| Author | Message | ||
| Johnny (63.159.176.159)
Rating: N/A |
1984 International Harvester 40' school bus. gas V8, 2bbl carb (I think a 345) with Allison tranny. Carpenter body (huh?), minor dent at RR wheelhouse & on rear bumper. 24,500lb GVWR, hydraulic brakes Chassis is IH S1700. 168,000 miles--verified on title. Is this any good? | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.205.239.4) Rating: N/A |
Is it any good for what? I think it all depends on what you want to do with it. I have a friend who has a skoolie with a Carpenter body. He likes it. Kind of low headroom for a conversion, and no bays, but this will be an issue in most skoolies. I researched Carpenter for my buddy and learned they are no longer in biz. His Carpenter is mounted on a Ford chassis. Scott | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.8.58)
Rating: N/A |
Johnny - Scott's right: Is this shell any good for what? What do you AND your significant other want to do with a bus? You need to seriously answer that question first. Personally, I think it would make a good storage shed for all the parts you need to install in another shell. If you want something smooth, quiet and comfortable to run down the highway, keep looking. RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| Lin (65.184.0.189) Rating: N/A |
As others have said, it all depends on what you want it for. However, just a few comments. At 40 feet, you do not have any more access or manuverability than an intercity coach. As a school bus, you will not have storage bays. Further, depending on the type of conversion you are looking to do, the cost of materials and the labor required will be the same on this one as they would be on something more appealing. You will have cheaper maintainence though. Also, you may feel more comfortable doing a practicality oriented conversion rather than going for class on this kind of platform. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.8.58)
Rating: N/A |
One other thought: There are campgrounds out there that will NOT let a converted skoolie in, regardless of how nice it looks. Holdover sentiment from the Partridge Family bus. RJ | ||
| Don Peter (172.143.61.22)
Rating: N/A |
Aw, heck, RJ. There are campgrounds that won't let any RV over 10 years old in, too. Like Groucho said, "I wouldn't belong to any club that would have me as a member." I've seen some really impressive schoolie conversions. Personally I prefer an old Greyhound, but I wouldn't recommend against a schoolie on just campground availability. -- Don | ||
| Johnny (63.159.176.104) Rating: N/A |
What I want to do with it? Initially, use it as an RV, maybe eventually almost full-time (3-4 months at a time) in it. Am I missing something? Lin--Practicality will have priority on ANYTHING I convert. What others think about it I do not care about in the slightest, though it will certainly be presentable. It's also cheaper that way.  Storage I can add--it seems to sit high enough (though lower than some I've seen) to add bins beneath the body. RJ--Why would I need another shell? This one seems very solid. And those campgrounds can stick their policies in their ears--I'll simply take my business elsewhere. Head room is ample--I'm 6'1", & could stand up in it, wearing jump boots, with no trouble. Cost of labor? Well, primarily pizza & Dr. Pepper--I'm doing most of the work myself, with help from my friends & my wife. I don't want a pusher. Period. I don't like the driving position, don't like the lack of service access on some models, & frankly perfer the appearance of the Conventional-chassis school buses. I drove it today, & only found 2 problems. The axle whines, but this seems to be a nuisance more than a problem--a new centersection is included. The steering is loose (almost 4" of play--bad box), but a rebuilt box is also included. It wasn't bad on the highway--55-60MPH was easy, though it seems to be governed at 60. Power was adequate, & the engine was quiet at all but WOT. The trans (4-speed auto)  shifted nicely--crisply, no slipping or noises, no lurching, & seemed well-matched to the engine. Yes, it was bouncy--I'm guessing the bias-ply tires are the main culprits here. Brakes (drums) are good, no pulling. Other than the steering problem, it tracked well--no pulling, though the wheel was off-center about 45 degrees. It seems like a VERY-well-made bus. There were no squeaks, & the only rattles I heard were from a loose window track over bumps. I'd prefer a diesel, & an Eaton-Fuller, but this one seems OK...... | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.8.58)
Rating: N/A |
Well, John, that's the thing about bus conversions. Everybody has their ideas about what's right for them. It's all part of what makes this hobby interesting! bon chance, RJ | ||
| Richard (64.12.104.57)
Rating: N/A |
Go for it. Everyone has there own idea. What makes you happy is all that matters Richard 4905 | ||
| Don KS/TX (205.187.92.4)
Rating: N/A |
A guy was here in the campground I am in for the winter with an identical bus he converted. He and his wife were very happy with it, and were enjoying living in it as much as we are in our highway bus. I think that a bus on the road is worth several wild dreams in the back yard that will never see completion. I personally have put a lot of miles on those old IH engines, the 345 is the best, will outlast you. | ||
| R. TERRY (205.188.200.36)
Rating: N/A |
Dear Johnny, My apologies first, but I don't think you have the vaguest idea what the difference is between an over-the-road coach and a schoolie. I don't blame you, though; I didn't either when I bought my schoolie, but I found out. Years later I bought an old ex-Greyhound bus and this year a retired Trailways coach. I had the great pleasure of driving both buses more than half way across the United States on their first outings. Now, I can't imagine for the life of me doing the same thing in a school bus! The difference is astonishing! And let's face it: If you're not interested in going anywhere, you don't need a bus, you need a park model. There's little reason to have a bus if you're not interested in traveling, at least some of the time. It really is the traveling that makes the difference. Quite honestly, there is no finer way to travel upon our highways than in a touring motorcoach. Believe me, two or three days behind the wheel of your own Greyhound-style coach and your perception of the world will be altered forever, if not greatly improved. That being said, I confess to still owning that old school bus, an IH 1600 Loadstar, Wayne body. To its credit, it started me on the big bus adventure that has literally changed my life. And for the past four years, it has served me well as a storage shed. At first I thought it was great because it was like driving a giant pickup truck, albeit enclosed. That's basically what it is, a giant pickup. And it rides just like the equipment that used to be on my grandmother's cotton farm. Easy to fix, hard to wear out, can always get parts. Makes a great storage shed. I've also noticed they are often good for graduation. When you graduate from being a homeless person to living in a school bus, it's a big step up. To me there's no comparison between the experience of driving a motorcoach to that of a school bus. In the coach, you're on vacation. In the schoolie, you're at work. In the coach, you're going to feel like you're King of the Road. In the schoolie, you might feel like you're on the sheriff's chain gang detail. There is a wondrous sense of pride pulling up in your motorcoach. Parking next to the most expensive, option-laden Airstream motorhome in your school bus conversion will make those folks in the Airstream have that same sense of pride. Whereas, park next to them in your MCI or Eagle and they might get out their autograph books in the hopes of seeing Reba McIntyre. The most sensible school bus conversion I ever saw was a Dodge Powerwagon with all-wheel drive. It had an Alaska license plate. I would like to suggest that before you plunk down your money on a school bus, temporarily discard your notions of where an engine should be located and create an opportunity to test drive a GMC 4905 or similar coach. But on the other hand, if you've never driven a motorcoach before, that might not be the best idea. Anyone who can see over the steering wheel of a school bus can drive it and run over the curbs. Anyone who has never driven a motorcoach before should get a flight instructor. Trust me: There's nothing more personally rewarding than "getting your wings". That's the way I see it. R. Terry | ||
| Pete (152.163.213.81)
Rating: N/A |
I started out in an International 1962 converted schoolie..thought it was the best, had an international 345 in it..Gas..35 foot..Thought life couldnt get better..well..no power steering... Till I got a deisel 1956 GMC retired Greyhound. Power steering, Power that made the International look like it delivered Preschool kids rather then a " real coach" More room that i know what to do with in the coach. My schoolie wouldnt go over 60.. On the way home from buying it in Savanna GA. I hit 90 just to let it stretch its legs. In other words..Really check it out before you want to convert a school bus...rather then a coach..its the difference between an effency appt. and a frikkin condo! Pete | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.205.239.4) Rating: N/A |
Another option to consider is a transit. In my opinion, it is a reasonable comprimise btwn price, smooth ride, power, durability and good looks. A lot of guys are doing RTSs these days. They can be found at very good prices. Having said that, the NJT Eagles and MC9s are quite reasonable too. When I finish converting the transit, my next bus will likely be an MC9, 4905, or Eagle. I am about half way done with my conversion and already look with envy at all the features of a highway coach. Secure, roomy baggage bays being at the top of the list and I wouldn't mind an extra 10-15 MPH. . . Other than that, a transit might be an option for you. Lots of headroom, 102" wide, air suspension, DD bus engine etc. Don't let a rear engine diesel scare you. Learning new systems is half the fun. You will be learning so much other stuff as you convert, might as well add some basic diesel mechanics to the list. One last thing. The bus you convert also should be factored on WHERE you want to take it. If you like to camp on old logging roads, long forgotten mining claims or other rough and out-of-the-way places, a skoolie might be the best thing. Someday, I'd like to make a caravan road trip down to Central and/or South America. For that, I probably build a 4WD skoolie conversion specific just for that trip. Basic construction, gas engine, bars on windows, high ground clearance, lots of spare parts etc. So I think you really need to consider what your intended uses are and figure out your budget and make a shell choice from there. Scott | ||
| Johnny (63.159.196.232) Rating: N/A |
Why I want a school bus: Less money. Coaches aren't cheap, & neither are parts. Easier service: I do my own work, and I want to find the designers of some of the pushers & kick them--service access is a nightmare on some I've seen. I don't understand--I liked driving this bus (though I'd prefer a manual tranny & manual steering). Easy to fix, hard to wear out, can always get parts--sounds good to me. I like simple, rugged, reliable stuff--it's why my pickup is a 10-year-old, 305,000-mile F-350 diesel & not a new F-150. I have driven a pusher--it was a 1980 (I think) GMC-Grumman with a 6-71 Detroit & an Allison. It was seriously slow, & the driving position made me queasy. It topped out at 56MPH (governed, I think). I was underwhelmed. I know some diesel stuff (in fact I want a diesel school bus), I just don't like the rear-engine buses' service access. I simply haven't FOUND a diesel skoolie--yet. Still looking. Terry: Want to sell the IH? Pete: This one topped out at 60--governed. This is easy to fix...and there's always a Gear Vendors OD for the highway. (which the pushers can't do) Thanks for all the info--always looking for more. | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess) (67.213.229.78)
Rating: N/A |
Johnny, I know what you mean about simple, rugged, reliable. You might really want to drive a highway bus for enough time that the position doesn't bother you. Then you will be making the decision on the rest of the factors. It took me a few days to get used to the driving position, but now I love it. Parts on intercity buses are not as expensive as you think. Some are cheap, like shocks, windshields and airbags. Some of the parts on the schoolies are probably expensive too. It's all heavy duty stuff. Access is good on my bus with a T drive. On a 4905 with a V drive, it was tight. A shoolie made the centerfold of Bus Conversions Magazine a year ago. They left all the windows for a wrap around view and designed around them. The owners wanted to camp in the woods. Better a schoolie than a Prevost deep in the woods. | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.205.239.4) Rating: N/A |
FWIW, my transit has a Vee drive. I can reach everything on that engine at chest height and within arms reach from the rear engine hatch. The tranny is accessed thru the side hatch. The only thing that is on the backside is one head and the starter. But the hatch from the inside (under what previously was the rear bench seat) makes that an easy reach too. If I ever have to swap engines, the entire powerplant cradle comes out. The downside is I have about two choices of trannies. (VS2 & V730) Parts I have had to buy so far have all been quite reasonable. But admittedly, since I started the conversion, I usually throw an extra zero on most cost estimates. But that is going to be the case regardless of chassis. Scott | ||
| Johnny (63.159.192.114)
Rating: N/A |
T-drive? V-drive? Help! (I told you I was new to this...) Also, the schoolies seem to be on truck chassis. Thus, parts can come off trucks at salvage yards...I think? Again, cost is a factor--Ebay has a 1990 IH diesel for under $4000...... I don't think a 12-year-old intercity coach would run less than $10-20K. Also, most coaches seem to be slushboxes. Bus conversion magazine? Tell me more...... | ||
| R. TERRY (152.163.201.82)
Rating: N/A |
Dear Johnny, These guys are right. How you intend to use the bus is paramount in your selection process. If you are in the woods and need high clearance and a "muscular physique", a schoolie is your baby. On the other hand, if traveling from one destination to another constitutes the essence of your use, a motorcoach is where it's at. I hope you appreciate this: We're here to help you, and one of the best ways we can do that is by keeping you from making a mistake. Mr. Fessenden is right on: You should give zero consideration to seating when making your decision. First of all, highway coaches were designed to be driven for long periods of time as they typically travel from city to city and state to state. Motorcoach driver's seats are designed to accommodate this service. School buses typically spend most of their daily short-duration service going around and around the block. A driver does not need to be comfortable for 8 hours in this situation. More to the point, though, is this: If you don't like the seating arrangement, unbolt the offending seat and replace it with one so luxurious you'd want to have sex in it! Get a remote controlled Captain's Chair with a vibrating back. Or buy a leather air chair from a Volvo 18-wheeler. Whatever bus you buy, only your imagination (and your wallet) can limit your level of comfort behind the wheel. Coach owners know it doesn't get much better than the air-ride seats they can't wait to get into. So trust us when we say you will get used to the coach seat; we are trying to help you. Personally, my GMC 4905 is the most comfortable, easy to drive vehicle I have ever owned. Hitting the road in that big, gorgeous hunk of GM handiwork is truly a pleasurable experience. About my schoolie, I have kept it all these years just so I can say I have a vehicle that will lose 12 miles per hour going over a railroad overpass! I used to have a sign on the back that said, "If I wanted to go faster, I would have bought a washing machine!" That doesn't mean I didn't love my school bus. I loved it so much I bought a '74 International Travelall with a 392cid V-8 4bbl just for the purpose of swapping engines. I never got around to doing the "upgrade", but I still have it. Everyone thinks it's a prison bus. It was originally purchased by the U.S government and never saw any yellow paint. Their color of choice, institutional gray. Over the years, that institutional gray has turned to institutional peeling, but since the coach body is galvanized, there's no rust. What makes this bus unique, if not one of a kind, is the 6" raised roof. Above the windows is another row of small windows, and uncharacteristic of school buses is a lighted destination sign with scroll. I've never seen another bus like it. But I have seen other buses that go as slow. That doesn't mean I don't love it.... Would I sell it, you asked? E-mail me and I will discuss the possibility. In the mean time, let the wonderful folks on this board help you as much as possible with all your questions about buses. They know what they are talking about, they have already been there, and many of your concerns simply are minor issues once you have the big picture. When it comes to highway coaches, there are no road blocks to the fulfillment of your dreams, except your own desire. With all the resources available through this BNO website and the resident experts who give life to the busnut experience, there isn't anything you can't accomplish. Like RJ said, it's and interesting hobby! Best of luck! R. Terry | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.8.58)
Rating: N/A |
Johnny - Pusher basics 101: "T-drive" powertrain is straight in from the rear, drive axle making the top of the letter "T". "V-drive" powertrain sits transversely across the back, with driveshaft entering the rear axle at an angle. Also known as an "angle-drive". The reason you were "underwhelmed" driving that pusher was because that's the way transit buses are usually set up. They're designed for driving a block and stopping, not running down the interstate. Consequently they're geared for around town use (just like skoolies, btw). This can be corrected by changing the rear axle ratio, but a 6V71 will be hard-pressed to provide any perfomance at highway speeds. It may be slow, but it will run 'till the fuel tank's empty. . . The queasiness you experienced driving that pusher is not unusual for someone who's never done it before. I know - I was the Training Supervisor for our local transit district for 10 years, and I've seen lots of folk experience queasiness initially. Feeling goes away with more seat time. Trust me on this one. Scott's correct regarding the accessibility of most routine service items on a "V-drive" coach. Much easier than climbing up or over or around the front wheels to get to the dipstick on a dog-nose. Bus Conversion Magazine? http://www.busconversions.com Now, pay VERY CLOSE attention to what I'm going to suggest next: Spend $15 bucks to order this book: "Beginner's Guide to Converted Coaches" by Larry Plachno. Available thru this link: http://www.busmag.com/ttrails/catalog/ If you're SERIOUSLY interested in this form of RV lifestyle, you need to read this book FIRST, before you spend any money on a bus. Have your wife read it also, to get a different perspective that will help you focus on what's right for BOTH of you. HTH, RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| Steven Gibbs (12.148.43.7)
Rating: N/A |
Johnny, RJ is right about Larry Plano's book. It is the best starting point. Also, several poor quality but highly informative videos from MAK at Bus Conversion Magazine (MC8 Mechanical/Bus Conversions Inside & Out/Bus Conversion Shells) will help round out your knowledge base. I have just about completed an MC9 conversion. My wife and I have been traveling and camping for twenty years in everything from a popup camper through two motorhomes and a 28 foot boat. So we had a good idea of what we wanted. My only regret after 1.5 years of work and spending about 65k is that I did not start out by investing in a newer shell. Actually, I'm happy that I used an MC9 but with all the work and money that you put into a conversion, it's best not to skimp on the foundation. On the bright side though, my bus has been appraised by ADP Autosource (for the insurance) at 126,000.00. The difference between spending 4k on a skoolie and 15-20k on a good MC9 shell will likely cost you 10's of thousands of dollars in appraised/resale value. Many people have stated that it really depends on what you plan on doing with the finished product AND have stated the ONE good reason for converting a skoolie--backwoods, rough terrain camping. You haven't yet told us if that is your plan. If so, end of story. FWIW, Steve | ||
| Larry Goodhew (Lgoodhew) (148.78.247.10)
Rating: N/A |
While I haven't yet purchased a bus to convert I can put in my two cents worth as a former passenger in one. When I was a fourth grader my dad bought an old schoolie and converted it into an inexpensive motor home. We fulltimed in it for about 20 months. We all had a good time and saw a lot of the USA. We hardly ever stayed in a park. Mostly county gravel pits, and similar places. That was 25+ years ago though and some of that probably wouldn't be safe today. Everyone's comment that you have to decide what is right for you is right on. At the time the schoolie was just right for us. When I get a coach, I will be working in it (Computer programmer) and will probably go to an area, find a park to set up in and spend some time in the area looking around using the toad. So I want an over the road coach for the space and nice driving. If I was going to do the running around in the boonies somewhat like we did as a kid I would probably lean towards an all wheel drive solution to do some serious off road travel. My dad would never have considered either of these solutions as that is not what he wanted to do. The point of this of course is only you and any significant others in your life can decide what you want to accomplish. And even that can be a challenge sometimes! By the way, If serious offroad is what you want to accomplish, check out this rig! http://www.robgray.com/motorhomes/ Even if you don't want to offroad he has some great ideas incorporated in this machine. Including the shower in the kitchen that becomes part of the countertop! Read the diary. It is fascinating. Larry Goodhew | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess) (67.213.229.215)
Rating: N/A |
The one comment about strength of a schoolie for off road use may be misleading. Highway coaches have terrific strength. They are built like an airplane rather than a truck, so they lack the large visible heavy iron frame under the coach, but they are at least as strong. What highway coaches lack is ground clearance, especially in the middle. So they can be high centered or caught on a high spot in the middle in very uneven terrain. There is one railroad crossing on a busy back road that I could not cross with my bus. But since roads are designed for buses too, this is a very, very uncommon problem unless you go off road. You can buy a usable running bus for under $10,000. Probably under $5000. But you have to be careful whether you spend $3000 or $20,000. I have owned two 4905s that were in you price range and ended up not converting for health reasons. In the lower price range, most are not slush boxes. Most common is a 4 speed unsycronized spicer transmission with a two plate wet clutch. And they are harder to sell because so many people want and automatic. For you that means lower purchase price. Don't overlook buying someone elses conversion. You can sometimes get a great deal and be on the road. | ||
| Johnny (63.159.198.153)
Rating: N/A |
OK, I understand the points, but I have a few more concerns..... 1) Aren't most coaches (and transits, for that matter) equipped with airbag suspension? I don't like it--too many things can break. 2) EVERY coach & transit I've ridden in swayed & rocked (likely due to said air suspension, I think?)--this makes me sick, especially on the higher-riding buses. 3) Again, the driving position (not the seat--which was quite nice--the location) made me queasy. Even a cab-over truck does this to me. I don't know why, but it happens. Owning a vehicle I can't drive I do not plan on doing. 4) Regarding gearing a skoolie: True, they have low gears (I've seen a couple that hit the engine governors at about 45MPH). However, I THINK axle centersections are available to re-gear them, & there's always a Gear Vendors OD unit--not an option on a transit. 5) Price: I don't care what it's worth--once it's completed, I will never sell it. Also, the best shell in the world is worthless if I can't afford to cough up $20,000 for a coach. And yes, I DO like backwoods camping--my friend (who I hold responsible for getting me hooked on RVing) even brings his dirt bikes when we camp, & has added extra holding tanks to his Dodge Coachman for boondocking. And no bus, skoolie or otherwise, could POSSIBLY be as underpowered as that Dodge! | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess) (67.213.229.215)
Rating: N/A |
Well then it looks like a schoolie is the right bus for you. Answers are often aimed at general information also since other people are reading the replies. Since the resale on a schoolie is not good, you might get a very good deal on someone elses conversion. Also, be sure you can insure it. Some report it is more difficult for a schoolie. If it is already a titled as motor home you just tell the insurance company Ford or IH or whatever motorhome. Can't you put a two speed rear end out of a truck in one if you want more highway speed? Airbags are almost trouble free and not expensive to repair. However, I would worry about the underbrush pulling at the valves and lines in deep off road travel. Are hydraulic brakes better for offroad also? Off roading is great fun. One of our greatest memories is, in 1970, driving a volkswagen bus I converted for camping for a family of four down "Walker Road, a logging road wtih no turnarounds in Ontario, until we got stuck and had to spend the night. Got help getting out of the mud the next day and my pregant wife was ferried across the nearby lake while I drove around. Seems the locals only went there by boat. At one point on the way in we had passed a beaver dam 3 feet off the road with probably 100 acres of water backed up one foot above road level. I even had to get out and move the beaver's long braces to get by. We will never forget Walker Road. | ||
| Johnny (63.159.198.153) Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the advice. Insurance shouldn't be a problem. My inurance agent is used to my wacky stuff (like a Gremlin running 10's in the 1/4 mile)--a converted bus shouldn't faze her in the least. A 2-speed rear should work--most seem to be on truck chassis. A Gear Vendors would be better, IMHO, though. Airbags still scare me. Am I right in thinking that a bad airbag means an immobilized bus? | ||
| FAST FRED (209.26.87.109) Rating: N/A |
Not Really , eather you plug the feed line , or clamp it off with a set of vice grips, on the "bad "air bag. Happily air bags are both cheap ($80.00 each)and very reliable. You can see huge cracks in operating old ones , so its easy to do Preventive Maint before a let down. Air suspension can also let you raise , lower or level the coach with some ingenuity. Springs wear out and are fairly costly to have replaced,but can be optemized to the coach after its finished , and road weights are known. One disadvantage of Skoolies for camping is the front wheel is in front of the pax door. This creates a very difficult sealing job to keep blowing dust out./ The orig seals only wanted to keep some rain out and some heat in. FAST FRED | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.205.239.4) Rating: N/A |
You can think of an air bag like a tire. As long as it is not terribly old and worn out or punctured, it will work just fine. I have never heard of an air bag being puctured, but I suppose under the right set of circumstances it is theoretically possible. The air lines are typically copper which will last a thousand years. Granted, the valves do wear out and can leak, but even with slightly leaking valves, the air compressor can easily keep up the pace. For example, my bags (or valves?) leak down in about eight hours. As FF hinted at, with some clever ingenuity you can make the air bag system double as a leveling system for camping on uneven ground. However, having said all that, it does appear that a skoolie might be your best option. You can build storage under them. But the compartments might be rather small. Going back into the bus, you'll hit the frame rail at the back. Height will be whatever you can squeeze from below floor level to as low as you want to comprimise ground clearance. You would probably end up with a compartment about a foot and a half tall by a couple feet deep and as wide as you desire. There may be a spare tire compartment already built that you can model your other compartments after. You can also just hang stuff from the floor without building compartments per se. Things like tanks etc., if strong enough to support themselves, can be strap mounted and left exposed to the elements. For batteries and other goodies, you'll want to build compartment of some sort. A skoolie also lends itself to building a roof rack to increase storage area. Since you desire a dognose, the ladder to the rack can go right up the backside. The rack can be as large as you want. You can even take it a step further, as I did, and put a crane & winch on the roof to hoist all kinds of junk up there. Scott | ||
| jdexsquid (216.175.70.168)
Rating: N/A |
Have you considered a Crown? They're west coast schoolies that predominately have diesel engines and leaf-spring suspension. The bus is built like a tank, rides well despite the leaf springs, comes in auto, 5 speed, or 10 speed. The bus also uses standard truck parts, so parts are relatively easy to find. Downside: being a schoolie, not much storage space. I'm trying to remedy this on mine, but it will never have the capacity of a 4905 or MCI. That said, it's still a really nice bus to own and drive. It has character that few other buses I've seen have. (just my uninformed opinion, though.) Jim | ||
| jim (64.12.106.42)
Rating: N/A |
Well I think a schoolie makes a great conversion I'am currently looking to get my own schoolie to have loads of fun in. now as far as a flat nose rear engine school bus goes there are advantages to a reg school bus. no drive shaft. you can put more things under the chasis like your tanks. I think they also have a larger weight cap on front and rear axels compaired to the reg bus. A good place to find all kind of school buses front engine,rear engine with or with out nose is bluebird.com they have resale school buses. or ritchie bros auction .com they have auctions in both United States and Canada. Have fun looking please e-mail me if you need any more info I have many sites you can goto for help with a schoolie. |