I'd owe you a huge one, especially if I finally get my bus! It's a 1979 MCI. Hoping a 9 but maybe an 8 been recapped and smoothsided so can't tell from pics. I'd get it checked by a mechanic before purchase but the owner doesn't know any details on it and has poor English. I'd love some local knowledgeable eyes to check it out to give me the basics before dropping cash on mechanics and driving down from DC. Any help would be awesome.
Cheers, Paul.
Paul,
I'd love to go look at it for you, but it is a six hour round trip to Durham for me. There is a good mobile two-stroke mechanic in that area, his name is Robert Moore 919-30eight-012five, maybe you can work something out with him. Never used this guy personally, but some folks on the GMC yahoo site have recommended him.
Good luck, hope it turns out to be a good one.
Brandon
I would have to second the Robert Moore recomendation. The $ spent would be well worth it and cheeper than a drive down.
It looks like a MC-9 from the pictures and I was under the impression that 1978 was the last year for the MC-8 but not sure. Not a bad looking bus from the outside but I did notice it only has one roof air. Maybe it also has a basement air too. I'm in NC but Durham is also about a 6 hour round trip for me. I'm guessing DC to Durham is about 4 hours each way of nothing but interstate driving. Would make a nice day trip for you and maybe you could line it up the Mobile 2 Stroke guy that once you like what you see when you get there, you could call him and he could drive over and look it over while you are there. Just an idea.. Good Luck!!
Jimmy
Yeh, good point. I should just drive down, I used to do the drive down to Cary all the time and I run on veggie oil so it doesn't cost me anything.
I got some details and more pics from the guy and it sounds/looks like a bit of a mess frankly. It is only the one A/C unit and it doesn't work so 3 rooftops right there. He has no idea on heating, the shower doesn't work and it looks like a mess inside but at that kind of money I could repair and upgrade for much less than starting with a shell I think. Also, no generator so another $10k there potentially.
I'll keep you guys posted.
Paul.
Have any photos or a link that we can see?
Quote from: Barn Owl on February 27, 2011, 03:10:17 PM
Have any photos or a link that we can see?
I'm guessing it's this one:
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2210117964.html (http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2210117964.html)
Bob
I wouldn't even consider a new generator for $10K... Plenty of good used ones out there for cheap.
Yes, that's it. I'm sure I exagerated the price on the genny but compared to a bus that has a high quality one installed on a slide and quiet box and all wired in etc.
When you look at the price of this baby, I think it's the better bus for $14,500...
http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=791 (http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=791)
You can't help but fall over crazy good deals as a buyer right now.
Paul I agree ChuckD's bus looks like a much better deal! (and he's a member here on the board too!)
Also if looking at spending that much on it before buying it it, it may not be such a bargan!
Also you mention running veggie oil. And seems like I remember you saying you would be converting your bus to it too. If that's the case Charlie Davidson's bus maybe be a better deal for you! As he already has a well tested and proven WO system installed. (I have no idea what he's ask'n! for it)
And just to be clear I have NO CONNECTION or financial interests in any of these buses!
;D BK ;D
Quote from: pickpaul on February 27, 2011, 09:21:27 PM
Yes, that's it. I'm sure I exagerated the price on the genny but compared to a bus that has a high quality one installed on a slide and quiet box and all wired in etc.
When you look at the price of this baby, I think it's the better bus for $14,500...
http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=791 (http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=791)
You can't help but fall over crazy good deals as a buyer right now.
Wow, That's a very good price for Chuck's bus. I've seen it and it is a nice one. Ready to be used, as he states. I'm a big fan of turboed 8v71s. I haven't driven Chuck's but if it's like the others I've driven, it'll be a runner.....if I had the spare change, I'd be lookin' real hard at this one, and I'm a GM guy.
I've bought some conversion stuff from Chuck and he always treated me fairly.
Paul, if it fits your budget, you should seriously consider it.
Bob
Thanks for the heads up on charley's veggie system, I emailed him.
Even in this crappy market there is no way this will last long. If I could I would buy this bus myself, and if it is as nice as others are saying, that have seen it, then this is a giveaway! To anyone looking to buy a conversion all I can say is: You snooze, you will loose......
1977 mci mc8 - $ 14,500.00 USD
See video at
http://s1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd484/chuckmc8/ (http://s1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd484/chuckmc8/)
1977 MC8 fully converted bus, ready to travel. I have easily over 5000 hours and nearly 10 years into this conversion.
8V71 Turbo with only 43,000 Miles since new (not rebuilt), Allsion automatic trans, Jake brakes, New Winnegard direct TV in motion sat, 2 roof air conditioners and central furnace are controlled with digital thermostat.
ew leather sofa,, Alcoa wheels. Solar array for house batteries, Zip dee awnings, 21' main awning, R & M full smooth side kit, full body paint, new integral steering, Flexsteel leather capt and co capt seats, new Day nite shades on all windows, hardwood in salon and b/r and tile in kit and bath, 110 fresh and 110 waste tanks, airstream shower, ONAN 7kw Marquis Generator, new Sealy Posturepedic queen in Master, 2 pullman style bunks, perfect for family. dinette also makes a bed. 19" TV in salon, 36" TV in front bay. New Fantastic Fan with Rain sensor. Ramco Power Mirrors. Brand New (2011) Batteries. Class III trailer hitch. Propane detector, New stainless steel fridge. Central vacuum. 24V fluorescent int lighting. Both windshields and gaskets are new. VIP Mahogany Steering Wheel, Tilt and Telescopic steering column. Professionally decorated interior, Its beautiful inside! Complete Records and service manuals are included. This bus is very fast, does not run with the trucks on the expressway...... Drives great!
Add up the conversion parts alone and they are much more than I want for the complete ready to roll bus! There is not a deal out there anywhere close to this. Compare what others are wanting for bare worn out shells! This bus has only 4,600 miles on it since it was converted.
Damn..... that's pretty hard to not be serious about.
WOW! nice bus. I have been looking for a bus for over a year and that's a steel. Does he need a one of a kind custom motorcycle?
Kevin
I'm stupid for not trying to buy that one. Two kids in collage and everyone in braces means someone else will get lucky.
Paul????
He said he already has 4 buyers lined up and to call him again in a week in case they fall through :-(
In the five years I have been looking at buses and their selling prices, this one will have to go down as the best deal I have ever seen. I thought I got a good deal on mine, but it didn't take me long to top that asking price with the work I have done, and my bus will never, ever be that nice. :'(
Paul, I was #2 on a buyers list and got mine, so it is possible. Four down is still a long shot though. :(
Hi Paul
I might know of a guy he belongs to our gmsbusnut group . He is working down there right now I might be able to get hold of him . Ill try and let you know. Oh I have a translator program on my laptop and translated the part of the ad that was on craigslist for you hope this helps you out a little .
I am selling a bus that can be used for relative or for a musical group, sell it xk have to go away for my country and do not have another option, this bus was bought x 21 thousand dollars, it works all good has a pequenia cooks, banio, it will embroider, and four new rims, it is an automatic transmission
Mamacakes
Quote from: Kevinmc5
WOW! nice bus. I have been looking for a bus for over a year and that's a steel. Does he need a one of a kind custom motorcycle?
Kevin
I doubt it unless he can trade it to the college for tuition for his daughter, which is why he has such a low sell it NOW price on it! ;)
;D BK ;D
By the way, how can I tell whether the roof has been raised? bring a tape measure and check interior height? What should the measurement be for standard unraised interior? Can you tell by just looking at the exterior pic below? It looks raised to me.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2210117964.html (http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2210117964.html)
Since it appears to still have the factory windows near the front, it does appear to also have the original roof height. The rear window is smaller and can give the appearance of a raised roof. Also looking above the entrance door can be a good indicator.
The seller said it is a factory conversion, but also said there are no water tanks, no generator, and he didn't know who the builder was.
Well, the bus turned out to be junk. The exterior was scratched, dull paint, broken headlight frame etc and the interior was virtually gutted and needed to be. Leaking roof in two places, major rust in the engine compartment. A definite no.
Having said that, I did get to drive my first bus. Had it up to 70mph on the I85. Loads of fun!
Thanks for all the help.
Cheers, Paul.
My buddy Ross sold his bus that was really nice for over 50K just a couple years ago 3 at the most while every thing was hitting rock bottom.
All these so called deals out there are not so good once you go look. The above bus looks like it may be a steal though. If that is the bus from Georgia I got my seats from it is very nice.
I don't care what the economy is a good rust free shell with a good drive train is worth that. Blow up a 8V92 DDEC or an Alison 740A atec and see what it costs to replace it. The real deals are from people who are in a severe bind & need to move something fast, the others are just over hyped junk.
The trick is to have done enough research that you can sort junk from treasure with relative ease. Patience and knowledge will land you a good deal. BTW, there will always be another good deal, some better than others, and even better ones in the near future. Having to wait for it is the hard part.
ChuckMC8's MC8 is back on the market:
http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=852 (http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=852)
Price is a little higher, but still a good deal.
Bob