Hey guys...
I decided to start a new thread on this subject, as I have been reading others, especially the recent "one that got away" thread started by someguy.
Since I am only paying $1000 for the bus (next Wednesday!!!, I hope I don't pass away before then!), I am not afraid of ending up with a lemon, especially since I will be getting the last 10 years of service records with it. It was apparently serviced regularly at the local truck repair outfit that has a good reputation for quality work on fleet vehicles.
One thing that keeps coming up is the "gold bricks". What function do they perform, and are there alternatives for them if they go bad?
Your D4500 doesn't have the CAN system like a E/J model,only two computers 1 for the transmission and 1 for engine,if it is not rusted out at the tag area you got a heck of a deal
I know this sounds extremely strange, but I am not certain that it is a D4500 yet. It is identical to one that was for sale at NW Bus Sales (near Tacoma WA) (same seats, no restroom, wheel chair lift about 1/3 of the way back going into a slider door), straight lines (not curved like the J model), no restroom, and double air entry doors, 45 foot, all white, Series 60. I am assuming it is a D4500 from that. It is so cheap it's like I don't care what kind it is! I'll know more soon.
What is the difference between E, J, and D? (I should probably start a new thread!).
Easy way to spot the D it won't have the big windsheilds like a J or the E,the D is the work horse nothing fancy it just goes to work and the most produced bus ever made last time I checked there was over 11,000 produced and still being produced that was 3 years ago
Here's a picture (attached)
That is the D4500
Excellent. Thank you luvrvus. You are very helpful and knowledgeable.
Congratulations - can't wait to see the video of you driving it home.
Here's a YouTube link of my short test drive. I was unable to get the short video to attach, so I put it onto YouTube.
https://youtu.be/k3STuJJmr6M
Gonna be a great new adventure making that one into a motorhome.
Yep, I'm pretty pumped over it. I have a '74 MCI that I'll use in the meantime. It has a few problems that all of a sudden I don't feel too bad about now! This will be a good ground up project that I've been wanting to do for years. I have owned 5 buses, 2 of which were already converted, 3 that I wanted to convert, but they were too far gone. They consist of 2 Eagles, a 4104, a '68 GM "fishbowl" and my current MC-8. I drove the fishbowl for thousands of miles as a motorhome (more than the others). This one will be (hopefully) my last. I believe it has the "bones" to build on.
Quote from: Glennman on August 30, 2020, 04:40:52 PM
Here's a YouTube link of my short test drive. I was unable to get the short video to attach, so I put it onto YouTube.
https://youtu.be/k3STuJJmr6M
How sweet it is! Congratulations!
Great news
This could be one of the better deals to happen in recent memory. Even if certain things need fixing, the tires and wheels are worth it. :o
You are going to like that bus check the rust area around the tag axle it will tell you a lot, and does the tag turn ? or is it locked in place,lol no more chasing 40w engine oil you can buy the oil for the series 60 at at Walmart,check the Lacroix Cruiser on you tube Yvan and Sylive are starting on the interior of their DL they have a F/B page dedicated to the MCI D series
Thanks luvrbus. I have watched every one of the Lacroix videos. They are doing a fantastic job, aren't they? I've learned a lot from them. They take a lot of fear out of the unknown. I plan to video my taking it home next Wednesday. I have a new GoPro so I plan to make some videos of it, but I am not retired yet (nor as gifted as them!), but I do have years of fabrication experience, and was a contractor, including some major tinkering experience. We'll see!
Yvan and Sylive are two great people make contact with him,you have a lot in common lol both have 8v71T, they spent a month at my place redoing his 8v71 TA from a bad rebuild job a few month earlier those 2 never give up
Looks just like my bus in the video. Rides nice I bet. Great starting point.
Got a link to those videos?
Jim
Youtube - search Lacroix Cruiser. There is another place they used to post on, maybe still do but this one covers all their recent experiences including the new bus build.
Glennman, I think you got the buy of a lifetime! $1,000.00 and you can drive her. That is wonderful. I'm so happy for you. You have a great platform for your new bus conversion.
Wow, you guys are great! Thanks for all the encouragement! I would say I do have some similar experiences with the Lacroix's in that I am having a few troubles with the old 8V71T. I'll keep it running for a few local excursions, then sell it or whatever. I has a 12 kw Kubota, water and sewer tanks, aluminum rims, and a few other goodies I can either sell or use. The bus has a 12" raised roof, and excellent caps with updated MC-9 windshields, power steering, HT740 that shifts perfect, etc. Maybe someone will be interested in it some day.
I'll be putting some videos together, including going to get it this week.