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Old 02-05-2012, 11:10 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 17
68 IH Loadstar

I am negotiating for a 68 IH Loadstar 1600 dog nose skoolie. It has a 6-354 Perkins diesel, 5sp-2sp.It is registered as a hscr in Ca.The previous owner forgot to remove the radiator cover and blew it up. It has been sitting unloved for about 15 years.I would like to put a V8 gasser instead of the diesel,it's much cheaper. MY metal man is very skilled at modifications.I would prefer to keep it all IH. So, one idea is to buy a complete running truck and start swapping.If I was lucky or smart I could get an ,engine,trans,AC unit,tires,front disc brakes.I live near San Diego,the bus is in the high desert, where the work would be done.So I have a large search area and think I could save parts hunting time.
Anybody knowledgeable about IH have any advice?

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Old 02-06-2012, 06:00 PM   #2
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 124
Year: 1999
Coachwork: ElDorado
Chassis: Chevy P30
Engine: 7.4 liter 454 Chevy
Rated Cap: 24
Re: 68 IH Loadstar

Here is a link for the history of the Perkins Engine:
http://www.allpar.com/mopar/perkins.html

Doing the swap as you mention even with a "donor" vehicle can and most times run 2-3 times you think it will cost.

Engine/trans, all the electrics, fuel tank to gas and hoses, fuel pump and more.
Like checking out your two speed rear end and making sure the gear ratio will work, drive shaft mods and more.

I know you want the keep the gas engine IH; BUT I would probably rethink that??
Parts availability and cost..

Me I would use a big block Chevy 454 or a Ford 460 for the low end torque.
Reason for these engines is parts for them are everywhere.

My Nickel (inflation) is you are negotiating with the bus owner?
Unless you can get the bus virtually "free" I would pass on it. Because any savings above the purchase price will be gone due to the conversion.
Take a friend with you to play the devils advocate - politely though and point out things you may miss.

When you add up the bus price, donor vehicle price, allot of misc. parts and fabrication price and much more; I would use that money to fine a way better bus and use any left over for the conversion.
Just my opinion; been there and done conversions..
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Old 02-06-2012, 09:01 PM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 17
Re: 68 IH Loadstar

Thanks, Bullwhacker007.I'm inclined to agree with your engine recommendations.I don't have any bias about that. What do you think of the 7.3? Is it available in gas? The bus has been converted, though not my style, Iv'e seen a lot of less desirable conversions here.My plan is to make this mechanically sound, sell it, hopefully make some profit, move on to another one already in negotiation.
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Old 02-09-2012, 05:58 PM   #4
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 124
Year: 1999
Coachwork: ElDorado
Chassis: Chevy P30
Engine: 7.4 liter 454 Chevy
Rated Cap: 24
Re: 68 IH Loadstar

HuH?
That is the two engines I mentioned in their cubic inches instead of liters.
The short bus I am converting is a 1999 Chevy Escort FE 25 passenger. 7.4 Liter (454) fuel injected big block gaser.
It is built on the Chevy p-30 chassis and that chassis is used in allot of things including Winnebago ( 1996, etc.) motor homes.
Parts are everywhere for it.

If you are still going to buy the bus and do the conversion you need to check out the rear end ratios and see if it will match the engine and trans power band.
The other option if you use a "donor" bus is get one that the rear axle will work in your bus.
Then you do a full power train swap. You will also have to make sure the braking system will work also; there are different one's vacuum, air, Hydraulic and hybrids of either.
Unless you gotta have that bus and or doing it for the challenge of saying "I did it".. I would just find a better bus.
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