Wanderlodge

[Joe Camper]

Me too Jim.

Every time the topic come up  reminds me of a fellow who I met on the internet but never had the opportunity to meet in person.

It was obvius to me based on the content of his corrispondence on line he was a true enthusiast in every way. He had a Bluebird and moved into a Prevo. He frequented many discussion forums like this on the topic, lifesyle and hobbie.

Jim Scoggins. He has passed away now but I am bringing up his memory.

Here was a fellow who was very very very mechanicly inclined who was killed by being crushed under his coach.

Never be too careful. God Bless the family and loved ones he left behind.

[rv_safetyman]

One more quick story about the Bluebird rally. 

As I was walking around all the classic coaches, an older gentleman asked if I would like to see his FC.  He told me it was for sale.  Then he told me that he was 92 years old.  I assumed he was hanging it up.  Nope, he "wanted to own a PT (pusher) before he got to old to drive". 

Jim

[CountingFireflies]

hi all

do I get kicked off the board if I buy a bluebird wanderlodge

I hope not, these are my dream rv.  I still regret not getting a wanderlodge.  They are a nearly perfect setup for serious camping and recreation.  I'm seriously jealous of the roof rack. 

Post some interior pics so I can drool some more.

Chris

[Mex-Busnut]

The Bluebirds, of course, gained their fame originally as one of the safest, best-built  skoolies on the road. I have seen many of their Wanderlodges over the years, and always admired their looks.

Congrats!

[thejumpsuitman]

We own a '74 Wanderlodge that we bought before we got the Eagle.  Strictly for camping, the Wanderlodge is much better because of the excellent ground clearance, shorter length and tight turning radius. 

They are absolutely built like a TANK!  Remember those Bluebirds had to meet all safety regulations for school buses first...  Ours is an FC31 gasser and Clifford is right, very noisy and rough riding going down the road. (You really can't sit at the dinette if it's over the rear axle without losing a couple fillings... lol)  But forward of the front wheels, the overhang softens the ride.  With the 391 Industrial Ford gas engine, ours can hardly get out of it's own way, but if you aren't in a hurry, who cares?  they are very cool looking and have a very retro/classic appearance and feel.  Wish we could keep both buses, but our Wanderlodge is for sale.

Marc

[Kubla]

in 1980 they went to air ride, I know about the noise, so I will do what I did when I drove trucks OTR, wear ear plugs, I would like a PT also but I am getting this one for 8K and it has only 70 k miles on it and was re-engined with a 3208 cat turbo diesel (replacing the 3208 NA) 20k miles ago, it has a few issues but is mechanically sound and the plumbing works

[DW SD]

Though not a fixture here, I have an '83 PT-35.  The thing is great.  Picked it up with rebuilt engine and trans for $23k and 140k miles on the chassis.  the previous owner dropped some coin to make everything just right mechanically. 

I was going to buy a bus and build one and didn't see how I could approach doing it as cheap if I built it myself.  I've since put all new floors, extensive maintenance, new 3000W inverter, some new tires, belts, filters, reconfigured the back bedroom (to a King bed), etc. etc.

I'm really pleased with the choice.  I'm into it about $33k and it is extremely reliable now.  Will have to do batteries and some more new tires and fix the third cruisair.  It leaks R-22.

good luck!

Doug

[oldmansax]

Picture on my '82 PT 40 right after I got it.

TOM

[84bluebird]

If you have air ride by Ridewell and ensure the sound insulation in the doghouse is in good shape you will be very happy. I have an 84FC and can drive down the road and talk to my wife in a whisper as well as have a smooth ride!

John

[Kubla]

One of the projects that I have to do is re-insulate the Doghouse, the old deteriorating insulation has been removed but no new stuff put in, been on the wanderlodge owners group and found instructions on how and what to use, but that will be after I get it home, wearing earplugs

[luvrbus]

We looked at serial # 2010fc35 last year it was a good price real clean they were asking 25  it had a gutless 3208 250hp turbo Cat engine no storage space, I see why they have roof racks and you could not hear the radio at 35 mph the ride wasn't to bad but not great either after owning a Eagle lol I do like the PT models they are nice


good luck

[luvrbus]

I'll give you a short story on why BB went away as told to me by a`Vogue employee Peggy 

.Volvo owned both Prevost and Blue Bird and the Prevost converters where complaining about competition from BB so Volvo sold it off or gave it away as some say knowing it could not survive without the Volvo and their partners backing.

The owner of Vogue Mitchel was opposed he had a soft spot for Blue Bird and still does he sold 40% of the Blue Birds ever sold in the US

good luck

[Dave Siegel]

Hi Kubla,
Welcome to the board. That is a very nice looking coach you have, and you will find lots of great advice here. The wealth of information here is amazing and the members offer the information freely, just be descriptive and include pics if you can, someone here is bound to know lots of what you are asking about.

Dave Siegel

[Kubla]

some more pictures, has chairs on right instead of second couch

[gus]

The 3208 is a fair engine at best. It needs new rod and crank bearings every 75,000 mi and it will last a long time.

It stinks and smokes at start up in cool/cold weather but runs like scat and is good coupled to an Allison trans.

It is smooth but noisy.

It has a nice hand fuel primer on the engine.