| Author |
Message |
Robert J. Wies (Ncbob)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 9:35 pm: | |
Hi guys, my name is Bob (NCBob) and I'm a wannabe.
I've spent the better part of a month reading all the threads from 2002 on and am convinced this is the place for me..although I'll mostly sit on the side and read 'cause I ain't too knowledgeable yet.
We recently went to CHI to inspect an MC5 (which we haven't ruled out yet) and I lost an MCI7 to a sniper on Ebay yesterday. I'll find my ride one of these days. In the meantime I'm going to continue reading and enjoying your advice and tongue-in-cheek humor you poke at each other and learn.
Given time I imagine I'll be a certifiable BusNut! |
captain ron (Captain_ron)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 9:53 pm: | |
nc? bob North carolina? be patient. you could end up wth a pile of junk or money pit |
Bryce Gaston (Busted_knuckle)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 9:57 pm: | |
Welcome aboard NCBob, although I'm a newbee myself and I don't get into the conversion side topics as I've no experince or knowledge that would be of any benefit to any one. But it don't matter if ya need to know something about anything? Just ask as there is someone who'll have an answer for ya no matter what the subject. Bryce aka Busted Knuckle |
John MC9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 12, 2006 - 11:56 pm: | |
"I've spent the better part of a month reading all the threads from 2002 on "
Holy ^%$@#.... Really? And your family hasn't had you committed yet?
"I lost an MCI7 to a sniper on Ebay"
If you've never owned a bus before, or even if you're a well
experienced bus mechanic... stay away from the auctions.
Don't rush into ruin. When you buy a bus, you'll find financial
ruin fast enough.. No need to rush.
"Given time I imagine I'll be a certifiable BusNut!"
I have some great news! You already are one. (The certificate
is in the mail).
Welcome! |
Marc Bourget
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 5:28 am: | |
NcBob,
With any hobby or interest, it's important reinforcement to "do something positive" in pursuit of your desire.
I'd consider gathering knowledge and, if you've gotta "buy something" make a decision on heat, for instance and buy a deisel fired heater, a sink, build water manifolds, etc., etc., but, in the meantime plan, doodle and draw,
You'll be learning more and more and develop the patience to make an intelligent, informed purchase when you do get your bus. Now the fun really begins, because you'll have lots of "goodies" to install and approach Capt'n Ron's rate of progress.
I'm sure other converter's who've gone thru, for example, in succession a GMC to an Eagle to a Prevost benefitted from the experience and learning curve - but right now you've got to think that they know they'd be done if the same amount of effort were efficiently applied to the 3d bus with the same knowledge that you'll gain by a different path. Not that they should regret the effort, but I'm sure they wish they could magically switch all that time/money and effort to their current project (who wouldn't!)
You'll get an idea by reading the level and support-the-bus before roof-raising thread.
It took me a long time for it to dawn on me that I'd want the floor in (but temporary) before I raised the roof. Bit more work but oh so better for running wires/conduits/ etc. etc. after I'd located various fixtures, appliances, etc.
If I've learned anything by numerous RV park bus-side chats, it's make it right and provide for repair. Too many of the topics have begun with "I've been putting up with this [problem] since Nashville and I've got to break down and fix the damn thing . . do you know how to . . . ?"
I hope to put together a coach that won't break down as often, and when it does, it's the simplest process to access and repair.
Onward and Upward |
David Evans (Dmd)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 6:47 am: | |
MCI-5 could be a good choice. We are more than happy with a 35' 2 axle coach. (we have a 35'GM)We have seen some good ones for sale lately. Take your time. What part of NC? Good luck. |
Robert J. Wies (Ncbob)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 7:57 am: | |
Thanks so much for the warm welcome guys. Certainly your advice is not falling on deaf ears.
I hope I've lived long enough that I won't allow my enthusiasism for the future cloud my clear perception of reality. I'm actually switching my love for cruising on our 36' Chris Craft to the potential rewards of land cruising wherein I'll have to feed only one engine instead of two.
Thankfully my mate shares my dreams as well..we both love to travel and meet people.
We reside in the western mountains in NC, in our opinion...truly God's contry. There's quite a few BusNuts in the area as well.
Again, thanks for the 'welcome aboard'. Bob |
John MC9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 9:06 am: | |
Hmm.... well Bob, with an RV, you'll certainly be able to hold
onto your hard-earned cash longer than you did with your boat.
With an RV, you can be with it until you make it to the dump station.
They're both bottomless money pits; one's got wheels, one floats. |
Robert J. Wies (Ncbob)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 9:15 am: | |
You're very perceptive John! However while both hobbies are somewhat expensive they both seem to have their fair share of headaches and joy.
Age and wisdom, both being factors, have determined that crawling in and out of boat engine rooms is best left for the more supple among us. Much easier on the old bod'! Bob |
John MC9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 9:34 am: | |
On the other hand, Bob....
You can row a boat to shore, but pushing that bus by
hand off a major highway, can take a lot out of you....
I don't swim, so I prefer the land-life. But dollar-wise,
there isn't much difference. |
Marc Bourget
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 10:00 am: | |
Maybe, both of you need to go back and re-read my last post. Dave Smead, FF and others all point out that "typical" construction techniques unnecessarily raise the expenses and hassles related to both Boats and Busses (although I'd opine that FF would view the quality of the majority of Boat constructors better than the majority of Bus constructors, true, FF???) |
John MC9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 10:13 am: | |
Yeah Marc... But you're talking about the construction,
we're talking about maintenance... engine, transmission,
chassis, etc etc..
Boat parts and labor, aren't any less expensive than bus parts
and labor. Each are costly "hobbies". Both the bus operator,
and the commercial fisherman see a return on their investment.
We are hobbyists, either travel enthusiasts, or builders, and
see no cash inflow, only outflow. The only gain, is the hopeful
enjoyment of our "hobby".
Big kids + bigger toys = big financial headaches. |
Marc Bourget
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 11:13 am: | |
John, I guess I didn't make myself perfectly (what the hell is "perfect" anyway!???) clear.
Actually, I foster proper selection of and construction techniques with the intention and purpose to REDUCE maintenance.
Smead routinely criticizes and FF promotes proper construction techniques on par with that Fram commercial " . . you can pay me $ now or pay me $$$ later, it's your choice!" (# and placement of $ intentional).
IMHO, useful life, maintenance and convenience surrounds "performance".
I'm not saying either activity is inexpensive. But we can make it much moreso by utilizing responsible planning and education, n'est ce pas? |
John MC9
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 11:53 am: | |
Naww... étape dans l'engrais
Apples and Tangerines, Marc.
The maintenance and labor associated with the mechanics
of the bus or boat, cannot be made easier (easily) by we
mere hobbyists. There is little we can do with wood, and
decorative items, to increase the 6v92 or 740 longevity.
An oil change is an oil change, and replacing a leaking
rear seal, is cash. At a shop, it's $100 per hour, plus
being at their mercy... not including their finding of twenty
other needed "fixes", before they put it all back together.
It has little if anything, to do with our personal aesthetic tastes
or preferences, and even less to do with our ability as a craftsman.
These old, tired buses have been retired for good reasons..
Unfortunately, we usually learn what those good reasons are,
long after the purchase. |
JR
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 7:38 pm: | |
Hi Bob,
I'm in NC too, Charlotte. If you are interested, a friend has an 87 MC9 ex NJT. He sort of lost interest in the project. It has not been converted. The coach was real straight and is not far from you (as the crow flies). Located in Roanoke, Va.
Has an electric starter conversion, and most seats and parcel racks out. That's all. He drove it all over the east coast to Fla and the beach several times.
Had a low water sensor that failed and that's where it's been for a couple of years.
Don't know what Chris wants for the bus, but it could be bought reasonably I'm sure. It would make a nice conversion shell.
These things are a "bottomle$$ pit" as has been described. I have a sister to Chris's bus, and I've found many components in very good condition, brakes, air system, etc, and a lot has been repaired too. I've installed a rear main seal, repaired wiring, air leaks, replaced 4 drive axle airbags, and both front airbags. Old bus has always run well. Had to convert to electric starter...I did Chris's starter conversion too. Welcome to the concept of planned bankruptcy! JR |
Jon W.
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 8:53 pm: | |
This is heresy, but one of the most overlooked bargains for a bus nut is a professionally converted Prevost or MCI.
These will never be cheap compared to a conversion in which the converter only values the expenditure of money for components and materials and ignores the value of his time, but for a way to almost instantly be able to use and enjoy the coach they cannot be beat. With the advent of 45 foot coaches and now slides the 40 foot non slide prices, especially coaches converted in the 80s are dirt cheap. It just takes patience to find one. I have seen some real good buys over the past year.
For those who wish to use their skills and creativity these would be an excellent base for someone to put their own fingerprints on the bus or to merely massage what is already there.
Unlike commercial buses these older conversions (not entertainer coaches) have low miles, usually no corrosion, and all systems in place. Most are just waiting for someone to use them or redo them.
John's post is right on the money. No matter what you do, you will not eliminate the expense associated with routine maintenance. In fact if you do the cost will be greater in the long run. I admit to lacking the patience and creativity to convert one, but I have gotten a tremendous amount of satisfaction knowing over the last 16 years I have done just about every repair and maintenance item required on a bus and most of the house systems. I got so fanatical, I now have a pit in my garage, and most of the time I am out playing with the bus. |
captain ron (Captain_ron)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 11:56 pm: | |
Bob, I'm in Sylva NC right now till wed or thursday If I'm not still snowed in, I snaked my bus up 3500 ft mountain to my dads house and not sure if I can get out till weekend. but if your close your welcome to come over and check out my project, progress and chit chat or help for that matter. 239-292-1750. |
Bryce Gaston (Busted_knuckle)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 12:48 am: | |
Again Bob welcome aboard, and well I ain't sure buses are easier to work on than boats 'cause the engine room is still down through a hole mostly, an yer either hang'n upside down through a hole that ain't big enough or yer slidin up under and around whatever part yer tring to fix and all that, but the good point is yer used to all that all ready! Marc has his good points about tring to "build out" break downs (which ain't gonna happen as mechanical items break!), but no matter how well ya plan it or how new it is things fail, or break thats just the way it goes! Also not even considering "breaking down" theres still maintenance (or it will break down), but like I said yer used to it and well I believe you'll enjoy it! And $100 per hour? Wow am I under charging !(we only get $50/hr here!)LOL! Seriously some shops charge $100-$125 per hr but if you've had a "BOAT" (stands for Break Out Another Thousand $) You know about the fun and cost of working on or having them worked on!Enjoy what ya can while ya can! Opinions are plenty here! & cheap mine ain't worth 2cents but here it is anyway! Bryce aka Busted Knuckle |
Robert J. Wies (Ncbob)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 6:44 am: | |
Wow! I certainly didn't expect this many responses
to my initial post. You guys sure know how to make a guy welcome! Thanks again to all of you.
And, Captain Ron, since I'm only 15 miles away (and knowing the mountain weather as I do) there's a question as to whether you're going to make it out of here by the weekend..but I'm pulling for you. I will give you a call this AM
and hope we can share a cup of coffee and some Bus chat. I have a friend who used to work at
Parliament Coach in Clearwater, FL who just might
like to do some hanger flying with us as well.
Bryce, the advice you offer has great merit. The MC5 I inspected in CHI last month was converted by
a knowledgeable craftsman who is as much a perfectionist as I've ever seen. His only regret is that he used a 17" Eagle clutch, when he installed the new "crate" 8V71 in the coach, because it has a tendency to slip on long uphill
pulls. I got the word yesterday that he'll replace it with a Twin Disk before I buy the rig.
My best info is that the Eagle should handle both the HP and the torque and that it just might not be adjusted properly. Any ideas?
I've traced the coach VIN# and it was never a long haul bus..owned by a local Academy. It needs a bit of trim work here and there but is solid.
I keep going back to the "5" in my mind simply because I believe it would be a great 'first start'. "Creep before you walk" sort of thinking.
Regards to all, Bob (NCBob) |
FAST FRED
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 9:33 am: | |
" (although I'd opine that FF would view the quality of the majority of Boat constructors better than the majority of Bus constructors, true, FF???)"
Not necessarily , as the floood of retirees & wannabees with Ca$h and ZERO time afloat is huge.
Like first timers at a camper show they look at the "biggest" and have delusions that it is also the best lifestyle.
Most have NO idea what is needed to live an EZ life afloat ,
& only wish to get somthing that looks like a House & Garden or Superyacht add.
Same delusions with coach folks ,
we all hear from the folks that "have" to have a 60 ft doubble decker with 8 slideouts.
Look at "Formula MAK", smash the internal structure to bits , raise the roof a foot or two and spray with foam till it stops wobbeling.
It sells magazines , and makes for fine coaches that are nightmares to drive.
.Good for the fixed "liveaboard" , but so is a housetrailer.
Unfortunatly the ONLY way to know what you need is to have an experience base , on which to build.
By having to repair a furnace at "O dark 30" some freezing PM , one gets an appreciation for the location & ease of service of a GOOD camper or boat.
"These old, tired buses have been retired for good reasons..
Unfortunately, we usually learn what those good reasons are,
long after the purchase."
Sure there old , most are taken out of service because a newer fancy interior with TV ect costs less if you purchase it IN an existing coach.
To the adverage Bus Camper there is NO investment better than taking Da Book and doing EVERY SINGLE service and lube item listed, on a SCHEDULE!!
Busses are massivly overbuilt so a properly maintained unit will seldome stop in the middle of a trip.
Almost all can "get home" where it can get repaired by a knowledgable individual, not a Truck Stop kid that never even rode in a coach.
Want few hassles and not to be shafted on the road?,
PM
Want a good bus camper , go to the local meetings or to Jacks New Years Party and listen to horror stories.
Copy what works , avoid the nightmares.
FAST FRED |
ned sanders (Uncle_ned)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 10:27 am: | |
hello capt ron
did you get to sylva over 129. Just kidding my favorite motor cycle and mg road. I am in Lenoir which is in the foot hills. We didn't get much snow but blowing rock and boone got plenty.The old 04 is getting serviced and ready for the trip to Daytona beach for bike week.will be in the west parking lot at the speedway.
Hope you get out of the snow ok
Uncle ned
Huggy bear
4104 |
Bryce Gaston (Busted_knuckle)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 12:49 pm: | |
NC Bob I'd say that you are probably correct onthe adjustment something just don't sound right about it slipping! |
captain ron (Captain_ron)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 8:54 pm: | |
Uncle Ned, gonna try to hit the dragons tail with the trailer in tow. lots more fun that way. last time I rode it on my fxr my head light touched my tai light |
JR
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 10:41 pm: | |
Ron,
Sounds like you been doin "Deals Gap" with a Harley?! BAD idea. People die for less.
That place is nutso on a warm weekend! I've seen'Wings try it though...another bad idea. Drag the chrome off some expensive parts.
Good Luck on getting out of Sylva!
What sort of music you do? Need a bass player for Daytona????? Please?
Best, JR MC9 and 04 'Busa |
Arthur J Griffith
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 12:43 pm: | |
I'm excited to know that so many of my bus nuts
know about the area I live in. Between Deals Gap
and Robbinsville, just off Hwy 129 at Lake
Santeetlah. I would love to talk Bus with anyone
coming to the area or living in the area. (or
anywhere) I also have room for stop overs. I use
to travel the Dragon Tail weekly to pick up supplies for our business until I retired. This
is truly beautiful country. NC Bob, I wish you
the best in your desire to be a certified BUS NUT. It's a great experience. ARTHUR |
morgan Clough (Mclough777)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 10:14 pm: | |
im just south of the dragon in the TN side. tellico plains. base of the cherohala skyway. |
Arthur J Griffith
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 12:34 pm: | |
Morgan- maybe when the winter weather clears up
on the cherohala we can hookup and talk BUS.
800-479-4771 ARTHUR |
|