| Author | Message | ||
| Charlene (208.18.102.224) Rating: N/A |
Just curious........ How old are we? I see we are all in the mist of projects!!!!!!!!!! Or it seems to be that way. Even though ours is complete and always what we wanted (we thought), It always seems to be a endless project. Always want to make this and that different and never seem to be done, will it ever end? So this leads to the real question? What is the average age of Bus Nuts? I'm 57 and my husband is 60. We are both retired so that helps. I see people just starting and wonder how they will ever get done? I don't think, as one poster said we will ever get done before we are to damn old to drive the thing. How old is the average nut when they start and how old is to old to play with these things? I don't mean to depress anyone, but our health is already so bad it is a real task. We even think of getting a newer unit and starting again, but are we to old? We fear it will be another antique by the time we would finish, or to old to drive. What's the thought? Lets hear from the rest of you? | ||
| Fred H (216.128.137.172) Rating: N/A |
I am 70 Years young, Been doing bus conversion For nearly 20 years. still building them 8 hours a day 10 mounths a year.Travel 2 mounths, Fred North Florida Bus Conversion | ||
| Chuck MC8 (207.69.3.207) Rating: N/A |
43 | ||
| dougwoodin (24.170.175.44)
Rating: N/A |
I'm 53. I've been working on my Eagle-01 on and off for the past 18 months. With any luck,[and some ambition] I should finish in about six months. It would be finished by now, but sometimes I get burnt-out and let it sit for a while. I'll get my copy of Bus conversion magazine and get a burst of energy and get started again. If I didn't have to work, it would be easier, But, no work, no bus parts. As long as something gets done each month, it will get done someday. | ||
| Charlene (208.18.102.224) Rating: N/A |
In case you beginners have not reached the point I'm speaking of about better this and that, it goes like this: The steering wheel is to big - oh look here at VIP's new wheel style. Darn that new wheel sure dates the unit, ok re-design and build a new one. That looks better. Gee that trailer work shop needs to much power so lets get a bigger generator . Now that we got a bigger one it uses to much LP, so lets change it to a diesel unit to run off main fuel, damn that was a good idea. The new roof units are good looking, but have to make it look top heavy, lets put a unit in the bay. Oh that was nice, but we don't have much bay space left & the trailer is now full & to heavy. Well lets get a bigger, newer bus and convert it to just what we want. So on an on goes this bus saga. ps; Glad to see response already, makes me feel better and I think it will help others in the quandary. | ||
| Gary Stadler (68.7.217.217) Rating: N/A |
53. This is my second, started 8 months ago and now it's almost finished. First one was 15 years ago or so (gee, can't remember excactly)  The only problem I'm having with age is that all my tools seem to get heavier and heavier.... | ||
| Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (65.37.89.72)
Rating: N/A |
Just turned 53, had the bus for about 18 months. Stripped it out and had back trouble. Bought car hauler (enclosed) for project car and golf cart. The whole ensemble was going to be too long to be legal by 6+ft. Sold bus a couple of weeks back, to friend of local fellow converter. In changing over batteries, I pulled my back worse than ever and I am still suffering. Now looking for a Kenworth to put a 24ft box body on and convert that as I need to be at or less than 35ft with hitch, as trailer is close on 30ft overall. Peter. | ||
| RTS-Pete (207.69.116.120) Rating: N/A |
Just turned 57 - look 80 - feel 70 - act 18 3 months into RTS conversion - retired - Daytona Beach Area - good weather almost year round Pete Still fat/dumb & crazy after all these years | ||
| Henry R. Bergman, Jr. (Henryofcj) (63.224.197.10)
Rating: N/A |
53 | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad) (204.193.117.66)
Rating: N/A |
57, and almost finished with bus #2 (MC-8) after 3 years of working on it. Our first bus was when I was 41 (4106). That one took about 2 years, but not as extensive (no roof raise, new skin, etc. After building 2 houses, 2 custom vans, a racing jeep, barn with arena & round pen, cabin, and shop, I had to promise my wife this would be my last "project". As we near retirement, that's OK, time to start traveling more, well maybe after I restore that little 65 Mustang sitting behind our barn? | ||
| Mike M. (152.163.188.227) Rating: N/A |
38 and started converting at 36...probably be 50 by the time its finished! I have 4 kids, all into sports with the oldest just starting High School, and I manage or coach on several teams. This makes it hard to get any "steady" work done. I usually bust my butt for a couple of months prior to our summer trip. 1st year was a big diesel tent trip...still better than a pop-up! Every year is a little bit better the more I get done. This way has worked out well for me...now that we've made a dozen trips and my wife loves it, the big $$$ items are an easier sell ie; (diesel genset etc...) Keep on Bussin' Mike McCarthy GMC PD4903 #346 | ||
| jpwinks (68.71.198.188) Rating: N/A |
Buffalo NY: I'm 43 in the midst of converting a 83 MCI9, my Dad is 74, Mom is 77 and happily touring the 48 states and Mexico in there self converted 4104. Dad started and finished converting it all in the same year...20 years ago, of course there always seems to be something that can be improved upon!LOL! | ||
| Phil Pellowski (Viater) (164.58.86.161)
Rating: N/A |
43.. my knees are 60 though (At least that's what the Doc said). Other than that, I feel pretty chipper. Bought my bus already converted (but not very well), about 18 months ago and been living in it full-time ever since. It's a GMC PD4106. I Was employed as a network consultant until about 6 months ago, I'm now in "semi-retirement" (which means looking for another job) until I decide that I want to go back to school full-time. The bus is the best idea I ever had. | ||
| Ace (24.28.44.126) Rating: N/A |
Just turned 50 in October, but really feel like 30. Health is good and our bus is coming along nice and slow. Not perfect by one man's idea but perfect enough for us. Looks like it will never be completely finished but hopefully finished enough before we are. Looking forward to doing more travelling and attending more rallies, once I can let go of my business, but the business is what is paying to do the conversion so until it's done, I'm still working! By the way... $usan is a very young 49 and feels like 29! A&$ | ||
| Ross Carlisle (Ross) (207.88.96.195)
Rating: N/A |
40....And a self employed ERP systems consultant. Fortunately, the market is real soft right now and I'm only working 2 days a week or so. Lots of time to work on the bus. I started it (MC9) this past May and hope to have it finished by this May. Got no wife or kids, but my sister, mother, father, neices and nephews are all patiently awaiting the completion of the bus. Seeing as how I have trouble matching two socks in the morning, I've placed my mother in charge of the interior decorating commitee. My father just stares at it in disbelief as if I've lost my mind. Ross | ||
| Mrbus (152.163.188.227)
Rating: N/A |
I am 69, retired after way too many years in the charter/Tour bus business. Was going to start our conversion in 1998, but was diagnoised with a stage four tumor on the base of my tongue, spent the next two years fighting that battle. But all through the radiation, chemo and related surguries I kept building and rebuilding this bus in my mind. By the time I was physically able to start working on it, I knew exactly what it was going to look like. We took our shake down cruise in April of this year, and then took off for a little over two months and loved every minute of it. There is still a lot of detail work to do, but we are using it and enjoying it. As far as to how long we can keep at it, is anybody's guess, but every day on the green side of the sod is a good day to be busin. Painted on the back of the bus is a quote that says it all: "Things of quality-Have no fear of time" Gus Haag Eagle O-5 | ||
| Alan Kline (206.28.236.216)
Rating: N/A |
66 I'm doing a 4104 have been at it about 14 months Going to Arcadia FLA .Dec. 2nd first trip out of yard, am retired do side work to suport Bus.O Boy Arcadia here my dog and I come Paco Xpress Fernandina Bch. Fl | ||
| Lee Brady (Leeb11) (216.128.130.163)
Rating: N/A |
I'm 48 Just finished my first one in 10 months. Im retired so that helped,just had the first long run with it and it was GREAT. See ya all in arcadia. Lee 66 01 | ||
| mike sweet (209.190.8.69)
Rating: N/A |
43 Just for the life of don't know how I got so excited about a damned Eagle 10, but she's mine now and I mbeen at it, converting it for almost two years. Get burn't out sometimes but then the old brain gets a boost of getting back at it. Will fininsh I hope in a year or so. Just really hard to build the best bus possible and keep cost at a reasonable pace. Good to hear all the resposes I read the bord daily and religiously See-ya | ||
| Mike Tornesello (66.82.9.22)
Rating: N/A |
47 My wife and I are doing a 45 foot prevost. It is a retired entertainer. We're on the road all year doing construction jobs and working on the bus in between. We have been at it for about two years now and we have been living in it for two months with all appliances and systems running but no shower and no finishes yet, just the minimum and temporary stuff, which is dangerous. We love being in it and don't want to tear it apart again to finish but we will next month. Very exciting. No kids. The bus is our only house. Jen is an electrician and I'm a carpenter and whatever. Great string. | ||
| Beefmalone (Beefmalone) (66.156.173.175)
Rating: N/A |
27 | ||
| Doug Dickinson (Dougd470) (206.71.103.89)
Rating: N/A |
I just turned 50. Been thinking about a bus for 30 years and finally made the decision to just do it. Still in the early stages and have no place to work on it, so I get a few things done here and there. Expect this to take over 2 years for a "minimal conversion". Love to drive that baby though! | ||
| Jason Windecker (198.81.26.174)
Rating: N/A |
Well all i had to chime in too, I am 21 not yet converted a bus yet but have had many many buses since i bought my first and started the conversion, My first bus was a 77 MCI MC-8 bought that when i was just shy of 18, started the conversion and some guy wanted it worse than i did so i sold it to him, boiught about 20 buses since then just buying and selling, as soon as i find the one i want i will keep it, so far out of all the buses i have had, i prefer the mci i really want an MCI 102A3, have had several neiplans,mc-7's mc-8's a few 9's and even a little for shuttle bus, i am sure there will eb many more before i find my dream bus but at any rate this hibby takes all shapes and sizes and this board and the people in it are great, Kepp on busin and am sure we will all see eachother at the conventions and rally's, LOL just look for the young one :-) never too early or too late to start Jason Windecker Denver Colorado | ||
| DaveD (207.236.51.179)
Rating: N/A |
49 DaveD (MC-8) | ||
| John Biundo (Jbiundo) (67.112.121.112)
Rating: N/A |
- 43, semi-retired software guy (so hands and belly are soft, but back and knees are still good ;-) - MC9, 1/3 done (hah!) Hopefully the hardest stuff is now done, with roof raised, skinned, capped, and fiberglassed. Took a year FULL TIME to get this far! Starting interior NOW! - Want to have a steel tent by the spring. Big push to make that happen! Good topic -- nice to read these personal updates! Cheers, john | ||
| christopher (68.160.32.64) Rating: N/A |
39 been camping since 1967 in a bus since 78 have my own 2 yrs ago | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy) (66.190.119.82)
Rating: N/A |
Turned 71 two days ago, but feel (and act) 50. Two heart attacks, angio-plastic and triple bypass surgery 7 years ago. I love my bus, love driving it and have no problem driving it at my age, but the thrill seems to be gone. Started with a 4104 25 years ago and bought my Eagle 10 about 12 years ago, already converted, but I have worked on it continously for the little things needed. Commuted from California to Florida for 7 years in the bus and traveled every main highway east/west/north/south in our journeys back and forth. Retired a couple of years ago and moved to WV. Took a long 6 month trip after retirement and my wife and I have both just about decided that the nomad life is not for us and we will never go full time. We have travelled so much during our 46 year marriage (our oldest daughter was enrolled in ten different schools) and we have pretty much decided to just sit here and look for the change of seasons and watch the deer and turkeys in the back yard. I work part time helping my son-in-law with his home repair and re-modeling business. So I guess Driving Miss Lazy is looking for a new home. I just have not been able to bite the bullet and make that final decision. Richard | ||
| David Anderson (66.90.197.24) Rating: N/A |
This is a great thread. I am surprised at how young most of us are. I expected everyone to be +65 just because most of the folks I see driving the big dog motorhomes are around that age. It's nice to see the diversity in our ages. I turn 45 on Friday and will finish my Eagle 10 in the spring, 3 years after starting it. Still work full time and kids are about to start college, so I have no idea how things will be after the coach is done. I hope I enjoy using it as much as I have enjoyed building it. David Anderson | ||
| Linc (205.247.135.157)
Rating: N/A |
40 Working on my first bus. Looking forward to getting it livible, so I can Injoy it more then I do now. Kent H. 4905 Tallahassee,FL | ||
| Quest (198.29.191.148) Rating: N/A |
I am 52 in March of 2003. I am converting a '79 GMC RTSII. I call it therapy. My friends think I am nuts but it is a 30 minute drive to the storage yard and I am usually by myself, err, well its me and my dog and my RTSII. I enjoy working on her (it is taking forever) into wiring now, I figure at least 200', easy. Started in an old 78 sticks and staples, she did ok for what they built, still running today. Never understood why I admired those Behemoths driving down the road in the city. Loved the sleek lines of the "NEW" RTSII. Never could I imagine in my wildest dream that I would ACTUALLY OWN ONE! Hope to take a trip in here end of 2003, fingers crossed you all. She wont be the quality that Royalty is used to but she will be much better than my Rv is. She will be comfortable, which is top of the list in my book. She'll look good too. I am in envy of my own work in progress. I was told one time that I have great imagination, no one ever thought I was crazy enough to actually pull it off though. LOL Good travels folks..... | ||
| Greg Roberts (Gregeagle20) (172.132.142.33)
Rating: N/A |
I am 41 and converting a 1989 Eagle Model 20. I have been at it 1 year about 8 hours per week average (I run two power generations plants that are very time demanding). I hope to be able to camp out in the bus by Christmas this year and have a finished product within two more years. Nice to be a part of the bus family. | ||
| Russ Barnes (170.224.224.102) Rating: N/A |
AKA Neo/Russ Mentally still in my teens, but just logged 58 years. Got a good start on our Neoplan double decker in '98, but the marine (boat) business I've been in for 35 yrs went down the drain. Two employers either went bankrupt (OMC) or moved out of state (EZ Loader) so I was idled for a couple years. Got back on my feet last January and had a 30' x 70' shop put up. Still finishing that task and plan to jump back into bus this winter. We want it to retire in in about 10 yrs. so that's the timeline, but I have no idea what stage it will be in by then. When I was in my 30's I used to work a full time job and go home and build racecars until midnight, and it was easy. Now after a few hours in the shop I'm tired...... But other than overweight and lazy, health is with us. | ||
| Dan7 (142.165.70.130)
Rating: N/A |
OK everybody..lots of great stories..I am 39 and working on my second bus, an MC5. My first bus, a 4104, I gave up on before I really started..story of my life..an abortion, really.. The 5 is sweet..fast, strong, the 4104 handles better, though I put it off the road once up in Northern Canada in mud..took a D8 Cat to get it out of the ditch..another thread entirely..Dan7 | ||
| jmaxwell (66.42.92.10) Rating: N/A |
59 and retired. Started my 2nd conversion 4 months ago, a Neoplan Jetliner. 1st was a Grumman 870 that I did in 18 months of long days; finished it in '97; still using it and probably gone on the road as much as at home, so this conversion will take a while longer. Like someone above said, "My tools are getting heavier" and my days are getting shorter. Aftr Wintering out somewhere South, will get going in earnest in the Spring and am hoping for a late summer maiden voyage with nothing more than trim-out left to do after it is fully usable. My wife has this thing about all the conveniences of home when we travel and I may lose interest in working on it once I start using it. | ||
| Larry Baird (Airhog) (66.171.53.100)
Rating: N/A |
Hi, my name is Larry and I’m 54 years old and a Busoholic. This thread sounds like a 7 step program, I love it! I have a MCI-7 with 5 air conditioners and no, I don’t sell them, and I didn’t get a deal on them, they just make me cool! I know that a MCI-7 is not the bus to convert but I really like the thing. I lived it for two years and if I could afford it I would retire and travel full time. If you click on the airhog name above you count the air conditioners yourself. Best of luck! Looking for Busnuts in So CA. Lic plate is AIRHOG | ||
| DrEd (65.142.20.181) Rating: N/A |
Hi I started looking and thinking of converting a bus in the late 60's. I had a spinal cord injury in 69 and put plans on hold. I am a 63 year old paraplegic retired Professor/Dean of engineering and do my work from a wheel chair and what every else I can hold onto. Finally got my 102A3 in Feb 97. It took me and one helper 3.5 years to convert the bus. I started a repower project with the same helper (friend) using a Series 60 engine and a Allison 4060HD (World) Transmission in April of this year and am about done with that project. Hope to see you all in Arcadia in Jan If I get it started by then. DrEd. | ||
| Pete (64.12.96.235)
Rating: N/A |
Howdie, I'm 43...the 4501 is my second bus..The first I had was a schoolie that was a 1962 International that someone else did in early Bradey bunch..so I got the GMC to do in my own fasion, a blend of hippy,modern carpenter and servivalist..a 8v71 is alot better then a 345ci international and more roof for solar panals. | ||
| Steven Gibbs (12.148.43.6)
Rating: N/A |
Gloria and I are in our mid-40's (I really don't like to keep track but Dec 6 will be my 46, I think). We (I) started planning conversion in March 2000. Bought all the books, did all my drawings and planning. Gloria was interested (bored) until Laughlin in October 2000. The bug bit her there and in two weeks we had our MC-9. Used it several times (sleeping on floor) during the conversion process. Substantial completion June of this year followed by a two week trip with another couple on board. Just put the graphics on two weeks ago and now we are simply doing minor upgrades and maintenance. Both of us look back and can't figure out how we ever did it. Seems to take all day now just to do some simple job. Very much looking forward to Arcadia and meeting everyone. Need some ideas on how to make my entry steps look better and help with a name. I like Some Assembly Required and Gloria likes Sweat Equity. Best solution will be something else we both agree on. Steve Gibbs Pontiac, Michigan | ||
| woody (66.82.50.21) Rating: N/A |
I'm 39, this is my first conversion. It's an Eagle 20, I bought one year ago. I try and work on it every Saturday, and them a few hours during the week. It's hard with a full time job, wife, and two children. Hard to balance the time properly. My oldest boy is starting college in 2003. This will put a squeeze on the money tree. I'm in the wiring stage, but haven't bought a generator yet. Hope to complete by the end of 2003, but if not that's okay too. | ||
| Geoff (64.1.0.22)
Rating: N/A |
Geoff, here I'm 51, self employed and have been working on my RTS for a little over 4 years. I work on my bus when I can, and lately, that has been a lot. In fact, my priority is to get the bus finished so I can travel with my wife and in a semi-retired nomad life. I believe life goes by too quickly when you sit in one spot and I have been in this one for 25 years-- time for a change, we want to travel and see the country. This is my first conversion but I am taking pains to do it right the first time-- I am not a perfectionist but close-- I like things to be done the right way no matter how much longer it takes. I'll be in Lauglin in April (my 4th convention) and hope to meet a lot of you people and your buses! | ||
| Craig S (65.202.123.254) Rating: N/A |
48. Firmware engineer. I program the insides of security systems. Retirement, no where in sight. I have just ordered a 30X64 metal building. This will house our 75 MC8. I plan to take pictures of the building project and share. Here's a bus story. I called our local Sam's last night and asked if they had 8D batteries. The guy said yes. We jumped in the pickup, drove across town, wandered around inside the store, saw no batteries, were directed outside to the left, grabbed a big cart, looked for the 8Ds and found none. They were out. Jumped in the pickup went back home. If it's not uphill, it's just no fun. Craig S. | ||
| Tom Hamrick (167.83.101.23) Rating: N/A |
Just turned 50. Work full time as a Systems/Analyst and get to little time for the bus. I have owned it over 3 years and am just now putting in insulation. The bus spent a year at the machine shop where my wife works getting frame repair done in their spare time. The exterior and drive train are in very good shape now. I HOPE to get a lot of work done this winter. Since I have a 30 X 50 garage I can work while it is cold and rainy outside. Tom Hamrick Eagle 10S Forest City, NC | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin) (64.228.55.107)
Rating: N/A |
Like my buddy Ace, I'm 50... and get this... my beautiful wife wants me to build her a bus! Can you imagine!! What a nut! Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| Tim Christofferson (Tcmc8) (205.118.9.14)
Rating: N/A |
I am 52 and I think some gray hair is better than no hair at all. I work full-time, drive buses part-time and volunteer with three organizations. I am just finishing a 28X42 shop behind my house. My wife wants a music room built in the basement, so I bought an MC-8 to convert. (Hey, a guy has to have a hobby!) Right now, it is just a steel tent, but I am making progress. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (128.123.221.139)
Rating: N/A |
Hey, from the Land of Enchantment (Las Cruces New Mexico). At 68 years into life, I'm not GAINFULLY employed, but workin' a bunch on the coach, a million mile 1964 Crown Highway Model purchased from Northern AZ University... and renovating a Hacienda for retirement $$$$, (hopefully). My Cajun wife, like Ian, is the prime mover in this bus project, which is now about 17 months along at an average of a couple to three hours a day. We have a trip planned for the great Acadian Reunion in Canada in 2004, which is the target date for completion. Fortunately, I LOVE this project, so the effort is absolutely worth it....One day at a time, as the song goes. RCB | ||
| Ed Roelle (68.60.57.219)
Rating: N/A |
54 recently retired automotive engineer. About 90% complete (should be after 10 years!) with an MCI 8. Striving to build it right, once, the first time at a reasonable cost. So far, so good after camping(?) about 150 nights and traveling 25,000 miles. Ed Roelle Flint, Michigan | ||
| David Pinson (204.255.95.82)
Rating: N/A |
I will be 72 on Dec. 8th..we are just finishing an eagle 05/10 built in 1975, after 3 years of converting. Wayyyy back when I was a father of 5, an old chevy school bus was our mode of travel, then a city bus, then an ACF Brill, then a GMC 4103 which we sold as the kids began to graduate from high school or get married. Now skip about 30 years..retired from pharmacy and wanting something to do...found the eagle and went to work. We live in Lubbock,Tx and will start to re-see the USA.....Back in the early 60's, we joined the FMCA and our # was 571 which is still active. Back then FMCA was pretty much composed of familes that had a lot of kids, little money, and an urge to travel, so schoolies, city buses, old library vans and postal buses were the vogue....now the travel manufactures have over-run the organization and taken over...SAD. | ||
| Henry van de Graaf (Hcvdg) (12.13.226.21)
Rating: N/A |
44, Boss 42, DD1 4, DD2 8mo I'm a fight test engineer at Edwards AFB (and a ME PE, woo hoo). | ||
| Henry Draper (146.129.147.36)
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I'm going to be 52 in two days. It's great to get some depth of information on these names I see all the time and have not had the pleasure of meeting in person at some of the conventions I've attended. Great Idea! I'm one of those folks that bought a bus (a well-equipped '64 Eagle) mostly completed, rather than start with a shell. Was the right decision for me. When I got it five years ago, it was about 70 percent done. Since then I've painted it, put in Pergo flooring, back-up camera system, solar panels, an inverter, updated wiring, a water purification system, stripped old wallpaper and installed new, replaced the water heater I stupidly burned up, etc., etc. My current project is to build a nice front, with drawers and doors, for the space that up to now has served as a closet. A fellow busnut was kind enough to build me a face frame, based on my measurements and ship it to me (from AZ!), to be reassembled and installed by me in WA. (We do help each other out!!) We put 30K-40K miles on the bus since we got it. Love being out in it, but I too, am a long way from retirement. I'm a Hazardous Waste manager in King County, WA. Yep, one of those government employees that sometimes get slammed on these boards--but it mostly like water off a duck's back. Travel with four kids, used to be five!, two adults and three dogs. The kids are a 17 year old boy and three girls (14, 13, and 12. One has to sleep on the floor, but they're always up for the next trip! We're currently looking forward to our second Seattle to the East Coast trip. Planning on doing that this summer--before we lose the 17 year old to college next year. Since I have to save vacation time to do that, and last time we took five weeks to do it, it's unlikely that I'll make it to Laughlin this time. And the Bussin 2002 event is just too far away for this Pacific Northwesterner. I'm one of the rare African-American busnuts out here. We're exist, and the number is growing, but we're still rare. Happy to meet all ya'll. Again, great idea. Henry Draper '64 Eagle Edmonds, WA | ||
| Bob Gallo (65.64.101.247)
Rating: N/A |
48. Started my 4106 conversion in 1989 when I was 35. I figured I should do one early so I could use it a long time. Finished (sort of) in 1991. I'd redone the decor 4 years ago and installed a 6V92/V730 this year. I use it about 15K a year. | ||
| Paul Tillmann (24.105.194.162)
Rating: N/A |
I'm 45 going on 16 and having loads of fun playing with my buses!! Paul 1978 MCI MC-5C 1974 GMC T6H5308A | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (64.114.233.180)
Rating: N/A |
I am 62 and my wife is 44. We bought our bus converted a year and a half ago and are continuing the conversion. We've put about 15,000 miles on it and so far, we like it. We've been working our way through a list of defered maintenance items and upgrading the utilities. As long as we can keep ahead of the list, we're happy. We run our own companies and apartments for a living. The local economy has been really knocked in the head by the shutdown of timber and fishing, so we had an itch to do something different. We've had more of an interest in function than show, so we've put off installing a headliner. That was never done before, but I've got a feeling that something will happen to that project before long. She's been looking for good ideas that she can save some money on. The coach hasn't been to Alaska since we've owned it, but is due for a trip here next year, since we're planning to take a trip into the interior. We store it in Washington between trips. We have experience in heavy equipment and auto repair, building maintenance, electrical and electronics and apartment refurbishing. It's been interesting! Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher | ||
| Craig Craddock (Craigc1) (24.127.59.100)
Rating: N/A |
Hi I am 56 Agronomist/Equipment Manager was my occupation. Currently semi-retired real estate investor. I have a 4104 that has been useable for 8 years now. I and a few bus friends have performed all of the work. I have a V730 in it. I have a 8V71TA in shop on cradle ready to install. The bus is currently all white someday will paint it pretty, these are my only two projects left. Of course thats a joke like so many other hobbies it will never be finish for a long as it owns me. Ha Ha I have enjoyed every minute of working on it and driving it. This is interesting learning about everyone. A few years ago, I only used the name "Craig" before we had more then one of us. Lemoore, CA. | ||
| john marbury (Jmarbury) (65.100.118.70)
Rating: N/A |
OK, I'll jump in on this thread. I just turned 50 in July, my wife, Desta,is 42. We live in Gallup NM. Just 16 miles from AZ. on I-40 where we own and operate a restaurant. I converted a school bus back in '82. One of those conversions put together with whatever I could get for free or trade for. (I traded a commercial Kitchen range for the bus) Lived in that bus full time for about a year and a half but my wife (now X)and kids only lasted 8 months. I sold that bus in '86. Desta And I bought our 4905 2 years ago and we are progressing rather slowly toward a goal of full-timing,once our youngest daughter graduates from High School(3 years). John & Desta Marbury | ||
| 06Bill (63.214.103.42) Rating: N/A |
Bill McMackin 65 & Joanie 66 64PD4106-2741 8V71-V730 -Sheppard Strg. Retired Mercedes Benz Tech. North Central Mass. | ||
| SLO (Slo) (24.205.245.178)
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50 here.........MC-7 bought in August, hope to be in by January????? | ||
| Scott Whitney (66.82.9.13) Rating: N/A |
I am 32. Self-employed, but business is very slow so conversion is limited to tasks that don't cost much or where I already have the materials. About 2 years into a 1974 Flxible New Look. Most of the basic facilities are in place (in many cases temporarily rigged) and the bus is a comfortable fulltime home. Still a lot of work to do though. Hope to see everyone in Laughlin this spring! Scott | ||
| John Rigby (24.174.233.65)
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Iam 55 I have had the 04 since I was 39 and we have used it from day one.Always upgrading,We will never be finished,thats ok we love working on it and love camping,we live on I-10 120miles east of Houston just before the Louisiana state line.We check the board most days,see you all down the raod. John and Tami Rigby | ||
| Mike Eades (Mike4905) (206.148.164.84)
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I am 56 and have owned my 4905 for 4 years. Repowered and rebuilt the complete rear structure. We are full timers and we do motorcycle shows all summer. We put on approx. 35 k a year. We just bought a winter home in FL so my wife can get out of the bus and Fred I just bought a bought so I can fish in Tampa Bay. Mike and Sue | ||
| Mrbus (152.163.188.227)
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First of all I would like to thank Charlene for starting this. It has been the most interesting item ever posted here. Remember: We do not stop playing because we get old. We get old because we stop playing: Gus Haag Minnesota | ||
| Bradd B. Smith (216.18.141.142) Rating: N/A |
49 and holding. It is nice to learn more about the people who write. I am a machinist/computer design engineer. Retire? NEVER!!! I am planning on making touring my coach a full time job. The boss is 53. We can't wait. | ||
| Doug Chapman (Doug) (24.231.16.62)
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57 Have completed 2 conversions. Total time for 2 conversions was 32 months | ||
| J Clark jc (152.163.188.227)
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55 and retarded. Have been full timing for 13 years now. | ||
| J.L.Vickers (209.34.24.45) Rating: N/A |
60 years old.And my bus is a almost converted 1974 GMC model P8M4905A.I have been around buses all of my life. My daddy was a Greyhound Bus driver. J.L.Vickers Conroe,Texas | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.74.29)
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RJ Long, 53 PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| Michael J (Mjryan) (67.41.239.30)
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MJ Ryan, 62 Alviso, CA | ||
| Roger PD4104-174 (205.188.209.11) Rating: N/A |
53 and 50 respectively, friends think we are “Middle Age Crazies”. Sold our nice house, successful business of 30 years, and all of the “Can’t Live Without Stuff” you collect over the years raising 4 kids and keeping up with the Jones’s. Our kids got an early inheritance and we got our FREEDOM. We through some stuff in (filled up) our “53” 4104 and fell off the face of the earth. “Ain’t Life Grand” Roger PD4104-174 Bakersfield, CA | ||
| Bob Belter (66.124.103.67)
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Ho, BusNutsOnly, Good Grief!!!! I hate to be the record holder at 74. I see guys older than me in buses. I'd guess that they are not on the internet, or else won't "confess". My -01 Eagle has been under-work for ~ten years, underway for three years, and Cummins M-11 powered for a year. Holding tanks and interior next. Bob Belter -Eagle -01 Carmel, CA Enjoy/s/bob | ||
| Peter (Sdibaja) (200.38.22.49)
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Peter, 52 and Sandi, 54 4905, fully converted | ||
| Tony Gojenola (24.237.70.61) Rating: N/A |
You can bump the accum by 66.83 Tony Gojenola Anchorge AK 4106-1888 | ||
| Earl-8-Ky (209.250.60.111)
Rating: N/A |
Charlene you you can add another 67.7 years to the score. I retired at 60 years of age and have had my bus for 6 years. Still had the seats in it when I bought it. We will be at Arcadia. I guess I will be helping park the buses. At least that is what I have been told. We have a MC8 with wine red and burgendy strips on it. | ||
| eddie acker (Citykid) (152.163.188.227)
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HiThere I'am 47 wife is 47 working on a 81 MCI9 in Buffalo NY | ||
| Jayjay (205.188.209.11) Rating: N/A |
57 and counting and the '72 4905 is three years old. I was at Jack's last week and he is looking foreward to a great gathering this year. Cheers...JJ | ||
| Bill Butler (172.138.12.107)
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If it is our ages you are wondering about, I am seventy one, seventy two on Jan 6. Soon to be on the road south from Longview, Wa. Bill and Kathy Butler | ||
| tony mci-3 (142.161.0.92) Rating: N/A |
my wife and i are both 43,son14 daughter10. | ||
| C. Ray Powell (Raypowell) (205.188.209.11)
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65 | ||
| Bruce Finlayson (207.194.24.165)
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Bruce MC2 a mere 71 | ||
| Mike Eades (Mike4905) (206.148.164.46)
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My wife & I are 56 and retired but very active with the bus | ||
| Keith Kroeker (Keith) (65.33.37.243)
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Keith-Flx-FL 36 Years Old '83 Flxible Metro | ||
| HondoJoe MC5/04 (65.138.134.254)
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Joe Baron. 48yrs. Wife Hurricane Jane 46. Palm Desert, CA F908S Been bussin in converted busses since early 60s. Wow, almost 40 years!! My Dad, Henry F908 of course got us all going. Travelled all of lower 48 states with seven kids before 1972 in various 4 or 5 busses he converted. We started with an AeroCoach first. Dad's a real worker. So are his five sons. Then another AeroCoach or two. Still have the AeroCoach on the family farm if you need parts. I don't think too many of you know or can imagine what a AeroCoach is!! Then a couple 4104s (which I still have one today). Many Travcos. Last he converted a "Big 40 footer" MC8. Really Nice! Dad sold it as Mom wanted smaller. So now he has a trick GM Factory RV. He says he still would be a busnut if only he had converted a 35 footer instead. Says the 40 footer was just too damn big. Mom wants to stop in the little towns.. Antique stores, Church parking, etc. I myself have two converted bus/ RVs. The 4104 & MC5A. My brother Bill has two 4106s. Our sister Anne & brother in law Jerry, Wanderlodge. Wife says I can't have two busses. So the nice MC5A is for sale if you know of anyone looking. Dad, basically got his sons back into busses the "natural way". Folks are Charter member of Minnesota Pioneers & FMCA. So we got a MC5 (different than the one I now have) & a Wakefield 4106 from an old busnut that has since passed. Bill's other 4106 is a seated coach. Listed for sale on MAK BC magazine. Probably the nicest 06 with low miles in the midwest. Any one drop me a email anytime or stop through sunny Palm Springs. Hondo Joe MC5/04 | ||
| Guy Bouchard (209.162.160.137) Rating: N/A |
Hi Guy Bouchard 61 and wife Lois 57. In the (slow)process of converting a 73 4905A. Lois retired from teaching 2 years ago and has been doggin' me to do the same.I operate my own repair business specializing in Detroit Deisel repair.Hope to be on the road in 2? years. neat thread, really enjoy it;thanks | ||
| Brian OConnor (67.24.173.16)
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Hi Everyone, What a great idea, we have been wondering the same thing. My wife and I are both 33, we have 2 kids 6 and 4. This is our first conversion, we bought our MCI102 in September 2002. Were just getting started and are planning a trip to Arcadia hoping to find some great ideas. Hope to see alot of you there. Brian & Lori Belding, Michigan | ||
| HenryMC7 (24.70.95.206) Rating: N/A |
Hi everyone, Henry and Sandra Korthuis, both 42. I'm a bus driver here at Edmonton Transit and recently received a new position as a Training Instructor. I love to drive buses and that includes our recently purchased 1970 MC-7. Our goal was that it remain useable throughout the conversion and we have been able to do the "steel tent" thing a couple of times already. How long this is going to take? We have no idea. (My wi$h li$t i$ $till too long, if you know what I mean!) The enthusiasm of everyone really keeps me excited about the future! Thanks to all! | ||
| Luke Bonagura (Lukeatuscoach) (12.90.9.25)
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Hi Folks: I am 59 and Roz is 60. We don't own a converted coach. We have 3 grown children (1 girl and 2 boys) along with 1 grandaughter. I have worked in the bus industry for 40 years, the last 22 of which has been with my own business. LUKE at US COACH | ||
| CHAD (12.4.214.178) Rating: N/A |
I'm 42 and doing my first one which is a 1980 MCI MC5C. Done several extensive refits in the marine market so lots of experience from that. I just love the people I meet in conection with this hobby/sickness. Looking forward to meeting some new friends at Bussin' 2003 CHAD | ||
| Rodger (216.170.151.114)
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Hi all! Neat idea, Charlene Lots of good responses too. I'm 66, my bride, Elena is 53. I started with a plastic motorhome several years ago but soon decided I wanted something much more substantial surrounding me as well as easier to herd down the road. We acquired our already converted 35' Prevost Champion, "Red Ryder", about three years ago. So far, we've put almost 40,000 miles on it, circled the US a couple of times and used it for a temporary home for several months while migrating from NC to WA and searching for a new "fixed base". I've made a few minor changes and upgrades but it's essentially as it was when we bought it. I really enjoy the bus and the busnuts I've met as a result of owning one. Some have become very good friends. Lena doesn't share my enthusiasm for the bus/RV concept, so we use it much less than if we both were busnuts. After a trip to AZ this winter, I'll probably put it up for sale. (sniff) Rodger Manecke Cinebar (near Centralia), WA | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior) (64.229.209.91)
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buswarrior & family male, 37 years old spouse, female 41 years old 3 little ones, f13, f12, m10 Toronto, Ontario. 1975 MC8 - ours for 4 years still a steel roofed tent with roof airs There has been too little free time in last couple of years to spend looking for parts and services, but getting back at the conversion now. during the week, I train transit drivers to pay the bills; on the occasional weekend, I drive highway coaches to stay sane. Love Ian's little home on the 'web! (Sorry for the late posting, I have been ignoring the computer for the past little while and have been wading through several hundred posts....oh happy days!) |