Newbie needs help round 2

[MtLaw]

Thank you all for your input.    Much food for thought.

Below is a list of the 7 conversions which seem most interesting.  Obviously prices vary quite a bit, but what do you guys think?

Busses 4

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/rvs/1117780967.html

http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=43058&SearchMethod=1

http://www.tejascoach.com/consignbus.html
   1989 Eagle on this site

http://goodsonbussales.com/72eagle-ee-721.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250412763601

http://www.staleycoach.com/48852.htm

http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=44624&SearchMethod=1

[John316]

Okay, Here is a thought. First off, those were some great looking Eagles that you had listed. The only problem (and here guys I am not saying anything against Eagles or owners, take this a a compliment guys) with Eagles is that they are an orphan company (MCI might soon be too, for that matter). You can get Eagle parts, but not a easily as a MCI or Prevost. I don't know about Prevost, but MCI has free techinical support. I can call them up with any question that I ever have, and they will help me out with the answer. You can purchase all of their parts directly from them, and I would assume that Prevost has tech support too, and one can buy all of their parts directly from them too.

That said, Eagles are excellent buses. The only problem being, parts and support. I wouldn't want to own an Eagle with no mechanical knowledge.

That one MCI that you had on your list, seemed a little overpriced. You might want to call Staley coach. They will tell you what they have that might fit your needs, and you might get some more ideas.

Also try calling Legacy Coach. They are the ones with the Prevost on Ebay. Again they might have some more options for you. From what you have listed, if I had limited mechanical knowledge, I would go with either Legacy Coach's Prevost, or the Prevost out in the middle of Kansas (of course these are just a few of the buses out there, so keep looking). Otherwise, those were some nice looking Eagles too...

Remember, take it slow and easy. A bus is a very complex machine. It is even more complex than most Semi trucks, since it is so much bigger, and is a full RV too.

Well, I might have some more thoughts later, but I should go for now.

God bless,

John

[Len Silva]

Unlike John, I would have no fear of an Eagle just because it's an orphan.  There are very few parts that are not readily available in the after market or easily fabricated. For the most part. it's Detroit/Allison/Rockwell/VDO etc.

If the torsilastic is in good shape with plenty of index left, it will outlast you (and a lot of airbags).

I kind of like the Eagle at Tejas Coach. Twenty years old, converted from new and low miles.

However, even if you find a coach like that in superior condition, plan on another $10-15,000 to get it right.

[John316]

Len,

I wasn't saying that the Eagle wasn't a good bus. On the contrary, it is a great bus. I was just saying with limited mechanical knowledge, I thought that the tech support would be an extremely nice addition. I have a friend who is a Eagle owner (extreamly savvy with buses I might add) and he said that he liked the ride and everything of Eagles better, but next bus he might go with a MCI because of the tech support...

Nope, Eagles are GREAT buses. You just usually have to know a little more (you Eagle owners this is a compliment) to own a Eagle. I am just glad that our first bus was an MCI. At the time I just wouldn't have been bright enough to own an Eagle. Now I probably could...

YMMV

God bless,

John

[poppi]

MTlaw,

    Looks like a road trip to me
   If you want company and help getting your bus just let me know

  Skip

[Airbag]

I like this one hands down.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250412763601

[poppi]

Legacy coach has this on their web site at +77k. so their "buy it" is
less than what their own web sight is listing it.


Skip

[Van]

I agree there is no official tech support for the Eagles,but you know us,there is always plenty of help here on the board to go around for any make bus.I only wished I had known about the boards before I had set out to look for my bird.But anyone who has been fortunate to come across the forums and doe'nt seek advice ,better have deep pockets,by the way I also like the one at Tejas.Van

[niles500]

The Hoffman conversion on E*** can be a 'great' buy based on the current bids with a very reasonable 'buy it now' - the current bid couldn't buy the DD, Allison, and Martin Gen at that price - FWIW