Looking at PD4501 this weekend

[kyle4501]

Peter, this challenge is also in the area > http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/rvs/5299702386.html

Ugguh, YUCK! I'd pay more for the other. But, that is just my opinion.

I love  4501's but this one seems to be missing a lot of her bits > http://orlando.craigslist.org/for/5250269093.html

The front bumper has seen a lot of action.. maybe sliding on ice? it say Ski Team on the back.. could be water could be snow..

Tailgates aren't that hard to find, I have a couple of decent ones available.
It is - or is not - missing much - all depends on what you want to do with it.
Looks like loads of hard work has already been done.
You will have fun looking at it.

[pd4501-771]

Clifford, these are the two you are talking about right?

http://barnfinds.com/lost-scenicruisers-and-found-memories/

Take care

Tom

[luvrbus]

Yep those are the ones wonder what he will ever do with those

[kyle4501]

There are 2 of those old dogs sitting out of Baker City OR rotting away 

Lots of them around rotting away -
Are the 3 still in Gilla Bend AZ ?

There are several local to me, but the owner wants to keep them for a future project.

I have one in my driveway that will be cut up for scrap and parts to fix up a few others.

The cost to move one that doesn't run is brutal to the pocketbook. Then there are the issues with storing 'non-runners'.

The fact that this one runs . . . . makes moving it as easy as possible.

As for the price - it is worth to you only what you are willing pay. Take what everyone else says with a grain of salt - you are living your own life, not theirs or them yours. 

[luvrbus]

I only saw 2 of the 3 the last time we went through Gila Bend I'll look again when we go through there at the end of the month.
Larry Hall around Tuscon has or had one he has sold a 1/2 dozen times over the years 

[eagle19952]

Not for the faint of heart....nor wallet  

[Darkspeed]

Here is another in the florida zone > http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-CONVERTED-COACH-BUS-4106-/191732405462

[kyle4501]

Not for the faint of heart....nor wallet  

That is good advice for ANY bus conversion project. 

I've seen where others have spent lots more for a bus that they ended up repowering & totally re-doing the whole interior. 
At least with this one, there will be no delusions of using it 'as is'      

[peterbylt]

I checked out PD4501-467 yesterday.

Unfortunately, we decided this is not the one.

Although the bones of this bus are still good and it would be a worthy project, there was just too much in need of renovation for the price asked.

We looked it over in detail, the Wife (the wife certainly needs to be on board) and I both agreed, that this was not the bus for us.

I enjoyed inspecting it and the current owner is very passionate about the bus and really wants to see it go to a good home, I am sure he would negotiate to a more equitable price, but for now I am still looking.

Although when you are on the spot looking at a Scenicruiser, There is an overwhelming desire to save it.

Peter   

[kyle4501]

Although when you are on the spot looking at a Scenicruiser, There is an overwhelming desire to save it.

Peter   

Tell me about it.

So glad you were able to keep your wits about you while in the presence of a Scenicruiser. Quite a feat. 

[luvrbus]

Jack Hart has it right on a 4501 "Beauty is the eyes of the beholder" to me I could never see the beauty, the history yea   

[kyle4501]

Jack Hart has it right on a 4501 "Beauty is the eyes of the beholder" to me I could never see the beauty, the history yea   

I guess that is why they make so many different ones.

If you are paying for it, get the one you want, not what someone else likes. 

Funny how some things grow on you & yet, the luster fades so quickly on other things.

[TomC]

PD4501 is an extremely hard conversion. I didn't consider it since even with the aisle well, the headroom wasn't sufficient for me to walk straight up under the A/C. Considering it is aluminum monocoque (pronounced MoNoCoke) construction, with many custom parts, only 1000 built, 96" wide, etc, etc using a MCI102C3 would be a better conversion. Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

I like the seated 4501 Tom has a nice one, they look different to me than when some body tries to convert one, roof tops and the 4501 just don't jive IMO

[kyle4501]

PD4501 is an extremely hard conversion. I didn't consider it since even with the aisle well, the headroom wasn't sufficient for me to walk straight up under the A/C. Considering it is aluminum monocoque (pronounced MoNoCoke) construction, with many custom parts, only 1000 built, 96" wide, etc, etc using a MCI102C3 would be a better conversion. Good Luck, TomC

etc, etc using a MCI102C3 would be a better easier, cheaper, more common looking conversion.

The reality is that purchasing a well made QUALITY factory built motorhome in your price range is the most cost effective way to go. Some Blue Birds are selling at almost scrap prices & they only need some elbow grease & minor repairs to be back 'up to snuff'.

This one looks ready to go -
http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1986-Blue-Bird-Wanderlodge-40-115924289
At less than half the price of the parts needed to convert a bus to a motorhome!

I wonder how MCI parts availability will be affected by the recent sale of MCI ?

Given the age of what most of us can afford and current business models, I wouldn't count on anything being supported by the factory for very long!