| Author |
Message |
Lin
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 12:04 am: | |
Periodically I contemplate doing something that may be risky and costly for no apparent logical need. I have now been thinking about selling my converted 1967 GMC Superior and buying a 1964 converted MCI Challenger. Notice that I wish to stay with 35 foot. Although I do use that bus (we have made it part of our living arrangements for several years), we have not really used it to go anywhere in a long time. So why I ask is there any reason to switch to another unit that is obviously far superior mechanically when it is quite possible I won't drive it much. I suppose, as with many on this board, I am thinking in terms of the dubious future. So I says to myself, I says, "Self, it would take about $10,000 to upgrade your drivetrain from that Toroflow you got. So why not take that $10,000 and the $10,000 you could probably get for your bus, throw in something extra, and get a much better all around machine"
Now the question is (and you will notice that this whole introduction was unneccessary)-- Is there anything to be particularly aware of in the old MCI challenger? By the way, I am leaning toward MCI thinking that there still being around may offer some advantages over a GM. Any and all opinions would be appreciated. |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 1:00 am: | |
You'll be buying 10k more headroom but 10k more unknown factors..
Weigh it up... |
James Maxwell (Jmaxwell)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 1:21 am: | |
Why would anybody consider buying something that they know themselves that they have no use for or need of and even then considers "upgrading" to another relic from the past. Now, that said, and I have great respect and appreciation for a nice upgraded 5, I have to doubt that u are going to get that for 20k. Last, nice, upgraded 5 i know of that sold went for almost triple that, and worth almost every dime of it (u had to know the bus to appreciate that). |
Brian Brown (Fishbowlbrian)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 2:10 am: | |
If you don't intend to drive it much, you should consider a trailer of some sort. You'd have a lot of $ and ongoing maintenence tied up in the drivetrain and mechanicals for something you don't drive much. And the DDs in particular really were made to run... not sit.
My $0.02,
BB |
FAST FRED
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 5:17 am: | |
If your Superior is gas powered it will take the non use with far more grace than most DD coaches will.
A simple pickeling with NAPA fogging oil , fresh oil and closed exhaust will let the GAS vehicle sit for months or years.
If the Superior has springs , simply jacking the tires off the ground , by lifting at the frame will keep the suspension alive a lomng time.
Properly pickeling a DD is long and expensive , the air ride components get eaten by Ozone , in use or not.
some observations ,having had both styles
FAST FRED |
Ed Roelle
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 8:34 am: | |
I agree with the above comments. If you are not going to use the unit much for now, stick with what you have. The availability and price will probably only get better for you when you do use it more.
However, if you are going to use it now, with continued increase in usage, your plan is reasonable. (It will probably cost more than anticipated.) As you are using the coach, you would be decreasing the number of unknowns.
Ed Roelle
Flint, MI |
Johnny
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 10:00 am: | |
FF, unless I misread his post, he has the GMC Toroflow diesel, not a gasser.
At last check, the 4-53 in my friend's big generator sat for about 7 months (outside, in an old forklift), & he's put ~800 hours on it without a hiccup. |
John Rigbyj
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 8:50 pm: | |
Lin,
The drive train in the MCI 5 uses an up and over the rear end. Then a drop box and down to the ring and pinion,( 90% then 90%). when in bad shape can give you lots of Challenges. See Rayhounds past posts, he had trouble getting parts. None of these old beauties are problem free. But,if I were you I would stick with you tried and true GMC.
John |
Lin
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - 9:40 pm: | |
Thanks for the help. If a group of busnuts generally warn against something, it's got to be a really really bad idea. |
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