1955 Flxbile VL-100

[azrescue]

Hi all. I am new to the group. I am looking for some direction. We are due to look at a 1955 Flxible VL-100 tomorrow. Are there specific items we should be aware of and on the look out for?

We currently own a 2016 Thor Axis 25.3. We have only owned it since April. But, we have already been out for a total of six weeks. We have fallen for the RV life. So, after our last trip (3.5 weeks with a stretch of 9 days boondocking) we decided that we need something a bit bigger. We have 2 children (10&7). We began looking at your regular Class A's. Quickly decided we would like a diesel. Which led us to buses. After all of the reading, I have done on buses vs class a motorhome, we are really hooked on the bus idea. I believe we will have to do some updating to any bus we would buy, as we need sleeping for 4, preferably bunks. One concern I have is the lack of a slide. That was a complaint with ours after this last trip. However, this might not be so bad with the right floorplan & including some lounging space (i.e. couch or such). I am a retired EMT/FF and I have to say I like the idea of a bus and it's seemingly safer body.

I appreciate all comments and advice on our journey to a bus.

Thanks!

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Azrescue,

If you haven't already, you should subscribe to our magazine and you will learn even more about living in, traveling in, and maintaining a bus then you can just by reading this forum.  You can subscribe for only $21/year and start the learning process.  This forum is supported by subscriptions to the magazine. Every subscription helps.  http://busconversionsstore.com/bcm-store/

BTW, we ran an article in our March 2017 issue about a 1961 Flxible Starliner Bus built by Bernard Juchli in Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage.  If you decide to subscribe, send me an email at Gary@BusConversions.com and I will email you that issue free. He did an amazing job on that bus and kept it all original as possible.

[Geoff]

What is your budget?

-- Geoff

[pd4501-771]

Rescue

In my opinion, there is only one reason to buy a antique coach like a VL. That is, you want the very best appearing, unique curb appeal of coaches of that era. There is nothing on the road today that compares for styling. I love the VLs (almost as much as Scenicruisers). Having said this, there are a number of trade-offs when you get into an antique. No slide is just one of many that you already mentioned. Parts availability, locating qualified service providers, etc are to be considered. If driving one of the best looking coaches is number one in your book, then I say go for it. If creature comforts, warranties, worry-free reliability, and ease of parts/repairs are number one, then stay with newer coaches.

[Astro]

As one who owns two vintage Flxibles and a conventional MC5B, I will tell you Flex's are not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to scavenge and fabricate many parts. While they have amazing styling, they are prone to severe rust, unobtainable parts and old school comfort. Do not be unaware of where you venture when going with an old Flx. You will either need a big bank account and/or many skills and for best results, both.  There are many great condition machines out there, but those who have them usually know it and price accordingly. I will have one of my 45's in my shop for years and I work on them nearly every day.

[azrescue]

Geoff-our budget really depends on condition. If we find a bus that doesn't need a full gut job we're willing to spend more. (Probably up to $90,000) but if it's a major job then not as much.

We looked at our first Flxible VL-100. There is no denying it's a cool looking bus. However, it did have some rust issues nothing to crazy. Certainly not any that jeopardized the stability of the bus. The interior is definitely tight with all 4 of us & the dog.

What other brands are out there that we should be checking out? GMC?

THANKS

[Darkspeed]

GMC DP4106 + 6V92TA + V730 + power steering + spring brakes + remodel to your tastes...... but im biased