MC7 Custom Coach

[thejumpsuitman]

My wife and I are looking at an MC7 Custom Coach.  It is a low mileage bus that has been garage kept since the 1970s.  It is an estate item from the estate of a well known local business man.  The mileage is approximately 125K.  The 8V71 runs well and has had a recent full service.  The transmission looks like an Allison MT-70.  The brakes were also serviced and all of the air bags hold air and look good.  I have looked at the coach twice and the overall condition is excellent.  Owner also has service records and even the original purchase receipt from Custom Coach.

The bus does need all new tires and neither the original basement air nor the over-the-road air is working. Is anyone familiar with the house a/c system that Custom Coach would have installed in the 70's?  Is there a good chance that it be made to work with reasonable effort?  Does anyone here own a Custom Coach Land Cruiser who might have any other advice on how well the house systems hold up?

Also, if the over-the-road air was working and is all there, how difficult would it be to get it working again?  Thanks.

[Mike in GA]

Dear 'Elvis':
Remember you well from our Bus Nut rally at Palmetto Cove 4 or 5 years ago.
     Others here will tell you about the generally excellent reputation of CC. And a low miles, original owner one to boot! Of course if it has been sitting for years, there could be real issues.
     One of the best bus a.c. gurus here in the south is Lamar Welch of Welch Industries in Stockbridge GA. You might call and describe your situation.
     And one of the best deals on tires (12r22.5) can be gotten at Crawford Tire Co in Ocoee FL near Orlando. Chinese tires but good reputation. Last I heard they were under $400 out the door.
H.T.H.
Mike in GA

[thejumpsuitman]

Dear 'Elvis':
Remember you well from our Bus Nut rally at Palmetto Cove 4 or 5 years ago.
     Others here will tell you about the generally excellent reputation of CC. And a low miles, original owner one to boot! Of course if it has been sitting for years, there could be real issues.
     One of the best bus a.c. gurus here in the south is Lamar Welch of Welch Industries in Stockbridge GA. You might call and describe your situation.
     And one of the best deals on tires (12r22.5) can be gotten at Crawford Tire Co in Ocoee FL near Orlando. Chinese tires but good reputation. Last I heard they were under $400 out the door.
H.T.H.
Mike in GA

Hi Mike,

Yes, I remember your great radio voice.  LOL.  Thanks for the input.  I love that this is a Custom Coach but am also aware how expensive things can get in a hurry.  We're trying to do the best we can to count the cost ahead of time.

[luvrbus]

Mark, those are not the best Allison to have but you can replace it with a dry torque converter 740 but you give up 2 gears 

[thejumpsuitman]

Mark, those are not the best Allison to have but you can replace it with a dry torque converter 740 but you give up 2 gears 

Thanks Clifford,

I have been told that they are no longer supported at all as far as parts go.  Are they known to be problematic?  I think it's the same transmission my old Wanderlodge had.

[luvrbus]

Your WonderLodge had a AT 540 behind the Ford Engine

[thejumpsuitman]

Your WonderLodge had a AT 540 behind the Ford Engine

Ok, the gear selector looked similar.  (Good memory, by the way!)

[wg4t50]

I would install the 3000 transmission, guessing a 3.73 rear, what I always lusted for, a Custom Coach, have seen 3 of the MC7 conversions, wow!!
Would scrap my Foretavel in a heart beat for a nice one. (Sigh!)
Fixing the A/C pennies.
Dave M

[TomC]

The MT-70 did have 6 spds, but the first two were low starting gears. The top 4 are almost identical to the HT740 or MT644. I would install the HT740-still have parts made and is just about bullet proof. Good Luck, TomC

[bigred]

"Elvis" I would addvise you to step very carefully unless you have mucho mony and mucho time .I bought one of these "bargains that had been setting up for some length of time.The list of problems is still going.Coming up on two years and ain't had it out of the storage lot yet.Started out with air leveling issues .the Jakes didn't work ,the Webasto doesent work ,cruse control doesn't work,neither of the air systems work ,had to have the refer repaired and now it looks like I'm going to have to have the air compressor rebuilt AND that has just happened while I've been working on the other problems .This coach has about 150k on it ,1993 model.

[thejumpsuitman]

"Elvis" I would addvise you to step very carefully unless you have mucho mony and mucho time .I bought one of these "bargains that had been setting up for some length of time.The list of problems is still going.Coming up on two years and ain't had it out of the storage lot yet.Started out with air leveling issues .the Jakes didn't work ,the Webasto doesent work ,cruse control doesn't work,neither of the air systems work ,had to have the refer repaired and now it looks like I'm going to have to have the air compressor rebuilt AND that has just happened while I've been working on the other problems .This coach has about 150k on it ,1993 model.

This has been on my mind...  I know how it can be when vehicles sit and it's no fun to just fix stuff.  It's a trade off... well preserved body/interior vs. the headaches of getting everything back online.  I'm still adding it up.  It may not be the best choice.

[wg4t50]

One Could have it hauled on a Landoll back to your shop, If I were 10 yrs younger and prior to the stroke, it would me mine if possible, not sold. If a late 72 or 73, would be mine. What ever, do it before your over the hill.
Sadly, I reached the point where money is not a concern, only my health, aint that a pisser ?
Dave M

[thejumpsuitman]

Some pics of the MC7...  I don't know why the pics showed up so big, but you might be able to slide them around.

[thejumpsuitman]

[opus]

WOW!  That is nice looking!