Most miles before engine rebuild/replacement

[Pete Masterson]

Well, in that case, it seems a rather high. When I researched the matter, there was a radiator core place  (they manufactured radiator cores, whom I no longer remember*) that referred me to several northern California radiator shops, including the one I eventually used. 

* I _think_ I got the name from one of the Blue Bird lists, way back when... I don't see any references in  my saved files, though.

A price of $800 plus shipping comes to mind for what my core cost. Even with the considerable increase in some materials prices, a 400+ percent increase doesn't seem reasonable.

You might discuss what core manufacturer they're using and it might be worth searching the Internet for radiator cores for busses. I found these:

<http://www.completeradiators.com/radiatorcores.asp> with a specific mention of the DD Series 60...

and <http://radiatorgroup.com/238559bluebirdbusradiator.aspx> but this one looks more like what you'd put in an FC...

This link has Blue Bird "truck" radiators:

<http://detroitradiatorcorp.com/11_2_1.htm>

This outfit has a radiator assembly (rebuilt and used) for 6v92:

<http://www.capbusparts.com/Sec06/s6p4a.html>

I'm wondering if the price differential might be in part due to the 6v92 being so long out of production...?

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 (For Sale)

<http://www.aeonix.biz/BBforsale.html>

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Dec 31, 2008, at 7:32 PM, Bob Lawrence wrote:

Hi Pete,

No, the price of $3,500 was just for the rad. No labor. Altho, 

Richard, who did mine works for $35 per hour. Can't beat that!

Bob Lawrence

84 PT36

Padre Island,Tex

It's been 2-1/2 years since I had to work done, so my recollection 

is  

a bit sketchy. (I have the receipt somewhere, but I really don't 

want  

to look for it.)

The bill ended up costing about $4600 -- with $1000 being work on 

the  

AC system (that wasn't related to the R&R of the radiator). Most 

of  

the cost was labor (at SF Bay Area rates) and I believe that the 

new  

core was about $1000 with about $2600 labor to remove and replace 

all  

the stuff -- the air charge radiator had to come out as it's part 

of  

the same assembly.

I expect that a core might be a lot more expensive now (aluminum?  

brass?) -- and I'd think that labor in Corpus Christi is a bit 

lower  

than here. I think the S-60 radiator is a little larger (but big 

is  

big) -- and other costs of the R&R might be different in an S-60 

vs.  

an 8v92.

So, if the $3,500 includes R&R plus the new radiator core -- it's  

probably a fair price.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 (For Sale)

<http://www.aeonix.biz/BBforsale.html>

El Sobrante CA

aeonix1@...

On Dec 30, 2008, at 2:44 PM, Bob Lawrence wrote:

Pete,

How much did you pay for the radiator?

I'm trying to get an answer for a Powell Brown and his 88 8v92. 

He is

new to this and needs to replace his rad.

He has been quoted $3,500 for one in Corpus Christi.

Is this out of line?

Bob Lawrence

84 PT36

Padre Island, Tx.

I noted (on my maiden trip) that it had an overheating problem. A

trip to a heavy-duty bus/truck radiator shop quickly found the

reason

and I had a new radiator core installed. Excessive heat kills

engines, probably the quickest of any abuse an owner can give.

I've

also added regular cleaning of the (external) radiator fins 

(which

were clogged with oily-dirt) to my maintenance list.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

aeonix1@

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