driveby
Vancouver BC Canada
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Joined: 01/07/2005
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My calculations are always this for a project I get jazzed up about:
Price = 12K x 2.5 (murphy factor) = 30K
Is this unit worth $30K after you've fixed everything? To the market it may not but to you it could.
At least this way you go in eyes open and when that 3rd,4th,5th $1000 unexpected item pops up you don't stress it.
2008 Itasca Sunova 35J Class A
1997 TJ Sahara, hard and soft tops and AC
Held together via Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar and stopped by US Gear Unified Brake system.
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Horsedoc
Dixie --- N. Georgia
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Joined: 09/30/2002
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I like the idea of this project, but like many of my 'fix-up' projects I figure you might need to triple what you pay for the rig like it sits. The old birds had steel bodies and hence large (read 'expensive') tires. Getting to the transmission/engine is a pain, and the old Detroits used/leaked oil pretty bad. (or at least the road tractors we had did) The generator may be gone it it won't turn over.
But these thing were built like a tank and were dang near that tough. If you decide to do the project, then make sure you love tinkering and such. These things were the top of the line in their day and deserve to be restored with some dignity and class, not brush painted and patched like I have seen in some of the Scamp trailers around the South.
I hope it turns out well for you. Pictures if you can. We love the old birds.
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RAGster
Marietta, Georgia
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Joined: 08/01/2006
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Check out the Birds for sale at vintagebirds.com for some good buys on old steel. Owning an old bird is almost like a cult. Do your research before you buy. A nice paint job is expensive. There are birds out there for sale that have been garbage kept with maintenance records. I've seen some nicer units in the 20-30k range that I believe would be a better starting point. However, if you want to seriously consider the one you have found, I would get an experienced Bird owner to go over the unit with you to better estimate the problems and repair costs.
If you decide to join the Bird family, you will find many knowledgeable people to help you on your journey.
Glenn
RAGster
1986 Wanderlodge PT-40
Marietta, GA
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b ubblerboy64
946 Ashton Shippensburg Pa 17257
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Joined: 10/18/2004
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I bought an old BB wanderlodge one year ago. They great old motorhomes. Go slowly here you want to know that you have something worth fixing up. Price is not cost. I encourage you because I think you are on the right path but take it a step at a time. There are lots of older wanderlodges for sale. I would encourage you to perhaps spend a little more and not have so many things on your "to do list". On the wanderlodge sight there is the "Bill Board" a list of birds for sale. Check those out and ask for direction there are lots of people willing to help you. The comment about staying way from the front engines machines is only partially correct. There are some significant disadvantages but they are much less complex and much less expensive and may suit you very well. I have an old one 1973 and I really love the old girl.
John Heckman
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