changing belts and hoses

[Dorn Hetzel]

It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35 fairly soon.

All are still working, but getting a bit loose.

Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35 involves removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?


If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to replace all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.

Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues?  If I were to pay someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?


Regards,

Dorn Hetzel
77FC35
Hogansville, GA

[pattypape]

Unless you have prior repair records,
It may be wise to do the job yourself,
Include removing the rad and have it flushed and tested,
replace all belts, check the idler pulleys, remove the alternator
and have it checked at a shop. Replace all questionable hoses including the oil
cooler hoses.
This is major repair cost at a dealer.
If you are going to keep the Bird ,
It may be a good idea to learn how to open the front.
There are procedures in the files of the forums.
Maybe replace the thermostats.

Bill 88 FC


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Dorn Hetzel wrote:
>
> It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35 fairly
> soon.
>
> All are still working, but getting a bit loose.
>
> Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35 involves
> removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?
>
> If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to replace
> all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.
>
> Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues? If I were to pay
> someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?
>
> Regards,
>
> Dorn Hetzel
> 77FC35
> Hogansville, GA
>

[Curt Sprenger]

Does your coach have the swing out radiator? Makes the job a lot easier. Might be a good time to fabricate your own swing radiator. Several procedures and pictures can be found on the forum. 

Curt Sprenger

1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"

Anaheim Hills, CA
Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at http://www.SOUTHWEST-BLUEBIRDS.ORG ...Then Join us.

"Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally"

On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 2:25 PM, Dorn Hetzel <"dorn@hetzel.org"> wrote:

It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35 fairly soon.

All are still working, but getting a bit loose.

Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35 involves removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?


If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to replace all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.

Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues?  If I were to pay someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?


Regards,

Dorn Hetzel
77FC35
Hogansville, GA

[Dorn Hetzel]

I don't know if it has a swing out radiator or not.  In the 18 months or so that I have owned it, I have not yet had to access the radiator other than to check coolant.  Were swing out radiators an option in 77 FC 35 ?

On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 6:00 PM, Curt Sprenger <"curtsprenger@gmail.com"> wrote:

Does your coach have the swing out radiator? Makes the job a lot easier. Might be a good time to fabricate your own swing radiator. Several procedures and pictures can be found on the forum. 

Curt Sprenger

1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"

Anaheim Hills, CA
Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at http://www.SOUTHWEST-BLUEBIRDS.ORG ...Then Join us.

"Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally"

On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 2:25 PM, Dorn Hetzel <"dorn@hetzel.org"> wrote:

It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35 fairly soon.

All are still working, but getting a bit loose.

Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35 involves removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?


If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to replace all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.

Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues?  If I were to pay someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?


Regards,

Dorn Hetzel
77FC35
Hogansville, GA

[Dorn Hetzel]

Anyone out there who's done this to their 70's FC and would be willing to advise ?

On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 5:42 PM, pattypape <"billpatty@hotmail.com"> wrote:

Unless you have prior repair records,

It may be wise to do the job yourself,

Include removing the rad and have it flushed and tested,

replace all belts, check the idler pulleys, remove the alternator

and have it checked at a shop. Replace all questionable hoses including the oil cooler hoses.

This is major repair cost at a dealer.

If you are going to keep the Bird ,

It may be a good idea to learn how to open the front.

There are procedures in the files of the forums.

Maybe replace the thermostats.



Bill 88 FC

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", Dorn Hetzel wrote:

>

> It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35 fairly

> soon.

>

> All are still working, but getting a bit loose.

>

> Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35 involves

> removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?

>

> If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to replace

> all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.

>

> Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues? If I were to pay

> someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?

>

> Regards,

>

> Dorn Hetzel

> 77FC35

> Hogansville, GA

>

[Chuck Wheeler]

I replaced all the belts in our 82 when we got it. It did not have a swing-our radiator. It too about 1/2 day to get into it. Second and last time I did it in about three hours. You will probably need some help lifting out the radiator and maybe handling the front bumper. I also replaced the thermostats while I had it open (made a big difference in operation as one was stuck 1/2 way open). I had the radiator cleaned out along with a cleaning and repair of the generator radiator. It cost $210 for the pair. After that experience thinking about possibly having to get to the belts on the road I converted it to a swing radiator. GA is too far away for me to help you but you can call me if you have any questions.

- Chuck Wheeler-

1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX

---

From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Dorn Hetzel
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:17 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: changing belts and hoses

Anyone out there who's done this to their 70's FC and would be willing to advise ?

On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 5:42 PM, pattypape <"billpatty@hotmail.com"> wrote:

Unless you have prior repair records,
It may be wise to do the job yourself,
Include removing the rad and have it flushed and tested,
replace all belts, check the idler pulleys, remove the alternator
and have it checked at a shop. Replace all questionable hoses including the oil cooler hoses.
This is major repair cost at a dealer.
If you are going to keep the Bird ,
It may be a good idea to learn how to open the front.
There are procedures in the files of the forums.
Maybe replace the thermostats.

Bill 88 FC

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", Dorn Hetzel wrote:
>
> It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35 fairly
> soon.
>
> All are still working, but getting a bit loose.
>
> Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35 involves
> removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?
>
> If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to replace
> all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.
>
> Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues? If I were to pay
> someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?
>
> Regards,
>
> Dorn Hetzel
> 77FC35
> Hogansville, GA
>

[Pete Masterson]

I can't answer your questions -- but it's a good time to consider making the changes to convert to a swing out radiator.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Mar 31, 2009, at 2:25 PM, Dorn Hetzel wrote:

It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35 fairly soon.

All are still working, but getting a bit loose.

Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35 involves removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?

If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to replace all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.

Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues? If I were to pay someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?

Regards,

Dorn Hetzel
77FC35
Hogansville, GA

[pattypape]

Dorn,

Swing radiators were popular in the early & mid 80's,
many others were fabricated by owners and
few Bird Dealers would make the change for about $1000.00,
In the later 87,88,89 FC's the rad would swing to about 45 degrees,
a really tight place to work and the coolant still
had to be drained as the top hose must be disconnected.
So I am in the minority with this opinion,
but just remove the radiator and have it tested,
it is only 8 more bolts. Every thing else is just screws,
nuts, bolts and hose clamps. Better to put time
and $$$ into the needed parts.

Bill's 2 cents 88 FC Michigan




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Dorn Hetzel wrote:
>
> Anyone out there who's done this to their 70's FC and would be willing to
> advise ?
>
> On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 5:42 PM, pattypape wrote:
>
> > Unless you have prior repair records,
> > It may be wise to do the job yourself,
> > Include removing the rad and have it flushed and tested,
> > replace all belts, check the idler pulleys, remove the alternator
> > and have it checked at a shop. Replace all questionable hoses including the
> > oil cooler hoses.
> > This is major repair cost at a dealer.
> > If you are going to keep the Bird ,
> > It may be a good idea to learn how to open the front.
> > There are procedures in the files of the forums.
> > Maybe replace the thermostats.
> >
> > Bill 88 FC
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> > Dorn Hetzel wrote:
> > >
> > > It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35 fairly
> > > soon.
> > >
> > > All are still working, but getting a bit loose.
> > >
> > > Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35
> > involves
> > > removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?
> > >
> > > If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to replace
> > > all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.
> > >
> > > Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues? If I were to pay
> > > someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Dorn Hetzel
> > > 77FC35
> > > Hogansville, GA
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>

[pattypape]

Dorn,

Check out John Finn's early 80's Fc restoration tips.
Lots of valvuable info including pictures
of the swing radiator, hoses, belts and
the troublesome 3208 pulley & oil cooler hoses.
http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457

Bill 88 FC Michigan

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "pattypape" wrote:
>
> Dorn,
>
> Swing radiators were popular in the early & mid 80's,
> many others were fabricated by owners and
> few Bird Dealers would make the change for about $1000.00,
> In the later 87,88,89 FC's the rad would swing to about 45 degrees,
> a really tight place to work and the coolant still
> had to be drained as the top hose must be disconnected.
> So I am in the minority with this opinion,
> but just remove the radiator and have it tested,
> it is only 8 more bolts. Every thing else is just screws,
> nuts, bolts and hose clamps. Better to put time
> and $$$ into the needed parts.
>
> Bill's 2 cents 88 FC Michigan
>
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Dorn Hetzel wrote:
> >
> > Anyone out there who's done this to their 70's FC and would be willing to
> > advise ?
> >
> > On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 5:42 PM, pattypape wrote:
> >
> > > Unless you have prior repair records,
> > > It may be wise to do the job yourself,
> > > Include removing the rad and have it flushed and tested,
> > > replace all belts, check the idler pulleys, remove the alternator
> > > and have it checked at a shop. Replace all questionable hoses including
the
> > > oil cooler hoses.
> > > This is major repair cost at a dealer.
> > > If you are going to keep the Bird ,
> > > It may be a good idea to learn how to open the front.
> > > There are procedures in the files of the forums.
> > > Maybe replace the thermostats.
> > >
> > > Bill 88 FC
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> > > Dorn Hetzel wrote:
> > > >
> > > > It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35 fairly
> > > > soon.
> > > >
> > > > All are still working, but getting a bit loose.
> > > >
> > > > Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35
> > > involves
> > > > removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?
> > > >
> > > > If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to
replace
> > > > all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.
> > > >
> > > > Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues? If I were to pay
> > > > someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?
> > > >
> > > > Regards,
> > > >
> > > > Dorn Hetzel
> > > > 77FC35
> > > > Hogansville, GA
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

[pattypape]

Dorn,

This is a better link to the 3208 Finn web site,

http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/finnsinn6adventure

Bill 88 FC Michigan

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "pattypape" wrote:
>
> Dorn,
>
> Check out John Finn's early 80's Fc restoration tips.
> Lots of valvuable info including pictures
> of the swing radiator, hoses, belts and
> the troublesome 3208 pulley & oil cooler hoses.
> http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457
>
> Bill 88 FC Michigan
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "pattypape" wrote:
> >
> > Dorn,
> >
> > Swing radiators were popular in the early & mid 80's,
> > many others were fabricated by owners and
> > few Bird Dealers would make the change for about $1000.00,
> > In the later 87,88,89 FC's the rad would swing to about 45 degrees,
> > a really tight place to work and the coolant still
> > had to be drained as the top hose must be disconnected.
> > So I am in the minority with this opinion,
> > but just remove the radiator and have it tested,
> > it is only 8 more bolts. Every thing else is just screws,
> > nuts, bolts and hose clamps. Better to put time
> > and $$$ into the needed parts.
> >
> > Bill's 2 cents 88 FC Michigan
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Dorn Hetzel wrote:
> > >
> > > Anyone out there who's done this to their 70's FC and would be willing to
> > > advise ?
> > >
> > > On Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 5:42 PM, pattypape wrote:
> > >
> > > > Unless you have prior repair records,
> > > > It may be wise to do the job yourself,
> > > > Include removing the rad and have it flushed and tested,
> > > > replace all belts, check the idler pulleys, remove the alternator
> > > > and have it checked at a shop. Replace all questionable hoses including
the
> > > > oil cooler hoses.
> > > > This is major repair cost at a dealer.
> > > > If you are going to keep the Bird ,
> > > > It may be a good idea to learn how to open the front.
> > > > There are procedures in the files of the forums.
> > > > Maybe replace the thermostats.
> > > >
> > > > Bill 88 FC
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> > > > Dorn Hetzel wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > It looks like I will need to be replacing some belts on my 77FC35
fairly
> > > > > soon.
> > > > >
> > > > > All are still working, but getting a bit loose.
> > > > >
> > > > > Do I understand correctly that getting to the belts on the 77FC35
> > > > involves
> > > > > removing the bumper, front panel and radiator ?
> > > > >
> > > > > If it's going to be a big job like that, I presume I will want to
replace
> > > > > all belts and any hoses in that area while I have the radiator off.
> > > > >
> > > > > Can anyone who has done this task offer me some clues? If I were to
pay
> > > > > someone to do it, can anyone estimate what I should expect it to cost?
> > > > >
> > > > > Regards,
> > > > >
> > > > > Dorn Hetzel
> > > > > 77FC35
> > > > > Hogansville, GA
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>