Questions about a MCI 102a3

J_E · June 05, 2017, 04:54:45 PM

The wife and I are looking at getting a coach. The debate is between remodeling/updating one that is already converted or starting with a blank slate.

Anyways, one we're looking at, that is a strong contender, is a 91 102A3. It was converted to a Series 50 before it reached the current owner and details are limited. Trying to find more info on-line, I read somewhere that Greyhound did this to some of their 102A3s. Per the VIN, it was originally a 6v92ta. Beyond being an Allison, I couldn't begin to guess at what the transmission
could be. First gear from a stop felt like maybe a parking brake was sticking, but my experience is extremely limited in the "driving a bus" department. What should I expect in the drivetrain department with this having the S50?

This also has a wheelchair lift further back on the side. Has anyone completed a conversion keeping that door, but removing the actual lift equipment? I am a fan of the idea of a larger door to maneuver larger stuff in and out as necessary.

Finally, what is the approximate tonnage, or BTU, of the OTR A/C? It's a 47 seater w/o restroom. At high, or fast, Idle, it took 90 and humid to tolerable in about 30 minutes while sitting in the sun.

Thanks in advance!

windtrader · June 05, 2017, 05:14:28 PM

Welcome,

I still a noob in search of my first bus. The initial thought was to DIY convert a passenger bus. Quickly the folks here put the light on that option - mucho time and much mucho $$. For whatever reason, or in fact, many reasons, the current already converted bus market leans heavily in favor for buyers. Unless you have an unwavering vision of a custom design for your bus, you will get far more for your buck in a far shorter period of time by picking up an already converted bus. Take the time and learn first before jumping.

dj · June 05, 2017, 06:52:59 PM

Or you could do what I did....found one that was partially converted makes it useable while we add what we want mines a 1988 102A3 gave $7k for it and it has the wheel chair lift door as well ...plans are for keeping it. We play in a blue grass band so loading our instruments MUCH easier with the door....good luck

PP · June 05, 2017, 07:10:50 PM

J_E, welcome to the board. I'm sure you will get more opinions than you asked for, but weigh them all equally as only you know what you're capable of and what you want to tackle. I thought converting from scratch was the way to go and ended up buying a factory converted one. Now we're just remodeling all the time.

Whatever you decide, good luck,

Will and Wife

J_E · June 05, 2017, 08:03:47 PM

Thanks, folks!! It's weird, but the best advice I have been given so far is to "buy a bus like you drive a bus: slow and deliberate."

In all honesty, I am more concerned about our trips bearing any resemblance to a Nation's Lampoon movie than I am worried about difficulty. As far as cost, spend more now or spend more later. I am capable enough to accomplish my goal with everything except upholstery, but my wife has that covered (literally).

Scott & Heather · June 05, 2017, 09:02:01 PM

Here's my take, if it has a fresh 50 series swap and it runs good, and the price is good, buy it. 4 stroke buses command a premium.

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blue_goose · June 06, 2017, 06:56:34 AM

I have a 102C3 with the series 50 engine. Love the way it runs. I would want to find out what transmission and rear end that the bus has. The series 50 wants to run at a lower RPM than the 6V92.
Jack

TomC · June 06, 2017, 09:23:12 AM

As to the over the road A/C performance, I can walk in my bus with the temp being 90 inside, fire up the generator, turn on all 3 roof top A/C's and have it comfortable in less than 15 minutes. Sounds like a long time for OTR A/C to work. Good Luck, TomC

J_E · June 06, 2017, 02:50:38 PM

Quote from: TomC on June 06, 2017, 09:23:12 AM
As to the over the road A/C performance, I can walk in my bus with the temp being 90 inside, fire up the generator, turn on all 3 roof top A/C's and have it comfortable in less than 15 minutes. Sounds like a long time for OTR A/C to work. Good Luck, TomC

So you are at about a ton of cooling per 100sqft of floor space? Seems like you would hit set point rather quickly and not get any dehumidification. Depending on location, I guess that could be a good thing.

From what I am seeing though, it seems like it is common practice to have nearly double the BTU per sqft than is recommended for residential applications. I had figured removing some windows, spray foam insulation, a 15K btu ducted unit for the rear bedroom/bathroom/bunk area and a 13.5k btu unit for the kitchen and front area would probably be sufficient. Especially since my wife will wear a sweater when the thermostat is set at 76.

We should know in the next day or so if we are going with the '91 or if the search will continue. There was a Neoplan Megaliner listed on CL, but over 13ft tall and 48ish ft long seemed a both a bit over the top and more than a bit limiting on where it could be taken.

jav9956 · June 06, 2017, 08:35:34 PM

It is sad to admit but we are considering selling our bus (1985 MCI102A3) at this time. Over the course of the last couple years our idea of what we want in the near future has changed and we don't think the bus fits into that future any longer. If we do sell it I will likely get another bus someday when I have the space to completely convert the thing.

Anyhow, if you are interested I would be happy to show you where we are at with the conversion. We aren't looking to make money out of it, hopefully just get some of what we put into it back. We have a ton of documentation of the entire build process; it has been extensive. Just thought I would throw it out there! Best of luck with your search.

Scott & Heather · June 07, 2017, 07:16:53 AM

J_E, the opposite of what you are proposing might work better. After converting and living in two buses, I can honestly say that the front a/c needs to be the 15k btu and you can easily get away with a 13.5 for the rear. The windshield, side glass, entry door all really bring in the heat. A 13.5 will be working hard all the time to keep up. We are spray foamed and well insulated and we run a 15 in the rear and a 15 in the front. Keeps us very comfy (we have it set to 67 during the day lol. We like it chilly. We generally only need to run one at a time too.

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dbldragon · June 07, 2017, 09:57:03 PM

Well that is the exact set up that we started with. We have kept the side door with a side hall setup with a separate bathroom between 2 bedrooms. You are right about the side door being use full for getting conversion items in such as a 10 cf fridge and the double bed raised storage platform in our case.
We get 10 mpg to a canadian gallon without the toad. The time it took us to get it usable (no kitchen cupboard doors ) for our first summer trip of 55 days was only 3 months. Second summer saw a kolar rv genset and 1 13 500 ac unit and upper cabinet doors on . 3rd year hopefully new covering on the re purposed dinnet and copilot seats.
Good luck with your search .

Chuck

J_E · June 08, 2017, 10:19:29 AM

Maybe I am confused. Are these photos of the S50 or a 6V92TA? It idled much smoother that I was led to expect from a S50.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7wToc0YVZbxdmtDYlVwZWo0blE/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7wToc0YVZbxWlIxbUVob1hRWXc/view?usp=sharing

If the links don't or won't work, I will get the photos resized and attached, or upload them to photobucket and re-linked.

jcdillin · June 08, 2017, 10:27:10 AM

Looks like a series 50 to me, also needs a new fuel filter.

dbldragon · June 08, 2017, 10:54:35 PM

Looks just like my s50 and if you see the rectangle plate top center just to the right of blue intake of side pic, it will tell you the rating for motor , 275 hp in my case.
I don't see why some think they idle so bad but I don't find it a issue .

Chuck