| Author |
Message |
Jay Enstrom (162.40.69.142)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, March 15, 2002 - 11:53 pm: | |
I was ready to submit a bid on a clean, 1983 35FC Bluebird. Then recently I was at another BBS where a lot of the entries talked about Birds being a high maintenance coach. I don't want to spend several thousand a year just to keep a coach operating. Are Birds more trouble prone than other brands, such as GM or MCI? Appreciate the input. |
FAST FRED (209.26.87.33)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 16, 2002 - 1:02 pm: | |
The BB are like any other Skoolie , built for a Half Million mile life , before major re work.
I loved the one I had as the short turning radius made it real easy to go down town Anywhere , and never have a hassle.
Two big problems , the diesels installed in the FC are not very strong , so if you want to run up hills against empty trucks , you won't.
Also the front location is very noisy , its OK if you drive with the windows closed , but take a test ride and see how you enjoy it with both open. The noise reflects off the pavement.
Other problem is they used nice expensive , but now dated sustems.
Rooftop AC is great , but many had the much finer (to live with ) cruseair, thats expensive , and a pain to find someone to fix.
Check the systems as you will replace some parts.
They used the PAR water pumps which suck , but a new sureflo is only $135 or so .
The engines and trannys were fine , the shocks cheap.
You may need new rear springs ( BB matched springs to load very well) but as they get 30 years old you may need a new set. NOT a big deal , about $500 and your good for the next 3 decades.
Enjoy , There a great coach , and used a GREAT value!!
FAST FRED |
Stephen Fessenden (Sffess) (63.27.88.112)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 16, 2002 - 10:06 pm: | |
Don't spend too much. The FC models have very little market now. I was told $20,000 is tops by an RV dealer. Noisy but good. Should have first class interior and a strong frame. If you want to buy and keep and you would be OK with the noisy front engine could be a bargain, but no resale. |
Carl R (65.138.120.245)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 21, 2002 - 12:05 pm: | |
I own an '81 FC-35 BB and am very satisfied with it. As mentioned, the 3208NA CAT engine is slow by modern standards, but has been reliable and taken me all over the country. The slightly newer units came with turboes and that should help the power considerably. The coach itself is built like a tank with a thick, all steel body, high quality accessories and redundant systems. Three basement air units, three Suburban furnaces, 30 and 50 amp power connections, 12.5KW Kohler generator powered by 4 cyl. Perkins diesel, 16.5" air brakes, etc. And although another reply mentioned springs, as far as I know all '80s Birds were equipped with Ridewell air suspension--which I've had no problems with to date. My Bird has 148K on it now, I see no big problems arising with it in the near future and I'm sure I'll have it for at least a few more years. In a perfect world, I'd replace it with a PT-36, but the lovely state of the stock market's put that to rest for awhile.
Take a real close look at a Blue Bird and I think you'll see they're built much better than many people realize.
HTH, |
Dennis Gloe (Tontorod) (63.20.49.226)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 24, 2002 - 12:19 pm: | |
Greetings,
Can anyone explain why Blue Bird produced a 36' MH in a pusher tag model and a single rear axel pusher? What are advantages/disadvantages in one vs. other?
TIA
Dennis |
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