasure for sure.

When I was in high school, around 1973, I worked a couple evenings a week in a local shop like that.
I mostly rebuilt GM alternators and starters. Not sure why mostly GM other than maybe the owner didn’t want to try a teach a “kid” too much figuring I wouldn’t last.

That experience came in very handy when I went to work at a Chevy/Olds dealer in 1976.

Back then we were required to repair the alternator, not just install a rebuilt, when the vehicle was under warranty.
Diode failure was a real issue on the 63 amp series alternators with the internal voltage regulators. Maybe due to poor cooling?

Even harder to find was a shop that would sell me the parts to repair the electro mechanical cruise control transducers. Usually these were a simple repair but getting the parts was difficult.
I could save the customer a few bucks and make myself a bit more labor than a simple R+R of a rebuilt unit.

 

[CGarage]

I had an American friend of mine who lived well into his 80s and passed a few years ago.

He was born in rural Ohio and grew up in unfortunate circumstances during the great depression. I remember him telling me the expression “dirt poor”, that he never wanted to live like that (his parents), and the promise to his soon to be wife- simply, that “she would never go hungry”.

He joined the US Army and was taught electronics, as part of a new, guided missile program at the time. When he left the Army, he moved to Chicago and began turning wrenches for Ford, Chrysler, and Pontiac dealerships. By the early 70s, he was earning $100K US / year due to his ability to complete jobs much faster than the book rate, and an agreement with the dealership owner that they would feed him work as fast as he was able to turn it out, without caps. He became the “go to” trouble shooter for the big Auto OEMs who would send troubled cars to his dealership to diagnose and repair. Knowledge of this spread and the dealership won additional customers due to his technical skills and ability to support the product. He would tape his pay check to the outside of his 50s-era red Mac toolbox to show all of his coworkers how he was doing. He would try and teach the other mechanics a better way of doing the job, including rebuilding generators (he never called them alternators), starters, etc. Most of his colleagues never wanted to learn- to their financial and educational detriment.

The profits from wrenching he rolled over into an air conditioning business, where he bought scrap components from Grainger’s Chicago HQs and turned this into home brew air conditioning / heat systems which he installed into Chicago homes. He then moved south, and established an air conditioning company that serviced commercial and residential customers. This was a multi million dollar operation at the time of sale in the early 1990s and he retired a multi-millionaire. Never a college degree.

Interesting times we live in today, where there is a lack of interest in rebuilding and diagnosing, and the increasingly disposable nature of products.

 

[signcrafter]

Can you describe the auto electric shop. Curious to learn about this and the specialization.

Like Mike said it's just a shop that specializes in stuff like starters and alternators, mostly rebuilding ones you brought into them.

Most of these shops are going away for a few reasons in my opinion. Everything from vehicle changes to how many different types of alts/starters there are, to labor and parts costs. Just like appliance repair. It's cheaper to buy a new part then it is to have one fixed. It's a lot quicker and cheaper to have a worker in a factory rebuilding 1000 or 10,000 of the same alternator or starter at a time and they get a better price on parts vs having a shop do one at a time of all different makes/models. Shops don't want cars taking up shop space sitting waiting for one to get rebuilt either. Just my opinion.

 

[ntsqd]

I still have a starter/generator/alternator shop locally. It passed to the son about 4 years ago. They do a lot of Ag work for the local citrus and strawberry farmers, and marine work with the commercial fishermen. Although the latter isn't what it used to be.

Grandad's backyard neighbor was a maintenance foreman for a big construction/earth moving firm. He'd pull the part needing to be rebuilt just before going home, grandad would rebuild it that night, and he'd have it back on the machine by the start of the next day. I have grandad's armature growler, although I'm only minimally trained on how to use it. And his brass jawed "drill" chuck for the lathe, used for supporting armature shafts w/o a center drilled divot when turning their commutators.

 

[zmotorsports]

Like Mike said it's just a shop that specializes in stuff like starters and alternators, mostly rebuilding ones you brought into them.

Most of these shops are going away for a few reasons in my opinion. Everything from vehicle changes to how many different types of alts/starters there are, to labor and parts costs. Just like appliance repair. It's cheaper to buy a new part then it is to have one fixed. It's a lot quicker and cheaper to have a worker in a factory rebuilding 1000 or 10,000 of the same alternator or starter at a time and they get a better price on parts vs having a shop do one at a time of all different makes/models. Shops don't want cars taking up shop space sitting waiting for one to get rebuilt either. Just my opinion.

While I agree on everything you stated Scott, I think another important factor can be considered and that is overall lack of knowledge of diagnosis, which is why so many shops launch the parts cannon at vehicles these days. Many mechanics don't understand "HOW" an alternator works so how would they know what component inside the alternator to replace. They can troubleshoot it down to the major component, then just swap out the entire unit and be done with it. By swapping out the entire component, yes, it is less time but also, they can throw an entire component on and not have to worry about whether they made the wrong call on the exact issue with it.

When I peddled parts at auto parts stores in the 80's, we stocked individual bearings, brushes, diode rectifiers and even bendix for a wide range of models, but those days are gone. Plus, there are so many variations like you mentioned. Back then a 65amp GM or Ford alternator fit a pretty broad range of the manufacturer's models, but these days that is far from the case.

 

[signcrafter]

While I agree on everything you stated Scott, I think another important factor can be considered and that is overall lack of knowledge of diagnosis, which is why so many shops launch the parts cannon at vehicles these days. Many mechanics don't understand "HOW" an alternator works so how would they know what component inside the alternator to replace. They can troubleshoot it down to the major component, then just swap out the entire unit and be done with it. By swapping out the entire component, yes, it is less time but also, they can throw an entire component on and not have to worry about whether they made the wrong call on the exact issue with it.

When I peddled parts at auto parts stores in the 80's, we stocked individual bearings, brushes, diode rectifiers and even bendix for a wide range of models, but those days are gone. Plus, there are so many variations like you mentioned. Back then a 65amp GM or Ford alternator fit a pretty broad range of the manufacturer's models, but these days that is far from the case.

I agree Mike. I don't fully know all the magic inside an alternator. Mainly because I when I got into cars rebuilds were the norm. I have dug into them a little more in the past few years when I run into something. There was one last year that was interesting but to be honest I don't remember what vehicle or the exact issue. And now most are controlled by the computer and you have to know the charging theory of each one when testing. I had a few conversations with 2ndgearrubber about charging system diagnostics before he vanished.

 

[zmotorsports]

I agree Mike. I don't fully know all the magic inside an alternator. Mainly because I when I got into cars rebuilds were the norm. I have dug into them a little more in the past few years when I run into something. There was one last year that was interesting but to be honest I don't remember what vehicle or the exact issue. And now most are controlled by the computer and you have to know the charging theory of each one when testing. I had a few conversations with 2ndgearrubber about charging system diagnostics before he vanished.

You are correct that most charging systems are controlled by the ECM, or in Chrysler's the TIPM, but back in the day, the voltage regulator which was either internal or external controlled those duties and they were also replaceable as a component.

Yeah, I wondered what happened to him. I enjoyed his comments and always seemed to learn something from them.

 

[MrPink]

You are correct that most charging systems are controlled by the ECM, or in Chrysler's the TIPM, but back in the day, the voltage regulator which was either internal or external controlled those duties and they were also replaceable as a component.

Yeah, I wondered what happened to him. I enjoyed his comments and always seemed to learn something from them.

Or We(Stellantis), now have the MGU(Hybrid Alternator/Generator) in the e-torque vehicles and they are outrageous, $2400 and they are on a multi thousand part backorder now.

 

[ntsqd]

The impression that I have of late models that have PCM control over the alternator is that the alt is there more to provide a stable, set voltage for all of the sensors than to actually recharge the battery. It's almost like recharging is now the red-headed step-child reason for the alternator's very existence and if it isn't putting out a voltage that the battery likes, well that's too danged bad.

Our CTD's alternator has it's regulator in the PCM, which with a 6BT is really just a trans controller. That regulator function is somewhat notorious for failing. I carry a new MOPAR alternator regulator & pig-tail with us just in case. I really should make up the whole conversion wiring loom so that it's plug and drive as my luck would be that it fails in the middle of a torrential downpour 78.9 miles from the nearest overpass.

I asked smart people almost 35 years ago why we couldn't have what is now known (?) as an ISG (Integrated Starter-Generator), and with those why couldn't we eliminate idling at a stop light? There were many tech hurdles then that needed to be overcome. And now that I've seen no idling at a light I very badly DO NOT want it!

 

[signcrafter]

You are correct that most charging systems are controlled by the ECM, or in Chrysler's the TIPM, but back in the day, the voltage regulator which was either internal or external controlled those duties and they were also replaceable as a component.

Yeah, I wondered what happened to him. I enjoyed his comments and always seemed to learn something from them.

He was very knowledgeable on lots of car stuff. We sent many PMs back and forth over the years and he helped me learn a lot. Along with other members here like yourself. I kind of got the impression he was getting burned out with his job, not sure if it was just how the shop was ran because he mentioned many times about that, or if it was the work itself also. I know he had asked me some questions about getting into the construction trades. His disappearance was surprising but hopefully he is doing well.

 

[zmotorsports]

He was very knowledgeable on lots of car stuff. We sent many PMs back and forth over the years and he helped me learn a lot. Along with other members here like yourself. I kind of got the impression he was getting burned out with his job, not sure if it was just how the shop was ran because he mentioned many times about that, or if it was the work itself also. I know he had asked me some questions about getting into the construction trades. His disappearance was surprising but hopefully he is doing well.

I hope he is doing well also. Sad to see him not posting or present any longer here as he was a valuable asset to the group.

 

[zmotorsports]

I arrived home yesterday afternoon with the first task being to clean and put tools away after the late night working on the wife's car the night before. I found that my care package from Banks arrived also.


After cleaning and putting tools away, I grabbed a soft towel and used some Mineral Spirits to give a light wipe of the trim pieces that I had stained a couple of nights ago to remove any residual oil based stain from the surface. Then while they dried I got the ladder out, before the wife arrived home, and played musical banners and moved a couple around. My new larger Banks banner went where the ARP banner was and the ARP went under the Camaro banner. My smaller Banks banner will go to my son for his home garage.







With my nerves calmed down about being on the ladder and more importantly, my fear of the wife catching me on said ladder, I decided to get a coat of clear on the trim for the coach bathroom before closing up the shop for the night.







Thanks for looking.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Mike, you’re socket trick for the bushings works great Years ago I also used that same trick with bearings. A very large portion of my business is bearing replacement in bikes and more importantly their ebike motors. With alternators one of the first thing to go is the bearings and that eventually leads down the road to issues with the windings etc. given the economics I wouldn’t suggest replacing the bearings in alternator these days tho. I think people forget an alternator is pretty much just an electric motor ran in reverse.

However for bearings and bushings I have a very large assortment of specialty drifts and corresponding cups. They work just like your socket trick, but using the correct drifts/ cups / receivers / guides ensures you are always pushing the bearing / bushing in square and full depth. Plus most sockets are chamfered so in these press situations they can slip and in the case of bearings damage the bearing by pressing on the seal area. I deal a lot with carbon fiber bikes so making sure the bearings / bushings go in square is especially important in that situation

I typically prefer to use my arbor press for this but these mini presses use thrust bearings and Acme threads and will fit most tight places. Enduro makes the best setup, and the nice thing about their kit is you can use the press in reverse with a blind puller instead of having to use a slide hammer. I always prefer to press then use impact anytime it comes to bearings or bushings. I do have a set of specialty bearing lunches but those are for emergency situations only.

For larger bearings I have made my own drifts in the past and also like to keep a set of old outer races to use too, especially if it’s a less common size.

Park Tool also has a decent set of smaller ones and is more reasonably priced than the full enduro kit. Their separators enduro press is designed to also be used without the handles in tight fit areas with a 15mm wrench.



KUKKO also makes by far the best bearing tools for any of the larger size bearings.

Their separators are by far the best there is and the single screw action makes them way faster to use plus they are designed that you can use them with their kit to pull a bearing off a shaft if you can’t use a arbor press. I believe Matco used to carry them not used if they still do
My older seperators were not very flush so I machined them on the mill to be. Made a big difference. It gives them better access for tighter tolerance fits and helps make sure it’s square to the shaft.

I need to order Kukkos larger drift set but it’s $$$ especially given the import tariffs, but it would cover 95% of vehicle and industrial sized bearings.

 

[zmotorsports]

Thank you for the information Grant.

Coming from the industrial field, I was fortunate to learn a long time about using cups and receivers to install and/or remove bearings to avoid damage. In a very short timeframe, it became a pet peeve of mine when I saw someone using a hammer to install bearings and worse, to see someone driving a bearing on using the wrong race, ie. inner race when the interference is on the OD and vice versa.

I learned the importance and benefits of a press and is probably the reason I purchased a hydraulic press as one of my first pieces of large shop equipment when I began my journey. You have some very nice bearing tools. Thank you for showing them.

 

[ntsqd]

Is that head-set bearing press, or what looks like one anyway, also a KUKKO made tool?

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Is that head-set bearing press, or what looks like one anyway, also a KUKKO made tool?

What image ? the one with the golds parts? That’s the Enduro parts to use their press as a blind bearing puller. The enduro headset press isn’t as burly as my park one, but they have way more drifts to make sure they go into the frame square than park does. Infant t park’s headset press isn’t extremely outdated at this point due to the lack of drifts for various headset specs.

 

[ntsqd]

This tool:



Looks like a head-set bearing press to me. I like that they appear to be Acme threads instead of SAE/Metric V threads.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

This tool:



Looks like a head-set bearing press to me. I like that they appear to be Acme threads instead of SAE/Metric V threads.

That’s the standard enduro bearing press with their adapter to use with a blind bearing puller to pull blind bearings out instead of using a slide hammer. Their head set tool is very similar, but red handles a much larger Acme thread (technically trapezoidal as its metric). The other yellow pieces are the various cups and drifts for bottom brackets / hubs.

I own their presses, plus the Abbey and the Park tool. The Enduro is hands down the best and is one of the few tools that’s better than what Abbey makes.

 

[rharman]

I hope he is doing well also. Sad to see him not posting or present any longer here as he was a valuable asset to the group.

re: @2ndGearRubber - It appears he was last seen online Feb 17, 2026 but hasn't posted anything since August last year.

 

[rharman]

< snip >

I see so many people reach for a hammer as the first remedy for these bushings, but I don't like beating on them as the ears they are pressed into are usually the first thing to break off. Here's a little trick that I have used a lot and works great. Take a shallow socket that barely fits over the OD of the bushing and a bolt long enough to reach through the socket and the bushing.


Then back it up with a nut and tighten slightly, which will press the bushing outward very easily and without damaging the bracket or the bushing.


< /snip >

< snip >




< /snip >

That concept works for so many things. I've made a tool similar to that when I needed to pull a shower valve cartridge that was stuck. The guts came out but the shell was stuck in the valve body.

The first time I did it, I had a plumber out to do some other work and asked him to swap the cartridge while he was here. When the issue came up, he was a bit taken aback. I looked at it and came up with the bolt/socket/puller idea. Tapped the (stuck) cartridge shell with a 1/2-13, put a bolt through a socket into the shell with a nut on the outside, and pulled that thing right out. A number of years later, I needed to replace the cartridge again (which I did myself) and had the same issue. But... I had my puller idea ready to go.

 

[Xti04]

Mike , the socket trick has been a go to for me for years. Having replaced many of those Honda v6 alternators, that trick was a go to for me.

 

[zmotorsports]

Thanks guys, yeah, that socket trick or anything hollow to receive is nothing new but works well on so many things I just thought it would be worth showing for those who may not have used it before. There's a first for everything and I remember the first time I was shown it and used it I thought how simple yet effective it was.

 

[zmotorsports]

Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend with family and loved ones. It was really a nice weekend to reflect on our Savior, His sacrifice for my sins and the plan of hope and Salvation that awaits us all. The wife and I were fortunate to have been able to spend so much quality time with our son and his family and for that I too am so grateful.

I was hoping to mow my lawns Friday night after arriving home from work, but they were still quite damp and "squishy" from the previous 3 days of rain, so I figured I'd put the last of the bathroom together in the coach and finish that project up.

Earlier in the week between coats of clear on the trim pieces, I rebuilt the main body of the toilet. This just consisted of removing the old seals from around the flushing mechanism and replacing them with new Dometic OEM seals and gaskets.


Completed and ready to install.


Another night I installed the trim pieces into the bathroom.




Then Friday night I decided to finish it off before the wife arrived home from work so I could surprise her. The base is mounted using a new flange gasket between the flange and base.


Then I finessed the porcelain toilet into place while trying to set it straight down onto the new gasket between the ball valve and the porcelain bowl. Once it was centered on the base I reconnected all of the electrical connectors and tested it before putting the cover on and calling this job done.






Overall, I am pleased with the way it turned out and the wife really likes it.

Thank you for looking.

 

[larry4406]

Ta Da! A royal flush!

Nice work!

 

[zmotorsports]

Saturday morning I went to breakfast with my son and grandson, and then returned home to find the lawns still not quite as dry as I would like so I pulled the Jeep into the shop for a few minutes to install the new K&N air filter than arrived a few weeks back.

I found that I don't care for the two piece K&N filters that have the chrome base and conical end on them. They don't hold up well to underhood heat and the rubber between the chrome and the filter keeps pulling away. I swapped back to my Volant about a month ago, but ended up purchasing a couple new K&N's that are the one piece similar to the Volant, but at a much nicer price point.

Upon fitting the new filter, I also noted that if I trimmed about 3/4" off the end I could tuck the filter up closer and clock the intake tube just enough to allow the filter to sit a bit lower than the TIPM. This fits much nicer and will allow me to slip the Outerwear/sock onto the filter much easier when needed.


And it sits at least an inch lower than the TIPM now.


After finishing up the air filter, the lawn had dried just enough to allow me to trim, edge and mow the lawn so it was ready for the Easter Bunny to hide his eggs for our grandson as they were coming over for brunch on Sunday.


I was able to sit on the deck for a little bit with my morning coffee on Sunday after hiding some eggs and just overlook the yard and what a beautiful morning it was. The several days of rain really greened up the lawn, at least for the time being.




I am really pleased with how the little bit of extra curbing and rock around the house and shop transformed the back yard.



My wife made an amazing brunch and after eating my grandson and I went for a walk to find out where the bunny left the eggs. He was in his element hunting for Easter eggs. After gathering his eggs, he wanted to go sit in the motorhome. Not quite sure what his fascination is with our coach but he always wants to go sit in "Papas motorhome" when he comes over. My wife made the comment to him one day that we would have to take it for a drive one day and he asked about "eating a sandwich" in the coach and my wife agreed. Now that is all he wants to do.

He told me to sit in the driver's seat and "drive us to the mountains" and then he grabbed the road atlas from beside the co-pilot's seat.


I asked him where we were going and he opened the atlas and pointed to a place and said "up in the mountains, right there". So, I guess we'll be taking the coach for a drive shortly....




Thanks for looking.

 

[HEEP]

This is a precious time for Papa and Grandson. Can't wait till mine is ready to spend all his time with Papa. Thank you for the pictures of the yard. Coming along nicely. Mine is just starting to turn green from the winter dormancy. Glad you and your family had a happy Easter.

Bill

 

[zmotorsports]

This is a precious time for Papa and Grandson. Can't wait till mine is ready to spend all his time with Papa. Thank you for the pictures of the yard. Coming along nicely. Mine is just starting to turn green from the winter dormancy. Glad you and your family had a happy Easter.

Bill

Thanks Bill. My grandson already loves tools and being in the shop with Papa. I am loving it and we're only days away from adding a granddaughter to the family. Not quite sure what that will look like in a few years, but the DIL says she'll probably also be in the shop with Papa, but I am really digging this grandparent gig.

 

[HEEP]

That is awesome. My grandson is only 4 1/2 months old. they are currently living with us as we are working on their house, and it is great to get to see him every morning and evening. Not quite ready for the garage just yet. And of course, the daughter informed us this weekend that number 2 is on the way. Took me by surprise a little, and them as well. God has a plan already worked out on this though.

Bill

 

[CGarage]

You are living good, Mike. Congratulations on the new little one on the way and Easter Blessings to you and the family. Keep it up.

 

[signcrafter]

Saturday morning I went to breakfast with my son and grandson, and then returned home to find the lawns still not quite as dry as I would like so I pulled the Jeep into the shop for a few minutes to install the new K&N air filter than arrived a few weeks back.

I found that I don't care for the two piece K&N filters that have the chrome base and conical end on them. They don't hold up well to underhood heat and the rubber between the chrome and the filter keeps pulling away. I swapped back to my Volant about a month ago, but ended up purchasing a couple new K&N's that are the one piece similar to the Volant, but at a much nicer price point.

Upon fitting the new filter, I also noted that if I trimmed about 3/4" off the end I could tuck the filter up closer and clock the intake tube just enough to allow the filter to sit a bit lower than the TIPM. This fits much nicer and will allow me to slip the Outerwear/sock onto the filter much easier when needed.


And it sits at least an inch lower than the TIPM now.


After finishing up the air filter, the lawn had dried just enough to allow me to trim, edge and mow the lawn so it was ready for the Easter Bunny to hide his eggs for our grandson as they were coming over for brunch on Sunday.


I was able to sit on the deck for a little bit with my morning coffee on Sunday after hiding some eggs and just overlook the yard and what a beautiful morning it was. The several days of rain really greened up the lawn, at least for the time being.




I am really pleased with how the little bit of extra curbing and rock around the house and shop transformed the back yard.



My wife made an amazing brunch and after eating my grandson and I went for a walk to find out where the bunny left the eggs. He was in his element hunting for Easter eggs. After gathering his eggs, he wanted to go sit in the motorhome. Not quite sure what his fascination is with our coach but he always wants to go sit in "Papas motorhome" when he comes over. My wife made the comment to him one day that we would have to take it for a drive one day and he asked about "eating a sandwich" in the coach and my wife agreed. Now that is all he wants to do.

He told me to sit in the driver's seat and "drive us to the mountains" and then he grabbed the road atlas from beside the co-pilot's seat.


I asked him where we were going and he opened the atlas and pointed to a place and said "up in the mountains, right there". So, I guess we'll be taking the coach for a drive shortly....




Thanks for looking.

That grass really came to life Mike, looks great. Bathroom also came out good, you did test it out right? LOL.

 

[zmotorsports]

That is awesome. My grandson is only 4 1/2 months old. they are currently living with us as we are working on their house, and it is great to get to see him every morning and evening. Not quite ready for the garage just yet. And of course, the daughter informed us this weekend that number 2 is on the way. Took me by surprise a little, and them as well. God has a plan already worked out on this though.

Bill

Thanks Bill and congratulations on the new addition coming soon. Yes, His plan is seldom on our time schedule, but well worth it.

You are living good, Mike. Congratulations on the new little one on the way and Easter Blessings to you and the family. Keep it up.

Thank you. Yes, the wife and I have been extremely blessed.

That grass really came to life Mike, looks great. Bathroom also came out good, you did test it out right? LOL.

Thanks Scott, a few days of rain really woke it up from its winter slumber.

As for testing out the toilet, if you mean by flushing it and ensuring the ball valve opens and closes smoothly, then yes, nothing more though as it will still be a bit before the coach leaves the shop. At least until our grandson talks us into a drive so he can eat a sandwich in the mountains.

 

[PugetDude]

That grass really came to life Mike, looks great. Bathroom also came out good, you did test it out right? LOL.

A big Wyoming bean burrito is usually the test medium for unsanctioned right-to-repair proof testing.

 

[zmotorsports]

A big Wyoming bean burrito is usually the test medium for unsanctioned right-to-repair proof testing.

I'm going to take your word on that Scott.

 

[Mr.zippy]

Gosh Mike, the grandson is growing like a weed!
Bathroom looks fabulous too!

 

[zmotorsports]

Gosh Mike, the grandson is growing like a weed!
Bathroom looks fabulous too!

Thank you. Yes he is. And he is a little jabberbox and such an inquisitive little guy. I hope that curiosity and creativeness never goes away as it will carry him a long ways in life.

 

[zmotorsports]

Last week I tore the DirecTV satellite dish off the house and last night I removed the Winegard Trav'ler from the coach.








All along I was going to just leave it up on the roof and place the new Starlink in between the front and middle rooftop A/C units, but upon getting up on the roof last night I really wanted that thing off the roof of the coach, plus by putting it just ahead of the front A/C unit there will be less distance I need to have the cable from the Starlink to the roof penetration, which I needed to open up anyways, so I may as well just pull the nine screws holding the dish to the roof and completely remove it.



I just have to pull the two cables from the dish through the roof access, run the new cable from the Starlink through the roof access, then I can seal up the holes and finish everything up on the roof and move inside to mount the power supply and router in A/V cabinet.

Thanks for looking.

 

[ScepterToad]

Mike what Starlink version are you going with? And are you going to permanently mount it?

I just picked one up while down here in FL on vacation. I chose the mini as we'll only really use it on vacation and the 100gb plan should be sufficient for what we do. If necessary, I can up the service.

Right now, it's just sitting on top of the coach, but I'll grab a ladder pole mount to throw it up on. That will let me point it in the right direction (most optimal direction) no matter where we are. And there's no router, so it just plugs in.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike what Starlink version are you going with? And are you going to permanently mount it?

I just picked one up while down here in FL on vacation. I chose the mini as we'll only really use it on vacation and the 100gb plan should be sufficient for what we do. If necessary, I can up the service.

Right now, it's just sitting on top of the coach, but I'll grab a ladder pole mount to throw it up on. That will let me point it in the right direction (most optimal direction) no matter where we are. And there's no router, so it just plugs in.

Keith, I went with the Gen 3 and a Trio Flatmount to permanently mount it on the roof. I wanted a more fixed solution to match the Trav'ler setup we've had for the past 16 years as I don't want to mess with setting it up once we arrive and dealing with cables and such. From my research the Starlink is better at dealing with a little tree coverage than the satellite dish so if we've been able to deal with the dish on the front of the coach, I don't think the Starlink will give us any grief.