| Author | Message | ||
| Jeff Pritchard (Jeffpritchard) (68.6.239.50)
Rating: N/A |
Can someone direct me to a good discussion of different conversion candidates that includes some of the more recent vintage coaches? thanks, jp | ||
| TWO DOGS (65.179.209.118) Rating: N/A |
guess it depends on what you are going to use it for,how many people ,how cheap,what distances,how much you know about mechanicals,elec. plumbing...do you want to do the conversion,or buy one already converted..& how much $$ you are willing to invest | ||
| Jeff Pritchard (Jeffpritchard) (68.6.239.50)
Rating: N/A |
TD, Just looking for something that shows a list of different criteria such as engine type, tranny type, interior height, length, yadda, yadda, yadda. A sort of a grid that you could use to compare the different platforms out there and narrow down the scope of your shopping. If it helps, looking for a short chassis with tag axle and preferably one that won't need roof-raising. I'm hoping that some of the newer models have higher ceiling and auto-tranny to get something that is closer to what I want from the get-go and substantially reduce some of the heavy duty conversion stuff that would be beyond my current capabilities/equipment/ball-size. thanks, jp | ||
| Derek (Derek_L) (24.83.196.239)
Rating: N/A |
The newer Prevost H3 series are usually equipped with Series 60 and Allison Autos... There are some standards out there, and the earlier ones (early '90s) could have an 8v92TA with standard or auto... They can be had in 40', 41', and 45' lengths... I have heard of a thirtysomething foot long H3, but cannot confirm it, and even if such a bus exists, it will be extremely rare. The MCI 102D3 (you won't want the DL, it's 45' long, rather than 40 or 41') also has the auto/Series 60 in the newish coaches... Though, again, you'll probably find the standard trans, along with 2 stroke Detroits, and I think there is a Cat or two in those buses out there... Maybe, maybe not. The MCI 102D series has a couple more inches of headroom than the H3, but the H3 has substantially more cargo room (and easier to get in and out of, in commercial service anyway!). The H3 is also 0.3M taller than the MCI 102D... This can make a difference in areas you are unfamilier with, and low bridge clearances... In Vancouver's Stanley Park here, for example, the entrance has a bridge that is marked as 3.8M clearance... the H3 is 3.77M... I've heard of inexperienced drivers running into that with the H3, though even the 3.5M 102D can have problems, if you're not being careful. Anything else I can help with, let me know. | ||
| Jeff Pritchard (Jeffpritchard) (68.6.239.50)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks Derek, Was hoping to find a 35 footer with a tag. Looks like the ones you have mentioned are all 40' or more. Anybody know of such a beast with decent size engine and auto tranny? BTW, about how much does it cost to have someone do a roof raising for you? thanks, jp | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (65.74.66.104)
Rating: N/A |
Jeff, why do you want a tag on a 35 footer? You loose a lot of bay space that way, even if you could find one. They're added weight and take more tires. Our 35 foot coach, fully converted, wet, is under 27,000 lbs. This leaves us with 5,000 lbs. margin before we run into the federal bridge axle limits. We have a good performing coach with only 270 hp. and good fuel mileage, so it's hard to understand how the extra axle would help. Just curious. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher | ||
| FishbowlBrian (Fishbowlbrian) (67.165.212.171)
Rating: N/A |
35-er is becoming a bit rarified, with the trend towards bigger busses. PD4104's and 4106's, like Tom's are sure nice. You'd have to find one converted to a V730 auto or take that on yourself. Same with the 4107's and 4108's. MCI 5s can probably be found with automatics. Great bus to convert. You can buy an old Fishbowl for next to nothing that's 35' long, 8 OR 8.5' wide, and an auto already hooked up to a 6v71 or an 8v71. The transits generally have a few more inches of headroom, but NO bays, which is why you don't see too many converted. Someone already did the hard work on mine. I don't know if you've seen coachinfo.com. Lot's of bus info (and manuals after you buy a bus): http://www.coachinfo.com/ I'll echo Tom's remarks about the tag. An extra axle, two tires, and more maintenance to worry about. Just ask ChuckMC9, who's having a heck of a time now with his tag right now. FBB T8H-5305-021 Bus Site | ||
| FAST FRED (4.245.212.61) Rating: N/A |
Your budget will detirmine which coach . In the $10,000 range the 35ft Classic Coach would be the best choice, If in the $75,000 or so range a larger slab sided coach can hold more crap , if you have no practice camping , and still have a need to Take it ALL with you". Budget ? Experience level? Desires FROM the coach? FAST FRED | ||
| Johnny (4.174.106.135) Rating: N/A |
"Our 35 foot coach, fully converted, wet, is under 27,000 lbs. This leaves us with 5,000 lbs. margin before we run into the federal bridge axle limits." True--but what abour rear GAWR? You have all the drivetrain wieght BEHIND the axle. I'd guess you're closer to 20,000lbs in back than you may think (unless you put the heavy stuff in front). | ||
| Paul Wiest (69.209.143.221)
Rating: N/A |
There is the 35' Rennisanse(sic) from MCI. Not sure if they are still available. Van Hool makes a 35 also. Most of these are recent and will cost $$$$, I'm a little confused as to the term "recent vintage". | ||
| Jeff Pritchard (Jeffpritchard) (68.6.239.50)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks everybody, The reason for tag axle is primarily just an "emotional" one rather than an engineering reason. I just like the way it looks and the feeling of being more substantial and "fancier". I agree, it does have it's downsides. "recent vintage" actually makes sense, it's just that the word vintage is misused quite a bit. It doesn't mean old, it simply means "that year from which something comes or was made". I want a shorter coach because of the type of use it will get. I prefer national park and state park camping as opposed to staying in a motorcoach resort. Longer coaches can be problematic in these older and smaller park spots. | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (209.128.79.46)
Rating: N/A |
Then I think you need to go even smaller. that's one of the reason's I have a 30' bus. I would recommend you consider practicality in your engineering plan, having a tag because it looks cool might not be the best way to go. Gary | ||
| James Maxwell (Jmaxwell) (66.81.50.159)
Rating: N/A |
If u really want a 35' u are limited in choice for recent vintage (last 15 yrs), Gillig being one, along with Blue Bird and Barth. There are others but far fewer in numbers. Primarily you will find the largest selection in the transit production units, and there are several made. None that I know of have tag axles in that shorter length. The trade-off of transits is the loss of cargo area. MCI has the F model, a Mexican made road coach made by Dina. Van Hool did make one; not sure if they still do. | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.99) Rating: N/A |
I went through the same process you are now going through, Jeff. The length shouldn't be something to concern you, there's not that much difference between a 35 and 40 foot coach as far as driving it. The 40 foot coach with the tag axle feel more stable on the road, than the 35 with a single axle. The width should be more important to you than the length. 35 and 40 foot coaches don't feel much different once you're driving one. A 102" width can be challenging. Many, many roads and accesses are only designed for 96" width vehicles, not 102" vehicles. Driving in your own neighborhood may not cause you to feel terrorized, but once into the highway traffic, going through some construction areas with the traffic tight against the sides of your 102" bus, you're going to wish you had a more standard sized width. And I know that my post will be followed by all those with 102" buses claiming how they're not wussies like me: afraid to drive a BIG rig.... But trust me, if you don't absolutely need the extra 6" width inside, you'll be a thousand miles more comfortable. I love the Eagle, but it's difficult to find one without substantial rust. But it wasn't the rust problem that steered me away from an Eagle, it was the fact that we wouldn't be able to sit in the living area and see out the windshield. Many parks we stay at have the best views out the front window. There's also an isle center compartment that should be left to access, on an Eagle, making a floor a little more problematic. The Eagle has torsion bar suspension and provides a ride that no airbag bus I ever drove, can compare to. The GM 4104 and 4106 are nice 35' buses and easy to get parts for... and are nearly indestructible. But there are wheel well structures in the rear that makes a bedroom arrangement difficult. And... less cargo area to put all the ancillary equipment into. That, and a rounded interior that causes a slightly claustrophobic feeling, made it less desirable to us (especially for full-time use). The MC5 is a 35 foot coach, but is an older unit and some coach parts may be a little difficult to find. The MC8 is a 40' coach, but the window layout makes is slightly more difficult to plan around than the newer MC9 series. The MC9 has been produced by the thousands upon thousands. Parts for every part of it are available almost everywhere. The window layout and design makes it easy to cover one or more windows without massive surgery, and still have it looking good. The floor is near level with the driver's area, making the windshield easy to see out of from the passenger area. The MC9 has ample bay area to fit almost anything you find you can't live without on your journey. There are many other buses and designs, but each come with their own quirks of design. The "fishbowls" (large front windshield transit buses) don't have the bay area and have some interior designs that make converting a little more problematic. Usually with heavily curved ceilings, they make cabinets shallow at the top. And.... like the 4104/5/6/8 GM series, can give a claustrophobic feeling. The Prevost? I drove buses for a living in the 60s. The guys driving Prevost always gloated over their NEW design bus. Almost every bus driver of my era will remember passing a broke down Prevost sitting alongside the highway, or going to pick up their disgruntled passengers. The Prevost may be a decent bus now, but I am too prejudiced regarding them and would not own one. My good friend of many years (who I should really give a call to), convinced me to buy an MC9. I'm glad I gave his advice my serious consideration. If I had to buy another bus, It'd probably be another MC9, but without a toilet. And I'd have the seller remove the toilet if there is one, along with the racks and seats. MC9s can be had from under 5k to into the whatever$ in all different conditions. Tires should be your least concern regarding condition, as "take-offs" can be had for under $150 each, mounted and balanced. Brakes, engine, air suspension and steering components should be of most concern. You should demand to have it inspected by a reputable bus garage prior to buying it. These are all heavily used buses that have all seen much better days. They have been used to make their original owner money and are sold when they begin to fail doing that due to their mechanical problems. Used "church buses" and privately owned buses, converted or otherwise, may be the least best choice. But just because a bus is still in charter or line service should not cause you to feel it's in great condition and good maintenance, either. My bus was still in charter service the day I bought it. In fact, the owner called yesterday to ask if I'd do a charter for him with it. It can't be used for service since I already removed the racks, but I wouldn't dare anyway, since it would never pass inspection in the condition I bought it. Two garages still can't believe the guy was actually using it for charter service, hauling church groups and school kids around Florida. But that's the way it is in "real life". Large companies subcontract to local independents and usually don't see what's going on (or don't care). And any thoughts or comments from anyone regarding "stringent inspections" for charter/line bus transportation, should be ignored. If it exists, it's only in the minds of the believer. Have the bus inspected thoroughly, bumper to bumper, and get an estimate for repairs. No matter how good it looks on the outside, there's over ten tons to be dealt with. You don't want all that tonnage to be in nickles and dimes. By the way Jeff..... you can swear you have a 35' coach when entering the park and no-one will come out and measure it to see if it's really 40'. Your 40' coach will fit into every spot designed for a 35' RV. | ||
| H3Jim (68.107.62.94) Rating: N/A |
Several specs on a few buses. Turning cirlce is important for obvious reasons, but the wheelbase determines how much the rear wheels track to the inside on corners. This becomes very importnat on the tight spaces of a natinoal campground. From this perspective, the setra looks pretty good. You may want to do more research on the available buses. what price range are you in? 4905: Turning Circle: 49' Wheelbase: 318.54" Baggage Space: 403 cu.ft. MC-9: Turning Circle: 50'7" Wheelbase: 285" Baggage Space: 300 cu.ft Eagle (10): Turning Circle: 42'6" Wheelbase: 285.5" Baggage Space: 330 cu.ft. RTS (102"): Turning Circle: 44' Wheelbase: 298.7" Baggage Space: Build your own Setra: Turning Circle: 34'1.5" Wheelbase: 216" Baggage Space: 370 cu.ft. 4106: Turning Circle: 42' Wheelbase: 261" Baggage Space: 205 cu.ft. | ||
| DrivingMissLazy (66.168.175.51) Rating: N/A |
snip "I love the Eagle, but it's difficult to find one without substantial rust. But it wasn't the rust problem that steered me away from an Eagle, it was the fact that we wouldn't be able to sit in the living area and see out the windshield. Many parks we stay at have the best views out the front window. There's also an isle center compartment that should be left to access, on an Eagle, making a floor a little more problematic." John, Excellent write up. Would you care to elaborate on two points you made on the Eagle? I do not understand not being able to see out the front windshield and what is the center aisle compartment that must be accessed? Thanks, Richard | ||
| Ken Turner (Pipesusmc) (198.81.26.45)
Rating: N/A |
I raised the Drivers floor AND the windshield on my 05 Eagle, 16 inches. ............................. PLUS 14 foot slideout,8 inch roof raise,10 speed trans, power steering, AIR BAGS, glad hand air connection and semi type 7 connector plug, tow plate in front. lites and air from tow truck, And lots of other gadgets,including rebuilt 80-90% of the under pinnings, all new double air brake system.Tossed the DD system first project All smooth side 1/8 Marine grade ( Semper Fi ) aluminium siding, front and back too....One day I hope to DRIVE it OOPS AND added Jake brakes, AIR clutch,throttle and of course brakes....NUFF for now Me finger is getting tired | ||
| chuckMC8 (68.215.250.214) Rating: N/A |
Hurricane/Storm Day here in west Ga-So computer time for me. Just a note on the bus length aspect of this thread- This past weekend I spent at the Biltmore estate in Asheville NC. They had terrible flooding there on the grounds as a result of "Miss Frances" depositing 19" of rain there. The flooding had made the regular routes in and out inaccessable, and forced traffic to use the very narrow roads(some gravel)of the estate that are normally used for service trucks, etc. My wife and I were to be taken by bus (we were there for a convention) to another location on the estate, so, I'm thinking one of those one ton Ford, 20 passenger jobbies. I look out front and there's a nearly new,45' MCI- and I believe it was 102" wide, but not sure. I told my wife there's no way for that guy to get aound here in that long bus, but the Driver, a guy named Phil from up north somewhere, he's probably 75 years young- Hey, he didn't miss a beat. Nooo Problem. He knew exactly where his wheels and corners were. Phil was a very nice fella also, and demonstrated a lesson about driving skill and practice with the coach. | ||
| Derek (Derek_L) (24.83.196.239)
Rating: N/A |
John, I've got to disagree with you about the 6" difference between a 102" and a 96" coach. Greyhound is running newer 102's everywhere and the drivers don't have to change their uniform anytime they get to a narrow contruction area... Now, this begs the question: If you are that uncomfortable with your 102" coach, does 6" make that much of a difference, in the real world, to how the vehicle actually preforms under these conditions? I'm going to catch a lot of flak for this, but I don't believe that anyone who can't drive a 102" because of "how big they are", should be able/allowed to drive a 96", without adequate training. As it is, any 16 year old with $rich$ parents can go get this airbrake certification, and then drive daddy's 45' motorhome... Without *ANY* training whatsoever. Does this sound logical to you? I can say from experience that if you are careful in what you do, and paying attention, you'll never notice that 6" going down the road... But you will notice it when you're building your cabinets and find that you have *that much more* room to play around with. --------------- Now, for the Prevost comment... Perhaps things were different 40 years ago, but today they seem to be on a rather level playing field. The only bus that the drivers seem to loath, due to problems and breakdowns, is the Renaissance from MCI. I don't mind you having your opinion about a certain type of bus, but to say that you would never own one, on the basis of thier design 40 years ago, seems slightly absurd. To each his own. | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (209.128.79.46)
Rating: N/A |
I've wondered about the 96/102 thing, My coach is 96, but my garage (24' trailer) is 102". I think It'll be good to ba able to see the trailer in my rearview. the 6" in width is only 3" per side, doesn't seem like that much, however, recently when driving through construction in Montana, on I80, I was glad the bus didn't have any more coats of paint. Gary | ||
| FishbowlBrian (Fishbowlbrian) (67.165.212.171)
Rating: N/A |
I'm with Derek on this one and have to refute some of the things John said, since it doesn't jibe with my own personal, albiet limited, experience. I've driven these two busses for several hundred miles each, in all sorts of traffic and conditions: 1) a 40'x96" three-axle MC8 2) a 40'x102" two-axle Fishbowl. Conclusions: 1) I didn't notice at all the extra width when driving. In fact, maybe because of its big namesake window, the FB "felt" narrower on the road. But, the 6" made a big difference inside with a more spacious feeling. 2) The FB rode better, despite its two axles... maybe because it has eight airbags dived amongst its six tires, and its longer wheelbase. 3) The FB also has an automatic and after driving the MCI with the stick, I can never go back. Call me a wuss, but I just can't hack the shifting and clutch work in tight areas and traffic. Too much for me to worry about. To each his own, though. Jeff, nothing beats "behind the wheel time" if you can get some before you buy. Maybe hit one of the big bus sales lots somewhere. Nice pix on your Website, BTW! Good luck, FBB | ||
| Jeff Pritchard (Jeffpritchard) (68.6.239.50)
Rating: N/A |
FBB, thanks on the website. This is a great board. My newbie question is getting quite a bit of attention. In the way of some background so you know where I'm coming from on this, I've been driving around in a little dinky 26' gas MH with a Ford F-150 in tow for awhile now and find myself wanting a bigger fancier rig on the inside, but not on the outside. What I really want is something the size of a cooper mini on the outside, but when you stop somewhere you push one button and it unfolds to a 45' bus with six slides. Obviously I'm not gonna get what I want, but I still feel the need to avoid going over the edge on length, as there is little point in having a great motor coach if you can't go where you want with it. I've been driving a 102" wide "coach" for a couple of years now, and don't really have any problem with the width. It's primarily the length that concerns me, as that's what seems to be the primary determinant of where you can park it and where you can't. On the last couple of trips I've done, I have specifically been looking around at the places I go and trying to determine whether a vehicle 10 feet longer would fit and whether or not a vehicle 15 feet longer would fit. Ten usually does, 15 sometimes doesn't. Just as an example that you are probably all familiar with, take the pull through slots for 18 wheelers at truck stops and rest areas. You would think that this would never be a problem, but remember I've got my truck behind me. My current rig fits in there with plenty of room to spare, but if you add ten feet to it, it's right near the limit of what you can fit in there without having a trucker remove the front of your coach while he's pulling out of the spot next to you. Having paced off two or three of them in the past week, I can tell you that a 40' bus with my tow bar and truck behind it would be pushing out beyond the white lines by a foot or two on each end. Surprising yes, but true. OTOH, I did see a couple of 40' motorcoaches nestled into the dinky spots at the Apgar campground in Glacier NP in Montana last week. P.S. I agree with Gary about the narrow single lane detours in the construction zones up there. Yikes! thanks again for the help, jp | ||
| FishbowlBrian (Fishbowlbrian) (67.165.212.171)
Rating: N/A |
Jeff: If you're really going to do a lot of boondocking on public lands and going over rough roads to support your nature photography, you might consider a spring-suspended skoolie-type chassis. I know the ride on pavement won't match that of an air-suspended highway coach, but they got ground clearance and "off-road ability" in spades. School busses can be had in nearly any length, there's choices of engines (gas or diesel), choices of engine locations (front or back), trannies, and even brakes (hydraulic or air). Plus, the districts seem to sell off relatively new, low-mileage units (100,000 or so) for very affordable prices. I see skoolies done up as NASCAR party busses come up on [that e-auction place] occasionally, with a lot of the hard word already done... tanks, genset, etc. There's probably a stigma with the skoolies, but I think they make fine platforms for the rough-camping crowd. Thomas and BlueBird make some real nice units, I understand. Just a thought, FBB | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.218) Rating: N/A |
Richard - The Eagle's passenger area is well above the driver's area. The windshield may be big, but it's location (top portion) sits below the passenger's direct view of the road. Once converted, sitting in the living area would result in your being able to see a portion of the area out the front, but not the same perspective. Ie: If facing the Ocean (as you would at the Long Key campground), you would see only a BBQ, fence and a small portion of water. In an MCI or other similar designed coach, you would enjoy the entire view of the Ocean, moon and stars. (uhh... or a watch Pelican taking a dump on the bbq) That Eagle center aisle compartment houses some linkage, heater hose, AC hose, Air lines? I don't remember, but I'm sure someone else can add to it. If that compartment can be sealed, fine. As far as I know, that compartment would be best left accessible for repairs, if/when needed. The MCI has a couple access points at the rear, and the 410x has some over the engine. I suppose every bus model has a few, but the Eagle's is the full length and in the center isle. If I am wrong about the need to keep it accessible, I'm sure we'll know in a few hours of this post. | ||
| TWO DOGS (63.185.81.90) Rating: N/A |
you are wrong...does not go full length...I can see everything out my windshied also...sooooo...you are wrong about everything... poor ol' newguy | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.218) Rating: N/A |
Derek - Please don't misunderstand my comment. A 102" coach is no more difficult to drive than anything else. And there's nothing macho or wimpy regarding the desire to drive one or the other. I did say, and it should be noted, that driving a 102" in traffic conditions on a roadway designed for 96" vehicles, can be unnerving. Especially so, for anyone that does not spend much time behind the wheel of the thing, getting in and out of every circumstance they'll run into. If you're going to have an RV and plan to enjoy it, it's best to know what it is you're getting into. A dear friend has a 102" RV and claimed to be able to put it anywhere. He also informed me that he's torn an awning mount, damaged the slide-out stairs on a curb.... some other damage from a Jersey barrier.. If you're going to build an RV, do what's best -for you- and know all the pitfalls. A 102" width on a vehicle that's going to be taken into old RV parks and/or driven into situations where trucks are not permitted, should not be taken lightly. You're putting a lot of time and money into something you want to enjoy, not fight with. Now.... my comment regarding my prejudice against Prevost, is just that: prejudice. I didn't cut any corners stating that. It's burned into my memory. Those Prevost drivers didn't join us peasant Eagle, GM or MCI drivers, they sat with other Prevost drivers and acted like they were "special". Well, special they were! I made sure all our passengers waved in their special manner, every time we passed one aside the road. And -that- was very often. 1. Prevost may be a fantastic bus; it probably is! 2. I don't like them. 3. Yes, to have any prejudice is absurd. 4. Sue me. (har har) | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.218) Rating: N/A |
I luv Eagles, TD... 1. How far up the isle and what percentage of the isle area, does that compartment take up? 2. Can you seal it over, or does it have to be accessible? 3. Sitting in a chair in the passenger area what portion can't you see, that the driver can? I luv 'em TD, but those were the things that swayed me away. | ||
| Wayne Buttress (66.52.138.68)
Rating: N/A |
Eagle 20 built with Corten steel, no rust. Large wind shield. Much bigger than most buses out there. Easy to modify or convert because of the type of frame construction. Fantastic engineering. It seems everyone here has a preference for whatever they're driving. | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (209.128.79.46)
Rating: N/A |
Eagles are built with Corten? Wonders never cease. (Just to be accurate corten does rust) Gary | ||
| Jeff Pritchard (Jeffpritchard) (68.6.239.50)
Rating: N/A |
Guys, If I want to google "fishbowls", what are the manufacturer and model numbers I should use to find some of them? thanks, jp | ||
| Nick Morris (Nick3751) (69.34.29.29)
Rating: N/A |
Well each to his own but I like my silversides!!!! It may be 60 years old and parts impossible to find but I like it. | ||
| FishbowlBrian (Fishbowlbrian) (67.165.212.171)
Rating: N/A |
"Fishbowl" is a nickname for the New Look series of GMC coaches. Flxible, AMC and others also made NewLooks (six-segment windshield and "large" oblong pass. windows). I believe that GMC pushed out over 30,000 of these busses from the 50's to 1979 (I think), in either Pontiac, MI or Canada (late-series). GMC model numbers are confusing... esp. prior to '59, but after that it's the 53xx series of busses. More on model $s: There's also TDH/TDM prefix until '68 for H-ydromatic (automatic tranny) or M-anual. After that, there's T#H and M's, with the numbers for either 6 or 8 for cyl. of engine. GMC also made a Suburban model of the Fishies with small baggage areas and usually taller gearing denoted by "S" instead of "T" (for Transits). Clear as mud? GO here for GMC model info and some specs... http://www.coachinfo.com/AllAboutBuses/GMC_Info.html For Google, try "Newlook" also. Own own Scott Whitney converted a NewLook. Here's his site: http://www.dustyfoot.com/index2.html And an ill-fated NewLook conversion is here: http://www.metamorphobus.com I know a little about these, since horsetrading for a partially-converted one last month. Send me an email if you want some more links. HTH, FBB T8H-5305 http://www.browncowpro.com/bus/ | ||
| John Rigby (24.174.238.253)
Rating: N/A |
Fbb 96" VERSES 102" try a hundred miles from Houston east on I-10 to Lake Chales and go though what they call the tunnels. The 102" only just fits in the right hand lane( the larger lane )I travel it every day and see more Prevost coaches than any other, its scary. As for the tag, I read the other day about changing bushings in a tag costing several thousand?? I am a believer in the 4104 and 4106. Only because if you are willing to try and with the help of our friends on the board, you can pretty easily get to and fix most things on these coaches. I know the help, knowledge and input is there but access for the repairs on some of the other coaches makes it a difficult self repair. John | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.169) Rating: N/A |
Jeff.... here.. http://www.coachinfo.com/AllAboutBuses/ | ||
| Prevost Paul (205.188.116.135)
Rating: N/A |
I am a little new to busing but I have a 1982 Prevost and love it. I bought Prevost because a friend had one and he loves his. I have only put about 6k mile on it so far but look forward to many more. It is pretty easy to drive and has great suspension. Unfortunately, I have not driven MCI, Eagle or other bus but maybe sometime I will have the opportunity to really compare. Till then, I don't regret my choice. | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.169) Rating: N/A |
oops.. link was already posted. The 4104 and 4106 GMs are nice, easy driving rigs. I was always impressed with the camels too. They may sway on turns, but what air suspended bus doesn't. The old 41s were work horses and remain so. The price of a decent '04 or '06 is about the same as the average MC9... imagine that? | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.169) Rating: N/A |
Paul - Never, ever, regret your choice. There are good and bad in all makes and models. The Prevost has come a long way since my days of driving. And they're still making and selling new Prevosts, while the Eagle has long since evaporated, along with GM coaches. | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (68.250.96.41)
Rating: N/A |
I would say a 4106 would make a pretty big toad, wouldn't you? and whatta towbar! | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.169) Rating: N/A |
Wrong thread Gary. The guy that's been drinking too much and posted in a semi-comatose state, is the one looking for one. | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (68.250.96.41)
Rating: N/A |
I just couldn't get my PC to post in such a surreal thread. Gary | ||
| John tHaT nEwGuY (199.232.240.169) Rating: N/A |
MY GAWD... the thread's GONE! That's it.... I'm outta' here. | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (68.250.96.41)
Rating: N/A |
It was nver there, we just sorta blipped into an alternate dimension for a few seconds. Gary | ||
| Derek (Derek_L) (24.83.196.239)
Rating: N/A |
And here I was thinking you were talking about FF and his 2 door sedan. | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (66.167.95.200)
Rating: N/A |
"Call me a wuss, but I just can't hack the shifting and clutch work in tight areas and traffic." Brian - you're a WUSS!!! ;) | ||
| FishbowlBrian (Fishbowlbrian) (67.165.212.171)
Rating: N/A |
Dat's me, da wuss. I know. And, lest anyone forget, I also gave up on converting a bus from scratch and got a 3/4 done one. Sheesh, I'm one step away from a Minnie Winnie at this rate. | ||
| FAST FRED (4.245.212.51) Rating: N/A |
"The price of a decent '04 or '06 is about the same as the average MC9... imagine that?" MCI have Almost as much rust to remove (under window rails etc as any Eagle). The world is awash in clapped out MC9's, their price is falling into the Transit scrap area. Not so with the 04 & 06 , he price has been fairly steady for a long time. Width, is only practice to get used to & be comfortable with. Too long, and there are many places where you CAN NOT go , and if you try will spend hours backing out , or cutting trees. Weight, determines how fast you will get up Rockytop and keep up with heavy traffic. Slushpump detirmines weather you can get 9 or 10 mpg ot 5 to 7mpg.( VS-8 only exception). IF you want to tow vast tonnage a GM is the wrong choice tho as the tongue weight should be limited to about 300lbs. Some Skoolies are avil in factory 4wd, for real boonies where Coaches Fear to Tread. My observations, FAST FRED | ||
| Henry R. Bergman, Jr. (Henryofcj) (67.136.241.239)
Rating: N/A |
And....if you want to consider the BEST of the best, go to www.crownbus.com Crown Super Coaches were west coast schoolies that were/are more of a starship than a coach. They cost three times as much as a regular school bus. The factory warranty was 200,00 miles or 10 years, parts and labor. They handle more like... ...sports cars than school buses. Anyway, they went broke back in '92 but hundreds are still in service hauling kids. Can make a superb conversion. CROWNS FOREVER!!  | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (65.74.66.104)
Rating: N/A |
Johnny, to answer your question about our balance. We weighed across from Southern Oregon Diesel and found we were running about 9300 on the front axle and 17300 on the rear. This was after we put an assembled spare in the nose, which probably helped. Going by the balance of the brakes and air bags, the coach runs about 1/3 front, 2/3 rear, which seems to drive out just about right. I'm happy with it. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher | ||
| TWO DOGS (65.179.208.128) Rating: N/A |
newguy...first compartment in floor is 4 foot long.....back in the back...compartments over engine and trans..."IF" I ever carpet it...it's a 5 minute job to unhook either side,for access...in the back...bed is over those hatches.would have to stand bed on end...what you were imagining you saw as hatches , were seat bolt rails... you can sit on either divan in my Eagle & see every hair on 100 danceing girls out front | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (68.250.96.41)
Rating: N/A |
With or without X-Ray specs? Either way, where do you park? Gary | ||
| TWO DOGS (65.179.208.128) Rating: N/A |
anyplace but Detroit.. them women up there got moustaches | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (68.250.96.41)
Rating: N/A |
I know that's what they've been tellin ya, but..and they didn't want me to tell ya, but what the hell.... There's nothing but blondes here! Gary | ||
| Tony (64.215.196.182) Rating: N/A |
Two Dogs Them woman In Detroit also wear Barbwire braziers | ||
| TWO DOGS (65.179.201.169) Rating: N/A |
imagine that | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (68.250.2.76)
Rating: N/A |
a barbwire brasier? Are they cooking something or performing some ritual? Gary |