Cost of ownership

[gcyeaw]

James,
I am beginning to see your point. There are some pretty solid
looking Birds for sale with price tags higher than where I am
aiming, but if they are as well maintained as they appear, I might
be much better off than going for a lower cost unit. Another factor
is the location of the bus. Most I have seen on the market are
pretty far away and driving them back to New Jersey might not be
feasible unless they are in good shape.

I also can see that the return on investment is basically the
enjoyment I get out of it and not what I will get for it when it is
time to sell.

Gardner

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
>
> Hello, Gardner.
>
> The biggest factor in the cost of ownership of a 25 year old, or
> older 'Bird, lies in the condition of the bus that you buy.
>
> Remember we are talking about older buses here and no two are the
> same. You will find "project buses" on the market that may need
> everything replaced on them from the motor and electronics to the
> fridge and carpet ect. However, from time to time, a very nice
> highly updated example will be offered for sale that will need
next
> to nothing.
>
> Obviously the cost of ownership will be much higher on a "project
> bus" than on a Cheery example with newer motor and everything else
> in the bus having been already updated and in good working order.
>
> I guess my point is to buy your bus wisely! The project bus at a
> rock bottom price that needs everying replaced will not be your
best
> value. Rather, find a bus that has had on-going care by folks who
> were enthusiastic owners.
>
> Take my bus for example ... the motor is about 4 years old with
> 15,000 miles on it. At the time the motor was replaced so were
all
> pumps, fan assembly even the main started motor. All belts and
> hoses are two years old. Trojan batteries less than a year old.
> Twin 55 amp Iota charges less than a year old. Xantrex pure sine-
> wave inverter less than a year old. High deffenition Direct TV
> system less than a yera old. 27" Samsung LCD TV less than a year
> old. Refridgerator about 4 years old. AC units about 3 years
old.
> Roof deck rebedded, refastened and painted less than a year ago.
> Polished Aluminum wheels that you can comb your hair in. New
carpet
> about 2 years ago. I could go on and on, but you get my point.
>
> If I were to sell my bus tomorrow I could get around 25 to 27
> thousand.
>
> Now think about that "project bus" that has been sitting behind a
> barn for 8 years before someone pulled it out, polished it up and
> hung a for sale sign on it. These are two very different pictures
> arn't they? Certainly you would experience a very different cost
of
> ownewship betweeen the above examples. Now you may be able to buy
> the project bus for 16 thousand bucks, but get ready to spend that
> much again, and more, to make it into a good looking reliable
runner.
>
> So shop wisely, and buy the best bus you can find in your price
> range.
>
> Good Luck.
>
>
> James
> 78FC33SB "Old School"
> Orange Lake, FL (Mid-Eightys, total over cast and raining)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gcyeaw" wrote:
> >
> > I have asked other questions on this forum and I do appreciate
> the
> > responses I have received. I have been building a spreadsheet to
> try
> > to estimate the real cost of owning a vintage Bluebird. I love
the
> > look and would enjoy repairing/restoring the systems at my
leisure
> > prior to retirement.
> > The price range I am looking at is under $30,000 for a 1984
or
> > older FC 33 TO 35. Given that price range I would expect to have
> > lots of small things to fix. Also given the age, I would expect
> > higher incidence of failure in in basic engine/transmit
> ion/chassis
> > systems over say, a 10 year time span..
> >
> > Would it be reasonable to estimate $700/year for routine
> > maintenance and $1000/year for unplanned maintenance averaged
over
> a
> > ten year time span? (assuming I don't need an engine rebuild)
> >
> > I am really trying to determine the value as the clock ticks
on
> > 20 to 25 year old coaches. They may be well built, but so was I
40
> > years ago!
> >
> > Gardner
> >
>

[birdshill123]

James: You must have a bargain Cat dealer. I doubt most would do all
that work for $790.00 More like $1000 plus. If you figure labor rates
of $90.00 (could be higher) just doing the belts and hoses could
easily eat up $400 TO $500 . Doesnt leave much for the valve
adjustment. They might charge $790 to do this on a conventional truck
but not a MH.

Bruce: 1988 FC35

[orbitalsolutions]

Bruce, I was quoted $790.00 by Cashman Cat in Las Vegas NV where I was
a repeat customer. Of course, Cat franchises are independently owned
and operated. So prices, as well as services offered, will vary. I
suppose different markets may dictate varing prices as well.

In any event, I think a range of $800 to $1100.00 is probably realistic.

When I have a chance I'll get a quote from Ring Power, the Cat place
here in central FL, and see what they say. I need to get some new Cat
hats anyway.


James
78FC33SB "Old School"
Orange Lake FL




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "birdshill123"
wrote:
>
> James: You must have a bargain Cat dealer. I doubt most would do all
> that work for $790.00 More like $1000 plus. If you figure labor rates
> of $90.00 (could be higher) just doing the belts and hoses could
> easily eat up $400 TO $500 . Doesnt leave much for the valve
> adjustment. They might charge $790 to do this on a conventional truck
> but not a MH.
>
> Bruce: 1988 FC35
>

[Tom Warner]

Remember that having a swing radiator will have an impact on the
price as will having to remove the doghouse to check the valve lash.

Tom Warner
Vernon Center,NY
1985 PT 40

At 11:31 PM 7/7/2006, you wrote:

>Bruce, I was quoted $790.00 by Cashman Cat in Las Vegas NV where I was
>a repeat customer. Of course, Cat franchises are independently owned
>and operated. So prices, as well as services offered, will vary. I
>suppose different markets may dictate varing prices as well.
>
>In any event, I think a range of $800 to $1100.00 is probably realistic.
>
>When I have a chance I'll get a quote from Ring Power, the Cat place
>here in central FL, and see what they say. I need to get some new Cat
>hats anyway.
>
>James
>78FC33SB "Old School"
>Orange Lake FL
>
>--- In
>WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
>"birdshill123"
> wrote:
> >
> > James: You must have a bargain Cat dealer. I doubt most would do all
> > that work for $790.00 More like $1000 plus. If you figure labor rates
> > of $90.00 (could be higher) just doing the belts and hoses could
> > easily eat up $400 TO $500 . Doesnt leave much for the valve
> > adjustment. They might charge $790 to do this on a conventional truck
> > but not a MH.
> >
> > Bruce: 1988 FC35
> >
>
>

[one_dusty_hoot]

James,
While you're there pick me up a couple of the Old Cat
hats if you don't mind. ha ha!
Thanks, Bob


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
>
> Bruce, I was quoted $790.00 by Cashman Cat in Las Vegas NV where I
was
> a repeat customer. Of course, Cat franchises are independently
owned
> and operated. So prices, as well as services offered, will vary.
I
> suppose different markets may dictate varing prices as well.
>
> In any event, I think a range of $800 to $1100.00 is probably
realistic.
>
> When I have a chance I'll get a quote from Ring Power, the Cat
place
> here in central FL, and see what they say. I need to get some new
Cat
> hats anyway.
>
>
> James
> 78FC33SB "Old School"
> Orange Lake FL
>
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "birdshill123"
> wrote:
> >
> > James: You must have a bargain Cat dealer. I doubt most would do
all
> > that work for $790.00 More like $1000 plus. If you figure labor
rates
> > of $90.00 (could be higher) just doing the belts and hoses could
> > easily eat up $400 TO $500 . Doesnt leave much for the valve
> > adjustment. They might charge $790 to do this on a conventional
truck
> > but not a MH.
> >
> > Bruce: 1988 FC35
> >
>

[gcyeaw]

James,
Thanks for your data. There seems to be some controversy over the
level 2 maintenance cost, but based on an average speed of say 30
mph, that's 60,000 miles in 2000 hours. So if it's $800 or $1200
it's not much different spread out over that mileage/time. Not
knowing the cost of adding a swing radiator, it would seem to pay
for itself on the first broken belt or hose. I imagine that removing
the dog house and putting down a protective runner before heading in
for service might also save some labor and probably please the
service tech as well.


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
>
> Gardner, here are some actual maintence costs for the model
of 'Bird
> that you are looking for.
>
> If you take the 'Bird to an authorized Cat Center for oil and
filter
> changes it will cost $280.00 -- This will include all of your oil
> and fuel filters, a complete chassie lube and Cat brand motor
oil.
> Of course they do all the work, you watch them and start the bus
> when needed.
>
> Here are the parts cost:
>
> 16 Qts. 15/40 Cat -- $34.40
>
> 2 - 1R-0713 -------- $11.20
>
> 1 - 1P-0808 -------- $2.46
>
> 1 - 1R-0750 -------- $11.88
>
> 1 - 8N9803 --------- $20.10
>
> Total parts cost is $80.04 -- so, you can save two hundered bucks
> here if you do it yourself. This is a once a year task for most
> folks.
>
> Tires, every five years between $2200 and $3000 depending on Tire
> Brand.
>
> Cat PM level 2 Maintainence -- every 2000 hours or 10.000 gallons
of
> fuel -- Costs $790 at a certified Cat Center and includes
> everything. This service also includes the above listed oil,
filter
> and lube service.
>
> 1) All new hoses and belts
>
> 2) Performance Analysis report
>
> 3) Steam clean engine
>
> 4) Valve lash adjustment
>
> 5) cooling system service (flush and clean)
>
> That is pretty much your ongoing maintenience stuff. You can also
> figure on a transmission service every thirty thousand miles with
a
> new filter and fluid for about $175.00 including labor.
>
> That's the stuff you can count on doing and what it actually
costs.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
>
> James
> 78FC33SB "Old School"
> Orange Lake, FL
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
> wrote:
> >
> > Hello, Gardner.
> >
> > The biggest factor in the cost of ownership of a 25 year old, or
> > older 'Bird, lies in the condition of the bus that you buy.
> >
> > Remember we are talking about older buses here and no two are
the
> > same. You will find "project buses" on the market that may need
> > everything replaced on them from the motor and electronics to
the
> > fridge and carpet ect. However, from time to time, a very nice
> > highly updated example will be offered for sale that will need
> next
> > to nothing.
> >
> > Obviously the cost of ownership will be much higher on
a "project
> > bus" than on a Cheery example with newer motor and everything
else
> > in the bus having been already updated and in good working order.
> >
> > I guess my point is to buy your bus wisely! The project bus at
a
> > rock bottom price that needs everying replaced will not be your
> best
> > value. Rather, find a bus that has had on-going care by folks
who
> > were enthusiastic owners.
> >
> > Take my bus for example ... the motor is about 4 years old with
> > 15,000 miles on it. At the time the motor was replaced so were
> all
> > pumps, fan assembly even the main started motor. All belts and
> > hoses are two years old. Trojan batteries less than a year
old.
> > Twin 55 amp Iota charges less than a year old. Xantrex pure
sine-
> > wave inverter less than a year old. High deffenition Direct TV
> > system less than a yera old. 27" Samsung LCD TV less than a
year
> > old. Refridgerator about 4 years old. AC units about 3 years
> old.
> > Roof deck rebedded, refastened and painted less than a year
ago.
> > Polished Aluminum wheels that you can comb your hair in. New
> carpet
> > about 2 years ago. I could go on and on, but you get my point.
> >
> > If I were to sell my bus tomorrow I could get around 25 to 27
> > thousand.
> >
> > Now think about that "project bus" that has been sitting behind
a
> > barn for 8 years before someone pulled it out, polished it up
and
> > hung a for sale sign on it. These are two very different
pictures
> > arn't they? Certainly you would experience a very different
cost
> of
> > ownewship betweeen the above examples. Now you may be able to
buy
> > the project bus for 16 thousand bucks, but get ready to spend
that
> > much again, and more, to make it into a good looking reliable
> runner.
> >
> > So shop wisely, and buy the best bus you can find in your price
> > range.
> >
> > Good Luck.
> >
> >
> > James
> > 78FC33SB "Old School"
> > Orange Lake, FL (Mid-Eightys, total over cast and raining)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gcyeaw"
wrote:
> > >
> > > I have asked other questions on this forum and I do
appreciate
> > the
> > > responses I have received. I have been building a spreadsheet
to
> > try
> > > to estimate the real cost of owning a vintage Bluebird. I love
> the
> > > look and would enjoy repairing/restoring the systems at my
> leisure
> > > prior to retirement.
> > > The price range I am looking at is under $30,000 for a 1984
> or
> > > older FC 33 TO 35. Given that price range I would expect to
have
> > > lots of small things to fix. Also given the age, I would
expect
> > > higher incidence of failure in in basic engine/transmit
> > ion/chassis
> > > systems over say, a 10 year time span..
> > >
> > > Would it be reasonable to estimate $700/year for routine
> > > maintenance and $1000/year for unplanned maintenance averaged
> over
> > a
> > > ten year time span? (assuming I don't need an engine rebuild)
> > >
> > > I am really trying to determine the value as the clock
ticks
> on
> > > 20 to 25 year old coaches. They may be well built, but so was
I
> 40
> > > years ago!
> > >
> > > Gardner
> > >
> >
>

[Mike Hohnstein]

Uh, you sure a new class C wouldn't be a better choice? Trying to see the
future with an antique vehicle is very irrational.
MH
----- Original Message -----
From: gcyeaw
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 11:54 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Cost of ownership


James,
Thanks for your data. There seems to be some controversy over the
level 2 maintenance cost, but based on an average speed of say 30
mph, that's 60,000 miles in 2000 hours. So if it's $800 or $1200
it's not much different spread out over that mileage/time. Not
knowing the cost of adding a swing radiator, it would seem to pay
for itself on the first broken belt or hose. I imagine that removing
the dog house and putting down a protective runner before heading in
for service might also save some labor and probably please the
service tech as well.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
>
> Gardner, here are some actual maintence costs for the model
of 'Bird
> that you are looking for.
>
> If you take the 'Bird to an authorized Cat Center for oil and
filter
> changes it will cost $280.00 -- This will include all of your oil
> and fuel filters, a complete chassie lube and Cat brand motor
oil.
> Of course they do all the work, you watch them and start the bus
> when needed.
>
> Here are the parts cost:
>
> 16 Qts. 15/40 Cat -- $34.40
>
> 2 - 1R-0713 -------- $11.20
>
> 1 - 1P-0808 -------- $2.46
>
> 1 - 1R-0750 -------- $11.88
>
> 1 - 8N9803 --------- $20.10
>
> Total parts cost is $80.04 -- so, you can save two hundered bucks
> here if you do it yourself. This is a once a year task for most
> folks.
>
> Tires, every five years between $2200 and $3000 depending on Tire
> Brand.
>
> Cat PM level 2 Maintainence -- every 2000 hours or 10.000 gallons
of
> fuel -- Costs $790 at a certified Cat Center and includes
> everything. This service also includes the above listed oil,
filter
> and lube service.
>
> 1) All new hoses and belts
>
> 2) Performance Analysis report
>
> 3) Steam clean engine
>
> 4) Valve lash adjustment
>
> 5) cooling system service (flush and clean)
>
> That is pretty much your ongoing maintenience stuff. You can also
> figure on a transmission service every thirty thousand miles with
a
> new filter and fluid for about $175.00 including labor.
>
> That's the stuff you can count on doing and what it actually
costs.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
>
> James
> 78FC33SB "Old School"
> Orange Lake, FL
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
> wrote:
> >
> > Hello, Gardner.
> >
> > The biggest factor in the cost of ownership of a 25 year old, or
> > older 'Bird, lies in the condition of the bus that you buy.
> >
> > Remember we are talking about older buses here and no two are
the
> > same. You will find "project buses" on the market that may need
> > everything replaced on them from the motor and electronics to
the
> > fridge and carpet ect. However, from time to time, a very nice
> > highly updated example will be offered for sale that will need
> next
> > to nothing.
> >
> > Obviously the cost of ownership will be much higher on
a "project
> > bus" than on a Cheery example with newer motor and everything
else
> > in the bus having been already updated and in good working order.
> >
> > I guess my point is to buy your bus wisely! The project bus at
a
> > rock bottom price that needs everying replaced will not be your
> best
> > value. Rather, find a bus that has had on-going care by folks
who
> > were enthusiastic owners.
> >
> > Take my bus for example ... the motor is about 4 years old with
> > 15,000 miles on it. At the time the motor was replaced so were
> all
> > pumps, fan assembly even the main started motor. All belts and
> > hoses are two years old. Trojan batteries less than a year
old.
> > Twin 55 amp Iota charges less than a year old. Xantrex pure
sine-
> > wave inverter less than a year old. High deffenition Direct TV
> > system less than a yera old. 27" Samsung LCD TV less than a
year
> > old. Refridgerator about 4 years old. AC units about 3 years
> old.
> > Roof deck rebedded, refastened and painted less than a year
ago.
> > Polished Aluminum wheels that you can comb your hair in. New
> carpet
> > about 2 years ago. I could go on and on, but you get my point.
> >
> > If I were to sell my bus tomorrow I could get around 25 to 27
> > thousand.
> >
> > Now think about that "project bus" that has been sitting behind
a
> > barn for 8 years before someone pulled it out, polished it up
and
> > hung a for sale sign on it. These are two very different
pictures
> > arn't they? Certainly you would experience a very different
cost
> of
> > ownewship betweeen the above examples. Now you may be able to
buy
> > the project bus for 16 thousand bucks, but get ready to spend
that
> > much again, and more, to make it into a good looking reliable
> runner.
> >
> > So shop wisely, and buy the best bus you can find in your price
> > range.
> >
> > Good Luck.
> >
> >
> > James
> > 78FC33SB "Old School"
> > Orange Lake, FL (Mid-Eightys, total over cast and raining)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gcyeaw"
wrote:
> > >
> > > I have asked other questions on this forum and I do
appreciate
> > the
> > > responses I have received. I have been building a spreadsheet
to
> > try
> > > to estimate the real cost of owning a vintage Bluebird. I love
> the
> > > look and would enjoy repairing/restoring the systems at my
> leisure
> > > prior to retirement.
> > > The price range I am looking at is under $30,000 for a 1984
> or
> > > older FC 33 TO 35. Given that price range I would expect to
have
> > > lots of small things to fix. Also given the age, I would
expect
> > > higher incidence of failure in in basic engine/transmit
> > ion/chassis
> > > systems over say, a 10 year time span..
> > >
> > > Would it be reasonable to estimate $700/year for routine
> > > maintenance and $1000/year for unplanned maintenance averaged
> over
> > a
> > > ten year time span? (assuming I don't need an engine rebuild)
> > >
> > > I am really trying to determine the value as the clock
ticks
> on
> > > 20 to 25 year old coaches. They may be well built, but so was
I
> 40
> > > years ago!
> > >
> > > Gardner
> > >
> >
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jack & Donna Smith]

Yah Mike. Buying any vehicle with an eye to future value is hard!
A 1955-57 Nomad Wagon is pretty pricy now, but back then, it was just
another pretty car.
I wonder if the new Dodge Magnum will be the nomad of its day??
Wonder if you can get one with the 6.1 Hemi ?
Jack Smith

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@...> wrote:
>
> Uh, you sure a new class C wouldn't be a better choice? Trying to
see the future with an antique vehicle is very irrational.
> MH
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: gcyeaw
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 11:54 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Cost of ownership
>
>
> James,
> Thanks for your data. There seems to be some controversy over the
> level 2 maintenance cost, but based on an average speed of say 30
> mph, that's 60,000 miles in 2000 hours. So if it's $800 or $1200
> it's not much different spread out over that mileage/time. Not
> knowing the cost of adding a swing radiator, it would seem to pay
> for itself on the first broken belt or hose. I imagine that removing
> the dog house and putting down a protective runner before heading in
> for service might also save some labor and probably please the
> service tech as well.
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
> wrote:
> >
> > Gardner, here are some actual maintence costs for the model
> of 'Bird
> > that you are looking for.
> >
> > If you take the 'Bird to an authorized Cat Center for oil and
> filter
> > changes it will cost $280.00 -- This will include all of your oil
> > and fuel filters, a complete chassie lube and Cat brand motor
> oil.
> > Of course they do all the work, you watch them and start the bus
> > when needed.
> >
> > Here are the parts cost:
> >
> > 16 Qts. 15/40 Cat -- $34.40
> >
> > 2 - 1R-0713 -------- $11.20
> >
> > 1 - 1P-0808 -------- $2.46
> >
> > 1 - 1R-0750 -------- $11.88
> >
> > 1 - 8N9803 --------- $20.10
> >
> > Total parts cost is $80.04 -- so, you can save two hundered bucks
> > here if you do it yourself. This is a once a year task for most
> > folks.
> >
> > Tires, every five years between $2200 and $3000 depending on Tire
> > Brand.
> >
> > Cat PM level 2 Maintainence -- every 2000 hours or 10.000 gallons
> of
> > fuel -- Costs $790 at a certified Cat Center and includes
> > everything. This service also includes the above listed oil,
> filter
> > and lube service.
> >
> > 1) All new hoses and belts
> >
> > 2) Performance Analysis report
> >
> > 3) Steam clean engine
> >
> > 4) Valve lash adjustment
> >
> > 5) cooling system service (flush and clean)
> >
> > That is pretty much your ongoing maintenience stuff. You can also
> > figure on a transmission service every thirty thousand miles with
> a
> > new filter and fluid for about $175.00 including labor.
> >
> > That's the stuff you can count on doing and what it actually
> costs.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> >
> > James
> > 78FC33SB "Old School"
> > Orange Lake, FL
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello, Gardner.
> > >
> > > The biggest factor in the cost of ownership of a 25 year old, or
> > > older 'Bird, lies in the condition of the bus that you buy.
> > >
> > > Remember we are talking about older buses here and no two are
> the
> > > same. You will find "project buses" on the market that may need
> > > everything replaced on them from the motor and electronics to
> the
> > > fridge and carpet ect. However, from time to time, a very nice
> > > highly updated example will be offered for sale that will need
> > next
> > > to nothing.
> > >
> > > Obviously the cost of ownership will be much higher on
> a "project
> > > bus" than on a Cheery example with newer motor and everything
> else
> > > in the bus having been already updated and in good working order.
> > >
> > > I guess my point is to buy your bus wisely! The project bus at
> a
> > > rock bottom price that needs everying replaced will not be your
> > best
> > > value. Rather, find a bus that has had on-going care by folks
> who
> > > were enthusiastic owners.
> > >
> > > Take my bus for example ... the motor is about 4 years old with
> > > 15,000 miles on it. At the time the motor was replaced so were
> > all
> > > pumps, fan assembly even the main started motor. All belts and
> > > hoses are two years old. Trojan batteries less than a year
> old.
> > > Twin 55 amp Iota charges less than a year old. Xantrex pure
> sine-
> > > wave inverter less than a year old. High deffenition Direct TV
> > > system less than a yera old. 27" Samsung LCD TV less than a
> year
> > > old. Refridgerator about 4 years old. AC units about 3 years
> > old.
> > > Roof deck rebedded, refastened and painted less than a year
> ago.
> > > Polished Aluminum wheels that you can comb your hair in. New
> > carpet
> > > about 2 years ago. I could go on and on, but you get my point.
> > >
> > > If I were to sell my bus tomorrow I could get around 25 to 27
> > > thousand.
> > >
> > > Now think about that "project bus" that has been sitting behind
> a
> > > barn for 8 years before someone pulled it out, polished it up
> and
> > > hung a for sale sign on it. These are two very different
> pictures
> > > arn't they? Certainly you would experience a very different
> cost
> > of
> > > ownewship betweeen the above examples. Now you may be able to
> buy
> > > the project bus for 16 thousand bucks, but get ready to spend
> that
> > > much again, and more, to make it into a good looking reliable
> > runner.
> > >
> > > So shop wisely, and buy the best bus you can find in your price
> > > range.
> > >
> > > Good Luck.
> > >
> > >
> > > James
> > > 78FC33SB "Old School"
> > > Orange Lake, FL (Mid-Eightys, total over cast and raining)
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gcyeaw"
> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I have asked other questions on this forum and I do
> appreciate
> > > the
> > > > responses I have received. I have been building a spreadsheet
> to
> > > try
> > > > to estimate the real cost of owning a vintage Bluebird. I love
> > the
> > > > look and would enjoy repairing/restoring the systems at my
> > leisure
> > > > prior to retirement.
> > > > The price range I am looking at is under $30,000 for a 1984
> > or
> > > > older FC 33 TO 35. Given that price range I would expect to
> have
> > > > lots of small things to fix. Also given the age, I would
> expect
> > > > higher incidence of failure in in basic engine/transmit
> > > ion/chassis
> > > > systems over say, a 10 year time span..
> > > >
> > > > Would it be reasonable to estimate $700/year for routine
> > > > maintenance and $1000/year for unplanned maintenance averaged
> > over
> > > a
> > > > ten year time span? (assuming I don't need an engine rebuild)
> > > >
> > > > I am really trying to determine the value as the clock
> ticks
> > on
> > > > 20 to 25 year old coaches. They may be well built, but so was
> I
> > 40
> > > > years ago!
> > > >
> > > > Gardner
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[orbitalsolutions]

Hi, Tom. You are right on the money about the swing radiator! I
consider it a must have on an FC. I don't know how much it costs to
do the conversion but I know it isn't cheap. I'm sure someone here
can tell us how much to have it done, or how costly if you can do it
yourself. In fact, Blue Bird made them standard equipment somewhere
along the line, not sure when. This is an excellent example of how
you will have a lower cost of ownership depending if you buy a bus
with or without a swing-out radiator.


James
78FC33SB "Old School"
Orange Lake, FL


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
wrote:
>
> Remember that having a swing radiator will have an impact on the
> price as will having to remove the doghouse to check the valve
lash.
>
> Tom Warner
> Vernon Center,NY
> 1985 PT 40
>
> At 11:31 PM 7/7/2006, you wrote:
>
> >Bruce, I was quoted $790.00 by Cashman Cat in Las Vegas NV where
I was
> >a repeat customer. Of course, Cat franchises are independently
owned
> >and operated. So prices, as well as services offered, will vary. I
> >suppose different markets may dictate varing prices as well.
> >
> >In any event, I think a range of $800 to $1100.00 is probably
realistic.
> >
> >When I have a chance I'll get a quote from Ring Power, the Cat
place
> >here in central FL, and see what they say. I need to get some new
Cat
> >hats anyway.
> >
> >James
> >78FC33SB "Old School"
> >Orange Lake FL
> >
> >--- In
> > 40yahoogroups.com>WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> >"birdshill123"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > James: You must have a bargain Cat dealer. I doubt most would
do all
> > > that work for $790.00 More like $1000 plus. If you figure
labor rates
> > > of $90.00 (could be higher) just doing the belts and hoses
could
> > > easily eat up $400 TO $500 . Doesnt leave much for the valve
> > > adjustment. They might charge $790 to do this on a
conventional truck
> > > but not a MH.
> > >
> > > Bruce: 1988 FC35
> > >
> >
> >
>

[gcyeaw]

There is an entry in the files section under Swing Radiator. It
puts the cost between 1 and 2 thousand dollars. It isn't as easy as
it sounds according to the file.
Gardner

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
>
> Hi, Tom. You are right on the money about the swing radiator! I
> consider it a must have on an FC. I don't know how much it costs
to
> do the conversion but I know it isn't cheap. I'm sure someone here
> can tell us how much to have it done, or how costly if you can do
it
> yourself. In fact, Blue Bird made them standard equipment
somewhere
> along the line, not sure when. This is an excellent example of
how
> you will have a lower cost of ownership depending if you buy a bus
> with or without a swing-out radiator.
>
>
> James
> 78FC33SB "Old School"
> Orange Lake, FL
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
> wrote:
> >
> > Remember that having a swing radiator will have an impact on the
> > price as will having to remove the doghouse to check the valve
> lash.
> >
> > Tom Warner
> > Vernon Center,NY
> > 1985 PT 40
> >
> > At 11:31 PM 7/7/2006, you wrote:
> >
> > >Bruce, I was quoted $790.00 by Cashman Cat in Las Vegas NV
where
> I was
> > >a repeat customer. Of course, Cat franchises are independently
> owned
> > >and operated. So prices, as well as services offered, will
vary. I
> > >suppose different markets may dictate varing prices as well.
> > >
> > >In any event, I think a range of $800 to $1100.00 is probably
> realistic.
> > >
> > >When I have a chance I'll get a quote from Ring Power, the Cat
> place
> > >here in central FL, and see what they say. I need to get some
new
> Cat
> > >hats anyway.
> > >
> > >James
> > >78FC33SB "Old School"
> > >Orange Lake FL
> > >
> > >--- In
> > > > 40yahoogroups.com>WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> > >"birdshill123"
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > James: You must have a bargain Cat dealer. I doubt most
would
> do all
> > > > that work for $790.00 More like $1000 plus. If you figure
> labor rates
> > > > of $90.00 (could be higher) just doing the belts and hoses
> could
> > > > easily eat up $400 TO $500 . Doesnt leave much for the valve
> > > > adjustment. They might charge $790 to do this on a
> conventional truck
> > > > but not a MH.
> > > >
> > > > Bruce: 1988 FC35
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>