| Author |
Message |
Loren Bailor (Lbailor)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 3:48 pm: | |
I have seen a 97 H3/45 seated bus for $18500.00 there has been a fire around the rear axles a couple of windows out and damage to the floor and roof. It looks like a brake fire. It has a 12.7 DD and B500 allison. Just wondering what you think is it worth it? |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 5:40 pm: | |
Not knowing how much heat from what type of fire?
All seals, both engine, rear end and trans...
Frame steel and surrounding metal deterioration from heat..
Extensive electrical problems...
Extensive suspension problems....
For 18k, I would think you can do a lot better. I'd pass, if
it were my decision to make.
(and besides, it's a Prevo) |
James Maxwell (Jmaxwell)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 6:26 pm: | |
I think u will find that a 150-175k bus selling for 18k is probably worth less than the 18k. If u need parts or a section then it's a source, unless u happen to need a rear section or running gear. Engine section fires generally yield a more or less useless hulk in these buses that would cost far more to rehab than replace and that is why they end up with a salvage operation that got paid to dispose of them. Anything they can sell it for is pure profit.
Last I heard, Dave Gregory had a similar project going (the marriage of 2 totals to create a single whole). |
Nelson Knoxville
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 6:52 pm: | |
I have a friend that went this route with a burnt Prevost. Cleaning up was a filthy and awful job. He had to pay non refundable core charges on burnt cores that weren't rebuildable. Prevost parts don't come cheap. He went first class on all repairs and he still had numerous problems after the rebuild.
Said he would never do it again.
Nelson |
MCI Larry (Eurof3)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 7:05 pm: | |
HI Loren
If this unit is a couple hours south of Chicago. I looked at it. If you were a professional bus builder or have a ton of extra money this might be fun. But I agree that just the headache of wiring would stop me. And not knowing how melted the seals, etc., are. Sounds like a parts machine.
I remember thinking, HOW DOES A BUS BURN UP. Oh yes, I found out 1st hand about bus fires. I ran for my life. Yes, I have 3 fire extinguishers onboard now.
Its a ton of money to get one lowboyed home too.
Wish you the best with your decision.
Larry Naturopath 96A3 |
Sojourner (Jjimage)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 01, 2004 - 7:24 pm: | |
H-3/45 Prevost is Stainless (upper & lower) framed bus.
One of two top choice for conversion to motorhome.
DD 12.7 and B500 trans with damage wiring alone is worth about $8000.
It depend what else need to replace besides (if needed) wiring harness set.
I don’t know where you are and bus, I have or hire someone from bus-garage who is mechanic, body man and wiring technician to look over for estimate to be road-ready.
Getting someone to look at this late model bus is much easier then older one.
Because is still making H3/45 model other then grille and 14.L DD engine change.
Even if SS frame has “cold-water” cracked from firemen. It can be anneal, added SS lap plate to weld on and re-anneal if needed.
Suggestion, ask seller to agree help you to purchase wiring harness and whatever else parts at wholesale price.
Caution check retail price of each part so you can be sure seller’s price is wholesale.
Question is it worth it is depending how bad & closes to good bus repair shop and does good honest work.
These fire or collision bus will be good “slow-time” project for charter bus shop to keep mechanic busy.
I would guess with out looking at it that it better buy than my MCI-8.
I am going have more $$$$$ into MCI-8 widen, lengthen and state of art engine & trans then H3/45. I did all the work myself too.
Wish you well.
I need to finish what I have invested.
For what it’s worth.
Sojourn for Christ, Jerry |
dick egler
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 01, 2004 - 8:54 pm: | |
Larry,
Is there a salvage yard 2 hours south of Chicago. Do they have any other salvage buses or Rv's?
I'm in the Indy area and like to prowl around these kinds of places. Always fun and productive.
Thanks
Dick Egler |