1978 MCI-8 Crusader - Possible First Coach!

B_K · February 16, 2018, 05:30:24 PM

Quote from: gumpy on February 16, 2018, 11:23:54 AM
After looking at the photos you posted, I'm inclined to think this bus is worth about $3500. No more. And only if the suspension is not rusted through and the enigne and transmission are top notch.

I think you should spend some time on the Facebook Bus Conversions For Sale site and look at what else if available, particularly already converted buses. You can do much better than this for the money.

Craig is being kind and generous as he owns one similar to this coach. First off not only is it a 70's something MCI with an 8V71, but what conversion has been done needs RIPPED OUT and started over from scratch! That original ceiling has literally NO insulation in it and what little is there is probably either matted and moldy or turned to dust by now. (that goes for the side walls too)
There ain't no tell'n how much the original flooring is hiding that needs redone!
And I'm sure when you check the typical rust areas on an MCI you will find LOTS!
But as Craig said $3500 MAX and I would really say more like $3000!

BK

PNWorBUST72 · February 16, 2018, 05:54:01 PM

Wow, thats a BIG difference here.

DoubleEagle · February 16, 2018, 06:53:24 PM

They could be right about the value, but then no one has actually inspected the coach yet. As I said, check it out, you will increase your knowledge if nothing else. You might even get thrown off the bus if the owner gets insulted by low-ball offers, so tread lightly and look deeply (make the offer from a safe distance if you really must).

B_K · February 17, 2018, 03:50:29 AM

Just make sure he has your # if he rejects your lowball #, after he sits on it a while longer he may wish he'd took the offer and got rid of it!

BK

PNWorBUST72 · February 17, 2018, 04:43:27 AM

Does the value of these busses change with the local market? I can't get a school bus of this size for under 6k locally, I assume a charter bus is at least as costly.

I wrote down a checklist fro this thread to review before I buy it. I am also looking for a local mechanic that could go over the bus before I buy it but am having some trouble there.

chessie4905 · February 17, 2018, 04:55:45 AM

You mentioned that engine started quickly with no smoke....a common procedure by an owner is to run engine to warmed up PRIOR to prospective buyer trying to start it. You need to do a start of it unannounced to verify it starts quickly and cleanly. Otherwise, you may find it smokes a great deal cold and in only fair condition. You don't want to start out on a conversion ith an engine needing a rebuild down the road. If that passes and body is miraculously in great condition, not impossible, but improbable, then needs to be driven to check transmission, steering, etc. Brand of Chineese tires and you need to get date codes off them to see how old they are.

gumpy · February 17, 2018, 05:07:57 AM

Add this to your list. On the MC8, there are some areas to look for hidden rust.

The framing in the front end, below the windshields is prone to rust away.
Pound your fist on the sheathing, over the rivet lines below the windshield and listen for rust falling or feel for soft spots.
Check the dash just behind the center divider. You might be able to stick your finger through the dash.
Pound your fist along the side rivet lines while listening for rust; especially above the drive axle, and just ahead of it.
Check the air beams above the drive axle looking for flaking metal.
In the engine compartment look at the underside of the cooling fan compartment and see how badly it's rusted. Check the frames beside the rear engine doors looking for cracks.

PNWorBUST72 · February 19, 2018, 01:50:20 PM

Another question on this bus is the nose, is it typical/normal for these to have as much paint on the nose versus the stainless steel ribbing? There is just ALOT of added color on the front of this bus versus others I have seen online...just curious.

gumpy · February 20, 2018, 06:28:58 AM

That bus has had an "upgrade". Recapped, which unfortunately removed the beautiful MC8 hump. Fiberglass front surround and bumper cover. That was not uncommon by carriers trying give their older fleet a more modern appearance and get a few more years out of it before having to buy something newer. The stainless may well be beneath the front surround.

PNWorBUST72 · February 20, 2018, 06:13:47 PM

Yeah gumpy, I am not a fan to be honest, I liked the stainless.

What have people done with the window "handles", I assume most people remove that ugly aluminum thing when they finish their busses? How do they get the windows to lock/open without the bars?

busfan · February 21, 2018, 09:23:13 AM

Does it already have an RV title? Big deal.

GnarlyBus · February 21, 2018, 09:42:06 AM

Getting an RV Title can be a major hassle, or if you're lucky like me, one of the easiest things you've ever done at the DMV. They stumbled through the process with me in MN. "What form does he need?" "And there's like a bathroom and kitchen in there?" Oh yes, yes. Of course there is.

The DMV often depends on who you get and how polite you are.

The RV title can also be important for insurance purposes.

HB of CJ · February 21, 2018, 03:39:14 PM

Check to make sure it has the 740 automatic transmission. It might be a 640 type. I think right now the old bus would need a top to bottom front to rear inspection? Money well spent. Just me.

Respectfully ...

PNWorBUST72 · February 21, 2018, 04:58:00 PM

It is titled as a motor home yes.

I have it at a diesel shop now going over it, definitely worth the time and money to know for sure.

luvrbus · February 21, 2018, 06:03:42 PM

The 8 is good bus we owned 1 for several years what I didn't like is when you go around a corner they lean so much it almost rubs the baggage compartments I never liked that and tried about every shock made to prevent it with no luck.A good retriever is the perfect bus dog for a MCI 8 we were always chasing dishes or some type object