| Author | Message | ||
| Mike Lester (Tin_woodman)
Registered Member Username: Tin_woodman Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 72.213.22.46 Rating: N/A |
Here in Omaha we have a band called the Fishheads who have traveled to gigs for years in a converted bus. Most of the time, the bus sits in one of the band member's driveways, which I pass at least once a week. About a month ago, I saw a for sale sign in the bus window! Of course I called about it, and now have become obsessed with owning a bus. This one still might be a good deal, but I'm leaning toward buying a shell and converting it myself. On the other hand, I'm just a few years away from retirement and would like to be able to use it by then. There is a finished 1970 MCI-7 on Ebay for $9000 - is that a bad bus? It is stick shift, and while I have never driven a bus I have driven tractor/trailer rigs (albeit decades ago in the army) and drive a standard in my pickup. Where does one learn to drive a bus? What are the options for transportation once one has arrived at point B? What do folks who full-time do for mail delivery? Many thanks... Mike L. | ||
| Arnie Smith (Arniemc5a)
Registered Member Username: Arniemc5a Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 24.71.46.230  Rating: N/A |
Mike: One learns to drive a bus by getting behind the wheel, putting it into gear and release the clutch. Driving tractor trailer units is no different than driving a bus other than they are longer and bend in the middle. However, I would not give this advice to someone who has never driven anything larger than the family sedan. Your military experience is not forgotten, just buried deep in the recesses of your mind, and once you start moving it will come flowing back. Your confidence level will not be what it was when you were in your prime, but it will come quickly. The best suggestion I can make, it to get on to a quiet highway and drive for an hour or so, learn where the sides and corners are in relation to edge of the road, then stop for a coffee or a meal (something longer than 5 minutes). While stopped, reflect back on your thoughts as to the activities you have just completed. How did the driving feel, was it what I thought it would be, does it feel any different than when I was in the military, what did I fear the most and was it as bad as I thought it would be... to name a few!! Then get back in and drive back to your starting point and I am sure you will wonder what you were so apprehensive about. My comments to wannabe truck drivers when I was a classroom instructor was this: If the mirrors get thru' the opening I am headed towards, the rest of the unit will follow behind unscathed. Most people tow a vehicle behind them and you never know it is back there. When they arrive at their destination, they unhook the car and go. Full timers sometimes use a mail forwarding service, who will gather you mail and forward it to you at your request. There is a service charge for this, and once you have this set up, you advise everyone on your mailing list what your new mail address is. Others use a relative's address or FMCA, Escapees RV club, to to mention a couple, also provide that service with their membership fees. As for the 1970 coach on E'bay... you would have consider the mileage on the running gear.. What condition is the motor in, tires, body, etc. If you could get the web address for that coach, and put it on the board here, I am sure someone would give you their thoughts on it... Some one might even be close enough to go and look at it personally if they have the time. Arnie | ||
| Roger Baughman (Roger)
Registered Member Username: Roger Post Number: 50 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 69.232.78.220  Rating: N/A |
Hi Mike: My sugestion is to get someone who knows about buses to check it out for you. The cost will more than pay for that service. If a bus Nut can help you that would be fine too. That will get the bascics in good condition for you. Just like Arnie said about learning to drive a bus, just get behind the wheel and drive it. You will not reallly start to learn about buses untill you have one in your drivway that is yours. Good luck and welcome to our world. | ||
| Wayne Ellenburg (Wlnburg)
Registered Member Username: Wlnburg Post Number: 32 Registered: 6-2008 Posted From: 128.158.1.163  Rating: N/A |
Mike I am new to this myself and as a newby please take what I say with that in mind. I went about things wrong but I am happy with my decisions, so far. My first driving experience was traveling about 80's mile home with my new bus. Not a good feeling, but I made it. Changing things in the drive train are expensive. At times I wish I had bought an automatic. The main reason is that if something happened to me my wife could get the bus and us home. It would be very difficult for her to drive the bus because of her height. Look at a lot and get what you want. You will not regret it. | ||
| Mike Lester (Tin_woodman)
Registered Member Username: Tin_woodman Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 63.230.32.66 Rating: N/A |
Thanks everyone! I'm taking Arnie up on his suggestion - here is the link to the MCI-7 on Ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=150 319008256 Thanks again! Mike Lester | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 190 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.99.25.84  Rating: N/A |
Mike, I would consider that bus a shell with a few usable parts. The level of craftsmanship that is visible leaves a lot to be desired. I would be very concerned about what I can't see. I wouldn't consider it unless the shell itself is in excellent condition, then I would gut it and start over. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 917 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.54.29.215 Rating: N/A |
Mike, I know that bus on Ebay. I worked on it several times before the owner passed away (he was a good friend). The interior is "different". One big room except for the bathroom. The generator needs some very expensive parts and leaks quite a bit oil. Last time I looked at it was after Bob died and his son wanted me to show him the quirks of this bus. We found the radiator low and upon inspection, found a small leak in one of the metal tubes near the lower radiator hose on the driver's side. This could be easily fixed. As far as I know the drive train is in good condition. Body is also in good condition for a bus of that age. If you have any specific questions email me and I will try to answer them. Jack (Message edited by JackConrad on January 06, 2009) | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 337 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 72.12.39.78  Rating: N/A |
Mike, I am a true newbie, too. And I sure made a lot of mistakes -- in fact, if most anything that I did in the beginning turns out right, it was just pure luck. But my advice is to read (there are days' worth of forums on this website) all you can, buy the books, and ask questions/don't assume anything. Nobody's done all of everything you want to do but someone has done a part of everything you want to do. I haven't participated in other bus websites, but I know the 'Web pretty well and this is an exceptional group, in terms of their know-how and willingness to help. | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 245 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.165.176.60  Rating: N/A |
Marty over at the bus man has a good article on the 20 biggest mistakes you can make when buying a coach. As Bruce mentioned read everything you can and don't be in a hurry. I am new also but spent a couple years soaking up everything I could before buying a bus from Marty. I decided to buy something that had been converted but needed updating. It was way less than doing my own conversion. http://www.thebusman.com/ | ||
| Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 177 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 216.163.57.189 Rating: N/A |
Jack, thanks for posting! I dug through my old BCM's to find the article on that bus but had no luck. I remember that the family sounded like the best busnuts could be. I remember that they really loved the bus as well. Glenn | ||
| John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 112 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 24.179.147.233  Rating: N/A |
Another newbie perspective, but I would be concerned about loose propane tanks in the battery compartment? | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 417 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 70.212.238.187 Rating: N/A |
Tim...thanx for the link. In general, my comment is, according to this site, it is not a "buyers market". Seems to me these folks either are not suffering from the present economic climate....or are not aware of it.  Some exceptions, of course. Buyer beware!!! FWIW RCB 1964 Crown Supercoach (HWC) | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 246 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 74.244.14.221 Rating: N/A |
Hi RC, I agree many buses on that site are priced rather optimistically by the owners. I have a feeling many could be bought for a lot less as some have been up there for over a year and the owners may be feeling the pinch now. We paid 10,500 for ours and I'm sure the owner had to have paid Marty some sort of commision as the broker | ||
| Mike Eades (Mike4905)
Registered Member Username: Mike4905 Post Number: 177 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 97.106.122.149 Rating: N/A |
Mike If you talk to Luke at US Coach, He will tell you about my 4905. I have it for sale. Mike |