Worth It To Upgrade To A Newer Wanderlodge???

[dthollis1961]

I own a 78 FC33 that I've spent the last 1-1/2 years refurbing. It's
to the point now that most everything works and looks good too, but
it
is still a 1978 model with leaf springs, 210 hp and 5.29 gears. I'm
not smart, but I don't think it would be a good idea to try to make
a '78 into an '87 or so. Maybe I should buy a newer one instead.
I'm
talking about a '87-'89 FC.

My questions are to those that have moved up the Wanderlodge ladder.
Is an '87 FC with all its updates over a '78 really worth 2 or 3
times
what a '78 FC is worth? I must be missing something. An '87 is
still
old, mine's just a little older. Was it worth it to you to move up?

Just Wandering,
David Hollis
78 FC33
Springfield,IL

[Jim Owens]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"
wrote:
> I own a 78 FC33 that I've spent the last 1-1/2 years refurbing.
It's
> to the point now that most everything works and looks good too, but
> it
> is still a 1978 model with leaf springs, 210 hp and 5.29 gears. I'm
> not smart, but I don't think it would be a good idea to try to make
> a '78 into an '87 or so. Maybe I should buy a newer one instead.
> I'm
> talking about a '87-'89 FC.

David,

I'm in the same boat you're in, almost. We've had our 77 FC33 for just
over two years and have gone thru the interior and some of the chassis
issues. Our is a gas 'Bird though and not well regarded (evidently).
Personally, I would rather not have all the diesel and airbag issues.
91 octane gas is about the same price as diesel but is more readily
available off the beaten path. Our experience in marketing our 'Bird
leads me to believe that anyone looking for an "entry-level" 'Bird
wants a rock bottom price regardless of what you've put into upgrades.

We purchased our coach from a couple that had moved up to an 83 FC35SB
Turbo. They've just upgraded to a 91 PT. He has commented to me that
sometimes he wishes he hadn't bought the 83. Now he's in the two 'Bird
family again as well as in the doghouse! ;-) I'm sure they'll enjoy
the 91, especially once the 83 is sold.

Like you, I'd like to hear from the voice of experience about
upgrading.

Jim Owens 77 FC33SB (Gas)
Lake of the Ozarks, MO

[Jeff Miller]

"Two-foot-itus" is a desease that has inflicted financial pain on its
victims for longer than I've been around, it can affect boaters,
RVers, homeowners, ... its mutations are many.

If you like the coach you have, keep it. If it doesn't suit your
needs, then you have justification to change up. Anything beyond that
is a simple matter of you can afford better and you want to do it.
You can't take the money with you, ...

I've had most years/configurations of diesel FC, have my preferences.
Leaf springs, ride a little harsher and can't drop the coach for
leveling and ease of entry, but they are lighter and don't have the
air-leak problems (I'll be changing an air-bag tomorrow that leaks).
Turbos? I personally won't buy a non-turbo coach for example, kind of
like going back to B&W television once you've had color. I like the
safety of the retarder and the power with relatively clean exhaust of
the turbo coaches. The '87-'89 FC with the 300hp/5-speed is a whole
different driving experience again.

There is no improvement made to the Wanderlodge in the '80s that I
can think of that isn't worth a little more money. When people ask me
what year/model they should buy, the first question I ask is the
budget. If someone wants to spend $30k and have a coach that is ready
to roll, with everything looking and working great, it'll be hard to
find even an early diesel in that condition for that price. If
spending mid-$40k range and not minding a few minor and cosmetic
issues with an original interior, definately a turbo FC. If you have
the money for an '88/'89 FC, go for it they are IMO by far the best
FC models made for driveability and floorplan as well as many other
refinements. Pretty much every year from '82-on had significant
changes, some even mid-year, on the FC and on the PT. Move to a nice
turbo coach and you'll never be able to go back, air leaks or not.

We loved our '77, it served us well. It was simple and inexpensive to
operate, and most system failures could be dealt with using wire and
tape temporarily, ... a robust and charming coach. Then two-foot-itus
got me.

- Jeff Miller
http://www.wanderlodge.net
http://www.millercoachworks.com


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"
wrote:
> I own a 78 FC33 that I've spent the last 1-1/2 years refurbing.
It's
> to the point now that most everything works and looks good too, but
> it
> is still a 1978 model with leaf springs, 210 hp and 5.29 gears.
I'm
> not smart, but I don't think it would be a good idea to try to make
> a '78 into an '87 or so. Maybe I should buy a newer one instead.
> I'm
> talking about a '87-'89 FC.
>
> My questions are to those that have moved up the Wanderlodge
ladder.
> Is an '87 FC with all its updates over a '78 really worth 2 or 3
> times
> what a '78 FC is worth? I must be missing something. An '87 is
> still
> old, mine's just a little older. Was it worth it to you to move up?
>
> Just Wandering,
> David Hollis
> 78 FC33
> Springfield,IL

[jon lechich]

Jeff that was well written! Your write about the two foot thing and what happens
when you get that big 40 ft coach in a few years you want another one. Human
nature at work!Jon

Jeff Miller wrote:"Two-foot-itus" is a desease that has
inflicted financial pain on its
victims for longer than I've been around, it can affect boaters,
RVers, homeowners, ... its mutations are many.

If you like the coach you have, keep it. If it doesn't suit your
needs, then you have justification to change up. Anything beyond that
is a simple matter of you can afford better and you want to do it.
You can't take the money with you, ...

I've had most years/configurations of diesel FC, have my preferences.
Leaf springs, ride a little harsher and can't drop the coach for
leveling and ease of entry, but they are lighter and don't have the
air-leak problems (I'll be changing an air-bag tomorrow that leaks).
Turbos? I personally won't buy a non-turbo coach for example, kind of
like going back to B&W television once you've had color. I like the
safety of the retarder and the power with relatively clean exhaust of
the turbo coaches. The '87-'89 FC with the 300hp/5-speed is a whole
different driving experience again.

There is no improvement made to the Wanderlodge in the '80s that I
can think of that isn't worth a little more money. When people ask me
what year/model they should buy, the first question I ask is the
budget. If someone wants to spend $30k and have a coach that is ready
to roll, with everything looking and working great, it'll be hard to
find even an early diesel in that condition for that price. If
spending mid-$40k range and not minding a few minor and cosmetic
issues with an original interior, definately a turbo FC. If you have
the money for an '88/'89 FC, go for it they are IMO by far the best
FC models made for driveability and floorplan as well as many other
refinements. Pretty much every year from '82-on had significant
changes, some even mid-year, on the FC and on the PT. Move to a nice
turbo coach and you'll never be able to go back, air leaks or not.

We loved our '77, it served us well. It was simple and inexpensive to
operate, and most system failures could be dealt with using wire and
tape temporarily, ... a robust and charming coach. Then two-foot-itus
got me.

- Jeff Miller
http://www.wanderlodge.net
http://www.millercoachworks.com


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"

wrote:
> I own a 78 FC33 that I've spent the last 1-1/2 years refurbing.
It's
> to the point now that most everything works and looks good too, but
> it
> is still a 1978 model with leaf springs, 210 hp and 5.29 gears.
I'm
> not smart, but I don't think it would be a good idea to try to make
> a '78 into an '87 or so. Maybe I should buy a newer one instead.
> I'm
> talking about a '87-'89 FC.
>
> My questions are to those that have moved up the Wanderlodge
ladder.
> Is an '87 FC with all its updates over a '78 really worth 2 or 3
> times
> what a '78 FC is worth? I must be missing something. An '87 is
> still
> old, mine's just a little older. Was it worth it to you to move up?
>
> Just Wandering,
> David Hollis
> 78 FC33
> Springfield,IL






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One of my favorite sayings goes! "You never own anything, everything owns you!"





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[randydupree]

guys,i had a coverted skoolie years ago.sometimes i wish i still had it! it
didnt cost me 150 grand,and if i spilled a beer it was not a big deal,i used to
put my bike in the bedroom,and if i went down a tree lined road the limbs didnt
bother me as much...now,i don't even want a bike near my coach,it may fall over
and scratch my paint..etc,etc....randydupree93wb
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Owens
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2005 12:26 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Worth It To Upgrade To A Newer Wanderlodge???


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"
wrote:
> I own a 78 FC33 that I've spent the last 1-1/2 years refurbing.
It's
> to the point now that most everything works and looks good too, but
> it
> is still a 1978 model with leaf springs, 210 hp and 5.29 gears. I'm
> not smart, but I don't think it would be a good idea to try to make
> a '78 into an '87 or so. Maybe I should buy a newer one instead.
> I'm
> talking about a '87-'89 FC.

David,

I'm in the same boat you're in, almost. We've had our 77 FC33 for just
over two years and have gone thru the interior and some of the chassis
issues. Our is a gas 'Bird though and not well regarded (evidently).
Personally, I would rather not have all the diesel and airbag issues.
91 octane gas is about the same price as diesel but is more readily
available off the beaten path. Our experience in marketing our 'Bird
leads me to believe that anyone looking for an "entry-level" 'Bird
wants a rock bottom price regardless of what you've put into upgrades.

We purchased our coach from a couple that had moved up to an 83 FC35SB
Turbo. They've just upgraded to a 91 PT. He has commented to me that
sometimes he wishes he hadn't bought the 83. Now he's in the two 'Bird
family again as well as in the doghouse! ;-) I'm sure they'll enjoy
the 91, especially once the 83 is sold.

Like you, I'd like to hear from the voice of experience about
upgrading.

Jim Owens 77 FC33SB (Gas)
Lake of the Ozarks, MO




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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[George Lowry]

Simple, Jon. You get a 42 ft. coach like mine then a 45. Don't know
what you do after that but they will probably be building them bigger
in a few years...

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD

jon lechich wrote:
> Jeff that was well written! Your write about the two foot thing and what
happens when you get that big 40 ft coach in a few years you want another one.
Human nature at work!Jon
>
> Jeff Miller wrote:"Two-foot-itus" is a desease that has
inflicted financial pain on its
> victims for longer than I've been around, it can affect boaters,
> RVers, homeowners, ... its mutations are many.
>
> If you like the coach you have, keep it. If it doesn't suit your
> needs, then you have justification to change up. Anything beyond that
> is a simple matter of you can afford better and you want to do it.
> You can't take the money with you, ...
>
> I've had most years/configurations of diesel FC, have my preferences.
> Leaf springs, ride a little harsher and can't drop the coach for
> leveling and ease of entry, but they are lighter and don't have the
> air-leak problems (I'll be changing an air-bag tomorrow that leaks).
> Turbos? I personally won't buy a non-turbo coach for example, kind of
> like going back to B&W television once you've had color. I like the
> safety of the retarder and the power with relatively clean exhaust of
> the turbo coaches. The '87-'89 FC with the 300hp/5-speed is a whole
> different driving experience again.
>
> There is no improvement made to the Wanderlodge in the '80s that I
> can think of that isn't worth a little more money. When people ask me
> what year/model they should buy, the first question I ask is the
> budget. If someone wants to spend $30k and have a coach that is ready
> to roll, with everything looking and working great, it'll be hard to
> find even an early diesel in that condition for that price. If
> spending mid-$40k range and not minding a few minor and cosmetic
> issues with an original interior, definately a turbo FC. If you have
> the money for an '88/'89 FC, go for it they are IMO by far the best
> FC models made for driveability and floorplan as well as many other
> refinements. Pretty much every year from '82-on had significant
> changes, some even mid-year, on the FC and on the PT. Move to a nice
> turbo coach and you'll never be able to go back, air leaks or not.
>
> We loved our '77, it served us well. It was simple and inexpensive to
> operate, and most system failures could be dealt with using wire and
> tape temporarily, ... a robust and charming coach. Then two-foot-itus
> got me.
>
> - Jeff Miller
> http://www.wanderlodge.net
> http://www.millercoachworks.com
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"
>
> wrote:
>
>>I own a 78 FC33 that I've spent the last 1-1/2 years refurbing.
>
> It's
>
>>to the point now that most everything works and looks good too, but
>>it
>>is still a 1978 model with leaf springs, 210 hp and 5.29 gears.
>
> I'm
>
>>not smart, but I don't think it would be a good idea to try to make
>>a '78 into an '87 or so. Maybe I should buy a newer one instead.
>>I'm
>>talking about a '87-'89 FC.
>>
>>My questions are to those that have moved up the Wanderlodge
>
> ladder.
>
>>Is an '87 FC with all its updates over a '78 really worth 2 or 3
>>times
>>what a '78 FC is worth? I must be missing something. An '87 is
>>still
>>old, mine's just a little older. Was it worth it to you to move up?
>>
>>Just Wandering,
>>David Hollis
>>78 FC33
>>Springfield,IL
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> One of my favorite sayings goes! "You never own anything, everything owns
you!"
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Mail Mobile
> Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

[Jack & Donna Smith]

We are also interested in upgrading. We like our 1973FC but some
basic things annoy us. For instance, the Hydraulic Brakes, 391 Gas
Engine, Split Rim Wheels, and a general overhaul of the interior to
please the Wife.
What really irks us is the slowness of the coach. We always tow the
Jeep, but 17mph up the Grapevine, Cajon Pass, Raton Pass, and others
make us wish for more power.
The mileage at 5mpg also leaves a bunch to be desired, but I remember
the 22K mile trip in our Cl 'C' Toyota that turned in 12mpg, so half
that with 10 times the coach eases the pain....
But to date we have some $20K invested, Engine work, new Torque
Converter, New Paint, and a new 5.5 Onan. Probably be lucky to get
$12-14K out of the coach.
But I belive that it, being a BLUEBIRD, we have a better resale than
if it were a SOB.
Jack Smith
1973FC31
SoCal

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"
wrote:
> I own a 78 FC33 that I've spent the last 1-1/2 years refurbing. It's
> to the point now that most everything works and looks good too, but
> it
> is still a 1978 model with leaf springs, 210 hp and 5.29 gears. I'm
> not smart, but I don't think it would be a good idea to try to make
> a '78 into an '87 or so. Maybe I should buy a newer one instead.
> I'm
> talking about a '87-'89 FC.
>
> My questions are to those that have moved up the Wanderlodge ladder.
> Is an '87 FC with all its updates over a '78 really worth 2 or 3
> times
> what a '78 FC is worth? I must be missing something. An '87 is
> still
> old, mine's just a little older. Was it worth it to you to move up?
>
> Just Wandering,
> David Hollis
> 78 FC33
> Springfield,IL

[Jeff Miller]

Jack:

So you spent some money on the coach and won't get it all back if you
sell. Have you considered how much more it would have cost if you
rented a motorhome for all of your travels instead of buying? Figure
that $$ in and you can feel better about your "investment" over the
years/miles. Don't look back, get what you want and can afford now
while you can enjoy it. Remember that any coach (new or used) will
cost you to operate, don't spend all of your budget on the coach.

- Jeff Miller
http://www.wanderlodge.net
http://www.millercoachworks.com


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jack & Donna Smith"
wrote:
> We are also interested in upgrading. We like our 1973FC but some
> basic things annoy us. For instance, the Hydraulic Brakes, 391 Gas
> Engine, Split Rim Wheels, and a general overhaul of the interior to
> please the Wife.
> What really irks us is the slowness of the coach. We always tow the
> Jeep, but 17mph up the Grapevine, Cajon Pass, Raton Pass, and others
> make us wish for more power.
> The mileage at 5mpg also leaves a bunch to be desired, but I
remember
> the 22K mile trip in our Cl 'C' Toyota that turned in 12mpg, so half
> that with 10 times the coach eases the pain....
> But to date we have some $20K invested, Engine work, new Torque
> Converter, New Paint, and a new 5.5 Onan. Probably be lucky to get
> $12-14K out of the coach.
> But I belive that it, being a BLUEBIRD, we have a better resale than
> if it were a SOB.
> Jack Smith

[George Lowry]

Jack,

That slowness doesn't necessarily go away with a newer coach. I
expected a lot more from our '95 bird with the Series 60 engine and 6
speed tranny. It is slightly faster than 17 mph up the Grapevine
(actually around 30 towing a toad.) but the mileage is not that great
getting only around 6 mpg after modifying it with a new turbo. My old
GM did better in both categories (49 mph up the Grapevine and 7.5
mpg). But Moma wanted a larger coach for full timing. Now she is
having second thoughts. In many respects you could do a better job if
you remodeled what you have. Only problem is that you must use the
value, you can never sell it for a fraction of what you get in it.

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD (selling the farm in NORCAL)

Jack & Donna Smith wrote:

> We are also interested in upgrading. We like our 1973FC but some
> basic things annoy us. For instance, the Hydraulic Brakes, 391 Gas
> Engine, Split Rim Wheels, and a general overhaul of the interior to
> please the Wife.
> What really irks us is the slowness of the coach. We always tow the
> Jeep, but 17mph up the Grapevine, Cajon Pass, Raton Pass, and others
> make us wish for more power.
> The mileage at 5mpg also leaves a bunch to be desired, but I remember
> the 22K mile trip in our Cl 'C' Toyota that turned in 12mpg, so half
> that with 10 times the coach eases the pain....
> But to date we have some $20K invested, Engine work, new Torque
> Converter, New Paint, and a new 5.5 Onan. Probably be lucky to get
> $12-14K out of the coach.
> But I belive that it, being a BLUEBIRD, we have a better resale than
> if it were a SOB.
> Jack Smith
> 1973FC31
> SoCal
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dthollis1961"
> wrote:
>
>>I own a 78 FC33 that I've spent the last 1-1/2 years refurbing. It's
>>to the point now that most everything works and looks good too, but
>>it
>>is still a 1978 model with leaf springs, 210 hp and 5.29 gears. I'm
>>not smart, but I don't think it would be a good idea to try to make
>>a '78 into an '87 or so. Maybe I should buy a newer one instead.
>>I'm
>>talking about a '87-'89 FC.
>>
>>My questions are to those that have moved up the Wanderlodge ladder.
>>Is an '87 FC with all its updates over a '78 really worth 2 or 3
>>times
>>what a '78 FC is worth? I must be missing something. An '87 is
>>still
>>old, mine's just a little older. Was it worth it to you to move up?
>>
>>Just Wandering,
>>David Hollis
>>78 FC33
>>Springfield,IL
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

[mrdonut12]

Jeff,
This is an excellent analysis. Thank you for the time, trouble
and effort you spend to help us all on these forums.
You seem to have the patience of a saint many times when you type
a post to help someone.
I'm not the only one who appreciates what you do, there are many.
THANKS.

George Witt
81 FC 35
Lincoln, Nebraska--Huskers


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"
wrote:
> "Two-foot-itus" is a desease that has inflicted financial pain on its
> victims for longer than I've been around, it can affect boaters,
> RVers, homeowners, ... its mutations are many.
>
> If you like the coach you have, keep it. If it doesn't suit your
> needs, then you have justification to change up. Anything beyond that
> is a simple matter of you can afford better and you want to do it.
> You can't take the money with you, ...
>

> - Jeff Miller
> http://www.wanderlodge.net
> http://www.millercoachworks.com
>
>