Some Questions about the birds

[mohavewolfpup]

I was a member here before, not sure if the membership expired or if
I had it on my old account, but anyway.

Last year around august or so, I was on ebay just browsing under the
automotive section. was looking for diesel trucks (fords, i'll have a
question about that in a moment also) and happened across a "bluebird
wanderlodge" since I was searching between the years of 1983-1986
generically with "diesel" for a keyword.

Familiar with bluebird since I always was a diesel freak, even when
younger, I still clicked on it, expecting a school bus or a glorified
school bus (the common conversions people do when they buy a used ex
school bus). Thomas buses were always my first like (first school bus
I ever rode on) so that stuck, but bluebirds were fun also. In
particular, I loved this 1982 or 1983 bluebird bus I rode late one
day, man was it fun! Well worn, but still worked, huge engine
compartment inside the bus, and even seatbelts! (original) and just a
heater. It was a bumpy ride, but that engine clattering up front was
a sweet sound

anyway, I was amazed to find just how luxurious the bus, er RV was.
definitely not a job someone did just tossing a couch and old
westinghouse stove/fridge in the back and hitting the road!
Collecting all the pictures and auction description for later
reference, (still have it at
http://mojavewolfpup.dyndns.org/images/83bbwanderlodge) I went away
feeling something "clicked"

I had always mentioned to my family that I would drive a school bus
one day, and well, here it is! (sort of) Working a job to afford one,
so it will come soon, but need some questions answered first

This will be a bus that will tow a vehicle behind it to have
something to run around a town with when I park it and relax for
however long Question is, what type of vehicle is recommended?

I've seen rv's pulling ford Bronco II's, nissan pathfinders, etc.
little tiny vehicles. Problem is, i'm a diesel pup. I lean towards a
1986 F350 4 door crew cab, but I don't know if that would be a good
idea to tow behind this bus. might be strong, but I don't know what
the rear end takes, how strong the towing ability is of the bumper,
and if that even violates laws for maximum size of a RV on the road.

Could I in theory tow the big crew cab, or am I better off downsizing
to a 86 F250 extended cab? (diesel of course still) I don't really
want anything tiny, and diesel is a must for the vehicle being towed.
It will be a manual transmission if that makes any difference for
fuel economy/transmission protection.

Next up would be how much room is onboard for extra fuel tanks, or
upgraded ones? I'm thinking most likely I will end up with a 83 or
earlier bluebird, my limit will be about $40,000 unless there is a
grand steal for a slightly newer one (say about until 1986 or so) so
maybe that helps with the knowledge of clearance underneath.

part of what I want to do is have a onboard system that could take
waste veggie oil from restaurants, refine it, and then put into a
special tank. I don't want it mixing with the regular fuel I will
still burn. Is this possible? Can the caterpillar take that type of
fuel? (wouldn't see why it can't)

The engine. how reliable is it? will I be pushing up roses in a
cemetery somewhere and the engine is still strong?

What about the transmission? Any other flaws, units that notoriously
die on it, etc that need repair?

and what about a fixer upper? Ideally, I want to just buy it, get
keys, then hit the road and relax, something much deserved. However,
if I could limp it home on a tired engine and take it into a
dealership for a fresh engine, that would be okay also. I just don't
want it being something I spend $100,000 to restore, and then go on
vacation after that to get away from the vehicle designed to take me
on vacation in the first place

Same with the transmission, if that needed to be replaced, as long as
it gets home (and the price is right) that's fine with me. Is it
possible to upgrade the engine/transmission to more torque/horsepower
also without drastically affecting anything, or is it better to get a
like for a like?

I would place more importance on the interior and exterior being
immaculate then the drive train if possible and the difference in
cost won't be much (like paying the same amount of cash for what I
could buy in better shape without the hassle of new engines)

Sorry for the lengthy post, but wanted to post more then just "hi,
help me!" to help everyone out here

Oh, one more thing. what manuals,etc would have come with these? I
saw mention of a "bluebird box" what's that? has all the manuals and
fuzzy pink monogrammed dice? Ideally finding a bus with all the
original manuals would be nice, even if the equipment onboard
changed. I like stuff like that, having a neat history of the vehicle
and all it's factory goodies.

Safe travels!

*barks and tail wags*

-mohavewolfpup