| Author |
Message |
Thom O'Connor (Rockyo) (63.125.81.254)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2001 - 12:43 pm: | |
I'm the proud--and awed--new owner of a '52 GM 4103, which started life as a Trailways, and was then professionally converted to a private coach in the mid-'60s.
Thanks to the generous donation of time and expertise by contributors here, I've already compiled a wealth of information.
Okay, a few questions I'm stuck on:
1) HISTORIC/VINTAGE LICENSE PLATES. Any reasons (other than that they're cool) to register the bus with these plates? Disadvantages?
2) RV/MOTORCOACH CLUBS. Fun and friendship, yes, but are there special services or discounts that make them worth joining? Any that are particularly good?
3) DRIVER TRAINING. It's been more than 20 years since I've piloted anything 35 feet long, and even though New York State says it's OK to drive a 22,000-pound motorhome, I not as convinced. Any East Coast schools or instructors that might offer a buff up of driving skills for non-commercial big vehicles?
4) KEEPING THE TROOPERS HAPPY. Each state has minimal safety and emissions standards for motorhomes, but are private BUSES subjected to more stringent roadside checks, maybe just because they LOOK like they should be commercial vehicles?
Thanks again,
rockyo |
Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (216.67.197.216)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2001 - 2:33 pm: | |
Rockyo,
first of all, congratulations on your purchase, I hope you will enjoy her.
In Arizona, Histerical Plates cost you to own, try to get a 1952 dated regular plate and see what your States rules are on having them applied to your bus. Here you can have them applied if they are in good or restored condition and ofcourse the number is not already in use!! Some States require both plates to be there.
Clubs are good fun, join FMCA for info on other clubs (Chapters) for you particular interest. They have discount programs for all sorts of things and a nice magazine.
Contact your local MVD for recognized Driver Trainers or look in the Yellow Pages.
A bus is the same as any other vehicle, all systems should function correctly, so don't expect any different treatment for the bus than you would a car..... excessive smoke from either will result in a ticket. They don't have to stop at "Ports of Entry" if they are registered as a private motorhome.
Good luck.
Peter. |
JJ (152.163.204.188)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2001 - 12:29 am: | |
In some states, (Ohio included) hysterical (see, I can't spell it either!) plates restrict you to daylight only, to/from shows or competitions, not over 2000 miles per year, and other nuisance conditions. Practical group to join: RRR Roadside assistance. Equivalent of AAA, but better, and geared to busses,and RV's. ...JJ |
Thom O'Connor (Rockyo) (168.191.120.24)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2001 - 10:19 am: | |
Mad Brit and JJ,
Thanks for the info. Additional restrictions on use and insuring have me leaning away from the idea of historic/vintage plates. I'd like to make my way along the road with a minimum of fuss. (Like that's gonna' happen with a '52 bus!)
Another question, please:
Are buses commonly agreed to be of the female gender? As in, "She's a stout bus and true." Could it be "He's a big bruiser, but doesn't burn oil"?
rockyo |
madbrit (216.67.203.213)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2001 - 12:39 pm: | |
Rockyo,
all vehicles are known as SHE. I assume this is because they cause us guys so much trouble. As the old saying goes, "If it has T*ts or tires, it will cause trouble"....... LOL.
In the French language, where everything has a gender, automobiles are of the femine gender.
JJ, are you commenting about my sMelling mistakes? Histerical is accurate due to the state of mind one ends up with after dealing with the local MVD....... LOL.
Peter. |
JJ (205.188.198.172)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2001 - 11:09 pm: | |
Pierre-je concur. ...JJ |
|