Intro...and advice needed...

PP · October 28, 2008, 08:22:01 PM

NUCKLE? hehe

BJ · October 28, 2008, 08:35:55 PM

One of the many things wrong with buying an european bus is a good parts supply stateside, I would really second think about that problem. Some european buses parts have to be ordered from overseas and the resale value is not as good as a MCI or eagle here stateside..

buswarrior · October 28, 2008, 08:54:47 PM

A fellow already overseas with a plan, will have the contacts in place to forward the required bits and pieces, and will have the foreign coach up to snuff on its home turf before it gets shipped home.

No easy parts for a 4501, and they were made here....?

Novelty has its price. With planning and luck, it is achievable.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

New2Busin · October 28, 2008, 09:21:20 PM

Quote from: BJ on October 28, 2008, 08:35:55 PM
One of the many things wrong with buying an European bus is a good parts supply stateside, I would really second think about that problem. Some European buses parts have to be ordered from overseas and the resale value is not as good as a MCI or eagle here stateside..

I can see that being an issue, case in point: Broken down along side the road...having to wait 7 to 14 days to get parts. Well known to me being in Japan and wanting American made parts for my Harley-Davidson Road King. Even if they do have a Stealership here, not paying 4x's the $$'s for less in the states...fat man's gotta eat you know.

Us GI's that would die for our country don't have "Disposeable Income"...just the benefits and a little $$ they do pay, and the patriotism that goes along with it. So picking one up at a premium price is ideal and having it made in the US is another concern of mine. Our economy is in shambles now due to outsourcing...and the like. OK...going in the wrong direction here...LOL!!!

I'm sure I'm set on MCI with the majority of the frame to be stainless steal. From this point it's the decision of "Turn Key" or "DIY Conversion"

Thanks for the inputs so far...keep'm coming...

Ben

junkman42 · October 29, 2008, 06:46:06 AM

Ben, I spent 7 years on the rock. I was a air crew member in base flight at kadena. I can assume that the day of maids for 2.50 a month are gone. I would think that having a mci on the rock would be a blast. Perhaps with a lot of railroad iron for bumpers You could teach native drivers road manners? I am assuming that traffic is still like bumper cars! Thanks for serving and hope that You find the special bus. You have come to the right place to learn about the ins and outs of the bus hobby. I certainly wish that I would have known about the board before I got involved. Good luck and stay off of BC street. John

New2Busin · October 29, 2008, 09:05:57 AM

Thanks John,

Yeah to say the least, prices are a bit higher these days. Moma-san's run about $50 a day now, definite mark up. Right now the exchange rate is 90 Yen to the Dollar. I don't think I'll have a bus over here, for many reasons: 1. Even stainless steal can't withstand this harsh corrosive environment, 2. No enough room even on the biggest of roads..LOL! So it's a for sure wait till I get back to the states...just a little head of the game, that's normal for a guy like me, want to be sure about what I'm getting myself into. Above all, thank you sir for serving as well!

Regards,
Ben

PP · October 29, 2008, 01:05:56 PM

If you're so into stainless, don't rule out Prevosts. Lots of good older Prevosts looking for homes also. And when you call ahead to make reservations in a park and they ask what you have, you don't have to make a long explanation. Everyone knows what a Prevost is-kinda like Hogs LOL

Thanks for serving. There are a lot of vets on this board even though it's not a requirment of being a Busnut. My orders to Okinawa (Army) were changed at the last minute, but that was many many years ago. Uncle Sam needed me elsewhere. But that's another story and not in this topic. Welcome and goodluck, Will & Wife