| Author |
Message |
Paul Tillmann (209.23.54.79)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 4:43 pm: | |
There are 7 Orion buses for sale at:
http://adcache.trucktraderonline.com/4/9/0/20255190.htm
I may be interested in purchasing but I don't know much about these. Anyone have an opinion as to the quality or reliability of this type of Orion bus?? Any chronic problems with these buses?
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Paul |
Jerry H. (Coachconversion) (68.80.209.204)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 7:44 pm: | |
Paul:
What'd you do with 10 buses??
:-)
Jerry |
Paul Tillmann (209.23.54.79)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 8:05 pm: | |
Well, I wouldn't buy all 7. The seller will sell individual buses. I just thought I could make an inexpensive motorhome (for short trips)out of one of them, but I don't know much about these and either does the seller. Before I drive two hundred miles to look at them, I thought I would get some input as to their quality and reliability. They look like they might make a nice 32' camper, nothing fancy, but nice. I presently own a 1974 40' GMC New Look that I am restoring to original and its built like a tank. I was wondering if these Orions were built as good or near as good as the Fishbowls or other buses. |
Dave Wheat (24.158.28.11)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 8:20 pm: | |
Paul: It would be hard to go wrong for $2000 or so. Orion has been around a long time. Our company has a MC5 with a 6V71. I'd prefer an "871". They have a typo as to which they are. Often thought about an Orion for myself.
Dave |
Jayjay (207.30.180.69)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 9:15 pm: | |
Hi Paul, Although they are newer models, the City of Ft. Myers,FL runs a lot of Orions, and they have given great service according to an acquaintance of mine that herds one around every day. She says they go like stink, due to the HP/weight ratio. I imagine you would have to get rid of the "transit-tires" since they have about 200 ply sidewalls to take the abuse of curbs and pot-holes. I watch them here as they whiz thru the malls, and they seem to get around quite well. Say-how about my '68 school bus instead???Cheers...JJ |
Ian Giffin (Admin) (216.209.116.15)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 12:03 pm: | |
Hi Paul
I used to drive these buses for Pickering Transit (now amalgamated with Ajax Transit to form Ajax-Pickering Transit Authority - APTA - http://www.townofajax.com/apta/index.html).
I have driven both the 30 footers and 40 footers. The 30s that you are looking at are quite nimble with the short wheelbase and JJ's friend is right that they go like stink. Ours used the DD8v71 also. (Our 40 footers had 8v92TAs in them and were rockets!). The 8v71 engine was a staple for Detroit Diesel for many years and it should be a long while before parts become scarce. I personally liked the huge panoramic windows, including the rear one - almost no blind spots! I would try my best to keep as much of that great view as possible in a conversion.
I found the ride comparable to that of an Eagle, with the bouncey, bouncey front end, although they have regular air bag suspension. I think the ride characteristics are due to the short wheel base - the 40 footers weren't quite so bouncey.
There is only one concern I ever had about these vehicles - the aluminum, which wears very well over time, may be hiding a disaster in the form of R-U-S-T!! So be sure to take someone who is familiar with structural bus components with you for the inspection.
If it were me who was faced with a selection like you are, I would try to make a good deal for 2 or 3 of them of your own choosing. You should be able to make one great bus and then sell the scrap. At these prices, just about anything sounds like a pretty good deal.
Good luck - and do let us know!
Ian
www.busnut.com |
Jayjay (207.30.115.9)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 1:05 am: | |
Yes, it runs like a rabbit,but runs OUT of speed at about 60. Just like you shut the fuel off! If you plan a lot of cross-country stuff, you may want to locate some taller gearsets. Cheers...JJ |
Lin (65.184.0.189)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 1:23 am: | |
The only thing I'd mention, since I do not know anything first hand about the brand, is that they are pictured sitting in snow. I assume that they did a lot of miles on salted roads. You may wnat to check them out carefully. |
Paul Tillmann (209.23.54.79)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 7:49 am: | |
Thanks everyone for your responses. You've all been helpful and pretty much talked me out of one of these buses for conversion. Don't really have the resourses to check these buses out thoroughly anyway. I think I'll just concentrate on restoring my Fishbowl rather than getting into what just may be a nightmare. One could end up putting mega dollars into something like this no matter how low the base cost is. Thanks again!
Paul |