| Author | Message | ||
| adam (Urban_hillbilly)
Registered Member Username: Urban_hillbilly Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2008 Posted From: 76.22.119.223 Rating: N/A |
Right, so was looking at this 1971 MC7, I quickly found that the interior metal skin has been removed for a conversion. The boards tell me this is a fatal flaw, that skin is integral to structure (see, I'm listening) so I am walking away. Question, is there any repairing this condition in a simple way, or is it not worth the trouble? Is there structural damage probably already done in running that coach naked? I'm finding alot of folks have done this. Are there some coaches where this is not a problem? Thanks, Adam Jay | ||
| Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 157 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 216.163.57.205  Rating: N/A |
I think you will find a lot of different opinions here. My thoughts? The framing of an MCI 7 is pretty stout, and if it has never carried a full load of people/stuff with the panels empty, it is possible that there may be no damage. How does the outside skin look? Is there any sign of damage to the thinner stainless? Do you see lots of loose rivets? Many converters remove those panels to add insulation and check for structural damage. You may have an advantage here in that you can see the frame. How far would it need to be transported to get to you? Are the panels included with the bus? Good Luck! Glenn | ||
| George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member Username: George_mc6 Post Number: 424 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 207.231.75.253 Rating: N/A |
I agree with Glenn. Look closely at the outside where the vertical members attach to the skin. If there are no wrinkles, and the rivets haven't torn out of the skin, nothing has moved. Look closely where the diagonal braces attach at the bottom and top of the windows. If it is all still as it was, I would say its OK. If you need to drive it any distance, unload it completely first. Regards, George | ||
| adam (Urban_hillbilly)
Registered Member Username: Urban_hillbilly Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2008 Posted From: 76.22.119.223 Rating: N/A |
Thanks, guys! I received an email back, seller says that the side skins are still in place. I can see, though, from the pics that the ceiling skin is out and he had begun to apply what looks like insulation and plywood. I have asked for clarification, and whether or not he has the original panels still. If he does have the panels, what would be the reapplication method. If he doesn't, what alternatives exist for restoring structural integrity? It would travel a couple hundred miles to get it home. Haven't seen in person yet, but will check all the things you advise. thanks, Adam | ||
| Ed Roelle (Ed_roelle)
Registered Member Username: Ed_roelle Post Number: 52 Registered: 3-2005 Posted From: 68.61.133.65 Rating: N/A |
I took my interior aluminum panels out of my X MCI 8 (probably no stronger than an MCI 7). I did add 3/8" plywood on the walls - but that is not very structural with my attachment method (drywall screws). I had NO problems over about 40,000 miles. Ed Roelle | ||
| Roger Dalke (Roger_d)
Registered Member Username: Roger_d Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 205.206.150.56 Rating: N/A |
My 7 has all the interior panels removed was missing a tag wheel and hub, and after a 200 mile drive, still straight as an arrow. After removing the lower trim I discovered that the bottom inch of aluminum is rotten. So IMHO these are way overbuilt. | ||
| Grant Thiessen (Busshawg)
Registered Member Username: Busshawg Post Number: 31 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 206.45.93.160 Rating: N/A |
I took my interiour panels out as well, sprayed in insulation and lined the bus with 5/8 plywood. I haven't driven the bus yet as it's still under construction but the thread has me concerned about the procedure I followed. I didn't realize that these panels were so structurally important. How important is it that these interiour panels are in place? | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 837 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 97.76.134.241 Rating: N/A |
http://www.busnut.com/bbs/messages/233/10526.html | ||
| Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 158 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 216.163.57.205 Rating: N/A |
Adam, The MCI 7 only has interior aluminum panels below the windows. Above that was the headliner wood, insulation, ribs and outer skin. Sounds like just a standard empty shell ready for conversion. If you are looking for the original ceiling panels (some sort of wood) I have a complete set except for the area where the skylights were up to the destination sign. My cap was replaced by the previous owner. If you want to pick them up in Michigan, you can have them. I've been planning on pitching them. I also have the steel strips that hold these to the ceiling ribs and the stainless trim that goes over them. Good luck! Glenn | ||
| joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member Username: Joemc7ab Post Number: 245 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 66.38.159.33 Rating: N/A |
Adam It may not be all bad to have the interior sideskin not in place. It allows you to see exactly whether or not you have any rust in that area. The original insulation is usually fibreglass and likely wet. Fred Hobe installs 5/8 round rod cross braces, which may end up making it stronger than the original configuration. Also if any windows are going to blanked off those areas could also receive additional strenghtening, making the end result probably better than the original coach setup. I have been told that the weight of the 7 is more than the later coaches and one veteran hound driver told me they felt more solid than later units. weightwise I think the price goes to Georges MC6. Joe. | ||
| adam (Urban_hillbilly)
Registered Member Username: Urban_hillbilly Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2008 Posted From: 76.22.119.223 Rating: N/A |
Thanks, guys. Good discussion. I found out that the side skins are still there. The ceiling panels have been removed, but they were only wood originally. Fred Hobe emailed me and said he has rutinely removed skins and improved insulation on all his conversions for 20 years. Furthermore he builds another interior panel to effect improved insulation. I suppose the added bracing mentioned above must be to restrengthen structurally. I've asked him if the originals ever go back in, I'll let you know. Sounds like I may want take the side panels off temporarily anyway, to replace insulation. might as well check the frame while in there, look for leaks and rust. Adam | ||
| Tony LEE (T_lee)
Registered Member Username: T_lee Post Number: 28 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 90.56.212.89 Rating: N/A |
Most cautious converters release all air from the suspension and block the axles up level and then put additional packing under the body at several places to make sure nothing sags when they are removing panels and/or raising the roof. There are three layers under the windows - the decorative panel which covers the dimple plate that distributes the AC air to the window vents and then the supposed structural panel itself. The first two layers can be removed if for no other reason than to increase the interior width by close to 1" Also having the bus sitting still with the structural panels removed is far different to driving the bus with them missing | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 595 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.103.50  Rating: |
I suppose I oughta' get into the fray by tossing a lemon into the bowl of Wheaties: These buses were engineered to have a certain amount of flex built into each design. Like a skyscraper, a degree of flex is necessary, if cracking of the structure is to be avoided. So, adding too much rigid structural components can actually be detrimental, not beneficial, to the overall scheme of things! Ahhhh.... but then.... what engineer/designer of any bus, ever assumed his design would have it's roof raised, or "slide-outs" added, totally changing all the hours of engineering and safety consideration that went into the initial design? They built 'em to go a few million miles or more, sell 'em to us when they've used up most of those miles..... we re-design the things, drive 'em less than a few thousand a year, and think we've done better than they have.... HAR! (just food for thought) |
