RTS Discussion

[Dallas]

Hey Y'all,

We have a member who is being coerced unh, herded unh, coaxed into buying and converting an RTS.

Other than the obvious disadvantages of speed and storage, what are the pros and cons of doing one of these fine machines?

Dallas

[Barn Owl]

I would think that it would be inexpensive to buy the shell, and they make a sleek, good looking conversion. That would be all I know about them.

[HighTechRedneck]

Just off hand the pros are:

• RTS conversions are often referred to as the sports car of bus conversions.  Some like it sporty even if it does weigh 30,000 pounds.
• Smooth sides without having to reskin it
• High ceiling without having to do a roof raise
• Stainless steel framing.

And the cons:

• Less under side storage than other typical OTR coaches, none pre-existing.
• Typically they have a low rear end ratio making their top speed just over 60 mph unless you replace the rear end gears (about $2000)
• Highly curved walls can challenge interior design (but can certainly be done).

(Sorry Dallas, I included the obvious anyway.  A list of one item didn't look good  )

I spoke of the looks, here are some good examples of what can be done:

Ward Hill's



(note: to follow the links below you need a yahoo groups membership and join the RTS group)

Geoff's

Pete's (RTS/Daytona)

RTS with slide out


My RTS will likely never look as good as any of those.  But I still love it.

[tekebird]

Cons:

Have to deal with two sets of doors, removing the rear one and making the front one a sedan style

pretty much anyone you find will be rode hard and put away wet.

[RJ]

HighTech -

The RTS is the second-generation "Sports Car of Buses".

The 4106 is the first.

Just like a 1961 Corvette is not the same as a 1978 Corvette, they're both GM/Chevy's sports car.  Obviously the '78 evolved tremendously from the '61, just like the RTS evolved tremendously from the New Looks that preceded it.  Of course the 4106 was more like the 'Vette (big V-8 and "four-on-the-floor") than a New Look, which is why it got dubbed "Sports Car of Buses" originally.  (In case you didn't pick up on it, I chose the two year-model Corvette's to match the first year of production for each model bus.)

This is NOT a slam against the RTS, it's just the evolution.  I like both coaches, they're both a kick to drive.  They both have their advantages and their disadvantages, as has been pointed out.  Then again, nobody ever said that a sports car was practical, either!! 

Dallas -

If your friend is willing to rise to the challenges of converting a coach, the RTS makes a good shell, as long as he's aware of the additional obstacles he'll face converting a transit model as opposed to a highway coach.

Be aware that the RTS has corrosion issues around the rear bulkheads on either side of the rear axle.  Check thoroughly for a soft floor in this area.  Naturally, a SW USA model would have less of an issue than one from the NE.

Some folk say the earlier independent front suspension models "ride harder" than later solid-axle units, but I don't have any experience with the latter, so cannot comment.  The RTS group on Yahoo can better answer that question.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Sammy]

Russ mentions a very important area to check before buying one of these, especially older ones.
I have seen problems with rear bulkheads.They crack where the cradle mount brackets bolt to the bulkhead.The rear bulkhead will rot out and the "horizontal" and vertical supports" for the rear bulkhead rot out too.The rear radius rod "towers' rot out and then the radius rod bosses break away from the radius rod tower.
The rear floors get soft around the front and rear wheelwell areas,wood disintegrates,leaving soft floor covering only.Tap around these areas with a ball pein hammer, you'll hear the difference between wood and no wood.
Best of luck shopping for a good conversion candidate.
Sammy 

[RTS/Daytona]

Hi All

Don't Underestimate the RTS - Mostly Stainless Steel Unibody construction - comes in 35' or 40 ' and 96' or 102" wide bodies. Mines powered by a 6V92TA / V731 w/4.10 gears

My 35' 102" wide '89 RTS has - 140 gallons diesel - 95 gallons waste - 92 gallons fresh - a 7kw Generator - washer/dryer - walk-thru bath with neoangle shower - huge closets (the bedroom closet (over the engine) is 6' wide 20' deep and 4' high). the hall closet is 5' wide 24" deep and floor to ceiling - by the way, my finished ceiling height (with twin 15K BTU Dometics a/c units - fully ducted) is 78" - (and that's with an average of (2 3/4") of insulation in the ceiling

Plus an approx 8' x 5' x 20" storage bay (1 in the 35 footer - 2 in the 40 footer)

Drove it 2000 miles home from California with the original 5.13 rear and got 7 MPG - I expect close to 9/10 with my 4.10 - IT drives like a "baby carriage" top speed = 78 MPH - cruises at 72


MORE LIKE THE      **** DELORIAN OF BUSES****

Pete RTS/Daytona

[RTS/Daytona]

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[RTS/Daytona]

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[RTS/Daytona]

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[prevost82]

Nice job Pete...
Ron

[RJ]

Pete -

DeLorean??  Please tell me you're not serious!   



Actually, Pete makes a good point.  The RTS spawned several cars in the GM line-up that used a similar construction technique, that of a robust frame assembly underneath composite panels.  First the Pontiac Fiero and then Saturn followed this idea pioneered by GMC Truck & Coach.

Pete's RTS is way cool, btw!  Very nicely done.

[FloridaCliff]

Pete,

I am glad I saw your bus in the "before finish" stage.

Its really cool to see all your ideas and plans come together.

Very nice work! 

Cliff

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Low    Ri    Der

And Way Kool.......

Nick-

[donnreeves]

Like Pete I have a 35' RTS.I chose it for it's size and style.Those are still valid points for me.Yes the highway gears cost money,and you will have to build the storage bays.Some may find working with curved walls tough, but with a little work it makes a great conversion.I have 95 gal of fresh,120 gal waste, 167 gal fuel,hydronic heat,ducted air(without raising the roof) 4KW gen 400AH house battery bank with 2500 watt inverter.It even has hot and cold running water.With my 350HP 6V-92 and 4:10 gears,there aren't too many coaches that can leave me in the dust.So yea, I love my RTS and wouldn't hesitate to do another.