Is it legal to drive a DL3 without the back bumper?

DoubleEagle · November 20, 2018, 07:33:00 AM

Congratulations, but I hope you had a chance to inspect the bus and drive it before you committed to it. It is not always prudent to buy something based on pictures and the word of the seller. The Northeast uses a lot of salt in the winter (I used to be a bulk road salt dealer). Let's hope that the bull gear in the Series 60 is in good shape. It will either be a good deal, or a great learning experience.

Jim Blackwood · November 20, 2018, 08:11:38 AM

True enough.
So the old fingers are crossed awaiting arrival. The good news is, not a lot of money out of pocket. And as noted, salvage value would be a significant part of purchase cost if it came to that. But OTOH if it has 200K left in it that's likely all I'll ever need and more.

I'd rather not change out a bull gear. But, at least it is on the back of the engine which is by the doors right? And I've seen it done. Not really that intimidating, I'd rather do that than a head or a crank. Or sleeves and pistons. Or a transmission. But if fortune smiles upon me I may not have to do any of those things. Am I a gambler? Yep, I guess so. But I do like to stack the odds in my own favor.

Jim

luvrbus · November 20, 2018, 08:20:05 AM

The bull gear is on the front of engine behind the cover and harmonic balance ,nothing drives off the rear of a series 60 except the transmission

Jim Blackwood · November 20, 2018, 10:10:31 AM

Yeah that was what I was thinking. You have that big aluminum cover right out there where you can get to it.

By all rights I should have and would like to have been able to cold start the bus, see how it fires off, listen to it, drive it, and take an oil sample. And had it been within a reasonable driving distance I'd have done all of that and more besides.

But it wasn't. And due to the odd interior and the back bumper the price was very good indeed compared to one being sold for coach service. The seller understood this, and mentioned that it might need the brakes serviced but it was believed to be otherwise in good mechanical condition. And yeah I'm well aware of people's propensity to make light of flaws but sometimes you just have to take a chance and trust somebody. This ended up being one of those times, and I felt like I could trust the guy I was dealing with. Obviously I hope to be proven right. If not, I hope whatever flaws there might be are things I can deal with. Heck, even if it were a transmission, well I do have a forklift so presumably I can deal with it too. Much rather not of course but there you go. As for the actual cash outlay, well let's just say I traded one of my dirt bikes for it. Granted it was a very nice dirt bike, but still. I can sustain that loss if I have to.

Jim

luvrbus · November 20, 2018, 10:42:16 AM

If the bus has over 700,000 miles showing it's probably a safe bet the bull gear and bearing have been replaced

thomasinnv · November 20, 2018, 04:53:00 PM

I believe all the DL3's are a following steer tag axle, but a lot of times if they start giving issues rather than fix them the shop will just disable the system so it stays locked in place. Mine was locked and disabled when I got it. About $600 in parts and a few scraped knuckles and all is good with the universe again. If yours ends up being disabled I would highly recommend repairing and putting it back in service. It makes a huge difference in the maneuverability of the vehicle. Before I fixed mine I would have to do a 4 point turn to get through my gate but once fixed I can swoop right in without stopping.

luvrbus · November 20, 2018, 05:41:33 PM

The axle is still a option on the D4005 ,a casino here just purchased one with the non steerable axle they wanted the extra 4000 lb GVW with the straight tag axle but has a turning radius of 50 ft and the driver misses the 43 ft turning radius he had with the old bus and rear steering

thomasinnv · November 20, 2018, 06:47:01 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on November 20, 2018, 05:41:33 PM
The axle is still a option on the D4005 ,a casino here just purchased one with the non steerable axle they wanted the extra 4000 lb GVW with the straight tag axle but has a turning radius of 50 ft and the driver misses the 43 ft turning radius he had with the old bus and rear steering

Did not know that. Having driven both scenarios I would not want a straight axle given a choice.

DoubleEagle · November 20, 2018, 07:49:19 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on November 20, 2018, 10:42:16 AM
If the bus has over 700,000 miles showing it's probably a safe bet the bull gear and bearing have been replaced

The mileage is 595,000, how do you figure the odds? What would Jimmy the Greek say if he knew buses? I'll bet that the brakes definitely need work.

Jim Blackwood · November 20, 2018, 07:53:15 PM

Well, they ponied up for the Alcoa rims so don't you think it would have the steering tag?

He said it probably needed work on the brakes so I'd say that part is a safe bet.

I asked if their title guy could handle the transfer (and re-title as an RV), waiting for a reply on that.

Jim

windtrader · November 20, 2018, 10:21:50 PM

Titling as an RV usually requires the bus be "converted", at least having some typical RV components like a stove and toilet. It is a long shot to get a seated bus titled as an RV.

Jim Blackwood · November 20, 2018, 11:03:48 PM

Yeah I know, we went over that on here awhile back. But, if his title guy can pull it off I'm way ahead. Some of those guys are so tight with the state people that they can just about do whatever they want. I figure an outfit that has 1500 vehicle has some pull, and if his guy is the least bit creative he'll see a way to do it. If not, then it's up to me. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Jim

luvrbus · November 21, 2018, 05:43:13 AM

Quote from: DoubleEagle on November 20, 2018, 07:49:19 PM
The mileage is 595,000, how do you figure the odds? What would Jimmy the Greek say if he knew buses? I'll bet that the brakes definitely need work.

If the engine and bus has ever been to a Detroit dealer they can pull the history on the engine as quite a few upgrades were done and a Pro/link will help.He rolled the dice it is what it is now and I wish him the best

richard5933 · November 21, 2018, 06:09:44 AM

Quote from: windtrader on November 20, 2018, 10:21:50 PM
Titling as an RV usually requires the bus be "converted", at least having some typical RV components like a stove and toilet. It is a long shot to get a seated bus titled as an RV.

Some states (like Wisconsin) require a conversion with certain items installed, but there is no inspection done. They take the owner's word for it when issuing a new title.

But, a stern warning is given letting you know that if you get stopped for any reason and the officer catches the wrong plates on the bus (MH on a commercial or unconverted bu) the penalties are severe.

My severe warning came complete with a stern stare.

chessie4905 · November 21, 2018, 06:20:34 AM

The two major issues to any new potential busnut.... Getting it retitled, and getting insurance. Two many wait till after purchase to their dismay. A close third is where it can be parked or stored.