Newb General Question -- Prevost vs. MCI

[Sebulba]

I have been reading a lot about buses over the last year or so and am very impressed witht he knowledge base here.

I am very impressed with everything I read and hear about MCI -- simply a phenomenal bus.

So, my main question --

Are Prevost buses built as well and are they built in the same fashion?  I don't remember the term, but, as I understand, MCI's are not built on a frame, but the carcass of the bus is the frame, hope that makes sense.  Kind of like an "exoskeleton" it seems.  I think this is a brilliant method and hope Presost's are similar.

If Persvost's are built in this same way, what would be the broad and general advantages or disadvantages of either?

There probably is a thread or 2 that discuss this, but I haven't been able to lay my eyes on it yet.  Point me in the right direction and I will be more than happy.

Thanks a million,
Seb

[chessie4905]

If you are going to convert one, go with an MCI. Larger selection used and cheaper prices.
If you want one already converted, more MCI's out there than Pervosts and usually cheaper in price year for year of comparable conversion job. Some people consider Pervosts a better coach, sort of like Michelin tires. Individual tastes vary, of course. Some love Eagles. None of these have a separate frame assy. They are all built more like airplanes.

[richard5933]

Same for the GM buses - they're all built uni-body style and don't have a distinct chassis like an old car would.

[Sebulba]

Great, that is all good info.

I am looking for already converted, just seems like there are plenty of them out there.

Seb

[bobofthenorth]

Buy the one that you like to look at.  They're all going to cost you more than you think so being happy with their appearance helps you stomach the expense.  Think of it like a wife - nobody marries an ugly one.  Beauty is in the beholder's eye.  Personally I think the Eagles look the best but my gummit wouldn't let me own one so I settled for a Prevost. 

[chessie4905]

You don't "settle" for a Prevost. You are "fortunate" to own one.
Yeah, some people marry an ugly one...$$$$$. Money buys the Man toys.😍

[buswarrior]

At the busnut level?

Ford Chevy Dodge...

Gamble on the coach that is likely to not bankrupt you on the mechanical side.

BoTN has it nailed.

Pick the best of the ones you like the look of.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[DoubleEagle]

If you don't love the looks of your bus, you will have a hard time spending all that money (mainly every spare buck you have). All of the various makes have their fans, take a good look at many before you decide. Good Prevost's that are already converted will be some of the most pricey available. Both Prevost and MCI have better parts availability, but you will pay for that honor.

[lvmci]

 My opinion, Conversions that were never passenger buses, shells from the factory,  will have the least miles on them. Coaches that lived their life in the southwest, have the best chance of little rust damage. MCI, then Prevost were the first to have stainless steel running gear, drive train and outer components. If you live in mountainess areas the early generations of MCIs have split radiators up about 5 feet (except the combos). That configuration along with the 2 stroke V92s and to a lesser degree the V71s, have to be driven in a way to accommodate overheating engines. In the late 80s, MCI C3s start the upper rear single engine radiator and the early non electronic series 60 4stroke (besides 8V92s) and hill climbing is not an overheating event. In my opinion, that C3 would be the best conversion to look for, unless you want to start smaller with single rear axle 35 ft, which a lot of us have done. But as has been mentioned, easier to up date a converted Bus and learn from that experience, then emptying out a passenger bus and starting from scratch with your first experience, lvmci...

[Sebulba]

Hello all,

All great insight. 

Yes, I like the idea of a buss that never was a passenger bus and all of the other insightful remarks are very appreciated.

In looking at what is out there it seems, dollar for dollar and time investment would be better serves with and already converted bus that can then be "made" to suit us better.

Thanks a million,
Seb

[richard5933]

You haven't really mentioned budget yet, so it's hard to know exactly what to suggest. But, if you're interested in conversions which were never a passenger coach they are certainly out there. They are out there for vintage buses as well.

I know that you're debating MIC vs. Prevost, but for an example we bought our 1974 GMC 4108 about a year and a half ago. It was converted in 1974 on a new shell, and when we bought it there were only about 40,000 actual miles on it. The bus was virtually new in many ways, although some updates and repairs were needed.

You can't always tell the amount of wear or rust a vehicle has based on its location. Ours was in NJ its whole life, but the owner never used it during the winter months so there is zero rust or damage from salt-covered roads. Some passenger buses may have been based in the south but were used on routes that took them to the rust-belt. You have to examine each bus you're interested in to know for certain.

[oldmansax]

They aren't mentioned much on this board but Wanderlodges are real buses, factory converted, not too expensive, and have a very active support board to help keep them going. I have been pretty happy with the two I have owned.

TOM

[chessie4905]

First check for "yellow primer".

[Sebulba]

What is the significance of "yellow primer"?

First check for "yellow primer".

[richard5933]

I think he meant to check to see if it was ever in service as a school bus. Blue Bird buses were made for both the Wanderlodge and for school buses. A Wanderlodge would have been made on a new chassis specifically produced to be a motor home, but if there is yellow paint under the top coat that would be a good sign that you're looking at a 'schoolie' conversion and not a true Wanderlodge.