| Author |
Message |
Mark Domeck (Prevost3406b) (64.12.104.161)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 02, 2001 - 8:19 pm: | |
I have a 71' Champion that needs frontend(structure) work badly. Since I am a truck nut(as well as busnut) anyway, I figured I would pick up an old(classy) Freightliner FLA cab and use the parts to make a front clip for my bus. It would save alot of money initially and in the long run. I think it would look very cool especially with a tall Texas bumper, droopy stainless visor, and plenty of lights and chrome. Since I have experience with metal fabrication and body work, the task should not be too big of a hassle. And since I have a good imagination and am so creative. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. I do take constructive critism too. I am wanting to build a different bus. |
jimnh (172.140.218.17)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2001 - 7:47 pm: | |
I don't usually post negative comments, but if you do that, the value of your investment and time will immediately go to ZERO! Re-think what you are doing and what you will get for it when its done.
Jim |
Steve 80 Crown Atomic (64.12.101.167)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2001 - 12:24 am: | |
Hi Mark,
I’m planning on doing the same thing. When I replace the rounded roof of my Crown with a taller, flatter roof, the front and rear ends are going to need quite a facelift. Sorry to the Crown Purists out there.
I do like the front ends of several trucks, plus having a truck nose will make it easier to obtain parts, which I cannot find now, for my Crown.
However, in your case, I agree with Jim. Prevost has a public image of quality, which helps keep resale prices high. I think a Prevost with a truck nose would lose a lot of that value. This only applies if you are planning to sell later, with hopes of recouping some of your investment.
I’m not concerned with resale value. I’m building my bus to my tastes, not to current/future market tastes. I plan to enjoy it for the remainder of my life, and not worry about recouping my investment. I can always give it to the kids or donate it to charity. Besides, my Crown was a special order, with only thirty copies made, so it practically is one of a kind. It’ll kinda match the rest of the bus, which is almost all off-the-shelf truck systems.
The most difficult part will be selecting and installing a nose that complements the rest of the coach. I’ve played with several designs, but none have stood out as anything special yet. I don’t want an obvious truck nose, just a nose that has some of the best features (IMO) of a truck.
I initially planned to completely fabricate a new front end, using modern high-speed trains as a source of ideas. I now think a truck nose might be a whole lot easier.
Actually, your Champion is the closest thing, appearance-wise, to my Crown. Email me and we can swap ideas.
Steve |
Biesmeyer (63.172.78.141)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2001 - 1:33 am: | |
Hey Mark,
I have just the web page for you. It is http://www.kingsleycoach.com/
The picture that comes up first(a red Peterbilt motorhome) is what we are building now. Enter the web page and go to photos. In there is a picture of a Peterbilt front and bus rear. This is the second one we have found like this. Hope this can give you some ideas. Good luck and have fun. Being different is a part of life. Larry |
Daris Bouthillier (209.67.181.133)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2001 - 4:53 pm: | |
There are two problems that I can see.
First, how do you graft a truck (with a ladder type frame)to a coach (with no real frame)?
The second problem would be running a drive shaft to the rear axle. I suppose you could cut the baggage bays up the middle and building a channel. That still doesn't leave you with a solid point to mount a carrier bearing for the drive shaft (somewhere around the middle).
If you want something with a truck on the front end, I think you'd be better off buying a truck, stretching the frame (careful they're heat treated), and building a box around the extended frame.
Grafting one to a Crown would be much easier. The Crown is built on a ladder type frame. By the way, if you're looking for Crown parts try West Coast Service, in Chino CA. I was at their warehouse, that those guys have just about everything. Email me if you need the phone number.
Just my two cents worth.
Daris
64 PD4106 |
Daris Bouthillier (209.67.181.133)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2001 - 5:02 pm: | |
BTW - Looking at the brochure and website, I don't believe that Kingsley is attaching truck cabs to bus bodies.
Daris |
Mark Domeck (Prevost3406b) (205.188.198.159)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2001 - 9:34 pm: | |
Ok, first off, I have no plans off selling the coach. I will be using it till I drive the wheels off and then some. I am leaving the engine in the back. The coach has 2.2 million miles on it and rusted out very bad in the front and rear. And since this bus is my "hotrod" I am wanting a different "ride". The middle of the bus isn't bad, but the rear and front sections are very rusty. I have to rebuild the front completely anyway. I have good used fronts for around $5,000. The cab I found is in really good shape and he want $1,000 and I can sell back the parts that I don't need which will bring the price down to around $600. The engine/tranny I am using is A 425 CAT with either a 13 0r 18 speed Roadranger with Kenworth cabover cable shift or full air shift if I can find a setup. I an removing the hump in the cab and levelling out the floor. I am basically using the same structure setup as the Prevost and doing away with the hinges on the cab. Kingsley did use a Prevost on there first bus(the silver one) I personally don't like the construction of the newer Kingsley. I have seen vocational students do better welding. I am definitely wanting something different. |
Mark Domeck (Prevost3406b) (205.188.198.159)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 06, 2001 - 9:36 pm: | |
I meant to say that I have priced good used fronts for $5,000 |
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