Ok, I have found a possible deal on a coach. But I need some more advise, surprise surprise. I found an old Greyhound bus for $800 that is between late 50's and mid 60's. The owner doesn't know exactly how old it is or what make/model it is. I have done a little more research and found out that it is probably a GMC or an MCI depending on how close to 55 or how far from 55 it was made. And could, within that time period, have been a dual hydrolic engine which I should avoid at all costs. I know what to look for when inspecting to rule that out. But there are other possible problems with it as well, some of the windows have been busted out for a couple of years so there is a possible rust situation there and the batteries in it are dead so I would have to find a way to see if it still runs. The owner said that it was started about 2 years ago and ran fine with very little smoke. I guess my main question is, is this even worth checking out or should I pass and wait for something with less potential problems? I would go to inspect it without question if it were closer, but as it stands I am going to have to travel about 5 hours one way to see it.
Thanks for all the help,
Jeremy
What do you intend to do with the coach once you have it?
If you intend to convert to a motorhome, what types of things do you want to add? all electric, propane stove and refrig, water tanks for fresh water, grey water and black? will yo just throw in a couch and a bed and call it a day?
what kinds of distances do you want to travel? What kinds of roads do you want to travel on - freeeways, back roads, off road?
What are your skills? Can you weld, or do al the reapairs and maintenance on the bus running gear? Are yo good with building out the inside? anything you are not good at, you will propbably be paying someone else to do it.
Broken windows, change all fluids, lube, filter change add batteries. What about the air system? some of those things can get very expensive. Even to the point where free might not be worth it. If it has 8 tires, you can spend $500 a tire for new tires. Even if yo get a smokin deal, thats still at least $2,000 for tires. Tires on a bus that has been sitting uncared for is verly likely to need new ones.
Buses hate to sit, especially for years. Things just go bad while sitting. its not a good sign.
But, it never hurts to look. You may be looking for months or even more than a year to find "the one". Its good to start looking at anything that interests you.
By all means check it out and find out what it will take to be mechanicaly safe. These large vessels require so much more than a car or pickup. Remember they are very heavy and require a lot to stop them. You could spend 10K on just the brakes alone.
I was very lucky and found a great Eagle for 10K. Sure there are issues, but there is with anything old and used. It was a bus conversion with generator and older interior. I have spent 5K so far on the interior alone after stripping it down to a bare shell, and only 75% completed. Then I will spend another 5 to 10K on painting the exterior.
Be prepared to jump in with both feet and not be afraid to make it what you want. As others have said "Do it Your Way". Then you will be happy.
Read and ask lots of questions. This board has been a great help to me.
Good Luck,
Happy Trails,
Paul
Dreamscape
Thanks for the replies guys. I think I am going to spend the time to check it out. After a second call, it is apparent to me that the person who is selling has no idea about what they are selling and can not give me the answers that I need. An additional piece of information that I didn't know before is that this bus has already been converted and used for 5 years as a fulltime RV by a missionary couple before it was sold to the present owner. For $800, there may be more in it than just the shell since it was already a conversion. Who knows, I may be able to pick up tanks, electrical components for shoring, a generator or other such post-conversion accoutrement with the shell. I may get lucky and it may turn out to be a good deal.
I realize that I am not opperating entirely in reality, but it will be fun either way. :)
Thanks again,
Jeremy
Where in Texas are you located?
We are in Hawley, just north of Abilene.
Always good to find other busnuts in the area.
Paul
Jeremy, If the guy can't tell you what year and what make the bus is he must not have the title. Don't spend to much money on someone elses bus.
Dream: I am in Austin. I use to live in Odessa, a lot closer to your neck of the woods.
NJT: He does not currently have the title, but he said he can get it before I come down to look at the bus. The only money I am planning on spending right now is the gas money to get there and probably to buy a plane ticket to the next Busnuts Rally. :) Thanks for the advise.
Thanks mucho,
Jeremy
Hello busnut_texas,
Welcome!
Good Luck with your new adventure...
Nick Badame-
Jeremy, you might consider mentioning (approximately) where the coach is (where you are is also important). We're scattered about the state, Abilene, Austin, Palestine, Dallas (me), and I think there's someone around El Paso. Someone may be able to eyeball the coach for you, even to tell you if it's worth the gas money to go look yourself. I'm planning to go to Austin next week to pick up seats for my 4107, and I was going to offer to look at it with you. I re-read, and saw that you're in Austin, the coach isn't.
Just a thought.
Arthur
Arthur, thanks for the offer, but I wouldn't want to subject you to another 5 hours of travel. :) The bus is all the way down in McAllen, about 5 hours south of Austin. If there is anyone from that area that could stop by and look at it, that would be great. Otherwise, I am planning to make the drive down on Friday to look at it.
Thanks,
Jerm...
You may have Just found the Pot at the end of the Rainbow.. Wish I was closer Id like to see it too ;D
You MUST take Pics and Post them.. ;)
If you are looking at a 50 year old bus that has been parked for several years, plan on it needing all new rubber lines for the brakes (easier to replace now, rather than at 60 mph when you need to stop). The tires will need replacing.
The main advantage in getting a cheap bus is that you KNOW everything needs attention, there are no delusions of using it as-is.
You mentioned "a dual hydrolic engine which I should avoid at all costs". The only bus I know of that had that would be the PD4501. If you find one with the original dual engine setup, you would be surprised at how much interest ($$$) it would get.
All GM buses had a V-drive which limits your engine choices - the exception is the PD4501 which has a T-drive like the MCI & big trucks.
BTW, there ain't no such thing as a free bus! BTDT, 3 times! (OK, there may be some truth that I'm a slow learner) ;D
Isn't TX Don around McCallen? Hadn't heard nothin from him in ages! I know he was a LUVR of old beasts! He might be willing to check it out! Also if ya can get Dallas some vin numbers he can usually tell ya all about it! (He still has all that stuff in a notebook or somethin! He was around when Mobby Dick was a minnow! LOL! Ha, Dallas sorry I just couldn't help myself! I can't remember what I owed you 1 for, but there it is! LOL!).
Seriously though Jeremy, I think we have some members downin the valley area! Might have to shake, rattle, & bang on something to wake 'm up! Also might check over on BNO and see if TX Don's been more active over there than he has here! FWIW BK ;D
kyle: Yeh, I was talking about the dual 4-71's on the PD4501, but after re-reading I see what you mean about it being more valuable. I missed the part before about Greyhound removing the dual engine setup from it's remaining fleet when problems were encountered. The bus has been sitting for 2 years. I am also harboring no delusions that this bus will be roadworthy right off the lawn. If and this is a big IF, this is the bus for me then I expect to replace some things before I can even get it home. At this point I am going down there just to make sure I am not passing up a good deal, take some pictures and if I am not interested at least I will have the pics for some else who might be. Plus it will be my first (hopefully of many) bus shopping road trip, it will be fun.
BK: Thanks for the advise. I have tried for a week to get registered on the BNO board. I am not getting the registration email.
Thanks again,
Jeremy
I've tried to register on the BNO Board also. Nick sent an email to Ian for him to get in touch with me. I will let him know about your request also.
Paul
Dreamscape