1989 WB Bluebird

[Doug Tidwell]

Hello Tom,

Thanks for you input. I think I am going to need a larger coach as we plan on
extensive travel. I have looked at a couple of Sp 36s on line and they are
interesting. I will look you up when I return to get specifics on your coach.

Thanks!

Doug Tidwell
----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Seitz
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 10:01 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 1989 WB Bluebird


Doug, What are you looking for? I have a 90 SP for sale. Im about 40
mins. north of John Bleakley in Alpharetta GA. Tom 90 SP36


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dougtidwellhome"
wrote:
> Bill,
>
> Thanks for the reference to rv-online. I sure like that coach but
I
> really wanted to stay away from wood cabinets (dark interior). I
> did talk to the owners and may still consider it later on if it
does
> not sell.
>
> I will fly to Georgia tomorrow and check out the 1989 John
Bleakley
> has. It will have to really good for me to purchase.
>
> Do you have a 1991? If so how do you like it?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Doug Tidwell
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Village Drug
Frontiernet"
> wrote:
> > Doug,
> > checkout this 90 pt40, Bill 91pt40
> >
> > http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=24140
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Ralph L. Fullenwider
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 11:57 AM
> > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] 1989 WB Bluebird
> >
> >
> > 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
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
--
> -----------
> > 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]





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[nicodemus815@...]

Doug, don't forget to check: http://www.vintagebirds.com/

I'm flying to OR today, to look at a Blair's '86 PT38.

Steve Harrie
(St. George, UT)


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

[Dennis Nichols]

At 7/27/2005 08:22 PM, dougtidwellhome wrote:
>The transmission on this coach is a 4-speed. Do you think a 4-speed
>is a great negative compared to one with more speeds? Just
>wondering what you thought.

Doug -

I'm not Ralph, but I'll give you my opinion. The 4-speed transmission
is a small negative. The 475 hp Detroit makes up for that and more.
I'd like to have a 5- or 6-speed *and* the 475hp Detroit, but oh
well. On Priscilla, the wide-open upshift point from third to fourth
is about 55 mph. In practice, this means that I can climb a 5% or 6%
grade pulling a small toad at about 55 mph in third. This translates
into being passed only by vehicles weighing a lot less. Shifting to
fourth drops too far on the power curve and acceleration is not
possible on a grade that steep. With closer spaced gears I might be
able to sustain 60mph or more. But I don't think even the mighty 8V92
Detroit would be able to climb such a grade at 75mph, which is the
speed in fourth gear at the power curve peak.

And hey, the torque converter locks up half-way through third gear,
so it *feels* like there are 5 speeds :-)

--
Dennis Nichols
'88 WB40 XXV
"Priscilla"


--
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[Al]

Tom,
Your points are taken but I am sure BlueBird still constructed
the bird to its standards. Besides having a different chassis,
smaller holding tanks and a few less features, it has more storage
since the tanks are smaller. We still can go 3 - 4 days with 4
people taking showers with the tank capacity. The fuel tank is 150
gallons compared to 300 but the BMC get 8 - 10 mpg compared to
Wanderlodge getting 5 - 6 I hear. Hence our range is just about the
same BMC 1200 - 1500 compared to 1500 - 1800 for half the cost in
fuel. Taken into account that the system on the BMC is 5 - 6 years
newer than the Wanderlodge for the same money, I chose the BMC. In
most cases, its not the engine / transmission that does not function
correctly, its the refrig, front dash air, heat, roof air, etc. I
felt that the money for a newer more up to date look and systems,
the BMC is the way to go. True it does not say Wanderlodge but it
is a BlueBird none the less. If someone is looking at an SP, the
BMC is a better buy with 102 inches widebody compared to 96".

With Kind Regards,
Al, Kathy, Alfred & Daniel
Mandeville, Louisiana
Currently in Cody, Wy at State Park
Heading to Yellowstone Tomorrow
'96 BMC 37'

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
wrote:
> The BMC line is a nice coach and is a good value but it is not a
> Wanderlodge. It uses a Spartan mountain master chassis just like
the Tiffin
> motorhomes use, with a body put on it on the Bluebird Assembly
line.
> Bluebird marketed the BMC for a very few years in an effort to
break into
> the lower priced field.
>
> tom
> 1982 FC35
> Vernon Center,NY
>
>
> At 03:08 AM 7/28/2005 +0000, you wrote:
> >Doug,
> > You should look into the BMC line. You can get a 5 - 6 year
> >newer bird for same money with a Cummins Engine / 6 Speed Allison
> >MT3060 Transmission. You can find with white wash interiors as
well
> >as dark wood. Ours has white wash interiors, wanderlodge dash,
roof
> >latter / rails. As far as hp, the 37' has 350 and 40' have 400 I
> >believe. I am sure if I am wrong someone will correct me.
> >
> >Al & Kathy Johnson
> >'96 BMC 37
> >Mandeville, Louisiana
> >Currently in Gillette, WY on way to Cody tomorrow then final to
> >Yellowstone
> >
> >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dougtidwellhome"
> > wrote:
> > > Ralph,
> > >
> > > The transmission on this coach is a 4-speed. Do you think a 4-
> >speed
> > > is a great negative compared to one with more speeds? Just
> > > wondering what you thought.
> > >
> > > Thanks!!
> > >
> > > Doug Tidwell
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
> > > wrote:
> > > > 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>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
> > > > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >----------
> >YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> > * Visit your group
>
> "<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum>WanderlodgeForum"
on the web.
> > *
> > * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > *
> > subject=Unsubscribe>WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > *
> > * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> >
> >
> >----------

[erniecarpet@...]

Al- if you guys get to Livingston, there is a county campground that charges
10 bucks a nite. ernie- on the pass between bozeman and livingston-staying
in my 83pt40!!!!!!


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

[dougtidwellhome]

I flew to Atlanta (John Bleakley) and looked over the coach I
discussed on the Forum last week. I did not buy because it had "pink"
laminate cabinets. I just could not get past that. So I am still in
the market for the right bird. Thanks for all your help and comments
last week.

[Jack and Liz Pearce]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dougtidwellhome"
wrote:
> I flew to Atlanta (John Bleakley) and looked over the coach I
> discussed on the Forum last week. I did not buy because it had "pink"
> laminate cabinets. I just could not get past that. So I am still in
> the market for the right bird. Thanks for all your help and comments
> last week.

ARRGHHHHHHH. Something similar happened to us with the same dealer but
at his Unadilla, GA location. I was talking with a young salesman
about a 1991 WL. I saw its' photos online and the cabinets just looked
like a light color. I put down a small deposit via my credit card on
this coach. Jack and I drove 8.5 hours from Florida to Unadilla. We
were tired. We got to the dealership, had to wait 45 minutes to see
this coach and that should have warned me. When this sales weasel
finally got around to showing us the coach, I walked in and saw those
PEACH colored cabinets!!!!! I thought that I would faint!!!! I was
looking at about $5000 to change out those cabinets!!! Then I really
got angry because after all the conversation I had with this salesman,
he never said anything about the color of those cabinets. So-o-o, I
was POed at him but REALLY POed at me for not being more inquisitive.
This particular coach was $150,000 and I think that it is STILL in
their inventory. The only positive thing about this was that my credit
charge was not charged for the deposit.

I wound up buying from a private owner and the final negotiated price
on our 1993 was reasonable.

I can certainly commiserate with you being out the price of those
airline tickets.

Regards,
Liz
Regards,
Jack and Liz Pearce
Fulltiming in a 1993 Wanderlodge WB40
Homesick Texans in SE. FL

[John Stiles]

Doug,

You might be aware of this but in the time period of the coach
that you went to see Bluebird was big into either a "pink" colored
laminate or a very light "baby blue" laminate. It covered not only
cabinets but also many of the walls. There was the exception of those
coaches with a "wood" cabinet interior. Jeff or someone help me out
here but I think that this time period covered '88 through 90 models
many of which (not all) were either pink or blue interior.

Hope this helps,

John Stiles
1980 33FC
"My Navion"

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dougtidwellhome"
wrote:
> I flew to Atlanta (John Bleakley) and looked over the coach I
> discussed on the Forum last week. I did not buy because it
had "pink"
> laminate cabinets. I just could not get past that. So I am still
in
> the market for the right bird. Thanks for all your help and
comments
> last week.

[jolobeth]

We have a 1990 WB and it has lots of pink laminate inside. Someone a few years
ago covered the pink laminate with a beige vinyl fabric which has since
shrunk. Coachcraft in Columbus, Ga. installed new beige laminate under the
dash and wallpapered in the bath. Looks GREAT!!!!!! Have the bedroom to go.
The pink laminate was chosen by someone to go with the large pink and blue
flowers on the sofa fabric. Or vice versa. The sofa has been recovered in a
cream color. Our cabinets are oak.

Joe and Beth Abrams
1990 WBWL
Covington, La
----- Original Message -----
From: John Stiles
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 12:13 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 1989 WB Bluebird


Doug,

You might be aware of this but in the time period of the coach
that you went to see Bluebird was big into either a "pink" colored
laminate or a very light "baby blue" laminate. It covered not only
cabinets but also many of the walls. There was the exception of those
coaches with a "wood" cabinet interior. Jeff or someone help me out
here but I think that this time period covered '88 through 90 models
many of which (not all) were either pink or blue interior.

Hope this helps,

John Stiles
1980 33FC
"My Navion"

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "dougtidwellhome"
wrote:
> I flew to Atlanta (John Bleakley) and looked over the coach I
> discussed on the Forum last week. I did not buy because it
had "pink"
> laminate cabinets. I just could not get past that. So I am still
in
> the market for the right bird. Thanks for all your help and
comments
> last week.




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