| Author | Message | ||
| Sean Mormelo (Sventvkg) (66.58.223.108)
Rating: N/A |
Well, I found a 35ft 1980 MC5 by accident and the price was right. I has had a new factory rebuild in 99 and has less then 90K Miles on it..Runs like a charm...Anyway, We are planning on stripping the inside first for a slow conversion ove a few years...I'm looking for some insight on this model and maybe for some things to look at/for structurally and or engine wise..I'm new to busses so this is a little overwhelming! Any isights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. Sean | ||
| Jim Ashworth (Jimnh) (172.130.167.208)
Rating: N/A |
Look on the left side of this screen and find under "Utilities" the "Keyword Search". Look up MCI rust, MC-5, air beam rust, etc. and other stuff. Incredible amount of info has already been posted. When you are well into the conversion, you might look in the Yellow Pages for dynamite out of frustration with the project. It ain't there. Thankfully, cause I would have blown a couple of mine to bits if I found it. This feeling passes. Good luck with the conversion. Jim | ||
| TWO DOGS (63.156.216.26) Rating: N/A |
what a negative,rude comment for an excited guy with a new bus.. | ||
| madbrit (67.136.104.96) Rating: N/A |
Two Dogs, I think Jim was saying this in a "tongue in cheek" way. Now whose tongue in whose cheek, is not for me to say............... LOL. Good luck Sean and yes, there is a wealth of info in the archives in this group. Yes, there is a lot of work ahead of you, BUT you will enjoy it and do try to use the bus whilst it's under constrcution, even if you are using it as a big steel tent. Leave a couple of seats up front for the family to travel in. Don't let it sit there too long without an "outing" even if it's only to a nearby beauty spot or camp ground for a weekend campout. Peter. | ||
| Jim Ashworth (Jimnh) (172.128.8.37)
Rating: N/A |
Absolutely tongue in cheek. With a little truth mixed in. The bus conversion is probably more of a project than most people will tackle in their lifetime. I just wanted him to be aware that there will be days when he questions his decision to start on it and not to let it bother him. Every time I have said that to someone face to face, it got a good chuckle. I guess it doesn't translate too well in text. Sorry 2 Dogs. Moving forward- Bus Conversion Magazine and Coach Converters Bible by Dave Galey are two good sources that cover most everything you need to know at this point. Check this site's home page for other valuable info. Jim | ||
| chuckMC8 (65.3.14.62)
Rating: N/A |
Hey Sean, Welcome to a great hobby! What I'd reccomend for a new owner/converter would be to seek out folks that are building or have completed the same type coach you have. After 2 years converting my bus, let me tell you , there's a different vantage point for me now, than when I bought my bus. There's no substitute for experience,but that's earned by insominia, an empty wallet and skint knuckles. The next best thing is someone sharing their experiences. Post on the board that you would like to correspond off the board with other MC5 owners and have them contact you directly. Ask for a phone number,call them and make friends. The electronic media is awesome, but there is a different feel in corresponding with someone that you have spoken to or have met. There are hundreds of folks who read this forum nearly everyday that don't post. I've placed similar queries before and had some great info sent directly to me. (and made great friends!) I believe that the best resource available is the other busnuts. You can save lots of money, time and headaches by utilizing these guys experience. And, most everyone here is happy to share and will go out of their way to do so. Another thing that will be of great help, is a digital camera. If you don't have one, get one. You can take a photo of something that your wondering about or need help with and email it to someone who can help. I've done this lot's of times, to Bendix, MCI and other bus nuts. Lot's of this stuff is just hard to describe, (like that little thingy that's leaking air) especially if you dont know what it is. Get a manual set, Maintenance,parts, and engine book for your coach. Beware of reprinted manuals, the pictures aren't legible. So, If you order new ones, ask about the photos. In my opinion, Information, by far and away, is the best tool available, and also the best use of your budget....... Jack Conrad's bus event in South Florida over the new years weekend would let you see more coaches than you can imagine. The'll be lot's of info here regarding that event coming up. Invaluable. And South Florida isnt bad in January, either. I'd be glad to assist in any way I can. Welcome. Chuck Lott. Douglasville Ga 1977 MC8 | ||
| DaveD (142.46.199.30)
Rating: N/A |
Congratulations. Sounds like you got a good vehicle. Once you have preliminary plans for conversion, it will be worthwhile for you to go to the RV surplus places in Elkhart, IN, if that's within your travelling distance. We purchased some major components and moved them around in the bus until we had a layout that felt right. Not everything that looked good on paper worked well when we mocked it up in the bus. We had our conversion to the point where we could use it within about 7 months of getting it home. Most of it is now done but there is still more to complete. There have been frustrations as well and, if I cared too, I could probably draft a comprehensive list of things I would do differently, but overall it has been a positive experience and we would do it again. Dave Dulmage (MC-8) | ||
| Henry R. Bergman, Jr. (Henryofcj) (63.224.197.10)
Rating: N/A |
Hello Sean; Welcome to motorcoach/bus madness, a particular fun strain of general "the good life" craziness. However...be forewarned that...THERE IS NO KNOWN CURE!!! Enjoy and welcome aboard.  | ||
| Michael Lewis (67.160.12.18)
Rating: N/A |
Hi Sean, Welcome to the madness...take it from another newcomer...your life will never be the same. I'm so grateful to be retired, because I don't have time to work. You came to the right spot! There is a mountain of information here. Much is opinion, and I would encourage you to read, ask questions and study what you want to do before cutting screwing or throwing away. Bottom line is that the only way to do it is _your_ way. Congratulations on the new coach. All of us have been in that "ohmigod" position, but it passes in favor of great pride in accomplishment, quality of work and just plain fun. We still love to sit outside in the evening as people drive by and abruptly slow down because...there's a BUS!! in the driveway! Michael Lewis Seattle MC9 | ||
| TWO DOGS (4.227.115.35) Rating: N/A |
mc5 manual on sale next board over...flea mkt. | ||
| Sean Mormelo (Sventvkg) (66.58.223.108)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks everyone!! I'm in full Student Mode for sure. I am also planning on heading directly to Elhardt Indiana this fall when I leave Alaska to purchase as much of the basic systems that I can surplus and at considerable savings. I'm sure I'll have a much better handle on where i'm going at that point. I want to get the basic systems in this thing as quickly as possible and then improve from there as I'm going to need to live in it...Anyway subscription to the magazine as well as the bible are both imminent purchases. Thanks to all and I'll keep ya posted. | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (65.74.66.104)
Rating: N/A |
Sean, if your coach is going to be in Alaska much, give a lot of thought to the issue of whether to take out the factory heat. We still have ours, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher |