| Author | Message | ||
| Paul Karasz (Neverlearn)
Registered Member Username: Neverlearn Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 71.2.165.37  Rating: N/A |
I just learned that I not only need a drop box, but also a rear for my MC5. While I have been waiting for the rebuilder to attempt to locate parts, I have been looking myself (with guidance and assistance found here). It seems from a cost-perspective that I'd be better off purchasing a driving bus than to fix what I have. I say this because once it is driving again, I still have some minor repairs for which the parts search has me questioning how much time, money, and emotional attachment I want to put into something which may sometime again leave me needing parts faster than I can locate them. I have been considering the MC9 as something newer made in greater quantities, hoping that this will buy me a few more years of parts availability. I am concerned though, that I will not be able to get an MC9 into my driveway. My concern is for bottoming out the rear (driveway angles up slightly from the street), and that I may land it in a ditch before clearing the turn into the driveway (5 more feet of length and a 51' turn radius as compared to a 46' turn radius). At an initial glance, it appears as though the distance from the bottom rear (bumper) to the bottom center of the rear tires are similar between a MC5 and MC9, however I assume that I should be more concerned with the distance from the driven wheels. Does anyone have any practical experience or calculations and relevant data which I can use to determine if I can fit a larger bus in my driveway? (I did search the archives and, perhaps didn't use the proper key words - but I didn't see anything relevant). But what about the motorhome conversion factor, you may ask? Well, I am happy with the seating area behind the driver and I am happy with the bunks as they are. I did plan on gutting and rebuilding both the kitchenette and the bathroom. Since these are the more involved areas I don't consider this to be a deciding issue. What about the issue of buying something new of which you know nothing about as compared to something you already have, you may ask? Well, I really haven't had this bus long enough to feel as though I would be losing the benefits of accumulated maintenance and repairs invested over my ownership period (as would be the case with any car I own). I don't have the space to store two buses at home at the same time, which limits my flexibility somewhat. So, aside from my direct question regarding 35'/6-tire vs 40'/8-tire maneuverability I am open to listening to the experienced opinions of fellow busnuts (and receptive to purchase offers on my bus). Thanks | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1058 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.9.58  Rating: N/A |
IF its just a matter of the rear dragging on the driveway , the use of a overide setup to manually raise the rear air bags in drive and tag should solve the hassle. Your MCI rear end should be readily aviliable , call Luke at US Coach. FF | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 421 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 74.4.48.228  Rating: N/A |
Paul - Truly sorry to hear about your problems. Looks like a sweet bus... be a shame to give up on her so quickly. I, for one, would like to hear more about her. Like history, existing fittings, condition and the like. I assume (since you have a drop-box) she's running the 8v-71, Spicer 4484 4-speed and Rockwell rear end? But I'm a newbie too and just guessing. I'd say we need a lot more info. to help you get things sorted out. But, honestly, parts should not be tough to find... depending on other factors. And you should be able to find USED stuff that will work fine. Come back with more info.? Nellie Wilson | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 1782 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.66.17.237  Rating: N/A |
As FF typed, the parts are out there, you have to plug in to the sources. Don't get discouraged by the fruitless search so far! YES! Call Luke. And replacing the drive train bits with good ones is a once in a conversion job. You also now know one of the major reasons why your coach was sold by the last commercial enterprise to pimp it! All good news, and part of the experience. happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 833 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.32.95.26 Rating: N/A |
have your guy check around for a dropbox from a Eagle they are the same and plenty around for less than 500 bucks.Tell me what parts you need I may have them or know where you can find used ones. | ||
| Dale Waller (Happycampersrus)
Registered Member Username: Happycampersrus Post Number: 358 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 166.225.116.27 Rating: N/A |
Luke @ US Coach is gonna be a big help to you. He should/will have everything you need or will know were to get it. You are in Va(like me)and there is not alot of places for bus parts, so I know your pain. LOL. If you can haul your own parts, Luke's place is only about 5 hrs from your place and it's a real treat to get to look around at the parts buses. | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 222 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 75.210.198.159 Rating: N/A |
Yah, lots of Eagles available, or will be, as donor buses. :>) sorry, couldn't resist....probably too early in the morning to stir the pot. | ||
| Jack Campbell (Blue_goose)
Registered Member Username: Blue_goose Post Number: 138 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 71.101.168.79  Rating: N/A |
Ray Cox in Atlanta Ga. has drop boxes and you can get the rear rebuilt. You can also get your drop box rebuilt. If the gears are ok shouldn't cost that much. Jack | ||
| Larry Nelson (Larryn4106)
Registered Member Username: Larryn4106 Post Number: 47 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 173.30.230.77 Rating: N/A |
and here is the biggest reason....your MC5 looks like a bus should look. Newer stuff looks like a cardboard box on wheels. No offense to anyone who owns one. | ||
| Bestekustoms (Mrbreeze)
Registered Member Username: Mrbreeze Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 174.16.109.152  Rating: N/A |
Paul, Your MC5 Is One Sweet Coach. I Use To Drive Mci Buses Back Almost 20 Years Ago Now. (WOW Time Flys). The Company Only Had 1 Mc5 And The Rest Were 9s. I Liked The 5 The Best As Did Most All The Other Drivers. The Little 5 Ran Like A Bat Out Of Hell !!!. Way More Power Than The Larger 40 Footers (DA) I Would Love To Own A Nice MC5 Expecialy The 5 I Once Drove As A Kid. Need I Say More?? The Other Option Is To Buy The 40 Foot MCI And If It Wont Go Into The Drive....Well Than MOVE ! Is There A Place On Here That We Can View Each Others Buses.?? I Would Really Like To See A Good Shot Of Your 5 Paul. Im Sure It Will Help Us Out In Trying To Change Your Mind. HTH FWIW JOHN | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1833 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157  Rating: |
if you add the air leveling system, you can raise it up enough to clear and have it for non level campsites. | ||
| Douglas Wotring (Tekebird)
Registered Member Username: Tekebird Post Number: 408 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.59.75.212 Rating: N/A |
Note: Luke has changed locations.....have not been to the new place but figure the bone yard went to scrap> MC 5 stuff is getting hard to find....but it is out there...just have to look | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1320 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 24.239.15.161  Rating: |
John & Paul, you can join our BNO Facebook and upload all the pix of your buses. www.busnut.ning.com Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| Paul Karasz (Neverlearn)
Registered Member Username: Neverlearn Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 71.2.165.37 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for all the info. As requested, here are some pics: http://busnut.ning.com/photo/albums/pics-from-the-first-time-i-met I do agree that the MC5 has great looks! I must admit that I like the looks of the 4104 (and the like) better, however I thought (when making a decision) that the MCI was going to have better longevity and parts availability. I did enjoy how easy the MC5 drove, both on highway and in parking lots - but I didn't have the same comfort level on the windy back roads. If I do go from a 5 to a 9, I'm sure that I'll lose MPG's as well as acceleration. I got 7.5 including too much time in traffic. I believe from posts in the archives that a 6v92t w/Auto is good for 4-6 MPG. To address some questions directly: Nellie, you are correct on the drivetrain. Fred, I like the manual air adjust idea - thanks! Jack, It's rather sad really: All the gears in the drop box are burned up and the ring gear (at least) in the differential is also shot. John, as for moving... Darn real-estate market has me stuck for now. I am searching for a rental parking space as a stop-gap. Thanks! | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 224 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 75.210.5.122 Rating: N/A |
Paul, just a couple of thoughts here. You already have the bus. Don't know how much you have into it already, but as is,, you probably won't get much out of it. If you buy another one how do you know that you won't end up with the same or an even worse problem? If it was me i would fix it, knowing that that is one problem i would probably never have again......and never look back! Not to mention not having the added problems of trying to put a 40 footer in the space of a 35 footer. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 754 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91  Rating: |
Paul after viewing the pictures,I would definitly keep what I have. Parts are around and as stated PATIENCE is the answer. I would like to have a coach that is that pretty and just put in a rear-end. Lots cheaper than starting over. Gomer | ||
| JC Alacoque (Jc_alacoque)
Registered Member Username: Jc_alacoque Post Number: 86 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 72.45.68.242 Rating: N/A |
MC5s are great buses! Yours is in really good shape. Keep it and fix it. I used to drive them for Brewster's in the '70s. I have fond memories. They were fast and powerfull: best power to weight ratio of any bus at that time, and handy in tight spots like in the city. 40 footers like MC7s and 8s with the same 8V71 were sluggish by comparison. If I was looking for a bus, I'd be all over this one. JC | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1070 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 70.210.133.137 Rating: N/A |
Amen...with emphasis to all of the above! Same is true about relatives...and wives!! (see Ed's remarks)  RCB | ||
| Mark Renner (Boomer)
Registered Member Username: Boomer Post Number: 185 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 75.210.127.26  Rating: N/A |
Keep it and repair it, you will be money ahead. For the diff and drop box, try Caylor Supply in Rantoul, Kansas. They are a big dismanteler of MCI's. Or B&B Coach in Las Vegas, they had a drop box not long ago. | ||
| clint hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 597 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.238.167  Rating: N/A |
...I'd go with the majority on this one, spend some time to inspect & service the bus, then you'll know more about the condition & have have a reasonable idea on what to expect in the near future for big repairs & overhauls; depending on how deep you inspect while you perform the full round of maintenance. Maintaining the bus is often the best way to decide if it is worth the effort; just as using it will determine if it will meet your needs. Lots of unknowns on any older bus & they are complex machines. Then if at some point you decide to go on to another coach, you may do it all over again. Even the new buses need maintenance & repair and parts often cost a lot more. ~Don't think of it as a mere possession, as bus nuting sure seem to be a progressive condition. | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 425 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 74.4.48.228 Rating: N/A |
Paul - Looked at the pics, which just confirmed my first reaction... which most everybody seems to share. Man, you can't give up on that bus. If you do, send it my way before you do anything rash, like scrap it or something. These guys all make really good points. Hope you heed their advice - in the end, you'll be glad you did. I see you live in VA? Not far over the VA border (in MD) is a one-man oufit called Johnson's Bus Service. Mr. Johnson probably has everything you need, and for dirt cheap (maybe close to free?) Last time I was there (clutch problem), he had an MCI in process of being dismantled (just a few weeks out of commercial service). I had to wait, and he asked me if I needed some parts (who doesn't?). Let me take whatever I wanted (no charge). I just wish I'd had to wait longer - and was hauling a trailer. And there's a bus outfit N. of Charlottesville (heading toward Madison) that parts out a lot of buses. They keep some stuff for spares, but some is up for grabs. They gave me (as in FREE) a bunch of bud wheel lugs and nuts, some air valves and even offered me the windows (which turned out to be slightly different than mine). Could have had the block-off plates and some nearly new air bags too, but I was stuck for time. By the time I got back, the bus had been hauled to the junkyard. If you want specific info. on these places, put it in a post and I'll dig out the business cards. Nellie | ||
| Paul Karasz (Neverlearn)
Registered Member Username: Neverlearn Post Number: 12 Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 71.2.165.37 Rating: N/A |
Thanks everyone for the kind words of encouragement, and for the name dropping. I now have several more places to call which I did not already contact. I have my homework (I am really hoping for results on the two Nellie pointed out as they are both local). | ||
| Paul Karasz (Neverlearn)
Registered Member Username: Neverlearn Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 192.254.31.2 Rating: N/A |
Nellie, Would you mind looking for those business cards? I called a couple of places which I thought would be the ones of which you were referring, however I struck out on both accounts: Johnson's Bus Svc 1215 Deer Park Rd Westminster, MD 21157-8325 (Baltimore, MD Metro Area) Phone: (410) 876-1457 "Only School Buses" Uva Bus Rentals 3890 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22911-8356 (434) 975-2535 "Just a Limo Company" Thanks! | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1063 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.9.75 Rating: N/A |
"I have my homework" After you get her running again your HOMEWORK will be some PM,preventive maint. Actually loosing a rear and drop box ,( esp considering they are heavy truck 80,000 Gw not bus 32,000 or so) can only be from a couple of years with no oil. So if you find the parts , find DA BOOK and use it! FF | ||
| ED Hackenbruch (Shadowman)
Registered Member Username: Shadowman Post Number: 229 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 75.210.99.54 Rating: N/A |
Paul, i suppose that you could always sell it and buy the Bob Wills 1948 Flxible on ebay that we were talking about on the other board, under the topic of Historical or Hysterical. But by keeping yours i think you are already about $500,000 dollars better off. :>_ |
