possible newbie

[Jeff Miller]

I have seen rusty 'Birds, never that bad, but rusty.

The frame is probably not a problem, but every working piece from the
generator windings to the threaded-rod holding the storage bins in
place, and lots of electricals are probably going to create an on-
going maintenance problem. As you read this forum you will see that
most people with older 'Birds (or classic anything else for that
matter) rely on their own skills and resources like this forum for
their repairs and maintenance (and most are also fairly skilled at
it).

Offer no more than $10k - $12k, and plan to spend a few thousand more
to keep it in working condition. If it's at a dealer and in the
condition you indicate, he probably paid 6-8.

Tires are likely rotted also, figure another $2500 or more there.

- Jeff Miller
in Holland, MI


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Hugh Turner"
wrote:
>
> My wife and I both end up with all of our time free hers from
social
> security diability and mine from a va disablility and a very, very
> eary cival service medical retirement. We have been considering a
> class a for over a year now up until recnetly we were looking atthe
> gas mid 90 30ft models. One thinking that was all we could afford 2
> not wanting to go any older to have to deal with the carbed
engines.
> Recently an 1983 FC35 with 99,971 miles rb set up to sleep 8 with 3
> new roof air new frig and new tolit came to my attention. It is in
> the price range we are looking at. One family has owned it for 18
> years and appearntly it has lived on the Texas coast I have not
> personally inspect it .I do know that the interior was well used
> which I can accept. I was told that some of the access panels on
the
> left side have rust to the point that the may have have to be
> replaced. I have also been told that it appears that service
records
> are not complete.
>
> My concerns are does this sound like bird that has roosted for the
> past 18 years and used as a place for the grankids to stay? Should
I
> have a borescope of the engine performed? I did email the newbuy's
> checlist from the vintagebirds website to the salesman. Yes I know
he
> is concerned in saling the unit. Ome of my big concerns is the
rust.
> Rust on a panels is no big deal but I am concern aboout rust on the
> frame. any help would be appreciated
> Hugh Turner
> Air Force 1977-1992
>