Want to look at some conversions

[Jim Blackwood]

Yep, it all helps.
Facebook
Ebay
Craigslist
Busesonline.com
Govdeals.com
Usedbusesforsale.net
Carscoms.com
-and one or two others that I don't remember at the moment.

I'm not as hard headed as everyone seems to think. I know what you are saying and we've been over this. We do have a target. That is, a converted or partially converted MCI 102-DL3 within 500-700 miles with 100-200K miles left on the running gear before any big expenses for $15K or less. It doesn't have to be pristine but does need to be relatively rust free. It can have some issues that an average or fairly good mechanic with suitable tools and facilities could fix. It needs to be roadworthy. I think that isn't an easy goal but it is achievable. We may have to go outside our preferred distance. We may have to make other concessions.

Now if that isn't possible, we're going for the running gear rather than the cabinetry. Cabinetry we can do. Engine, transmission, axle changes, rust and major collision repair are more than we really want to deal with. And size does matter. That extra 6" makes a big difference inside. Pretty much the difference between a slider and no slider.

So that's our target. There are buses out there in that bracket. The trick is finding one reasonably close with a partially usable interior that doesn't immediately need tires, batteries, brakes, A/C and air bags or have rust or other big issues.

Jim

[eagle19952]

LOL
Last guy that posted 5 pages of bus search got persecuted, lambasted and run off....

[Oonrahnjay]

LOL
Last guy that posted 5 pages of bus search got persecuted, lambasted and run off....

       But how many people have we seen that ran in with "new ideas", argued with info from the old hands, "did it their way" ... then sold the shell for 10 cents on the dollar 7 months later?   Sometimes, people who are walking into a minefield with their eyes closed need to hear some strong stuff to wake them up.

[Jim Blackwood]

Absolutely.
Hey I got something for you. Couple of build threads. Not Bus conversions but enough to demonstrate what is behind this plan. First one, 130 pages of build info (just scan and look at the pretty pictures) covering the creation of a charitable organization and subsequent build and campaigning of a one-of-a-kind 455 Buick powered MGB-GT in the fine tradition of Gran Turismo. The goal? To encourage creativity in the younger generations.

http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?2,166

And the second, my personal car, and daily driver:

http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?2,274

Now if you look those over and still feel we aren't going to follow through on this, then I have to wonder how any bus conversions ever were built. But that's the thing about opinions.

Jim

[eagle19952]

Now if you look those over and still feel we aren't going to follow through on this, then I have to wonder how any bus conversions ever were built. But that's the thing about opinions.

Jim


[/quote]

My post wasn't directed at you
I went to bat for "that" guy too.

[richard5933]

Jim - I've also done a number of restorations and vintage car rebuilds, but working on our first bus (a GM 4106) last year was a shocker in many ways. There are many more systems, and each system is many times larger and more complex than imagined. Just getting under a bus safely can take hours unless one has access to some very expensive equipment. Not trying to dissuade or criticize - just trying to help you keep your expectations realistic.

[windtrader]

You've received plenty of opinions from a group of the most experienced active busnuts in the world, representing hundreds years of practical hands on experiences. True!

At this point, you know your critical criteria, beliefs, opinions, risks, timelines, upfront direct, indirect, and hidden costs, constraints, checklists, related issues like titling, registration, etc. In other words, you're eyes wide open. Start calling in earnest and looking at some. There are surely some within a day's drive and I think I know enough of you now that you're not going to fork over bucks until you are comfortable meaning you need to get out there and go look and drive some.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

[Jim Blackwood]

Yeah, you guys have been a tremendous help. That combined with my own past experience gives me some confidence in what I'm doing. Lots of things are complex, complicated and have special requirements. Wouldn't expect a bus to be any easier. But I think I know what to look out for now. Should be able to find something.

Not entirely sure I agree with the private owner vs dealer argument, but that'll all shake out in the end.

Jim

[Scott & Heather]

Jim, your sticktuitiveness on those car restorations is admirable. But I will say that owning a coach Bus is an entirely different ballgame. If your car has engine trouble on the road, you call a flatbed tow truck and pay him $50 to tow you back to your house. In the bus, you will pay $1500 for that same tow and wait for hours if not a day for a heavy class wrecker to come. When something on the coach breaks, you don't get out your cute little car tools fo fix it, you gotta man up and bust out your $65 wrenches and some serious muscles to get the job done.  Don't ask me how I know. Your bus is not just a motorcar. It's a mechanical marvel with an engine coupled to a house with all the house systems to build/fix/maintain too. It's super rewarding, and super exasperating all at the same time. We've fulltimed for 8 going on 9 years in two buses we both self converted (including a 9" roof raise) and I can honestly say it's been one of the most challenging aspects of my life (Bus ownership). I say go for it...with eyes very wide open. You have to remember like someone mentioned already, we have seen countless people show up on this forum with ideas, plans, excitement, energy, etc basically completely fizzle out and sell their partially converted coach for pennies. Over and over again we've seen this. If you are not going to be that person, then you'll buy a coach, convert it, post pics, and we will all welcome you into the silly world of busnuts. It's a well earned title that few can claim.

And btw, we waited for two nights on the side of the hwy in the middle of the New Mexico desert for this class D to arrive. Memorable.



Our very first bus:




And our two buses during the few short months we owned both:



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Jim Blackwood]

Hey, I have wrenches that size. Cars aren't all I do, the point I was making was that those were both ten year projects done simultaneously and involving far above the typical level of engineering and fabrication. Yep, buses are bigger, but not any bigger than my brother's Peterbilt. As for the house systems, I have completely rebuilt a 32' S&S from end to end including roof, floor, walls, engine, tranny, tanks, fridge, water, power, fabricated a custom hydraulic leveling system and much much more. I wan not even slightly impressed, in fact I was amazed with how cheaply built and poorly constructed they were.So an RV is no mystery to me and a bus conversion is just an RV built on a better chassis. Not really any more complicated. All systems function in the same ways, just built to last longer OTR.

What you are talking about is a nightmare scenario. Thankfully a rare occurrence and largely preventable. So what broke, what could you have done to identify the problem before the breakdown and prevent it, and how could you have been prepared to limp it home? That is the valuable lesson to be learned from that incident.

Jim

[DoubleEagle]

Okay Jim, we all tried to warn you about bus ownership. Scott would be the first to tell you that "nightmare" breakdowns are not rare. I hope that Series 60 you are aiming for does not have a bull gear ready to go, and the transmission is not ready to spit parts, because at $15,000 and under, you better have everything checked by a diesel mechanic that knows that particular vehicle. Buses are not the same as trucks or RV's, even though they share some components. Older buses are not the same as newer buses, and they require a knowledgeable owner, or one with deep pockets. How much experience do you have driving a bus (school buses and RV's don't count)?

[richard5933]

...So an RV is no mystery to me and a bus conversion is just an RV built on a better chassis. Not really any more complicated. ...

Many here would disagree with this premise. Strongly.

[eagle19952]

Many here would disagree with this premise. Strongly.

Looking at the skills shown...I'd say the fellow is able.
You know what they say about opinions

[richard5933]

Looking at the skills shown...I'd say the fellow is able.
You know what they say about opinions

I'm not at all questioning his skills or experience. I'm merely pointing out that many (myself included) would consider an RV and a bus conversion two totally different animals.

[Utahclaimjumper]

 The first dark tunnel he is alluding to is "slides", in itself a nightmare.>>>Dan