OH NOOO!!! ANOTHER NEWBIE!!!

[greg158]

HAHAHAAAA  Well sort of I guess. Not entirely new to buses but new to owning one. I'm the proud new (and terrified) owner of a 1963 MCI MC3 already converted coach... Yes, let the fun begin! I love a challenge. Yes I'm crazy, and I have the papers to prove it. Now that I've broken the ice with ya'll, lets get down to the nitty gritty. I picked up the ol' girl just outside of Winnipeg, was able to test drive it and was happy. Out came the cash... The coach has many new parts and lots of really old ones. It's a fully self contained RV conversion with all systems working and intact thankfully. I will post some pics soon. I havent taken much time to browse through all the topics in the forum for info that I am in need of so I will post it here. I live in Winnipeg so if any of you know of parts nearby, Please let me know. Thanks in advance. I found a guy in Alberta with a bunch of MCI parts, but it sounds like he's just moved and not completely unpacked yet. I need a drivers side windshield and both drivers and passenger side windshield gaskets. Rubber hinges for the baggage compartment doors. Speedometer cable. Tach is also not working, it's electronic. Any suggestions where to start looking for a fix?  I'm very mechanically inclined and work out of a fully capable repair shop (heavy trucks and equipment). That's also where i keep the bus. Any suggestions or input for anything to look for on an old coach like this would be greatly appreciated and welcome! As soon as I finish the head gaskets on my Duramax, I'll be rollin' the toolbox over next to her shiny stainless sides. Once again, any info, links, things to check out... anything pertaining to my model coach would make me very happy! Thank you!! And greetings to you all!!!
Greg

[Dave5Cs]

Welcome to the madness. I have a 5cs MCI. # is pretty rare these days.
Most of the parts you are looking for rubber goods etc. can be obtained from Luke B. of US coach in Vineland, NJ
888-262-2434 Call him and you can ask him what he has in your parts and he will tell you what he has and the price. Keep his number you will be calling him frequently.
If he doesn't have it Mohawk Ind, NAPA engine and air parts and there are many more in links in the archives here. HTH

Dave5Cs

[RJ]

Greg -

Welcome to the madness.  Busnutitus is incurable, but it can be controlled.

Since you live in Winnipeg, you're just a hop, skip & jump to the factory in the Ft Gary area.  May not be the best source of parts for that vintage MCI, but you can always try.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[chessie4905]

   You should consider ditching any speedo cable unless it comes from front wheel. Electronic speedometers are the way to go anymore. Sender can be at transmission with necessary associated wiring or at driver's front wheel.

[lostagain]

Hi Greg,

welcome here. Good to see someone else with an MCI, among so many GMs, ha, ha.

I used to drive MC3s in the '70s for Brewster's out of Banff AB. What engine/transmission is in it now?
Post some pictures. Hope to meet you and see your bus sometime.

JC

[greg158]

Thanks for the replies and info so far. Hi JC, the bus has a 6V71 (second engine) not the original, and a four speed manual. This motor was originally a marine application Detroit, has N70 injectors in it. Basically the same thing, just came out of a boat. I have an almost complete rebuild kit included with my purchase of the bus, just need rings and lower end bearings. The rebuild is going to happen this winter. She puffs blue on start up so I know valve seals are weak at the very least and under power she's rollin' coal ( obvious black smoke ). I'm almost sure thats because of the bigger injectors. I have nine brand new N60's with my rebuild parts. Luckily I didnt have to buy any of these extras that came with the bus.
Greg

[krcevs]

Welcome Greg!
Its an addiction for sure. Once you own one you will own several.

Ken

[Charles in SC]

Welcome to the bus madness! You might want to drive it a while before you jump into a rebuild. It is amazing how much smoke and such you get used to when you see it regularly.

[Jim Eh.]

Hi Greg,

It doesn't happen to be all white now does it? Where do you work?

[Scott & Heather]

sorry you fell into the pit of doom...







but on the other hand, it's a party down here....

[greg158]

Hey Krank... No white smoke at all. Also I work for an excavating and levelling company on the south side of the city. I know detroits have a habit of making a lot of smoke. The previous owner informed me it ate the oil ring on a trip a few yrs back and since he was unsure of the mileage on this engine, that's why I'm considering the rebuild this winter  He did the repair on the road...

[greg158]

[Jim Eh.]

. I meant all white as in top to bottom white in color. There was an all white 5 going past my shop a number of times this summer and was wondering if it was you.
Sweet looking unit. Are you planing any trips this year?

[greg158]

 Oh LOL (white bus) I get it. Trips, yes... short ones to Grand Beach and Brandon. If all goes well, maybe Thunder Bay for Thanksgiving.