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04 /26/ 24, 12:40am

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Subject: Info needed on older Birds Author: J. Walton [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 08/ 1/ 03, 9:19am I have a few questions regarding older FC Birds, and was hoping one of you may be able to help? I’m looking to purchase an older Bird and wanted to get some information…. 1. Gas Industrial Engine vs. the early Diesel NA. Can anyone tell me what the power/mileage is like and also noise/vibration between the two? I can’t find any information on these old Ford engines as to power rating and longevity. You would think as many of them as Ford built someone on the web would have said something about them? Any known web sites? 2. Rust/Dry Rot? Are older birds prone to rust or rot in any areas that you would not see in a normal walk around? I understand they are made of Steel, but what about the floor? Is it wood or steel, and how do they hold up at the wheel wells and bathroom areas that get a lot of moisture? 3. Leaking Roofs? How do these steel roofs hold up, and if they have/are leaking does the water come through the vinyl ceiling, or will the water get trapped and run down along the walls? 4. Air Brakes? Do all Birds have Air Brakes and if so, do they all have Spring Pack type emergency/parking systems? 5. What would be a reasonable price for a clean but not perfect 70-78 Gas powered 31-33 Bird vs. Diesel Bird? 6. FC31 Vs. FC33? Where does the extra 2’ go between these two units. I have seen pictures of both and can’t tell one from the other? Do you get an extra closet or is the living room a bit bigger on the 33’? Thanks for any help you can give me. You’re in elder Fowl, J. Walton / Placerville CA [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

[> Subject: Re: Info needed on older Birds Author: Jeff Miller [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 08/ 3/ 03, 8:01am Gas vs Diesel: I've not owned a gas, it will get you there. The diesel has more torque and is better suited to running full-power, it will climb and tow without tearing itself up. My fuel mileage was typically 8.5mpg @ 65mph. I did get around 9.5 once, was in Ohio and driving ~60mph most of the time. Diesel also doesn't have points/distributor/carburator that the gas engine has, plus being more likely to handle many miles. Rust hasn't been an issue for structure, only cosmetics from what I've seen. Some systems can have rust problems if parked in a salt-air climate, but the rust damage should be visible. The floor is thick galvanized steel, rustproofed and foamed on the outside, I've never seen water damage to the steel although the wood floor above it can be damaged by leaking water systems. Leaking roofs do happen, typically around vents, A/Cs, and roof-rack screws. It will soften the masonite backing and make the ceiling panels warp and buckle. In some cases it will leak along the edge of the roof, damaging the inside of the storage bins above the windows. All Diesels have air brakes, I believe that all are FMVSS121 compliant, dual-system with spring brakes as was my '77. Price is dependent on condition, features, condition, colors, condition, etc., but the diesel is always more valuable/desirable than the gasoline. The extra 2' from the 31 to the 33 goes half into the wheelbase, it shows up ahead of the door in longer sofas, a little more space for the pilot/co-pilot seats, an end-table by the sofa(s), and either a 2nd chair or a double-wide half-closet (twin sofa version). It can be see in the side-view in the extra distance between the salon window and the doorway. The 35' adds the next 2-feet to the wheelbase, mostly adding two more closets to the bedroom/hall area, and a larger generator compartment for the diesel generator (a 12.5kw model). Also a 3rd A/C unit. Its extra length can be seen in side views behind the galley window, and also by the 3rd (center) A/C. The 33 would probably be my favorite, except for the gasoline genset. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]