church bus, sort of

[HB of CJ]

Why spend all that money on something new?  Sounds like your needed coach may only be used on field trips and stuff and may not rack up all that many road miles.  Have you considered buying used?

I had a 1974 Crown Supercoach ex-school bus.  Sadly sold it. Only paid $3000 for it (they cost more today) and it had only 6 months and 1200 miles on a then current TUFF CHP (CA) school bus inspection.

Lots of Crown Supercoaches still in service, particularily in California where they are being retired from duty.   An out-of-state-er can usually buy one and drive it home to Oregon on a trip permit.  I did.

Most if not all of today's current survivors have the DD 671T mill with the Allision auto tranny.  All have power assist or full power steering.  The current school bus seats are quite comfy and nice.

Anyhow, one can usually expect to pay around $5000 for such a coach with lots and lots of good, safe road miles still left in her.  That plus Crowns are soo much fun to drive.  I loved mine dearly.

Sosss, why pay all that $money$ for something new when sound alternatives exist.  Consider a used schoolie and especially a used Crown Supercoach ex-school bus.  HB of CJ (old coot)

[David Anderson]

Why spend all that money on something new?  Sounds like your needed coach may only be used on field trips and stuff and may not rack up all that many road miles.  Have you considered buying used?

I had a 1974 Crown Supercoach ex-school bus.  Sadly sold it. Only paid $3000 for it (they cost more today) and it had only 6 months and 1200 miles on a then current TUFF CHP (CA) school bus inspection.

Lots of Crown Supercoaches still in service, particularily in California where they are being retired from duty.   An out-of-state-er can usually buy one and drive it home to Oregon on a trip permit.  I did.

Most if not all of today's current survivors have the DD 671T mill with the Allision auto tranny.  All have power assist or full power steering.  The current school bus seats are quite comfy and nice.

Anyhow, one can usually expect to pay around $5000 for such a coach with lots and lots of good, safe road miles still left in her.  That plus Crowns are soo much fun to drive.  I loved mine dearly.

Sosss, why pay all that $money$ for something new when sound alternatives exist.  Consider a used schoolie and especially a used Crown Supercoach ex-school bus.  HB of CJ (old coot)

I'm not against used.  After all my Eagle was "very used" by Houston Metro.  Anyway, I may have the head of our van committee read these posts.  He is a diesel mechanic by trade, so maybe he would consider it.  It's his responsibility for maintenance.  (Big shoulders for sure), but someone has to be willing to do it. 

I agree the Carpenter coaches looked like a van on steroids still burdened with the high CG.  At least it has duals on the back with increases the safety margin a bit. 

I sure appreciate the info you guys are posting.

David

[RoyJ]

Ever considered using a school bus?

Thomas makes some nice transit style (no dognose) buses, and you can even find them with high-back coach style seating. Newer models typically have underbody storage, though not as big as a real coach of course, due to the frame.

They're built like a tank, having some of the most strict passenger safty requirements. They get 9 to 10 mpg, and are much cheaper to maintain than most coaches.

[Mex-Busnut]

We have used 15-passenger vans for many years in our ministry. We used to rent commercial buses for our youth trips.

We now also have a 1992 Ford-B700 Thomas-body 28 passenger school bus. 5.9-Liter Cummins with turbo, 5-speed standard transmission. Our operating costs on the school bus (pesos spent per kilometer driven) are better than the 15-passenger Chevy van we currently have. The Thomas buses have a great reputation.

We changed out the Mickey Mouse never-open-or-close-properly school bus windows for some sliding ones. Two of these sliders are also emergency exits. Repainted (donated), re-upholsterd (donated), new tires (donated), interior luggage racks added, wood floor on top of steel floor replaced and new rubber laid on top. We also added two large escape hatches-vents on the roof. My La Tropa kids love it!

Our insurance cost here in Mexico is less than U.S. $900 per year (Covers everything to the max -- occupants, liability, etc. -- except the bus itself).

In one year's time, we will recoup our investment, with what we have saved on renting. Our youth group is very active in evangelism. We go as far South as the coast of Oaxaca.

My 2 pesos' worth.  

Here are a couple of before and after pictures.