Are Evolution Conversions good?

pickpaul · December 05, 2008, 11:02:39 AM

I just found what looks like a really nice conversion. Even at the discounted price of $55k it's a premium over a non-professional conversion. Do you think it's worth it? Thanks, Paul.

pickpaul · December 05, 2008, 11:06:01 AM

Sorry, forgot to add the link...

http://www.evolutioncustomcoach.com/forsale/74-8/

Ednj · December 05, 2008, 11:29:11 AM

Paul,
Did you get my Email?

Len Silva · December 05, 2008, 11:33:01 AM

I don't know about Evolution, probably as good or bad as any other converter. BUT, it's 34 years old and I think overpriced even at 55K.

It's a weekender/tailgater floor plan, not full time live aboard, if that's what you want....

I bought a very nice, immaculate '94 Vogue Motor Home with all the goodies and everything worked when we bought it. In the next six months or so, one air conditioner failed, the other is so noisy we can't use it at night. Both furnaces have quit, the transfer switch is hit or miss, the inverter sometimes fails to start, the ice maker quit, etc. etc.

All these failures just from age and lack of use. Everything in this coach was the best available in '94 but it's now 14 years old.

The kitchen appliances look like they might be original. The ad copy says central air but the pic shows a roof unit.

If all these failure prone parts are newer in the bus, it may be a good deal at 40K. If they are all original 1984 then it's probably not worth that much, no matter how nice it looks.

All this assumes it was converted from new. If that's not the case, it might be worth even less.

Be prepared to spend 4-5K after purchase.

I just noticed that the ad says 1974 MCI 2000 conversion. Don't know what that means.

Dreamscape · December 05, 2008, 11:41:55 AM

As long as the mechanicals are in good shape and not needing any major repair, not bad. You can always change the interior to your liking as you go along. It's the big stuff likes brakes, motor, transmission that will dig into your wallet quickly.

If it's what you want, go for it. Just remember with today's market you will see one later that you wish you would've gotten! That's the way the cookie crumbles!

Happy Trails,

Paul

pickpaul · December 05, 2008, 12:34:33 PM

I want to full time in mine. Can you explain the problem with the floor plan for me?

Lee Bradley · December 05, 2008, 12:48:41 PM

What does the bedroom look like?

Lin · December 05, 2008, 12:54:11 PM

I can't say for sure that it is not worth $55k, but it would have to be in excellent shape. For one thing the pictures are really wide angle and everything looks huge. The distance as it appears does not leave much room for bed and bath, but wide angles can do that. How many coaches have you looked at yet? The way the market is now, there have been and will be lots of serious bargains. This may be a good one to look at, if possible, to start getting some touchy/feely experience.

Len Silva · December 05, 2008, 12:55:10 PM

Quote from: pickpaul on December 05, 2008, 12:34:33 PM
I want to full time in mine. Can you explain the problem with the floor plan for me?

Actually, I can't. My comments came from the description and the fact that there appears to be a lot of space dedicated to the living/kitchen area that there's not much left for the bedroom. That and the fact that there are no pics of the bedroom area, usually included in most sales pics.

It may well be the perfect bus for you, it's just that it's so easy to be fooled by lipstick and rouge.

Here's a thought. Make a list of everything you are looking for and your priorities. Is immediate trouble free operation important or are you prepared to invest time and money after purchase?
Is the color scheme and layout important or are you flexible?

When you have made the list, look at the bus as if you are checking it out for a friend who has given you this list of priorities.

I know from experience that it's easy to get caught up in the dream. In my case, my wife was so taken by the immaculate interior after all the crap we looked at, that I accepted a floor plan that I really didn't care for (hate center bath, like side aisle).

Best of luck,

Len

Also, no mention or pictures of a shower

Lee Bradley · December 05, 2008, 01:05:41 PM

Looking it the couch, TV stand, bar and stools, a very long kitchen, I don't think it has a bedroom. 'Weekend RVing' you sleep on the fold-out conch.

jjrbus · December 05, 2008, 01:38:49 PM

I've seen lots nicer amature conversions!!! Perfessional does not mean quality.
I see no mention of an inverter (do you need an inverter?) cheap plastic toilet. Original bus insulation? Yanmar diesel, 1800 or 3600 RPM, 3600 tends to be noisey and hard to quiet. How old are the tires, not how much thread how old??
Looks like original bus windows, awkward to keep open and no screens. Bus windows are not bad, but I'd want better for $55K 2 AC's all the way up front?? One in the rear, in kitchen so no bedroom unless sink folds out into bed. Do you need a bedroom? Maybe convert a bay to queen size bed, trap door entrance, could be cool !
CRT TV? for $55K I'd want LCD. Cool looking wheels. Jim

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · December 05, 2008, 02:11:32 PM

Hi Paul,

I'm not sure Evolution Coach converted this bus but, rather maintained for the owner.

I have communicated with Angie at Evolution Coach a couple times in the past and she seems to run a respectable company.

Good Luck
Nick-

Len Silva · December 05, 2008, 02:14:12 PM

Just for study, here are some that appear to be in your price range, both well respected dealers as far as I know.

http://horizoncoach.com/index.cfm?go=main.inventoryView&inventory=468
http://horizoncoach.com/index.cfm?go=main.inventoryView&inventory=931
http://horizoncoach.com/index.cfm?go=main.inventoryView&inventory=829
http://heartlandbus.com/VehicleDetail.cfm?StockNo=1525
http://heartlandbus.com/VehicleDetail.cfm?StockNo=82

If you have a million or so to spend....
http://horizoncoach.com/index.cfm?go=main.inventoryView&inventory=1007

JackConrad · December 05, 2008, 03:29:11 PM

Quote from: Len Silva on December 05, 2008, 02:14:12 PM
Just for study, here are some that appear to be in your price range, both well respected dealers as far as I know.

http://horizoncoach.com/index.cfm?go=main.inventoryView&inventory=468
http://horizoncoach.com/index.cfm?go=main.inventoryView&inventory=931
http://horizoncoach.com/index.cfm?go=main.inventoryView&inventory=829
http://heartlandbus.com/VehicleDetail.cfm?StockNo=1525
http://heartlandbus.com/VehicleDetail.cfm?StockNo=82

If you have a million or so to spend....
http://horizoncoach.com/index.cfm?go=main.inventoryView&inventory=1007

Come to Bussin' 09 and see these in person (if they at at Horizon or Heartland then). Both businesses are located in Arcadia, within a couple miles of the Bussin' 09 rally location. Jack

PS: I am available to look at any of these buses if you are interested in them since I live about 12-14 miles from these businesses.

buswarrior · December 05, 2008, 04:36:10 PM

Beware an MC 7,8,9 that has had the skins redone...

That's what you do to freshen it up to hide that the internals are rotten.

One thing for sure, a stock exterior that is straight tells you good things.

That bus can't talk to you, someone has gagged it.

You already know I think that chassis is way overpriced for its vintage.

happy coaching!
buswarrior