| Author | Message | ||
| Paul Elbisser
Rating: N/A |
Will a 102 A 2 Make a good covershion | ||
| Ed Jewett (Kristinsgrandpa)
Rating: N/A |
Paul, a 102 A-2 was my first choice, when I was looking for a conversion candidate. They have quite a few advantages and only 2 disadvantages. They have fewer tires on the road for braking (but weigh less) and reportedly are less stable in high winds than one with a tag axle. Since I've never driven one, this is only hearsay. I seriously considered removing the tag axle from my coach. I helped convert a coach a few years ago and the finished coach weighed less than 1000 lbs more than before stripped. You might have to watch where you put your water tanks and batt. system for weight distribution. Ed. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Rating: N/A |
Paul - The "A" series MCIs are a good conversion candidates - just make sure you take it to a qualified BUS mechanic to have it checked out prior to purchasing. And as Ed mentioned, be careful with your weight distribution. If it was used in commuter service and has the bi-fold front doors, be prepared for lots of wind noise as they don't seal as well as the more typical sedan door. It can be converted to a sedan door, but your wallet will be about 2K lighter when you finish. Also, early production A's had the most gawd-awful sedan door closing mechanism ever designed. Instead of the traditional horizontally-operating handle on top of the dash, MCI decided to make the operation vertical. Lots of skinned knuckles opening the door, having to use your right foot to get the darned thing completely closed, and the very real potential for genital damage if you're standing in the vestibule area with the door partially open and a gust of wind catches it, thereby blowing it fully open. Better to look for one with the power door option. MCI also spent a ton of money on warranty repairs for the gearbox under the dash that operates this monstrosity. Overall, tho, this is a good conversion candidate, barring the usual caveats. HTH, RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| Timnvt
Rating: N/A |
So, other than no tag axle, what's the difference between the A2 and A3? Are the baggage bays larger or the coach shorter? No doubt the drive axle is further to the rear. Where is the space taken up that would otherwise have been tag axle space? Thanks, Tim | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Rating: N/A |
Third, or rearmost baggage bin is longer, altho it uses the same door. Wheelbase is also longer than three-axle models, but, IIRC, the turning radius is the same. HTH, RJ | ||
| jj-mc9 Rating: N/A |
Paul, Should you care to check it out, there are several 102A2s for sale at: http://www.sawyersbussales.com/index.htm | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Rating: N/A |
Folks, BNO is more than just this bulletin board. Our home page lists "The Bus Stops Here" section which shows many bus model pictures as they were originally manufactured. Hope this helps... The following two buses were taken from that page: MCI 102A2  MCI 102A3  Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| lbrown
Rating: N/A |
Hi Paul, I just drove one all across Canada.IT rides like a charm and drives just as good as Mci 9 that I have.My only problem is I can't figure out the kneeling yet and my book came today and it don't mention anything about it.Leon | ||
| Doug G Rating: N/A |
The A is a great bus. It's a few feet shorter than the D. The D generally has a higher horse power. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Rating: N/A |
Tim & Paul - Look at the two pics Ian posted, and you can see where MCI lengthened the wheelbase on the A2 - look at the extra piece of fluted siding between the last baggage bin and the rear axle. That's all space inside. Doug G - The D model MCIs come in both 40 and 45 foot lengths. Lots of A models with the 8V92 in them, set up for 400 - 450 hp, depending on what the original purchaser requested - same as the D's, except most of the D's have S-60s in them. BTW, starting with the "C" models, there's 3" more headroom inside than previous models. | ||
| FAST FRED Rating: N/A |
Many of these 2 axle coacxhes are VERY close to the gov axle rating. That means you will need great caution to install a lightweight interior , and NOT carry everything you own aboard.(Cities give themselves exemptions to their own road weight laws.) Lightweight certainly gives a better camper, as their is less to start & stop at every light, and on every hill. Weigh one of these as you go for the DD engine & tranny inspection or the Bus chassis inspection prior to purchase. Then decide if you can do an interior and stay legal. FAST FRED |