Newbie... First Post - 1984 TMC MC-9

[Depewtee]

Hi All!

I bought my bus the first of this month and I am new to the bus nut community.  I have not had an opportunity to tinker with the bus much, but I have been enjoying reading your posts on this forum.  My bus is a 1984 TMC Crusader II (essentially an MCI MC-9) with a Detroit Diesel 6V92-T engine and an Allison 5-speed automatic transmission.  I have zero diesel experience, but I follow directions well and always welcome advice.  I actually bought the bus in June, but I had to wait until July 3rd to pick it up, as I live in Florida and the bus was in Minnesota.  My father-in-law flew up to Minnesota with me and accompanied me on the drive back - we drove the 1400+ miles nearly non-stop.

The bus has been converted for about five years now - the previous owner did a great job on conversion.  It has the roof raised 8" with R&M front and rear caps.  The windows were skinned, door skins replaced, and a custom paint job applied.  The interior is nice with the exact floorplan I was wanting - a couch and two chairs up front, a kitchen in the middle, a bathroom a little farther back, and the bedroom in the rear.  I have already ordered (and just received) an R&M fiberglass dash and R&M fiberglass taillight corners (102 style).  Although the bus has a 15kw generator, it does not have much else in the way of "automated" power.  The 12V system needs some work and switching between the gen set and shore power relies on the fail safe unplug and plug method.  I have my eye on a Xantrax 3000 inverter, but I believe I am going to have to pay down some of the bus debt before I start spending that kind of money.

I have many questions, but will do some searching on the board before I start throwing them out.  I have a few pictures of the bus posted here. 

Brian

[Timkar]

Very nice looking unit. Almost need sunglasses when you look at that shine.

[HighTechRedneck]

Welcome to our madness Brian!  The condition known as "Bus Nut" is a mental condition for which there is no cure and the only way to deal with the symptoms is to indulge the obsession.  But the good news is that once infected, you really don't want to be cured.

I am certain you will soon find this forum community to be an amazing place.  The help and camaraderie is beyond compare in my experience.

Mike

[RJ]

Brian -

Welcome aboard!

As others have said, busnutitis is incurable but enjoyable!

Two questions for you:  What is the VIN/Unit/Serial number on your coach?

Second:  What does the shifter say on the shift tower?  R-N-D-4-3-2-1 or R-N-D-3-2-1?

Again, welcome to the madness!

(PS:  If you haven't already, source out locally straight 40wt, CF-2, 1% or less sulfated ash content oil for your engine.  DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT use ANY multi-weight oil in the two-stroke 92 engine - per DDA.  Chevron Delo 100 & Texaco Ursa have the lowest sulfated ash (same company, same oil), Shell Rotella T is right at the max, Exxon/Mobile XD3 is in the middle.  Available thru oil/fuel distributors or NAPA.)

FWIW & HTH. . .

[MattC]

Brian,

Welcome indeed!   It's fun having a more-or-less socially acceptable addiction. =)  

Nice looking coach!

Matt

[Dreamscape]

Welcome! I'm sure you are very excited had a memorable trip! Enjoy your new found love and keep it between the lines. Gorgeous coach by the way.

Paul

[Sojourner]

Welcome!

You have a great coach to enjoy with a few updates of your choices to do.

What a way to go.

Sojourn for Christ, Gerald

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Brian,

Welcome!

Who was the previous owner, I have seen that bus before.

Nick-

[Depewtee]

RJ - The VIN is 1TUAAH9A5ER004186.  The only history I know is that the bus spent several years with "PA Transit" before the previous owner bought it.  The shifter reads (from top to bottom) R, N, 1-5, 1-4, 1-3, 1-2, 1-1.

Nick - The previous owner was Matt G. (he may not want me to reveal his last name).  He had the bus in Minnesota for about five years and used it to go to many NASCAR races, along with family camping outings.  I located the bus through eBay, so you might have seen it there.

I will post up some more pictures in the appropriate section this weekend.  Now that I have access to view everyone's pictures I can't wait to see your buses (non-members cannot view pictures).

I have had busnutitis for many years, I just have not had a bus until now.  I remember attending a training event 10 years ago and the presenter began with an icebreaker exercise where he asked all participants to introduce themselves and answer three questions.

1. What is your favorite color?
2. What is your dream car?
3. What cartoon character are you most like?

Of course I answered "a bus" to number 2.  He was dumbfounded.  He said in all of his years presenting no one had ever answered that question that way.  He then gave me an opportunity to change my answer, but I stuck with bus.  There was no real point to the exercise other than to start everyone talking a bit.

I am glad to finally be here,
Brian

[John316]

Brian,

Welcome aboard! That is great that you finally got your baby .

If you don't mind me asking, how many smackers did you give for it?

God bless,

John

[paulcjhastings]

You were in Minnesota and you didn't stop by and see me? . Or you could have had Brian's only rally with yourself, Brian Deihl, and belfert. Where in MN was that bus located?

[junkman42]

Brian, welcome to the world of big toys.  I live in Laurel Hill which is about 40 miles north of FWB.  My phone is six five 2 two eight00.  Cell is eight three zero  six six 00.  I am retired so call any time and I am usualy home if You want to stop up.  John

[JackConrad]

Brian,
  Welcome to the wonderful world of Busnuts.  Since you are already in Florida, you should try to plan to attend Bussin' 10 in Arcadia, FL December 29-Jan. 1.  You will have a chance to see many other conversions and show off your beautiful coach.  Jack

[Kwajdiver]

Brian,

You will want to visit the Bussin in Arcadia, it will be like Busing 101.  I have learn so much from these guys.  They will be glad to share the collective knowledge.  Even if you can't go for the week, get down for a couple days.

I must have missed where you are in Florida.

Let me pass on something I JUST learn about my MCI-9.  (I've had my bus since Oct-07)  The switches on the left of the driver, the switch that says Tag Axle Unload or up or something like that.  That switch in the up postions will release air in your tags.  This should start lights blinking and alarms sounding.  It will make your turning radiance a lot better in a slow tight turn.  Like backing into a small little RV lot.

Good Luck and welcome to this nut house, bus nut house that is.

Bill
In Auburndale, Florida

[Busted Knuckle]

Welcome aboard! Nice!
  BK