1979 FC-35

[michaelhohnstein]

There is an abundance of inventory on the market. The advantage of
FCs over the PTs are cheaper up front investment and some what
simpler systems access.
In this economic environment I don't recommend anything less than an
87 or newer Wanderlodge. The older stuff is reserved for those who
are uninformed or able to do ALL thier own work.
The book price is about right for the 79 you are looking at.
MH


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, brad barton <bbartonwx@...>
wrote:
>
> Rae,
> If you plan to do any driving through mountains, you would probably
prefer the 3208 Turbo with 250hp for going up hills. I would suggest
going to Vintage Birds, Bird Connection, Trader online and any other
site that would have multiple interior pictures to get a better feel
for the layout and features of coach before such a drive. If you do
make the drive, I would suggest you look carefully for rust outside
(and under the coach) water leaks inside around windows and the
ceiling (sniff for a moldy or musty smell around the upper corners of
the ceiling, below the windows, near the booth dinette and in the
bedroom) and have an oil analysis done. If you're pretty handy with
electrical, plumbing, hvac and general mechanics, it could be just
right for you. As for price, there's no real guidance for a coach
that age other than condition.
> Good luck. Brad Barton 00LXiDFW bbartonwx@...
>
>
> To: WanderlodgeForum@...: raven.polaris@...: Sun, 1 Jun 2008
03:13:35 +0000Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] 1979 FC-35
>
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>
>
> Hello!Hello!Am I glad I was referred to you.... Until two days ago,
I wouldn'thave given a Bird a second look and now that's all I want
(I blame thecockpit). Being in Canada and not wanting to go through
the hassle ofimporting from the US, I expected to search for my Bird
for a longtime. 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 3208diesel, 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 dockinglights per side.
INTERIOR: dark wood-grain laminate cabinetry, creamquilted vinyl
ceiling and walls, light oak laminate flooring, allfurniture re-
upholstered, new curtains and mini-blinds. LIVING ROOM:twin fabric
sleeper sofas, overhead storage cabinets, storage cabinetsadjacent to
sofas, half high closet/pantry/TV stand with hook-ups forantenna and
cable TV. BATHROOM: private side bath with cultured marblesink/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, foodcenter, Dometic
2-door 110V/propane automatic refrigerator withwood-grain door
panels, 110V ice maker, 4 burner propane cook-top andoven, microwave
oven, half-height slide-out can pantry, cushioneddinette 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 privacydoor, 2 full-length
closets, 1 half-length closet. GENERAL: this coachhas most Blue Bird
options – 3 roof A/C's, 3 propane furnaces, 110Velectric heater in
bathroom, power vents in bath and kitchen, indirectlighting and
miniature spots throughout, 3 station intercom system,central vacuum
(new motor), double-cartridge water purifier underkitchen sink, HWH
leveling jacks, roof storage pod, spot light, airhorns, new
batteries, new front tires, spare tire, plus 3 vinyl wheelcovers 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 ownerprior 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 aperfectly good Bird and then ruin it. Also, I'd be
living in this busfull-time for a year and then possibly selling it.
Does this soundlike a Bird that is likely to cost me an arm and a leg
in repairsduring that time?He sent some pictures, but they don't
really tell me that much, otherthan to confirm that the '70's was
seriously lacking in decoratingtaste. :-D He's asking 29,500$. NADA
puts the high-end value at 10,000$. Which iscloser to reality?Anyone
know someone in the Windsor area (including Detroit, Michigan)whom I
could reasonably trust to perform a mechanical inspection onthis Bird?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!Cheers,Rae
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