Somewhat confused by some posts on the cost of equipement

muddog16 · March 25, 2011, 08:06:48 AM

I've been reading instead of posting for some time now, and I'm a little confused to say the least! Bussing has always been an expensive hobby, whether you buy a new bus or regenerate an older bus, I think we all agree on that! How you select the systems in your bus has always been a personal choice. To think that I will be the very last owner of a bus is just not being truthful! I was raised and trained to be a craftsman and I'm very proud of the work I put into my bus! To (excuse this next word) slop together a bus and put yourself and others in harms way on the roads is a criminal act! I'm sure there are many that will appreciate that comment whether they like it or not!

In the 6 years that I have been associated with this board, I've seen things change in the attitudes and opinions! I might say in the wrong direction too! (my opinion). I've noticed that a majority of the older members have ceased to even post any longer and that is a shame there is so much to be learned from them! Slopping a bus together isn't doing it "your own way", its down right dangerous and dishonest to the next person that will end up with your conversion! Integrity, honesty is really the only two things a person actually controls in this life!

Consider this an opinion piece with no one individual the target! If you are offended.........well my suggestion is simple...........I'll bend over and offer you a simple solution you can begin kissing when you are ready!

luvrbus · March 25, 2011, 08:32:52 AM

Pat,that is the way I built my Eagle looking to the future when my time was up and I must say it was a easy sell I didn't even advertise it for sale and when the guy found out I was selling he was here in 2 days with the cash in hand

Lin · March 25, 2011, 08:34:25 AM

Interesting perspective. I would venture to say though that there is a difference between work done that may effect safety and work done that only effects cosmetics. I personally lean more to function than to form. Therefore most of the money I've spent deals with making the coach roadworthy. On the other hand, I do not enjoy finishing work much. Further, I have a bit of a personality trait where I tend to save all sorts of junk. I get some pleasure out of using the old junk I have around. Therefore, sometimes I will solve a problem using my old stuff instead of doing it a different way. That is why I call some of my projects "shameless solutions." Hence, I would say that I agree that we should not be compromising on safety but do not see any problem in being idiosyncratic in other places.

PS-Be careful when bending over. You may be giving the wrong message.

robertglines1 · March 25, 2011, 10:36:49 AM

If this post was aimed at me because of the recent post building a bus on a budget. sorry you feel that way. I simply pointed out you don't have to be a millionaire to do a bus. I did not compromise safety in my suggestions. I will defer on posting personal bad experience with any group. I find busconversion bus nuts are more in my comfort zone to identify with. Bob

Boomer · March 25, 2011, 10:40:58 AM

I could not agree more. From a safety standpoint a lot of bus conversion operators don't have a clue. I believe the drivers should have CDL's (even though that document is kind of a farce also), and if over 26,000 GVWR the buses should be able to pass a CVSA inspection annually. Let the howling start now.

luvrbus · March 25, 2011, 10:57:50 AM

How did the Prevost Prouds get into this topic nice group of folks there lol

good luck

muddog16 · March 25, 2011, 11:05:47 AM

Clifford, I can't imagine you doing anything but that! You are a quality guy! Lin, I spent hours rebuilding wheels, bearings, seals.......I've eaten so much rust in this project....more than I care to admit! As for the bending over...I don't think I sent the wrong message.....(I knew exactly what I meant) others might get confused!....LOL

Last but not least.....Bob...I asked to join them.........( :'(they laughed at me

) so I guess this and the other board are stuck with me! If if helps, just refer to the comment Lin and I talked about!

robertglines1 · March 25, 2011, 11:15:29 AM

. Bob a budget Prevost owner and proud of it.

luvrbus · March 25, 2011, 11:24:08 AM

I think you got the Prevost Prouds and the Prevost Owners Group( POG) confused Bob I belonged to Prouds and we drank our beer from the bottle or the can and loved old buses of any make or model the rally fees are a little steep sometimes but a good group of people, just laid back southern folks

good luck

Lin · March 25, 2011, 12:25:22 PM

Bob,

I really do not think Pat was saying you can't build/own a conversion on a budget-- merely that those taking shortcuts at the cost of safety are a danger to themselves and others, and that these practices should not be encouraged. There are people on this board that are highly skilled, and you would know that anything they worked on would be done right. I would guess that part of the reason Clifford's bus sold easily was as much due to his reputation as a mechanic as it was to the bus itself (even so, the cost/labor to sale price ratio might not have been all that favorable). From your presence on this board, I would have confidence in anything you worked on also. There are others, like myself, that have far less experience and skill. The important thing for us is to realize what our limits are and get competent help when called for. I am quite happy with doing welding to make things hold together. However, if the welding project was on something that could put anyone in danger, I get someone I trust with that responsibility to do it. I do not see anything wrong with this approach.

Pat,

If I am misunderstanding your meaning, please correct me. Thanks

Lonnie time to go · March 25, 2011, 12:49:41 PM

Well said Lin

Big difference with between slopping stuff together and being conservative with money.

Lonnie

JohnEd · March 25, 2011, 01:01:44 PM

WOW

I'm outta hear

And coming from me that is quite a mouthful.

Prevo Prouds have treated me fine....for what it's worth. OPPPPS....said I was outta here.

(not even signed)

robertglines1 · March 25, 2011, 01:22:05 PM

This is a apology to anyone I may have offended. Personal experience was bad and I judged a group by that incident. I will continue to be just me. Bob

John316 · March 25, 2011, 02:07:41 PM

Quote from: robertglines1 on March 25, 2011, 01:22:05 PM
This is a apology to anyone I may have offended. Personal experience was bad and I judged a group by that incident. I will continue to be just me. Bob

Bob,

No apology needed over here. I didn't see an issue with your posts. You have simply mentioned how you can do quality, on a budget. However, from what I have seen and heard, your conversions have been very quality. I believe Pat was referring to some of the other folks that kludge stuff together, in a unsafe manner. That is different.

Pat,

I stand in awe of your conversion. It is very impressive. I agree with you, there are a lot of unsafe things out there. We have attempted to do quality work, and so far everything has done well. But, I can say we didn't build our own headlights, and that kind of thing, like you did. Simply amazing.

Peace.

God bless,

John

JohnEd · March 25, 2011, 02:29:28 PM

Quote from: robertglines1 on March 25, 2011, 01:22:05 PM
This is a apology to anyone I may have offended. Personal experience was bad and I judged a group by that incident. I will continue to be just me. Bob

But if you hadn't shared your feelings then Clifford, a name trusted by all, wouldn't have had the opportunity to cast some doubt on your conviction. It's all good. Amigo. All good.

Thanks for sharing,

John