Looks like Rebel Bird has some competition on the block

[bubblerboy64]

Jon, I will post some pictures as soon as I get thru a project or
two. Right now the front couch is apart getting recovered and I also
have some work to do in the kitchen area. So when I get closer to
done I will post. I took a look at your pictures and I noticed some
similarities in our approach to things. My bus is supposed to be
governed at 72 mph. I generally cruise at between 2200 and 2400 rpm
which is 55 to maybe 62 mph. The spedo is off so an indicated 65 is
about 60. I don't know it it would hit 72 mph or not that would be
about 80 showing on the spedo and that's too fast for me. I don't
know what the gear ratio is but I do know the rear end is out of a
1978 FC so what ever is the stock ratio is I guess what's in there.
My coach being a 31 ft is a little lighter(?) then the 35 ft FC's It
is
running 23500 lbs loaded with fuel and water.

John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC





>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for the compliment Jon. I can't take credit for the paint
> > work. The previous owner designed and had it done. He also did
the
> > engine swap and mechanical restoration. He owned the bus 9
years.
> I
> > am the fifth owner since new. I've been working on it since I
> > acquired it in July and have mostly been working to improve and
> > update the interior. Lots of odds and ends. It was listed on the
> > Bill Board about 30 minutes before I e-mailed the owner and made
> > arrangements to buy it. It was listed reasonably and I did not
> > attempt to negotiate the price. I am pleased with the coach and
> have
> > not had one single problem with it that I was not aware of when I
> > bought it. It drives very well, gets an honest 10 mpg and other
> then
> > being a little noisy its a very nice coach. I am working on
getting
> > the noise situation dialed back. I have insulated the dog house
> with
> > a couple layers of carpet and right now the most of the sound is
> > coming from under the dash and floor area. I intend to get
> together
> > with Steve and work over this area ASAP . I also bought a pair
of
> > the Bose noise canceling ear phones which really
> > help a lot. Once I get the interior completed I will post some
more
> > pictures. In the process of getting new wheels and tires on it.
I
> > did not spring for the Alcoa's. Steel wheels and the wheel
> > simulators (new hub caps really) will do the job. Can't afford
the
> > Alcoa's right now. Maybe some time. I try to do a little work on
> it
> > each week and that way in a couple months it should be
completely
> > finished (if that ever really happens?)
> > John Heckman
> > central Pa
> > 1973 FC
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> > > Boy that coach on the opening page sure is a thing of beauty.
I
> > love
> > > that paint job, someone was very creative when they thought of
> that
> > > Idea.. Very nice coach inside and I'm sure the new owner is
just
> > proud
> > > to drive that unit. Thanks for the great picture and got to
love
> > those
> > > older Wanderlodges.
> > >
> > > Jon
> > > Rebel Bird
> > >
>
>
>
>
> >Thanks for the interesting information on your coach!
> That engine noise in nothing unusual for a Forward Control
> Wanderlodge. The previous owner install in the doghouse some sound
> dampening material and it does keep the noise down but it still a
> little nosy. Do you have carpet over the doghouse? my coach has
> that and also I place a large fancy pillow over the end of the box
on
> top of it and that helps a little.
>
> What is your top end? Mine seems to be happy at around 60 but I'm
> going to change out my rear gears from 5.29 to 4.88. I have made
> contact with a good friend of mine who runs a RV shop and he said
> that maybe he could do the whole job for 2,000 dollars. Not only
with
> this reduce the engine noise at higher speeds but if I want to go 65
> I will be able to do that also with not straning the engine.
>
> Could you post some pictures on the photo site? I'm sure allot of us
> old Wanderlodge owners would like to check out your rig.
>
> Jipjob
> Rebel Bird
>