| Author | Message | ||
| Beefmalone (Beefmalone) (216.78.3.91)
Rating: N/A |
I finally got out there to get some good shots of the engine. Check out the page & let me know what kind of engine you guys think that is. I think it's a v-6 of some sort. I also found out the bus tires are 10.00-20. Is that a good size or hard to find? Here's the link http://www.danieldale.com/mack-bus/page2.html p.s.- There are alot of pics on the page so it may take a while to load. | ||
| Jayjay (205.188.209.11) Rating: N/A |
10:00X20's are the tubed equivalent of an 11:00X 22.5 (i.e. 42" dia.)though they may be a bit narrower across the tread, and usually on split rims too. HTH Cheers...JJ | ||
| Johnny (63.159.124.76)
Rating: N/A |
Not hard to find, but not exactly great--they'll give a VERY rough, noisy ride. I suggest 22.5" radials if you're doing a lot of driving. | ||
| Craig S (65.202.123.254) Rating: N/A |
My brother has a few 7 yd dump trucks and they all have 10x20s. They should be readily available. Due to the 20 inch rim size, I think they will be a little smaller than today's average bus tire. If they are stock, then the bus was designed around the 10x20s and all is OK. Not in bad shape for a vintage specimen. Craig S. | ||
| Geoff (64.1.0.65)
Rating: N/A |
The mystery bus! I'm surprised (maybe not) that Beef did not find the bus I.D. plate. I say "maybe not" because this is turning into a weekly mystery series, kinda like those old serials at the movies where the hero looks like he is going to crash and burn and you have to come back the next week to see if he escaped death! Now we all know Beefmalone is going to have to go out there AGAIN and find that I.D. plate (or paper title). We still have to stay tuned in to find out whether the mystery bus is a Flx or a Mack! Anyway one mystery is solved, he has a Detroit in it. And it looks like it is a 6V71, the valve covers and exhaust manifolds look like 3 clyinders on each side. --Geoff '82 RTS CA | ||
| Larry (208.18.102.78) Rating: N/A |
Yes it is A Detriot if that baby cranks and has good oil pressure and most things do work, you best grab the old bird (at the price you mentioned before, 3K). The componets are worth the money. Don't worry about that tire size you can buy them anywhere, 10 is the width 20 is the wheel dia. If you have the time and money you can make this quite and interesting couch. | ||
| Geoff (64.1.3.24)
Rating: N/A |
Larry, what components are worth the money? There is no market for 6V71's or old transits for that matter. If it is a Mack it has some rarity to it, but as far as a conversion it looks like nothing but trouble and a big money pit. I'm sorry to say it, but a bus like that usually costs you money to get rid of, why would you want to buy one? For the same money Beef would be better off buying a 15 year old transit just out of service with a modern drivetrain and starting fresh than trying to resurrect an abandoned dinosaur. Time and money better spent. If Beef is really interested in this bus, his best plan would be to only give the guy $500 downpayment and let him drive it and try it out before he keeps it. | ||
| Beefmalone (Beefmalone) (216.78.3.161)
Rating: N/A |
My primary reason for wanting it is that it's already converted. I was figuring that I can probably get it for $2-3k. That way, even if I have to spend another $2-3k getting it road worthy then I'll still be ahead. This is based on hearing about people spending at least $20k+ to convert newer coaches. Fortunately, where I'll be driving is relatively flat. If I lived out west or something then I'd be bothered by the drivetrain, but for where I'd be going I don't think it will be much of an issue. Does the conversion stuff (inverter, tanks, etc.) look like pretty decent stuff? I'm going to get more pics tomorrow during the daylight when I can see where I'm aiming the camera. | ||
| Larry (208.18.102.48) Rating: N/A |
Geoff I guess each to his own. I'm a old time trader who has never lost a dime at it, I have always worked harder than most are willing to do, on that kind of thing, but beleive me the value is there. A/C units, heating, holding tanks, trans and engine do have a value, kitchen appl and on and on. To you junk,to a poor man a treasure trove. The one nice thing about being older and raised without much, down in the Appellations is that we learned on our own how to make a nickle, never relied on anyone else just our own wits. You soon learn how to become a survivor, which not many can do today. Having more time than money will teach you something, without ever begging, or going without. The fact that there are still people with limited imagination, gives people like me a chance. One mans junks anothers treasure. | ||
| Jim Thompson (209.190.8.130)
Rating: N/A |
Has anybody thought of checking with Mack and see if they made the Coach? I'd think if they did it would have a Mack motor. Why would they buy a Flex with a D.D. just to put their name on it? | ||
| Beefmalone (Beefmalone) (208.148.210.164)
Rating: N/A |
I emailed mack before I had the pics & they offered to research it if they could see it. I sent them the link to the pics & haven't heard back from them. | ||
| Doug Wotring (12.90.23.158)
Rating: N/A |
Mystery solved........ It is a Flexible new look transit. Last bus Mack actually built was In 1957 and it was a one off to attempt to gain Greyhound Business during the Greyhound/GM anti-trust suit.......Greyhound ended up buying MCI instead..... This one off bus is presently restored to GH colors and lettering and is Located in Allentown PA, Home of Mack Trucks. I don't beleive any Mack Bus products ever used GM powerplants...... But there is no mistaking that for a flxible. | ||
| Henry van de Graaf (Hcvdg) (172.193.185.120)
Rating: N/A |
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6728&item=1872819592&rd=1 item 1872819592 I wonder if the generator was any good? Sister ship? | ||
| Wayland (208.18.102.81) Rating: N/A |
Looks like you guys keep reinventing the wheel, beating a dead horse or what ever you want to call it and no wants to believe the other. Mack built buses before and after the 50's. Mack used engines and components other than theirs. Luke and others also did some research on this and found the same answers. See the posts on down the line about this bus, one being ; Pics of the mack bus 11/26 12:52pm [33]. Doug and others, you need to read the book, which also was posted on down the line. It is available on Amazon. Then you can make factual statements, rather than a inaccurate guess. Is everyone getting a little testy on this subject? Young'n why don't you look at the title and ID No's that Luke mentioned, (again on down the line), research it well and if it suits you go ahead and buy it. That is if you like the Flx with a Mack name because that is what it is, for the most part - per the book. | ||
| Beefmalone (Beefmalone) (216.78.3.147)
Rating: N/A |
I was keeping an eye on that auction kind of as a price reference. The biggest difference is that "mine" actually runs.  Personally, I don't care whether it's a Mack or a Flxible as long as parts are still available. The only argument I'm concerned about is what it's worth. ;) I'll have to go back in the daylight to try again to find the id plate. I looked all over last night & didn't see one. | ||
| wayland (208.18.102.81) Rating: N/A |
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1583880208/ref=lib_rd_zi_2/104-3104334-4956733?v=glance&s=books&vi=reader&img=2&jumbo=1#reader-link | ||
| Doug (12.90.22.180) Rating: N/A |
Well Sorry I mispoke by one year 1959 vs 1960 when Mack ceased Bus and Coach manuafacturing..... I did not account for the Mack/Renualt Coach as it was never sold in this country as a production unit and was not a mack Product in reality but a Renault (Built in France) product that Mack was trying to market here. A few operators got/were given/or leased these...but all were returned to France when the test didn't turn out favorably. | ||
| Wayland (208.18.102.202) Rating: N/A |
Well you need to research a little more, you are still not close. Also call Mack and ask what power plants you can select from. | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.158.166.168) Rating: N/A |
Here are some observations from someone who owns a Flxible transit, is self-converting, and knows the chassis pretty well at this point in the game. . . There are differences in 'Dan's' bus, as I can see now, from the new pics. It has factory baggage bays - mine does not. The engine is a T drive, which not a Flixble thing. So my *guess* is that Flxible did build the body (skins, windows, caps etc.) But maybe Mack engineered the drive train and under carriage. (or maybe just added value by building baggage bays into existing framework) Since the dashboard has been covered over in wood, my guess is that the dataplate has been covered and is why Dan can't find it. Is this bus good value to buy? Only Dan can decide. The more I see pics, the more it looks like somewhat of a nightmare. The wiring looks a bit dodgy - romex hanging loose all over. The converter is not worth a darn. Rust looks pretty bad in a lot of places. The fiberglass bath tub is hanging, unsupported, in mid-air. I'd recommend making sure that you will be happy with the quality of the conversion as it is. The best thing I see about this bus is that it appears to have at least some undercarriage storage. So if you want, you could tear out the old conversion stuff and remodel it your self. But maybe you don't want to get into that. If you want to buy it, I'd offer $1000. Don't go higher than $2000. And don't give him a dime unless you are able to start it up a drive off. Just my $0.02. Scott | ||
| Luke Bonagura (Lukeatuscoach) (12.90.11.73)
Rating: N/A |
Hi Folks: Mr Beefy, you are looking at a Flxible Suburban and I will bet my reputation on it. And as someone has already said, we are beating a "dead horse" with a stick. Your first pictures of the front end were enough for me and the rear pictures are enough to confirm it is indeed a Flxible!!!! Doug's Dad owns/owned the "one of a kind" Mack Highway coach that Mack developed, hoping to entice Greyhound, and his father knows about the Mack bus production and therefore Doug's post is not guess-work, but based on fact. And Scott (Sorry Buddy), but I have in front of me the production list from Flxible of the 100 Suburban model buses that FLX built and all but 2 had underloaders. I worked for a company here in N.J. that bought 3 "New" from FLX and they were configured with "T" Drive. And did you know that FLX built a huge quanity of Propane powered buses for Chicago over the years, before alternative fuels were popular??? Most of the Subusbans were delivered to bus operators here in N.J. and the N.Y. metropolitan area as these companies were all buying GM Suburbans for commuter operations from N.J. to N.Y., Philadelphia and outlying suburbs, and FLX tried to compete. There were a few sold to colleges in Mich, Ohio & Mo. Tanner Gray line in Calif. bought 10, and SCRTD in Los Angeles bought 25. I can tell you from first hand experience that they were a nightmare to keep running. Their vins were 51942 (prototype) and the production VINS were 35001 thru 35099 The model number of 51942 was FD6V401-7-UL-AC, and the 35000 series were the same except for VINS 35012-35013 which did not have underloaders, and were model FD6V-401-7-AC (no UL for underloaders). Now if Mr. Beefy will just check out the R/H rub rail just behind the front door (if it hasn't been in an accident), the vin will be stamped in it. I will buy Mr. Beefy the best steak dinner in N.J. if this bus is not a FLXIBLE, or better yet, send a gift certificate for his local steak house. It's a FLX guys, trust this 59 year old BUS NUT!!! HAPPY BUSSIN TO ALL!!!!! LLUKE at US COACH | ||
| Wyman (208.18.102.108) Rating: N/A |
Here is a post made earlier. http://www.home.earthlink.net/~bflop/clabus05.html I'm the Mack historian on Trucks not really up on buses that much, but they did build them for some time, kind of like most do now days from parts from this and that. But I'll leave the buses alone, seems to be getting a little hot here. But Mack does offer trucks with any type drive train you want. I would like to see Beefy adorn his snake boots and go look and let us know as, Luke told him where to look. Why don't he get the title and look at it also? On link I attached, form past post; I believe I had seen this one in a Movie, wish I could think of it. The rear is surely one ugly deal, to me. Lets get back to being friends that help each other and quit the tone of this topic. Wyman | ||
| Wyman (208.18.102.108) Rating: N/A |
I forgot I'm at Larry's for a few days on week ends. I try to help him because of his health. There is a group of us who do this, he is a very active person and we all like helping him. He and Charlene (which is a great cook and thinks the world of him) sure do love each other and it shows. Larry was so active and it is sad but good that he doesn't give up (spinal problems). Wish I had a Gal like her. He sure is a nice guy full of information and lets me play with his computer and shop equipment, boy oh boy does he have a shop. Hope you all get a chance to meet him. Wyman | ||
| Geoff (64.1.0.43)
Rating: N/A |
Hi, Wyman In case you think some of us are offering some unfriendly advice to Beef, let me refer you back to Beefmalone's original post of November 7th, when he first posted, told us about the bus, and ended with this message: "Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated. " Perhaps you think we should all offer nothing but encouragement to buy this bus, just so we all sound "nice"?-- I think not-- I'm sure Beef would like to hear all sides before he commits himself. Thank you, Geoff Smith | ||
| Bradd B. Smith (216.18.141.145) Rating: N/A |
Hi, Opinions were solicited. If Luke says it's a Flx, take it to the bank, no matter what the steering wheel is off of. And Wyman, agree to disagree. It's ok. We are never all right or wrong. There have been so many variations that we need to look to those who have labored on them for many years for the subtle differences. With out putting on the snake boots, it is going to be difficult to judge this one from here. I have to agree she sure looks rough. I guess that time is money. Which do you have more of? And I would still tow it home until it is certified safe. Just my 2 cents worth, Bradd | ||
| Beefmalone (Beefmalone) (66.156.173.58)
Rating: N/A |
This isn't anything to get mad about I'd hope. I'd go look at the title but I don't want to contact the guy. The longer I drag this out the better deal I can get...don't ask. As soon as exams are over I'll be back (in the DAYLIGHT) to do a thorough search for numbers. So is a T-drive a good thing or a bad thing? | ||
| wyman (208.18.102.16) Rating: N/A |
Hi Geoff, By no means did I mean to imply that at all, sorry for any misunderstandings. Never thought it would be taken that way. Wyman | ||
| Mark Medin (67.112.97.51)
Rating: N/A |
Re: Scott Whitney's response - on Flx early new looks, I believe they were all (oddly enough) t-drive, and that the company built v-drive new looks later (c.1966?). I'm quite happy to be shown wrong, although there've already been too many snarky responses in this thread. | ||
| Scott Whitney (24.158.166.168) Rating: N/A |
Hi Luke and Mark, Well, I am wrong. Guess that is what I get for making assumptions based on my own bus. Never occurred to me that a Mfr, would do a complete drive train type redesign in the middle of a model run. I didn't know Flxible ever put a T drive into a New Look. I did know about the Suburbans, but didn't realize they had factory storage bins. (thought they only removed the rear door, put better seats in, and had higher gearing) All, I didn't think anything in this thread or the others was getting out of hand. Just typical bus chatter. People doing their best to figure out what the heck this thing is (based on sparse nighttime photos) and how much it might be worth and if Beef would do well to buy it. Of course that is a mix of facts (about the bus make) and opinions (about the prudence of buying it). When I first saw the pics, I thought it was a Flx. Then, when I saw the bins and T-drive, it threw me. Now, after reading all the above, I take for fact that this bus is 100% Flxible. (except for the steering wheel) And, IMO, Beef did solicit opinions, so no harm done in giving some. Scott |