New Bus Nut Here

[cyclepsycho]

I've got to admit, I don't own a bus.  I've been interested in a bus conversion for years but have never gotten further (or should that be "Furthur") than a Class C motorhome that I've customized to my own taste.
I recently subscribed to BC Magazine and bought the ID chart (which is so great I had it laminated and now resides on my office wall).  Right now I'm in the process of educating myself about everything bus conversion related.  It is my plan to buy one soon, but I really need to do my homework and find the one that's right for me.  I really like the 4104 and 4905 series.  I've been in the motorcycle business for years and am about done with it.  I have a 60 X 60 foot shop, which would be perfect for any bus project. 
I live in Eugene, Oregon, which is right down the road from the former Green Tortoise Bus Garage.  I was out there last year talking to the owner, contemplating buying the whole mess.  I didn't do it, but I did get some good pictures which you might like and are posted on my website: http://www.cyclepsycho.com/gt/gt.html
I'm happy to have found this forum and look forward to reading all the posts and asking what I'm sure has been asked a lot.  Any advice on books or other sites that might be of help to a newbee are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

[buswarrior]

Welcome to the madness....

If you have a doubt at all, run, screaming, as far from here as possible...

otherwise, you will spend too much, take more time than planned for, and have a silly grin on your face, similar to ours....

the only foolish question is the one not asked....

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[luvrbus]

Dave, you live in the best place on earth to get  stuff to convert a bus Wirco for generators and inverters,Northwest RV surplus for parts, Mike Wilson for paint,and Dick Kaiser for front end and brake work plus no shipping or sales tax and welcome

[FloridaCliff]

Dave,

Welcome.

This is a great hobby and a really fun and sharing bunch of individuals.

Nothing like jumping off the pier (bus ownership) with a bunch buddy's yelling "Jump, Jump" (buy it, buy it)

When I say friends, I mean the kind of people who will actually come to your aid when your a 1000 miles from home.

By the way, I can already tell you are a smart, thoughtful person by your 4104, 4905 preference.  Oh yeah, I have a 4905!!!  LOL 

Look forward to hearing about your search for YOUR perfect coach, whatever it is!

Cliff

[Hi yo silver]

So you're advancing from Cyclepsycho to Buspsycho! Welcome to the desease.  It's called stainless fever.
Dennis

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Dave,

Welcome!

This large group of folks we call "BUS NUTS" are above the kind of people you would normally meet. What do I mean?

Well, theese folks will go through hell and high water to accomadate a fellow bus nut. Or, just answer a question you may have.

You may not own a bus yet, but you have made the big step to join our maddness..... You are now one of us!

OK, start asking your questions......??......??....

Have Fun
Nick-

[Dreamscape]

Cool site, Really like the Eagle. It would make an interesting very long conversion.. And a bit of history to boot. I'd really like to get my hands on that one.

Welcome to our crazy world. My home town is Salem, so I know how beautiful it is in the great Pacific Northwest.

Hope you find the answers to your questions helpful, just ask and ye shall receive.

Good Luck and Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

[James77MCI8]

Welcome aboard. I am on my 3rd bus and still loving it.

[cyclepsycho]

Cool site, Really like the Eagle. It would make an interesting very long conversion.. And a bit of history to boot. I'd really like to get my hands on that one.

I was out there a few weeks ago an it's still there.  Silver Eagle tried to buy it, but evidently, they never did. It has actually ran in the last year (though probably not enough to make it safe for the road).  I can put you in contact with the owner if you like, just e-mail me off list.  They call that bus "Uncle Wiggly" since the tail end tended to wag at highway speeds.  There may be a way to overcome that with modern technology but that bus will need a LOT of work to get it back on the road.  That thing is so long that you'd need a permit from the FCC just to mount a wireless backup camera on it!

[RJ]

FYI - Wilson Bus Lines in MA has one of these articulated Eagles that's been fully restored.

IIRC, they also have the only 4901 ever built, too.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Barn Owl]

Many welcomes, I love scrounging through bone yards, photos of them are the next best thing. Enjoyed them a lot.

Thanks,

Laryn

[Dreamscape]

Cyclepsycho, I emailed a friend of mine at Silver Eagle Mfg. and they are still interested in that articulated Eagle. They think it would be a good investment for their museum. Hope it all works out, because I think it would be a good investment for them also.

Paul

[Barn Owl]

Here is an example of a bone yard I would like to visit:

http://www.classiccarsrotting.com/

[BusCrazyTom]

Yeah, Barn Owl, I'd have to agree that that is a great way to get lost for an afternoon or two. PS: Thanks for the Links!

BusCrazyTom the AnalogDinosaur

[Hi yo silver]

Great link, Laryn!  I'm putting it on my favorites list so I can peruse it when I have time.  I used a '50 Plymouth as a daily driver just a few years ago.  Got some parts for it at a yard out your way. 
Dennis