'step' in the back of an mci 9

[oldallegro]

We have a 19' high 11" 'step' at the inside back of our bus (MCI 9).  Is that the radiator fans?  I thought the radiator was in the two foot 'cap' at the back of the bus.  Thanks for your help on this.  Kurt

[JackConrad]

I assume you mean the rear step-up from the floor that is about 11" tall and 19" deep. There should be an access opening (with a panel in it) in the top of this step. This opening is to give you access to the alternator and air compressor that are attached to the rear of the engine. Under this "step" are the alternator, air compressor, power steering pump, and the rear of the engine.  Hope this helps, Jack

[El-Sonador]

In addition to what Jack said, there is, or a least there is on mine, another access panel on the floor in front of that "step-up"

I have the A-740

Steve

[JackConrad]

Thanks Steve.  This is what happens when I try to think before finishing my morning coffee. LOL  Jack
But at least all the words were spelled right!

[El-Sonador]

I'm just assuming that's the place oldallegro is talking about,
His comment "...Is that the radiator fans?..." and "...We have a 19' high..."
is throwing me off a bit.

Will see....


Steve


Good Morning Jack... 

[plyonsMC9]

Could someone post a picture of these steps?  I don't believe our MC9 has this, but as I'm always learning something new....



Thanks  - Best Regards, - Phil

[El-Sonador]

It measurs about 11 inches high and about 19 inches deep and runs the entire width of the bus...

May be hard see clearly from this shot because of the small pile of lose lumber I have sitting on this "step-up" in the far rear of the bus.


Steve

[El-Sonador]

Here is a closer shot of the "step-up" that we think he is talking about...

I strapped it, insulated it and covered it in Canadain white pine, including the hatch access panels

Steve

[coachcrazy]

im curious, when you guys box these in for wardobes, shelving units etc.. do you leave access to them that is easy to get to or is there some dissassembly required?

[El-Sonador]

im curious, when you guys box these in for wardobes, shelving units etc.. do you leave access to them that is easy to get to or is there some dissassembly required?

There are two access panels and I just face them with the same material I use for the rest of the finished area and then they remain as simple flush mounted pull-up hatch covers for easy access to engine and trany components for servicing... You can even put a recessed finger-pull on the hatch cover similar to that used for marine deck hatch covers

Both of these hatch covers measures about 12 inches deep by about 28 inches long, one on the top of this "step-up" the other on the floor in front of this "step-up"




Steve

[El-Sonador]

I know it may be hard to see... but if you look closely... you can see the upper flush hatch cover on the "step-up" covered in the finished material I used for the rest of the closet, just to the left of the small bar stool. The other one is located on the bus floor just below and in front of this "Step-Up" but out of view in this photo.

NOTE... Make sure you insulate this area very well, including the undersides of these hatch covers for both noise suppression and a protection from the engine heat entering the cabin. It is also wise to retain the original sheet metal covering the underside of these access panels to act as a fire retardent in the case of an engine fire.

These access panels were the main reason I chose to use this area for a walk-in closet instead of putting the bed in this location as most conversions do. This makes for easy and fast access to the engine compartment with lots of space to work around there and the masters bunk is not in the way.

Steve

[plyonsMC9]

Thanks Steve for the pics.  Now I gotta run outside & check out what I have going on in that area.  Never really looked that close there.  Hmmm  

Best Regards, Phil

[El-Sonador]

Thanks Steve for the pics.

Now I gotta run outside & check out what I have going on in that area.
Never really looked that close there. Hmmm

Best Regards, Phil

Hey Phil...

Did you get a chance to see your set-up...?
How does it look in the back of your bus...?


Steve

[oldallegro]

Thanks for all your comments and observations.  I was travelling for a few days.  I guess that step just has to stay there.  I am just looking for all possible places more room might be hiding in the bus somewhere.  We ended up buying the old sheriff's bus from Mike.  I think there are a few things different about it than the regular MCI 9's.  It is a 1990 and the floor is completely covered with metal and there is no access from the inside to that 'step'. I have spotlights all along the ceiling.  Also all the windows are thick plexiglass and I have an emergency exit about 10 feet behind the driver.    Sorry for the confusion about the radiators.  We just got the bus and I still am learning where everything is - which is a bit hard since I am presently in Africa and the bus in in Montana.  Kurt

[NJT5047]

Someone may have mentioned this already, but don't cover the access hatches such that you cannot gain access thru them.  If you have to pull the alternator or compressor (alternator is the worse) you'll want to get into the hatches.
Building all over them is fine, as long as you can easily remove the panels.
I assume that someone has also indicated that the radiators and fans are not in that area.  They are directly behind the large air intakes located beneath and behind the rear windows. 
Good luck with your conversion!
JR