'76 Bluebird info

[chicknpollo]

Hi Guys,

I am a new guy, not to rving but to BB's. I am going to look at a
1976 BB tomorrow, it's listed on ebay right now. I have talked to the
owner. He doesn't know much as it was his father's. I am concerned
about the 543 gas engine amoung other things. What can ya'll tell me
about it, the engine, the year model, inherent problems. You can look
at his description on ebay, sorry, I don't have the item #. But it's
the only '76 BB up there.
I would surely appreciate any info anyone can provide.

Thanks so much
Chick

[Mike Hohnstein]

Air brakes would be a very good thing. The 534 Ford is obsolete and very
difficult to support in most areas of the country. A 3208 is a straight forward
repower candidate but unless a lot of sweat equity was provided on the owners
part it would be a poor investment.
Assuming the engine is sound, one could expect 5 mpg and 60 mph cruising speed.
Breakerless ignition update would be a major improvement as would a new
carburetor in most cases. The governor type Holleys are known for being
difficult to work with.
I would want to leak test the engine before I paid any money. The potential for
head gasket problems is too sobering to ignore. We are after all, talking about
a 30 year old piece of machinery. It's harder on equipment to sit idle than to
be used.
Mike Hohnstein
Germantown, WI
83FC35
----- Original Message -----
From: chicknpollo
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 9:16 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] '76 Bluebird info


Hi Guys,

I am a new guy, not to rving but to BB's. I am going to look at a
1976 BB tomorrow, it's listed on ebay right now. I have talked to the
owner. He doesn't know much as it was his father's. I am concerned
about the 543 gas engine amoung other things. What can ya'll tell me
about it, the engine, the year model, inherent problems. You can look
at his description on ebay, sorry, I don't have the item #. But it's
the only '76 BB up there.
I would surely appreciate any info anyone can provide.

Thanks so much
Chick








------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS

a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.

b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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

[chicknpollo]

Hello Mike
Thanks so much for the info. I have added your suggestions to my
list of things to check on. I am meeting the mechanic who has
(maybe) been through the engine, generator, trany, etc. It does
have air brakes. I got a check list from vintagebirds.com, but
specific year and model info is lacking.
Thanks again, I appreciate your time and input
Chick

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@...> wrote:
>
> Air brakes would be a very good thing. The 534 Ford is obsolete
and very difficult to support in most areas of the country. A 3208
is a straight forward repower candidate but unless a lot of sweat
equity was provided on the owners part it would be a poor investment.
> Assuming the engine is sound, one could expect 5 mpg and 60 mph
cruising speed. Breakerless ignition update would be a major
improvement as would a new carburetor in most cases. The governor
type Holleys are known for being difficult to work with.
> I would want to leak test the engine before I paid any money. The
potential for head gasket problems is too sobering to ignore. We
are after all, talking about a 30 year old piece of machinery. It's
harder on equipment to sit idle than to be used.
> Mike Hohnstein
> Germantown, WI
> 83FC35
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: chicknpollo
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 9:16 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] '76 Bluebird info
>
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I am a new guy, not to rving but to BB's. I am going to look at
a
> 1976 BB tomorrow, it's listed on ebay right now. I have talked
to the
> owner. He doesn't know much as it was his father's. I am
concerned
> about the 543 gas engine amoung other things. What can ya'll
tell me
> about it, the engine, the year model, inherent problems. You
can look
> at his description on ebay, sorry, I don't have the item #. But
it's
> the only '76 BB up there.
> I would surely appreciate any info anyone can provide.
>
> Thanks so much
> Chick
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms
of Service.
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[davidkerryedwards]

Are there gear ratio and transmission/torque convertor issues when
switching from gas to diesel? The bids are pretty reasonable so far
for the coach in question, but an inexpensive repower would probably
involve buying an old diesel school bus and swapping the drivetrain
into the Wanderlodge, if a person was up for the job. If not, I'm with
Mike. There's potential for serious mechanical headaches down the
road with the gas 534. I'd at least call NAPA and check on parts
availability for the engine before bidding. Pertronix almost
certaintly makes an inexpensive ($75) electronic ignition replacement
for the points/condensor.

Kerry
82 FC 35
Denver
>
> Air brakes would be a very good thing. The 534 Ford is obsolete and
very difficult to support in most areas of the country. A 3208 is a
straight forward repower candidate but unless a lot of sweat equity
was provided on the owners part it would be a poor investment.
> Assuming the engine is sound, one could expect 5 mpg and 60 mph
cruising speed. Breakerless ignition update would be a major
improvement as would a new carburetor in most cases. The governor
type Holleys are known for being difficult to work with.
> I would want to leak test the engine before I paid any money. The
potential for head gasket problems is too sobering to ignore. We are
after all, talking about a 30 year old piece of machinery. It's
harder on equipment to sit idle than to be used.
> Mike Hohnstein
> Germantown, WI
> 83FC35
>

[Mike Hohnstein]

I went to ebay and called the owner. He claims he has an offer of 9 grand for
the rig. He expressed a certain skepticism about the validity of the offer but
it's on his mind.
The engine issues aside, it has the lousy spit rim wheels, that no one will work
on. Used Alcoas average 150 bucks when you can find them so add that to the
total. I would be very surprised if the tires are useful.
I would be reluctant to pop more than 5 grand for the beast as the potential
engine and wheel costs would make an initial investment of more than that a
little high.
My point is, 10 grand is all one would want to have into the bus with great
rubber, new belts hoses, batteries and working appliances, including generator.
That would be the top figure for sure.
Mike Hohnstein
----- Original Message -----
From: chicknpollo
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 10:47 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: '76 Bluebird info



Hello Mike
Thanks so much for the info. I have added your suggestions to my
list of things to check on. I am meeting the mechanic who has
(maybe) been through the engine, generator, trany, etc. It does
have air brakes. I got a check list from vintagebirds.com, but
specific year and model info is lacking.
Thanks again, I appreciate your time and input
Chick

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@...> wrote:
>
> Air brakes would be a very good thing. The 534 Ford is obsolete
and very difficult to support in most areas of the country. A 3208
is a straight forward repower candidate but unless a lot of sweat
equity was provided on the owners part it would be a poor investment.
> Assuming the engine is sound, one could expect 5 mpg and 60 mph
cruising speed. Breakerless ignition update would be a major
improvement as would a new carburetor in most cases. The governor
type Holleys are known for being difficult to work with.
> I would want to leak test the engine before I paid any money. The
potential for head gasket problems is too sobering to ignore. We
are after all, talking about a 30 year old piece of machinery. It's
harder on equipment to sit idle than to be used.
> Mike Hohnstein
> Germantown, WI
> 83FC35
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: chicknpollo
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 9:16 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] '76 Bluebird info
>
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> I am a new guy, not to rving but to BB's. I am going to look at
a
> 1976 BB tomorrow, it's listed on ebay right now. I have talked
to the
> owner. He doesn't know much as it was his father's. I am
concerned
> about the 543 gas engine amoung other things. What can ya'll
tell me
> about it, the engine, the year model, inherent problems. You
can look
> at his description on ebay, sorry, I don't have the item #. But
it's
> the only '76 BB up there.
> I would surely appreciate any info anyone can provide.
>
> Thanks so much
> Chick
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms
of Service.
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>








SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Wanderlodge Automotive maintenance
Recreational vehicle dealer Used recreational vehicles Automotive
radiators


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS

a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.

b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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

[chicknpollo]

Hey Mike,

I have talked to the owner also. His reserve price is 10k. The
wheel and rim problems are something I would never have known. He
mentions new batteries. Mechanic says it won't start without
charging/jump. so batteries have to added to the initial
investment. This coach is looking less promising all the time. I
am researching the engine parts issue and availability of different
wheels. 22.5 right? It may be looking is going to an educational
survey as opposed to a pre-purchase inspection.
Thanks again for bring me up to speed. I really appreciate it
Chick
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@...> wrote:
>
> I went to ebay and called the owner. He claims he has an offer of
9 grand for the rig. He expressed a certain skepticism about the
validity of the offer but it's on his mind.
> The engine issues aside, it has the lousy spit rim wheels, that no
one will work on. Used Alcoas average 150 bucks when you can find
them so add that to the total. I would be very surprised if the
tires are useful.
> I would be reluctant to pop more than 5 grand for the beast as the
potential engine and wheel costs would make an initial investment of
more than that a little high.
> My point is, 10 grand is all one would want to have into the bus
with great rubber, new belts hoses, batteries and working
appliances, including generator. That would be the top figure for
sure.
> Mike Hohnstein
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: chicknpollo
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 10:47 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: '76 Bluebird info
>
>
>
> Hello Mike
> Thanks so much for the info. I have added your suggestions to
my
> list of things to check on. I am meeting the mechanic who has
> (maybe) been through the engine, generator, trany, etc. It does
> have air brakes. I got a check list from vintagebirds.com, but
> specific year and model info is lacking.
> Thanks again, I appreciate your time and input
> Chick
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
> <MHOHNSTEIN@> wrote:
> >
> > Air brakes would be a very good thing. The 534 Ford is
obsolete
> and very difficult to support in most areas of the country. A
3208
> is a straight forward repower candidate but unless a lot of
sweat
> equity was provided on the owners part it would be a poor
investment.
> > Assuming the engine is sound, one could expect 5 mpg and 60
mph
> cruising speed. Breakerless ignition update would be a major
> improvement as would a new carburetor in most cases. The
governor
> type Holleys are known for being difficult to work with.
> > I would want to leak test the engine before I paid any money.
The
> potential for head gasket problems is too sobering to ignore.
We
> are after all, talking about a 30 year old piece of machinery.
It's
> harder on equipment to sit idle than to be used.
> > Mike Hohnstein
> > Germantown, WI
> > 83FC35
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: chicknpollo
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 9:16 AM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] '76 Bluebird info
> >
> >
> > Hi Guys,
> >
> > I am a new guy, not to rving but to BB's. I am going to
look at
> a
> > 1976 BB tomorrow, it's listed on ebay right now. I have
talked
> to the
> > owner. He doesn't know much as it was his father's. I am
> concerned
> > about the 543 gas engine amoung other things. What can
ya'll
> tell me
> > about it, the engine, the year model, inherent problems.
You
> can look
> > at his description on ebay, sorry, I don't have the item #.
But
> it's
> > the only '76 BB up there.
> > I would surely appreciate any info anyone can provide.
> >
> > Thanks so much
> > Chick
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------
----
> -----------
> > YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> > a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
> >
> > b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
Terms
> of Service.
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------
----
> -----------
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Wanderlodge Automotive
maintenance
> Recreational vehicle dealer Used recreational vehicles
Automotive radiators
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms
of Service.
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[davidkerryedwards]

With so many of these wheels on school buses, you would think used
wheels wouldn't be that hard to come by. They wouldn't be Alcoa's though.
There's a guy over on the Classic RV forum that swears by his split
rims. He likes being able to change his own tires at the side of the
road if necessary. I've changed a fair number in my day, and I'd try
to avoid them if I could since a shop will have to have a cage to work
on them.
10k seems high to me. The other gas BB on Ebay looks a little nicer.

Kerry

[chicknpollo]

Hey Kerry,

I am going to sit back and watch this auction to see where it goes.
If it doesn't make his reserve, and the $9K offer falls through, it
may be cheaper yet. I just called my tire guys, and they do work on
split rims. One issue semi-solved. --- In regard to the other gas
coach on ebay, the interior has been modified, I don't see any beds in
the pics. Just good time rock and roll couches. Watching this episode
unfold will be interesting.
thanks again for all the input, I am learning by leaps and bounds
Chick

WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
wrote:
>
> With so many of these wheels on school buses, you would think used
> wheels wouldn't be that hard to come by. They wouldn't be Alcoa's
though.
> There's a guy over on the Classic RV forum that swears by his split
> rims. He likes being able to change his own tires at the side of the
> road if necessary. I've changed a fair number in my day, and I'd try
> to avoid them if I could since a shop will have to have a cage to
work
> on them.
> 10k seems high to me. The other gas BB on Ebay looks a little nicer.
>
> Kerry
>