New Vintage Bird Owner First Post

[Pete Masterson]

In most states, AAA does not tow RVs unless you have an "RV
Extension." Check with your AAA office to ensure that you will
actually be covered, should there be a problem.

If you're seriously considering a diesel transplant, you'd be better
off to buy a coach that already had a diesel engine (unless you're a
highly qualified mechanic with a suitable shop to do the work yourself).

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Idaho Springs, CO



On Aug 28, 2008, at 10:43 AM, John wrote:

> Thanks for all of the kind words, sorry I have been away from my
> computer for a bit.
>
> Still moving forward with the purchase. Deposit has been sent and
> having someone local do a quick inspection for me. Unless
> something major is wrong we will be making arangements to fly there
> and drive back.
>
> Don't know when we will be traveling allot so I will rely on my AAA
> towing if needed. crossed fingers for sure.
>
> I am just a bit older than the Bird by 7 years, my wife just 4.
>
> It has the 391 gas, so I know it will be very slow. Have thoughts
> of an diesel transplant to help with the power.
>
> Starting to put a tool kit together that I can put in one bag.
> Will make a trip to walmart for some paper plates ect when we get
> rolling.
>
> Might be having a relitive making the trip up to portland befor we
> do, if that is the case I will be sending sleeping bags and a bunch
> of other stuff that way so the flight will be a little lighter
>
> The bird is a 1968 version. It has been redone inside a few years
> ago and looks pretty nice. No idea on miles, but not sure if it
> really matters for something that old. Tires are new so that
> "should" not be an issue. Hope to have time in portland to swap
> belts and check fluids.
>
> Can I put pics in the post or do I need ot open a folder?
>
> Will let everyone know where we are at on this adventure. Wife and
> myself are really looking forward to flying in the Bird. May have
> even come up with a name.......... OLD & SLOW ment in the
> most loving way.
>
>
> for now
>
> John
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: bubblerboy64
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 15:05
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: New Vintage Bird Owner First Post
>
> Hi John, Welcome to the forum. I will be very interested in
> following along with ya on your adventure. Tell us about what you
> bought. The old ones have character and deserve good homes and care.
> Just think what you were doing when the coach was built. I was just
> finishing college and here I am almost 62 years old. You might not
> have even been close to being born who knows but the nice thing is
> the old bird will still work well for you.
>
> As to what to take along. That's difficult because as soon as we
> make a list for you you can figure that you will have everything
> except the one thing you need. I might suggest that you don't take
> anything along and once you get there perhaps pick up some basic hand
> tools just to keep in the bus at all times. Now if you already have
> a couple of everything then take just the basics along.
>
> Most important thing to do is to go over the coach fairly carefully
> before you take off and look for things which can cause trouble such
> as loose belts hoses and tires (especially if they are very old and
> have obvious weather cracking) Check the fluids and do the stuff you
> would do on a car. I always worry about tires on these old and very
> heavy buses so don't forget if you have trouble a flat or worse off a
> blow out is not a good thing to have happen in a car but a lot worse
> in a motor-home. If the tires are really bad get new ones before you
> even start out and if they are respectable just keep the speeds way
> down. Maybe 50 mph tops.
>
> If the motor-home starts up and runs and shifts gears as it should I
> would just stop often and check the fluid levels and use common
> sense. It takes a while to "get on to" driving the older FC's so go
> slow and let them pass you. Worn your wife that there is a learning
> curve and that most of us who have older coaches have had to learn to
> drive them. The wheels are 4 ft or so behind you and these buses do
> tend to wander a little (0r a lot depending). My heart was in my
> throat for the first couple hundred miles and especially if the roads
> are bad. I would suggest not driving a night because you need to see
> the roads. Try not to frighten the wife too badly first time out.
> You'll be Ok if you take your time
>
> Post a bunch of pictures as soon as you can and welcome to the ole
> bird club.
>
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC
> >
> > A deal has been made on "our" Vintage 1968 Bird. Will be driving
> it
> > home apx 600 miles. We will be flying in and driving home.
> >
> > What I am looking for is an idea of what I can take on the plane to
> > make the trip home as easy as possible. I will try to take some
> > basic tools that I will have to check in on the plane.
> >
> > Coach will be inspected by 3rd party before we go, but I have not
> > seen it in person.
> >
> > Any suggestions.
> >
> > would it be worth it to join Good Sams or something similar for
> > towing protection?
> >
> > Both my wife and myself are really looking forward to this.
> >
> > Thanks
> > John
> >
> > Penryn Ca.
> >
>
>
>
>
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