the adventure

[fastbird]

I first want to thank you all for letting me join this fine family. after searching for a quality Bluebird I finally found one in Oregon from a very nice gentleman. Considering the distance for me to pick-up my new old bus I was wondering if anyone has any sugestions on how I should approach such a trip. How long should I drive before stopping to give the transmission and motor to cool down, what should I watch out for,I'm looking at approx. 3.000 miles. Any help will be appreciated. The bus has only 69.000 miles Claude Ruel Fastbird 1979fc35

[Rob Robinson]

Complete a thorough mechanical inspection (get a mechanic if you can't do it yourself) to determine that the tires are up to the trip and that all fluids and belts are in good order. Tires should be younger than 7 years. If you don't know how to determine tire age let us know and someone will chime in. This coach may not have been driven regularily so be gentle. I would warm it up each day before racing down the freeway. I endeavour to travel a few miles on slower road before hitting the freeway. Watch your guages and trust your instincts. If it smells or sounds funny pull over when it's safe and check it out. Keep us posted. That's what we're here for.

[Bill Pape]

If a diesel, carry several fuel filters, This coach has not been driven much.
drain some water from the fuel , tank and filters, add a diesel additive, keep the tank above 1/2 full , add fresh fuel. Check those tire date codes, change the tires if older that 7 years or if there is sidewall cracks. check the tread for separation. Check the tire pressure, fluid levels, oil, trans, coolant, power steering, watch those gages, but they may not work or read accurately.
Ask for a volunteer forum member to check out the Bird or meet with you and the Bird.

John may have a picture and discription of reading the tire date code,

[iamflagman]

Originally Posted by Bill Pape

If a diesel, carry several fuel filters, This coach has not been driven much.
drain some water from the fuel , tank and filters, add a diesel additive, keep the tank above 1/2 full , add fresh fuel. Check those tire date codes, change the tires if older that 7 years or if there is sidewall cracks. check the tread for separation. Check the tire pressure, fluid levels, oil, trans, coolant, power steering, watch those gages, but they may not work or read accurately.
Ask for a volunteer forum member to check out the Bird or meet with you and the Bird.

John may have a picture and discription of reading the tire date code,

Claude,

here is the links for how to read the tire codes.
Wanderlodge Owners Group > Links, Files, Database and Downloads Links > Tires and Wheels and Weighing Your 'Bird > MICHELIN RV TIRE GUIDE
INFORMATION ON TIRE SELECTION AND MAINTENANCE, READING TIRE CODES AND PROPERLY WEIGHING YOUR 'BIRD, provided by Michelin Tire in a PDF format

Be sure that the 'bird has the correct blend of diesel for that part of the country this time of the year along with adding the fuel additive that has already been mentioned. Drain the air tanks to make sure that there is no moisture collected in them, if it is below freezing when you go to pick it up, that may be a problem draining them.

We have several 'Bird owners that live in the northwest, it would probably be a good idea like has been mentioned to get in touch with one of them to help you go over the 'Bird, before you head out on an extended trip. Go to Vintage Birds Check List (LINK) and print out the list to take with you.

Here is something that may come in handy, read How to find US Highways Road and Travel Information - Conditions

[Randy Dupree]

heres what i would do on the maiden voyage.
let the engine warm up and make sure the air is up before pulling out.
check the brakes before getting on the hyway,this is very important!
start and stop several times,so you get the "feel" of the brakes and how the coach stops.

drive for 30 miles or so and stop and look under the coach for leaks of oil,water etc.
walk around the coach,look on the back to see if theres any oil or other fluids on the back,if anything leaks,it will be on the back! the coach should be running when you do this stop and check.
make sure you set the parking brake when your stopped.
i drive my coach slow for a few miles before getting up to cruise speed,this warms the oils,wheel bearings,rear end lube etc.
after the first stop i would stop again in 50 miles or so,just to look.
buy spare fuel filters,learn how to change them,get a gal fuel can and carry fuel to fill the filters.
give us your trip plans,what roads and what citys,so we can tell you who lives along your route.

don't forget your cell phone and charger!
Randy

[fastbird]

I would thank you very much for all your input. The tires were changed just last year(I read the article on how to check the manufacturing code. Since I've been flying for a long time, I've received a lot of info on the diesel and how to purge the air out of the tanks. Just like some of you I've had the race car problem(so I learned to warm up the trans,motor and rear end) I will be checking in a professional truck shop after i pick it up, where they will check shocks, linkages, tires, engine and transmission(this dealer is a cat and allison factory auth. dealer) also since his son and myself were both in Irag together I think he won't stear me in the wrong way(excuse my play on words)lol. I won't be alone on this trip, you 're all going to be there. When I'm finish with my away points I will forward them to all of you. Too bad Jeepe mapping doesn't show trucking routes(Jeepe maps are used for every possible air travelin he world) I'll follow all of your information. Thank you for all your help. Claude Ruel p.s I still do not know how to sign my message

[iamflagman]

Originally Posted by fastbird

Claude Ruel p.s I still do not know how to sign my message

Claude,

I sent you a private message showing you a link to an article that will tell you how to do that and here it is again PLEASE ADD YOUR SIGNATURE , if you need help with it, just let me know.