Should I even be thinking about this?

[Michael]

Hey Devon,

Like Fred mentioned about 25 years ago I was doing what you are
now except the Wanderlodge prices were over $100,000 at the time. So
I ended up buying an old 1963 Bluebird All American school bus and
started converting it to look like a Wanderlodge as I could not
afford such a coach.

I am pretty handy and thought I could just about do anything that
needed done. Plus, it allowed me to spread the costs over the years
and I truly enjoyed learning about the beast. I know that bus inside
and out and that is a very comforting feeling. It's only down fall
was an underpowered engine (455 Olds - don't ask) and so I finally
broke down a few years ago and purchased a CAT 3208na with an Allison
MT643 (just like the Wanderlodges) to complete my dream.

Well, after 25 years, space issues, time issues, and a bad economy
I was able to purchase my 78FC35 that I have now. I'm still going to
complete the '63 as it is very unique and spacious. Once complete
I'm not sure which bus I will keep as the '63 was built "my way" and
accomodates my life style better with lots more room.

My point is your decision should be based on;
1) What you're need really is? Project or instant use?

2) What your finance situation is? Building from scratch is far more
expensive than fixing an existing design. I'd rather have a $10k
dollar bus and put $10k in to it than buy a $20k used bus where the
condition of everything is questionable. (Unless you buy from a known
source such as some of our known members with history). Anyway, I
feel more comfortable knowing the condition of the work I did.

3) What is your skill set? If you are handy then parts only costs
aren't so bad. If you have to hire everything out you will not be
cost affective.

4) Check the bus for rust! My '63 Arizona Bluebird has a lot LESS
rust than my 78 Wanderlodge. AND the '78 Wanderlodge needs LOTS of
little things fixed, I just made sure the drive train worked well as
that has been the issue with my old '63.

If you'd like to see pics or discuss further I'm available at
mike.putz@.... BUT.. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! The fuel statement and
seating statement don't make sense! See the bus yourself even if it
means flying out to do so! A picture (visual look) is worth a
thousand words AND dollars!!! hee hee hee

Good Luck,
Michael




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "contactdevonheath"
wrote:
>
> I dream every day of owning a Wanderlodge, but....
> Money, money, money.
>
> I found this ad today:
> 1967 bluebird wanderlodge motor coach, 34 feet long, diesel engine,
about 7,000 miles on
> the engine, automatic transmision, air brakes, onan generator, roof
air, gas furnace, electric
> heat also, seats 12, sleeps 5 comfortably, complete bath, gas cook
stove, refrigerator, alot of
> towing capacity, needs some work, runs and drives, new front tires,
nice rear tires, drive it
> anywhere now with the right fuel mix that is, must sell right away
for the best serious cash
> offer only, call 763-689-2775, please call mid afternoon only, jeff
>
> After doing some research I found a post on an owner's forum where
he prices the coach at
> 7500, OBO. Should I even be thinking about this? What are the big
negatives about a coach
> this old? What are some 'red flags' I should look for?
>
> Devon Cox
> Wanderlodge Wannabe
>