MCI 102A3 peculiarities

Fredward · January 21, 2016, 10:39:49 AM

I've decided that the 102A3 is about the perfect conversion platform. So I've been watching for professionally converted 102s (oh and the wife wants one with a slideout). Every bus has it's issues; what are the structural issues or mechanical gotchas that 102A3's might have?

Fred

luvrbus · January 21, 2016, 10:59:06 AM

A's are nice buses me I would pass and go for a D model different cooling system, air bags are mounted outward for a better ride,4 stroke engine 60 series and world automatic with larger bays,the A's have no frame so slideouts are always a problem the ones I have seen

RJ · January 21, 2016, 11:11:00 AM

Fred -

I agree with Clifford, go for a "D" model. Prices are dropping quickly, so you should be able to find one easily.

One additional bonus he didn't mention - they're three inches taller inside, so for 90% of us, no need for a roof raise.

FWIW & HTH. . .

luvrbus · January 21, 2016, 11:32:49 AM

There was a nice DL3 conversion by Vantre from a new chassis floating around last year I kick my self for not buying the guy and I couldn't agree on a 2500 dollar item he was asking 55k and I was wanting to give 52k then some dealer in Lakeland FL ended up with it before I decided to give him his 55k

lvmci · January 21, 2016, 03:08:02 PM

Hi Fred, look at the 102C3 also, especially if you can find one with the single back radiator, instead of the split side radiators, lvmci...

Scott & Heather · January 22, 2016, 01:20:34 AM

I've never driven a D model coach but I've heard Cliff say they don't dive bomb turns as much as other coaches. I believe him. There's a reason mci started designing coaches with outboard bellows. Prevost has been doing this too longer than mci. Anyway, I would consider a 102c3 tho. We just bought one and here's where it shines:
1. Tall stock interior height
2. 102" wide (wide body)
3. Longest wheelbase for a 40 foot coach (usually equals better ride)
3. Lightest 40 foot mci 102. It's 250lbs lighter than the MCI-9 and nearly 6,000 lbs lighter than any 40' D model. For us, that's worth it cause that's what our toad Land Cruiser weighs in at loaded. 6,000 lbs is a lot of weight to carry just for outboard mounted air bags. I'm perfectly fine with not driving my coach around turns at 60mph lol if it means almost 6,000 lbs lighter. Now the 4 stroke vs 2 stroke....hands down the D wins. But you could always repower.

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lostagain · January 22, 2016, 03:36:47 AM

If I was looking for a bus, it would be a D for sure. I put thousands of miles on one for the hockey team. The ride is so solid and planted compared to anything older. Buy the best, latest you can afford.

JC

luvrbus · January 22, 2016, 03:56:53 AM

? did the D ever come with S/S siding I do miss the siding of the older MCI buses

lostagain · January 22, 2016, 03:58:41 AM

Never seen one with SS siding.

JC

Scott & Heather · January 22, 2016, 06:23:46 AM

Why are the D models 6000 pounds heavier than the C models?

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Fredward · January 22, 2016, 06:28:29 AM

Thanks guys. One of the things I like about the A's and C's is the Stainless. I still like a coach that looks like a bus. Not as concerned about ride. While I'm not afraid of a 2 Stroke (I've got one now!) I agree that a 4 stroke is the way to go. I'm also not afraid of repowering it myself at some point in the future. Whatever I buy to replace the MC-5 I expect to run it ten or fifteen years. I'm running a 51 year old coach now and it works just fine but would to find something newer with slides. My wife would be delighted. Hate to consider buying a motorhome just to get slides.
Fred

RJ · January 22, 2016, 06:59:12 AM

Fred -

I suggest that you visit a stick 'n staple dealer and talk to the service department about slides.

Better yet, find the stick 'n staple dealer's body shop and talk to them - and bring mama along, too.

I think you'll find it an eye-opener.

FWIW & HTH. . .

John316 · January 22, 2016, 07:28:03 AM

Quote from: Scott Bennett on January 22, 2016, 06:23:46 AM
Why are the D models 6000 pounds heavier than the C models?

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Scott. Could have something to do with most D's are 5' longer then most C's. Otherwise, I don't know.

AdamWalkup · January 22, 2016, 08:58:12 AM

I have 2 DL3s in our charter fleet that are stainless bottom, it was actually an upcharge. Interestingly customers don't like them and think they are old (even though they are two of the newer coaches). The bus motorhome guys tend to like the stainless bottoms.

My 94 DL conversion is stainless and I do like the looks of it, would not trade it for a "smooth side"

Scott & Heather · January 22, 2016, 10:44:43 AM

John, I'm comparing stats on MCI website of 40 foot D models and C models. The 45 foot D is a whole nuther ballgame in terms of weight

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