While this pic does not look too bad, the actual condition of this 2007 GulfStream Ultra was pretty sad.  Years of neglect, and tremendous water damage as a result of an unattended leaky roof, had this baby on the market at 'wholesale'...they were eager to unload it!!  The dealer even was clear with Dick....'you know this is a fixer-upper', he says :-)  Little did he know the magic Dick can work with these little projects!


To verify its condition, Tom and Kathy McCary had given Dick a ride to Myrtle Beach....they were en route to their vacation.  The McCary's witnessed first hand the purchase condition...and, Kathy still rolls her eyes when she tells that story!  Actually....the McCary's turned out to be lifesavers for Dick.  Tom (Marina Manager at Wayfarer's Cove marina) worked out a deal with Dick to keep the RV in his storage garage at the marina.  This allowed Dick about 6 months to replace the roof and do  the demolition and reconstruction in a covered and protected location.  Tom....you ROCK!!

YUCK!  Just take a gander at all that mold!  Demolition had to be the first step, so Dick dove into it with gusto....ripping out just about everything including the roof, cabinets, bathroom, and anything else he could get his hands on.  Pretty soon, there was nothing left but the studs and framework.


As you can only imagine, the electrical issues in this luxury liner were scary.  Thanks to the amazing electrical and 'I can fix almost anything' skills of good friend Chuck Lawrence...it is now safe to turn the lights on.  Chuck continues to be our go-to person for problem solving.....there is always a 'project' that needs attention.  Kind of reminds us of owning a boat :-)

This shot is from about the same angle as above, but is more of a floor shot.  By now, a new roof has been installed; new hatches, lighting, bathroom, counters, sinks, and all under-lament and flooring have been replaced.  New dining table and cushions were in progress.

Once the inside was substantially complete, Dick was on a mission to get the outside redone.  Up close and personal, the outside finish was in deplorable condition.  Good thing Dick is friends with a 'master car painter'....here is Josh Hatton working his magic painting the new stripes.  Another good friend, John Re, happens to be awesome with compounding and waxing.  Together....they have transformed the outer shell to look brand new!

Viola!  The new and improved 'Rusty Rider.'

SO...now we are ready to head out.  As I post this tonight, we are just finishing up stowin' the vittles and loadin' the wagons.  We have the Prius in tow, and Cutter's bed in place.  We are ready to roll out at 6:00AM tomorrow (Monday).  This first week, we will head straight for Flagstaff, AZ....making a beeline across the country via Route 40.

Stay tuned for more postings along the way.  YEEEE HAAAAA; we'll be on the road again soon.  Stay tuned, y'all.