Neoplan Skyliner

[Phil H / Chicago]

Hey guys,

I am trying to educate myself on whether a Skyliner would be an alternative for me as a shell....does anyone know of any reasonably (I know that is a subjective term) priced units are that I might investigate?

Thanks much,
Phil

[TomC]

Neoplan are well made buses. But-things wear out. Even though it might have a US made engine and transmission, it might have Mercedes based axles, brakes, suspension parts-many of which are not made anymore. If they are still made, you have to order them from Europe-of which can take several weeks to get.
I would suggest you stay with US/Canada built buses. My favorite (if I were doing another bus conversion) would be MCI 102C3. 40ft, 102" wide, giant windows, 6'10" headroom, 8V-92TA engine. If you can find an E model, then look for one with a Detroit Series 60-best bus engine ever made (and they are still being made for off road and mining). Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

MCI D models have came way down in price with 60 series and the B 500 Allison,all the Skyliners I have checked out for people were pretty much rust buckets on the frame and skins.
Best bargain out the is the MCI D or the D 4500 IMO plenty of parts and service support as they are still in production but watch for rust around the rear drive on a DL or DL3  models   

[Jeremy]

You guys are no fun - let the man have a Skyliner if he wants a Skyliner! I'm sure MCIs are very reliable and practical and make all sorts of sense - but they're also the bus equivalent of beige paint and this is supposed to be a hobby not an accountancy exercise.

Jeremy

[DoubleEagle]

There are many past posts that discuss the Neoplan's, one consideration is that some of them are too tall to be registered legally in some states. One of the most discussed Neoplan's is Seans, which, despite being very well equipped, was awfully difficult to sell when he decided to live on his boat. If you like the look, and are intrigued with two levels, then have fun checking them out, just visualize them as boats out of water. You remember the saying about boats being holes in the water you pour money into, right? The suggestions about MCI's are very practical and true, but (in my opinion) you have to love the appearance of the bus you get to overcome the nagging fear that your conversion is costing too much. Look at many buses of all makes, decide what size bus you need and can handle, and then make an informed decision. One that is already converted that fits your needs is the most economical.

[scanzel]

I loved the look of the Skyliner too but after hearing some of Sean's issues and seeing many rusted out I went with a California Prevost XL. If I was doing it now I would do an MCI DL 45' and make sure the rear suspension upgrade was done.

[Oonrahnjay]

   I get the "love that thing and gotta make it my conversion" but, face it, you'd have to be a mumbling, stumbling idiot to buy a foreign double-decker bus for a conversion.  Oh, and drooling, too ...

[lostagain]

The D3, or DL3 would be my choice. I drive them and Prevosts part time at a local charter company. The Detroit S60, 12.7-Allison B500 is really sweet. That transmission goes up and down the gears all by itself, you hardly ever have to shift it manually. They have both DL3s and late '90s, 2000s Prevost H3-45s, and much prefer the MCIs. The Prevosts are overly complicated, and haven't held up as well as the MCIs. Too much fiberglass outside, and plastic inside. Fades, cracks, breaks. They rattle more than the MCIs. Oh and what is it with all those rocker switches that are on in the down position. It is like the Volvo trucks. I never got used to that. Of course I am biased toward MCIs, because that is mostly what I have driven all my bus driving life. The looks you prefer, and the best deal you can negotiate  will make the bus you bring home one day. And in the end, a bus is a bus. And both brands still support those two buses. A lot of charter companies still use them. I wonder how does a late model MCI compares to a 2017 Prevost... MCI in my opinion, have always been more tight and solid than Prevost. I wonder if that is still true...

JC

[luvrbus]

Prevost has the market for RV and entertainer shells because no one else is there,I was looking at the sales for MCI in the commuter sales with the J4500 and the D4505 they control that market NJT 332,Houston 169 plus the other cities.Arrow is selling off everything but the MCI lol VanHool must be a problem for Arrow since Busskohl has some 2013 models for sale.I still think the H-45 Prevost is a nice bus even with a few problems   

[DoubleEagle]

   I get the "love that thing and gotta make it my conversion" but, face it, you'd have to be a mumbling, stumbling idiot to buy a foreign double-decker bus for a conversion.  Oh, and drooling, too ...

English buses excepted. 

[Geoff]

The thing that puts me off on the Skyliners that hasn't been discussed yet is that you are driving a double-decker bus at the lower level which does not appeal to me at all.  Sorry, Jeremy.

--Geoff

[Phil H / Chicago]

Ok, ok...I get it

I had already pretty much made up my mind on the MCI 45' DL ser.60/B500 but came across one of the skyliners and thought that second level would be nice for full timimg. But I must admit I don't want anything that is going to be extra trouble. Just thought I would ask....

Thanks guys!

[Oonrahnjay]

English buses excepted.   

     Well. yeah, that ...

[CrabbyMilton]

Can't argue with the market but it seems like MCI just handed the shell market to PREVOST about 5 years ago since they discontinued the shell version of the J4500.
Those NEOPLAN's are neat though.

[Dave5Cs]

Hey Jeremy Mines Silver.....