New member with a few questions

mike802 · August 17, 2010, 02:55:25 PM

Hi everybody: This is my first post and I have a few questions. I just bought a 1983 MCI MC9. The bus was fully seated when I bought it and I am in the process of striping it all down to start an rv conversion. At this point I have all the seats, the luggage racks and the bathroom partitions removed.
This picture shows the original black water holding tank

I am not sure how to remove it. It looks to big to come out from under the bus and I think it will have to come up into the coach and out a window. Anyone have any suggestions for the best way to remove it?

The bus will need new radiators soon, and I think it needs a new alternator. We had to drive the bus about 200 miles to get her home and the next day she would not start. Checked the batteries and they were dead. I tried charging them and one would not take a charge, the other was coming back, but I decided to just change the pair. The bus starts real good with new batteries, but I am only getting 24.7 volts out of the regulator. I tried adjusting the regulator, but turning the screw makes no difference in the voltage reading. I am excited about this project, our last rv was a travel trailer and it has rotted out, I just couldn't see putting any more time and effort into it and decided to work with something built to last.

Dreamscape · August 17, 2010, 03:02:32 PM

Welcome Mike!

I tried to fix your PhotoBucket code but I seem to have a problem getting the correct code. When you want to post a picutre from PB here try this. Hover your mouse over the photo, a small box will appear below with four different types of code. Copy the last one where is says IMG, then paste that code here in your post. That's it.

I can't help you with the MCI stuff, I'm sure one will come along shortly.

Paul

mike802 · August 17, 2010, 03:06:41 PM

Hi Paul: Thanks, yea I was playing around with the code also, for some reason photo bucket would not show the code under the picture as normal, but I think I got it worked out.

eddiepotts · August 17, 2010, 03:20:24 PM

I don't know how to get it out but, Don't bite your fingernails from now on worrying about it. Welcome it is fun here.

eddiepotts · August 17, 2010, 03:23:28 PM

Try this http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=3866.0

scott332 · August 17, 2010, 03:29:27 PM

The only way I know of is through the right side engine door. There should be a fiberglass cover that first has to be removed, then 2 stainless steel straps hold the tank to the bottom of the engine step up area. Removing the tank was one of the worst parts of stripping the bus IMO (and I removed mine in the winter so it didn't smell as bad). I first removed the collar that is sticking through the step up. That involved a crow bar & BFH if I remember correctly.

mike802 · August 17, 2010, 03:52:25 PM

Wow thanks guys. I tried using the search option, but couldn't find anything, thanks for the link. I guess my plans for next weekend will be getting that thing out of there. I am lucky that the po cleaned it well and it does not stink. All the brown gooey stuff dripping off in the picture is not, well you know. I am not sure what it is, but at least it does not stink.

Jriddle · August 17, 2010, 03:52:53 PM

I stole this from Craig but when I did mine this site helped me a lot.
http://www.gumpydog.com/Bus/MC9_WIP/Structural/Washroom_Removal/washroom_removal.htm

That involved a crow bar & BFH if I remember correctly. This is a very true statement.
John

thomasinnv · August 17, 2010, 04:23:24 PM

as posted above, it comes out through the engine door. i agree it was probably the worst part of the stripping job. mine was dry and didn't smell, but it didn't come without a fight. for the floor pan, the easiest i think is to cut the floor about 1 1/2" outside the pan all the way around it, then a big crow bar and pry it up.

robertglines1 · August 17, 2010, 07:28:41 PM

do you need it out? fill full of spray foam...I did one mci 8

mike802 · August 18, 2010, 06:11:01 AM

Quotedo you need it out? fill full of spray foam...I did one mci 8

My son has been saying this the whole time I have been considering removing it. I guess if it ever got in the way for whatever reason it could be removed latter. I like the idea of filling it with expanding foam, should seal it up so it does not act like a big drum, or start to smell when the temps rise. How did it work out for you? Did it ever get in the way, or start to smell? The only benefit I see from removing it is to save a little weight, and make more room in the engine compartment. Of course there is the physiological aspect of having an old black water tank in your master bedroom.

Jriddle · August 18, 2010, 06:41:12 AM

I have found that the extra room in the engine compartment is very handy. I'm not sure of your situation but filling that thing might cost some money. I would think twice about buying a bus that someone did this too. I took my bus to the frame rails to get it clean before starting my rebuild. I would rather buy a bus with the tank intact and cleaned out and sanitized as good as one can.

My Opinion
John

mike802 · August 18, 2010, 07:37:48 PM

QuoteI would think twice about buying a bus that someone did this too. I took my bus to the frame rails to get it clean before starting my rebuild. I would rather buy a bus with the tank intact and cleaned out and sanitized as good as one can.

I see your point John, I had not thought about the day I may sell this thing. I may know it was cleaned, but there is not way for a prospective buyer to know. Guess I will just have to bite the bullet this coming weekend and get that thing out of there.

Jriddle · August 18, 2010, 08:36:42 PM

It does take some time but not too bad. Gumpy's site is a good reference. I cut mine with a cut off blade like he advised and it went well but took some time.

I think getting it out of there is a good choice
John

mikelutestanski · August 20, 2010, 07:24:32 AM

Hello; In the motor compartment from the side door: 4 bolts on the upper part of the tank linking it to the top and rear sidewall (rear of the motor compartment). You need to poke around in the insulation from underneath and remove the 4 bolts. REmove the clamp from the top and the whole thing will fall down. It is a good idea to prop it up so that it does not fall on you when the last bolt is removed. THe space is real handy..
The harder part is the stainless piece on the floor. THat has to be cut with a plasma cutter or a grinder before it will come out.
Regards and happy bussin mike