LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE SETTLED ON A BUS!

Mex-Busnut · September 11, 2010, 08:02:47 PM

I think we have now settled on a bus. It is a 1985 Masa Somex model 2030. (Made in Mexico.) It has a 6V92TA Detroit Diesel with Jake Brake and 10-speed standard transmission. It was in military service until 18 months ago. Has very low rust and excellent body and engine. Tires look new. It is the one that can fit our current budget with no debts.

This type of body is affectionately known in Mexico as "pezcuezón", which literally means "long-neck".

It kind of reminds me of the Flxible VL100 or some of the mid-fifties GM bodies, except the windows are in a straight line, and not raised up with the roof line. Also the headlights are in a different layout.

I am just wondering about raising the roof in a way that it would not detract from its appearance. The main reasons are the current three levels of floor and the fact that our son is 6'4" tall.

Please give me your thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

Dr. Steve, central old Mexico

robertglines1 · September 11, 2010, 08:07:33 PM

now the adventure begins..nice looking coach.Bob

buswarrior · September 11, 2010, 08:09:08 PM

Looks good!

It looks to be just asking to be separated at the drip rail to have a bit of roof raise put on.

Windshields and all windows are unaffected?

But, if he's already 6'4", just how much bus camping will he be doing with you in the future to justify all this work?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Mex-Busnut · September 11, 2010, 08:18:51 PM

Quote from: buswarrior on September 11, 2010, 08:09:08 PM
Windshields and all windows are unaffected?

But, if he's already 6'4", just how much bus camping will he be doing with you in the future to justify all this work?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Thanks for your replies!

The two windshields need replacing, but are carried by local auto glass shop at about 1,500 pesos each (would be less than U.S. $270 for both, installed)

About the 6'4" son, he happens to be father to the two most adorable grand babies in the galaxy, and they are part of the reason for this family project.

Dr. Steve, Mexican bus nut

happycamperbrat · September 11, 2010, 08:26:08 PM

QuoteThe two windshields need replacing, but are carried by local auto glass shop at about 1,500 pesos each (would be less than U.S. $270 for both, installed)

and so it begins..........

haha! Nice lookin bus! Congratulations! I like buswarriors suggestion for the roof raise place.

ruthi · September 11, 2010, 08:39:25 PM

Nice bus, now the fun times begin.

Dreamscape · September 11, 2010, 08:48:34 PM

Congratulations! Now build your dream coach like everyone does, like you want it!

Just do one thing, enjoy the journey, because the destination is grand!

Paul

Sam 4106 · September 12, 2010, 04:14:08 PM

In my opinion the journey is as much, or more, fun as the destination.

If I knew the height of the windows above the floor levels I could offer better advice about where to raise the roof from. But I will offer my experience anyway. A local guy raised the roof of his MC9 above the windows so that he could have the best visibility sitting down but realized too late that the height of the furniture blocked the lower part of the windows. He said if he were to do it over he would have raised the roof from below the windows. And, when standing he could only see down and not out, as he would have liked.

You may wish to consider the height of other members of the family, as well as your 6' 4" son, in deciding the starting point, and the amount of your roof raise.

I raised the roof on the Prevost, that we once had, above the windshields, drivers window, and passenger door, but below the side windows. I chose not to raise the drivers floor and dash so I left the windshields, etc. where they were, but raised the whole roof.

It looks like you selected a very nice bus to begin your project, so take plenty of time to plan your conversion.

Good luck, Sam MC8

Stolaas · September 12, 2010, 06:18:08 PM

I really like that back end!

Mex-Busnut · September 12, 2010, 08:40:59 PM

Thanks for all the great comments and wishes!

1. My highest point is the engine's air intake on the rear passenger-side roof @ 10 feet 2" tall. So maybe I can go 8-10" without too much problem?
2. Do you think it looks best to keep this retro window shape (most of my glass looks good), or change windows out to the more modern rectangular style?
3. Hope this makes sense. Do you think it looks better with all the windows in a straight line as it is now (though maybe all raised to new level), or with the window line going up with the roof raise (see picture below.)

Thanks in advance!

Dr. Steve, central old Mexico