Should we even be looking at Old Birds?

[bubblerboy64]

By the way there are some decent appearing FC's on the Bill Board as
we speak. I don't know any of them or their owners but if I was in
the market there are a couple I'd be lookin at. You also might talk
to Randy Dupree. He has one on his listing that looks worth while
and he certainly knows the market. Randy seems like a nice fellow
and I would talk to him. I bet he could point you in the right
direction. I know if I am ever in the market for another "Bird" I
would try to have more then one set of eyes looking. I might add.
When you find one be ready to pull the trigger. You'll know it when
you see it so have the money ready so that it doesn't get away. I
bought my FC 15 minutes after it appeared on the Bill Board. I was
looking and one Sunday evening my FC showed up. It was exactly what
I wanted and I closed the deal that evening. Of course my deal was
contingent on it being as described and it turned out to be exactly
that.
John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC

John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC



>
> As one with practical experience with a "Vintage" Bird, I second
the
> idea of staying away from a coach that needs a lot, or even some
> work.
> You will have enough work "sprucing up" and making the
coach "Yours"
> and you don't want any extra tasks, if possible.
> Although these things are called "RVs", they really are not, as you
> will soon find out when you take one to a regular RV shop for much
> more than awning replacment, or new floormats..
> In the few cases I have had to tow the coach, I have always tried
to
> impress on them that this is a BIG 31' BUS, and the front axel is
> sone 5 feet in back of the front bumper. When the tow truck
> arrives, the driver usually says, "I should of Brought our Big
> Truck"!
> The rule of thumb is that you should have a fund of some $10K to
> cover repairs, fix-ups, and other items. Tires can run $3 to 4
> hundred each.
> I think an 83 or so would be a good starting point, with the Turbo
> and Air Bags.
> Also, if you live in one of those "Wunnerful" HOA's, be prepared to
> hear, "Get that big ugly thing out of here", and add in $150 a
month
> or so to store it elsewhere, and remember that usually you cant
work
> on it or wash it at the storage lot.
> But, Welcome to the world of Wanderlodges and all the quality
people
> you will meet in "The Family"....
> Jack Smith
> 1973FC31
> SoCal.
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "campingleroy"
> wrote:
> >
> > Wow tons of great feedback and fast! This forum definately seems
> > very helpful, and really helps me feel more comfortable about
> making
> > a step toward an older coach, and knowing i have a team to help
me
> > figure things out.
> >
> > I think that I'd be better at actually doing the
> repairs/maintenance
> > than troubleshooting problems at least on the mechancial stuff,
> until
> > I got to know things a bit more.
> >
> > A bit more background on us. We're late 20s, early 30s, with 2
> girls
> > under 3 years old. We currently travel about 1 big trip a year
> and 2-
> > 4 more smaller weekend trips. We expect that will increase again
> as
> > the girls get older (read out of diapers and crib).
> >
> > I work in IT with computers for a living, and have done nearly
> every
> > type of work around the house and my RV, with only limited
> mechanical
> > work.
> >
> > I think we'd like an 83 or 84 FC based on all i read. They have
> the
> > power of the Turbo, and also air suspension, but still aren't too
> > pricey. We want the diesel engine and the diesel generator. We
> want
> > the one with twin couches up front, and a double bed in the back.
> >
> > I dont have an exact budget at the moment. Obviously the less I
> > could spend the better, but I want the most reliable coach I can
> get
> > too. I would like to spend near $20K.
> >
> > Thanks for all the great feedback. I had heard a lot of good
> stuff
> > about this place from the RV.NET group, and it definately seems
> like
> > you've got a great group.
> >
> >
> > We actually went and checked out an 83 this weekend. Floor plan
> was
> > cool, perfect. But it left me with a lot of questions. Here's
an
> > excerpt from what I wrote on RV.NEt about it.
> >
> > "Late last night I found a deal on an old 1983 Wanderlodge an
hour
> or
> > so south of me. We've been thinking for a few years that it would
> be
> > very nice to have an old Bird. This deal seemed too good to be
> true,
> > $12,000. I'd never personally been inside a vintage bird, so i
> > figured now is a good time to go see if they'd really be a good
> fit
> > for us. The seller was selling on behalf of his brother and
didn't
> > know much about it.
> >
> > Engine started right up, but the smell of diesel was extremely
> strong
> > outside the front end, passenger side. Is that normal?
> >
> > The diesel genset didn't want to start up, he thought it was fed
> by a
> > separate tank, but I dont think that is the case.
> >
> > Outside was rough, definately needed a new coat of paint. Inside
> was
> > decent. Was nice being in an older unit with not a signle sign of
> a
> > leak. Much of the uppolstry needed to be replaced, couchs,
chairs,
> > dinnettes. And the carpet was ugh-riginal.
> >
> > 12V electrical system was great for lights, but nearly everything
> on
> > the dash was dead. Gauges seemed to work, but switches were all
> > useless. A/C, Heat etc didnt work.
> >
> > As for the 110V stuff, I couldn't test with no genset and no
shore
> > power.
> >
> > Awnings needed some help, but I was about done by the time I got
> to
> > them, that I didn't even check them out.
> >
> > Man, this thing could be nice to someone who wants to put a bit
of
> > time into it, just not sure I'm really up to it at this point in
> the
> > game.
> >
> > Question is, should I lowball this guy? And see if I can get it
at
> a
> > price where I could pay someone else to fix the broken "stuff"?
> Any
> > factor sound like sign of something much worse?
> > "
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jack & Donna Smith"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Old Bird or Newer?? Well, as some say, "You Pays Your Money,
> and
> > > Takes Your Choice"...
> > > Our 1973 Bird lacks some of the items that are standard on
Newer
> > > coaches, but also lack some of the headaches..What is
> a "Sporlian
> > > Valve", anyway, or "Air Operated Sreps"?
> > > As my old pappy said, "What ain't there, cant break".
> > > Some costs are less, such as my yearly DMV fee of $67,(even
here
> in
> > > the Land of Arnold), and lower Insurance costs, and it afforded
> me
> > > my unique method of financing, One Payment & walk away with the
> > Pink
> > > Slip..
> > > But make no mistake, repairs may be necessary, and as Jeff
> Miller
> > > said, "Pay Now, oor Pay Later".
> > > The old coaches are much simpler and therefore easier (read
> Cheaper)
> > > to maintain.
> > > The great thing about Bluebirds is that they practically never
> wear
> > > out. A lot of the original items on our coach are still
> working,
> > > while I imagine my old "Sticks & Staples Tioga is probably in
> that
> > > Big KOA in the Sky...
> > > We also like to visit the various RV dealers and look over the
> > > current crop.. It is real interesting to see the look on the
> > > salesmans face when he asks us if we have an RV and we
> reply, "Yes,
> > > a Bluebird". We are usually left alone after that......
> > > Jack Smith
> > > 1973FC31
> > > SoCal
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" <mike.putz@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I also agree with everything I've read here. I own a 63
> Bluebird
> > > > conversion and just recently purchased a 78FC35. I choose
> this
> > > bus
> > > > to upgrade to a diesel, leveling jacks, bigger generator,
> etc..
> > I
> > > > did not want air bags as I like to go off road often with a
> > > trailer
> > > > full of quads and dirt bikes. I wanted something tough with
> > > ground
> > > > clearance. I had the pleasure of driving my friends 90SP36
> from
> > > > Texas to Arizona not long ago. It was very nice, plush,
> fancy,
> > > and
> > > > strong with the 300 HP Cat. However, it was just not for
me.
> So
> > > old
> > > > or new.. you can't go wrong with these busses. I'm a "bang-
> for-
> > > buck"
> > > > kind of guy on a small budget so the FC's were perfect!
> > > > Just another 2 cents...
> > > >
> > > > Michael
> > > > 78FC35 "Putz'n Around"
> > > > Mesa, Az
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
>
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Leroy, I think everything that has been said is on target.
> You
> > > > > certainly want the best that you can buy. No doubt the
> later
> > > FC's
> > > > > are considerably improved and being newer should in theory
> at
> > > least
> > > > > be in better condition. That being said there is always the
> > > debate
> > > > as
> > > > > to how much a guy should spend on an FC before he considers
> a
> > > PT. I
> > > > > have never ridden in or experienced a late model FC but my
> > > thoughts
> > > > > are if I was going to spend upwards of 50K would I add to
it
> a
> > > > little
> > > > > (or a lot) and go with a PT. These are things you have to
> > > decide.
> > > > I
> > > > > was there a year ago and I am certain all of us would agree
> > that
> > > > you
> > > > > should invest in some travel and time to investigate a
> number
> > of
> > > > > these coaches before you buy. I think personal preference
> and
> > > how
> > > > > you are going to use the coach are the critical things to
> > > > consider.
> > > > > I love my old 1973 but if I was intending to make a lot of
> long
> > > > runs
> > > > > I would consider moving up. My coach is also smallish for
> more
> > > then
> > > > > two. I consider it like buying any vehicle you want to
match
> it
> > > to
> > > > > your use as well as your pocket book.
> > > > > John Heckman
> > > > > central Pa
> > > > > 1973 FC
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --- In
> WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "michaelhohnstein"
> > > > > > <MHOHNSTEIN@> wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "campingleroy"
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I have experience with quite a few mid 80s Birds,
buying
> > > > selling
> > > > > > > and "fixing on." My 83 rear bath suits the wife and I
> real
> > > > well
> > > > > > and
> > > > > > > I wouldn't trade it for a triple slide anything. Not
> even
> > a
> > > > > Newell.
> > > > > > > That being said, I recommend 87 and newer FCs for those
> who
> > > > wish
> > > > > to
> > > > > > > get into a vintage Bird. The engine and accessories are
> > much
> > > > > easier
> > > > > > > to maintain due to improved design engine cover and
> swing
> > > > > radiator.
> > > > > > > 86 and older are a pain to adjust valves on, and that's
> not
> > > > good.
> > > > > > > Moreover the 87 up has a charge air cooler and 300 hp.,
> a
> > > very
> > > > > > > welcome feature when trying to get down the road. The
> ZF
> > > trans
> > > > > is
> > > > > > a
> > > > > > > great piece and features OD.
> > > > > > > My 83 has been upgraded to 87 specs. Fiberglass engine
> > > cover,
> > > > > > > charge air cooler and inlet air enhancements. The
> Allison
> > > is
> > > > > > backed
> > > > > > > by a drive line OD transmission in front of the Jake
> > > retarder.
> > > > > > > I was able to do all this 'stuff' to my Bird due the
> line
> > of
> > > > work
> > > > > > > I'm in. Much easier to just pay a little more and get
> the
> > > > newer
> > > > > > > version, and it's all done for you.
> > > > > > > MH
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > My wife and I really like a lot of things about
> vintage
> > > > birds,
> > > > > > > > including the safety, reliability, and durability. I
> > > think a
> > > > > mid
> > > > > > > 80s
> > > > > > > > FC would be about the best fit for us and our
budget.
> > The
> > > > one
> > > > > > > with a
> > > > > > > > double bed in the back, and 2 couches up front.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I dont mind tinkering and working on a lot of
> projects.
> > > Our
> > > > > > > current
> > > > > > > > coach is a 1989 Class C, I had to rebuild the entire
> cab
> > > over
> > > > > on
> > > > > > > that.
> > > > > > > > But I'm by no means a mechanic. I do consider myself
> to
> > > be
> > > > > very
> > > > > > > > mechanically inclined though. I can follow
directions
> > > really
> > > > > > > well, if
> > > > > > > > there are procedures on doing projects though. And
> based
> > > on
> > > > > what
> > > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > know or believe things to cost, I can't afford to
have
> a
> > > > > mechanic
> > > > > > > do
> > > > > > > > every bit of maintenance these things need. The
> > > electrical
> > > > > > > problems
> > > > > > > > concern me much less than mechanical ones.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > My question is, should I steer away from these old
> > birds?
> > > Is
> > > > > the
> > > > > > > > majority of the work something that an average person
> > > could
> > > > do
> > > > > > > given
> > > > > > > > patience and research/reading? Don't want to get
> myself
> > > in
> > > > > over
> > > > > > > my
> > > > > > > > head.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I would DEFINATELY want to hire someone to look at a
> unit
> > > > > before
> > > > > > > > purchasing, to make sure I understood what I was
> getting
> > > > myself
> > > > > > > into.
> > > > > > > > If I get to that point, I'll be asking here for
> > > > recommendations
> > > > > > on
> > > > > > > who.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I would just say this and that is buy from a person who
> loves
> > > his
> > > > > old
> > > > > > coach! Pay a little bit more but then most of the work
has
> > > been
> > > > > done.
> > > > > > As far as Vlv adjustment that only happens every 50,000
> miles
> > > and
> > > > > my
> > > > > > coach has only had that done two times. Yep and beside my
> old
> > > > coach
> > > > > > gets 10 mpg (1978) and the newer ones well we all know
> they
> > > were
> > > > > made
> > > > > > for cheap fuel prices in mind. Jon
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[walker172]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jack & Donna Smith"
wrote:
>
> As one with practical experience with a "Vintage" Bird, I second
the
> idea of staying away from a coach that needs a lot, or even some
> work.
> You will have enough work "sprucing up" and making the
coach "Yours"
> and you don't want any extra tasks, if possible.
> Although these things are called "RVs", they really are not, as you
> will soon find out when you take one to a regular RV shop for much
> more than awning replacment, or new floormats..
> In the few cases I have had to tow the coach, I have always tried
to
> impress on them that this is a BIG 31' BUS, and the front axel is
> sone 5 feet in back of the front bumper. When the tow truck
> arrives, the driver usually says, "I should of Brought our Big
> Truck"!
> The rule of thumb is that you should have a fund of some $10K to
> cover repairs, fix-ups, and other items. Tires can run $3 to 4
> hundred each.
> I think an 83 or so would be a good starting point, with the Turbo
> and Air Bags.
> Also, if you live in one of those "Wunnerful" HOA's, be prepared to
> hear, "Get that big ugly thing out of here", and add in $150 a
month
> or so to store it elsewhere, and remember that usually you cant
work
> on it or wash it at the storage lot.
> But, Welcome to the world of Wanderlodges and all the quality
people
> you will meet in "The Family"....
> Jack Smith
> 1973FC31
> SoCal.
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "campingleroy"
> wrote:
> >
> > Wow tons of great feedback and fast! This forum definately seems
> > very helpful, and really helps me feel more comfortable about
> making
> > a step toward an older coach, and knowing i have a team to help
me
> > figure things out.
> >
> > I think that I'd be better at actually doing the
> repairs/maintenance
> > than troubleshooting problems at least on the mechancial stuff,
> until
> > I got to know things a bit more.
> >
> > A bit more background on us. We're late 20s, early 30s, with 2
> girls
> > under 3 years old. We currently travel about 1 big trip a year
> and 2-
> > 4 more smaller weekend trips. We expect that will increase again
> as
> > the girls get older (read out of diapers and crib).
> >
> > I work in IT with computers for a living, and have done nearly
> every
> > type of work around the house and my RV, with only limited
> mechanical
> > work.
> >
> > I think we'd like an 83 or 84 FC based on all i read. They have
> the
> > power of the Turbo, and also air suspension, but still aren't too
> > pricey. We want the diesel engine and the diesel generator. We
> want
> > the one with twin couches up front, and a double bed in the back.
> >
> > I dont have an exact budget at the moment. Obviously the less I
> > could spend the better, but I want the most reliable coach I can
> get
> > too. I would like to spend near $20K.
> >
> > Thanks for all the great feedback. I had heard a lot of good
> stuff
> > about this place from the RV.NET group, and it definately seems
> like
> > you've got a great group.
> >
> >
> > We actually went and checked out an 83 this weekend. Floor plan
> was
> > cool, perfect. But it left me with a lot of questions. Here's
an
> > excerpt from what I wrote on RV.NEt about it.
> >
> > "Late last night I found a deal on an old 1983 Wanderlodge an
hour
> or
> > so south of me. We've been thinking for a few years that it would
> be
> > very nice to have an old Bird. This deal seemed too good to be
> true,
> > $12,000. I'd never personally been inside a vintage bird, so i
> > figured now is a good time to go see if they'd really be a good
> fit
> > for us. The seller was selling on behalf of his brother and
didn't
> > know much about it.
> >
> > Engine started right up, but the smell of diesel was extremely
> strong
> > outside the front end, passenger side. Is that normal?
> >
> > The diesel genset didn't want to start up, he thought it was fed
> by a
> > separate tank, but I dont think that is the case.
> >
> > Outside was rough, definately needed a new coat of paint. Inside
> was
> > decent. Was nice being in an older unit with not a signle sign of
> a
> > leak. Much of the uppolstry needed to be replaced, couchs,
chairs,
> > dinnettes. And the carpet was ugh-riginal.
> >
> > 12V electrical system was great for lights, but nearly everything
> on
> > the dash was dead. Gauges seemed to work, but switches were all
> > useless. A/C, Heat etc didnt work.
> >
> > As for the 110V stuff, I couldn't test with no genset and no
shore
> > power.
> >
> > Awnings needed some help, but I was about done by the time I got
> to
> > them, that I didn't even check them out.
> >
> > Man, this thing could be nice to someone who wants to put a bit
of
> > time into it, just not sure I'm really up to it at this point in
> the
> > game.
> >
> > Question is, should I lowball this guy? And see if I can get it
at
> a
> > price where I could pay someone else to fix the broken "stuff"?
> Any
> > factor sound like sign of something much worse?
> > "
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jack & Donna Smith"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Old Bird or Newer?? Well, as some say, "You Pays Your Money,
> and
> > > Takes Your Choice"...
> > > Our 1973 Bird lacks some of the items that are standard on
Newer
> > > coaches, but also lack some of the headaches..What is
> a "Sporlian
> > > Valve", anyway, or "Air Operated Sreps"?
> > > As my old pappy said, "What ain't there, cant break".
> > > Some costs are less, such as my yearly DMV fee of $67,(even
here
> in
> > > the Land of Arnold), and lower Insurance costs, and it afforded
> me
> > > my unique method of financing, One Payment & walk away with the
> > Pink
> > > Slip..
> > > But make no mistake, repairs may be necessary, and as Jeff
> Miller
> > > said, "Pay Now, oor Pay Later".
> > > The old coaches are much simpler and therefore easier (read
> Cheaper)
> > > to maintain.
> > > The great thing about Bluebirds is that they practically never
> wear
> > > out. A lot of the original items on our coach are still
> working,
> > > while I imagine my old "Sticks & Staples Tioga is probably in
> that
> > > Big KOA in the Sky...
> > > We also like to visit the various RV dealers and look over the
> > > current crop.. It is real interesting to see the look on the
> > > salesmans face when he asks us if we have an RV and we
> reply, "Yes,
> > > a Bluebird". We are usually left alone after that......
> > > Jack Smith
> > > 1973FC31
> > > SoCal
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" <mike.putz@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I also agree with everything I've read here. I own a 63
> Bluebird
> > > > conversion and just recently purchased a 78FC35. I choose
> this
> > > bus
> > > > to upgrade to a diesel, leveling jacks, bigger generator,
> etc..
> > I
> > > > did not want air bags as I like to go off road often with a
> > > trailer
> > > > full of quads and dirt bikes. I wanted something tough with
> > > ground
> > > > clearance. I had the pleasure of driving my friends 90SP36
> from
> > > > Texas to Arizona not long ago. It was very nice, plush,
> fancy,
> > > and
> > > > strong with the 300 HP Cat. However, it was just not for
me.
> So
> > > old
> > > > or new.. you can't go wrong with these busses. I'm a "bang-
> for-
> > > buck"
> > > > kind of guy on a small budget so the FC's were perfect!
> > > > Just another 2 cents...
> > > >
> > > > Michael
> > > > 78FC35 "Putz'n Around"
> > > > Mesa, Az
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
>
> > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Leroy, I think everything that has been said is on target.
> You
> > > > > certainly want the best that you can buy. No doubt the
> later
> > > FC's
> > > > > are considerably improved and being newer should in theory
> at
> > > least
> > > > > be in better condition. That being said there is always the
> > > debate
> > > > as
> > > > > to how much a guy should spend on an FC before he considers
> a
> > > PT. I
> > > > > have never ridden in or experienced a late model FC but my
> > > thoughts
> > > > > are if I was going to spend upwards of 50K would I add to
it
> a
> > > > little
> > > > > (or a lot) and go with a PT. These are things you have to
> > > decide.
> > > > I
> > > > > was there a year ago and I am certain all of us would agree
> > that
> > > > you
> > > > > should invest in some travel and time to investigate a
> number
> > of
> > > > > these coaches before you buy. I think personal preference
> and
> > > how
> > > > > you are going to use the coach are the critical things to
> > > > consider.
> > > > > I love my old 1973 but if I was intending to make a lot of
> long
> > > > runs
> > > > > I would consider moving up. My coach is also smallish for
> more
> > > then
> > > > > two. I consider it like buying any vehicle you want to
match
> it
> > > to
> > > > > your use as well as your pocket book.
> > > > > John Heckman
> > > > > central Pa
> > > > > 1973 FC
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --- In
> WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "michaelhohnstein"
> > > > > > <MHOHNSTEIN@> wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "campingleroy"
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I have experience with quite a few mid 80s Birds,
buying
> > > > selling
> > > > > > > and "fixing on." My 83 rear bath suits the wife and I
> real
> > > > well
> > > > > > and
> > > > > > > I wouldn't trade it for a triple slide anything. Not
> even
> > a
> > > > > Newell.
> > > > > > > That being said, I recommend 87 and newer FCs for those
> who
> > > > wish
> > > > > to
> > > > > > > get into a vintage Bird. The engine and accessories are
> > much
> > > > > easier
> > > > > > > to maintain due to improved design engine cover and
> swing
> > > > > radiator.
> > > > > > > 86 and older are a pain to adjust valves on, and that's
> not
> > > > good.
> > > > > > > Moreover the 87 up has a charge air cooler and 300 hp.,
> a
> > > very
> > > > > > > welcome feature when trying to get down the road. The
> ZF
> > > trans
> > > > > is
> > > > > > a
> > > > > > > great piece and features OD.
> > > > > > > My 83 has been upgraded to 87 specs. Fiberglass engine
> > > cover,
> > > > > > > charge air cooler and inlet air enhancements. The
> Allison
> > > is
> > > > > > backed
> > > > > > > by a drive line OD transmission in front of the Jake
> > > retarder.
> > > > > > > I was able to do all this 'stuff' to my Bird due the
> line
> > of
> > > > work
> > > > > > > I'm in. Much easier to just pay a little more and get
> the
> > > > newer
> > > > > > > version, and it's all done for you.
> > > > > > > MH
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > My wife and I really like a lot of things about
> vintage
> > > > birds,
> > > > > > > > including the safety, reliability, and durability. I
> > > think a
> > > > > mid
> > > > > > > 80s
> > > > > > > > FC would be about the best fit for us and our
budget.
> > The
> > > > one
> > > > > > > with a
> > > > > > > > double bed in the back, and 2 couches up front.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I dont mind tinkering and working on a lot of
> projects.
> > > Our
> > > > > > > current
> > > > > > > > coach is a 1989 Class C, I had to rebuild the entire
> cab
> > > over
> > > > > on
> > > > > > > that.
> > > > > > > > But I'm by no means a mechanic. I do consider myself
> to
> > > be
> > > > > very
> > > > > > > > mechanically inclined though. I can follow
directions
> > > really
> > > > > > > well, if
> > > > > > > > there are procedures on doing projects though. And
> based
> > > on
> > > > > what
> > > > > > > I
> > > > > > > > know or believe things to cost, I can't afford to
have
> a
> > > > > mechanic
> > > > > > > do
> > > > > > > > every bit of maintenance these things need. The
> > > electrical
> > > > > > > problems
> > > > > > > > concern me much less than mechanical ones.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > My question is, should I steer away from these old
> > birds?
> > > Is
> > > > > the
> > > > > > > > majority of the work something that an average person
> > > could
> > > > do
> > > > > > > given
> > > > > > > > patience and research/reading? Don't want to get
> myself
> > > in
> > > > > over
> > > > > > > my
> > > > > > > > head.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I would DEFINATELY want to hire someone to look at a
> unit
> > > > > before
> > > > > > > > purchasing, to make sure I understood what I was
> getting
> > > > myself
> > > > > > > into.
> > > > > > > > If I get to that point, I'll be asking here for
> > > > recommendations
> > > > > > on
> > > > > > > who.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I would just say this and that is buy from a person who
> loves
> > > his
> > > > > old
> > > > > > coach! Pay a little bit more but then most of the work
has
> > > been
> > > > > done.
> > > > > > As far as Vlv adjustment that only happens every 50,000
> miles
> > > and
> > > > > my
> > > > > > coach has only had that done two times. Yep and beside my
> old
> > > > coach
> > > > > > gets 10 mpg (1978) and the newer ones well we all know
> they
> > > were
> > > > > made
> > > > > > for cheap fuel prices in mind. Jon
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Ryan Wright]

Run away from this. Buy something that does not need any work. Even if
you have to increase your budget to do it. Believe me, the more
expensive coach that needs nothing is cheaper than the cheap one that
needs a lot. A $10k coach is not a bargain if you have to spend 1,000
hours of your life and $30k on top of what you paid to make it nice
again, when you could have bought a perfect coach for $30k to begin
with. Most people will quickly lose interest and come to hate their
coach if they buy a junker.

Based on your background, you and I are extremely alike. Close in age
and we do the same thing for a living. I highly doubt you will be
happy with anything less than a good, ready to roll coach that needs
nothing. I know your wife will appreciate it. Wives don't generally
like being repeatedly stranded on the side of the road with two little
ones while you try to fix x, y or z yet again, or having vacation
plans canceled because something else is broken, and watching their
monthly budget being constantly affected by parts for the coach. A
coach that needs a lot of work will have had little maintenance and
really is a recipe for disaster.

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92

On Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 8:25 PM, campingleroy wrote:
>
> I work in IT with computers for a living, and have done nearly every
> type of work around the house and my RV, with only limited mechanical
> work.
>

[David Brady]

Anyone interested in an older (read cheap) wanderlodge would do

well reading Andy Coleman's recent account of engine failure in an

'83 FC 35. While engine failure can happen to any of us, it takes on

a whole new dimension when the price of a repair exceeds the value

of the coach. Search for post number: 27270.



David Brady

'02 LXi, NC



Ryan Wright wrote:

Run away from this. Buy something that does not need any work.
Even if

you have to increase your budget to do it. Believe me, the more

expensive coach that needs nothing is cheaper than the cheap one that

needs a lot. A $10k coach is not a bargain if you have to spend 1,000

hours of your life and $30k on top of what you paid to make it nice

again, when you could have bought a perfect coach for $30k to begin

with. Most people will quickly lose interest and come to hate their

coach if they buy a junker.



Based on your background, you and I are extremely alike. Close in age

and we do the same thing for a living. I highly doubt you will be

happy with anything less than a good, ready to roll coach that needs

nothing. I know your wife will appreciate it. Wives don't generally

like being repeatedly stranded on the side of the road with two little

ones while you try to fix x, y or z yet again, or having vacation

plans canceled because something else is broken, and watching their

monthly budget being constantly affected by parts for the coach. A

coach that needs a lot of work will have had little maintenance and

really is a recipe for disaster.



-Ryan

'86 PT-40 8V92



On Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 8:25 PM, campingleroy <"campingleroy%40yahoo.com">
wrote:

>

> I work in IT with computers for a living, and have done nearly
every

> type of work around the house and my RV, with only limited
mechanical

> work.

>

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.4.1/1517 - Release Date: 6/24/2008 8:41 PM