Bus "makeover" at Bruce & Ross

gr8njt · December 10, 2006, 05:54:58 AM

The MCI-9 hitch installation done by "Bruce and Ross" was impressively inexpensive and of the highest quality. I've previously had a well known hitch company quote the same project for a thousand dollars more.
Because of this very pleasant experience, It was easy to convince my wife to have this "dynamic duo" install the R&M 102 style rear kit and smooth skin kit, so we dropped off the MCI-9 at their place this weekend.

Pending their supplier final pricing, reskining of the exterior is in the plan (around the existing windows) with one piece fiberglass from the roof down to the floor level to eliminate a lot of the unsightly exposed rivets and moulding. To finalize this makeover, the bus will be painted plain white.

I will update this Board and my website for the progress of the project.

ChuckMC9 · December 10, 2006, 08:41:39 AM

Quote from: gr8njt on December 10, 2006, 05:54:58 AM
...to eliminate a lot of the unsightly exposed rivets...

Unsightly? UNSIGHTLY!? Wassamattawithyou?

DrivingMissLazy · December 10, 2006, 09:31:24 AM

Quote from: ChuckMC9 on December 10, 2006, 08:41:39 AM
Quote from: gr8njt on December 10, 2006, 05:54:58 AM
...to eliminate a lot of the unsightly exposed rivets...

Unsightly? UNSIGHTLY!? Wassamattawithyou?

I agree with Chuck. If you do not have the exposed rivets then you might as well have a stick and staples. It no longer looks like a bus. LOL
Richard

Kristinsgrandpa · December 10, 2006, 10:06:34 AM

A lot of owners with smooth sided coaches will argure with you.

Mine is, and if it wasn't I'd contemplate the same.

Ed

Dreamscape · December 10, 2006, 10:33:27 AM

It is all about personal preferance!

Mine is original, and I plan to leave it that way. I like the look of the older buses, just me.

Somelse might want the look of a newer coach.

Do it your way.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

gr8njt · December 10, 2006, 11:42:33 AM

Quote from: DrivingMissLazy on December 10, 2006, 09:31:24 AMI agree with Chuck. If you do not have the exposed rivets then you might as well have a stick and staples. It no longer looks like a bus. LOL
Richard

I understand where you guys are coming from

and I apologize if I offended others' feelings with my "exposed rivet" description....
but....like Dreamscape has objectively pointed out, it is just a matter of personal preference.

My SS siding isn't perfect (dings & dents) and it would be quite cost prohibitive to replace the entire door set with the same OE SS materials.
Aside from the fact that the R&M flat sides are cheaper, it will also give my 23 yr old MCI the "younger and newer" look that I prefer.
I am just thrilled that I was able to obtain Bruce and Ross' high quality of skill and craftmanship in this project.

NJT5047 · December 10, 2006, 06:19:18 PM

Are we voing on this? Put me in the "smooth side" (rivetless is even better) group for MCIs.
Eagles, Prevost LeMirage, and GM wouldn't look right in paintable sides...but most MCIs look real good all painted up nice 'n fancy.
I'd do a smooth side on my '9 and steal the paint job off one of those American Eagles....got so many other things that need attention first. Gimmie stripes! And, the more modern the better! Caps is good!
Clealy no offense intended to those busnuts that wish to ride in a ~~relic~~...classic coach.

JR

muddog16 · December 11, 2006, 03:02:13 AM

After pricing stainless from someone we all know, I've given the thought to smooth sides, no rivets also! I thought about all new stainless...........but after pricing it!.........It's not going to happen! I think a painted bus looks just as good and probably would be less maintenance, afterall we aren't getting any younger and I don't want to spend my retirement fretting over stainless every week! I've tip toed for the last year over this not wanting to burn any bridges. The stainless was going to cost more than the new remanufactured 8V92TA! Which i thougth was silly!! OH WELL! I don't mind them making money, but making a living off of me isn't going to happen! If its ugly when I finish, I'll sell it and move on to the next hobby what ever that is! IF you llike smooth do it, its your project! Pat

http://prevostlemirage.blogspot.com/

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · December 11, 2006, 05:49:17 AM

Hi Guy's,

Smooth side is very nice but, It's a lot of work for sure.....

Here is my job, and the bag doors are a tough job too

buswarrior · December 11, 2006, 06:20:44 PM

Hmmmm...

Smooth siding a coach that left the factory with riveted fluted siding....

Well, you've seen those much too old women trying to look young with the hair, nails, make-up, clothes and heels?

Who's foolin' who?

Go find a younger woman.... er.... coach!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

gr8njt · December 11, 2006, 06:57:27 PM

Yeah, most of the times, dumping the old lady for the younger woman (a coach in this matter) is VERY expensive and may break the bank. In my case, it is most economical to get the "old hag" some facelift and tummy tuck and it's all I need to fool the crankshaft to keep on pumping. LOL