Our MCI

[Emcemv]

So far I have been amazed at the knowledge in this BB!  I have learned a lot about our MCI already.  I went out today and looked at the nameplate on the bus and wanted to share this info with you guys to see if anyone knows the history of this bus. I have heard it was in the greyhound fleet in CA until it was converted in the late 1980's. from you guys, I know it is called a "Combo" freighter. 

Here are the numbers, can you tell me how to research it's history?

1973 MCI Challenger
Model MC-7
Unit #12490
Serial # 9798

I also found the notification for the vintage bus rally in April in AR at the old greyhound terminal, this is our kind of rally, we love the older buses style. We are planning on being there for sure, it will be our first long trip. 

Wish you all a great Christmas and new year!!!!

Bruce &Nancy Fagley

[buswarrior]

Yup, you got the bug!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Emcemv]

Bus warrior

Well I guess I can't say I'm a bus-nut yet, I've only been on here a week.....but you guys are doing your best! It's been a lot of fun, I wish it was spring so we could get on the road!

[B_K]

OH yer a busnut all right! Yas got a bus and your on this board ain't ye?
  BK 

[OneLapper]

Bruce, take her out!  I used mine today, put 100 miles on her.....  the heck with the cold weather!

[RJ]

Bruce -

If you haven't already found them, there are a couple of MCI focused sites out there.

One is the MCI busnuts group on Yahoo.  IIRC, there's a fellow over there that's got the MCI delivery rosters.

I believe the other site is mci bus talk, or mcitalk or similar.  Since I don't hang out there, I'll have to refer you to Google to find them (unless a fellow MCI owner chimes in with the link).

As Mark said - Get out there and go for a drive!  These things ran in all kinds of weather 24/7/365, what's a little outing in the cold?

FWIW & HTH. . .

[bevans6]

Your bus isn't on this list, but the serial number strongly implies that it was a Greyhound and was one of the last MC-7's made in 1973.  http://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/builders/mci7.html

Brian

[LowTide]

Your bus isn't on this list, but the serial number strongly implies that it was a Greyhound and was one of the last MC-7's made in 1973.  http://www.angelfire.com/ca/TORONTO/builders/mci7.html

Brian

Ours is a 73 MCI7 Challenger #S10097.
I see a S10095 and S10098, but our number is not on the list. Wonder why ours is not listed?

[Ed Hackenbruch]

I think i remember someone saying that some of the records got lost or destroyed at one time,....our 5A doesn't show up either although the one just before and just after do.

[lvmci]

Its mcibustalk.com, see you over there! Lvmci...

[wg4t50]

My 7 is not listed on the sheet, looks like it is an early 72 model, also it had the origional radiator plumbing from engine to the radiators, If I was not getting rid of all that mess, in favor of  one loarge radiator across the rear, using a pusher fan.  I would have replumbed like the later 7's & 8's.  Mine had the setup where most of the cooling was done thru the left (closest radiator), this would have been better having each thermostat housing feeding one radiator.  Mine sent both thermostat outputs to a central junction box, from there which radiator could use it, the left was the one that did most of the cooling.
Merry Christmas
Dave M

[wg4t50]

Another item, my unit had been a Grey dog, had the optional fuel tank, the station heat/cooling port on side close to driver seat and you could see the Greyhound logo on the side  and wording on the baggage doors indicating it was from the Phenix area. and all the port of calls on the scroll display.
Merry Christmas
Dave M

[Emcemv]

Thanks guys!! Once again loads of good info!  OK, I gues I have turned quickly into a bus-nut! I have to admit, I am wimping out on using the bus this winter, we still Have not registered or insured it, we decided to wait until spring...In hindsight a disappointing decision.

I will checkout MCITALK and see what is going on there.  By the way,  I was reading the topic on types of batteries, we have 4 AGM 12V for our house batteries and they are at least 5-6 years old and are charged by a 12v alternator on the motor, no problems, still working fine.

A little off topic but, I work about a mile from the school in Newtown CT, this time of year I can see it from my office window......please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers, it has been a tough couple of weeks for Newtown and all that are affected.

Merry Christmas to all !!!!

[John316]

Bruce,

Sounds like you got a nice rig. Yup, stop on over and say hi to us at mcibustalk.com

RJ, you are welcome too. Anytime!

Merry Christmas, you all.

John