| Author | Message | ||
| Nick (Ymehp)
Registered Member Username: Ymehp Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2009 Posted From: 66.163.159.194 Rating: N/A |
Hello, i'm wanting to know what bus is better suited for a conversion, which one is easier to find parts for and what parts are interchangeable. I've currently got my '79 MC-8 that needs an engine and some TLC inside. I've found a '80 MC-9 with a good motor but needs lots of TLC as it's an old tour bus conversion. Please, what are the pro's and con's of each. | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1543 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.110.9  Rating: N/A |
I'd go with the newer model, although with the way used coaches are dropping in price, you may want to curb your urge long enough to look around. Do some part and labor calculations when you look at them to compare. Too many people buy a coach of one type or another because it was sooo cheap, only to spend three times what it would have cost to get a slightly newer or model in better condition. I don't have an MCI, but I recall that the 9 had several desirable improvements over the 8's and older versions. I'm sure some owners will chime in. | ||
| Ralph Peters (Ralph7)
Registered Member Username: Ralph7 Post Number: 23 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 206.251.11.14 Rating: N/A |
Personally I would buy the 9, and keep the 8 for parts, many will fit. Does the 9 have dd3 brakes? Do both have integral steering, or does the 8 have the ram, integral is the best. Did you find out why the motor lost oil pressure, not normal for 8-71 to just loose oil pressure. Certain 8-92 had a problem. A time back some oil filters colapsed,do not remember which mfgr. | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 1643 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.66.18.165  Rating: N/A |
I'd say there is little difference between the last of the MC8 and the first of the MC9, that the condition of either coach would trump the other. Same steering, brakes, running gear...the MC9 will have larger rads... MC9 has a slightly flatter roof/more square interior, and no roof hump to whack a taller head on. Which one do you like the looks of more? They are both old buses. From an economy standpoint, pick the coach that has the least stuff wrong/has less work to make it work for you, and use the other for parts. happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| Syl Szucsko (Syl)
Registered Member Username: Syl Post Number: 29 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 74.36.34.31 Rating: N/A |
I have a MCI 8. If I build another one I think I would go 102 model. | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1547 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.110.9 Rating: N/A |
Unless you are faster than a lot of owners that do their own conversions, it could take 5 years or more to complete the majority of it. Add those 5 years to the model you are going to convert. MC8's are already starting to be called old, and some of the unique 8 parts are going to be harder to locate as the years pass. I'm not talking about chassis parts. Our 4104's, etc., I guess, are heading to being ancient...err...CLASSIC. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 546 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.155.14  Rating: N/A |
ANTI- QUES John not classic.. I still have an 04 and starting to show its age too,but it runs,new drive train completly,like a new one and gets about 12 mpg. Cant't get no better either shucks. Gomer |