Newby, and of course some questions!

[challenger440]

Hello Everyone.

  New member here and glad to be aboard.   Not sure what to think about wanting to own and convert a bus.  Just seems like these older buses are very cool.  I think what I like about them is that they are serious machines.  Not something you jump into, starter up and commute down the highway with.  Rather something to be enjoyed while you perform your pre-flight, checking all the gauges,  bring up the pressure  and temps, then role down the highway. 
   So I've been looking at a few older buses.  One is an MCI MC7, broken windows, hail damage, but seems to run ok and I really like the styling.  The other I'm looking at is an MC8.  Have not been able to check it out yet. Both still have seats in place.  MC7s been sitting for a couple of years.  MC8 was parked a couple of months ago.
   Now for the first of many questions.  I think both are over priced at 5 grand each.  What do you all think a fair price range for these rigs is?  I offered fifteen hundred for the mc7, no deal.
  Are there significant differences (besides the styling)  between the 7 and 8?
  And finally a more general question, is the size of these buses a concern?  Are there places to park a rig this big and heavy?

Thanks, John M.

[kyle4501]

What ever bus you start with will be over priced. 

But, with the proper mindset, the fun of this hobby can be priceless.   

Any old bus is going to need tons of work & money . . . .  So will a new bus - maybe less time, but definitely more money. 

This hobby will test your patience & bank account. All buses will need more than you think.

So, I'd suggest you choose a bus that catches your eye such that you can't walk away from it without stopping to look back at it a couple of times.   

Welcome to the madness!

[happycamperbrat]

Hi John and welcome aboard! Yes, most buses are 40' long and campgrounds have sites for 40' rvs. But as always, you have to be mindful of your size and there was one that I personally came across that just would not do because of a turn I would have had to make which was too sharp. As far as the price, many unconverted ones go for around $5000.00. Personally I paid a little less then that, but $5000 is not unreasonable. You might also consider getting one that is already converted because they are selling for less then it takes to convert not even considering the hours of labour you will put into it. To convert your own coach with todays prices, you would have to either:

1) really want to do it your own way, or
2) just want to throw a few hundred dollars at it at a time spread out rather then $1000s all at once (which is why I chose to do my own)

[Melbo]

Look for a bus that someone started and got tired of or a similar situation.

Lots of buses that have a lot of money spent that will save you a lot of time and money.

Of course every situation is different.

Converting from the ground up can be fun because you will know all that has been done.

The most important thing to me was to be able to have fun and use the bus as it went along.

It still isn't finished but we can pick up and go pretty easy because all the systems are in place and work.

HTH

YMMV

Melbo

PS Good luck and keep it touch with the people on this board and do a THOROUGH pre-purchace inspection it will save $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[challenger440]

Thanks for the replies.  Money will be an issue (of course).  That is why I'm looking at the non-converted.  I was hoping to get a look at Ruthi's bus but it sold right away.  A great deal no doubt.  I really like the looks of the mc7 but the one here local needs LOTS of tlc.  I'm thinking a two year time line, but that may be optomistic.  I've been looking into buying a wrecked motor home or 5th wheel to scavange parts and pieces from.  J.

[thejumpsuitman]

I think if you are in this game, it is important to come to terms with the fact that any bus will be a money pit to some degree.  if you can accept that and realize that you are spending the money not just on the bus, but on your overall experience in doing the bus and being part of this world, you will be much less frazzled when the going gets tough.

[challenger440]

Yes the money part is amazing.  I figured if I bought Ruthi's bus in ATL. it would have cost at least two thousand to get it and me home.  Home is in Montana.  And that was assuming no mechanicals. 
   I'm sure I'll have many more questions to come.  J.

[ruthi]

Challenger, sorry you didnt get a chance at it. It was a steal, I had people even further away than you who were ready to come get it. No mechanical issues with it, used daily all over the states. I hope you come up with one you can get into. They are fun, but, money is required no doubt. I know we took a hit on ours, but we needed to find a home fast for her. We had  as much money invested in the sat dish, and lights alone to cover what we sold it for, lol. But, if you keep your eyes open, there are good deals out there for a converted one. Just need to be patient. Have fun! Keep in touch.

[robertglines1]

lets do math..one like Ruthi bus 7000 plus 2000 t0 get it home 9000..good runner everything working.  Shell 5000 gen set (used 2000) toilet cabinets shower plumbing 2000.couch 500 used. refrig 500 stove 450, bed 300,flooring 400 ,airconditioners 1200,furnace 450.electrical wiring and shore cord.500, where we at somewhere around 13 grand and didn't include windows.bus repairs,tires (2 to 5 grand),and the value of your time (priceless)..makes sense but I must have lost all touch with reality.....I have two buses..Bob

[Van]

Yup! sounds about right Bob  Ruthi hit it on the head.. patience, some thing you either have from the start or gain after you get experience, and as is said, experience is what you get after you needed it   Welcome challenger to the wonderful world of busing. Be sure to check the classifieds here, as well as the BNO, plenty of buses to go around. I would look for a completed shell if doing this again ( will do it myself again) but there are already converted ones that are ready to go too. good luck ask tons of ?'s the right one will find you All the best!

[Highway Yacht]

Challenger... I know where there is a Tour Company that has a nice looking 1978 MC-8 seated coach listed for $5000 but it is in Roanoke Virginia which is a long way from Montana. It could probably be bought for less. I've been in it and seen it run. Infact, I bought my MC-9 from them and couldn't have asked for better service or people to do business with. They even filled my tank with fuel worth about $500 at no charge to me before I left on my journey home. There are tons of buses out there. Just make sure you buy one at todays prices and not an inflated price that some think they can get for one.

[rampeyboy]

You can convert on the cheap too if you take your time and shop around. So far, I have collected stove, two sinks (bath & kitchen), toilet, shower, 3 cabinets and a pull out sleeper sofa for my conversion, and I've spent $185! Granted it's all second hand stuff, but the stove was a scratch/dent kinda deal as was one of the sinks. The shower is a little dirty but should clean up. It all depends on what your standards and intended uses are. If you're going to live in it, that's one thing, if you're going to use it 3-6 times a year, thats another. I'm skimping a little here because I have a long row to hoe getting my mechanical stuff up to date. I spent a couple days this weekend thinking I had lost prime to the engine, and in fact it looks like the fuel line is dry. Not just a little air, but no fuel whatsoever. So, I'm either too low on fuel to pick it up or clogged line or pump?? fun fun

[robertglines1]

challenger440    neat handle do you have one?   welcome to board   if you have one(car)you are a builder! The nice thing about this hobby you build it your way!  I posted some cost earlier for a guide line and would like to clarify: if you can't find a inexpensive conversion you like then in  the 5 thousand-10,000..and want to do your own..of course mechanical operation is primary 2ND is tires --most don't run past ten years old and don't buy if over 5yrs old.refer to DOT tire dating guide.Sheet metal replacement is expensive as is windows.Do you have a place to build a coach?...Great hobby for me because the build is fun and keeps me busy!   Bob   I'm a Busnut

[challenger440]

Morning everyone.  Thank you all for the replies. 
  My screen name relates back to my drag racing days (70's) when I ran a 440 6pak Challenger.  Built from the ground up.   Lots of fun to drive.  122 mph in the quarter mile.  Built and raced a small block Nova several years back that ran 7.15 in the eighth mile.  Current car is a Fiero that has been gone through front to back.  So with all of that I've got some mechanical knowledge with gas engines, now we'll see if I can learn about diesels. 
  Finding a converted bus would certainly save money.  But I kinda like the idea of knowing where every nut and bolt goes.  We'll see what comes my way.
  Winter decided to arrive today so I'm in no great hurry to drag home a prize just yet. 

J.

[Busted Knuckle]

Morning everyone.  Thank you all for the replies. 
  My screen name relates back to my drag racing days (70's) when I ran a 440 6pak Challenger.  Built from the ground up.   Lots of fun to drive.  122 mph in the quarter mile.  Built and raced a small block Nova several years back that ran 7.15 in the eighth mile.  Current car is a Fiero that has been gone through front to back.  So with all of that I've got some mechanical knowledge with gas engines, now we'll see if I can learn about diesels. 
  Finding a converted bus would certainly save money.  But I kinda like the idea of knowing where every nut and bolt goes.  We'll see what comes my way.
  Winter decided to arrive today so I'm in no great hurry to drag home a prize just yet. 
J.

J.
Trust us before it's over you'll know exactly where each and every bolt goes even if you don't convert it yerself! It's the nature of the beast and there will always be something to fix, upgrade or just plain tinker with that will keep you busy learning!
  BK