My Soon-to-be-new-to-me 2002 MCI D4500

Glennman · August 30, 2020, 01:09:14 PM

Hey guys...

I decided to start a new thread on this subject, as I have been reading others, especially the recent "one that got away" thread started by someguy.

Since I am only paying $1000 for the bus (next Wednesday!!!, I hope I don't pass away before then!), I am not afraid of ending up with a lemon, especially since I will be getting the last 10 years of service records with it. It was apparently serviced regularly at the local truck repair outfit that has a good reputation for quality work on fleet vehicles.

One thing that keeps coming up is the "gold bricks". What function do they perform, and are there alternatives for them if they go bad?

luvrbus · August 30, 2020, 01:48:57 PM

Your D4500 doesn't have the CAN system like a E/J model,only two computers 1 for the transmission and 1 for engine,if it is not rusted out at the tag area you got a heck of a deal

Glennman · August 30, 2020, 02:09:07 PM

I know this sounds extremely strange, but I am not certain that it is a D4500 yet. It is identical to one that was for sale at NW Bus Sales (near Tacoma WA) (same seats, no restroom, wheel chair lift about 1/3 of the way back going into a slider door), straight lines (not curved like the J model), no restroom, and double air entry doors, 45 foot, all white, Series 60. I am assuming it is a D4500 from that. It is so cheap it's like I don't care what kind it is! I'll know more soon.

What is the difference between E, J, and D? (I should probably start a new thread!).

luvrbus · August 30, 2020, 02:27:34 PM

Easy way to spot the D it won't have the big windsheilds like a J or the E,the D is the work horse nothing fancy it just goes to work and the most produced bus ever made last time I checked there was over 11,000 produced and still being produced that was 3 years ago

Glennman · August 30, 2020, 02:42:25 PM

Here's a picture (attached)

luvrbus · August 30, 2020, 02:54:37 PM

That is the D4500

Glennman · August 30, 2020, 03:10:20 PM

Excellent. Thank you luvrvus. You are very helpful and knowledgeable.

richard5933 · August 30, 2020, 03:12:46 PM

Congratulations - can't wait to see the video of you driving it home.

Glennman · August 30, 2020, 04:40:52 PM

Here's a YouTube link of my short test drive. I was unable to get the short video to attach, so I put it onto YouTube.

https://youtu.be/k3STuJJmr6M

richard5933 · August 30, 2020, 04:46:10 PM

Gonna be a great new adventure making that one into a motorhome.

Glennman · August 30, 2020, 05:11:30 PM

Yep, I'm pretty pumped over it. I have a '74 MCI that I'll use in the meantime. It has a few problems that all of a sudden I don't feel too bad about now! This will be a good ground up project that I've been wanting to do for years. I have owned 5 buses, 2 of which were already converted, 3 that I wanted to convert, but they were too far gone. They consist of 2 Eagles, a 4104, a '68 GM "fishbowl" and my current MC-8. I drove the fishbowl for thousands of miles as a motorhome (more than the others). This one will be (hopefully) my last. I believe it has the "bones" to build on.

Van · August 30, 2020, 06:11:31 PM

Quote from: Glennman on August 30, 2020, 04:40:52 PM
Here's a YouTube link of my short test drive. I was unable to get the short video to attach, so I put it onto YouTube.

https://youtu.be/k3STuJJmr6M

How sweet it is! Congratulations!

chessie4905 · August 30, 2020, 07:28:52 PM

Great news

DoubleEagle · August 30, 2020, 08:03:39 PM

This could be one of the better deals to happen in recent memory. Even if certain things need fixing, the tires and wheels are worth it.

luvrbus · August 30, 2020, 08:13:37 PM

You are going to like that bus check the rust area around the tag axle it will tell you a lot, and does the tag turn ? or is it locked in place,lol no more chasing 40w engine oil you can buy the oil for the series 60 at at Walmart,check the Lacroix Cruiser on you tube Yvan and Sylive are starting on the interior of their DL they have a F/B page dedicated to the MCI D series