It should be for people looking for dumpsters to live in so they do not have to have a job. It amazes me how many folks are wanting to buy a bus to live in. Of course they want it for nothing and want it to be in great shape. Where I come from that is called having champain taste and a beer pocket book.
That pretty well describes me (except the no job part). Bought my bus in 2006 for under $3000, did a basic conversion, and have lived in it since 2007. Enjoying my champagne every since. ;D
been living in my dumpster since 2004....leased my house out and make $1.00 per month to support my bus habit...
True story.
Hi, Charles in SC,
The sheer audacity of some people; wanting a good bus for a low price! What has America come to?
I am comfortable knowing that you can't possibly be talking about me, since I am looking for a bad bus for as much as I can pay for it.
I've never lived in a dumpster, can wheels be put on it? An engine too or is it methane propelled?
Ros, just looking for a little mirth and incense.
Don't take me too seriously.
Quote from: Charles in SC on December 07, 2014, 06:08:13 PM
It should be for people looking for dumpsters to live in so they do not have to have a job. It amazes me how many folks are wanting to buy a bus to live in. Of course they want it for nothing and want it to be in great shape. Where I come from that is called having champain taste and a beer pocket book.
That is good news and an admirable venture.
I am able to convert a bus but at my age, I certainly don't want to and refuse to do it. It would take a lot of bending down. So I will r/r an engine as I don't think that I would be on my knees all that much.
I expect that someday, I may have to r/r the engine I am able (today) to do that although I sure don't want to.
I would like to know more about your bus and if you could spare some champagne.
Ros
Quote from: HighTechRedneck on December 07, 2014, 08:40:57 PM
That pretty well describes me (except the no job part). Bought my bus in 2006 for under $3000, did a basic conversion, and have lived in it since 2007. Enjoying my champagne every since. ;D
Why would anyone start a conversation like this if you don't like the others don't read it lol now we have 3 of BS people taking shots at each other reminds me of a club I am a member of >:( I do think people are wearing a little thin if you know of a bus tell him and leave it at that I do as I don't care what he buys JMO
What would the name of the club be? "More Drama than a Summer-long Shakespeare Festival Club"????? Now, where's my popcorn?
If you get tired of someone's posts hit the IGNORE button. I have one ignore. I see Clifford still has Three. LOL
Must be some thin air up there LOL
John
I'm not being ignored by anybody........
Now I'm dejected.......
TOM
I can't win Don Smith (Boxcarokie) still has me beat ;D
LOL, well if a group were to be formed it should be of those ignoring Clifford and Don, call it the " dumb and humorless and bound to stay that way bunch"
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The ultimate in re-purposing? Tiny Dumpster House You ask and here it is:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvSZL4eppTQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvSZL4eppTQ)
Bruce
I miss reading Don...
Anyone know how he is doing?
Mark
He is alive and well he posts a little on F/B.he called me on my birthday and cracked a few jokes ::)
Another look:http://exopermaculture.com/2013/08/18/the-ultimate-in-repurposing-tiny-dumpster-house/ (http://exopermaculture.com/2013/08/18/the-ultimate-in-repurposing-tiny-dumpster-house/)
US artist turns $1,000 dumpster into tiny home.
Nice, so we don't have anything better to do than pick on new members because we need to blame someone for the loss of value in our buses. I agree we should have a new section.
It should be called the "I've got nothing better to do than cheap shot folks because I'm a whining a$$hole and I need to blame someone because I and everyone else here took a bath on our buses because of diesel prices".
He's just asking questions. I love the fact that the folks that give him crap for wanting a good deal in a soft market are the first folks in line at Walmart. Why? Because they want a good deal.
This is the crap i hate about this board.
RB
Be careful with that last sentence Rick or I will put you on ignore! LOL!
And ... never start a paragraph with a conjunction. No ... wait ... what I mean is that I for one am disappointed that nobody has flamed me, (YET) for my lame Crown Supercoach posts. It could not have been a dumpster because like already said before me better, it DID have wheels ... ten of them.
Most of the fun with whatever endeavor is trying to do it for ten cents on the dollar. My Crown cost me a whopping $3500. Heavy truck wrecking yards were my source of spare or necessary parts. I tried never to pay retail for anything. Seemed to work OK. I am not a rich man. HB of CJ (old coot)
My ears are burning, so I came over here, don't ask me why, I just did. Interesting topic? I don't think so. Must have been something else, an intangible. If you perhaps want one (A Bus Board Significant Emotional Event or a random intangible) for your very own. This is the place!
Here is how you do it.
When you happen to point out the ridiculous nature of some of these abnormal issues you read on the bus boards, things will quickly unravel and come apart at the seams for you too. Here is an example: "Hey have any of you seen any flyin cows on the the Interstate?" You are supposed to accept it as truth and keep yo' mouth shut, if you want to be a good soldier in the Army of nuts and bolts, that is. This little bus world often reminds me of the natives that lived in the South Pacific (just south of Tahiti). When they needed a new canoe, they would fell a palm tree and hallow it out. Lacking the proper tools, they would gather up all the members of the tribe, and slowly, hour after hour, walk around the chosen tree in circles, yelling at the tree.
It was their idea that they were in fact
"killing the spirit of the tree." But in reality all they were doing was marching over the shallow roots, which eventually toppled the tree.
Kind of like here, you point out the absurdity of something, and all of sudden the natives are walking around screaming foul at the top of their lungs, doing their level best to kill the offending tree.
Sort of ironic in a way.
Have not posted anything on here in over 13 months, and I am still being ignored by "6" people (Sorry Cliff, you need to try harder) so that tells me ... I have staying power. Which at my age is a good thing to know. Now please excuse me, I have to go to my weekly Charm School Appointment (Anger Management) and try to figure out how to raise my self esteem ... It's not easy being a Mega-Maniacal-Boy King of the Internet World.
Watch those right handers. Have a great week.
BCO
Damn good to hear you are alive and well. You will never be ignored by me... missed you here Don Thanks for stopping in
Mark
Don I miss both you and Cody on the boards, I will see you on FB later tho
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Having fun here, I think we should have a section where we can share our adventures saving bucks while enjoying our Bus Conversions. We all have good funny stories on how we managed to have fun, enjoy our hobby and not spend full retail or just throw away money for the sake of just doing so.
I will start. Hi; my name is HB of CJ. I am a cheap old coot. I love figuring out then doing things for about ten cents on the dollar. If I have to spend twenty five cents on the dollar, I try to do it differently ... and more cheaply. I am not rich. I love bargains. Also enjoy doing things myself and save labor costs.
Right now I am engaged having fun and saving money by rebuilding bit by bit using good used parts an old Detroit 353N engine soosss I can put it into a 1978 rat rod Chevy one half ton step side pickup. The Jake Brake is necessary as it is loud and noisy and much fun to use. A T5 "3.97" tranny will work ... and is cheap.
HB of CJ (old coot) just having fun. Do not take this seriously. :) :)
I'll tell you about Don I never met the guy in person,I helped him find a door handle and sent him to my friend Sonnie for some work on his bus.
To make a along story short he found out I was having heart problem through a friend, every day or every other Don would call and crack jokes to make me fell better and try to uplift me
It worked I got out of the hospital and I have never looked back I owe a lot to Don Smith he took time out when he was in worse condition with his heart problems than I was, ignore him no not me he is top shelf to me
end of story that is the Don Smith I know
Good to hear you are still a wordsmith Don. You will never be as good looking or as nice as Yoko but you are fun to read.
Don is top shelf, you are right on the money Clifford. Never met him in person but feel I know him through his writings, he still can't figure out why I like Amarillo Texas.😄
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Lol neither can I ;D
I tell you it was all the women everywhere I went that called me honey, never been called honey so many times in such a short period of time.......as far as the country goes,,,,,well I don't really recall that part ;D
Clifford, I can't beat Don but I beat you!.. I have had 4 ignores for 3 years and don't know who I ticked off I don't think my wife can read the board!....
Hi Don glad to hear you are doing good. Love your bus picture on BNO , LOL
In answer to the question on this thread;
I use 40 Wt Delo 100 and Clifford doesn't like it!.... ;D
Dave5Cs
Dave the last time I checked old Jerry was the king I think he had 15 wonder what happen to him when his political party lost the house he just drop off the board I bet he is pouting now ::) and no I don't like Delo 100 a good oil debate would be better than this BS
Ok so being the freaking curious type I went and read the "war and peace" length diatribe that took place on the post that started all this BS.
I have opinions about a few things. Read at your own peril.
First off, the moderators here strike me as guys who wade in hip deep after there are 10-12 dead bodies laying around from a drunk bar fight. Seems to me that we're being awfully politically incorrect in trying to make sure nobody's feelings get hurt or no one gets offended. We are bus nuts for crying out loud, this isn't whimpaholics anonymous, Get in there and separate folks before things get all flamefesty.
I also think that everyone is a bit testy about the colossal losses our bus's have sustained due to a soft market, couple that with diesel prices that stay high against all common sense and folks don't like "bargain shoppers" because it hits too close to an already sensitive subject.
Lord knows we certainly have a few folks who don't like it when everyone doesn't drop everything and change all their plans based solely upon their advice. Bus advice is a consensus game folks, just remember the endless flame tests about oil viscosity and how much smoke at startup crosses the line from too much idling to bad compression rings
Lastly, Ros, you seem like a nice enough guy but after going back and reading the entire exchange, which took awhile, my son was 4 when I started and he's shaving now, it is my belief that you surely haven't made the situation better with your responses. There's an old saying, "don't pee where you sleep".
Couple all the above with the approach of what is for most of us a "bus less winter" and the doldrums that come with that awful season and it may be safe to say that we are all maybe a bit vulnerable to a newbie with a lot of unanswerable questions with a minimal amount of info, experience and money that is asking us for help.
So, Ros, if you really want help, we are here to help. If you are the type of person that has shuffled through our doors with the intent to disrupt and divide and I'm not saying in any way, shape or fashion that you are, let me give you a little wisdom that I have gleaned from my time here. We are good people, We are smart people, We will help you when you need help but we will show you the door quick as can be if your intent is nefarious.
Now, Ros, before you type a response like you have to most folks that have exchanged ideas with that it turned out weren't your cup of tea, I want to point out again that I am not assuming anything about you. Just making an observation based on events long before you came here and I have defended you earlier today. So, I would appreciate it if you don't attach any negative connotations to my comments that make an assumption that I'm suggesting who you are or what your motivations are here.
Now, who hid the freaking butter?
signed,
Orville Redenbacher
Wow ain't even started the long winter freeze in yet and all this drama!
Gonna be a LONG winter folks!
Welcome back Don!
;D BK ;D
Gentleman,
I am responsible for locking the thread down that you mention. It is currently under Moderator review.
If you feel something is out of line, send us a PM or use the Report link.
Paul
Thank you Paul for stepping in and locking it.
Everyone, over the last twelve months we have seen several blood baths on here where newer members were attacked and left. Not only that but several highly experienced members got offended enough that they rarely post anymore. They just got tired of having to defend half of what they posted. That included some who used to write for BCM and even some of the Moderators don't enjoy interacting as much as they used to. It was decided then that threads that go down that road would be locked.
RickB has a point, sometimes we are too careful and wait too long to step in. And indeed, we probably should have much sooner. But sometimes it is a challenging judgment call as to when it should be cut off. That is the reason for locking pending Moderating Team review. If the team is in agreement, then it will stay locked, otherwise it will remain locked. "Back to bussin'. Nothing to see here."
Sometimes people feel like it gets cut off just before they get to make their counterpoint that will set everything right. But we have been around this block enough times to know that such arguments can never be won. They just spiral down until they hit the ground and there are lots of offended people, and a few lost members, and the community is the less for it.
Bottom line is, this forum is at its best when it is a bunch of friends helping each other. Attacks and flame wars that disrupt that should not happen and must be stopped when observed by or reported to Moderating Team members.
Lot of the time it starts on other boards and come to head here over something others have no idea about what happen or the reason but life goes on ;D
Seems like this one started on some RV boards about 11 years ago.
On the bright side, I just spent three more hours working on my bus!!!
LOL I don't know about that one 11 years ago but I may be party to the one Mike is referring too
So it is all your fault!!! :P
Paul,
I did send a pm go you and you said that you had no need to reply.
I am finally seeing the light, the almighty dollar, 'the root of all evil of Bus Conversion Magazine feels that their bottom line may be affected if they cast principles to the wind and concentrate on what is best for them, not the members but again, them.
The irony here is that both can be done and the board, thus the magazine, can be even bigger than it already is.
However, stifling the free exchange of information by letting a few trouble makers thumb their noses at the members is akin to letting a thug to keep throwing turds into the punch bowl rather than letting the guests hash through the problem.
That's all, Folks.
Ros
tan
Quote from: Dreamscape on December 08, 2014, 05:32:11 PM
Gentleman,
I am responsible for locking the thread down that you mention. It is currently under Moderator review.
If you feel something is out of line, send us a PM or use the Report link.
Paul
ros,
To set the facts straight, I did reply to a specific comment, I just didn't reply to everything you mentioned.
Paul
Quote from: Dreamscape on December 09, 2014, 04:28:04 AMros,
To set the facts straight, I did reply to a specific comment, I just didn't reply to everything you mentioned.
Paul
Thank you for your work as a Moderator, Paul. It's usually a thankless task -- although a valuable one -- so please accept one thank you.
Kinda like this one going no where it's not even about buses just BS and name calling IMO the older I get the less tolerance I have >:( am I the only one
Hardly Clifford
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Paul we need "like" buttons 😄
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We need a big red emergency stop button on every thread. When some number of members push it, the madness stops.
Ken
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi457.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq292%2Fcwvanhagen%2Fhelp_button.jpg&hash=e87bc4f4f44de7e550251305047e1f46c942baf7)
I can't see it myself people doing 4 threads on the same bs topic
Someone please hit the big red button
Please do all the quote inserts has wore me out
Clifford- Ha me too. A simple "username- reply" usually gets the job done just fine and is a lot less confusing.
To the moderators,
I can't imagine that this is a fun job but that's why you get they big bucks right? Thanks for explaining your process for me and I apologize for anything that might make you feel like we're ungrateful for the time you put in here on our behalf.
I should've looked through the whole series of posts before I responded at all. There is and was a pattern through this that showed what was really happening here for anyone that was really looking for a paper trail. We are flawed and we are feisty but the truth is we have endured despite ourselves all these years and we are the better for it.
I say it's all Clifford's fault... He has a birthday and just starts ranting and raving like a teenager in shop class. The good side of things? The midterm elections behind us and Jerry didn't taunt anyone into his election cycle arguments. LOL
RB
Before you post, just remember what your Momma said years ago. "Boys don't make me get a belt" ::)
Well if we're going to start quoting momma's then this BS is OVER!
Because momma say's "IF YA CAN'T SAY NOTHING NICE, DON'T SAY NOTHING AT ALL!"
;D BK ;D
Nuff said BK.
TAH DA the END ;D
Paul,
I am not going to argue with you. You said and it can be proven (not by me) that you said that I didn't need further comment or something very similar.
Now, why don't you just let this drop and it will die?
You want it dead, let it die!
Ros
Quote from: Dreamscape on December 09, 2014, 04:28:04 AM
ros,
To set the facts straight, I did reply to a specific comment, I just didn't reply to everything you mentioned.
Paul
Quote from: Van on December 09, 2014, 05:12:41 AM
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi457.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq292%2Fcwvanhagen%2Fhelp_button.jpg&hash=e87bc4f4f44de7e550251305047e1f46c942baf7)
Hey can this be hooked up to run my brakes ::)
Will this ever end 4 threads on the same topic give me a break I am old, is pink better than green when it comes to antifreeze or is distilled water better RO water ::)
Clifford
I use distilled water. The RO water seems to go after metals in a very sublime way. I notice it on chrome plated brass sink strainers where RO dispensers are installed.
I have alway been cautious that it may do the same when used in a cooling system.
HTH YMMV
Melbo :D :D
I been reading in the truckers magazine where the carbonic acid in distilled water is causing havoc on some of the new engines and cooling systems lol the stuff will kill you drinking it I was told ::) we have this one going in a different direction
Then I guess the best solution would be to mix the 2 waters together :-\ Wait I'm thinking if we mix the different oils together, we wouldn't have to worry about whether to run it a gallon low or at full ::)
I need to know how to rejuvinate the two frozen batteries that came out of my 4104. One is up to 5 volts, the other is up to 7 volts. The automatic chargers are throwing fits trying to charge these batteries. Keep giving error messages. Have had the one all the way up to 10.5 volts, but it keeps dropping down. Hows that for a thread hijack
Hey Thor, if your really quiet about it I hear there will be lots of good new batteries in Arcadia, and if you get them drunk enough, you will be able to exchange(steal) your bad batteries with their good ones and no one will know it was you :-X
Stand back guys! I am a pro at this! Let me tell you about my new QRT2 wireless router... ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: sparkplug188 on December 10, 2014, 12:26:12 PM
Stand back guys! I am a pro at this! Let me tell you about my new QRT2 wireless router... ;D ;D ;D
So if I hook your new router to my old batteries, do I get full charge, or just smoothly radiused edges?
Alright then! Who's looking for a bus? ;D
Well it seems that RJ has bought a MCI so isn't looking for a GM anymore, although so far we haven't heard an official notice from him. :) I have also heard that a well known busnut has also bought a MCI but also hasn't said anything about it yet. ;D
Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on December 10, 2014, 02:33:55 PM
Well it seems that RJ has bought a MCI so isn't looking for a GM anymore, although so far we haven't heard an official notice from him. :) I have also heard that a well known busnut has also bought a MCI but also hasn't said anything about it yet. ;D
Good grief, Ed. You sure get around. ;D
Ok guys I got John 316 MCI Matt is going to tell the world anyway lol can you see me with a 60 series,I am going into the side to repair the rust so it will be slide time, I would need in there anyways.
John it was a pleasure to meet you after all these years you are a outstanding young man and so is your dad and thank you for delivering the bus tell your dad hi for us and thanks
My head is spinning....
Is it real or a dream?:o
I'm still a Black Sheep with one of them other way turning GMs
8)
Mark
My goodness, I do not know how this got so far off topic. I was not targeting anyone in particular. I have noticed that there are a lot of folks interested in busses to live in as opposed to use an rv. I advertised mine for sale a while back and most of those that showed an interest were looking for a cheap place to live. To me bussing is all about having a very cool vehicle that cannot be duplicated and can be used for traveling etc. When I started reading this forum 15 years ago it was all about creating something unique from a bus sculpted from aluminum and steel that you were proud of and is a lot better than the stick and staple rvs that most folks had. I am interested in selling mine because I want to move up to a little fancier bus. My 5303 has been great and I would not trade the memories attached to it for the world and I hope to find a new owner that will value it for it's beauty not just wanting something that will be able to make it to a final resting place so they can live in it with their 3 kids that they cannot afford to house some other way.
My rant, sorry.
Charles
A bus is a cool place to live and it has wheels so you can escape the hurricane or the tornado if it will go fast enough. If you have enough diesel or electric hook up you can keep warm in cold weather. AC on the beach in Mexico. If you have a house you can park it beside the house and make your neighbors crazy. You can park it in front of your neighbor's driveway so if he hates you he has to talk to you to ask you to move it. You can paint it with a roller or a brush even spray paint and let the overspray drift. If you have a DD you can leave big oil spots (dd's are like dogs they mark their turf ). When the wife or girlfriend gets REAL mad you always have a place to go. Bank account??? What bank account -- you have no bank account you have a bus.
Melbo
Charles, you would be surprised how many people are living in a bus, 5th wheel, trailer, or rv fulltime and travel. We spend the winters where it is warm but travel in the summers. Did 10,000 miles in the last 12 months and would have done a couple thousand more if we hadn't been broke down in Billings for two months. :)
Hey, Ed,
What happened to your bus that you had to stay that long in Billings?
Ros
Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on December 10, 2014, 08:39:35 PM
Charles, you would be surprised how many people are living in a bus, 5th wheel, trailer, or rv fulltime and travel. We spend the winters where it is warm but travel in the summers. Did 10,000 miles in the last 12 months and would have done a couple thousand more if we hadn't been broke down in Billings for two months. :)
Good grief, Ed. You sure get around. Grin Sometimes John, sometimes. In the near future somebody else may be posting some before and after pictures of a little project they are doing.....stay tuned. ;)
Ros, lost a valve which damaged the head and the piston and found out that there were other problems too so opted to have a complete rebuild done.
That's tough, Ed.
Mind if I ask how much the ransom was?
Ros
Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on December 10, 2014, 08:59:08 PM
Ros, lost a valve which damaged the head and the piston and found out that there were other problems too so opted to have a complete rebuild done.
$32,000 out the door....do have a one year, unlimited mileage, warranty on parts and labor, just don't have much money for fuel right now! ;D
I own 2 houses that are paid for Charles, and bought my bus to travel and live in since my health is getting bad, and I can no longer work. When I came out of my coma, I decided living and enjoying life was more important than working 7 days a week. Now I have to learn how to work on this bus, but I learned to work on my car and Harley by buying one and learning by doing it. But I am realizing that I might not have enough years left to learn everything on this bus ;D, but I remember my grandfather telling me many years ago if I put my mind to it I could do anything. I'm thinking grandpa is laughing at me once again while watching me learn from my busnut friends ;D Some people have had to change their living situations because of loosing everything in the economy collapse of 2006. I lost my life savings of over 170,000 in it, and now live from month to month, but Like Clifford says "Life is short drink the good wine first", so I choose to make the best of the rest of my life.
People kid their self after paying all the taxes on real estate this year for property we own in 4 states you never own a home,building or land one just leases from the government at any rate they choose ???
I can see why people are looking for a better life without all the bs why work 7 days a week just to pay taxes and the house payment you never own that is the reason I think people are looking at the rv for a HOME jmo
And with these politicians it will only get worse. Next they will ask "How much do you have left? Send It!"
When my folks bought a house on 11 acres in 1950 they paid $12,000 for it. When my brother and i sold it in 2003 the taxes on it were $9,000 a year.
Wouldn't that put the churches and government in the same group ::)
It sucks I was getting $.80 a ft for our warehouses back before 2006 now we at $.24 to $.35 sqf taxes are the same amount and a constant battle even collecting that .
I just about had enough lol if starts raining in CA the hay business will be in the crapper
When it rains in California, doesn't it rain men ;D
Scott us old people do not have to learn about these buses. we just have to learn where all the good people are.
Every where I have been there is someone to help.Just find someone close to your starting spot to always check the bus before you leave on a trip. A old Detroit will always get you back "most of the time"
uncle ned
I got the 1966 mc5a for 13k and have had to spend ??? and still working on it LOL Have lived in her and plan on doing so for a long time! retired but working still :)
I think if you want to buy smart do so its the american way after all and all do it but the foolish ones who over pay on anything
Rob
LOL Rob can tell you of pit falls on the road ,I met Rob about this time of the year several years ago when a shop had him in custody
Quote from: luvrbus on December 11, 2014, 07:43:25 AM
LOL Rob can tell you of pit falls on the road ,I met Rob about this time of the year several years ago when a shop had him in custody
for a 30,000 $$ rebuild I'd be awful tempted to pour 100 sq/ft of concrete behind my coach somewhere and head down to WalMart and swipe a pallet jack...
Whoa! Your bus must be worth a heck of a lot, Ed. I have a lot of tins of sardines that I can share..... ;D
Ros
Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on December 10, 2014, 09:06:57 PM
$32,000 out the door....do have a one year, unlimited mileage, warranty on parts and labor, just don't have much money for fuel right now! ;D
Hey, Scott.
I admire your attitude. I have to because it is just like mine. Throwing dollars at something is not teaching you anything. Learning by rote is not learning at all, it is just repetitive action.
Diving in and getting dirty in whatever endeavor, is the best way and always has been.
I am sorry that you lost your life savings. Some folks on here think that they know my story and reason for being a pauper.......they have no idea. I have said it was because of poor decisions and a bit of that is somewhat true. I said it to avoid a long dissertation.
A positive spirit keeps us young and you have one.
Ros
Quote from: harleyman_1000 on December 11, 2014, 06:11:43 AM
I own 2 houses that are paid for Charles, and bought my bus to travel and live in since my health is getting bad, and I can no longer work. When I came out of my coma, I decided living and enjoying life was more important than working 7 days a week. Now I have to learn how to work on this bus, but I learned to work on my car and Harley by buying one and learning by doing it. But I am realizing that I might not have enough years left to learn everything on this bus ;D, but I remember my grandfather telling me many years ago if I put my mind to it I could do anything. I'm thinking grandpa is laughing at me once again while watching me learn from my busnut friends ;D Some people have had to change their living situations because of loosing everything in the economy collapse of 2006. I lost my life savings of over 170,000 in it, and now live from month to month, but
Ros, Not really, probably worth about the same amount as it was before the rebuild.
Ed, I don't think some people realize that whatever money we throw in and at these buses don't usually don't increase the valve of um that much. Just look at the new ones a million plus and drive that puppy off the lot and the drain opens. After buying mine and having money invested above purchase price for updates would never be able to recoup what I have in it. It's mine and paid for and we enjoy it. These are not investments as we all know and some people think.
Yes, that's why I bought a already converted coach, because of you all telling me how much you spent converting your buses and what there worth today, and also you telling me I was better off buying a already converted bus.
I am still not sure on that one. I bought mine because it was a nice almost done conversion, but I wonder if it would have been easier to do the conversion myself, than to redo the brake system, airbags and all of the other little things that need to be fixed.
Guess I was lucky in some ways. Mine had the new spring brake set up, new airbags, new generator, and all but the bathroom redone. Now there are lots of wires that aren't connected to anything, and the rear tires need replacing, because of age, black tank needs replacing. I'm just trying to do what I was told by people and eat this elephant one bite at a time ::)
It's a little like buying a custom hot rod, those builders pour tons of money and labor into them and never get but a fraction back when they sell them
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Mine had a very new conversion on the inside, new kitchen with nice tile, full tiled shower, lots of nice stuff. Some of the plumbing is done, but the shower needs to be hooked up, the water pump wasn't working so I have a new one, but need to get it in, there is no option for running off of a water hookup and I would like to have that. No house batteries, but a 12v inverter, no generator. It does have extra fuel tanks and a SVO conversion. I know at least some of the tires need to be replaced, but I would feel better with them all being replaced.
It is a lot of work and a bit of money, but I know it will be worth it in the long run.
Ed, that really is a shame and I am really sorry that you had to go through that.
Do you have even a smidgen of an idea as to what caused it to crater?
Ros
Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on December 11, 2014, 08:51:27 PM
Ros, Not really, probably worth about the same amount as it was before the rebuild.
Quote from: ros on December 12, 2014, 08:07:01 PM
Do you have even a smidgen of an idea as to what caused it to crater?
Only one answer to that question: If its got t*ts or tires then sooner or later its gonna be trouble.
ROFL only you Bob you guys coming this way we miss you it's been to long dock the boat and hit the hiway my friend
Ros, probably a combination of things, did find that the rubber boot between the air filters channel and the blower had a big split in the bottom so it was sucking in some air that was bypassing the filters. Over the years we have gone thru a number of dusty construction areas. We went thru one in the corner of Wyoming on our way Montana this summer that was 17 miles long. Couldn't see the split in the rubber until they took it off of the engine. Also found some nicks/gouges on one or two of the lobes on both cams, the worst one might have been the one that the broken valve rode on. Could be a flaw in the valve stem itself, will never know for sure, they didn't find any pieces of it when they tore it apart.
They had a rash of bad after market valves for awhile the old engines were dropping valves like dead flies,then people don't know how to set up the rollers on on the heads for the cams and over time it takes a toll on the camshaft
Thanks for the info, Ed.
Of course anything is possible but it you got me to thinking that if it had a big split, I wonder if the tremendous suction that a blower has, could have picked up a nearby bolt left loose on the engine or if one could have fallen on it and then be sucked up.
Who knows but I will check mine around the blower after hearing this.
Ros
Quote from: Ed Hackenbruch on December 12, 2014, 08:28:46 PM
Ros, probably a combination of things, did find that the rubber boot between the air filters channel and the blower had a big split in the bottom so it was sucking in some air that was bypassing the filters. Over the years we have gone thru a number of dusty construction areas. We went thru one in the corner of Wyoming on our way Montana this summer that was 17 miles long. Couldn't see the split in the rubber until they took it off of the engine. Also found some nicks/gouges on one or two of the lobes on both cams, the worst one might have been the one that the broken valve rode on. Could be a flaw in the valve stem itself, will never know for sure, they didn't find any pieces of it when they tore it apart.
Bob,
is that your prevost I see for sale, in need of an engine ???
Mark
Ed,
I have had my engine on oil analysis since it was installed new. Costs less than $20 per oil change. Health and any trends are documented each time.
I think it is the best money I have ever spent.
Wise man Joe I have had so many done I feel like a stock holder in CAT
Clifford,
I really don't understaqnd the reluctance to do analysis programs. They are so cheap and provide so much peace of mind and information.
The cost of major breakdowns in these beasts can be astronomical. It's 5 gallons of fuel! 30 miles! each oil change.
I know a lot of folks that use the program to advise them when to change the oil. Oil changes are expensive (even if self done), a $20 investment could prolong the need for a long time.
I do one on the 740 when I change the fluid also.
I haven't done one on the differential because I run straight Lucas in it. I did check the lube when I drained it for fuzz or parts with numbers on them. Didn't find any.
I also use rare earth magnets I got at Quartzite on all the pans near the drains on all my vehicles. If there is any fuzz or metal, it will be right at the drain hole, held by the magnet. Remove the magnet, catch the first bit of fluid and inspect.
Works for me! Maybe left over from helicopter maintenance.
Joe, i took oil samples every year when i changed the oil. All of them were ok. Plan on doing the same with the new engine.....like you said it is $20 well spent.
Where do you get a kit and where do you send it?
A Cat dealer works for me they have several different kits I prefer the hot oil samples myself cold oil has a tendency for the particles to drop out over night, just my way of course we never took cold oil samples on my equipment