#35 is Alive! Our new bus

[Bon Voyage]

35 is Alive! That’s the interm name for my second bus (hopefully this one will get converted unlike my first bus) just recently picked it up in Washington state. She’s a 2001 Thomas MVP, 40 feet, Cummins ISC 260 hp (rear engine) with Allison Md3060

I’ll post a picture when I figure out how to but she’s one year before they redesigned to the bug or some say dog looking Thomas.

[Bon Voyage]

Here it is at the Thousand Trails campground north of Spokane Washington (there should be a picture attached) on our way home. I kinda wondered if they'd let us in but the guy at the gate on check in had no problem with us; however in the morning a lady came to talk to me and said we might have problems getting into other campgrounds. I think she just didn't like us being there.

Right now I have it in for a government required inspection, will hopefully be done tomorrow (Saturday) so I can see how much it's going to cost me in repairs before I can get the tags/license plates. There is a leak from the heater hose that runs up to the heater in the front of the bus which I know they'll make me fix.

After that inspection passes the seats will start to come out!

[George]

I am curious if this bus is the one on the side street parallel to glenmore trail ( near Blackfoot) in Calgary ?
George

[PNW_Steve]

There have been a few folks ask here about importing a bus from the US to Canada.

Could you share your experience with us?

Thanks.

[Bon Voyage]

Originally Posted by George

I am curious if this bus is the one on the side street parallel to glenmore trail ( near Blackfoot) in Calgary ?
George

No I’m not one of those buses. They’ve always caught my eye as I’ve drove by. I keep mine at my house since I’m lucky enough to have the space. I’ll post a picture when I get it back.

[Bon Voyage]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

There have been a few folks ask here about importing a bus from the US to Canada.

Could you share your experience with us?

Thanks.

I’ve imported a few vehicles into Canada from the USA since 2014. It’s not so bad now that I know what to do but it can be a little much the first couple times.

The main thing to do is follow what it says on Riv.ca, keep the paperwork in order and check to be sure the vehicle is admissible to Canada because you don’t want to buy something only to find out it can’t be imported. The only importable school buses are Thomas, Bluebird and IC bus. Even then you have to make sure the year and seating are admissable and you can’t import anything that’s been altered from original manufacturer specs. So for example anything already converted can’t be imported or even if the seats are removed it can’t be. Even though right after the federal inspection is done you can turn around and pull them all out.

It’s much easier if somebody in Canada can just find a bus here but I had a hard time finding a good one (especially rear engine) and the price I got mine for was hard to beat.

I’ve installed the daytime running lights which are required for the federal inspection and now getting my provincial inspection done. The provincial is the in-depth mechanical check which hopefully won’t cost too much considering my bus just passed the yearly state inspection in Washington in August. There’s an oil leak and coolant leak, the bus also developed a vibration on my way home (was a 660 mile journey). Fingers crossed

[PNW_Steve]

Thank you for sharing that.

[George]

I believe the buses you are referring to are across the road at southland transportation.
This bus is on the south side of the road , rear engine , and rare white roof ... for up here anyway.
George

[Bon Voyage]

The bus has passed the government inspection as the leaks were just tightening hose clamps but the shop is telling me it needs a new charge air cooler (intercooler). Unfortunately the parts are discontinued by Daimler and were sold off to Vintage Parts. Vintage Parts says there's 2 left in existence and will one cost me about $1800 . I'm trying to find another option but it isn't looking good.

[Mr4btTahoe]

I would find another charge cooler from another rear engine bus with similar locations on the inlet and outlet and make it fit. Charge coolers are very simple heat exchangers. Depending on boost levels, you could even run a large universal aftermarket unit.


Or... since yours is more then likely all aluminum... head to a radiator shop and have it repaired?

[Bon Voyage]

Thanks for the ideas Mr4btThahoe

The air cooler was checked out by a radiator shop and they said it’s too far beyond repair.

I’ve ordered the $1800 cooler and will be 5 or so days to ship (the shop is giving it to me for their cost). Rear engine buses are extremely rare in Alberta where I live so it seems the best option as there aren’t any dead buses around. The area for the intercooler in my bus is extremely tight so I wouldn’t have much room to work with for something different.

This is my splurge for myself since I just saved $2000 by changing the failed water pump on my minivan myself. ;) Any future problems like this on the bus and I’ll have to get more creative for my fixes.

[Bon Voyage]

I finally got my bus back home today after 3.5 weeks sitting at the shop. Man what a nightmare... the charge air cooler got lost in the mail so they had to order another one. That was one among other problems.

Glad to have started taking the seats out and get rolling in the project. Need to speed things up to get as much done before winter blows in.

Here’s a picture of the bus parked right beside my house so I can work on it with no trouble at all.

[Bon Voyage]

I'm updating this thread now and since I've got so much work done I'll mainly post pictures right now. Hopefully I can upload them all right side up... Let me know if you have any questions about what I've done.

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More pictures

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and some more

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I'd guess I'm about 70% done the build. I have all the essentials functioning now but lots of 12 volt and some 120 volt wiring to do. The interior walls and ceiling will be close to the last thing to do as I want all the wiring done before I throw it up. Now that the bus is functioning I've lost some motivation to finish it but I will eventually.

Today and tomorrow I'm working on running the heater hoses back up front to the dash heaters. The other heaters were removed.

[Bon Voyage]

I added a air horn earlier this spring. Looking forward to using it on those that pass me then cut in front when there’s wide open highway ahead

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Retry, thought I had that right

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And finally finished painting earlier this summer