86 PT38 for sale

[Scott Forman]

If anyone is interested or knows a wannabe, here is my "full" ad.

For more than 40 years, the Blue Bird Corporation produced the Wanderlodge, one
of the world's finest factory hand-built motor coaches. Constructed from
galvanized steel (NO fiberglass!) on Blue Bird's own bus chassis, the
Wanderlodge is the only motorhome to have ever received a roll-over rating from
the Federal Government. These `Birds can be serviced at virtually any diesel
shop nationwide and have legendary engineering and reliability. For more
information about Blue Bird history and features, please visit
http://www.VintageBirds.com.

Offered here is a 1986 Wanderlodge PT38 (Pusher, Tag axle) 38 foot vintage
motorcoach. This coach has been lovingly maintained by a Blue Bird fanatic, and
features a 475hp turbocharged Detroit Diesel 8v92 engine mated to an Allison
4-speed automatic transmission. Mileage is 130,000, with engine hours of 3,128.
The coach has not been substantially modified from its original state, though it
does have many functional upgrades. She has been used regularly and is ready to
travel. I have all records during my ownership, and the Blue Box with all
manuals and engineering drawings is included. I am selling reluctantly because
a change in lifestyle means I will not be able to use the bus very often, and
she needs to be used. Please note, "Tiger Pride" graphics & logos (vinyl) will
be removed before you take possession.

You may view a photo gallery here:

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w259/...38%208v92/

ENGINE

The engine is a workhorse Detroit Diesel 8v92, with 475 turbocharged horsepower.
This bulletproof engine is easily serviced across the nation and provides
tremendous performance, this bus will cruise as fast as your courage will allow.
The engine cranks over instantly and runs very smooth. Maintenance has been
handled professionally at G&W Diesel Service in Memphis. Repairs & maintenance
performed:
• Radiator re-cored and all hoses replaced
• Starter rebuilt
• Alternator replaced by previous owner
• Injector crossovers checked (common problem, leads fuel leaking into oil)-no
problem
• Air compressor coolant hoses replaced-these are commonly neglected and hard to
get to, a failure will drain the cooling system and destroy the engine.
• Air box drain valves replaced
• Turbo air modulator replaced
• Exhaust system replaced by previous owner. Please note: exhaust is currently
straight pipes with no muffler. Included with the bus is a brand new muffler
still in the box if you decided the current set-up is too loud

TRANSMISSION

Allison 4-speed automatic transmission with push button control and driveline
retarder, shifts smooth and has no known problems. Repairs & maintenance
performed:
• All hydraulic lines & fittings for transmission & retarder replaced
• U-joint replaced
• Plastic vibration coating on make drive shaft gear replaced
• Full internal inspection by Allison trained tech

BRAKES

Full air brakes, with no known issues.

SUSPENSION

Full airbag suspension, two bags per wheel. Bus floats down the road on a
cushion of air. The system functions as it should, does not lean, and will hold
air for a couple of days after shutdown-no leaks. Dump valves also function
properly. Two spare airbags are included.

TIRES

All 8 12R-22.5 tires are in good condition with acceptable DOT dates and no
cracking. A spare aluminum rim is included if you wish to mount & carry a
spare.

GENERATOR

12.5 KW Yanmar/Kohler genset with 2,395 hours. Unit performs flawlessly.
Repairs & maintenance performed:
• Generator head unit completely rebuilt, including bearings, exciter ring,
brushes, springs, etc
• Generator radiator re-cored
• Engine vibration mounts replaced
• Lower radiator hose replaced (upper fine)
• Original radiator fan replaced with modern Hayden fan, greatly reducing noise
and vibration inside and outside the coach
• Pre-heat solenoid replaced
• Slide-out tray is electric rather than air, no need to "air up" the coach to
open the generator compartment
• Three-piece vertical generator exhaust included

EXTERIOR

The coach was repainted shortly before I purchased her, having been stripped
down to bare metal (I have pictures). It was repainted in the factory colors
and pattern. All exterior bright trim, lights, and window awnings were also
replaced at that time. The previous owner claims the work cost him $30,000, and
I can believe it. The exterior is beautiful. Other details:
• Upgraded headlight system-includes modern Bosch relays.
• Polished aluminum wheels
• Two remote spotlights on roof (one inoperative)
• 180db train whistle
• Musical horn
• Full diamond-plate roof
• Large roof storage pod, water-tight
• Full awning package, all in good condition
• Air operated entry step
• Large pass-through basement storage.
• Outside entertainment center including TV, stereo, CD changer, and Sony Wii.

INTERIOR

The interior is in excellent condition and quite roomy. Here are the high
points:

Lounge:
• Flexsteel leather pilot/co-pilot chairs
• Sleeper soft and two leather barrel chairs
• Modern TV mounted in front overhead
• King-Dome automatic satellite system
• Electric drapes
• Lighted curio cabinet

Kitchen:
• Corian counters and sink
• Spice Rack
• Insta-Hot water
• Nu-tone blender
• 2-burner stove
• Convection oven
• 2-way refir
• U-Line Ice Maker
• Corian dinette table
• Safe
• Marble floor
• Thermostatically controlled fantastic fan
• Tons of storage in aircraft-quality cabinets and drawers

Bathroom:
• New Thetford toilet
• Full-size shower
• Lots of mirrors and cabinets
• Marble Floor
• 10-gallon hot water heater

Bedroom:
• Twin beds
• Electric drapes
• LCD TV
• Two full-length closets
• Central Vac System w/ attachments for entire coach
• Lots of drawers and cabinets
• Shirt closets and other storage across rear
• Thermostatically controlled fantastic fan

Other Interior Features:
• Musical doorbell
• Four thermostatically controlled circulating heaters to provide over-the-road
heating from engine coolant
• Three roof A/C's with heat strips
• Electric heaters throughout coach
• Three propane furnaces
• Aircraft-style overhead storage throughout
• 1500 watt inverter
• Intercom from bedroom to driver
• Fluorescent lighting throughout

ELECTRICAL

In addition to the generator, the coach electrical system includes the
following:

• 1500 watt inverter
• Six deep-cycle golf cart batteries, plus separate automotive battery for
generator
• Modern Xantrex True Charge batter charger-no more "boiling" the batteries
• Automatic marine switch allows generator battery to be charged with coach
batteries, but not discharged
• All original 30-amp and 50-amp electrical cords included


MISC

• HWH Leveling System works properly
• 300 gallon diesel tank (and it's full)
• Rear view monitor has new wireless IR color camera feeding new LCD screen
mounted in original location
• Working cruise control
• Satellite radio
• Electroluminiscent dash
• Wanderlodge electronic monitors work, include the voice-prompt Digitel

THE PROJECT LIST

As with any 20+ year old vehicle, there are a few things that aren't "perfect".
In the interest of full disclosure, here's what doesn't work:
• The center propane heater doesn't work. I have never investigated why, as I
prefer to use the other heaters
• The Pyrometer (exhaust temp gauge) doesn't work, also never investigated
• The dash A/C is inoperative. This is common on Blue Birds. Some of the
overhead parts were removed when the new TV was mounted. The coach gets plenty
cool up front by using the front roof air.
I believe that is it. Everything else is in working order.

THE FINE PRINT

As you would expect on a 20+-year-old vehicle, no warranty is expressed or
implied. I have represented the vehicle in what I feel is an honest fashion
through words and pictures. Winning bidder is responsible for pick up in
Memphis, TN. If you so desire, I am happy to help you arrange storage in
Memphis subsequent to your purchase, at your expense, if you will be delayed in
picking up the coach. A 10% deposit will be required to hold the coach, balance
due in certified funds at possession. Coach is advertised locally, seller
reserves the right to end this auction early. I have set a fair reserve price
and will not reveal it ahead of time. You are welcome to call me with any
questions at (901) 230-4707, my name is Scott.



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <scottforman75@...>
wrote:
>
> With a heavy heart, I am offering my '86 PT38 for sale. I do not "want" to
sell her, but my circumstances have changed and I just wont be able to use the
coach enough to justify holding on to it.
>
> '86 PT38, 8v92. Blue/gray/siler colors. 130k miles. Meticulously maintained
and ready to travel. I have not yet taken the time to write out my "official"
ad with the list of features and everything that has been done, but I will do so
soon so drop me a note to the email below if you are interested. I am fanatical
about my bus and it is clean as a whistle. Some members of this forum have seen
my bus, maybe they will chime in as to how it looks. I am not trying very hard
at marketing it right now, but I will pick up the pace eventually. I would love
for the coach to go to someone here who will love her the way I do.
>
> I do have a photo album here:
>
> http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w259/...38%208v92/
>
> I am asking $55,000 and will negotiate. I feel this is a very reasonable
asking price for a coach in this condition. I will consider interesting
collectible car trades.
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
> scottforman75@...
>