MC7 Custom Coach

thejumpsuitman · September 25, 2015, 09:11:39 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 25, 2015, 08:05:57 AM
Have no idea what he is asking for the 7 but I know of a MCI 9 with a 8v92 a Marathon factory conversion with 200,000 original miles in Texas that can be had at a good price

Clifford, I'd certainly be interested in weighing all optionsif you don't mind sending me a PM with more details.

wg4t50 · September 25, 2015, 09:13:21 AM

My experience with the 7, and what I have learned, been told, I would pick a 7 over the 9 from a structure standpoint. Having been away from MCI activity, am wondering if Unicersal Coach is still the go to for parts ?
Always need a good exam for rust condition on any bus, maybe not on a MC6 so much. !
Dave M

Mike in GA · September 25, 2015, 12:36:34 PM

Custom Coach's cabinetry has always been tops in my book.
It just occurred to me that one of our SE Bus Nut members has an older MC-7 done by CC. Drop me a line if you'd like to contact Blake Wright up in Ontario.
Mike in GA

harpold700 3 · September 25, 2015, 01:15:46 PM

I'd buy that coach in a second. Clean, clean, clean. Nice.

Lin · September 25, 2015, 04:07:07 PM

The coach does look very nice. I personally would keep the ladder. If you want to calculate what it will cost to fix various things, figure the cost of replacing them because that might be the case. For example, if it has Cruiseaire AC units, assume that you will have to buy new ones. On some things, you might get away with a cheaper repair, but you can not count on that unless an expert has already looked at it and given you the nod. Anyway, this will allow you to build a cushion into the costs-- there will be some unexpected stuff too.

kyle4501 · September 25, 2015, 07:23:54 PM

I would leave the ladder only until it could be replaced with something less obnoxious

Mine has fold down individual steps. Discrete, yet quite functional.

That is an awesome looking coach. The new stuff cant hold a candle to the awesome classic styling of that MC 7.

The full width flap across the bus just behind the rear axle does a very good job of reducing the air pressure in the engine compartment - That helps pull more air thru the radiators. . . .

The flap across the back will increase the air pressure in the engine compartment as it separates it from the low pressure area behind the coach.

thejumpsuitman · September 30, 2015, 07:49:09 PM

I would be curious about everyone's thoughts on this... We are weighing this MC7 against another option... A 1986 BB Wanderlodge PT40 with an 8v92. The Wanderlodge has about 150k and last week was used on an 800 mile trip. It runs and drives very strong. I took it on a long drive and it performed beautifully. It is not as well preserved as the MC7, but what it needs is mostly cosmetic. It has brand new steer tires and the rears look to be in good condition. The only obvious thing it needs is some airbag work. Two air springs come up sometimes, but sometimes they don't. I will try to get some pics tomorrow. Thoughts?

opus · September 30, 2015, 07:57:16 PM

I guess prices would help with our opinion. Wonderlodge are surely nice but.....boy howdy that MCI sure is clean! Personally, I would go with the MCI, depending on the price.

thejumpsuitman · September 30, 2015, 08:02:33 PM

Quote from: opus on September 30, 2015, 07:57:16 PM
I guess prices would help with our opinion. Wonderlodge are surely nice but.....boy howdy that MCI sure is clean! Personally, I would go with the MCI, depending on the price.

The BB is a little more money, but they are both in the same price range.

luvrbus · September 30, 2015, 08:03:08 PM

I would go for the BB parts are pretty much off the self a lot easier to find and cheaper,plus the engine cooling system is not a problem a long with a 740 not a HT 70. lol a 8V71 vs the 8v92 no contest

kyle4501 · September 30, 2015, 08:35:30 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 30, 2015, 08:03:08 PM
a 8V71 vs the 8v92 no contest

Sage advice

thejumpsuitman · October 01, 2015, 04:53:48 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on September 30, 2015, 08:03:08 PM
I would go for the BB parts are pretty much off the self a lot easier to find and cheaper,plus the engine cooling system is not a problem a long with a 740 not a HT 70. lol a 8V71 vs the 8v92 no contest

Feeling the power of the 8v92 was definitely an attention grabber. You are right, big difference over the 8v71... Even in a much heavier coach.

Mike in GA · October 01, 2015, 06:16:08 AM

Elvis,
There's an active Blue Bird bulletin board and club, and I can put you in touch with a well connected member if you'd like to chat about specifics to your model.
I haven't met any dissatisfied BBird owners.
Mike in GA

thejumpsuitman · October 01, 2015, 06:36:16 AM

Quote from: Mike in GA on October 01, 2015, 06:16:08 AM
Elvis,
There's an active Blue Bird bulletin board and club, and I can put you in touch with a well connected member if you'd like to chat about specifics to your model.
I haven't met any dissatisfied BBird owners.
Mike in GA

Actually know a couple guys over there. I am a member of that board from when we had our Wanderlodge before. needless to say, all of the Wanderlodge guys Are extremely positive on the PT 40.

luvrbus · October 01, 2015, 06:41:51 AM

If it still has the Primus heating system I have some parts