bus conversion purchase

davehiller · November 25, 2007, 05:13:02 PM

I am very new to the bus conversion scene. However, my wife and I are going to retire soon and a converted bus seems to be the best option around for us. I have found a 1965 Flexible bus that was professionally converted 20 years ago that I can have for about 5K. I am good with mechanical things as I was an auto tech in the past. Does anyone have any advice about this particular bus and what should I look for in making my decision? So far I have found very little about the Flexible buses. Thanks for your help.

makemineatwostroke · November 25, 2007, 05:40:05 PM

have you tried this site wwwflxibleowners.org the serial numbers are posted so you can see who was the original owner and on the BNO board 2 people have purchased flxibles lately

NJT5047 · November 25, 2007, 06:20:53 PM

Dave, try using "Flxible" when searching for info. Isn't that the way Flxible bus is spelled?
If not, I'll let you know soon. Just as soon as someone lets me know!

There are plenty of Flxible buses around. Probably a little more difficult to find parts for than say an MCI or GM.
Mike Hill has one. I'm sure he'll see your question.
Good luck, JR

superpickle · November 25, 2007, 06:25:34 PM

YES, it is "Flx ible" not Fl E xible.

grantgoold · November 25, 2007, 06:27:55 PM

Dave, I too purchased my first bus that was of the same vintage. I did not purchase a flex but did get a GMC. I can only suggest that you consider the following:

1. How do I want to spend my time? Hunting for parts or calling a 1-800 number and having them shipped the same day?
2. Am I really going to save money by purchasing something that is 42 years old?
3. Do I have the right tools needed to handle some of the basic repair jobs of an older bus?
4. Do I have the storage area that will allow or provide cover during repairs or modifications?
5. Is there a strong support group of flex owners that are willing to share their lessons and parts with you?
6. Is there very good service/repair manuals available for my specific bus? If not, you may be required to have too many service calls from someone who knows less then you about buses?
7. Do I have true bus nut fever or is it a temporary illness?

I am only asking the questions that I wish I would have asked before I bought my first bus (1961 fishbowl) and now can answer with my 1984 MCI 9.

Prices are dropping!!!!! I would look around, kick some big tires and most importantly when you think you have landed on a gold mine, take lots of pictures and send them to this group. Their collective opinions are priceless.

Then have the bus evaluated by a true bus mechanic or one of the local bus nut experts.

FWIW. IMHO

Grant
Sacramento

tekebird · November 25, 2007, 06:30:10 PM

check for structural corrosion

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · November 25, 2007, 06:32:16 PM

Hi Dave,

Welcome!

Looks like you have some great starting advice here allready.

Good Luck!
Nick-

makemineatwostroke · November 25, 2007, 06:33:54 PM

Sorry about the spelling JR but its been a 8 pack miller day

makemineatwostroke · November 25, 2007, 06:43:52 PM

tekebird, why do you call it corrosion on a Flex and rust on a Eagle

tekebird · November 25, 2007, 06:50:32 PM

LOL.....no reason....cancer is cancer.

However I have not seen a Flx rusting from the inside out.

Both Flxliners, which I think is what we are talking about here, that I have experiece with has severe corrosion in the front suspension "bulkheads".....hardly any on the steel exterior skin or in the structure of the sides.

tekebird · November 25, 2007, 06:53:47 PM

Note: my family restored oneFlxliner and rehabbed another, both were sequential serial numbers and the buses were nothing alike....and neither was wired like the manual ( we were the second owners from new)

by 65 or so Flx was a very small company with small market share.....and buses were basically hand built.

NJT5047 · November 25, 2007, 07:16:49 PM

Quote from: makemineatwostroke on November 25, 2007, 06:33:54 PM
Sorry about the spelling JR but its been a 8 pack miller day

Only 8??

JR

gus · November 25, 2007, 07:32:55 PM

Dave,

I recommend you add Doug's email address to your address book since he has experience on two.

Also you might contact Bob Rowsell in El Cajon, CA. Bob has restored a bunch of Flixibles for Catalina Island. As I remember it he installed Cummins 6B diesel engines and ATs like in Dodge pickups and some school buses in them. I think some are shown on his website at HB Industries Home Page;

http://www.hbindustries.ws/

makemineatwostroke · November 25, 2007, 07:59:23 PM

I see where the Flxible's are having a rally at Quartzsite Jan 17th to the 20th at Rose Rv Park

tekebird · November 25, 2007, 08:09:45 PM

side note, although small the Flx Owners group is a helpful organization......they are getting smaller as members pass on, no idea what is happening to the buses

Winshiels for the Flxliner are not readily available. we got our from DINA which is no longe rin business and had to go through several sets to find some that fit correctly and they aint cheap either.

most mechanical items as with most buses are vendor supplied and readily available.

Torsilastics may be a hard thing to find.

good price depending on condition...but remmber ...no such beast as a cheap bus....same as a free dog.