Would you go back to an older bus? Why?

[Oonrahnjay]

If I went back to an older bus, it would have to be horse drawn to be older!  

     *Some* people might like that!!

[Geoff]

It's hard to see, but the horse-drawn "bus" looks like it's on tracks, which disqualifies it as a trolley.

--Geoff

[Oonrahnjay]

It's hard to see, but the horse-drawn "bus" looks like it's on tracks, which disqualifies it as a trolley.

--Geoff 

     Missed that!  Well spotted! 

[pabusnut]

This is more of my price range-- and speed

[lvmci]

Here's my choice...aerodynamic, the roof is pointed in the right direction

[Dreadnought]

Part of the attraction of my old bus is that everything is robust and fixable.

When I was a kid, I was put off by all the electronics on cars and the growing complexity. Folks would write me off as a luddite. Now I work in the industry, all I said was true:

eg: Cummins engines when being rebuilt- there are more problems with electronic actuators than the base engine hardware- such as the engine main bearings or cams for example. and within the turbo charger unit, say, its the electronic printed circuit boards that give out over time.
Another example: My Escalade has been nothing but grief - and its not the L92 motor (although annoyingly it has oil leaks) but mainly all the electronics.

Therefore it pleases me no end that my 8v71 is all mechanical. Even when I eventually upgrade to an 8v92- although I'll use a silver series base- I'll make sure its governmed mechanically with no DDEC!

[TomC]

My bus with mechanical 8V-71 always starts with about a 1 second push of the starter button. My truck's Cat 3406B mechanical starts with 2 compression hits. Good Luck, TomC

[oldmansax]

Well, this thread has proved one thing:

I am still able to stir up trouble!!   

I think I'm going back. I've been looking at some of the '80s Newells. They seem to be on the order of the Wanderlodges without the complicated mechanicals.

That is, unless I find a pretty MCI in my price range....   

But first, I need to recover enough to drive what I have.

Thanks to all for the input!

Happy Busing

TOM

[HB of CJ]

Yes I would IF a special bus came along.  Old.  Already converted by a competent builder or owner.  Would have to be in a particular fashion and in good to excellent overall condition.  My yearly mileage count would be low.

The particular problem would be it must be a Crown Supercoach between about 1976 and about 1988 model year with a BC or NTC Cummings with a 10 speed Roadranger with Jake.  A very specific Bus Conversion indeed. 

[Iceni John]

Yes I would IF a special bus came along.  Old.  Already converted by a competent builder or owner.  Would have to be in a particular fashion and in good to excellent overall condition.  My yearly mileage count would be low.

The particular problem would be it must be a Crown Supercoach between about 1976 and about 1988 model year with a BC or NTC Cummings with a 10 speed Roadranger with Jake.  A very specific Bus Conversion indeed. 

There's still quite a few Crown tandems with Big-Cam Cummins and RT or RTO and a Jake, but none that I know of that are converted such as you would like.   Anaheim recently sold all their tandems, and they now have new owners who are having fun with them.   I rode in one of them a fortnight ago at our annual Crown get-together when we visited the Cantos collection, and it's a monster  -  I've never been in a bus that accelerates so strongly onto the freeway in top gear!   Some of Anaheim's had recent repowers with fresh 855 Cummins, so their new owners have essentially new engines in their buses.   The supply of good Crowns is fast drying up, so now may be a good time to get one before their prices rise too much.

John

[Dave5Cs]

Might go newer but not by much and just love our MCI 5C 1979.....

[BenMC7]

Using an older bus for the foundation of a more modern drivetrain is a good idea, but not the best way to spend your money converting it yourself (ask anyone how much $$ spent to complete a modern bus conversion on an older platform and make it perform the way it should), unless your funds and patience isn't limited.  The older rigs have more character, but lack some of the modern conveniences that shoppers are looking for in a newer model (like 4 stroke engines, disc brakes, independent suspension), but isn't a roadblock to a comfortable conversion.  The older 2 stroke engines are a true workhorse, and even in light of their age, can be repaired rather easily with most parts readily available.  Would I like to have a Series 60? Sure.  Would I like to have it in an older bus... even better.  Look at the red Scenic that is at many of the bus rallies online.  It can be done, but not cheaply and not without chasing all the gremlins your going to encounter.  I think a lot of people would like to have a shiny Prevost with 4 slide outs, but would you know where to look in the system to find a plumbing leak or electrical short when your looking at a repair buried deep in a modern bus.