1980 - 1985 (35FC) or 1985 - 1991 (40PT)

[orbitalsolutions]

I have decided to buy a Bluebird. I have a total of $90,000 that I
can spend on a coach, of course I would like to spend less.

After doing a lot of surfing around on the Net, I discovered that I
can buy a good 80-85 35FC for around 40K. Or a good 85-91 40PT for
around 80K, about twice as much.

I intend to go full-time on what ever coach I get.

At this time I would very much appreciate the input of others here
who have experience with these models. I wonder what the differecne
would be in cost of ownership between the older 3208 cat and the
bigger detroit 8V92. Of course I prefer the larger coach for it's
livability, but I am concerned over the cost and ease of ownership
between these two models.

Thank you very much in advance.


-- Jim

[Dan Weaver]

The FC will get approx 7.5 to 8 MPG. The PT will get approx 5 to 6
MPG. The FC does not have full basements due to the drive shaft
running the length of the coach. The PT has full basements. The PT
has more water and sewage capacity. The PT will have more overall
space for 2 people. The PT generator "may" be quieter. The PT
requires more batteries and tires at replacement time.

Will it just be you, or two of you, or more? What is more important
to you, space and fluid capacity, or better MPG and reserve cash?
For either the FC or the PT, reserve $10,000 for R&R and upgrades.
Also check the history section at:
http://www.vintagebirds.com/
Dan, previous 83 FC35, now 94 BMC 37'

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
> I have decided to buy a Bluebird. I have a total of $90,000 that
I
> can spend on a coach, of course I would like to spend less.
>
> After doing a lot of surfing around on the Net, I discovered that
I
> can buy a good 80-85 35FC for around 40K. Or a good 85-91 40PT
for
> around 80K, about twice as much.
>
> I intend to go full-time on what ever coach I get.
>
> At this time I would very much appreciate the input of others here
> who have experience with these models. I wonder what the
differecne
> would be in cost of ownership between the older 3208 cat and the
> bigger detroit 8V92. Of course I prefer the larger coach for it's
> livability, but I am concerned over the cost and ease of ownership
> between these two models.
>
> Thank you very much in advance.
>
>
> -- Jim

[Dan Weaver]

More info: My wife and I also intend to full time in the future.
There were several reasons we wanted to upgrade from the 83 FC
before hand. I wanted more engine power and more tranny speeds. My
wife wanted a queen walk around bed vs the 83 FC side double. The
larger basement is a big plus for both of us as well. Other than
these items, we could have happily full timed in the 83 FC35.

On the years and coaches you mention, a 90 or 91 PT with the 5 speed
and 8V vs earlier 4 speeds would be my choice - if funds and the
$10K reserve allowed.
Dan
94 BMC 37'

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Weaver"
wrote:
> The FC will get approx 7.5 to 8 MPG. The PT will get approx 5 to
6
> MPG. The FC does not have full basements due to the drive shaft
> running the length of the coach. The PT has full basements. The
PT
> has more water and sewage capacity. The PT will have more overall
> space for 2 people. The PT generator "may" be quieter. The PT
> requires more batteries and tires at replacement time.
>
> Will it just be you, or two of you, or more? What is more
important
> to you, space and fluid capacity, or better MPG and reserve cash?
> For either the FC or the PT, reserve $10,000 for R&R and
upgrades.
> Also check the history section at:
> http://www.vintagebirds.com/
> Dan, previous 83 FC35, now 94 BMC 37'
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
> wrote:
> > I have decided to buy a Bluebird. I have a total of $90,000
that
> I
> > can spend on a coach, of course I would like to spend less.
> >
> > After doing a lot of surfing around on the Net, I discovered
that
> I
> > can buy a good 80-85 35FC for around 40K. Or a good 85-91 40PT
> for
> > around 80K, about twice as much.
> >
> > I intend to go full-time on what ever coach I get.
> >
> > At this time I would very much appreciate the input of others
here
> > who have experience with these models. I wonder what the
> differecne
> > would be in cost of ownership between the older 3208 cat and the
> > bigger detroit 8V92. Of course I prefer the larger coach for
it's
> > livability, but I am concerned over the cost and ease of
ownership
> > between these two models.
> >
> > Thank you very much in advance.
> >
> >
> > -- Jim

[Henry Jay Hannigan]

---DAN:
Do not overlook the 89-90SP with the CAT pusher. I think it is
overall the best and simplest "sp" BIRD. I have a 90SP36 and LOVE
it!! Ask all the SP owners how they like their BIRD. NO TAG, fairly
SIMPLE like the FC BUT with a PUSHER. AND the CAT is BULLETPROOF!!
I better not say more as you can see I am BIASED towards the SP
PUSHER!!!!

Regards,
Hank Hannigan
90SP36
STILL in VEGAS!

In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Weaver"
wrote:
> More info: My wife and I also intend to full time in the future.
> There were several reasons we wanted to upgrade from the 83 FC
> before hand. I wanted more engine power and more tranny speeds.
My
> wife wanted a queen walk around bed vs the 83 FC side double. The
> larger basement is a big plus for both of us as well. Other than
> these items, we could have happily full timed in the 83 FC35.
>
> On the years and coaches you mention, a 90 or 91 PT with the 5
speed
> and 8V vs earlier 4 speeds would be my choice - if funds and the
> $10K reserve allowed.
> Dan
> 94 BMC 37'
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Weaver"
> wrote:
> > The FC will get approx 7.5 to 8 MPG. The PT will get approx 5 to
> 6
> > MPG. The FC does not have full basements due to the drive shaft
> > running the length of the coach. The PT has full basements. The
> PT
> > has more water and sewage capacity. The PT will have more
overall
> > space for 2 people. The PT generator "may" be quieter. The PT
> > requires more batteries and tires at replacement time.
> >
> > Will it just be you, or two of you, or more? What is more
> important
> > to you, space and fluid capacity, or better MPG and reserve
cash?
> > For either the FC or the PT, reserve $10,000 for R&R and
> upgrades.
> > Also check the history section at:
> > http://www.vintagebirds.com/
> > Dan, previous 83 FC35, now 94 BMC 37'
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
> > wrote:
> > > I have decided to buy a Bluebird. I have a total of $90,000
> that
> > I
> > > can spend on a coach, of course I would like to spend less.
> > >
> > > After doing a lot of surfing around on the Net, I discovered
> that
> > I
> > > can buy a good 80-85 35FC for around 40K. Or a good 85-91 40PT
> > for
> > > around 80K, about twice as much.
> > >
> > > I intend to go full-time on what ever coach I get.
> > >
> > > At this time I would very much appreciate the input of others
> here
> > > who have experience with these models. I wonder what the
> > differecne
> > > would be in cost of ownership between the older 3208 cat and
the
> > > bigger detroit 8V92. Of course I prefer the larger coach for
> it's
> > > livability, but I am concerned over the cost and ease of
> ownership
> > > between these two models.
> > >
> > > Thank you very much in advance.
> > >
> > >
> > > -- Jim

[Dan Weaver]

Hank,

Do not overlook the BMC 37' coaches. 300 HP and a 6 speed with 2 of
the speeds overdrive.

NO TAG, fairly SIMPLE like the FC BUT with a PUSHER. AND the
CUMMINS is BULLETPROOF!!

I better not say more as you can see I am BIASED towards the BMC
PUSHER!!!! LOL

Dan
94 BMC 37' (paid 94K last year for it)

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Henry Jay Hannigan"
wrote:
> ---DAN:
> Do not overlook the 89-90SP with the CAT pusher. I think it is
> overall the best and simplest "sp" BIRD. I have a 90SP36 and LOVE
> it!! Ask all the SP owners how they like their BIRD. NO TAG,
fairly
> SIMPLE like the FC BUT with a PUSHER. AND the CAT is
BULLETPROOF!!
> I better not say more as you can see I am BIASED towards the SP
> PUSHER!!!!
>
> Regards,
> Hank Hannigan
> 90SP36
> STILL in VEGAS!
>
> In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Weaver"

> wrote:
> > More info: My wife and I also intend to full time in the
future.
> > There were several reasons we wanted to upgrade from the 83 FC
> > before hand. I wanted more engine power and more tranny
speeds.
> My
> > wife wanted a queen walk around bed vs the 83 FC side double.
The
> > larger basement is a big plus for both of us as well. Other
than
> > these items, we could have happily full timed in the 83 FC35.
> >
> > On the years and coaches you mention, a 90 or 91 PT with the 5
> speed
> > and 8V vs earlier 4 speeds would be my choice - if funds and the
> > $10K reserve allowed.
> > Dan
> > 94 BMC 37'
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Weaver"
> > wrote:
> > > The FC will get approx 7.5 to 8 MPG. The PT will get approx 5
to
> > 6
> > > MPG. The FC does not have full basements due to the drive
shaft
> > > running the length of the coach. The PT has full basements.
The
> > PT
> > > has more water and sewage capacity. The PT will have more
> overall
> > > space for 2 people. The PT generator "may" be quieter. The PT
> > > requires more batteries and tires at replacement time.
> > >
> > > Will it just be you, or two of you, or more? What is more
> > important
> > > to you, space and fluid capacity, or better MPG and reserve
> cash?
> > > For either the FC or the PT, reserve $10,000 for R&R and
> > upgrades.
> > > Also check the history section at:
> > > http://www.vintagebirds.com/
> > > Dan, previous 83 FC35, now 94 BMC 37'
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
> > > wrote:
> > > > I have decided to buy a Bluebird. I have a total of $90,000
> > that
> > > I
> > > > can spend on a coach, of course I would like to spend less.
> > > >
> > > > After doing a lot of surfing around on the Net, I discovered
> > that
> > > I
> > > > can buy a good 80-85 35FC for around 40K. Or a good 85-91
40PT
> > > for
> > > > around 80K, about twice as much.
> > > >
> > > > I intend to go full-time on what ever coach I get.
> > > >
> > > > At this time I would very much appreciate the input of
others
> > here
> > > > who have experience with these models. I wonder what the
> > > differecne
> > > > would be in cost of ownership between the older 3208 cat and
> the
> > > > bigger detroit 8V92. Of course I prefer the larger coach
for
> > it's
> > > > livability, but I am concerned over the cost and ease of
> > ownership
> > > > between these two models.
> > > >
> > > > Thank you very much in advance.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > -- Jim

[Dan Weaver]

I have no connection with this dealer nor this salesman, but am
still on the email list from before I bought our 94 BB BMC 37':

Info from email I received: 1986 PT 36 and PT40; Dan, I just had
two come in on trade both well maintained and upgraded
upholstery and electronics. The gentelman traded both of them in
for a 1995 WLWB. I would be glad to send pics and more info if you
are interested. The price for each is $70,000.

Thank You.
rfauconn@...
Ron Fauconniere
John Bleakley Motor Homes
Unadilla, GA
877-456-3700
478-396-9185 cell




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
> I have decided to buy a Bluebird. I have a total of $90,000 that
I
> can spend on a coach, of course I would like to spend less.
>
> After doing a lot of surfing around on the Net, I discovered that
I
> can buy a good 80-85 35FC for around 40K. Or a good 85-91 40PT
for
> around 80K, about twice as much.
>
> I intend to go full-time on what ever coach I get.
>
> At this time I would very much appreciate the input of others here
> who have experience with these models. I wonder what the
differecne
> would be in cost of ownership between the older 3208 cat and the
> bigger detroit 8V92. Of course I prefer the larger coach for it's
> livability, but I am concerned over the cost and ease of ownership
> between these two models.
>
> Thank you very much in advance.
>
>
> -- Jim

[Al]

Dan,
Glad to hear another BMC owner that loves their bird. We love
our bird and are very bias as our previous posts have pointed out.

Al, Kathy, Alfred & Daniel Johnson
'96 BMC 37'
Mandeville, Louisiana
Currently in Grant Tetan Nationnal Park after spending a week in
Yellow Stone where the American Bison / Wolf are rebounding

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Weaver"
wrote:
> Hank,
>
> Do not overlook the BMC 37' coaches. 300 HP and a 6 speed with 2
of
> the speeds overdrive.
>
> NO TAG, fairly SIMPLE like the FC BUT with a PUSHER. AND the
> CUMMINS is BULLETPROOF!!
>
> I better not say more as you can see I am BIASED towards the BMC
> PUSHER!!!! LOL
>
> Dan
> 94 BMC 37' (paid 94K last year for it)
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Henry Jay Hannigan"
> wrote:
> > ---DAN:
> > Do not overlook the 89-90SP with the CAT pusher. I think it is
> > overall the best and simplest "sp" BIRD. I have a 90SP36 and
LOVE
> > it!! Ask all the SP owners how they like their BIRD. NO TAG,
> fairly
> > SIMPLE like the FC BUT with a PUSHER. AND the CAT is
> BULLETPROOF!!
> > I better not say more as you can see I am BIASED towards the SP
> > PUSHER!!!!
> >
> > Regards,
> > Hank Hannigan
> > 90SP36
> > STILL in VEGAS!
> >
> > In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Weaver"
>
> > wrote:
> > > More info: My wife and I also intend to full time in the
> future.
> > > There were several reasons we wanted to upgrade from the 83 FC
> > > before hand. I wanted more engine power and more tranny
> speeds.
> > My
> > > wife wanted a queen walk around bed vs the 83 FC side double.
> The
> > > larger basement is a big plus for both of us as well. Other
> than
> > > these items, we could have happily full timed in the 83 FC35.
> > >
> > > On the years and coaches you mention, a 90 or 91 PT with the 5
> > speed
> > > and 8V vs earlier 4 speeds would be my choice - if funds and
the
> > > $10K reserve allowed.
> > > Dan
> > > 94 BMC 37'
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Weaver"
> > > wrote:
> > > > The FC will get approx 7.5 to 8 MPG. The PT will get approx
5
> to
> > > 6
> > > > MPG. The FC does not have full basements due to the drive
> shaft
> > > > running the length of the coach. The PT has full
basements.
> The
> > > PT
> > > > has more water and sewage capacity. The PT will have more
> > overall
> > > > space for 2 people. The PT generator "may" be quieter. The
PT
> > > > requires more batteries and tires at replacement time.
> > > >
> > > > Will it just be you, or two of you, or more? What is more
> > > important
> > > > to you, space and fluid capacity, or better MPG and reserve
> > cash?
> > > > For either the FC or the PT, reserve $10,000 for R&R and
> > > upgrades.
> > > > Also check the history section at:
> > > > http://www.vintagebirds.com/
> > > > Dan, previous 83 FC35, now 94 BMC 37'
> > > >
> > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
> > > > wrote:
> > > > > I have decided to buy a Bluebird. I have a total of
$90,000
> > > that
> > > > I
> > > > > can spend on a coach, of course I would like to spend less.
> > > > >
> > > > > After doing a lot of surfing around on the Net, I
discovered
> > > that
> > > > I
> > > > > can buy a good 80-85 35FC for around 40K. Or a good 85-91
> 40PT
> > > > for
> > > > > around 80K, about twice as much.
> > > > >
> > > > > I intend to go full-time on what ever coach I get.
> > > > >
> > > > > At this time I would very much appreciate the input of
> others
> > > here
> > > > > who have experience with these models. I wonder what the
> > > > differecne
> > > > > would be in cost of ownership between the older 3208 cat
and
> > the
> > > > > bigger detroit 8V92. Of course I prefer the larger coach
> for
> > > it's
> > > > > livability, but I am concerned over the cost and ease of
> > > ownership
> > > > > between these two models.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thank you very much in advance.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > -- Jim