comparing conversion companies

[novice]

hi, I'm a first time buyer and have a couple of questions.  I am looking at two Prevosts 1991 and 1992.  One is converted by Country Coach and the other by Royal.  The Royal looks like a better quality conversion, Is that right?  And is the difference mostly cosmetic or does it go deeper into other areas of the conversion?  I don't want to be sucked into making a decision on looks only.  I think when I'm stuck on the side of the road, mechanically becomes much more important.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hello Newbuyer,

Welcome to the MAK BBS,

I belive the answers you are looking for will come to you once "we here" try to educate you about the differences of low quality and high quality products.

The prevost, is allready a high quality shell but, you will have to examine the products used on the conversion and compare apples to apples.

I think you will end up asking alot more questions in the future. So feel free any time and we will do our best to help!

Nick Badame-

[Tom Y]

Newbuyer, I live in NW Pa near Hoffman Motor Coach.  If you found one of theirs I would think you would be happy.  They were working on a Country Coach one day when I stopped. They have circuit boards in them, rows and rows, looks nice but they are the only ones that can work on it.  Hoffmans used simplle relays. I will ask them about the other manufacturer if you wish. Let me know. Hoffmans are nice people and very willing to help a converter. They do not make as many new ones, the dad is old but they are busy working and have some customers coaches for sale. They are also making a Prevost with 2 full length slides. Working with Prevost engineers for a customer on it.   Good luck  Tom Y

[jjrbus]

Welcome!  When you find "The ONE"  You buy it on a contingency sale, then you find a bus mechanic, some of the people here can help you. You then spend several hundred dollars to have a through inspection done. A few hundred dollars now may save you many  thousands $$$$ later. Then find a converter to inspect the conversion, Jack Conrad in FL charges $200 for this service.
    There are many non professional conversions for sale that are far superior to anything the "Professional" converters are putting out. The professionals are trying to make a quick buck, we are here working for 8 cents an hour and trying to outdo each other.
                                                                                                                     Work?/Play afely Jim

[mak]

I also think that the needs and ability of the buyer should come into play on selecting a converted bus. I used to do the fancy conversions, now I build the Moose Creek Motorcabins (motorcabins.com). I found that for our use, wife, 4 of our own young kids and all their friends, that the easy to care for, easy to fix and operate, and reasonable price, along with the ability to change from a queen bed in the back to 2 sets of bunk beds in a few hours is a value to me... and others who may not want to be locked into a floor plan for life... but not for other people who simply want a conversions for the two of them. And of course, if you do not like the Knotty Pine or the cabin look, you would not like the Moose Creek Motorcabin.  Hey! did I just write one of the worlds longest sentenaces above... was this an ad? No, just a point that not all conversions are for all people. the tec guys like the tec buses, the campers, sportsmen may like the basic conversions. Good luck and have fun.  Buses are the safest from of ground travel!
mak

[coachcrazy]

Before purchacing any bus may i suggest picking up this book," Beginner's Guide to Converted Coaches" by Larry Plachno.  Although  slightly dated now, it still contains very good to know info of purchacing and or converting a coach. 

[Gary W]

 I sold my MC -7 conversion 2 years ago that I converted myself and bought a 1986 MCI 102-A  shell  in California. We live in the interior of British Columbia, we found a converter here that does one conversion a year.
Solid wood finishes, simple relays in the wiring. We still have many features of the major converters like Aqua Hot, Wrico genset.  Trace inverter. Then we bought a house fridge, Lazy Boy leather sofa, works for our  life style. We can service most of our equipment ourselves if need be, don't have to hunt for any specialist's to do the job.

There are many conversions for sale out there that were done by some small company and home built that are  great conversions.

Gary

[Tom Y]

Newbuyer, I talked to Hoffman Motor Coach today.  They thought Royal was out of buisness, but maybe one of the sons is building under another name but not sure.  He thought both were good.  Hoffman has a few for sale here if you get this way.  They were working on a Marathon today. Its hard to drive bye with out stopping and looking.  Good luck. Tom Y

[novice]

Thanks everybody for the info.  We ended up with a Liberty Coach.  Kind of glitzy for me, but the bus is in good condition and runs well.  The interior will just be a challange now.  Does somebody have the email of Jack Conrad.  I would be interested in talking to him.

Thanks

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Novice,

Jack Conrad- jconrad@desoto.net

Nick-