Body information

[Pete Masterson]

The range of date for your interest span several different possible
configurations. Much information can be found at
<http://www.vintagebirds.com>

Follow the link to the history section and explore the site
thoroughly -- it will give you a good background.

Blue Bird Wanderlodge bodies are made from steel. (The newest use
stainless steel.) With the introduction of the 102" wide body (WB)
model in 1989, the front and rear "end caps" are made from fiberglas.
At some point the basement compartment doors were also converted to
fiberglas (probably on those models that don't have the riveted frame
around each compartment door).

Up to 1995, the pusher BBs used the DD 8V92. From 1995 and several
years after, the 42' and 43' models used the DD series 60. These
engines are _very_ different. The 6v- and 8v- DDs were phased out due
to environmental regulations. The Series 60, being a 4 cycle (the
6/8v models were 2 cycle) is easier to 'clean up' to comply with the
smog rules.

Both the 8v92 (in various ratings up to 500 hp) and the series 60
(usually rated at 470 hp) are reliable engines if given proper care.
The 8v92 is extremely sensitive to overheating -- and all rear-engine
coaches (not just BB) have a tendency for the radiator to become
clogged with oily-dirt. Other lax cooling system maintenance can also
put an engine at risk.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA




On Mar 21, 2007, at 2:20 AM, accoyo wrote:

> Hi, I am new to the group and am interested in buying a 92 to 2000
> wanderlodge. The questions I have is what material is the exterior
> body made from? ( aluminum, SS or sheet metal). What are the major
> problems with the 500hp detroit diesel? What was the major difference
> in the models during that time?
> Thank you for any information available.
> Bill



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