1979 FC-35

[oiseau_de_neige]

Hello!

Hello!

Am I glad I was referred to you.... Until two days ago, I wouldn't
have given a Bird a second look and now that's all I want (I blame the
cockpit). Being in Canada and not wanting to go through the hassle of
importing from the US, I expected to search for my Bird for a long
time. Then, I found a 1979 Wanderlodge located in Windsor, Ontario.
The owner sent me the following specs:

1979 Blue Bird FC-35 Wanderlodge motorhome with 210 hp Cat 3208
diesel, 4-speed Allison automatic transmission, King cruise control,
Telma electromagnetic drive-line retarder, 12.5 kw diesel generator.
EXTERIOR: brown over cream base, 20 ft. Zip Dee curb-side awning,
street-side window awnings for living room and bedroom, 2 docking
lights per side. INTERIOR: dark wood-grain laminate cabinetry, cream
quilted vinyl ceiling and walls, light oak laminate flooring, all
furniture re-upholstered, new curtains and mini-blinds. LIVING ROOM:
twin fabric sleeper sofas, overhead storage cabinets, storage cabinets
adjacent to sofas, half high closet/pantry/TV stand with hook-ups for
antenna and cable TV. BATHROOM: private side bath with cultured marble
sink/vanity top, Thetford Aqua-Magic toilet, fibreglas shower stall,
linoleum floor. KITCHEN: laminate countertop and stove cover,
stainless steel double sink with separate drinking water spigot, food
center, Dometic 2-door 110V/propane automatic refrigerator with
wood-grain door panels, 110V ice maker, 4 burner propane cook-top and
oven, microwave oven, half-height slide-out can pantry, cushioned
dinette booth. BEDROOM: rear side bed (street-side), vanity, stool,
and drawers (curb side), carpeting, overhead storage cabinets (sides &
rear), under-bed storage drawer, TV connection, accordion privacy
door, 2 full-length closets, 1 half-length closet. GENERAL: this coach
has most Blue Bird options – 3 roof A/C's, 3 propane furnaces, 110V
electric heater in bathroom, power vents in bath and kitchen, indirect
lighting and miniature spots throughout, 3 station intercom system,
central vacuum (new motor), double-cartridge water purifier under
kitchen sink, HWH leveling jacks, roof storage pod, spot light, air
horns, new batteries, new front tires, spare tire, plus 3 vinyl wheel
covers and an entire coach cover.

Does this sound like a Bird that would be worth driving 18 hours
(round trip) to see? What questions could I ask the current owner
prior to committing to a viewing? While I'm handy and a quick learner,
I have no experience whatsoever with mechanics. I'd hate to buy a
perfectly good Bird and then ruin it. Also, I'd be living in this bus
full-time for a year and then possibly selling it. Does this sound
like a Bird that is likely to cost me an arm and a leg in repairs
during that time?

He sent some pictures, but they don't really tell me that much, other
than to confirm that the '70's was seriously lacking in decorating
taste. :-D

He's asking 29,500$. NADA puts the high-end value at 10,000$. Which is
closer to reality?

Anyone know someone in the Windsor area (including Detroit, Michigan)
whom I could reasonably trust to perform a mechanical inspection on
this Bird?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Rae