35' buses

[Overdrive]

Of all the 35' (single rear axle) buses out there, which ones are the best ones to consider? So far I've looked at a GM 4104 that's in real nice shape, however it's a little outside my price range (but probably less than doing a ground up conversion myself). I was considering looking at a local late '50's Western Flyer Canuck, but looks like it may have sold already. I'm also considering looking for an MCI MC5 or a Western Flyer Canuck 500 or 600. Are there any pros/cons of the various makes? Weight, parts availability, height, etc? I'm new to this whole bus thing. I'm sure many of you have a lot of knowledge on some of these.

[luvrbus]

Look outside to Eagles and Prevost they also had 35 footers


good luck

[Lin]

There are also 35' RTS's.  There was a very nice one for sale recently.  Someone on the board may know of it and if it is still available.

[Overdrive]

I think that I might need to keep my search to mostly buses available in Canada. I still have to check on the all the regs to importing converted buses from the US... I did a quick check, and any bus build prior to 1971 looks fairly simple to import, and newer Prevost and MCI would be simple as well (but more work and fees). However, all RTS buses are inadmissible, so I can't consider those because I'm not allowed (but they do look cool!). But I'm assuming those are pure bus regs. I can't find anything on RV conversions, and if brought in as an RV, these don't fall into any of the allowed brands for RV's and might be not allowed either.

[Dwayne Johnston]

Somebody correct me if I am wrong but I looked into importing busses years ago and trying to get a normal across bus is very hard, from what I understand it is better to make sure to do what is necessary in the US to make it an RV and get it transferred as once it is an RV rules don't apply.

http://www.riv.ca/RIVExemptions.aspx

Well I actually just called them and they say that putting plumbing in adding seats is considered modifying the vehicle outside of factory parameters but you can check with Transport Canada on clarifications. Anyway I am going to stop researching or I will end up with a bus from down there lol. Hope that helps.

Dwayne

[Overdrive]

So, between older GM, MCI, Western Flyer, Eagle and Prevost, what's the pros and cons of each for the 35' models? Seems the MCI and Western Flyers are a little more common to find here in Canada, but most all the older ones I've found need serious upgrades on the inside (older badly done RV conversions). Another thing is cost. Local conversions range from $10,000 for a generally nasty looking 60's bus to $40,000 for a well done older conversion on a 50's bus that needs nothing and is ready to go as-is.

[Gary '79 5C]

OD,

Not quite sure what is driving your desire for a 35'er, but I purchased a '79 MCI 5C and I can not be happier. My criteria was a 35'er due to summer local traffic & egress to my home from storage location. It also made easier for indoor storage.
Single axle no tag + its weight.
I wanted a manufacturer who was still in business. Later, I now do not think this has much weight in the decision.
For me & my lovely wife 35' is quite enough length/space.
Flat floor from front to back, driver on same plane (level) with passengers. Not a hired driver feeling...
I had never driven a bus before, I find that I probably would be less apt to try tight driveways, etc with a 40' or 45'. Those whom do so, God Bless you.
Less length, less weight more fuel efficiency, That Is what I thought, but not so now. I think driveline, trans, rear ratio is more important.

I did purchase a completed conversion, and I still feel I could not do better on price if I did the work. Which I neither have the time nor all the skills involved. Again, my praise to those who do.

Good Luck,

Gary

[Overdrive]

Gary,

What you list are pretty much the reasons I have for looking for a 35' unit. I live in town, so getting it to my house would be an issue if it was any longer. Ease of storage, and less height are other benefits that I see. They also seem to have plenty of room if the layout is well done.

Thanks,

Rej

[FloridaCliff]

And if you like to camp at state parks, you can almost always get a spot.

There are very limited sites for 40' and above at older parks.

I book sites that say 35', even though I am 40'.

But I due a dry run through the park and make notes in the Jeep first.

Cliff

[TomC]

The 35ft'rs are GMC 4104 with 6-71 and 4spd, 4106 with 8V-71 and 4spd, 4107 and 4109 (which are raised flat floors with giant under storage) with 8V-71 with 4spd or V730 Allisons.  MCI5 with either 6V-71 or 8V-71 T drive.  Then there are the Crown and Gillig flat nose school buses with mostly layed down 6-71's.  These are all 96" wide
The RTS transit are available in either 96 or 102 wide in the 35ft size.  I like 102 wide (I have a AMGeneral 10240B) transit.  The transits are in general built stronger and turn sharper then highway buses, but are harder to convert.  I have 22" of height below my floor, which is enough for most all that I carry.  I believe Flxible and MCI also made 35 transits.
The only 102" wide 35ft highway bus I know of is the MCI F3500 which is a Mex made bus, but decently made with a Cummins ISC 330hp engine.  Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

Eagle had a 35 foot model 15 -102 in wide highway coach but it would be too new to import into Canada they were 1996 models they were nice coaches.
I believe the 10s models are too new also they were made in the 80's, it would have to be a model 12- 35 footer to import into Canada they were made in the 70's


good luck

[Christyhicks]

The 4107 we're selling is a 35' one, and those have huge bays, which is great.  Boy, we can't fit HALF of the stuff into this Prevost!  We really liked the 4107, which is a pretty lightweight bus, but of course, all we've used is a 40' MCI9, the 35' GMC4107 & the 40' Prevost, so we're probably not a great judge of rigs.  
Christy Hicks

[luvrbus]

OD has to be careful about buying a non Canadian bus I think it has to be pre 1972 to import 

good luck

[Dave5Cs]

OD;
We have a MC5C (Saudi) 35'. What we notice is we are able to get into smaller lots and spots and fuel probably goes further, but not a lot because it has the smaller motor 6V 71 w Auto. Don't have the tag which is a good thing.

Less tires is also good. But the minus side is 1 less bay for storage but actually it is only a half bay because of extra axle but still more storage on the 40's. Inside when I was building from the back to the front, I kept feeling like I was running out of room and kept telling my wife that it sure would be nice to have that extra 5 feet for whatever.

You learn to live with it after a while and you don't really need that extra. It would just hold more stuff that you don't really need unless it is product to sell etc. An 8V 71 TA or even 92 would be nice, but you see the country either way just a little slower.

As far as driving it or a 40'er or even a 45, you get used to them fairly fast, just like you do a car or new truck, each have their quirks and downfalls and fun stuff but you work with them and it just becomes as my wife always say, " Its nothing but a thing". Pick one and make sure it is mechanically sound or a least close and be prepared to find and fix things along the way and enjoy the journey.

Dave

[84bluebird]

Quite happy with my 84 BlueBird Wanderlodge and imported to boot!