1989 WB Bluebird

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Doug:

Sent you the phone back channel.

The folks at Bleakly are pretty reliable really. They know Birds and since
they are only a few miles from Bird's Nest, they do represent their Coaches
pretty openly. They have a nice facility there as well.

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
Ralph's RV Solutions,, Oklahoma

At 01:52 PM 7/27/2005 -0500, you wrote:
>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
>