BIRD WANTED!
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06-05-2006, 09:27
Post: #1
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BIRD WANTED!
Hoping you good folks can help me find a great Bird. We are newbies
moving from boats to land yachts and are totally frustrated with finding a really nice coach. Seems that RV dealers and owners are unwilling to provide detailed information via the internet and expect buyers to just jump on planes and fly all over the country based on little hard maintenance history and documentation, and even fewer detailed photos. Now this would be understandable if the unit is trashed but I have been very specific regarding our desires up front and just can't seem to obtain co-operative sellers. Maybe what we want just does not exist in the RV world (I am used to boats after all). We are looking for pristine examples of 1987-1991 Birds without the walkthru bath, original paint(sorry,no browns),low (but not too low) miles, few non-operable issues, extemely clean in and out, no rust, and complete maintenance records. I'm willing to pay top dollar if the rig can pass a stringent survey. I'm prepared to do some reuphostering and replace the mattress and carpet but mostly for our decor satisfaction and not out of need due to stains and dirt. The fewer "upgrades" and "improvements" (from stock) the better! Is this a realistic dream or should I stick to yachts? |
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06-05-2006, 11:40
Post: #2
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BIRD WANTED!
---George:
Check out my cherry 1990SP36 on the....http://www.birdconnection.c o m.......it is #607.......I just don't use it enough as we stay in Australia 6 months each year. You will not get a nicer coach! 42000 miles..650 hrs on generator....lcd tv satelite ready and a new washer /dryer. take a look and ask around about it. LOL Hank Hannigan..in Illinois for now 1990 SP 36 (For SALE) 1980FC31 In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "michigangeorge1" > > Hoping you good folks can help me find a great Bird. We are newbies > moving from boats to land yachts and are totally frustrated with > finding a really nice coach. Seems that RV dealers and owners are > unwilling to provide detailed information via the internet and expect > buyers to just jump on planes and fly all over the country based on > little hard maintenance history and documentation, and even fewer > detailed photos. Now this would be understandable if the unit is > trashed but I have been very specific regarding our desires up front > and just can't seem to obtain co-operative sellers. Maybe what we want > just does not exist in the RV world (I am used to boats after all). > We are looking for pristine examples of 1987-1991 Birds without the > walkthru bath, original paint(sorry,no browns),low (but not too low) > miles, few non-operable issues, extemely clean in and out, no rust, > and complete maintenance records. I'm willing to pay top dollar if the > rig can pass a stringent survey. I'm prepared to do some reuphostering > and replace the mattress and carpet but mostly for our decor > satisfaction and not out of need due to stains and dirt. The > fewer "upgrades" and "improvements" (from stock) the better! Is this a > realistic dream or should I stick to yachts? > |
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06-05-2006, 13:56
Post: #3
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BIRD WANTED!
On Jun 5, 2006, at 2:27 PM, michigangeorge1 wrote:
> Hoping you good folks can help me find a great Bird. We are newbies > moving from boats to land yachts and are totally frustrated with > finding a really nice coach. Seems that RV dealers and owners are > unwilling to provide detailed information via the internet and expect > buyers to just jump on planes and fly all over the country based on > little hard maintenance history and documentation, and even fewer > detailed photos. <snip> The starting place is http://www.vintagebirds.com and http:// http://www.birdconnection.com I just bought a 1995 coach through eBay from Mr. Olivers. One factor was the very thorough photographic documentation. Service records weren't available (directly) but I subsequently have received most of what's available from the previous owner (a member of this forum). Mr. Oliver's has a 97 BB listed, but it might not quite fit your parameters. You can see it at http://www.mrolivers.com/Web_03_Diesel.htm Note that it is particularly well documented photographically --- it would be a good example for other would-be 'bird sellers to emulate in their photography. This 'bird, http://www.vintagebirds.com/random/BBBrochure.pdf is a particularly clean example of an '88 and might be worth considering. The "without the walk-through" bath requirement might prove to be a little hard to come by. During my search, nearly all the units had walk-through baths. It is an efficient use of the space ... and doors do close it off for privacy ... I ended up with a "diagonal aisle" floor plan that has the aisle past the bathroom to one side, making an enclosed bath. I like many aspects of this arrangement, but the shower ends up a rather odd, and somewhat inefficient shape (almost triangular) -- I would have preferred the shape and size of the showers in the walk through arrangement better... (but, like most things, there are compromises and trade offs...). However, the diagonal aisle arrangement makes the kitchen area seem a little more efficient -- the refrigerator is closer to the counter/work area (and its weight is on the centerline of the vehicle) -- a plus. Realize that it can take some time to find an exact fit... and it's always best, when looking at used Wanderlodges to retain some budget for repairs and refurbishment, since there will be items that a previous owner might have been satisfied with -- or allowed to let slide once the coach was up for sale -- that you will feel will need to be fixed.. Pete Masterson aeonix1@... '95 WBDA 4203 Formerly "George's coach" El Sobrante CA |
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06-06-2006, 11:52
Post: #4
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BIRD WANTED!
George, great post. You absolutly deserve the information you demand
within reason. It is YOUR money. I know about selling boats (I have sold ALOT OF EM) but there are some sales guys that will "qualify you" (being realistic or not) and will make assumptions. Well shame on them, I have sold several six figure boats to guys in dirty overalls. (making a point NOT inferring) But you seem to have a definative idea of what you are looking for, maybe they do not have that. FOR EXAMPLE: It is my opinion (I know that joke) that many of the coaches do not have a maintenance log that goes back to the beginning. I do not. I have one from the time we bought the coach. So does that kick me out? Is that reasonable, to expect the current owner to have records from say the first owner?? You have to make that decision. RUBY is no where near the condition it was when we bought it. We have spent almost as much for repairs,upgrades, maintenance as the purchase price (documented). It is much more road worthy today than the day we bought it. I have seen plenty of pristine coaches out there, the problem is the owners are STILL ENJOYING THEM. They have a lot of sweat, money, grief tied up getting and keeping them that way. I have been told many times that our coach is beautiful, nicest for the year, model etc,etc..but it still has some flaws. If you know old ChrisCrafts, or an old Grand Banks, they can be beautiful, but someone brought them to that level, or is keeping them that way. Why would someone sell their coach if they love it, there are reasons I know. In so far as "helping you find" a great bird, whew open the flood gates buddy. Everyone's coach is pristine, maybe got a little classic brown, but still top notch. Then the question why did you, or better yet, why are you selling. Those must be some interesting answers. "Stringent survey" careful here, there are only a FEW that could administer that..most techs do not even know what they are looking at when they look at a BB, and even less insurance guys can fathom the redundancy of systems, complexity etc....make sure you employ a person qualified to administer such a survey. I see you are from Mich. there is 1 guy in Mich. that is exceptional. Most owners watch the tech while working on their coach, I do, if I can't well my money is green and I will find one that understands. For example recently, while having the "underside" (air bags, u-joints, king pins, panhard bolts etc) checked the power steering pump made a noise while trying to get it on the alignment rack. They suggested that the pump was failing, sorry guys, it is known that the pump is somewhat undersized on an FC and will make a noise, hell it is 20 yrs old and is trying to move almost 14,000 pounds around while sitting still..I would groan too. You get my point. Good luck in your search. You will not be disappointed. These vintage coaches are second to none. Enjoy the experience of looking. Now if you would like to send the finders fee for some "help" ...JUST KIDDIN. Scott B 86FC35 "RUBY" Murrells Inlet SC "right next to heaven" --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "michigangeorge1" > > Hoping you good folks can help me find a great Bird. We are newbies > moving from boats to land yachts and are totally frustrated with > finding a really nice coach. Seems that RV dealers and owners are > unwilling to provide detailed information via the internet and expect > buyers to just jump on planes and fly all over the country based on > little hard maintenance history and documentation, and even fewer > detailed photos. Now this would be understandable if the unit is > trashed but I have been very specific regarding our desires up front > and just can't seem to obtain co-operative sellers. Maybe what we want > just does not exist in the RV world (I am used to boats after all). > We are looking for pristine examples of 1987-1991 Birds without the > walkthru bath, original paint(sorry,no browns),low (but not too low) > miles, few non-operable issues, extemely clean in and out, no rust, > and complete maintenance records. I'm willing to pay top dollar if the > rig can pass a stringent survey. I'm prepared to do some reuphostering > and replace the mattress and carpet but mostly for our decor > satisfaction and not out of need due to stains and dirt. The > fewer "upgrades" and "improvements" (from stock) the better! Is this a > realistic dream or should I stick to yachts? > |
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06-06-2006, 13:04
Post: #5
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BIRD WANTED!
George,
Don't know how long you have looked for a bird to call your own. It took me over 1 1/2 years to locate the one we have and its not for sale. LOL Just kidding, for the right price, anything is for sale. :> Ok to the subject. In our quest to locate the perfect bird, we started looking at 90 model pushers 40'. But quickly realized that we are weekend warriors who enjoy State park camping. Not knocking KOA but we are not interested in camping in a parking lot. So we moved on to the SP model which was 36' but was not considered a wide body which is 102". Then by chance, we located a dealer with a BMC that was several years younger for the same money as a SP or Wanderlodge. We were trying to excape a hurricane so we went on a venture to go have a look. When we got there, we loved most of the things about this BMC but dealer had an offer so it was a done deal. Of course the dealer did not tell us before our trip. But thats another story. Anyway, the wife and I had looked at several birds and attended a Rally in the Valley so we by now had narrowed down what we wanted. So out of frustration, we posted to the forum what we wanted which went something like this: BMC 36' Light Interiors Overhead storage Wanderlodge Dash Goat Rails Latter A week or so and I got an email from an owner in California who said he had my bird. We exchanged several emails with pics and the owner got real on the price and priced it in the ball park to peak my interest. So we planned a trip to California with money in hand just in case. When we got there it was better than I had wished for. Of course we checked it out mechanically and everything seemed in order. The owner had just changed out the rear axle ( blue bird silent recall ) so we got new brakes. He had another set for the front due to the fact that the shop said front did not need to be changed yet. Just spent money fixing the front A/C and a bunch of other little stuff. Tires were just replaced He had some receipts, but what we wanted to see was the major stuff. So we purchased this bird and the only thing that did not work was top spot light, a couple of clearance lights, and left front landing light. We spent the night in the bird at the owners house to make sure we tested all things before we finalized the deal. The aguahot unit would not come on so owner discounted price by $1000 to cover what service that would be needed. But to be honest, he did not know how to work it and we did not either. He used it to go to local casino for camping. We got the book at the blue box and figured it out and it worked fine. We drove the bird back from California with no problems at all. We did break the air bag leveler by lowering the bird off the jacks too fast but that was our fault. We used duct tape to get us out of the national park and on the way home where it has been replaced as soon as we had access to the part. We have since then added an outside TV, a joey bed and fixed all the lights including the spot light. But now our left front is out... Its always something. LOL But if you owned boats, you know the uphill battle. But that is the fun of this hobby. So if you are just getting started settle in and enjoy looking for that special bird to call your own. I promise, it's out there with your name on it waiting for you to find. But make sure you know what you want so you don't get dissapointed and end up with one not quite what you wanted. Al & Kathy Johnson '96 BMC B20 '93 Dodge Diesel B100 '03 Dodge Diesel B100 Looking for late model mercedes diesel and a jeep liberty diesel Mandeville, Louisiana --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" wrote: > > George, great post. You absolutly deserve the information you demand > within reason. It is YOUR money. I know about selling boats (I have > sold ALOT OF EM) but there are some sales guys that will "qualify > you" (being realistic or not) and will make assumptions. Well shame > on them, I have sold several six figure boats to guys in dirty > overalls. (making a point NOT inferring) > > But you seem to have a definative idea of what you are looking for, > maybe they do not have that. FOR EXAMPLE: It is my opinion (I know > that joke) that many of the coaches do not have a maintenance log > that goes back to the beginning. I do not. I have one from the time > we bought the coach. So does that kick me out? Is that reasonable, to > expect the current owner to have records from say the first owner?? > You have to make that decision. RUBY is no where near the condition > it was when we bought it. We have spent almost as much for > repairs,upgrades, maintenance as the purchase price (documented). It > is much more road worthy today than the day we bought it. > > I have seen plenty of pristine coaches out there, the problem is the > owners are STILL ENJOYING THEM. They have a lot of sweat, money, > grief tied up getting and keeping them that way. I have been told > many times that our coach is beautiful, nicest for the year, model > etc,etc..but it still has some flaws. If you know old ChrisCrafts, or > an old Grand Banks, they can be beautiful, but someone brought them > to that level, or is keeping them that way. Why would someone sell > their coach if they love it, there are reasons I know. > > In so far as "helping you find" a great bird, whew open the flood > gates buddy. Everyone's coach is pristine, maybe got a little classic > brown, but still top notch. Then the question why did you, or better > yet, why are you selling. Those must be some interesting > answers. "Stringent survey" careful here, there are only a FEW that > could administer that..most techs do not even know what they are > looking at when they look at a BB, and even less insurance guys can > fathom the redundancy of systems, complexity etc....make sure you > employ a person qualified to administer such a survey. I see you are > from Mich. there is 1 guy in Mich. that is exceptional. Most owners > watch the tech while working on their coach, I do, if I can't well my > money is green and I will find one that understands. For example > recently, while having the "underside" (air bags, u-joints, king > pins, panhard bolts etc) checked the power steering pump made a noise > while trying to get it on the alignment rack. They suggested that the > pump was failing, sorry guys, it is known that the pump is somewhat > undersized on an FC and will make a noise, hell it is 20 yrs old and > is trying to move almost 14,000 pounds around while sitting still..I > would groan too. You get my point. > > Good luck in your search. You will not be disappointed. These vintage > coaches are second to none. Enjoy the experience of looking. Now if > you would like to send the finders fee for some "help" ...JUST KIDDIN. > > Scott B > 86FC35 "RUBY" > Murrells Inlet SC "right next to heaven" > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "michigangeorge1" > > > > > Hoping you good folks can help me find a great Bird. We are newbies > > moving from boats to land yachts and are totally frustrated with > > finding a really nice coach. Seems that RV dealers and owners are > > unwilling to provide detailed information via the internet and > expect > > buyers to just jump on planes and fly all over the country based on > > little hard maintenance history and documentation, and even fewer > > detailed photos. Now this would be understandable if the unit is > > trashed but I have been very specific regarding our desires up > front > > and just can't seem to obtain co-operative sellers. Maybe what we > want > > just does not exist in the RV world (I am used to boats after all). > > We are looking for pristine examples of 1987-1991 Birds without the > > walkthru bath, original paint(sorry,no browns),low (but not too low) > > miles, few non-operable issues, extemely clean in and out, no rust, > > and complete maintenance records. I'm willing to pay top dollar if > the > > rig can pass a stringent survey. I'm prepared to do some > reuphostering > > and replace the mattress and carpet but mostly for our decor > > satisfaction and not out of need due to stains and dirt. The > > fewer "upgrades" and "improvements" (from stock) the better! Is > this a > > realistic dream or should I stick to yachts? > > > |
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06-06-2006, 23:52
Post: #6
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BIRD WANTED!
---AL:
My friend Chuck has a near new liberty diesel for sale..red color....2172327808. Also, I have a 1990SP36 for sale. Regards, Hank Hannigan 90SP36(FOR SALE) 80FC31(National Park Model) In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Al" > > George, > Don't know how long you have looked for a bird to call your > own. It took me over 1 1/2 years to locate the one we have and its > not for sale. LOL Just kidding, for the right price, anything is > for sale. :> Ok to the subject. In our quest to locate the perfect > bird, we started looking at 90 model pushers 40'. But quickly > realized that we are weekend warriors who enjoy State park camping. > Not knocking KOA but we are not interested in camping in a parking > lot. So we moved on to the SP model which was 36' but was not > considered a wide body which is 102". Then by chance, we located a > dealer with a BMC that was several years younger for the same money > as a SP or Wanderlodge. We were trying to excape a hurricane so we > went on a venture to go have a look. When we got there, we loved > most of the things about this BMC but dealer had an offer so it was > a done deal. Of course the dealer did not tell us before our trip. > But thats another story. Anyway, the wife and I had looked at > several birds and attended a Rally in the Valley so we by now had > narrowed down what we wanted. So out of frustration, we posted to > the forum what we wanted which went something like this: > > BMC 36' > Light Interiors > Overhead storage > Wanderlodge Dash > Goat Rails > Latter > > A week or so and I got an email from an owner in California who said > he had my bird. We exchanged several emails with pics and the owner > got real on the price and priced it in the ball park to peak my > interest. So we planned a trip to California with money in hand > just in case. When we got there it was better than I had wished > for. Of course we checked it out mechanically and everything seemed > in order. The owner had just changed out the rear axle ( blue bird > silent recall ) so we got new brakes. He had another set for the > front due to the fact that the shop said front did not need to be > changed yet. Just spent money fixing the front A/C and a bunch of > other little stuff. Tires were just replaced He had some > receipts, but what we wanted to see was the major stuff. So we > purchased this bird and the only thing that did not work was top > spot light, a couple of clearance lights, and left front landing > light. We spent the night in the bird at the owners house to make > sure we tested all things before we finalized the deal. The aguahot > unit would not come on so owner discounted price by $1000 to cover > what service that would be needed. But to be honest, he did not > know how to work it and we did not either. He used it to go to > local casino for camping. We got the book at the blue box and > figured it out and it worked fine. We drove the bird back from > California with no problems at all. We did break the air bag > leveler by lowering the bird off the jacks too fast but that was our > fault. We used duct tape to get us out of the national park and on > the way home where it has been replaced as soon as we had access to > the part. > We have since then added an outside TV, a joey bed and fixed all > the lights including the spot light. But now our left front is > out... Its always something. LOL But if you owned boats, you know > the uphill battle. But that is the fun of this hobby. > So if you are just getting started settle in and enjoy looking > for that special bird to call your own. I promise, it's out there > with your name on it waiting for you to find. But make sure you > know what you want so you don't get dissapointed and end up with one > not quite what you wanted. > > Al & Kathy Johnson > '96 BMC B20 > '93 Dodge Diesel B100 > '03 Dodge Diesel B100 > Looking for late model mercedes diesel and a jeep liberty diesel > Mandeville, Louisiana > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" > wrote: > > > > George, great post. You absolutly deserve the information you > demand > > within reason. It is YOUR money. I know about selling boats (I > have > > sold ALOT OF EM) but there are some sales guys that will "qualify > > you" (being realistic or not) and will make assumptions. Well > shame > > on them, I have sold several six figure boats to guys in dirty > > overalls. (making a point NOT inferring) > > > > But you seem to have a definative idea of what you are looking > for, > > maybe they do not have that. FOR EXAMPLE: It is my opinion (I know > > that joke) that many of the coaches do not have a maintenance log > > that goes back to the beginning. I do not. I have one from the > time > > we bought the coach. So does that kick me out? Is that reasonable, > to > > expect the current owner to have records from say the first > owner?? > > You have to make that decision. RUBY is no where near the > condition > > it was when we bought it. We have spent almost as much for > > repairs,upgrades, maintenance as the purchase price (documented). > It > > is much more road worthy today than the day we bought it. > > > > I have seen plenty of pristine coaches out there, the problem is > the > > owners are STILL ENJOYING THEM. They have a lot of sweat, money, > > grief tied up getting and keeping them that way. I have been told > > many times that our coach is beautiful, nicest for the year, model > > etc,etc..but it still has some flaws. If you know old ChrisCrafts, > or > > an old Grand Banks, they can be beautiful, but someone brought > them > > to that level, or is keeping them that way. Why would someone sell > > their coach if they love it, there are reasons I know. > > > > In so far as "helping you find" a great bird, whew open the flood > > gates buddy. Everyone's coach is pristine, maybe got a little > classic > > brown, but still top notch. Then the question why did you, or > better > > yet, why are you selling. Those must be some interesting > > answers. "Stringent survey" careful here, there are only a FEW > that > > could administer that..most techs do not even know what they are > > looking at when they look at a BB, and even less insurance guys > can > > fathom the redundancy of systems, complexity etc....make sure you > > employ a person qualified to administer such a survey. I see you > are > > from Mich. there is 1 guy in Mich. that is exceptional. Most > owners > > watch the tech while working on their coach, I do, if I can't well > my > > money is green and I will find one that understands. For example > > recently, while having the "underside" (air bags, u-joints, king > > pins, panhard bolts etc) checked the power steering pump made a > noise > > while trying to get it on the alignment rack. They suggested that > the > > pump was failing, sorry guys, it is known that the pump is > somewhat > > undersized on an FC and will make a noise, hell it is 20 yrs old > and > > is trying to move almost 14,000 pounds around while sitting > still..I > > would groan too. You get my point. > > > > Good luck in your search. You will not be disappointed. These > vintage > > coaches are second to none. Enjoy the experience of looking. Now > if > > you would like to send the finders fee for some "help" ...JUST > KIDDIN. > > > > Scott B > > 86FC35 "RUBY" > > Murrells Inlet SC "right next to heaven" > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "michigangeorge1" > > > > > > > > Hoping you good folks can help me find a great Bird. We are > newbies > > > moving from boats to land yachts and are totally frustrated with > > > finding a really nice coach. Seems that RV dealers and owners > are > > > unwilling to provide detailed information via the internet and > > expect > > > buyers to just jump on planes and fly all over the country based > on > > > little hard maintenance history and documentation, and even > fewer > > > detailed photos. Now this would be understandable if the unit is > > > trashed but I have been very specific regarding our desires up > > front > > > and just can't seem to obtain co-operative sellers. Maybe what > we > > want > > > just does not exist in the RV world (I am used to boats after > all). > > > We are looking for pristine examples of 1987-1991 Birds without > the > > > walkthru bath, original paint(sorry,no browns),low (but not too > low) > > > miles, few non-operable issues, extemely clean in and out, no > rust, > > > and complete maintenance records. I'm willing to pay top dollar > if > > the > > > rig can pass a stringent survey. I'm prepared to do some > > reuphostering > > > and replace the mattress and carpet but mostly for our decor > > > satisfaction and not out of need due to stains and dirt. The > > > fewer "upgrades" and "improvements" (from stock) the better! Is > > this a > > > realistic dream or should I stick to yachts? > > > > > > |
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06-07-2006, 01:27
Post: #7
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BIRD WANTED!
George,
It is out there, you just need to find it. The more details you require the longer it will take. It took us almost two years, but we were in no hurry, and probably overly cautious of these ole machines, ( no experience). Look at as many Birds as you can find, even the bad ones. I learned a lot from the Birds that needed a lot of attention. Most Bird owners will gladly show you their coach. Someone on the forums may volunteer to check it out for you before you make a trip to see it. Ralph in Oklahoma and Jeff in Michigan can help you, with a full inspection, Both are on this forum and are very knowledgeable. Try http://www.birdconnection.com/ I have seen #602 in Western Pennsylvania, ( Very Clean). http://www.vintagebirds.com http://www.rvonline.com http://www.rvtraderonline.com Visit the dealer in Holland, Mi (first class coaches, first class price to match) Bill 88 FC Commerce, Michigan --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "michigangeorge1" > > Hoping you good folks can help me find a great Bird. We are newbies > moving from boats to land yachts and are totally frustrated with > finding a really nice coach. Seems that RV dealers and owners are > unwilling to provide detailed information via the internet and expect > buyers to just jump on planes and fly all over the country based on > little hard maintenance history and documentation, and even fewer > detailed photos. Now this would be understandable if the unit is > trashed but I have been very specific regarding our desires up front > and just can't seem to obtain co-operative sellers. Maybe what we want > just does not exist in the RV world (I am used to boats after all). > We are looking for pristine examples of 1987-1991 Birds without the > walkthru bath, original paint(sorry,no browns),low (but not too low) > miles, few non-operable issues, extemely clean in and out, no rust, > and complete maintenance records. I'm willing to pay top dollar if the > rig can pass a stringent survey. I'm prepared to do some reuphostering > and replace the mattress and carpet but mostly for our decor > satisfaction and not out of need due to stains and dirt. The > fewer "upgrades" and "improvements" (from stock) the better! Is this a > realistic dream or should I stick to yachts? > |
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