| Author |
Message |
Michael Lewis (24.17.17.222)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 29, 2004 - 11:00 pm: | |
I'm real close to jumping off the edge here and purchasing either a MCI9 or Eagle M20 for conversion. I have been reading this board for about a year and am amazed at the knowlege.
I wonder if there are any members in the PNW who might be willing to discuss these options with me and help make a decision. Frankly, despite familiarity with driving large vehicles, I have little wrench bending experience on large equipment. As a kid and young man, I was a hot rodder, so engine basics, etc are not new.
I am also a master furniture and cabinet maker, so interiors and cabs are routine, as is plumbing and basic electrical. I have just retired and now have time (but not much money) to convert a coach to decent standards. Deisel engines and components are real intimidating, and I know it's easy to make that 10K mistake which would leave me high and dry. Perhaps we could trade some skills?
Michael
Seattle, WA |
Robert Wood (Bobwoodsocal) (4.63.41.14)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 2:11 am: | |
Hello Michael, i am not in the PNW area but my bus is right now, (Tacoma area). The guy i bought mine from has a Cityliner, if you are interested here is a link: http://www.greykit.net/bus/forsale/index.html
I haven't seen it in person but the pics look nice. Tell Matt i sent you. Hope this helps Michael, all the best! Bob |
TWO DOGS (67.209.132.158)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 6:26 am: | |
get the Eagle |
bruceknee (12.76.103.15)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 7:41 am: | |
And a 4" grinder and a mig welder! |
DaveD (142.46.199.18)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 9:02 am: | |
Try Northwest Bus Sales in Milton, WA Just of I-5 noth of Tacoma) www.nwbus.com. Great people. I bought an MC-8 there; an excellent bus at a reasonable price.
Dave Dulmage
(MC-8) |
Michael Lewis (Michaell) (24.17.17.222)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 11:26 am: | |
Thanks to all who have posted and emailed me privately. What a great response! I'll be back down to look at both busses today ( and I am looking at NW Bus Sales). They have an excellent reputation and are right next to a DD shop.
Here are the up/down sides to the two buses:
1980 MCI has 8V71,Allison 4-speed and is partially stripped, clean exterior and spotless bays. By spotless, I mean clean, straight and doors open and close flush.I like the 8V71 because I will tow a '96 Chevy Tahoe 4-down, and it's heavy.Also may be easier to attach a hitch (10,000 lb).
1989 Eagle is more expensive, pretty clean above and below, but is full of seats. It has a 6V92, automatic and spotless bays. Eagle's reputation for rust has me a bit intimidated, as does the engine size. What's the take on the 6V92? Will it pull my toad?
Obviously, I will want a bus mechanic to look at both, and am willing to pay for a good inspection. Any bus will have some problems, but would like to know and budget for them up front.
More to come...and again..thanks!
Michael |
James Maxwell (Jmaxwell) (66.81.57.112)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 11:27 am: | |
Robert Wood: I did inspect that Cityliner (if it is the same one that has been on e-bay several times; it was in Tacoma). Don't waste your gas money going to look at it! |
Henry Draper (146.129.147.120)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 11:49 am: | |
Hi Michael,
I'm in Edmonds, and happy to share what I know/have learned about buses.
My path is a bit different than the one you seem to be on. I bought my Eagle about 70 percent converted and was able to get on the road right away.
I've now, in the intervening five or six years, got it pretty much done. I'm happy with the path I chose, and recommend it for your consideration.
There are some good resources locally to help you get your project done, but I had neither time skill, patience, or tools to get into the mechanical and welding end of the conversion process!
Give me a call at 425.774.0715 or email me at blackeagle229@yahoo.com. I'll show you my Eagle and introduce you around to some of the busnuts I know in this area.
Henry Draper
'64 Eagle
Edmonds, WA |
Sam Sperbeck (204.248.119.254)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 12:09 pm: | |
Hi Michael,
I think you are a little confused about the two engines you mention. An 8V71 has 568 cu.in. displacement and the 6V92 has 552 cu. in. displacement, almost the same. The big difference is that the 8V71 is not turbocharged and the 6V92 is. The result is that the 6V92 may have more hoursepower than the 8V71 and will have more power at higher elevations. Please take the time to learn the difference between the two engines before you make your final decision.
As to the difference between the MCI and the Eagle someone else can better advise you on that. It is my understanding that both of these buses are 96" wide, you might want to consider a 102" wide bus if it is within your budget. It's amazing how much difference that extra 6" in width makes in the livability of the conversion. If you aren't already aware, the '80 MCI has a sloped floor, so the headroom at the front is higher than at the rear. That is something you will have to deal with when you are building your interior. There are many things to consider when buying a bus for conversion, so do your homework, and here is a good place for it.
Thanks, Sam Sperbeck
La Crescent, MN |
Melody (Auntmelody) (68.167.249.71)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 12:49 pm: | |
I'd like to add something. Neoplans can get a little spendy especially if you need specialty parts. I used to own 4 Double Deckers, a City Liner,(with a Deiuch engine)forgot how it's spelled, & a Skyliner. Side window replacement is expensive, time consuming, and frustrating.
Eagles are work horses,easier to maintain and an all around good coach. |
pipes (198.81.26.45)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 1:05 pm: | |
Hi Michael.
My friend and I have 2 Eagles in my barn, with rebuilt frames, raised roofs,slideouts and lots more improvements.The 2 buses are are not finished yet, which makes it easy to see ALL the frame ETC.
It would be very helpful for you to come and visit and take a look Ken Turner 360-629-4308
Stanwood WA..exit 212 Next to NAPA |
Phil Dumpster (24.16.243.37)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 2:42 pm: | |
Given the choice between a good running 8v71 and a good running 6V92TA, take the 6V92TA. It's better on fuel and there's fewer things to break.
These engines can be built to differing power levels, so it's not possible to say which one is more powerful than the other.
Both will pull most any load you can put on it without problems. If you need more power, your next step up would be an 8V92TA or a Series 60. Both are big money, and the 8V92TA will cost a lot more to feed.
While blasting up the grapevine at 60MPH can be a thrill to some, most of us are content to ride the right lane and do 30MPH with the rest of the trucks. My opinion - if you want to get there faster, convert an airplane, not a bus.
Do beware, given the humidity of the Puget Sound region, unprotected steel rusts easily. The farther from water, the longer it lasts. Check whatever coach you buy that was operating in that area for rust problems carefully. |
Melody (Auntmelody) (68.167.249.71)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 3:42 pm: | |
You know what I like about the 8V92? It's strong, pulls great, and climbing grades is a blast. To me it's not the speed, but the challenge of driving the motor. My favorite time was pulling grades, downshifting at just the right rpms, opening the side window, and hearing the motor, (as I call it) scream. You just know it likes it.
Series 60s are great for touring coaches & trucks on a schedule and power. I like them too. Has anyone pulled the grade at Bishop, CA. Now there's some fun! Anyway... |
MC - Iv (24.83.235.106)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 3:32 am: | |
We purchased our coach from Northwest Bus Sales as well. '83 MCI-9 with 6V92TA. Great bus. I would recommend Northwest as well.
I heard they were one of the big buyers at the Dallas auction so they may soon have a stock of 102's.
Iv. |
bruce king (24.19.15.231)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 2:12 am: | |
I'm in Seattle, and I bought an mci 9 and put an 8v71 into it. I just got back from a trip to the midwest (rantoul kansas and joplin, mo) and found that I could do 65-70mph on the flats (south dakota, nebraska, kansas, missouri), a little slower at higher elevations (colorado) and damned slow up the big passes (lookout pass, fourth of july pass, the continental divide at butte). damned slow means 20mph.
I was towing a ford f250 4x4 four down, and was carrying an extra fuel tank and a ton or so of extra diesel.
If i had my choice, I'd rather have an 8v92 or a series 60, but i think that I will get one of those by purchasing a different bus. It's too hard to re-engine these beasts unless you're pretty good with diesel, which i'm not.
I echo the comment about the 102s being easier. That extra 6" of width does make a big difference. |
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