Hello, I'm a newbie to the bus world, so please be gentle. I am kicking off a new business that will need a bus. We will be doing a mobile vintage clothing bus that will see travel to vintage shows in California, from SW Colorado. Our budget is 20K. Key questions revolve around reliability, engine/transmission choice and driving comfort. Basically, treat me as if I was doing an RV conversion. That might be an easy way to think of what I'm doing. We have been perusing the internet and I feel better equipped to have this conversation now, than I did a few days ago. To get this started, we are interested in a 34 passenger, 2003 Thomas with 152K miles, Engine:Cummins 5.9 Liter Turbo Diesel, Transmission:Allison MD3060 5-Speed Automatic and a 32 passenger Blue Bird, with an 8.5 liter Cummins and 5 Speed Allison Automatic (ad does not specify model transmission and awaits my inquiry.)
These fit our budget and size needs. How am I doing?
Thanks in advance!

Check Ebay, There are a couple of retired Book-mobiles on there that may be just what you are looking for.

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Give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around

Me, I would certainly go with the bigger engine. (It is probably 8.3, not 8.5. The Cummins 8.3 is a very good engine.) The small engine is impressive for its size, but they are rather slow up-hill.
No worries about the transmission model, since all the 5-speeds have lock-up.

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I'm partial to Blue Birds!

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This post is my opinion. It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
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