Hello All,
I have been under the tutelage of DoubleEagle searching for a bus for my wife and I and our three children 7.5, 6, 2.5. I am looking for a Bus Nut hopefully someone familiar with the MCI's and DD 6V92 engines and Allison transmission to go inspect this bus (https://www.sawyersbussales.com/-90-mci-102a3--bus---741.html (https://www.sawyersbussales.com/-90-mci-102a3--bus---741.html)) for me prior to me physically flying from Houston TX to most likely Washington DC (cheaper) then driving down to Christiansburg.
Might any of you be willing to inspect this bus for me or know of someone who might for a fee? I reached out to a board member yesterday of the Commonwealth Coach and Trolley Museum www.commonwealthcoachandtrolley.org (http://www.commonwealthcoachandtrolley.org) but have not yet heard back from him but will update post if/when I do.
If purchase was made I know already of a few issues this bus needs fixed and I was thinking of taking it down to Choo Choo for repairs and potentially leaving it there depending upon their availability and then going back to pickup. Is there anywhere better or better yet any knowledgeable DD/Allison/RV techs in East Texas/Houston/etc...?
Thank you all for your assistance
Looks like you are about to swan dive off the deep end. There is no turning back, after you jump ;). What are they asking for the bus?
Those guys have to be related to Easters somehow. They are too close not to be ;D.
Good job on trying to get the bus inspected. That is a great start.
Yes, I have been kicking around a lot of buses and reading this forum 24/7 and gleaning information from you all. I still really like the GMC 4905 in Phoenix but everyone is pretty consistent about getting the newest bus and one with a company still in existence such as MCI or Prevost. The wife likes this MCI better than the Phoenix 4905 as well so we are now headed down the path of potential bus ownership. Asking price is $24,995.
Know anyone in VA?? I read a post a few minutes ago about Abbott Trailways in Roanoke and John Abbott, I may call him and see if he has someone on his staff that could look at it.
Thanks!
If it wasn't summer and I wasn't so busy, I would fly out there. Some of those bus inspections are a lot of fun. My only condition would be for you to meet me out there and go over everything with me.
Sadly, things are too crazy right now.
Thank you! I wish you were not that busy either. For someone knowledgeable I would gladly pay a reasonable fare to whatever location makes sense for distance and cost and I would love to be there at the same time.
Abbott has always had a good maintenance program,I looked the FMCSA web site they have the highest rating even with 2 drivers errors caused wrecks,does Abbott have the bus or Sawyers ?
Sawyers Bus Sales has the bus, the bus is on consignment at Sawyers so they don't actually own it however they did sell the Bus as a shell and the man who ran Virginia Custom Coach performed the conversion and he works at Sawyers when he had to shut down his conversion business due to the economy.
Are you recommending I call Abbotts in Roanoke?
Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on June 29, 2016, 02:16:16 PM
Thank you! I wish you were not that busy either. For someone knowledgeable I would gladly pay a reasonable fare to whatever location makes sense for distance and cost and I would love to be there at the same time.
I'll tell you what. If you can't find someone by August 8th, let me know.
Virginia Custom Coach that was Mike Fitch only bad thing about him was he took forever to do the work, but I don't think he would shaft a person
The condition of the interior of the coach appears to be quite good, going by the pictures and video available. The most important questions that need to be answered are the condition of the engine (6V92) and the Allison HT740. It was reported previously that there was some smoking from the engine, and rough shifting when cold. My advice to Fraser was to get it inspected by someone independent of the dealership. I hope someone is available fairly soon, I hate to see a newby burned.
I would fly in to look at this bus for you, but I have my back against the wall on our conversion...literally.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If the concerns are about the 6v92 and the 740 Allison just drive it Western Branch Diesel they are a Detriot,MTU and Allison dealer 500 bucks at the most and would be a lot cheaper than flying some one into Virginia.What color of smoke was it, at what temperature,a rough shifting 740 at a cold start is not a deal breaker,new fluid and filters change will usually cure that hiccup,even if the shift points and trimmer springs need adjusting no big deal 300 bucks plus the 10+ gals of fluid.My dealing with Sawyer he is pretty straight forward either selling a bus on consignment or 1 of his own
Quote from: luvrbus on June 29, 2016, 07:50:41 PM
If the concerns are about the 6v92 and the 740 Allison just drive it Western Branch Diesel they are a Detriot,MTU and Allison dealer 500 bucks at the most and would be a lot cheaper than flying some one into Virginia.What color of smoke was it, at what temperature,a rough shifting 740 at a cold start is not a deal breaker,new fluid and filters change will usually cure that hiccup,even if the shift points and trimmer springs need adjusting no big deal 300 bucks plus the 10+ gals of fluid.My dealing with Sawyer he is pretty straight forward either selling a bus on consignment or 1 of his own
Clifford, looks like you are the perfect person to fly in (first class) and check it out. You know the engine & transmission, know of the converter and sales outfit, but I am sure you have plenty of things to do already. Thanks for your valuable insights.
All,
Thanks for the help/assistance on this! I just received a message from Hi Yo Silver located north of Roanoke who has offered to go look at the bus with another board member sometime in July. I think if it makes sense if pending their positive review of the bus and if I were to obtain the owners permission and settle on a base price maybe one of them could drive the bus to Western Branch for the repairs?
My wife and I buy/sell real estate as a side business and that is so much easier than buying a bus!
Thank you everyone.
Walter,a bus inspection is a guessing game to began with nobody myself included wants to go out on a limb and say buy a bus there are to many unknowns.
People buying a 20 to 60 year old bus can never know for sure even with a inspection sh** happens.
This guy should fly out look the bus over drive the bus and ask questions.
Dennis can probably tell him what he see and dislikes but in the end it's the buyer. He needs to have a DOT inspection 125 bucks that will tell him a bunch,then pull fluid samples on the transmission,engine,coolant, power steering,and differential that will cost about 50 bucks in the end he has to roll the dice.
Virginia is a nice place to spend a week vacation IMO you are not going to buy a old bus without a few problems hell even new one have problems
Clifford, great advice.
On the Oil/Fluid Sample testing from the Engine, Transmission, Coolant, Power Steering, Differential do I find a place to do this locally or is this a mail order thing where they send a kit with "vials" and once filled you send it to ________?
I am definitely willing and able to meeting anyone there who is willing to share knowledge and experience with me.
I understand that "____" happens and it's a roll of the dice but from reading the forums I am trying to ask the questions first and glean as much wisdom and advice prior to pulling the trigger.
Appreciate the help.
A dot inspection will tell you the condition of the brakes,suspension, air leaks,cracks,compressor and lights it's a good deal for the bucks.You can do this on your own just make your mind up to do it,if you run into a problem post a photo and question here there are a lot of smart guys here that have BTDT .It's just my thought that Fitch would not have started a conversion on a bad shell but I could be wrong
Smoking engine?
Reality check time.
Whatever you pay for that coach, you, and especially the other half, need to be completely comfortable with spending another $10-12k on an engine.
Maybe it just needs a fresh fill of the proper 40 wt oil and driven hard up and down the mountain a few times...
Or, it is shot and requires re-build.
Do you like the prospects of divorce, alimony and child support payments?
Pause the dream here to confirm...
happy coaching!
buswarrior
BusWarrior, so your saying that not all DD engines smoke? Shoot my 2005 E320 CDI will smoke when I give it a good "Italian Tune" or as your refer to it going hard up and down the mountain a few times!!!
Any advice on Oil/Fluid inspection companies, who do Bus Nuts use and recommend? Would like to get this aspect of it and perhaps even the DOT inspection done first so I can have those reports in hand and follow up with a visit to the bus with perhaps Dennis and a Friend.
Thanks
My thoughts,FWIW,etc
it has a converter
it doesn't have an inverter
batteries,camera and satellite are likely outdated
mirrors on the ceiling and ceramic tile on the floor are not to my liking, YMMV
date codes on tires
radiant heat.
good luck :)
Eagle,
Just to clarify your comment (Thank you!)
"it has a converter - Good?
it doesn't have an inverter - Bad?
batteries,camera and satellite are likely outdated - I would remove Satellite we Roku/Netflix/Amazon, new batteries, new camera
mirrors on the ceiling and ceramic tile on the floor are not to my liking, YMMV - I agree on the ceramic tile, not sure yet about the mirrors
date codes on tires - Yes I need to get those as I may be looking at new tires approx cost $3,000?[/font]
radiant heat." - Good?
Thanks!
Converter is bad, inverter is good. Lot of smart people here that can guide you to some "smart" inverters that are well worth the money but they're spendy
That's a lot of data you will be using, you have a rare unlimited data plan I take it
We have marble on the floors and love it, YMMV
3000 for a set of tires sounds like a good price, 8 tires (Michelins) cost me closer to 5 but I probably got hosed.
These things tend to be expensive
Everyone, remember this is his very first bus and he does not have a lot of driving experience with a bus, and he is far away from the current bus being considered. He is definitely very interested in getting a bus and is trying to be diligent in selecting one. I have looked at two Eagles for him that are in Ohio, which both turned out to be inappropriate for his needs. The most important thing, in my opinion, is that he gets a bus that is essentially sound and fits his interior arrangement needs, and that he does not get stuck with a bus that needs major work. He needs something that is ready to go pretty much as is. The niceties of tile vs. wood vs. carpet are things to think about as side issues. Tires are either okay or not, but the major running gear condition is tricky to uncover. Fraser has to make the final decision, but he needs our wisdom to help make it. I don't think he is going to blame anyone for recommending a bus that later turns out to be with problems. Every bus has some problems; they are a conglomeration of multiple systems that can and will fail. Hopefully, this bus will check out okay, and all of the necessary repairs will be reasonable in cost. The issue of smoke from the engine and rough shifting was raised by Sawyer's inspection of the bus, Clifford could be very correct that these are not necessarily things that can't be corrected, the bus has been inactive since last year (or more), so, the bus needs inspection.
I think you should cut sawyers a check for the one in your 1st post, tell them to run it through the cross country inspection and get it ready.
Your taken it to Texas
and I do like it better with the cool aluminum wheels
good day there
Floyd
Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on June 30, 2016, 02:05:30 PM
Eagle,
Just to clarify your comment (Thank you!)
"it has a converter - Good?
it doesn't have an inverter - Bad?
batteries,camera and satellite are likely outdated - I would remove Satellite we Roku/Netflix/Amazon, new batteries, new camera
mirrors on the ceiling and ceramic tile on the floor are not to my liking, YMMV - I agree on the ceramic tile, not sure yet about the mirrors
date codes on tires - Yes I need to get those as I may be looking at new tires approx cost $3,000?[/font]
radiant heat." - Good?
Thanks!
none of the above are to my liking... and i am not a boondocker either, i am in an all electric too.
i am also not a fan of roof AC
And i wonder why there are no shots of storage/bays...lots of room for sin there.
i would want a lot more pictures before i went 50 miles to see that coach...let alone 2000.
not saying it is not an appealing candidate.
The video of the MCI on the Sawyer's site shows the bays briefly. There are at least two slide trays mounted in them. For the price, this bus has good possibilities if there is nothing majorly wrong with it. Roof airs are very common and practical, and the star coaches usually have five. We need more busnuts in Virginia with cameras. Inquiring minds want to know more about this bus. I am six driving hours away, but isn't there someone closer that can get to it sooner than sometime in July?
Quote from: DoubleEagle on June 30, 2016, 07:35:00 PM
The video of the MCI on the Sawyer's site shows the bays briefly. There are at least two slide trays mounted in them. For the price, this bus has good possibilities if there is nothing majorly wrong with it. Roof airs are very common and practical, and the star coaches usually have five. We need more busnuts in Virginia with cameras. Inquiring minds want to know more about this bus. I am six driving hours away, but isn't there someone closer that can get to it sooner than sometime in July?
Friday is July,has he asked Abbott about service records ?
Quote from: luvrbus on June 30, 2016, 07:50:32 PM
Friday is July,has he asked Abbott about service records ?
Not to my knowledge.
If the coach can be drivin, about 40 or so miles south in Fort Criswell, there is a Speedo that can do an inspection as well as an oil analysts!
OK, let's try again. I responded and my carefully crafted paragraph disappeared.
Fraser and my friends on The Board; (Always capitalize The Board) LOL
I don't disagree with any of the advice offered above. My offer was simply to drive to Sawyers, at no cost, put eyes on the bus and maybe drive it long enough to warm it up, look over the house systems and offer an opinion regarding whether you should "Run Fraser, Run!" or if it looks like a worthy candidate worth spending some hard-earned money on for more in-depth inspections, evaluations and repairs. My opinions would be based on my experiences as a former MCI owner for five and a half years, and on my experiences with local shops. That would cost you nothing, and since nobody else has stepped forward...
If you find a better option or if that wouldn't be helpful, then no harm, no foul. My offer stands.
Dennis
HiYoSilver
Quote from: brmax on June 30, 2016, 05:02:32 PM
and I do like it better with the cool aluminum wheels
I think there is a good possibility that the wheels are steel with SS covers, after looking at the video, but they look good too.
Yes I agree, I took a better video look also. The other video lower in the ad was a bit more.
I can say myself with, or had a house full of females this bus is a chic bus and living with a house full for 30+years I can say it. :)
Anywho the walk around insp. in the other video it skips the ac/condenser area if that is in use or nixed as many have chosen. Walking with them onward the driver side looks straight and the finish seems ok, and I think the design I pretty cool fwiw. Moving on getting to the radiator screen the paint to the left could be an area to expect to look into as the usual place for 9's and some 102's I've seen repaired. A look see in the lower door above the junction box, again I think typical may reveal the mentioned.
Catching up to the camera and moving around at the engine bay I take a gander and notice a restroom tank in there to the right it looks to be forgotten, I can understand.
Something that caught my eye the Detroit looks to be a bit mechanical or I need my 125's on, I wasn't sure if 1990 had ddec?.
Its looking kinda typical bus like so moving on around the corner at the slides in the bays they look pretty cool (they are to clean to have had tools) that's a good sign.
Were looking up and some clear coat could use some wet sanding and some pro mix and that's a couple benny's. Taking a look in the bus it looks nice, I would nix the butt / towel hook on the hall wall though. Following up towards the front a better look at the trim above the operator at the windshield looks to be an area to work on a bit, but they all require work.
These are quite expensive when new and made to travel and in that is maintenance, like little car little money, big car big money. I've said many times to friends you think car parts are high try an equipment part, tractor, truck, etc.
That's my armchair run, now with out some pro gauges and know how for trans pressures checks and that 400.00 minimum test its a seat in the pants check, this goes along with a Detroit super tech person to listen to the motor sing.
Good evening there, if it runs you will have lots a smile faces, roll on!
Floyd
I was coming home N. Carolina today, so I took a little time to stop and check it out for you. It's late now, so I'll post info and pics I took tomorrow.
Someone mentioned that their CDI smokes with an Italian tune. Smoke isn't just smoke. It's all about color and quantity. You may want to be concerned. Here's my take owning two MCI coaches both with two strokes:
Lots of black smoke on acceleration: too little air either from bad air filter or a sad turbo or possibly leaky injector.
Whit smoke on startup: if it's cold, they all do this. Unburnt diesel. No biggie unless it does this even when it's warm out.
Lots of white smoke driving down the road once warmed up may be burning coolant...have a nice day and see you on the side of the road, or sometimes if you blow a turbo it will come out white. Either way, you'll be sad.
Blueish smoke: burning oil. Worn engine. Might not want to drop $25,000 on a coach with a really tired power plant.
Again, if coach just smokes a bit on a cold start, that wouldn't be an automatic downer for me. But if it's putting out lots of smoke even after it's been driven hard and is nice and warmed up, I would consider what kind of smoke and why. I'm telling you, after two self done bus conversions, the interior can be modified any way you want for very little money...your most expensive and painful error would be to buy a coach with heavy rust or engine and tranny issues. Most everything else is child's play in comparison.
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Scott, excellent info on the smoke and color and possible causes/issues. Thanks
Chessie, first off thank you for swinging by and putting eyes on the bus. Can't wait to hear your feedback and review of not only the bus but also Sawyers.
I wouldn't even worry about the smoke till the bus has been driven for 50 or so miles setting for sale with tire kickers looking the engine probably has a lot of build up from idling.i see it is a total electric but no photos of the battery bank or inverter 15kw generator is a good size for a conversion all stranded wire is a +
I got there as they were leaving for lunch, but mechanic assisted me. I look some pictures of some locations that weren't in the ad. Saw some rust and paint peeling on the underneath supt. channels, but nothing that couldnt be scraped and painted with some Rustoleum rusty metal primer and repainted grey. Some oil drip or spray on rear of engine. Electrical panel outside of driver's compartment needs the interior cleaned and painted, but wiring looks good. Generator compartment could use pressure washing and air intake hose replaced. Some compartments on other side, at least have slider trays. Most compartments carpet lined- need good cleaning. Tail lights look crappy and should be replaced. Corrosion and paint bubbling both sides at very rear, a bout 1 foot square. Common? Framing in engine compartment looked dirty and grease covered. Looked like mechanical 6V92 to me. Tire compartment looked ok on looking through access door below drivers side. Several places on clear coat peeled or gone.Sids of coach look straight and not bulging. Tires all over 50%.
Inside of coach cabinetry done in a light to medium yellow Formica or melamine? Gloss finish. Carpet type material lining.Island bed in rear which set about a foot higher than normal. Didn't think to check if it had storage under it. The floor ceramic tiles were loose on driver's side and rear of bed when you walked on them. From engine heat and vibration? Or floor issue? Most likely the former. Rear closet had some bars of soap and residue on the carpeting and needed a thorough cleaning.Toilet looked clean down in bowl. Ceramic Sealand or equiv. Shower on. Has a house type refrigerator. Leather? seats looked to have use but acceptable. Didn't look at dash closely. Coach had a stale smell inside from sitting awhile. Mirrors on ceiling not to my taste, but we're popular when conversion was done. Don't know anything about any air-conditioning or how it operates. Bunk beds for two also.
Overall, workmanship on the conversion work seems decent with attention to details and thought to plumbing, generator, etc. Needs a thorough cleaning inside and out. If drivetrain is in decent condition, and you like or can live with the interior cabinetry color/ finish, it is a great deal for that kind of money.
Their mechanic assisted by opening some of the screw lock panels and answered some questions. They have no affiliation with Easter's in Basset VA. They have been in business about 30 years. The conversion is here on consignment and they haven't touched it, just allows owner to place it on their lot. I didn't try to start it since I was just doing a look over on the way home. Hope this helps. I'll see about getting the pictures I took posted.Btw, it has stainless steel wheel covers; passenger front buggered up.
The conversion I saw Fitch had done had the water tank under the bed making it higher,that location for a water tank has it's + and -
still would not walk across the street to look without date codes on the tires. only because that is something that suggests other deficiencies with held to me....
50% is pretty common on old tires :(
So far, so good. If the tires are too old they become a $3000 - $4000 bargaining point (no, I don't expect that they will knock off 3000-4000 for the tires, but something). ;D
If the tires are too old Sawyer will probably sell him a set of take offs at a bargain to get him home then he can shop for tires
Quote from: luvrbus on July 01, 2016, 01:30:17 PM
If the tires are too old Sawyer will probably sell him a set of take offs at a bargain to get him home then he can shop for tires
so darn many now are leasing their tires...if i had a good set of oak cribbing i might tooo....
Chessie thanks again for stopping by the bus and putting eyes on it for me. Greatly appreciate the help. Regarding the tires and the DOT manufacture date I was unable when I was initially working with Sawyers to obtain the dates. Driving home tonight after I saw everyone's comments I called a local tow company in Christiansburg to see if he would swing by when he was in the vicinity of Sawyers and obtain the date of manufacture off each tire tonight or tomorrow. He said he would and when he asked where the bus was located I told him Sawyers he said it is fenced off and he wouldn't be able to swing by until Tuesday when they reopen.
So I will attempt once more to get the DOT dates from Sawyers on Tuesday and if I strike out I have a willing tow truck driver who will swing by and get them for me.
Back when I was spending money on this bus to have Sawyers inspect it, pull it over the pit, and take it for a drive for me they sent over quite a few pictures. Here is a link to the pictures of the bus if you care to view them.
https://vamci102a3conversion.shutterfly.com/pictures#n_5
Thanks to everyone.
The last two vanity pictures are closer to actual color of finish on cabinets. The flash pictures make the interior a few shades lighter that it actually is.
The only thing I object to is the boomerang design on the entry door, everything else is good to go as is. Refinements can be done later if they choose. Tile on the entry steps is a little slippery, in my opinion, but that can be changed.
Next steps obtain the DOT dates on tires, have it DOT inspected (VA inspection is expiring this month I believe), perform oil analysis, get results, post results and make offer pending results.
Can anyone tell by the pictures if this bus has Jake brakes? That was another item I was unable to obtain info on.
Thanks
This 6V92 is laid out differently than mine (mechanical 1984), and the pictures are not focused, but I would say no Jacob's Brake. The valve covers are much higher with the Jacob's. (I have a 50% chance of being correct).
No Jake brakes. Covers are std height as mine has jakes and I'm familiar with high and regular covers.
Quote from: luvrbus on July 01, 2016, 11:14:12 AM
The conversion I saw Fitch had done had the water tank under the bed making it higher,that location for a water tank has it's + and -
If there is a water tank there, is there a chance the engine hatches are covered up and you have access problems?
Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on July 01, 2016, 06:19:41 PM
Next steps obtain the DOT dates on tires, have it DOT inspected (VA inspection is expiring this month I believe), perform oil analysis, get results, post results and make offer pending results.
Do NOT let the seller do their own VA inspection! I bought my bus from a dealer in VA that has a license to do state inspections. They just slapped the sticker on and didn't inspect it because it would not have passed. Total conflict of interest! I think I complained to state of VA, but nothing ever came of it.
Quote from: belfert on July 02, 2016, 03:01:23 PM
Do NOT let the seller do their own VA inspection! I bought my bus from a dealer in VA that has a license to do state inspections. They just slapped the sticker on and didn't inspect it because it would not have passed. Total conflict of interest! I think I complained to state of VA, but nothing ever came of it.
There's also the issue of the inspection when get it home. Can you get a "paper plate" from your home state for the trip? No reason to do the inspection twice.
Some temporary plates for big things over 26k are just 3 days in some states.
This is some home work I would try to look into very good, I once found that over 26k rules are completely different. Some use commercial, some weight, some its the type and possible clearance issue that rates the moves through the state of issue.
To top this off these type plates may have to be issued in a different location?
Having the opportunity to see each area of inspection is going to be great but very tough to get accomplished, as I didn't see any big ramps.
It may be a good idea to figure out how to get an extensive inspection and then consider the dot later at destination, assuming vehicle is in safe operating order and if not certain items can be repaired for legal safe travel.
good day
Floyd
Most states allow a private owned newly purchased vehicle to cross with only a notarized bill of sale.We sent a Eagle to OK across AZ,NM,TX into OK no questions the DMV said we didn't temporary plates or a trip permit just the bill of sale notarized that may be different on the other coast though
After looking at the photos, that looks like a lot of coach for the $$$. I would get them to drop some because my guess is the tires are old. But if the engine appears solid, that's a nice coach. The shiny rim covers are most certainly without a doubt stainless simulators. About $600 for a set. Nice, but not alcoas by any stretch. You might want to pull one and check the rims for any heavy rust. Check the radiators too. Scratch the fins with your fingernail. If they flake and crumble, tell them to drop the price even more because you'll need to recore them at $3000 for the pair. Not kidding.
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Quote from: Oonrahnjay on July 02, 2016, 03:59:01 PM
There's also the issue of the inspection when get it home. Can you get a "paper plate" from your home state for the trip? No reason to do the inspection twice.
In my case the state of Minnesota doesn't require inspections. No way my bus would have passed a proper inspection in the condition it was in when I bought it. I had everything fixed so it should pass any inspection now.
Quote from: belfert on July 03, 2016, 07:02:02 AM
In my case the state of Minnesota doesn't require inspections. No way my bus would have passed a proper inspection in the condition it was in when I bought it. I had everything fixed so it should pass any inspection now.
Not so in Texas the registration is dependent on a vehicle passing the safety inspection,he lives in Walker County Tx according to his profile they may not have the smog testing like Harris County does if so that is + 1.Texas has a 1 sticker program now your registration, licenses, smog test,safety and insurance verification are all in the 1 sticker on the windshield they read from the bar code on the sticker
Evidently North Carolina doesn't either.I bought my bus in S C walked in to the N C tag office paid an exorbitant amount of tax (which like auto inspections in N C )is really all they care about any way ,and walked out with N C registration.Note that my bus had the RVIA badge on it . The selling dealer should be able to give you a 30 day tag .Just be sure to arrange your insurance so all you will have to do is call and give them the VIN. Contrary to what a lot of people think,when the dealer gives you a thirty day tag,his insurance DOES NOT cover you .
I never had a dealer give me a tag when a bus was sold on consignment,he is just a go between for the seller and buyer he doesn't own the bus and the titles are usually in individuals names and the dealers stay clear of those deals because different laws apply to a individual selling to another individual and he likes it that way
I forgot the consignment aspect,but if the po has tag and insurance ,perhaps a deal could be made with him to leave his tag and insurance on it long enough to get it home .If push comes to shove he might even deliver the bus for a fee of course!
The PO is a doctor, so I kind of doubt he would deliver, or lend his plates. In Ohio, once you have the transferred title, you can get 30 day temporary plates to move it into the state, but then you need a VIN verification to get the new title. It might be different in Texas (because it is a nation, not a state), but it will also have to be inspected. A DOT level inspection would apply to a commercial vehicle, so I would think it would be less stringent for a RV, perhaps.
When I purchased my Eagle in NJ from ABC Bus, I called my insurance agent and binded insurance coverage. ABC issued a transport permit and taped it inside my windshield. All I had was a bill of sale. The title came a week later. In NC we can purchase a 30 day permit if you have proof of insurance.
Reminder, when you are asking the DMV types, it is a MOTORHOME not a bus.
FWIW,
Art
Quote from: ArtGill on July 03, 2016, 04:20:33 PM
When I purchased mjavascript:void(0);y Eagle in NJ from ABC Bus, I called my insurance agent and binded insurance coverage. ABC issued a transport permit and taped it inside my windshield. All I had was a bill of sale. The title came a week later. In NC we can purchase a 30 day permit if you have proof of insurance.
Reminder, when you are asking the DMV types, it is a MOTORHOME not a bus.
FWIW,
Art
That is what we are talking about, a dealer can sell you a vehicle without the title in hand,most states require when a individual sells a vehicle he have the title in hand signed over to the buyer.A dealer in Az can take up to 6 weeks to furnish you with a title lol you cannot sell one to a scrap yard here without a signed title.We can buy a 1 day or 30 day tag but only if you own the vehicle and have AZ drivers license , no proof of insurance required but you better have it
Quote from: bigred on July 03, 2016, 10:32:25 AMEvidently North Carolina doesn't either.
North Carolina has an exemption from inspection for vehicles over a certain age; I'm pretty sure that it's 25 or 30 years.
Quote from: bigred on July 03, 2016, 10:32:25 AMI bought my bus in S C walked in to the N C tag office paid an exorbitant amount of tax (which like auto inspections in N C )is really all they care about any way ,and walked out with N C registration. ...
I call our state "North *Never saw a tax that we didn't love* Carolina"!
In NC the age is 35 years old before they do not need inspection.
Most all of my cars meet this and huggy sure does.
The reason all us old people keep every thing.
A old vehicle with all new running gear.
uncle ned
Are you sure that would apply to bus conversions?
Quote from: chessie4905 on July 04, 2016, 02:43:30 PM
Are you sure that would apply to bus conversions?
Yes.
Yes it applies to HUGGY She is a 1953 model
Insurance ,tag and taxes are the least on her than any thing I drive.
uncle ned
Ned, that must have changed, I used to get a new sticker every Christmas from Huggy. That was my xmas gift and also Dave's.
Jack
Jack You missed the HUGGY reunion. Ken Arnold, McNeil "the owner of the big scenic" and I went by his grave and blew black diesel smoke all over it.
It hang around for days after.
He has been gone close to 15 years I think. I have owned the coach for about that long. still have people come up to me and ask about him.
Still miss him also. He started me on this bus conversion road. Still have the first one also.
uncle ned
Jack i think you, I, Ken and Tom Mcneil "I think is his first name" are the only ones left that hung around his garage.
Tom Hamrick has the Prevost that the dr. that had a 04 that we worked on in the good old days had.
Just missed Dave the sunday after Palmetto cove before he passed away.
uncle ned
Maybe it varies upon which state you live in.
OK let me weigh in here for a second but really all i have to say has pretty much be said and agreed upon.
First off I agree with Clifford about Howard, Donna and Angel all three being stand up people! I've never had the slightest hint of deception in any of my dealings with them.
Now just to be totally honest and above board on this many of the buses they have for sale have been bought on multiple bus deals and they know very little if anything about them.
But if they do know of problems they are quick to admit it and willing to make $ adjustments for it also.
Now the one thing I will say is don't pay extra for a freshly painted bus or pay them to paint a bus unless it is specified the type and number of layers of paint was or is to be used! (for their "in house paint jobs" they use implement paint. Which does exactly what ti's supposed to do . Looks good and fresh for a little while but after a year or so looses it's shine and needs redone.)
Also always look real closely at the paint in the engine compartment, one of their guys loves doing spray can rebuilds! (LOL again if you look closely you'll see where he paints over stubborn grease, clamps, hoses, wires or whatever is in the way after he pressure washes it.
Other than that I nothing bad to say about them. (and I ain't bad mouthing that either just letting you know that's how it is.)
But as said this is a consignment bus so I really doubt they have done or know much at all about this particular bus.
Now about driving it home once the ink is dry take your bill of sale and head home with it! You won't have any trouble and if you do get stopped once you show them the bill of sale and you'll be good to go!
I have personally driven buses all over the country like that an NEVER had a problem!
Now happy negotiating and enjoy your new toy!
(if it were in August I'd be happy to fly out there give it a final inspection and drive it to TX for you. But I am WAY to busy until at least August to do that!
;D BK ;D
;D good one BK a lot of bus sellers use the $35.00 a gal Tractor Supply paint,then it beats Mike K's Walmart paint and roller job.Like you I never worry about temp plates a bill of sale I go
A kid with water colors could beat Mike K's paint jobs!
;D BK ;D
All, sorry for the lapse in communication. I have been going back and forth with the owner for the past few weeks.
We have an agreement in place to purchase the bus for $24,000. As part of the agreement I am having the fluids analyzed (today/see attached), I am flying to Charlotte NC on Wednesday night and driving up to Christiansburg VA on the 4th. I will first walk around the bus, look at the inside and see if this bus will work for my family. Assuming the answer is yes I have permission and his insurance will cover me (permissive use) to drive the bus to mechanics/shops for inspections/quotes and as part of the deal I wanted to drive it at least 60 miles one way (following your collective advice) to a campground, plug in, and test it for a night. I will return the bus on the 5th and fly home the morning of the 6th.
Fluid analysis reports are attached, it was performed this morning by Carter Machinery ($350) out of Salem VA. One reports notes about Glycol but I would greatly appreciate your input on these as they don't mean anything to me.
The owner also told me that this year MCI (actually a TMC made to MCI specifications I found out) has a Triple Function Device that has been bypassed or hardwired. Bus can be started from the drivers seat but can only be shut down by pushing in a solenoid with a big tire gauge at the engine. Any thoughts on this?
Thank you everyone,
Fraser
And remaining Fluid Analysis report.
Samples do not look good if that is the 6V92 it probably has gotten hot,the shut down is no biggie me I would pass unless you can make a super deal.I would offer $15,000.00 tops because it is going to need engine work soon.JMO show him the sample report they don't lie the copper is coming from the bearing more than likely caused by the antifreeze in the oil.That was the best $350.00 you spent in a long time
Cliff, I was afraid of that and yes it is a 6V92. The Temperature Gauge is one of the gauges not working on this bus so it may very well have gotten hot.
If this required an engine swap from prior posts I have read you recommend highly the Cat 3406 engine. What would I be looking at to swap one of these engines into the MCI 102A3? Would this also require a transmission swap?
Thank you for reviewing the reports and providing your valuable feedback. I already have my tickets up so I guess I can go kick eight tires and enjoy Mt. Airy (Mayberry)!
Thank you
Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on July 28, 2016, 04:27:47 AMCliff, I was afraid of that and yes it is a 6V92. The Temperature Gauge is one of the gauges not working on this bus so it may very well have gotten hot.
No matter why/what, everything looks like that engine is a time bomb. It may have already gone off or it may go off soon, but it's a time bomb.
Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on July 28, 2016, 04:27:47 AMIf this required an engine swap from prior posts I have read you recommend highly the Cat 3406 engine. What would I be looking at to swap one of these engines into the MCI 102A3? Would this also require a transmission swap?
Taking on a bus that needs an engine swap is lunacy, unless the seller is paying for it.
Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on July 28, 2016, 04:27:47 AMThank you for reviewing the reports and providing your valuable feedback. I already have my tickets up so I guess I can go kick eight tires and enjoy Mt. Airy (Mayberry)!
Thank you
Yeah, then you can run away from that bus like it was on fire and your pants were soaked in gasoline.
Quote from: luvrbus on July 27, 2016, 07:35:14 PM
Samples do not look good if that is the 6V92 it probably has gotten hot,the shut down is no biggie me I would pass unless you can make a super deal.I would offer $15,000.00 tops because it is going to need engine work soon.JMO show him the sample report they don't lie the copper is coming from the bearing more than likely caused by the antifreeze in the oil.That was the best $350.00 you spent in a long time
Yes, it was wise to check. Given that the temperature gauge is not working, and both radiators were renewed, along with the high copper, not good. Fraser had a lot of discussions with the actual owner who should have some knowledge of what happened, but he might have sidestepped the details. It was also mentioned previously that there was some smoking in the exhaust, we may now know where that is coming from. It was hoped that a good run would clear up things from sitting a while, but now I wonder if that would be wise. I had encouraged Fraser to have a mechanic check it out, but it looks like the oil analysis will be cheaper and just as effective in screening this bus.
I do love my Cat engines but the 3406 would be a major project for a install it is a huge engine, just plan on a rebuild on the 6V92 or maybe a series 50 from a transit bus would be the better option
Walter, thank you for summing it up nicely!
Cliff, would you go Series 50, rebuild the existing 6V92, or swap in a replacement 6V92 either used or rebuilt? Any idea on cost of these options. Seems like the Series 50 might be the ticket as it's the newer engine that you all have recommended to me.
Thanks
Fraser, when it is mentioned that this engine might be a "time bomb", it means that the bearings could fail at any time, and that the antifreeze leak could get worse. (The smell of antifreeze in the exhaust is somewhat sweet, as I recall). It might not be wise to drive it very far because you might get stuck with it away from help, but it also might run for thousands of miles. Detroit's keep going until the oil or fuel runs out, or the friction slows it down; it is a real crap shoot. Unless the owner relents on the price, the interior suits you, and the cost of a rebuild (far from home) is feasible, it might be wise to pass. At the least, this will be a real learning experience, almost worth the price of admission.
If you like the bus and can make the right deal and know what is ahead of you go for it,a out of frame engine rebuild on a 6v92 will cost you 10 to 12 grand,you can buy a transit bus with the B400 and series 50 for around 5k then another 5k ruffly to install the components.
That bus may drive home to Tx or may not you never know.The way you are armed now the seller does not have much of a choice but to adjust the selling price because if he sits on it the value will only go down.
The seller gains nothing if he tries to repair the engine and recoup his money that will not happen in todays bus market.His best bet is sell at a lower price JMO
good luck
Quote from: ScharpeStGuy on July 28, 2016, 06:14:24 AM... Any idea on cost of these options.
About twice the cost of another bus. You can save $$$$, time, energy, and work but just buying another bus.
In todays Bus market you never know. If it was me and its not I would take a chance instead of giving up on it and tell him you'll give him 10K cash and show him the analysis and that the drive train is of no use to you or anyone else for that matter. Then take it and find a S-50 to put in and do it. If he turns you down then at least you tried. ;D
Dave5Cs
If Fraser bought the bus (at a good price) and wanted to get it back to Texas, what do you all think of the idea (mine) of changing the oil, draining the antifreeze, and putting in straight water? Would that increase the odds of getting it back in one piece? Of course, another factor in the decision to buy this bus is whether the Allison is okay or not (that did not get a clear thumbs up when the Sawyer's people checked it out).
Walter,
It wouldn't necessarily come back to Texas/Houston area as I would be more inclined if I purchased it to deliver it to someone who is well respected and knowledgeable by you all to perform the work be it a rebuild, swap (6v92, 8v92, S-50), etc...
Thanks!
Is this bus still available ??Saw it in an advertisement for Sawyers bus sales along with two other buses but the MCI WAS MARKED AS SOLD!!
Quote from: bigred on July 28, 2016, 04:18:45 PM
Is this bus still available ??Saw it in an advertisement for Sawyers bus sales along with two other buses but the MCI WAS MARKED AS SOLD!!
If you are referring to stock#444, that is a different 1990 MCI. They probably took the conversion off the list because he has a deposit on it and a pending agreement to purchase.
Removed from the website as per the owner apparently in Virginia your insurance for a Bus motorhome will not extend if the bus is parked on a consignment lot. Apparently there is only one insurance company he has found that will allow the bus to be parked/marketed for sale on "one" consignment lot in the whole state.
Also received another report from Carter Machinery regarding the fluid analysis of the coolant, see attached if interested.
Owner is firm at $24,000 on the bus. I respect this as he has put a lot of money into this bus and although it may be a ticking time bomb it is also his "bus" that he put a lot of thought and money into. I will be meeting him at the bus next week to take a look at it and as Walter has said at the minimum I am learning a lot.
Thank you everyone.
Pass on it let the guy just set on it's not going anywhere at his price with all the info out now,what can he do repair it and up the price that is not going to happen on a 30 year old bus unless he finds a sucker,it is just a fact no matter how nice the conversion is he is setting on $15,000 bus till he takes care of the engine problems
Got to feel bad for the owner, he has no mechanical experience and he relied on converters and mechanics to do everything for him, and they happily took his money. After the bus apparently overheated, someone replaced both radiators, but did not follow up with further checks to see if the engine was damaged by overheating (my guess). The oil & coolant tests now show that there is definite coolant in the oil, and that the nitrite levels are bad in the coolant, indicating it has not been changed or had additives replenished. He reportedly spent an average of $5000 a year on maintenance, did he get his money's worth?
The nitrite levels deplete when you are getting antifreeze in the oil that is a sure sign it has problems.
In fairness to the seller I don't he knew about the problems most selling a bus would have covered it up with fresh oil and antifreeze JMO
Looks like this bus is a dead end unless the price is sweet! For someone who has a spare 6V92 laying around, and the skills to switch it, it might be an opportunity, but only at the right price.