Silver Eagle Checklist

[Lukis]

Hi everyone,  I'm new to the community here and have been looking at and researching buses;  Specifically Silver Eagles and Prevost, but that may expand the more I learn. 
I will eventually buy one, but need to finish my research before I pull the trigger on one.
I was wanting to know if any of you guys know where I can find a checklist or a just a list of important things to look at before buying; like best engines/transmissions, years that had bad wiring, buses more accessible to rust, or anything that could be a deal breaker on one.  I hear some of the buses had tube framing that rusts pretty bad and some buses with air ride are a pain when they quit working because you can't get under them to fix. 
Any info is much appreciated!

Thanks,

Luke

[eagle19952]

They all rust, and most have neglectitis.
Determine your budget and you'll get more accurate answers.
If it's 6 figures. they're all good

[Lukis]

I wish it was six figures, but I'm looking at 50-60 range.  There's an '83 Silver Eagle in East Texas that has supposedly been redone with a new 60 series and transmission with 35k miles.  Been stretched 5' and raised 10".  Said it's been reskinned and painted.  Inside has been redone, and looks nice in the pics.  He wants 69k for it, but I've been told that's way too much.  I don't know exact, but I do know a new engine and transmission out of the crate is pretty high!

[eagle19952]

I wish it was six figures, but I'm looking at 50-60 range.  There's an '83 Silver Eagle in East Texas that has supposedly been redone with a new 60 series and transmission with 35k miles.  Been stretched 5' and raised 10".  Said it's been reskinned and painted.  Inside has been redone, and looks nice in the pics.  He wants 69k for it, but I've been told that's way too much.  I don't know exact, but I do know a new engine and transmission out of the crate is pretty high!

When I bought my Eagle it was 25 years old,this example is 35 years old.
1978 vs. 1983
I paid less. I've driven it (average 10,000 miles annually)
it had a recent rebuilt 8v71 Allison 740 etc.
It gets me where I want to go still.
The seller held 1/3 of my payment in escrow pending any breakdown.
I didn't.
So, if the $$'s per day per mile of anticipated ownership pencil out.  (A number you can live with)
You're good.

If not, you're disappointed
You'll never profit.
Likely you wont break even either

[DoubleEagle]

Check it out thoroughly by having someone who knows Eagles actually running it. Make an offer if it checks out that you can afford. Move quickly, because if it is a good one, it will not sit there forever waiting for you. The condition is everything, not the age. The generator, A/C, electrical setup, layout, and the workmanship have to be what satisfies your needs. The appearance of the coach should be satisfying to you. Look at all brands available; there are important differences.

[Lukis]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.  I'm going to meet the guy this week and hope to take a buddy of mine that has had one for awhile.  I'll let you know how it goes. 

Luke

[luvrbus]

A lot of Prevost can be had with the 92 series for the money you are talking about,when you cross the line and go to the 4 strokes diesels like a series 60 with the electronic WT Allison the price jumps considerably.It may be worth $65 k my friend Mark (Boomer) sold his Eagle and 65k would have made the down payment and his was about the same year modle. You never know till you lay your hands and eyes on it.Pay no attention to people telling you what a bus is worth you make that decision,like Walter said a nice clean Eagle with little or no rust are bringing big money I know of 2 that have sold in the last few months 

[Lukis]

Yea, I just need to check it out in person.  The guy said a lot of money was spent redoing everything on it.  No telling what the stretch, raise, re-skin and paint cost.  Engine and transmission have 35k miles.  Should be pretty clean.  I'll take some pictures of it.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Check out the Checklist for buying a Used Coach by Gene Lewis on our Documents page.  This will give you a good idea of what to look for.  https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/documents/

Gary

[Lukis]

Thanks Gary, I'll check it out.

[David Anderson]

Luke, 
I am in Groveton Tx in my eagle doing a building job.  Am I close?  I may be able to look with you.
David

[Lukis]

Hey David, your about an hour and a half away.  The bus is in Jacksonville.  I'm supposed to meet him at 10am in the morning.

[6805eagleguy]

Check out this link

http://eagles-international.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4343

[Lukis]

Thanks, I just looked at the bus.  From what I remember the threads sticking out we're about 4-6".   Didn't know what I was looking at until now though, but I figured it was an adjustment.  I didn't drive it because I'm still waiting on my buddy to come with me to check it out, but I did notice that the steering wheel wasnt tight.  It had a little play in it.  I noticed cracks and places that needed to be welded back up at the left rear of the bus though.  It was the tube framing that supported some kind of gear box that had pulleys and belts on it.  It prevented the door from opening and closing easily.  Also noticed a 6-7" in crack on the left side of the bus starting at the corner of a window.  Supposedly this bus was raised 10" and stretched 5' in 2010 and totally reskinned and painted, but I would think it wouldn't have any cracks in it being that new.  Engine and transmission looked clean.  Going to go back and drive it and look at the things you mentioned. 

[DoubleEagle]

Pass on pictures to us of every detail that raises a question, you will then have the benefit of many eyes of people who have worked on Eagles and know these areas in detail. Did you take any pictures today?