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Old 04-28-2017, 03:04 PM   #1
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Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Scottsville, Va
Posts: 9
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner
Engine: Caterpillar
Rated Cap: 87
Arrow Bus Eleven

Hello, all!

I'm beginning my journey here with retired Bus 11 of the Alexandria, Va school system. It's a 2001 Thomas Saf-T-Liner with a Caterpillar (D6?) Diesel engine and an Allison 3060 automatic transmission. It has 105k miles.

Back story:

My apartment caught fire and nearly killed Rachel and I. We ended up without a place to be, as our landlord is a rich, apathetic, bourgeois jerk. We broke the lease, bought a 20ft bell tent and set up an off-grid base camp on the James River in which to live and test the amenities and systems that will be transplanted to the bus when structural work is complete.

At the time of this post, I have removed the seats. I intend a 16-18" roof raise. I will be removing most of the windows, however, keeping a few that will be reoriented vertically for the galley and sleeping quarters. I also intend to re-fabricate the port-side emergency door to increase its height and add a linear bearing mounted cantilevered deck with awning.

My background is ex U.S. Coast Guard, aboard the cutter Red Birch (WLM687), heavy industry rigging with Torrence Rope and Sling (Richmond, VA), millwright, welding and pipe fitting, residential carpentry, plumbing and electronics.

All advice will be appreciated and considered.
-Conley
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Old 04-28-2017, 03:20 PM   #2
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Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,573
Year: 2003
Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9L Cummins
Rated Cap: '00
You're in a van.... down by the river.

Sweet. Livin' the dream.

advice? You have the skill-sets covered- we may be asking you !
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Old 04-28-2017, 10:21 PM   #3
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 855
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: All American
Engine: Cummins 8.3/Allison MD3060
Rated Cap: 84
Only advice is to do a little research on what a Cat D6 is. I think you'll quickly realize you don't have one under your hood.

Probably a 3126.

Sounds like you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and the skill set to get yourself there. Post plenty of pictures, we all like to follow along!
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Old 04-28-2017, 10:50 PM   #4
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Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Willamina, Oregon
Posts: 6,409
Coachwork: 97 Bluebird TC1000 5.9
That's a pretty nice looking bus. I'd have to agree with Rameses about the D6. That is a pretty nice sounding power package with the 3060. I like the exterior look.
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Old 04-29-2017, 08:10 AM   #5
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Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Scottsville, Va
Posts: 9
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner
Engine: Caterpillar
Rated Cap: 87
Seats out except the back. 6 hours and an 8" grinder. Arms.... jello......
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Old 04-29-2017, 08:13 AM   #6
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Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Scottsville, Va
Posts: 9
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner
Engine: Caterpillar
Rated Cap: 87
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rameses View Post
Only advice is to do a little research on what a Cat D6 is. I think you'll quickly realize you don't have one under your hood.

Probably a 3126.

Sounds like you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and the skill set to get yourself there. Post plenty of pictures, we all like to follow along!
Yeah, I definitely don't have one of those under the hood, haha. It's a 3126B250. Pictures forthcoming.
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Old 06-01-2017, 08:46 PM   #7
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Join Date: May 2017
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 1,413
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Thomas
Engine: CAT 3126
I just got pretty much the same bus so I'm eager to see your progress. Will probably be following in your footsteps. Mine is 1 row shorter, but otherwise the same I think.
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