We just had our 2003 Newmar Class A DP repaired and painted by Navarros Brothers in Los Algodones, and are pleased as punch. Just wanted to let everyone know they are still in business and still doing good work.
Here's what we had done:
Repair front cap damage (semi-truck backed into us in a parking lot), realign front cover, and repaint adding new design.
Repair and repaint 2 cargo doors that had been warped by the sun (melted foam lining and "sucked" the door in).
Remake engine cover (vent slats had begun falling off) and repaint entire back cap adding new design.
Remove all decals and paint them on, changing design slightly.
Repaint roof cap.
Estimates in Phoenix, AZ near $20,000.
Cost at Navarros Shop: $5,000.
The process was this: We drove our rig to the RV parking lot at the Quechan Casino ("The Q") in Winterhaven CA (barely West of Yuma on I-8) where Jose Navarro crossed the border to meet us and give us a QUOTE. On that day, their shop was empty and they could have taken us right in, but we weren't prepared to leave the rig there until a couple weeks later, so we made an appointment to have the work done. Don't be dismayed at their record keeping on a scrap of paper. That's just how they do it, and it operated as a work order through the entire process.
When we dropped off our rig (their shop is only 8 blocks from the border crossing), we saw their shops, and were satisfied they had the facility to do our work. the paint shop is not a sterile environment, but is fully enclosed, and their yard is secured by chain link fencing and gating. They showed us the one other motor home they had in the shop with a new paint job, and we observed a lot of cars in various stages of restoration and painting. We picked new colors for some of the design work from their one paint supplier. The choices were ample for us to make good decisions. After our order was completed (still written on the scrap paper) Jose and brother Enrique surprised us with a serenade on their guitars. What an enjoyable surprise!
He told us it would take 3-1/2 to 4 weeks to complete. It took 3-1/2 weeks and he called us when it was ready. In the meantime, we had emailed a change for the design of the front cap. Our one warning would be to give them pictures and/or written instructions up front, and don't submit a change. They only have one person who works on the one computer and reads email. And, while Jose and Enrique both speak English, it is a laborious effort for all concerned. If we hadn't called later to make sure they received it, they would have missed it. Also, there is something lost in translation. In our case, the "error" was totally acceptable, so no harm done, but if it's important, make sure you give them clear instructions and pictures or drawings up front.
Cash payment in USD was required.
When we picked up our rig, Jose walked us through a full inspection, and we found only one small spot that needed work. Another two hours and it was ready to go.
We found Jose to be extremely patient, caring and kind. He will pick you up, take you back to town/border crossing, or wherever you need to go in Algodones.
The agents at the border crossing had told us before that we could come back through with our motor home, and instructed us to pull up to the lane that was blocked with red cones (the one that doesn't require a tight turn--too tight for big rigs), and they would come remove the cones and let us through. All lanes have a height restriction of 12'6" (we are 12'3"). We did as instructed (exactly the same as Jose had instructed us) and got chewed out royally by one of the agents on duty that day. We were told we weren't supposed to bring our rig through that border crossing, because they weren't set up to inspect RV's. They said we were supposed to use the San Luis border crossing. After being chewed out, they went ahead and inspected all of the rig's "cavities" inside and out, with a dog, followed by an agent inspection. Then we were on our way. If you go there with a big rig, you should double check the requirements for getting back across, and at least make sure of your height requirements.
Everyone has complimented the appearance of our new looking old coach. They did a wonderful job. Fulfilled every promise, on time, as quoted. And at a remarkably low cost. We highly recommend.
Current USA phone numbers are 928.239.8906 and 928.328.1114. Email is:
enrique@navarrosshop.com (but we wouldn't rely on it being read or answered in a timely manner.)
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