| Author | Message | ||
| Jim Wilkerson (Wagwar)
Registered Member Username: Wagwar Post Number: 16 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 12.158.159.60 Rating: N/A |
I've done some research online and on this site, but the info I've found is not specific enough. So, I thought someone here might have more info. I've found a very nice '85 MC9 with low miles and a pro-conversion. I like it, but it is a TMC and I was told that TMC didn't use as much stainless and aluminum as MCI and so were more likely to rust. I've found nothing online to support that. So, what are the quality differences between an '85 MC9 built by TMC and one by MCI? Should I be concerned? | ||
| Dale Waller (Happycampersrus)
Registered Member Username: Happycampersrus Post Number: 361 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 166.235.121.56 Rating: |
Wouldn't worry about whether or not it's a MCI or TMC.(I have a 84 MCI-9) If you are serious about the bus, go look at it. Open EVERY door and compartment and look for corrosion issues. Was the original floor pulled up and the corrosion on top of the air beams fixed and the dirt removed? Still have the original bus heating? Take a flashlight and look at the air beams (undercoating gone?), edges inside of the cargo bays (around the rivets), the spare tire well and were the corner bumpers are mounted, also around the air tank underneath the drivers seat. Look at the wheel wells for "silt" buildup and/or blow out damage. Look at the radiators and see if the fins fall off at a touch, look at the radiator blower box supports right above the engine. Check the body pretty close to see if paint is bubbling or lifting around rivet heads, Check around the windsheilds for added sealent. Escape hatches leak and can ruin headliners. Most of the rest of MCI/TMC issues are mechanical and can be fixed, but the corrosion can be a nightmare and/or a deal breaker. HTH, Dale | ||
| Ralph Peters (Ralph7)
Registered Member Username: Ralph7 Post Number: 95 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 70.210.142.58 Rating: N/A |
TMC's were built in N.M. for hound, my '77 TMC has no more issues than my '71 MCI MC-7. I tell people my TMC was built by Ailens(in Roswell), and love the looks I get. So far I do not see any difference. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1674 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.182.48.162  Rating: |
Jim - A little history for you: During the gas shortage in 1972 & early 1973, demand for MCI's exceeded the plant capacity of both Winnipeg & Pembina. Converting an old aircraft hanger in Roswell, Transportation Manufactureing Corporation (TMC) was born. TMC MC-8s were initially assembled in Roswell from knock-down kits shipped from the main factory in Winnipeg. Structural content of the components was exactly the same. After the assembly line had been in operation for awhile, more content was sourced locally, until the plant was completely self-sustaining. While a majority of the early TMCs went to Blue Pooch, demand forced MCI/TMC to deliver Roswell buses to other operators as well. For all practical purposes, the only real difference was the "TMC" insignia on the noseplate of early production models. This was later discontinued, and all models, regardless of production plant location, carried the MCI name. The VIN/ID plaque is also different, altho it looks the same, the info notes the final assembly plant. 1980 and newer models with the 17-digit VIN will have the assembly plant included in the serial number. But I like Ralph's description better! FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| Ednj (Ednj)
Registered Member Username: Ednj Post Number: 271 Registered: 3-2003 Posted From: 68.197.93.69  Rating: |
The trim around the windshields are different. You can tell a TMC,MCI or NJT by the trim and gaskets. On a 9 anyhow. (Message edited by ednj on January 23, 2010) | ||
| Bryce Gaston (Busted_knuckle)
Registered Member Username: Busted_knuckle Post Number: 294 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 74.177.57.93 Rating: N/A |
New Mexico has less snow than Canada, so in theory a TMC should rust less. Plus being Alien built brings Galactic technology to it. ;D BK ;D | ||
| J.L.Vickers (Roadrunnertex)
Registered Member Username: Roadrunnertex Post Number: 75 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.6.76.226 Rating: |
Many years ago the MCI/TMC maintenance rep.was visiting Kerrville Bus Company maintenance shop in Houston, Texas. I asked the same question what is the difference between the MCI and the TMC production line product? His reply they are the same bus nothing different. The maintenance supervisor for Kerrville at the time said the workmanship from MCI was better controled than the TMC equipment. | ||
| Leonard (Tizer4)
Registered Member Username: Tizer4 Post Number: 22 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 4.227.197.206 Rating: N/A |
This may be helpful: http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/t/tmc/tmc.htm |
