What to look for?

[jerry_94110]

I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a
coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from
San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have
printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach.

Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that can
possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach?

Thanks for your help,

Gerard Kocher
2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer
San Francisco, CA

[Curt Sprenger]

Engine Hours? Engine Miles? Divide the miles by the hours; should be 40+ IMO..  

Frig. works.?

Generator starts, runs the Air. Conditioning units.

Glass (ALL window/windshield) condition?...cracks, chips, etc.

 

Check ALL tire build dates. Build Date is molded into the tire side wall. Tires older than 7 years should be replaced. Use $400.00/tire.

Window Screens? Condition?

Body Paint Condition? Scratches? Scuffs? Dents?



Wheels, Scratches, Dings, etc?

Interior flooring, dinette, couch, chairs, drivers seat condition.

Service Records?

Ask what does not work?

That's a start. The check list is a good one.

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, Aug 18, 2009 at 11:38 AM, jerry_94110 <"gerard@kocher.com"> wrote:

 

I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach.



Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that can possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach?



Thanks for your help,



Gerard Kocher

2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer

San Francisco, CA

[Gregory OConnor]

I look for recent work and try an learn the reason it was necessary. Check the
trash at his shop for crap like stp , motor medic, or Fix-A-trans. Picking the
trash always throw a seller off guard anyway. check the air bags, and dont
forget to build air ; chcok tires ;release the park brake then check for park
brake diaphram leaks Before you make the trip out run all the sellers phone
numbers and address thru a google check. It helps ease the confusion to also
take a google walk around the block prior to meeting up. I always get a seller
to give me a color copy of their drivers license on a piece of paper that we use
to record the sales contract on. I usually ask in advance which gives a
dishonest seller the opportunity to tell me off and not waste my time.
Greg ofTim&Greg 94ptca

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "jerry_94110" wrote:
>
> I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a
coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from
San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have
printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach.
>
> Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that
can possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach?
>
> Thanks for your help,
>
> Gerard Kocher
> 2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer
> San Francisco, CA
>

[dan]

Gerard, I would suggest taking a fluid sample of the engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, hydraulic fluid and differential oil. I think it costs about $12 per sample kit which includes a special bottle and pays for the analysis at the caterpillar dealer. Then sit down with a lab person and let them explain the results to you. Maybe the owner has some previous samples you can compare. Good luck.

Dan Williams,88WB38,Jackson,MS

----- Original Message -----

From: "gerard@kocher.com"

To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"

Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 1:38 PM

Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What to look for?

I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach.

Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that can possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach?

Thanks for your help,

Gerard Kocher
2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer
San Francisco, CA

[Ernie Ekberg]

I always look for bodily fluids on the ground. Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Wanderlodge Weatherford, Tx 817-475-3991 http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/erni...gandrepair --- On Tue, 8/18/09, Curt Sprenger wrote: From: Curt Sprenger Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] What to look for? To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 5:07 PM Engine Hours? Engine Miles? Divide the miles by the hours; should be 40+ IMO.. Frig. works.? Generator starts, runs the Air. Conditioning units. Glass (ALL window/windshield) condition?.. .cracks, chips, etc. Check ALL tire build dates. Build Date is molded into the tire side wall. Tires older than 7 years should be replaced. Use $400.00/tire. Window Screens? Condition? Body Paint Condition? Scratches? Scuffs? Dents? Wheels, Scratches, Dings, etc? Interior flooring, dinette, couch, chairs, drivers seat condition. Service Records? Ask what does not work? That's a start. The check list is a good one. Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing" Anaheim Hills, CA Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at http://www.SOUTHWES T-BLUEBIRDS. ORG ...Then Join us. "Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally" On Tue, Aug 18, 2009 at 11:38 AM, jerry_94110 <gerard@kocher. com> wrote: I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach. Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that can possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach? Thanks for your help, Gerard Kocher 2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer San Francisco, CA

[Markus Meyer]

As I've been on the hunt for a bit, here are some of the major systems I pay attention to that can cost big $$$:



1) drivetrain - engine and/or trans can be 5 figures to replace

2) self leveling system - if not working, can be cheap to fix or quite expensive

3) heating system - if something like Aqua Hot is there but not working, can cost upper 4 figures to low 5 figures to replace (worst case)

4) cooling system - if multiple air conditioners and original, they may need replacing at some point in the near future and cost a few thousand each

5) if refrigerator is original, probably not going to last a whole lot longer and will cost 4 figures

6) air system - I'd look to see that this is working correctly

7) if tires are older or look dry rotted - I'd count on replacing them all



Good luck!

Markus

---

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: gerard@...
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:38:20 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What to look for?

I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach.

Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that can possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach?

Thanks for your help,

Gerard Kocher
2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer
San Francisco, CA

---

Get back to school stuff for them and cashback for you. Try BingT now.

[Larry Kehler]

Gerard

I live near St Louis and would be happy to help you check out the bird when you
are here if it is some place close. I am not an expert but have had my unit for
two years and have been through the initial $10k of repairs that seem to be the
norm.
Give me a call at 314-378-9882 if I can help.

Larry Kehler
94 PT40 WBDA
St Louis




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "jerry_94110" wrote:
>
> I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a
coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from
San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have
printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach.
>
> Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that
can possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach?
>
> Thanks for your help,
>
> Gerard Kocher
> 2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer
> San Francisco, CA
>

[Wilhelmus Schreurs]

Gerard:
Very good answers by previous posts.
There is nothing like experience going to look at a coach though, ask on the forum and see if someone in that area will go with you, you will be surprised at all the little things these wonderful coaches have.

Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
Terrace, B.C. Canada

[jerry_94110]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "jerry_94110" wrote:
>
> I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a
coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from
San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have
printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach.
>
> Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that
can possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach?
>
> Thanks for your help,
>
> Gerard Kocher
> 2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer
> San Francisco, CA
>
Thanks to everyone for all or your responces. It is nice to know there is a
support group out there.

Gerard

[Pete Masterson]

FWIW, the long-standing advice is to hold out about $10,000 from your budget for unexpected repairs and desired upgrades.

Within the first six months of ownership, I spent:

$4000 on R&R the radiator and replace the radiator core.

$1600 replace two (of three) roof-top ACs with new units.

$1000 or so, getting the chassis AC working again. (In retrospect, I shouldn't have bothered with that one. A 12 v electric, oscillating fan by the driver does a better job of countering the "fish bowl" effect when the sun pounds in. It cost about $10.)

Most AquaHots (starting in 1994 or so) only need a $100 (or so) "annual" service to be put into top shape. A serious deficiency could be expensive (like having been operated without coolant causing damage to the internal tubes).

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Aug 19, 2009, at 4:39 AM, Markus Meyer wrote:

As I've been on the hunt for a bit, here are some of the major systems I pay attention to that can cost big $$$:

1) drivetrain - engine and/or trans can be 5 figures to replace
2) self leveling system - if not working, can be cheap to fix or quite expensive
3) heating system - if something like Aqua Hot is there but not working, can cost upper 4 figures to low 5 figures to replace (worst case)
4) cooling system - if multiple air conditioners and original, they may need replacing at some point in the near future and cost a few thousand each
5) if refrigerator is original, probably not going to last a whole lot longer and will cost 4 figures
6) air system - I'd look to see that this is working correctly
7) if tires are older or look dry rotted - I'd count on replacing them all

Good luck!

Markus

---

To:"WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
From:"gerard@kocher.com"
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:38:20 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What to look for?

I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach.

Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that can possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach?

Thanks for your help,

Gerard Kocher
2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer
San Francisco, CA

---

Get back to school stuff for them and cashback for you.Try BingT now.