| Author | Message | ||
| Jim Wilkerson (Wagwar)
Registered Member Username: Wagwar Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 69.151.56.24 Rating: N/A |
Hi, I'm new to this board, but I've been reading the posts and archives and realized what a fantastic wealth of knowledge is here. I've even met a few of you at the Texas Bus Rallly (Hi Paul!) So, I've just registered and this is my first posting. My wife and I think we want to buy a bus. While I've done full, ground-up restorations and 'custom' antique cars, I've decided to buy a finished conversion rather than build my own. I really like the MCI's, so that's what I've been focusing my research on. We've been to some bus rallies this fall and we're going to Bussin 10 to continue our education. I'm a decent auto mechanic (at least on the old stuff), but I'm clueless on this big, diesel stuff. Since there is no such thing as 'extra' money, I have a budget that I have to stick to. So I've been looking at the MCI 8 and 9 (pre-85). Many of the MC 9 are still too much for my budget. Recently, I found a very nice 1970 MC 7. I really like the bus, but I'm concerned about its age. Specifically, am I going to be able to find parts to keep this beast running for another 10 - 15 years? I don't think the engine/trans will be an issue, but what about all those other: air systems, brake systems, suspension systems, valves, sensors, etc. How difficult is it going to be to find those parts and keep a 40 year old bus running? I know many of you have buses older than that, but I'm a newbie and I don't want to 'assume'. Thanks! Jim | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 715 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91  Rating: |
WELCOME ABOARD and to the wonderful world of BUS NUTS!! I own a 57 gmc 4104 and a 74 gmc and either still have parts available. Sometimes it takes a little patience in obtaining them however there are out there. If you wanted to build your own, I have a 78 MCI-8 That is in excellent condition available for sale also. But as I stated you sometimes must be patient,and always do maint on what you buy. The NUTS here are more than willing to help you at anytime,why?? They are like me!!!!They are NUTS ABOUT BUSES. Oh BTW WE ARE FAMILY HERE!! gomer | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1029 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.87.115 Rating: N/A |
Hi Jim....I know NO THING about MCIs,,,but can assure you this is a fantastic HOBBY...(and keep in mind, it is just that). Welcome to this group of NUTS; and best wishes on your "find". Mine is soon 46 years old and I couldn't be happier!(about the coach, of course)....well, at this point, might be a bit... if I could do a Barbara Eden ("Jeannie") and have an automatic transmission....if I decide I want it!!  Mine is pretty much "off the shelf" stuff. Not had a problem yet (fingers crossed) finding parts.(very few needed to date--- 1964 Crown Supercoach). Best wishes! RCB | ||
| Mark Renner (Boomer)
Registered Member Username: Boomer Post Number: 183 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 206.58.200.38  Rating: N/A |
Most parts are still available, for instance from MCI or Caylor Supply. So many MCI's were produced that I don't think you will find a parts problem for quite a few years. Body panels and maybe glass will probably become a problem first, but the commonality of 7's with 8's and 9's as far as suspension and running gear means not much problem in the years to come. If it's not too rusty, go for it. | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 202 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 75.210.185.232 Rating: N/A |
Well its a hobby for some, but for those of us that are fulltiming it is a way of life, and a very good way at that. :>) | ||
| Dave Hartshorne (Yeeolde48)
Registered Member Username: Yeeolde48 Post Number: 67 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.133.204.25  Rating: N/A |
Hi Jim, Ours is a 1955 SceniCruiser, and I have had no problem finding parts, especially if your are getting a conversion, many more modern parts fit, and are sometimes preferred over the older configuration. I think the only guys that have problems are those trying to restore a bus and come up with original parts, but even those are still out there if you look hard. We run ours at least 2 or 3 times a month and carry plenty of tools and a few spares, and just deal with stuff as it comes up. It is part of the fun. Cheers, Dave PD4501-304 | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 628 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 72.66.180.156  Rating: N/A |
You will not have problems as long as you are willing to have some odd parts shipped. The rest you can get from your local truck parts supplier. I am amazed at how many parts I can get for my '62 GM at the local parts counter. | ||
| Dale Waller (Happycampersrus)
Registered Member Username: Happycampersrus Post Number: 351 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 166.225.107.127 Rating: N/A |
Jim, Here is a useful link to "help" you decide on which MCI you may want http://www.busforsaleguide.com/mci.htm | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1032 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.162.20  Rating: N/A |
Busses are a very smaLL PART OF THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTERY. sO THE ENGINE , TRANNy, BRAKES REAR AXLE and most of the running gear is easy to get as it was made for others , and the bus guys just stuck it on. Body panels and small crap like outside directionals are a bit harder , will need to come from a bus place not NAPA. Age is not a concern, we are going from a '64 to a '56 with NO FEAR! The worst is a wait for UPS to deliver. FF | ||
| Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 241 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 216.163.57.91  Rating: N/A |
Jim, I own a 68 MCI 7 and have had no problem getting parts. Mohawk, US Coach are great sources. Do expect as was said before that you will have to have parts shipped. Once you get through the pieces that were designed to wear out, most everything else just needs to be maintained and they almost don't wear out! Glenn | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1031 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.208.201.217 Rating: N/A |
Busing is one of many full time hobbies...skiing, sailing, skateboarding, surfing (water or internet) among many others come to mind. Full timing is relative. BTDT. Sounds like lots of suppliers for old buses! RCB | ||
| larry currier (Larryc)
Registered Member Username: Larryc Post Number: 300 Registered: 2-2007 Posted From: 64.12.116.203 Rating: N/A |
The big thing to remember when you need parts is to ask for the part, not the application. If you walk into Peterbilt and ask for a part for your 62 GMC they will look at you funny. If you walk into Peterbilt and ask for a R6 air valve, they will put a new one on the counter for you. | ||
| Jim Wilkerson (Wagwar)
Registered Member Username: Wagwar Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 65.246.47.3 Rating: N/A |
Thanks so much for your response! The owner of the MC7 I'm looking at has had it for about 12 years and he said it only left him stranded once -due to lugging the engine and blowing the turbo. So, just to add to my previous post, my wife and I will be selling the house and living full time in the bus. We hope to spend a lot of time in Mexico. So, does that complicate the 'parts available' question? BTW, I have a lot to learn before I'll know to ask for an 'R6 air valve'! Fortunately, the manuals come with the bus. JDW | ||
| Josh McElhiney (Zcommanager)
Registered Member Username: Zcommanager Post Number: 114 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 75.187.41.177  Rating: N/A |
Welcome aboard Jim, and good luck with your future MC 7! BTW..sounds like the PO left himself stranded through no fault of his coach...lugging these old detroits is a big no-no... I think by most of our (fellow Busnuters) standards, your future coach is still pretty new!! A lot of us are running much older equipment than that. "Management" and I have a '61 GMC, and have never had a problem with it. Our maiden-voyage was a cross country trip bringing her home not knowing a blessed thing about coaches - only that we certifiably caught "The Bug." Only minor issue we have ever had was running out of fuel, due to a "slight" misjudgement of fuel remaining in the tank!! Operator Error!!! These old coaches and the motor coach life style are a lot of fun, and you will meet many terrific people along the way. Like anything else, with proper maintanance and a little TLC, they will last a lifetime. Keep smiling & happy coaching! Josh McElhiney | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 606 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 209.125.2.130  Rating: N/A |
Hi Jim, Sounds like to you are getting closer to the purchase. A lot of help here to aide you in spending your money! LOL As others have mentioned, finding basic parts is not a problem, learning about what you need to keep you coach roadworthy takes time. Read lots, get all the manuals and dive in. You will learn as you go. I have yet to encounter a problem finding parts for our 42 year old Ealge, most are basic truck parts. If you need something just ask, we'll let you know where you can get something. We're like glue, stick together and help each other out. Say Hi to Wendy and Welcome! Paul | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 935 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 64.55.111.6 Rating: N/A |
One little thing. That bus wouldn't have come with a turbocharged engine, so the engine has been updated/enlarged. Welcome, G | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 1053 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 208.54.196.159  Rating: N/A |
Jim, If Mexican mechanics are still as good as they were years ago you will probably find as many familiar with the DD 2-strokes there as anywhere. They also can make a part for almost anything including sheet metal. | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 936 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 64.55.111.6 Rating: N/A |
I hate knocking things, but that "For Sale Guide" doesn't have a clue! 1. All the MC6s were made in 1969 and 1970. 2. There are NO rust OR structural issues, as the body, and its framework, is ALL stainless steel. 3. MC6s have the largest baggage bays of anything built until the H3 Prevost, they are larger than MC7s, 8s, or 9s. 4. I don't know what a "humped" floor is, the aisle is FLAT from the front to the restroom. It does have stadium seating, so call it that so everyone understands. (Describe it the same as the MC9s, seats are raised above the aisle.) 5. 82 of the 100 built are 8V71T with a 740 auto, the other 18 are/were 12V71n with an 8844 4 speed stick. 6. Factory seat count was 43. 7. Same height and wheelbase shown for 35' MC5 and 40' MC6? (A 6 is 2 feet higher, and most of it is in the bays.) 8. If you haven't been in one, say so. G (Message edited by george_mc6 on December 20, 2009) (Message edited by george_mc6 on December 20, 2009) | ||
| Dale Waller (Happycampersrus)
Registered Member Username: Happycampersrus Post Number: 352 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 166.235.240.242 Rating: N/A |
Well "G" it's like this Don't know, was trying to to give some help from what I seen as a legit website. Maybe you should shoot them an email to "correct" their info to help future bus nuts I don't care to know anything about a MCI bus. If it wasn't built by GM or GMC I'll probably never want one LOL. Wonder why I don't post on these boards much anymore. LOL. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 730 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91 Rating: N/A |
This here board is for larnin, and most of it comes from the school that I attend. SHK==School of Hard Knocks. Believe me it works!! I appreciate All the teachers on here and my hat is off to ALL!! Gomer | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 937 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 64.55.111.6 Rating: N/A |
Dale, I certainly wasn't knocking your offer of help and information to a newbie. As you can see, I did a lot of explaining on the errors, which I believe in doing every time. I really should have put in more, as the seating count is wrong also, it doesn't mention being 40 feet long, or that they came with two different tire sizes! George (Message edited by george_mc6 on December 20, 2009) | ||
| Dale Waller (Happycampersrus)
Registered Member Username: Happycampersrus Post Number: 353 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 4.154.0.169 Rating: N/A |
George, Your right after doing some more searching, that website is so far off the mark. lol. Lets try this one as being a little closer to accurate. http://www.coachinfo.com/AllAboutBuses/MCI_Info.html | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 938 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 64.55.111.6 Rating: N/A |
Jim, There's no limit on questions here, so ask! Do a lot of research, and look closely at several coaches before you buy. A five figure purchase is a BIG deal, so test DRIVE your prospective purchase at least a hundred miles, and preferably up a hill, then test CAMP it for at least 24 hours. If you still like it, then buy it. There are many ways to convert a coach, some will give much more comfort while boondocking for a much longer time than others. By asking first, you can have me and Gomer and the rest of us Nuts take some of the hard knocks for you! Again, welcome, G | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 733 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91 Rating: N/A |
Amen and Amen Whew what a way to learn!! I found on this board,ALWAYS ask before and during a project and it does make it easier. Thanks to all who contribute again and again. Gomer | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 611 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 64.40.209.21 Rating: N/A |
I met Jim and his wife Wendy at our Texas Bus Roundup this year, I'll tell ya something. He carried a notepad around and asked lots of questions, I think he even had a recorder stashed somewhere to keep it all straight. He's doing it right! Jim, say Hi to Wendy for us! Paul | ||
| Jim Wilkerson (Wagwar)
Registered Member Username: Wagwar Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 69.151.56.24 Rating: N/A |
Hi Paul and Ya'll! Happy Holiday Season to everyone. I want to thank everyone for their insights and opinions! I don't feel a need to learn everything first hand, so I really appreciate the opportunity this board avails. As for the MC7, those of you who may have one or be familiar with them: Are there any, gotchas, specific to that model that I need to look out for? BTW, the engine/trans was rebuilt (according to owner) by The Diesel Doctor in 90's and has 120K since rebuild. Current owner admits lugging the engine on the pass into Denver and blowing the turbo which involved a new turbo and some engine parts. That was 10 years ago and no issues since. Regards, Jim PS Wendy and I will be at the Bussin' 10 rally in FL next week, so we continue our 'education'. We'll be the ones w/o a bus asking lots of questions. | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 414 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 74.4.55.77  Rating: N/A |
Hi, Jim & Wendy - Welcome to our craziness. Hope to meet you at Bussin' 10... I'm already crouched in Jack's backyard - along with White Eagle (Tom & Fran)- awaiting our short caravan up to Arcadia. Look me up. I'll be easy to spot - probably the only bus with no awning and nothing cluttering up the roof. Put another way, darn few amenities. But, hey, this old gal sprung me from my icy prison and saw me safely down to Florida! Like so many of these guys advise, don't make your bus a 'backyard sailboat project'... use the old crate and fix it up as you go. One thing for sure...it's a lot easier to fix in decent weather. But I digress. See ya at Bussin' 10! Nellie Wilson | ||
| clint hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 558 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.234.224  Rating: N/A |
...now every bus nut is going to covet those sixes as I do, good thing you didn't mention the outboard air bag suspension on the six too mcsixtodd ! or I mean , more chances for the MC 6 so reach imortality beyound just a memory- long live the six and it's all stainless body (inspect well for cracks/repairs on the front boggie where they take a 90 degree bend even if your unlikely to find rust problems as on a seven or 8) |
