| Subject: Re: 36SP models |
Author:
Jeff Miller
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Date Posted: 09/ 12/ 02, 9:40am
In reply to:
Mick
's message, "36SP models" on 09/ 10/ 02, 10:39am
SP36? One of my favorites.
Produced '89-'92, 36' 10" long I believe, 96" wide. BlueBird All-American bus, Rear Caterpillar 3208ATAAC (300hp) w/ 5-speed Electronic ZF transmission. Similar in many ways to the '87-up FC in that it is pretty much the same bus with the same running gear, but in the rear instead of the front. It has a nice pass-through basement, is smaller and much lighter than the PTs, and I suspect much cheaper to run and maintain. Also with its two axles and shorter wheelbase it should be much easier to maneuver and park.
A new front cap and some smoother bodywork was added in '91 giving it a more updated look, and in late '90 a hot-water heating system replaced the forced-air units, a real plus in my book (included heated basement).
They didn't have significant problems unique to the model, other than a little bout with cooling issues due to having a rear radiator which needs regular cleaning to keep it effective, especially if the original breather tube isn't replaced with the longer version (simple change).
Why BlueBird didn't continue to produce them I can only assume was sales related, it essentially replaced the FC with a pusher for the entry-level. They tried replacing the SPs with the BMC in '94, this didn't sell well either, BlueBird again returned to their mainstay: top-of-the-line BlueBird bus based motorhomes which they produced until this year.
Personally I like the SP36, they fit my needs better with their smaller size and manuverability, and the lighter weight allows decent performance from a (relatively) economical engine compared to its 43,000lb brother. The lack of a tag-axle also adds to its economy as well as freeing up about 5' of basement on each side for storage, although the basement storage is not as tall as the PT models.
The SP gets a pretty stiff price still, probably due in part to the limited numbers available, and the bird on the side. It is not a wide-body (102"), which is to some a disadvantage, but on the other hand, it is legal on pretty much all roads in all states where the 102" is not. Floorplans varied, the standard is sofa/chair front, booth dinette, side bath, rear twins or queen.
- Jeff
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Re: 36SP models