Question for John H. on his Wanderlodge's Extended Grill...

[Andy Coleman]

Hello John Heckman,

I was just going through the "Bird of the Week" photo archive on the
Wanderlodge Forum and came across the photo of your 73' FC-31.

I love the paint job!

Of course I noticed the interesting front grill on yours, and was
wondering what its purpose is... The "Bird of the Week" caption notes
that you converted your bird from a gaser to a diesel. Is that why
the grill is extended?

I'm asking you this for a reason. I recently stopped at a junk yard
in Ohio and purchase a stock extended grill off a 1985 front engine
3208 bluebird school bus. I hope to install the grill on my 83' FC-35
and in the extra space, install a few flat electric fans. I hope to
use the fans when traveling slow up hills (pulling my trailer), or
when parking the bus when the engine is hot in the summer.

As you may have read, I'm the guy who lost his head gasket in Reno, NV
last summer. I am now very scared of excess engine heat, and will do
whatever I can to keep my 3208 cooler.

Just wondering! Thanks for your time John.

By the way, can I ask what your paint job cost? Am considering giving
by bird a makeover in the next year or two.

Happy holidays to ya!

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35
250 HP 3208
Spring Lake Hts., NJ