Cat 3208-powered FCs - which tranny was stock?

[Jim March]

Tom Warner wrote:

> Jim I have watched this discussion of your interest in a converted
> "schoolie" with interest. Unless you have really got your heart set on
> this
> particular coach, and unless you are getting it dirt cheap, $5000 or so,
> then I would run away from it like it has the plague. These types of
> conversions that have been done by individuals are becoming harder to
> ensure, and if you want to ever trade up........no one is going to
> want it
> in trade.
>
> If your budget is around $15,000 you can buy a FC model and have all
> of the
> headaches like waste tanks and insurability already taken care of.
>
> Why are you considering this coach anyway?
>
> Just trying to help
>
> Tom Warner


Basic idea here is that if I start with a factory Wanderlodge FC35, the
only way to do an inboard motorcycle garage/shop area is to throw a
skoolie-type door on the rear and hollow out the rear bedroom, living in
the area forward of that.

Now that IS doable.

But the blue critter with that short area behind the rear axle can be
extended back and a real garage 6' long and 8ft wide can be tacked on -
I've priced it out at around $7k. For my needs, that would be very
valuable. This will be (among other things) a mobile political activism
center driven in urban areas, and in some cases doing "urban
dry-camping" where the security of having a single enclosed unit (vs.
rig and trailer) will be invaluable.

Second point: if I go with a factory conversion I run smack (literally)
into problem #2. FC35 roof heights seen to range from 6'2" to 6'3".
Damned if I know why. At 6'4" personally, that's an issue.

This blue beastie has the "adult size" roof same as the military
transports, prison transports and other special-use Bluebirds of the era.

Finally, I am *not* purchasing for long-term resale value. I'm not
dumb, I'm well aware that will be an issue. I'm looking for a rig for
MY needs for the next 20 years. This can be adapted in that direction.

Jim