Buying our First Bluebird!!!

[Pete Masterson]

I just want to add my voice ... "factory support" for older BB WLs is
just not that big a deal. I've tackled a number of things ... minor
and not-so-minor and haven't felt the need to contact BB about any of
it. Heavy truck places* and good general auto parts stores will take
care of the standard stuff. Then much of the other stuff is common RV
items. I've done a couple of projects with Camping World. They don't
care what age or brand RV you have, their technicians seem to be able
to work with whatever, since the RV systems they support are common
to most RVs. My local auto parts stores were quite helpful in getting
a variety of filters ... and I've been able to find the more esoteric
items via the Internet. (Most recently, some "camloc" fasteners -- I
managed to break one.) Sometimes the most tricky aspect is simply
identifying the "thing" so you can search for it.

As for the critique of BB's attitude ... I understand the concern,
but it's mostly a matter of attitude. BB is in a very competitive
business at the high end. Those willing to spend $800,000 or $1
million on an RV are clearly not in the same category as I ... and
since I don't think I'll ever be on the Forbes 400 list, I'm unlikely
to consider spending such a sum even if I could afford it. (In a few
years, I might 'trade up' to a newer, but used, BB -- perhaps one
with slide outs --- but I'm hoping that the magic of depreciation
will make those much more affordable when the time comes.)

*I had radiator work done by a local radiator shop that also works on
a local transit district's busses. No problems and no need to be
concerned with "factory support."

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Bluebird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA




On Oct 6, 2006, at 3:08 PM, eddiemoranii wrote:

> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "pattypape"
> wrote:
>> To all, I am not fearful. Although it is a large sum of money for
> us, we believe that we are getting into a Great bus with a great
> support network.
>
> My wife and I are very excited and we do feel that we are getting a
> great bus. I was just slightly concerned about the discussion of a
> lack of company support for the Bluebird. If the company has not
> been the source of most parts for a while then it will be no big
> deal. Also, I do work on things myself, when I have the time and am
> not working.
>
> Thanks for everyones responses....
>
> Eddie
>>
>> Eddie,
>>
>> Do not be fearful, You made a good decision.
>> All parts are available, or a substitute is available.
>> A good truck parts place has it all or NAPA, and numerous
>> internet businesses sell parts. Most parts are common to a truck
>> or bus, The Interior RV stuff is easy to find.
>> These BB Forums are great for information and support.
>> So just start asking questions.
>>
>> Bill 88 FC Michigan
>>
>>
>>
>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "eddiemoranii"
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> We are buying Mr. Lawrence's 1984 PT-40!
>>>
>>> We live in central Florida and look forward to many many years
> of
>>> enjoyment.
>>>
>>> So Bluebird (the company) does not support Vintage Birds? What
>> will
>>> that mean for us? I would assume that many many parts are still
>>> available. I would also assume that parts that are not
> available
>> can
>>> be fabricated?
>>>
>>> What if we get hit by a truck and we damage the skin? Can we
> get
>> new
>>> skin?
>>>
>>> Thanks for your answers in advance and we look forward to
> picking
>>> up "Southern Comfort" at the Lawrence's in a few weeks.
>>>
>>> Eddie
>>>
>>
>
>



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