1987 MCI 102C3 Rust Problems

[hargreaves]

I am a newbie looking to purchase a 1987 MCI 102C3 and would like to know if there are any particular areas for rust that I should be checking out before I purchase.  I am a recently tired mechanic from the local bus company, approximately 1200 buses and have extensive experience with city coaches but have little knowledge of highway coaches.  This particular bus was run extensively in the prairies. Any info on rust problems or anything else I should be on the look out for would be greatly appreciated. 

Gerry

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Gerry,

Welcome!

I also have a C3. Look around the rear baggage comp. bulk head for corrosion.

Under the window sills is mild steel that may also be rusted. All are easy fixes...

And the lift bars for the bag doors are also notorius for rust.

Good Luck with your purchace!
Nick Badame-

[Busted Knuckle]

Gerry,
Nick has pretty well covered it, for the areas that are easiest find problems. If it is just light rust on the rear baggage compartment wall, it's like Nick said easy to repair. If it's eat up and seriously rusted through in several large spots, it's an indication you should probably pass on it! Good luck, happy hunting, & Welcome to the board.
  BK 

[NJT5047]

Early C3s will also rust out around the radiators and upper blower compartment area.
C3s are super nice conversion coaches.   The headroom is almost equivalent to a raised roof on older buses.
Envious!  JR   

[Kristinsgrandpa]

Check the wheel well liners.

Mine are SS but blowouts are notorious for tearing them up and mechanics are notorious for not sealing them back up. This lets water spray get on the frame etc.

Ed