Parting-out a Wanderlodge

[msksann]

Missing Goat Rails:
About 5 or 6 years ago, when I started my first series of internet
searches on Bluebird Wanderlodges, I came across a memorable posting,
(and I cannot remember where). In it, a owner was talking about having
owned "many" Birds, and the first thing he did was to remove the goat
rails. He said he did this because his Birds started rusting at the
point where the rails attached to the roof… At the time I did not know
what to think of it, but now, with the rails being one of the most
recognizable and beloved features on my Bird, I find this serial
mutilation of Wanderlodges disturbing. I can picture 5-10 (?) sets of
rusting goat rails lying in a field somewhere, like discarded,
unburied body parts...
I wonder if this Bird is one of his?

Michael Kramer
86 PT-40 8V92
San Diego, CA
(With un-rusted roof and goat rails)

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
wrote:
>
> The photos, including one of the roof, show that the goat rails have
> been removed. It's difficult to know why it may have been done. It
> may have been seriously damaged -- or a previous owner may have
> sought to improve the aerodynamics (to get 7.1 mpg instead of 7.05 mpg).
>
> The front grill (in front of the generator) has also been removed.
> That might indicate that the coach was involved in a collision. I
> also notice that in one photo (straight on front shot, 12 of 21) the
> headlight surround is missing (right at the edge of the photo) but
> other photos showing the front end, the missing piece is present.
>
> At Vintage Birds, the specs for 1987 PTs:
> 36, 38, and 40 feet
> 6v92TA-330 hp
> 8v92TA-475 hp
>
> So, it appears that a 6v92 was an option for that year.
>
> The black bumpers might also suggest collision damage -- or a
> previous owner with some eclectic tastes. (Front may have been
> damaged, so rear was painted to match.) I note too, that the front
> bumper seems to be smooth instead of corrugated like the rear one and
> as shown in the photos on Vintage Birds. If the coach made an
> unplanned off-road excursion, it's possible that both bumpers where
> damaged and painted replacements were cheaper than the full-chrome type.
>
> The web site seems to indicate a dealer who specializes in wrecks and
> salvaged vehicles. The actual condition of this coach may be
> questionable -- and I sure wouldn't want it without a close
> inspection and some indication that repairs where made competently.
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
>
>
>
> On Feb 26, 2008, at 7:50 PM, Scott Forman wrote:
>
> > Black bumpers? No goat rail? And doesn't something look a
> > little "off" on the generator/front end pics?
> >
> > Not being critical, but inquisitive....
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 86 PT38
> > Memphis
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
> > wrote:
> >>
> >> Yeah, on the '84, but check out this '87 PT-38:
> >>
> >> http://www.mrgoodbody.com/content/1987-b...lodge-pt38
> >>
> >> It either has something very, very wrong with it, or it's a complete
> >> and utter steal. $39,900 is an amazing price for this coach. Though
> >> it's interesting it says it has a 6V92, didn't all '87 PTs have an
> >> 8V?
> >>
> >> -Ryan
> >>
> >>
> >> On Tue, Feb 26, 2008 at 6:02 AM, Stephen Hare <share74@> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> still has fire damage on rear curb side
> >>>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>