Bus Trip

[belfert]

Our first trip met a big rock that ripped down one bay door to the wheel well.  Someone should do a poll.  I'll bet 50% of the first trips had the same experience.

I darn well hope not.  I've not done my first "real" trip yet.  I really don't want to rip up a baggage door or something. 

Of course, maybe my trip to BK's first rally last year was my first trip.  If so, I'm good.  The only problem on that trip was I left an extension cord plugged when I pulled out of BK's garage and wrecked the cord.

[uncle ned]

Don't feel bad about the dents  Bought a perfectly good chain link fence in northern florida on my way to jack's last year. just chalk it up to learning that these old bus's swing wide.


uncle ned

[DavidInWilmNC]

Our first trip met a big rock that ripped down one bay door to the wheel well.  Someone should do a poll.  I'll bet 50% of the first trips had the same experience.

Don and Cary
GMC4107

The first trip was to Timmonsville and we had no problems, unless one counts running over some side trim I had stored underneath 'in a safe place' and backing over a Crepe Myrtle next to my drive way.  The next day, I asked who's tire tracks are these over the Crepe Myrtle.  A friend reminded me 'didn't you back the bus in here last night'.  Duh, and I didn't even hear it (imagine that).  I wish my damage was just one bay, but it's 2-3 and the entire underneath frame/rail that edges the bay floors.  I cound understand a rock, but a damned root?      We'll be staying away from roots from now on!

David

[Busted Knuckle]

[ I cound understand a rock, but a damned root?      We'll be staying away from roots from now on!

David

What about Crepe Myrtle's?

[uncle ned]

david

  Are you planning on going to bk's rally in tn. this fall. if so we may make a convey of gm's. Well two does make a convey in nc.

Might let jr and his mci in also. You can pick him up on your way through Charlotte.

Uncle ned
Lenoir nc
"huggy Bear"

[NJT5047]

Sorry to hear about your bay doors and sills.  The damaged bay sills can be cut out, rivets removed, and a new sill fitted into place and welded.  Mine has had most of the LH front bay sill replaced.  Doesn't leak and the bay door works like new.  
$hit happens on these trips...more stuff happens when backing in the dark!  
David, are you wanting smooth sides?  This sounds like a "paintable" side time?  
We just returned from a pretty much issue-free trip yesterday...not entirely "issue-free."  My newest rule...always keep a good grip on fuel hose when fueling up.  I was dinking around trying to see something and switched hands on the hose....BIG MISTAKE!~   Guess who had to take a shower???  It wasn't all that bad,  I parked the bus and had to shower and wash my hair to get most of the diesel fuel off of me.
Bummer!  Oh well...the bus ran great.   Smelled a little near the fuel filler.  TOO hot to sit outside anyway.   One other thing...as a bonafide rain-maker, I kept my 100% perfect record of creating rain when there is no forcast!    
Got a pix of an Eagle that was at the festival that I'll post soon....has front windshields all the way to the top of the bus.  Really different.
Guy says it's an '87 front end on a '73 chassis.  
Cheers, JR

[NJT5047]

Hi Ned,
Gotta verify dates on Bryce's rally..busy time of year for us. May yet go...
Also a possibility of something in this area.        JR

[uncle ned]

 

Jr if you want to work on something in this area let me know. I will help any way. I Probaly know of several places to go to for a small rally. Maybe spring in the blue ridge.

Uncle ned

[DavidInWilmNC]

I contacted Cardinal Coach in Warsaw (NC) as Darrell suggested.  I didn't talk to the owners, but to a guy named Robert.  I believe he deals with tours and drivers mostly.  He 'assured' me the damage looks worse than it is and that they are equipped to repair things like this.  I guess these incidents happened even to the most experienced drivers.  They have several 8's for parts, which is nice.  He asked me if it was a manual transmission and if so had I 'mastered' it yet.  I described how I could get from point A to point B with a bit of roughness, but felt fairly safe at least.  He suggested that I include a stop by their place as part of my next trip.  He offered to drive the bus some to ensure that I'm not having adjustment issues.  He very politely indicated that my shifting problems were most likely due to me, which I assured him was the case. He's going to show me how he shifts one of these old things and critique (nicely, I hope!) my technique to see if we can get it a bit smoother.  They'll also see what parts are needed to repair the damage.  Hopefully, these guys will be able to help me with all these issues.

David