Anyone in the Durhan NC area able to kick some tires for me?

pickpaul · February 27, 2011, 03:23:56 AM

I'd owe you a huge one, especially if I finally get my bus! It's a 1979 MCI. Hoping a 9 but maybe an 8 been recapped and smoothsided so can't tell from pics. I'd get it checked by a mechanic before purchase but the owner doesn't know any details on it and has poor English. I'd love some local knowledgeable eyes to check it out to give me the basics before dropping cash on mechanics and driving down from DC. Any help would be awesome.

Cheers, Paul.

brando4905 · February 27, 2011, 04:26:39 AM

Paul,

I'd love to go look at it for you, but it is a six hour round trip to Durham for me. There is a good mobile two-stroke mechanic in that area, his name is Robert Moore 919-30eight-012five, maybe you can work something out with him. Never used this guy personally, but some folks on the GMC yahoo site have recommended him.

Good luck, hope it turns out to be a good one.

Brandon

DMoedave · February 27, 2011, 04:46:47 AM

I would have to second the Robert Moore recomendation. The $ spent would be well worth it and cheeper than a drive down.

Highway Yacht · February 27, 2011, 07:31:41 AM

It looks like a MC-9 from the pictures and I was under the impression that 1978 was the last year for the MC-8 but not sure. Not a bad looking bus from the outside but I did notice it only has one roof air. Maybe it also has a basement air too. I'm in NC but Durham is also about a 6 hour round trip for me. I'm guessing DC to Durham is about 4 hours each way of nothing but interstate driving. Would make a nice day trip for you and maybe you could line it up the Mobile 2 Stroke guy that once you like what you see when you get there, you could call him and he could drive over and look it over while you are there. Just an idea.. Good Luck!!

Jimmy

pickpaul · February 27, 2011, 11:46:36 AM

Yeh, good point. I should just drive down, I used to do the drive down to Cary all the time and I run on veggie oil so it doesn't cost me anything.

I got some details and more pics from the guy and it sounds/looks like a bit of a mess frankly. It is only the one A/C unit and it doesn't work so 3 rooftops right there. He has no idea on heating, the shower doesn't work and it looks like a mess inside but at that kind of money I could repair and upgrade for much less than starting with a shell I think. Also, no generator so another $10k there potentially.

I'll keep you guys posted.

Paul.

Barn Owl · February 27, 2011, 03:10:17 PM

Have any photos or a link that we can see?

wildbob24 · February 27, 2011, 03:16:14 PM

Quote from: Barn Owl on February 27, 2011, 03:10:17 PM
Have any photos or a link that we can see?

I'm guessing it's this one:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2210117964.html

Bob

thejumpsuitman · February 27, 2011, 04:07:48 PM

I wouldn't even consider a new generator for $10K... Plenty of good used ones out there for cheap.

pickpaul · February 27, 2011, 09:21:27 PM

Yes, that's it. I'm sure I exagerated the price on the genny but compared to a bus that has a high quality one installed on a slide and quiet box and all wired in etc.

When you look at the price of this baby, I think it's the better bus for $14,500...

http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=791

You can't help but fall over crazy good deals as a buyer right now.

Busted Knuckle · February 28, 2011, 06:57:46 AM

Paul I agree ChuckD's bus looks like a much better deal! (and he's a member here on the board too!)

Also if looking at spending that much on it before buying it it, it may not be such a bargan!

Also you mention running veggie oil. And seems like I remember you saying you would be converting your bus to it too. If that's the case Charlie Davidson's bus maybe be a better deal for you! As he already has a well tested and proven WO system installed. (I have no idea what he's ask'n! for it)

And just to be clear I have NO CONNECTION or financial interests in any of these buses!

BK

wildbob24 · February 28, 2011, 09:06:23 AM

Quote from: pickpaul on February 27, 2011, 09:21:27 PM
Yes, that's it. I'm sure I exagerated the price on the genny but compared to a bus that has a high quality one installed on a slide and quiet box and all wired in etc.

When you look at the price of this baby, I think it's the better bus for $14,500...

http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=791

You can't help but fall over crazy good deals as a buyer right now.

Wow, That's a very good price for Chuck's bus. I've seen it and it is a nice one. Ready to be used, as he states. I'm a big fan of turboed 8v71s. I haven't driven Chuck's but if it's like the others I've driven, it'll be a runner.....if I had the spare change, I'd be lookin' real hard at this one, and I'm a GM guy.

I've bought some conversion stuff from Chuck and he always treated me fairly.

Paul, if it fits your budget, you should seriously consider it.

Bob

pickpaul · February 28, 2011, 11:49:31 AM

Thanks for the heads up on charley's veggie system, I emailed him.

Barn Owl · February 28, 2011, 01:01:12 PM

Even in this crappy market there is no way this will last long. If I could I would buy this bus myself, and if it is as nice as others are saying, that have seen it, then this is a giveaway! To anyone looking to buy a conversion all I can say is: You snooze, you will loose......

1977 mci mc8 - $ 14,500.00 USD

See video at
http://s1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd484/chuckmc8/
1977 MC8 fully converted bus, ready to travel. I have easily over 5000 hours and nearly 10 years into this conversion.
8V71 Turbo with only 43,000 Miles since new (not rebuilt), Allsion automatic trans, Jake brakes, New Winnegard direct TV in motion sat, 2 roof air conditioners and central furnace are controlled with digital thermostat.
ew leather sofa,, Alcoa wheels. Solar array for house batteries, Zip dee awnings, 21' main awning, R & M full smooth side kit, full body paint, new integral steering, Flexsteel leather capt and co capt seats, new Day nite shades on all windows, hardwood in salon and b/r and tile in kit and bath, 110 fresh and 110 waste tanks, airstream shower, ONAN 7kw Marquis Generator, new Sealy Posturepedic queen in Master, 2 pullman style bunks, perfect for family. dinette also makes a bed. 19" TV in salon, 36" TV in front bay. New Fantastic Fan with Rain sensor. Ramco Power Mirrors. Brand New (2011) Batteries. Class III trailer hitch. Propane detector, New stainless steel fridge. Central vacuum. 24V fluorescent int lighting. Both windshields and gaskets are new. VIP Mahogany Steering Wheel, Tilt and Telescopic steering column. Professionally decorated interior, Its beautiful inside! Complete Records and service manuals are included. This bus is very fast, does not run with the trucks on the expressway...... Drives great!
Add up the conversion parts alone and they are much more than I want for the complete ready to roll bus! There is not a deal out there anywhere close to this. Compare what others are wanting for bare worn out shells! This bus has only 4,600 miles on it since it was converted.

Chopper Scott · February 28, 2011, 07:22:28 PM

Damn..... that's pretty hard to not be serious about.

Kevinmc5 · February 28, 2011, 08:02:39 PM

WOW! nice bus. I have been looking for a bus for over a year and that's a steel. Does he need a one of a kind custom motorcycle?

Kevin