It is not like the old days. Call after 10:00 A.M. Ask for Kent ( Bill Fauntleroy's son ) Open Mon through Thurs. this time of year. I just help out in the mornings, and don't have any dealings with customers.
I abused a Gear Vendors for over 150,000 miles before I sold the truck. Pretty hard to beat a 400 and a Gear Vendors. I would pull the Indio grade towing under boost. I would split every gear at full throttle. Passed everyone in sight. Disclaimer: Never passed a 100 cars on Rice Road.
Also the exchange rate, U.S. to Canadian makes a big difference. When our dollar is up ( or theirs is down ) it takes away their spending power. I would guess in Quartzite, Blythe & Parker they make up 25% or more of the winter visitors.
You are correct, economy is not helping them. Many of my snowbird customers have passed in the last few years. Several are too old to make the pilgrimage anymore. It is sad when they would come and say goodby in the spring, and tell me it was there last season traveling. I personally have not...
One of my employees built an early Dodge 4X4 , 3/4 ton flat bed. Has a fresh 360 with points distributor and carburetor. Loaded with spare parts etc. Keeps it ready to roll at all times.
I want to find a 70's Chevy 4X4 with an inline 6 and a manual trans. Do a complete KISS principle build.
Anything at Cambro. The commute would be about the same. I don't have any connections there anymore, or I would give you a recommendation. Best of luck.