Need steering gearbox installed!!!

[chart1]

I am looking for someone to install Integral style steering gearbox on MCI 8. Any suggestions? Prefer Midwest area.

[Busted Knuckle]

Sam Caylor

http://www.caylorsupply.com/bus-repair.html

  BK 

[chart1]

K thanks, any other options out there. I am sure sam will be reasonable.

[Busted Knuckle]

Not only will he be reasonable, but he has the parts in stock and yrs of experience doing it!
  BK 

[John316]

Yup, Sam is good....very good.

But then again, we have out own BK. His shop rates are very reasonable. Only 200 an hour, plus shop fees (not too bad, really, only about 400 or so). He will work on it, as soon as he has the time, when his buses are all running well. And he will get it turned around fairly quickly. He might even have it done in less then six months, again depending on how his buses are running.

Always worth a try .

God bless,

John

[chart1]

Yup, Sam is good....very good.
But then again, we have out own BK. His shop rates are very reasonable. Only 200 an hour, plus shop fees (not too bad, really, only about 400 or so). He will work on it, as soon as he has the time, when his buses are all running well. And he will get it turned around fairly quickly. He might even have it done in less then six months, again depending on how his buses are running. Always worth a try .
God bless,

John

Wow.. I thought I was the only one that has Delt with guy..lol

[John316]

LOL, Chart. I was pulling BK's leg .

From what I have heard, he does very good work. I have also heard that he is fantastic with helping others out. So maybe the thing to do is to assemble the parts, put them in the bay, then break down near his place

John

[rcbeam]

When I asked this question, I pretty much got the same answer.  I called Caylors and they were very nice on the phone.  Seems to have pretty much a turnkey process on the conversion if all is scheduled properly.  He farms too, so is not in the shop all the time.  I also talked with Fred Hobe from North Florida.  He is retiring and made me a deal I cannot refuse and am looking forward to working with him on doing my steering conversion.  We planned originally for early March, but looks like that date will slip a bit.  I  have alternator issues right now and still have a few things to get in order before doing that kind of road trip.  For me, the trip to KS and FL were about the same miles and honestly, I'd rather go to Fl.  This winter has been the pits (probably the same for most folks)... either snow, rain, or just too damned cold.  Will it ever end.

Good luck with your conversion.  I'm sure we'd all luv to hear how it all goes.

Russell
MC8
Lexington Ky

[chart1]

Fred is a great guy he helped me with my roof raise and everything else. Same here made me a great deal. Just a little far to go for steering gear box.

[artvonne]

  May I assume the MCI-5 power assist is simular to the -7, and the upgrade to integral would be simular work with simular parts?

[bevans6]

Yes, the MC-5 is essentially identical to the pre-83 (when the production change happened) MC-X series.  My 5C has the upgrade, done while in service.  One thing to remember is that the ram-assist used a 1,000 PSI power steering pump, while the upgrade really wants closer to 2000 PSI.  the  change is either simple valve change or a new/rebuilt pump, depending on if your valve is rusted into your old pump or not.  somewhere around here I have a new 2000 psi valve since I ended up putting a rebuilt pump of the correct pressure on.  I have the old pump too, actually.  The effect of the lower pressure is that you can't turn the steering wheel unless the bus is rolling, not enough boost.  With the correct pressure, you can turn the steering with the bus idling and sitting still.  Which rips up the asphalt on your driveway if you do it too much when the temp is close to 100 degrees...

The upgrade is simple, but involves chassis fabrication and welding and needs to be done right.  I'd be happy to have someone experienced with the kit of tubes and plates do it for me.  You probably want to think about getting a new drag link and tie rod while you are in there, and doing a complete front alignment check.  You need to set the drag link so that the steering box is perfectly centred or the bus will pull and wander.  My drag link (even though installed by a bus company shop) was an inch too long and caused a lot of bad steering.

Brian