Question about this MCI5A

[LowTide]

We ran across this coach while searching around this weekend and I noticed that the front part of the coach has a couple of small dents. Is it possible to get these dents out or to purchase new skin to replace the damaged area (drivers side windshield wiper area and lower portion of skin.
The under carriage is clean and free of any rust and we can not see any in the images provided. I am sure there may be some as these coaches were prone to rust problems.

I posted this on a few forums to get as much feedback as I could.

Thanks!
Mike

[lostagain]

You could remove the dented panels and hammer them out for now.

Look for rust in the spare tire compartment behind the front bumper. Also in the compartment just ahead of the left front wheel. Examine the electrical panel just above that, as well as the rear elec. panel (left side engine door). In the wheel wells. On the bulkheads near the front and rear axles. Look at the engine cradle for cracks and rust as well. There will be rust on the frame under the windows from water leaking down inside the walls.

Surface rust you can live with and deal with it later. Rusted through frame members should be fixed sooner. A 5B (in the picture you posted), still has a lot of mild steel in the frame. 5Cs and 8s have a lot more stainless. I know by the time you get to the 102D models, it is pretty well all S.S.

How much you pay for the bus should determine how much rust you are willing to accept. There are no rust free buses.

JC

[LowTide]

You could remove the dented panels and hammer them out for now.

Look for rust in the spare tire compartment behind the front bumper. Also in the compartment just ahead of the left front wheel. Examine the electrical panel just above that, as well as the rear elec. panel (left side engine door). In the wheel wells. On the bulkheads near the front and rear axles. Look at the engine cradle for cracks and rust as well. There will be rust on the frame under the windows from water leaking down inside the walls.

Surface rust you can live with and deal with it later. Rusted through frame members should be fixed sooner. A 5B (in the picture you posted), still has a lot of mild steel in the frame. 5Cs and 8s have a lot more stainless. I know by the time you get to the 102D models, it is pretty well all S.S.

How much you pay for the bus should determine how much rust you are willing to accept. There are no rust free buses.

JC

Thanks for the reply. I have pretty much all of the information you mentioned on my list of items to inspect, was just curious about the dents.

We are working on a deal with an MCI7 and if that falls through, then we will be continuing our search for our coach.

Thanks again!
Mike

[Lin]

It looks like the dented piece is just the removable trim around the wiper.  It is just held on by a couple of screws and should be relatively easy to straighten.

[buswarrior]

International Bus Parts in Florida can reproduce all the different styles of fluting for all our old coaches.

http://www.ibpindustries.com/

Great supporters of our hobby.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Ncbob]

Don't let a dent or two stop you from buying a great running coach. I was looking for appearance when I bought my MC5 and then one morning I looked in the mirror. Fred Hobe, one of the finest of the old time convertors told me that my '5' is the most solid he's seen in years.

We've full timed in it for almost 6 years now and if she's got a blemish or two I treat it like my 70+ wife's body. Still love it and it's damned comfortable!

NCbob

Hope you got a chuckle out of my reply

[Ace]

Hahahaha

Wish you were coming south my friend! Miss seeing the both of you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LowTide]

Don't let a dent or two stop you from buying a great running coach. I was looking for appearance when I bought my MC5 and then one morning I looked in the mirror. Fred Hobe, one of the finest of the old time convertors told me that my '5' is the most solid he's seen in years.

We've full timed in it for almost 6 years now and if she's got a blemish or two I treat it like my 70+ wife's body. Still love it and it's damned comfortable!

NCbob

Hope you got a chuckle out of my reply

I hear ya, the dents wont stop me. I had read that sometime parts are difficult to find  or are not available,just wanted to check with you folks about replacement skin.

And I do love the final comment.....LOL

We plan on making the trip to this weekend to check her out

[LowTide]

Hahahaha

Wish you were coming south my friend! Miss seeing the both of you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't think we ever met.....LOL

Maybe your post was meant for someone else

[LowTide]

International Bus Parts in Florida can reproduce all the different styles of fluting for all our old coaches.

http://www.ibpindustries.com/

Great supporters of our hobby.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Thank you for the link, buswarrior!

[LowTide]

It looks like the dented piece is just the removable trim around the wiper.  It is just held on by a couple of screws and should be relatively easy to straighten.

It doesn't look too bad, although pictures are misleading, we will see what gives when we look her over.

[Ace]

It was meant for Bob, sorry!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ncbob]

Always fun to hear from and old friend, Ace  Like you we just keep on keepin' on.

NCbob

[LowTide]

It was meant for Bob, sorry!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ah Ace, no problem. For a minute I thought we might have met and I didn't remember you.....LOL

All the best
Mike