I have had enough.
To anyone that is thinking about getting an MCI. Shop around, don't get the good deal right away. You will find a good bus. I am kind of to a point where I feel like i should just take the losses and stop dumping the insane amounts of labor and money into it. Too rusty for my liking, underneath, in-between, in front of, around the back, all over. So I am waving the white flag and am going to scrap it.
I work at a facility that I can take it all apart at. If you need a windshield i will have one, if you need the ac compressor i will have that too. If you need anything steel it will probably be rusted and falling apart, you won't want that. I have aluminum alcoa rims for front axel and rear tag.
I made a poor decision BUT! I did learn how to weld, and rebuilt some small things. It was a learning experience. And I do know better for the future bus I may end up getting.
Thank you guys so much for your help and giving me information and leading me in the right direction.
For me a rusty chassis would be a deal killer too, so I feel for you. It can be a never ending labour. Sorry it came to this for you.
Brian
There is no amount of rust that can't be repaired. It will take an obscene amount of time (many years in my case), but it can be fixed. The materials aren't very expensive, except for time-- time is priceless. I totally understand your reason for scrapping it.
I will take pictures as I expose my project for what she really was. A huge project haha. I think the other thing that happened to me on this was that my buddies aren't around to help me like they did on my last bus project. They all got girlfriends and wives.
That's unfortunate. Too bad you didn't have some guidance before you jumped into that one. Some of us have gone through it, and might have spared you the pain.
I had a good bus available last spring that might have been a better candidate, but it's in AL now. Still available.
I could use a rear bumper if yours is decent. And corner bumperettes.
I am missing the corner bumperettes. I think my rear bumper is good though. I will check it out tomorrow.
Reminds me of this guy in my neck of the woods http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/eagleweb/bus/bus.html (http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/eagleweb/bus/bus.html)
He's a hotrodder so metal fabrication is in his blood. He must like it 'cause it looked like there was a lot of it.
Could you post a pic of the front bumper as the same time?
I hope Ros is reading this thread.
Always try to buy a west coast bus since we don't use much in the way of salt. My '77 AMGeneral was used in Portland, Or. It has a bit of surface rust, but nothing serious. Except for replacing the air bags, adding Sheppard steering and changing to oil bearings, I've done nothing to the chassis-brakes, shocks, bushings, etc still the same.
Mike has good west coast buses for sale. Pay a bit more for a good one and have him take the seats out. If I were buying another bus, my choice would be the MCI 102C3. Good Luck, TomC
Josh, I sent you an email on craigslist about your 6v92. Never heard back from you. I'm interested in the engine, intake and exhaust plumbing and all the DDEC stuff, air throttle etc. if it's a really good runner.
Are you interested in selling those items?
I'll PM you my contact info.
Let me know, I'm in the cities.
Rick Barron
Yes, Jon, I am reading it. Which particular post should I look at?
I am trying to do my best in taking in everything that I can read about buses.
It is always something and this Eagle that I am looking at makes me nervous on several fronts.
He won't drive it to prove that it will make it. We have already gone over that. Still, it makes me nervous. The bus lacks a title but has the registration certificate in lieu of. It is registered in Connecticut but he and his wife live in Florida. They go back and forth quite often.
I am going to have to drive to Florida to ensure that it is just like all that he said about it.
I really wish someone in central Florida, very close to his city, would go by and take a gander and even drive it a bit for me. Too much to hope for, I suppose. I could pay them, too.
My tentative plan is to drive about 1,000 miles in order to inspect the bus. If it passes my rather limited inspection, I will get it transferred in my name in Florida, rent a flat-bed trailer to haul back my truck.
I will have a friend that I pick up in Houston to drive over and back with me.
IDEALLY, I would like to have some other buses to look at while I am in that part of the country just in case this turns out to be a dud.
Again, which post?
Thanks
Ros
Quote from: Jon on November 23, 2014, 03:13:49 AM
I hope Ros is reading this thread.
So many busses out there why fool with this mess?
Quote from: ros on November 23, 2014, 06:07:13 PM
It is always something and this Eagle that I am looking at makes me nervous on several fronts.
He won't drive it to prove that it will make it. We have already gone over that. Still, it makes me nervous. The bus lacks a title but has the registration certificate in lieu of. It is registered in Connecticut but he and his wife live in Florida. They go back and forth quite often.
I am going to have to drive to Florida to ensure that it is just like all that he said about it.
I really wish someone in central Florida, very close to his city, would go by and take a gander and even drive it a bit for me. Too much to hope for, I suppose. I could pay them, too.
Ok, maybe I missed another post where you talk about this, but I'll step in it, anyway...
What the heck do you want to mess with this for if they guy doesn't even have a title for it. As far as I know, if you don't have a title with your name on it, you don't own it!
Where in FL is it located? I suspect we can find someone close by who might be willing to help, but again, why would you with the issues you indicated?
I'm in central Florida and used to own an Eagle. Let me know if I can be any help! Where is this Eagle anyway? I might already know of it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
What mess are you talking about, are you familiar with it?
Ros
Quote from: itspaidfor on November 23, 2014, 06:15:41 PM
So many busses out there why fool with this mess?
Okay, Gumpy.
No longer is the title a problem. Connecticut doesn't require a title on this bus.
You ask why would I? You have no idea whatsoever of all of the buses that I have looked at for three months or longer. So?, you may fairly ask. Well, this has the LEAST issues that I have found and it is within my price range. It could turn out to be nothing but junk. I just don't know, Gumpy.
It is about 40 minutes from Lakeland. I am due to leave my place next Monday to drive there. So, I would certainly appreciate anyone that would take a good gander at it and even drive the behemoth. I would pay a fair price, too.
Ros
Quote from: gumpy on November 23, 2014, 07:21:34 PM
Ok, maybe I missed another post where you talk about this, but I'll step in it, anyway...
What the heck do you want to mess with this for if they guy doesn't even have a title for it. As far as I know, if you don't have a title with your name on it, you don't own it!
Where in FL is it located? I suspect we can find someone close by who might be willing to help, but again, why would you with the issues you indicated?
Ros I live in Lakeland. Again I ask what town? I can help you but you have to give me more info. I can drive it and look it over for you and with you. What year and model is it? Send me an email @ prevost52@gmail.com
Ace
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ros,
My concern is with rust on your bus. Unless you gut a bus you don't easily recognize the extent of the rust problem and I understand some are notorious for rust problems.
I do know of an Eagle that was converted to air bags because the suspension originally installed was not serviceable.
Eagles are always serviceable Jon air bags are just a cheap alternative
Hi, Jon.
Rust is my concern with this, or any bus, too. I am especially concerned since the Eagles, from what I have learned, are prone to rust issues more that other brands.
The owner says that there is at least one more adjustment left on the suspension. With the weight of my 'stuff', I am concerned that I may have to use up all that is left.
Thanks for your concern with all of this, Jon. I appreciate your desire to keep me from diving off of a cliff.
Ros
Quote from: Jon on November 24, 2014, 01:39:32 PM
Ros,
My concern is with rust on your bus. Unless you gut a bus you don't easily recognize the extent of the rust problem and I understand some are notorious for rust problems.
I do know of an Eagle that was converted to air bags because the suspension originally installed was not serviceable.
Hi, Clfford.
Long time no see.
Of course I have never even seen an Eagle but I am curious as to whether the adjustment mechanism on them is a large lead-screw. If so, why can't it/they not be bought from McMaster-Karr or even turned on a lathe with proper cutting tools?
Also, what would it cost for me to install air-bags with me doing the work?
Oh, here is a list of how this bus is equipped:
"40' Eagle bus conversion (originally Trailways bus)
All aluminium body
4 speed standard transmission
8V71 Detroit Diesel engine
6 wheels w/15,000 - 20,000 miles on tires
new brakes
new tie rod ends
new wheel seals
Cruise Control
back-up camera
late model dashboard w/gauges
50 gal fresh water tank & 100 gal grey/black tank
power steering
4,000 watt generator
all double glass thermo-pane insulated tinted windows
hot water baseboard heat
electric hot water heater
large camper gas/electric refrigerator freezer
4 burner gas range w/eye level oven
microwave
all interior lighting is 12V work off battery & 110 electricity
set up for cable TV
ceramic toilet & full size shower
camper suitable for campground or dry camping "
Thanks.
Ros
Quote from: luvrbus on November 24, 2014, 01:46:25 PM
Eagles are always serviceable Jon air bags are just a cheap alternative
If it has one adjustment left don't worry about it you will never need another adjustment the bus is not going to settle much with the extra weight
My opinion concerning on taking on a bus, be ready for anything and do not worry about the cost, that takes the joy away from the fun. I knew when I bought my MC7, it needed about everything, was not dissapointed at all. The other thought, when on the road, be prepared to have it hauled home on a hook or flat bed. Was lucky, never had an issue on the road, not even a flat tire, but the money invested was major, never regretted any of it. Today have the store bought coach, very nice and since I no longer can do the work on it, is why I am at the factory for new air bags (8) $1,500, new radiator $4,500, new Sheppard steering gear $1,600
and labor in the $3,500 area I hope, yes I try to keep my toys in as new condition as possible.
Relax & enjoy, there is no end to the adventure.
Dave M
I think we all drank the same KoolAid--believe I'll have another sip and just enjoy the ride. The kids would just spend the money frivolously anyway ;D Jack
Hey guys, I live in CT..... No titles in CT for vehicles over 25 years old any more. If you have one, they don't give it back to you when you register it at the DMV.
Josh -
First you find all the rust and then your thread gets hijacked...ahhh no love.
Smart to get out now. But don't give up. There are plenty of other good frames out there that need some loving.
Ros - you should start another thread. Many of us going through CFL on the way to Arcadia.
-Sean
Wandering the country in a 1984 Eagle 10S.
www.herdofturtles.org (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
Thanks, Clifford. Now, I can rest easier until I see pics. of the engine and baggage bays and see if someone is kind enough to look at it before I leave on the 1,000 mile, one-way journey.
I think it is not very high off of the ground now, according the the seller and Eagle199x.
Ros
Quote from: luvrbus on November 24, 2014, 04:25:45 PM
If it has one adjustment left don't worry about it you will never need another adjustment the bus is not going to settle much with the extra weight
Thank you for the comments, Dave.
Educate me about how not to worry about the cost, PLEASE. ;D
Heck, I worry about everything in this endeavor. ::)
Ros
Quote from: wg4t50 on November 24, 2014, 04:32:32 PM
My opinion concerning on taking on a bus, be ready for anything and do not worry about the cost, that takes the joy away from the fun. I knew when I bought my MC7, it needed about everything, was not dissapointed at all. The other thought, when on the road, be prepared to have it hauled home on a hook or flat bed. Was lucky, never had an issue on the road, not even a flat tire, but the money invested was major, never regretted any of it. Today have the store bought coach, very nice and since I no longer can do the work on it, is why I am at the factory for new air bags (8) $1,500, new radiator $4,500, new Sheppard steering gear $1,600
and labor in the $3,500 area I hope, yes I try to keep my toys in as new condition as possible.
Relax & enjoy, there is no end to the adventure.
Dave M
Hey, Sean.
Thanks, I will start another thread but I am due to be that 1,000 miles from here this week
Ros
Quote from: Seangie on November 24, 2014, 07:32:05 PM
Josh -
First you find all the rust and then your thread gets hijacked...ahhh no love.
Smart to get out now. But don't give up. There are plenty of other good frames out there that need some loving.
Ros - you should start another thread. Many of us going through CFL on the way to Arcadia.
-Sean
Wandering the country in a 1984 Eagle 10S.
www.herdofturtles.org (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
Quote from: ros on November 24, 2014, 09:53:32 PM
Thank you for the comments, Dave.
Educate me about how not to worry about the cost, PLEASE. ;D
Heck, I worry about everything in this endeavor. ::)
Yep, I need help with both of those, too!
I think wg4t50 Dave's post is the best in this whole thread. That underlines the reality of the expenses related to owning and maintaining a bus. Parts and supplies for maintenance and repairs are expensive, period. The only way to save money is to do the work yourself. Or park it so no maintenance is required. Travel by private coach is expensive.
JC