I've decided that the 102A3 is about the perfect conversion platform. So I've been watching for professionally converted 102s (oh and the wife wants one with a slideout). Every bus has it's issues; what are the structural issues or mechanical gotchas that 102A3's might have?
Fred
A's are nice buses me I would pass and go for a D model different cooling system, air bags are mounted outward for a better ride,4 stroke engine 60 series and world automatic with larger bays,the A's have no frame so slideouts are always a problem the ones I have seen
Fred -
I agree with Clifford, go for a "D" model. Prices are dropping quickly, so you should be able to find one easily.
One additional bonus he didn't mention - they're three inches taller inside, so for 90% of us, no need for a roof raise.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
There was a nice DL3 conversion by Vantre from a new chassis floating around last year I kick my self for not buying the guy and I couldn't agree on a 2500 dollar item he was asking 55k and I was wanting to give 52k then some dealer in Lakeland FL ended up with it before I decided to give him his 55k
Hi Fred, look at the 102C3 also, especially if you can find one with the single back radiator, instead of the split side radiators, lvmci...
I've never driven a D model coach but I've heard Cliff say they don't dive bomb turns as much as other coaches. I believe him. There's a reason mci started designing coaches with outboard bellows. Prevost has been doing this too longer than mci. Anyway, I would consider a 102c3 tho. We just bought one and here's where it shines:
1. Tall stock interior height
2. 102" wide (wide body)
3. Longest wheelbase for a 40 foot coach (usually equals better ride)
3. Lightest 40 foot mci 102. It's 250lbs lighter than the MCI-9 and nearly 6,000 lbs lighter than any 40' D model. For us, that's worth it cause that's what our toad Land Cruiser weighs in at loaded. 6,000 lbs is a lot of weight to carry just for outboard mounted air bags. I'm perfectly fine with not driving my coach around turns at 60mph lol if it means almost 6,000 lbs lighter. Now the 4 stroke vs 2 stroke....hands down the D wins. But you could always repower.
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If I was looking for a bus, it would be a D for sure. I put thousands of miles on one for the hockey team. The ride is so solid and planted compared to anything older. Buy the best, latest you can afford.
JC
? did the D ever come with S/S siding I do miss the siding of the older MCI buses
Never seen one with SS siding.
JC
Why are the D models 6000 pounds heavier than the C models?
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Thanks guys. One of the things I like about the A's and C's is the Stainless. I still like a coach that looks like a bus. Not as concerned about ride. While I'm not afraid of a 2 Stroke (I've got one now!) I agree that a 4 stroke is the way to go. I'm also not afraid of repowering it myself at some point in the future. Whatever I buy to replace the MC-5 I expect to run it ten or fifteen years. I'm running a 51 year old coach now and it works just fine but would to find something newer with slides. My wife would be delighted. Hate to consider buying a motorhome just to get slides.
Fred
Fred -
I suggest that you visit a stick 'n staple dealer and talk to the service department about slides.
Better yet, find the stick 'n staple dealer's body shop and talk to them - and bring mama along, too.
I think you'll find it an eye-opener.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
Quote from: Scott Bennett on January 22, 2016, 06:23:46 AM
Why are the D models 6000 pounds heavier than the C models?
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Scott. Could have something to do with most D's are 5' longer then most C's. Otherwise, I don't know.
I have 2 DL3s in our charter fleet that are stainless bottom, it was actually an upcharge. Interestingly customers don't like them and think they are old (even though they are two of the newer coaches). The bus motorhome guys tend to like the stainless bottoms.
My 94 DL conversion is stainless and I do like the looks of it, would not trade it for a "smooth side"
John, I'm comparing stats on MCI website of 40 foot D models and C models. The 45 foot D is a whole nuther ballgame in terms of weight
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Best I can tell Scott is the beef up engine compartment with the rear mount fan, all the axles and brakes are larger,the bays are larger, then the entire bus is 5 inches taller plus the fuel tank is larger on a D I am sure it has more beefed up frame and suspension than C
Hi Fred - nice to see you considering another bus. As you may recall I have the 96A3. The 102A3 is the same, just 6" wider. We really like the tall windows in the A series bus. You will still need to watch out for engine cradle cracks in the A series similar to earlier models. I added side plates to my cradle when I repowered and have had no problems since.
In the end, I think it all comes down to budget. If you budget allows for a C or D model I would highly recommend it. However, if that is not in the budget, then an A model will work great for you. They are pretty easy to convert and would be easy to raise the roof on if you wanted that. We choose not to raise the roof on ours and don't regret it at all. Of course, I'm 5'8" and the interior height is more than enough for me. If I remember you are taller and may find the height insufficient.
I'm just 70 minutes south of you. Let me know if you want to stop down and check out the bus now that you have an eye for one.
Ok cliff. Makes sense.
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Engine cradle cracks? That's the type of thing I was wondering about. I am unaware of any structural issues to look for. (I also plated the sides of the cradle in my -5 the first time I had the engine out.)
And Slide Out issues I'm sure are not uncommon. It's one of the few requirements my wife has of the next rig, so I'm rather limited in choices in used coaches. Neither of us are interested in a sticks and staples.
Fred
I Watched Bob (rip) if HB Industries install a slide in a A model man it had a overhead truss system and a beam that ran from the front to rear underneath through the bays he told me it added almost 7,000 # to the bus.
I know where a MCI with a slide is for sale it needs work as it is sagging in the middle the guy knew nothing when he installed it, the C's and D's are better candidates for a slide. As for the so called S/S the Newell, Vogue 5000 or 6000 and the Beaver Solitaire are as well built as any bus on the market and the ForeTravel is not too shabby either
Thanks Clifford that is real good information.
-Fred
hi Fred, talk to Van at B&B about adding slides to buses, lvmci...
Scott also the D has a large A/C system which means bigger condenser, evaporator cores, hoses an I think even a larger displacement compressor (but not sure if physical size or weight increased or not) which adds some weight.
Plus like Clifford said all the suspension, axles, brakes and etc. are larger/heavier.
Fred just be sure an watch those engine cradles in the A's ! I had one that was about to drop engine/trans on the highway somewhere, but luckily we caught it as we were doing routine oil change and inspection! Needless to say it was RETIRED IMMEDIATELY!
;D BK ;D
Thanks Bryce. I think he would be happy with a D model... I definitely would never go with something that wasn't 102". The extra 6" makes more difference than you would expect
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I just received some photos of a DL3 and D3 with the Stainless siding below the belt line,I think the smooth sides look better on the longer DL3 JMO