1989 WB Bluebird

[Doug Tidwell]

Hello Ralph,

Your information is very much appreciated!! I have not seen this coach and I
only have the salesman word on the condition (he seems to very honest and is not
pressuring me in any way). I think I will fly down there tomorrow and look it
over and use your information as a guide. Assuming everything checks out good,
do you think it would be advisable for me to pay you to check it over before I
sign on the dotted line? I know so many things can be wrong and I really don't
want to get into a coach with numerous follow-up expenses. I was originally
focusing on coaches in the 91-95 model years which could probably afford but
certainly would like to pay less if I found the right older coach. What is your
opinion on the best value and is there any good comparisons between the 89
verses the early 90's? I guess you have worked on all of them and maybe have
established some fact based opinions. Any comments would be greatly
appreciated.

Also, should I look at suspension air-bags. I have noticed some people on the
forum have had to replace them in older coaches.

Do you have a phone number where I could call you?

Thanks!

Doug Tidwell
----- Original Message -----
From: Ralph L. Fullenwider
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 12:33 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] 1989 WB Bluebird


Hello Doug:

I am in Oklahoma http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm and perform service
work on Birds.

When you go see the Coach, don't be in a rush, take your time and don't be
overwhelmed. It is easy to do, I know, we have all been there.

After a walk through, ask Bleakly to have a service tech come out with a
manometer and do an LP leak down test. This can be done in the refrigerator
out side access compartment. This is important.
Next, open the engine hatch, do a visual check where the hatch gas shocks
mount to the lid. Then check the manifolds for cracks or broken ears by the
hold down bolts. If the turbo piping is covered with heat shielding, as
your facing the engine, on your left in front you will see the turbo
piping, under that shielding you will find a flange covered by a clamp.
Just above the clamp, do a visual check for any cracks.
Next check the battery wiring, it should be 2/0 min cable size. Check the
condition of the cable ends.
As you do your walk through of the Coach, turn on all the lighting systems.
Bring the AC's on line one at a time until all are running and take a look
at the gauges to see if they are balanced and steady. Turn on the Coach
head lights and driving lights, check to be sure they are working. If
memory serves, unless it has been modified ( you will probably make that
modification later) the bright lights have to be on for the driving lights
to work. Check the step in and out function. Check the entry door to be
sure it is not bowed or need an adjustment. Check all the gaskets around
all windows to be sure there is not rust beginning. Go up on top and check
all vents where the base contacts the roof metal, for cracking or if that
d(*&@ silicone has been used to stop leaks. Check all screws holding down
the walk plates to see if they are loose. Look over the side and check the
seams where the awnings meet the coach. If the rain guttering has open
cracks in the sealant, it is not a major concern but you will have to
address that as a prevent maint later on.
Standing at the front of the Coach peer down the sides for anything unusual
like deeper than what should be normal indentations in the skin. Open the
compartments and check the gas shocks and rubber seals. Look under the
compartment edges, especially the front where tire blow outs could have
crumpled the compartments. Check all wheel wells for missing insulation,
this tells you if there has been a blow out, and if any damage from that.
Check the water system to be sure it pressures up and the pump shuts off
properly.

So many things, but this you can do with an informed walk around. Check the
undercarriage for major rust and the bottom of the LP ASME tank is a good
tell tell there.

That is just a few things to look at to start with. Hope this helps a
little. The '89 is a good Coach. Good luck.

Ralph Fullenwider
out of Oklahoma

At 08:32 PM 7/26/2005 -0500, you wrote:
>Tom,
>
>I am new to this forum and I don't know Ralph Fullenwider. How do you
>contact and where does he live? I would probably hire someone after I see
>the coach and decide to buy it. John Bleakley offered a free oil analysis
>to be taken before they change the oil and they also said they would print
>off what the computer history says (I am not familiar with what
>information you can get from the computer).
>
>Thanks for your response and help!!
>
>Doug Tidwell
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Tom Warner
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2005 8:21 PM
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] 1989 WB Bluebird
>
>
> Doug dont waste your money on an oil analysis. An oil analysis is only
> good
> if you have others to compare it with and the sample is taken at or near
> oil change time so you get used oil to sample. If anyone has changed the
> oil lately and you can bet it has been the only thing an oil analysis will
> do now is to lighten your pocket.
>
> I believe John Bleakley is a reputable organization from what I have
> personally observed. I went there when another forum member Dave Campbell
> bought I believe a 1988 PT40 WB from them at a RITV that I sponsered
> him at
> about 3 years ago. He was very satisfied with their service and the
> upgrade
> work he had done on the coach. I would suggest you get a good inspection
> done by them and annotate it on your sales receipt. Or hire Ralph
> Fullenwider to do a PDI on it for you and use that to get the necessary
> repairs done and up to snuff.
>
> Good luck
>
> Tom
> 1982 FC35
> Vernon Center,NY
>



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