South Texas short bus camper...5.7 vs 6.2

[joetx]

So I bought this '91 5.7 GMC gas 4 window with about 112K and the motor sounds great. I have the chance to buy another one, '93 GMC also 4 window, with a 6.2 diesel with about 113K. Haven't heard this run, but they both were parked due to old age. I think the 6.2 is probably OK, but the price is really reasonable and very clean.

I know you guys prefer the bigger bus platform over the van platform, but here's my plans for it. I'm retired and the wife will be retiring at the end of this school year. We've always want a small school bus. My plans for it is to install 3 captain chairs in it, convert the bus door into one, use the two short bus seats facing each other with a small table between them. This will be behind the driver's seat. That will leave enough space over the wheel well to the back end for a small kitchen area--Fridge, sink, small stove.Across on the pass side behind the third captain seat, a sofa bench that converts to a full size bed, like the one Jazty made. This arrangement will also allow full use of the back door. Will probably extend my rear bumper about 30 inches with a fold up stair way for access and for a small generator, ice chest, electric wheel chair, or Honda mini trail 50, etc

I'm in South Tx and we'll primarily stay within a 400 mile radius of home. Weekend type camping at lakes, parks, and the beach. Fishing, hunting, slow drives enjoying the country side. We do have some hills up in the hill country up north.

I also want to be able to tow a U-Haul size car hauler I have and pull one of my hot rods on it sometimes. If I can do 50-60 mph I would be OK with that.

So now my question, which of the two would serve my purposes better with my plans for it. Some advice on the MPG and towing capabilities would really be appreciated. Thanks Joe.

1991 ward 5.7





Was trying out the van sofa bed, but it's not going to work here, so the bus/bench/table will go in this spot....




Here's the '93 AmTran 6.2





While I was in a bus buying mood, went ahead and bought this one also. 97K 5.7. replaced fuel pump and is now running.

[nat_ster]

How many short buses did you buy?

You could have got a good short full size chassis bus for less, and it would have done everything you want to do better.

Nat

[EastCoastCB]

Keep the pics coming... I LOVE that Ward!
I'm looking for a VAN-based shorty for weekend duty and hauling supplies. I think they're GREAT. Probably easier to insure than a full size bus too.

[joetx]

Originally Posted by nat_ster

How many short buses did you buy?

You could have got a good short full size chassis bus for less, and it would have done everything you want to do better.

Nat

Nat, I've bought two buses and if my offer comes through, I'll be buying three more. All chevy/gmc vans, one being the '93 6.2 diesel.....I'm aware that I could have gotten a full size short bus and it would do everything I want.... What you have no idea is how much I'm paying for these buses or after I get what I want, what this van/bus will end up costing me. So your statement that I could have gotten a "got a good short full size chassis bus for less" is not fair or accurate.

Also, I could have just added a cab-over camper to my 2012 4 wh. dr. Dodge, 3500 diesel and then I would be sure that my truck would do everything I ask of it.....however, I really like the low profile short van buses which is why I bought these buses and am choosing one as my starting platform for my project.

I haven't been on this forum very long, but I've done a lot of reading and I've read most if not all your reply to posts and I respect your expertise and opinions which is why I qualified my post above with "I know you guys prefer the bigger bus platform over the van platform", however, a lot of times you cut down the topic poster because you don't agree with him. I'm here to learn and get along with everyone.

So with this said, maybe you can now give me your opinion to my question, which of the two would serve my purposes better with my plans for it. Some advice on the MPG and towing capabilities would really be appreciated. Thanks Joe.

[dond]

Good for you Joe!

[EastCoastCB]

I'd go for a 6.2 diesel.
You won't win any races, but they're good engines and simple.

[nat_ster]

I'm out, I have no interest in any of the platforms you listed.

Nat

[joetx]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I'd go for a 6.2 diesel.
You won't win any races, but they're good engines and simple.

Thanks, not interested in winning races. Get my thrills from my old cars...

[EastCoastCB]

^ Very cool!

[Tango]

Sweet. that a '29? Metal or glass?

[joetx]

'27 Model T..All metal. '53 flathead.

[Tango]

Wow!...I am impressed. Just finding a real metal '29 these days is a major accomplishment. Sweet looking rod! And...a flat head to boot? Too much!

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by joetx

'27 Model T..All metal. '53 flathead.

YES VERY IMPRESSIVE!!!!
WOW... just WOW!

I love the sound of an old flathead!

[Tango]

FHF!...you gotta be a real fan to remember that one.

[joetx]

Built this back in 2003.

Humble beginnings:







Lots of patching...



And with this, I'll stop posting this stuff. Don't want to be run off the forum for getting off topic....Joe.

[Tango]

Old school cool is never off topic in my book. Sweeeeeet!

And I LOVE the spokers & wide whities!

[REDD]

Originally Posted by joetx

Built this back in 2003.

Humble beginnings:







Lots of patching...



And with this, I'll stop posting this stuff. Don't want to be run off the forum for getting off topic....Joe.

Cool Ride! ......off topic, lol it's your thread.

.....last pic, what's the cab off in the back ground?

My brother builds cars for the well off.....boothillauto.ca

[joetx]

Hard to tell from that picture, it's back from 2003, but I've never had a '32 PU, Have had quite a few '33,'34, and model A's. Looks like it may have been a '33, best I can tell from the belt line below the back window. Regardless, it's been long gone. Have a '34 one ton, several A pu's.

I stopped building cars for the "well Off" a long time ago. Build them for myself now, that way I don't get mad at no one, and no one get's mad at me......

[Hayseed]

We bought our 4 window short bos on the 15th
We are retired and look forward to camping and visiting family. Having only 10’ to design will take careful planning
If you have finished yours I like to see pics
Here’s a few of our 2002 Blue Bird. 5.7
53,000 mi

[Ronnie]

ECCB is the only who gave an answer to his question. Wonder if he built either bus?



I would have done the gasser, really like the look of the old chevy vans, and the 5.7 has a lot of aftermarket goodies for it to make real power. The 6.2 is just plain slow. Will get better fuel mileage though