A question of conversion economics?

[Melbo]

HECK

WE ain't experts we is just bus guys with attitudes and opinions.

AND happy to share them

Melbo

[Busted Knuckle]

HECK
WE ain't experts we is just bus guys with attitudes and opinions.
AND happy to share them
Melbo

Melbo I agree 100%!

And too anyone I might have offended! I did not mean to imply ALL ENTERTAINER DRIVERS were on DOPE! But I know for a fact that quite a few are! In fact I personally know a couple of them that are, and while you won't see it on the job application form part of their job is to find a "connection" when in strange towns to supply the group they haul, and well since they gotta find and aquire it they have to be sure it is "good enough quality!" and be able to "ride all night to the next venue"!
I'm not saying all entertainers are on or use dope, and I'm not saying all their drivers are either! But I've been approched and asked more than once "hey man your local, ya know where I can get this or that for so an so?" I've also seen the way these "new midnight cowboys ride all night" I can't lie I drive fast, but these guys are just plain stupid driving 100 + with the group on board! I wouldn't drive a coach that fast empty! Too prove that one search the news archives about the 2 buses that were carrying the rapper "Emminem's group"(or what ever his name is) over near Kansas City, MO that crashed taking out 2 semis, a motor cycle(killed the rider) & several cars reports show they'd been running over 100 + all the way across MO and were passing a semi (one on each side of him while racing) when one of them clipped his trailer causing a chain reaction accident!  No not all of them drive this way, but too many of them do! BK 

[mak]

My experiance has been that it cost more to "undo" what someone else has done that to do it yourself from the start. No money saved redoing someone else's project, none. (my 2 cents worth)

On buying a bus, true the mechinanics are important, as inspections are, but also,  I've found that if the bus is well maintained on the inside with nice seats covers etc (yes, I know your taking the seats out) , and well cared for on the outside body with nice paint etc, (Yes, I know your going to repaint)  that normally the operator took care of the drivetrain and the rest of the bus you can't see. Not always... well, always. And on the other note, if the bus is beat up on the inside, beat and rusty body outside, well it may have a beat up drive train.
mak

[Busted Knuckle]

My experiance has been that it cost more to "undo" what someone else has done that to do it yourself from the start. No money saved redoing someone else's project, none. (my 2 cents worth)

On buying a bus, true the mechinanics are important, as inspections are, but also,  I've found that if the bus is well maintained on the inside with nice seats covers etc (yes, I know your taking the seats out) , and well cared for on the outside body with nice paint etc, (Yes, I know your going to repaint)  that normally the operator took care of the drivetrain and the rest of the bus you can't see. Not always... well, always. And on the other note, if the bus is beat up on the inside, beat and rusty body outside, well it may have a beat up drive train.           MAK

Very well put and in my opinion 100% correct Mike! BK 

Folks take it from the man! MAK who makes his living doing this! His advice is worth much more than $![/b]

[Len Silva]

HECK
WE ain't experts we is just bus guys with attitudes and opinions.
AND happy to share them
Melbo

Melbo I agree 100%!

And too anyone I might have offended! I did not mean to imply ALL ENTERTAINER DRIVERS were on DOPE! But I know for a fact that quite a few are! In fact I personally know a couple of them that are, and while you won't see it on the job application form part of their job is to find a "connection" when in strange towns to supply the group they haul, and well since they gotta find and aquire it they have to be sure it is "good enough quality!" and be able to "ride all night to the next venue"!
I'm not saying all entertainers are on or use dope, and I'm not saying all their drivers are either! But I've been approched and asked more than once "hey man your local, ya know where I can get this or that for so an so?" I've also seen the way these "new midnight cowboys ride all night" I can't lie I drive fast, but these guys are just plain stupid driving 100 + with the group on board! I wouldn't drive a coach that fast empty! Too prove that one search the news archives about the 2 buses that were carrying the rapper "Emminem's group"(or what ever his name is) over near Kansas City, MO that crashed taking out 2 semis, a motor cycle(killed the rider) & several cars reports show they'd been running over 100 + all the way across MO and were passing a semi (one on each side of him while racing) when one of them clipped his trailer causing a chain reaction accident!  No not all of them drive this way, but too many of them do! BK 

I did run into a guy (can't remember his name) who was the owner - operator of a one bus company, and very selective about who he carried.  That was one Eagle I would buy in a minute.

Len

[Songman]

As someone mentioned above, not very many MC9s are Entertainer coaches in the truest sense of the word. Most entertainers use Eagles or Prevosts. I was lucky to be with an act that has use MCIs exclusively since the late 60s. I've always loved MC9s for that reason. The 9s have now been replaced by a DL3 and a new J4500. The DL3 seems like a natural progression from the 9 but the 4500 seems to much like a Prevost to me.

My price range for my personal conversion was a lot less than either of the new models. Personally, I would love to find a an affordable 102C3, but in my opinion, a good ole seated MC9 (or 12) is the best conversion choice out there.

As for the opinions about the music business and it's drivers.. Yeah, it happens. But don't find yourself guilty of spreading the rumor that the bad apple spoils the whole barrel. I can tell you from personal experience that country music, at least, is a lot cleaner than it was 20-30 years ago. Now I'm only 41 myself but grew up on the road with a country legend. It was wild times back then for sure. Nowadays there are a lot of health nuts out there, eating right and living clean. There are exceptions of course. But that is not the rule. As for me.. I've never done any drug, including pot, and MIGHT have one glass of wine or margarita a month. Woo hoo! Party on! haha

[plyonsMC9]

Hi there songman,

Welcome to the group, and thanks for sharing your perspective. 

Do you have a bus, or are you looking? 

Do you play an instrument, or instruments?  We seem to have a lot of muscians, amateur and professional, on this board.

Kind Regards, Phil

[ceieio]

Cash had a great looking 9.  The paint scheme was perfect for him!

Craig - MC7 Oregon