Stranded in Lincoln, NE ---> Update 4:25 pm 8/14

[Jim Owens]

Hello,

Thanks to all who've responded via the web and phone.

We're still in Lincoln, NE on Sunday afternoon. The mechanic at the
truck center managed to get some adjustment on the drag link after
all - per Blue Bird, the part is no longer manufactured or
available Inland was unable or unwilling to fabricate a
replacement.
The steering box bolts were tightened also. I'm thinking anything
from a salvage yard might be in as poor condition as what we have
now...

The radiator will be removed for repair this afternoon - will be
sent to Omaha, NE Monday am for brazing work on the upper tank - the
brazed in nuts for the 3/16" plate and pipe are faulty/leaking....
Probably should be "boiled out" anyway.

Today, when we returned to the motel where we stayed several nights
the proprietor refused because of our pets.... We at least got to
stay in the 'Bird last night at the State Fair Campground on 14th
street in Lincoln. A break in the weather was quite welcome,
yesterday and today have been beautiful. Don't know where we'll
spend tonight, maybe in the coach if possible. Service Manager just
said a bay is opening up-they'll put us in the corner with at least
a 15 amp hookup.

We're thinking of reanming the coach "Money Pit", the old saws about
FORD - fixed or repaired daily and found on roadside dead both seem
to apply. Just when we think nothing else major can go wrong
Murphy's Law and any one of its corrolaries pop up....

I've found and printed out files from several of the wanderlodge
sites to guide the mechanics in removing the radiator and re-filling
the cooling system. My thanks to those who have contributed those
files. Mike Bulriss had posted Curt Sprengers photos of the swing
radiator project in a 74 FC (Gas). Hopefully, those photos will
provide some guidance.

Again, our heartfelt thanks to all who have responded and offered
words of encouragement. Lord willing, we'll soon be on the road
again.

Jim & Pam Owens
77 FC33SB (Gas)
currently in Lincoln, NE
cell 636-485-5156