My wife and I are looking at an MC7 Custom Coach. It is a low mileage bus that has been garage kept since the 1970s. It is an estate item from the estate of a well known local business man. The mileage is approximately 125K. The 8V71 runs well and has had a recent full service. The transmission looks like an Allison MT-70. The brakes were also serviced and all of the air bags hold air and look good. I have looked at the coach twice and the overall condition is excellent. Owner also has service records and even the original purchase receipt from Custom Coach.
The bus does need all new tires and neither the original basement air nor the over-the-road air is working. Is anyone familiar with the house a/c system that Custom Coach would have installed in the 70's? Is there a good chance that it be made to work with reasonable effort? Does anyone here own a Custom Coach Land Cruiser who might have any other advice on how well the house systems hold up?
Also, if the over-the-road air was working and is all there, how difficult would it be to get it working again? Thanks.
Dear 'Elvis':
Remember you well from our Bus Nut rally at Palmetto Cove 4 or 5 years ago.
Others here will tell you about the generally excellent reputation of CC. And a low miles, original owner one to boot! Of course if it has been sitting for years, there could be real issues.
One of the best bus a.c. gurus here in the south is Lamar Welch of Welch Industries in Stockbridge GA. You might call and describe your situation.
And one of the best deals on tires (12r22.5) can be gotten at Crawford Tire Co in Ocoee FL near Orlando. Chinese tires but good reputation. Last I heard they were under $400 out the door.
H.T.H.
Mike in GA
Quote from: Mike in GA on September 23, 2015, 05:49:14 AM
Dear 'Elvis':
Remember you well from our Bus Nut rally at Palmetto Cove 4 or 5 years ago.
Others here will tell you about the generally excellent reputation of CC. And a low miles, original owner one to boot! Of course if it has been sitting for years, there could be real issues.
One of the best bus a.c. gurus here in the south is Lamar Welch of Welch Industries in Stockbridge GA. You might call and describe your situation.
And one of the best deals on tires (12r22.5) can be gotten at Crawford Tire Co in Ocoee FL near Orlando. Chinese tires but good reputation. Last I heard they were under $400 out the door.
H.T.H.
Mike in GA
Hi Mike,
Yes, I remember your great radio voice. LOL. Thanks for the input. I love that this is a Custom Coach but am also aware how expensive things can get in a hurry. We're trying to do the best we can to count the cost ahead of time.
Mark, those are not the best Allison to have but you can replace it with a dry torque converter 740 but you give up 2 gears
Quote from: luvrbus on September 23, 2015, 01:29:36 PM
Mark, those are not the best Allison to have but you can replace it with a dry torque converter 740 but you give up 2 gears
Thanks Clifford,
I have been told that they are no longer supported at all as far as parts go. Are they known to be problematic? I think it's the same transmission my old Wanderlodge had.
Your WonderLodge had a AT 540 behind the Ford Engine
Quote from: luvrbus on September 23, 2015, 01:48:31 PM
Your WonderLodge had a AT 540 behind the Ford Engine
Ok, the gear selector looked similar. (Good memory, by the way!)
I would install the 3000 transmission, guessing a 3.73 rear, what I always lusted for, a Custom Coach, have seen 3 of the MC7 conversions, wow!!
Would scrap my Foretavel in a heart beat for a nice one. (Sigh!)
Fixing the A/C pennies.
Dave M
The MT-70 did have 6 spds, but the first two were low starting gears. The top 4 are almost identical to the HT740 or MT644. I would install the HT740-still have parts made and is just about bullet proof. Good Luck, TomC
"Elvis" I would addvise you to step very carefully unless you have mucho mony and mucho time .I bought one of these "bargains that had been setting up for some length of time.The list of problems is still going.Coming up on two years and ain't had it out of the storage lot yet.Started out with air leveling issues .the Jakes didn't work ,the Webasto doesent work ,cruse control doesn't work,neither of the air systems work ,had to have the refer repaired and now it looks like I'm going to have to have the air compressor rebuilt AND that has just happened while I've been working on the other problems .This coach has about 150k on it ,1993 model.
Quote from: bigred on September 23, 2015, 04:09:26 PM
"Elvis" I would addvise you to step very carefully unless you have mucho mony and mucho time .I bought one of these "bargains that had been setting up for some length of time.The list of problems is still going.Coming up on two years and ain't had it out of the storage lot yet.Started out with air leveling issues .the Jakes didn't work ,the Webasto doesent work ,cruse control doesn't work,neither of the air systems work ,had to have the refer repaired and now it looks like I'm going to have to have the air compressor rebuilt AND that has just happened while I've been working on the other problems .This coach has about 150k on it ,1993 model.
This has been on my mind... I know how it can be when vehicles sit and it's no fun to just fix stuff. It's a trade off... well preserved body/interior vs. the headaches of getting everything back online. I'm still adding it up. It may not be the best choice.
One Could have it hauled on a Landoll back to your shop, If I were 10 yrs younger and prior to the stroke, it would me mine if possible, not sold. If a late 72 or 73, would be mine. What ever, do it before your over the hill.
Sadly, I reached the point where money is not a concern, only my health, aint that a pisser ?
Dave M
Some pics of the MC7... I don't know why the pics showed up so big, but you might be able to slide them around.
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg1_zpsxiaisy4a.jpg&hash=d08f8ffb63e9340142d33a1a64d1ba4b292a9d90) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg1_zpsxiaisy4a.jpg.html)
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(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg9_zps4y6zznzp.jpg&hash=c341251847d8f1dd104e3d6c21d07bc1bbbeae2f) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg9_zps4y6zznzp.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg7_zps3rj1q7hb.jpg&hash=5420dbf454199d9f5e02d5ed6c4ce2d1f6afc0c1) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg7_zps3rj1q7hb.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg3_zpsxjymtpce.jpg&hash=7468f4b609dafbdcf004ac6a255129505c361436) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg3_zpsxjymtpce.jpg.html)
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(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg3_zpsbnb5pbq0.jpg&hash=dc4ffd02092201abdc0d32eae944c2f439fb642f) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg3_zpsbnb5pbq0.jpg.html)
WOW! That is nice looking!
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(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg11_zps6306dmcz.jpg&hash=9c5a0f437c060516f3329421a218ef9b68806629) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg11_zps6306dmcz.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg13_zpsyfl5gq96.jpg&hash=c533729e1b7d76a66f4bca81c10195e09aa47b22) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg13_zpsyfl5gq96.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fae83a698-de68-4f6f-956d-3bbb39abc7c9_zpsxzjz7qwb.jpg&hash=48e3c1ea528d0dd550c85d5b81707c4dd667ff9a) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/ae83a698-de68-4f6f-956d-3bbb39abc7c9_zpsxzjz7qwb.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg4_zpsd5yb1lof.jpg&hash=73a4be4df0ffc7bebe455df6c074d079a53b414a) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg4_zpsd5yb1lof.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg6_zpsuh6od9bg.jpg&hash=e78d30528f74840c9fcd52b9375c673dff5a31cd) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg6_zpsuh6od9bg.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg2_zpsqonm8iow.jpg&hash=e72796be812d7270020ab0db62eace9a24da046b) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg2_zpsqonm8iow.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg12_zpsvjg2ahtz.jpg&hash=4e0a820984d3ee8b1bb62712b1a34caee0752fe6) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg12_zpsvjg2ahtz.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg3_zpsyhilful2.jpg&hash=a815e2c24dc403d242dba4f6209225676712cc89) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg3_zpsyhilful2.jpg.html)
I can't seem to be able to resize these pics on this iPad, but it looks like you can drag them around to see the entire pics here.
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg2_zpspsa1wyef.jpg&hash=276b5bba78b713c3c6fe3af450ce56b2ae529126) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg2_zpspsa1wyef.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg3_zpsaes7hsmq.jpg&hash=e8412a1c1ab9ccee887cf77dd75aef2387532204) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg3_zpsaes7hsmq.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg5_zpsrztmakwy.jpg&hash=dba2d3309cb7415472f2a5f14ccc1f2580db7e3a) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg5_zpsrztmakwy.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg4_zpspawwk6bp.jpg&hash=66d8e5c616f653d588454a7a231f585040479cbb) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg4_zpspawwk6bp.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg2_zpsl38v5yyo.jpg&hash=216a0b5de1ebf3950c2bda062933030ec28f1995) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg2_zpsl38v5yyo.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg1_zps8kokxvvk.jpg&hash=a9300a20f4c9e70d0c243c6901cbe8c1c1407c66) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg1_zps8kokxvvk.jpg.html)
that looks like a pretty neglected coach, gonna be a money pit....NOT
I THINK YOU'VE FOUND A PEACH THERE ELVIS ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: eagle19952 on September 23, 2015, 07:29:42 PM
that looks like a pretty neglected coach, gonna be a money pit....NOT
I THINK YOU'VE FOUND A PEACH THERE ELVIS ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Maybe so... Stepping into this bus is like time warping to the days when "The King" was still out on tour. ;D. We kind of like the '70s funkiness, though.
Elvis, that is one nice looking coach, don't see how you could pass that up! interior is a bit dated but we are living with that too. We have a 73 MC7 combo that was a marathon coach conversion done in 1987 and things are still working well. I like yours in that it is original, ours has been modified a bit with different caps. we have had some projects but no disasters yet. go for it I say!
Bruce
Good pix, shows tube type rims on drive, also a very early 7, maybe about 1969 with those style bay doors. Nice looker.
Would be interesting to see pix of each bay layout, water, generator etc.
Dave
A couple more...
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(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg2_zpskyjpfw7h.jpg&hash=62d81a71723402908e635f6c09c44724bc9b3b76) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg2_zpskyjpfw7h.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg4_zps0hznjxei.jpg&hash=0c72cd3346ae387e7e3e70509ab0313b167eaeb6) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg4_zps0hznjxei.jpg.html)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg3_zpsny7w3juj.jpg&hash=a19ba9508ea9e8716e6635e688b9d4d4f46138b4) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg3_zpsny7w3juj.jpg.html)
That is one good looking coach!!
Looks like it may have a engine heating problem I see the band aids on the side, nice coach though
Love it! I really like that it is all stock outside, and inside around the driver at the front. How about the phone beside the driver! Looks so good. I don't like that ladder, I would remove it. Go for it. I would if I was looking...
JC
Oh and loose the mud flap hanging off the bumper. It prevents heat from escaping the engine compartment. And remove those ugly ears on the radiator intakes. They don't do any good.
JC
Quote from: wg4t50 on September 24, 2015, 01:14:50 AM
Good pix, shows tube type rims on drive, also a very early 7, maybe about 1969 with those style bay doors. Nice looker.
Would be interesting to see pix of each bay layout, water, generator etc.
Dave
Good call... It is a 1969.
Quote from: lostagain on September 24, 2015, 06:59:51 AM
Love it! I really like that it is all stock outside, and inside around the driver at the front. How about the phone beside the driver! Looks so good. I don't like that ladder, I would remove it. Go for it. I would if I was looking...
JC
100% agree. Love the stock look. Ladder ugly and good to know about the flap.
Quote from: thejumpsuitman on September 24, 2015, 07:41:21 AM
100% agree. Love the stock look. Ladder ugly and good to know about the flap.
the amount of times I have used and wished for a ladder would out weigh it's assumed ugliness, just sayin.
i think the mudflap/heat equation is a myth :)
Have no idea what he is asking for the 7 but I know of a MCI 9 with a 8v92 a Marathon factory conversion with 200,000 original miles in Texas that can be had at a good price
Quote from: luvrbus on September 25, 2015, 08:05:57 AM
Have no idea what he is asking for the 7 but I know of a MCI 9 with a 8v92 a Marathon factory conversion with 200,000 original miles in Texas that can be had at a good price
Clifford, I'd certainly be interested in weighing all optionsif you don't mind sending me a PM with more details.
My experience with the 7, and what I have learned, been told, I would pick a 7 over the 9 from a structure standpoint. Having been away from MCI activity, am wondering if Unicersal Coach is still the go to for parts ?
Always need a good exam for rust condition on any bus, maybe not on a MC6 so much. !
Dave M
Custom Coach's cabinetry has always been tops in my book.
It just occurred to me that one of our SE Bus Nut members has an older MC-7 done by CC. Drop me a line if you'd like to contact Blake Wright up in Ontario.
Mike in GA
I'd buy that coach in a second. Clean, clean, clean. Nice.
The coach does look very nice. I personally would keep the ladder. If you want to calculate what it will cost to fix various things, figure the cost of replacing them because that might be the case. For example, if it has Cruiseaire AC units, assume that you will have to buy new ones. On some things, you might get away with a cheaper repair, but you can not count on that unless an expert has already looked at it and given you the nod. Anyway, this will allow you to build a cushion into the costs-- there will be some unexpected stuff too.
I would leave the ladder only until it could be replaced with something less obnoxious ;D
Mine has fold down individual steps. Discrete, yet quite functional.
That is an awesome looking coach. The new stuff cant hold a candle to the awesome classic styling of that MC 7.
The full width flap across the bus just behind the rear axle does a very good job of reducing the air pressure in the engine compartment - That helps pull more air thru the radiators. . . .
The flap across the back will increase the air pressure in the engine compartment as it separates it from the low pressure area behind the coach.
I would be curious about everyone's thoughts on this... We are weighing this MC7 against another option... A 1986 BB Wanderlodge PT40 with an 8v92. The Wanderlodge has about 150k and last week was used on an 800 mile trip. It runs and drives very strong. I took it on a long drive and it performed beautifully. It is not as well preserved as the MC7, but what it needs is mostly cosmetic. It has brand new steer tires and the rears look to be in good condition. The only obvious thing it needs is some airbag work. Two air springs come up sometimes, but sometimes they don't. I will try to get some pics tomorrow. Thoughts?
I guess prices would help with our opinion. Wonderlodge are surely nice but.....boy howdy that MCI sure is clean! Personally, I would go with the MCI, depending on the price.
Quote from: opus on September 30, 2015, 07:57:16 PM
I guess prices would help with our opinion. Wonderlodge are surely nice but.....boy howdy that MCI sure is clean! Personally, I would go with the MCI, depending on the price.
The BB is a little more money, but they are both in the same price range.
I would go for the BB parts are pretty much off the self a lot easier to find and cheaper,plus the engine cooling system is not a problem a long with a 740 not a HT 70. lol a 8V71 vs the 8v92 no contest
Quote from: luvrbus on September 30, 2015, 08:03:08 PM
I would go for the BB parts are pretty much off the self a lot easier to find and cheaper,plus the engine cooling system is not a problem a long with a 740 not a HT 70. lol a 8V71 vs the 8v92 no contest
Feeling the power of the 8v92 was definitely an attention grabber. You are right, big difference over the 8v71... Even in a much heavier coach.
Elvis,
There's an active Blue Bird bulletin board and club, and I can put you in touch with a well connected member if you'd like to chat about specifics to your model.
I haven't met any dissatisfied BBird owners.
Mike in GA
Quote from: Mike in GA on October 01, 2015, 06:16:08 AM
Elvis,
There's an active Blue Bird bulletin board and club, and I can put you in touch with a well connected member if you'd like to chat about specifics to your model.
I haven't met any dissatisfied BBird owners.
Mike in GA
Actually know a couple guys over there. I am a member of that board from when we had our Wanderlodge before. needless to say, all of the Wanderlodge guys Are extremely positive on the PT 40.
If it still has the Primus heating system I have some parts ;D
If it was me, it would be a hard decision. Sure the BB is better in lots of ways, stronger engine, etc. But I always liked MC7s. I put thousands of miles on them back in the '70s. Beautiful, classic lines. Nice smooth ride. And this one is a gem. The 8V71 will be slow up the hills, and you need a quarter section to turn it around...
If you don't have an emotional attachment toward the 7, you'll probably go for the BB.
JC
After dealing with MCI and their new Vintage parts dept it would not be a tough decision for me.After dealing with MCI and Jefferson a 3 day clutch job lasted for a friggn 5 weeks
Blue Bird would be my choice. BB is a purpose built motorhome by the BB factory. Not a conversion from a MCI-7 bus. 8V-92TA much better, HT740 just about bullet proof. Always been impressed with BB. Good Luck, TomC
Not an easy decision, but we went with the BB PT40. The MC7 really turned me on, but in the end I couldn't ignore the compelling case Clifford and Tom C made for the 8v92 and the more reliable and serviceable Allison 748. I wish We could have bought both, but I guess that isn't very realistic... Is it? ;)
The Wanderlodge is very impressive. I've driven it a few hundred miles and she runs very strong. Just need to replace some coolant hoses as a precaution. I've been strongly advised to replace the compressor coolant hoses first. From what I hear that is a lot of fun. :o. Of course it needs a good cleaning and a few things inside. Anyway, here she is...
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1218.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd407%2Fthejumpsuitman%2Fimage.jpg1_zpsvrxzuqbd.jpg&hash=dd53052e8065700aedcc8cc24948645704142da2) (http://s1218.photobucket.com/user/thejumpsuitman/media/image.jpg1_zpsvrxzuqbd.jpg.html)
Very nice! I've always like those buses.
Hi Marc,
Great looking coach. Wish you could have had it at Palmetto Cove last weekend. Hope to get to see it soon.
Tom Hamrick
Very nice ! ;D
Congratulation! Very nice looking rig.
If you're looking for a reasonable shakedown trip I will mention that the SE Busnuts are gathering in Brunswick GA over Halloween. Our website has details:
www.sebusnuts.org (http://www.sebusnuts.org)
Pull down the latest newsletter.
Again, congrats!
Mike in GA
Does anyone know who ended up buying the MC7 in this thread - what was the asking price? Where was it located?
It's on ebay right now for $50000.
I'm sorry, it's $49000.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-FAMILY-or-EXECUTIVE-Coach-Yr-end-DEDUCTION-for-Business-/221983981797?forcerrptr=true&hash=item33af46c0e5:g:U08AAOSwHQ9WaGoF&item=221983981797 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-FAMILY-or-EXECUTIVE-Coach-Yr-end-DEDUCTION-for-Business-/221983981797?forcerrptr=true&hash=item33af46c0e5:g:U08AAOSwHQ9WaGoF&item=221983981797)
Wow - what a sleazy and cheap Ebay listing for such a grand old piece of Americana >:(
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-FAMILY-or-EXECUTIVE-Coach-Yr-end-DEDUCTION-for-Business-/221983981797?forcerrptr=true&hash=item33af46c0e5:g:U08AAOSwHQ9WaGoF&item=221983981797 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-FAMILY-or-EXECUTIVE-Coach-Yr-end-DEDUCTION-for-Business-/221983981797?forcerrptr=true&hash=item33af46c0e5:g:U08AAOSwHQ9WaGoF&item=221983981797)
The are pitching it as a 'year-end' tax deduction and make NO mention that it is a Custom Coach - one of its' unique selling points.
I look for Custom Coach conversions every week and would have never found this listing.
Our custom coach is very similar in the interior aspects - when I purchased mine it still had the green/yellow carpet as this one does.
Luckily it only took $ 300, like the eBay add above touts, to get it all up to snuff ::).......I'm of course kidding and being silly - I have well over his asking price in mine AFTER the original purchase some 5 years ago.
TheJumpsuitMan: certainly they were not asking $ 50,000 when you looked at it, where they?
I know of several CC conversions in incredible shape that were picked up recently for less than 1/2 or 1/3 of their asking
Here's ours from the outside and a view of my wife reading the kids a bedtime story while out on one of the many trips we take each year.
Quote from: tninov8r on January 07, 2016, 04:37:39 PM
Here's ours from the outside and a view of my wife reading the kids a bedtime story while out on one of the many trips we take each year.
Lance -Might I make a SAFETY suggestion?
Move the convex mirror to the top of the driver mirror. As it is now, between the hanging top mirror and the bottom convex, you've got a blind spot big enough to hide a VW bus, not to mention a bicyclist or pedestrian.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
That is one fine looking BLUEBIRD Jumpsuit!!. It's too bad they stopped building those a few years back but I would imagine that there could be an number of ALL AMERICAN skoolies that have been converted to come close.
Certainly not a typical stick and staple type that's for sure.
Lance, yours looks great as well. What transmission is in yours?
Crabby - I have the original 4 speed Spicer. I also have an Allison V730 in my shop if I ever care to change or maybe for a future owner. I plan to pull the Spicer this winter and replace bearings and seals throughout and a general overhaul as needed and discovered.
RJ - thanks for the suggestion - and it's not the first time you have reached out over the past several years and mentioned that _ I really appreciate it. I want you to know I am not stubborn, reckless, or ignorant, but on my coach it just doesn't obstruct my view. Perhaps its the height of my drivers seat, or the position fore or aft of the original seat, but it is very high on my line of sight. After the first post you made, years ago, and other times since I have gone and sat in the seat and took a survey, while driving, of your advice. That's why you keep seeing pics of it still there. :)
Like to find a shorter Blue Bird for a weekender type. What was the shortest Blue Bird made? I only know of the front engine 31ft'r. Good Luck, TomC
Quote from: TomC on January 08, 2016, 03:47:23 AM
Like to find a shorter Blue Bird for a weekender type. What was the shortest Blue Bird made? I only know of the front engine 31ft'r. Good Luck, TomC
Maybe a TC-1000? They are short, have a flat floor (no wheel humps), and a Cummins 5.9 in the front. I suspect they may be less than 31 feet long. Some intrepid skoolie owners are driving them on dirt roads and reaching places that are completely inaccessible to larger buses.
John