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Old 01-14-2016, 04:52 PM   #1
Skoolie
 
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lifting bus/removing wheel wells



what could I do to remove the wheel wells on this baby? i want a nice flat surface, i was told i could put smaller tires but the the body will scratch the ground if i dont remove some of it, could i raise the bus like people raises thier trucks? is tht a thing?

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Old 01-14-2016, 07:33 PM   #2
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If you lift it enough to get rid of the wheel wells you might find it is a little unstable/tippy.
Interesting bus however. What engine and transmission does it have?
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Old 01-15-2016, 02:48 AM   #3
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all i have from the ad

"This 1997 Blue Bird bus was a church activity bus (the outline of the decals can still be seen) and it is in great condition.

The engine is a 12 valve P-Pump Turbo and Intercooler 5.9 Cummins 6 cylinder diesel that starts at the first bump of the key.
Allison automatic transmission

This is a Non-Computer No Fuss long lasting Diesel engine with low miles and lots of good life left in her."

u think itll be tippsy even with water tanks installed underneath and filled? would increase weight at the base keep it from being unstable?
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Old 01-15-2016, 12:41 PM   #4
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what if i got smaller tires and lifted it just a tiny bit? is tht even feasible? is it worth it, expesive? i just need a flat interier.
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Old 01-15-2016, 01:01 PM   #5
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Check out Ol' Trunts build of a '35 Chevy. That is just what he did.
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Old 01-15-2016, 01:03 PM   #6
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i think you could find a flat floor wheelchair bus cheaper than making one into it.
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Old 01-15-2016, 01:15 PM   #7
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Also...smaller wheels = lower top speed. Sometimes dramatically. Better run some numbers before chopping. You can do that here...(see the bottom section)...

Engine RPM Calculator
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Old 01-16-2016, 04:37 AM   #8
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how to i find ol' trunts build? is there a search function on this site? oh and its not just the flat floor tht im looking for, its also a flat roof which gives me more head space. Ive been looking for bluebird tc1000s but cant find any and am almost giving up.
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Old 01-16-2016, 04:48 AM   #9
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Old 01-20-2016, 08:16 PM   #10
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is a reg suspension lift viable?
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Old 01-21-2016, 12:33 AM   #11
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Anything is possible, but that doesn't mean its practical.
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Old 01-21-2016, 09:26 AM   #12
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Your only option as far as I'm concerned would be something like this.

You'll have to go to smaller tires and most likely raise it as well. With the smaller tires you're going to want a different gear set in the rear. So by the time you do all the modifications and spend a bunch of money, you're better off just buying what you want from the get go. THEY ARE OUT THERE, just take the time and look far and wide.

Actually, now that I think of it, someone on here has this exact style bus. If I could only remember their name.
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Old 01-21-2016, 09:28 AM   #13
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Maybe this is still available? Call em up. 1999 BlueBird TC1000 8 row Diesel 5.9L Cummins Automatic @ BGA School Buses, Inc. Hudson, FL
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Old 01-21-2016, 09:28 AM   #14
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I think Don and Mary have a 1000, right?
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Old 01-21-2016, 09:31 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Booyah45828 View Post
Those tires don't look like they belong on a nearly $13k bus, at least from the looks in the pics. Man oh man listings like that make me want to go into the bus flipping biz!
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Old 01-21-2016, 11:09 AM   #16
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I totally agree with Booyah...trying to retro a flat floor will be royally expensive to do even close to "right". Just find a flat floor bus that already has the gears, wheels & tires that will work.

One more item to consider. Going with smaller tires also means a lot more RPM's on the driveshaft as well and they all have what is called a "critical speed" that if exceeded can cause it to fly apart. Everything is connected and is engineered as a system. Can any vehicle be modded? Of course...but at what cost and with what risks?

Just sayin'.
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Old 01-22-2016, 01:27 AM   #17
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none of those r still avaiable, ive been looking for months, hmmmm i guess ill just keep looking
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Old 01-22-2016, 06:00 AM   #18
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By summer GovDeals and Public Surplus will have listed some, just hold out and be patient.
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Old 01-22-2016, 07:01 AM   #19
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ok ill ask, why do you want a flat floor?
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Old 01-23-2016, 02:06 PM   #20
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im having a really open lay out, i dont want to have to try and hide the wheel wells, but ive realised i doesnt matter, ill prob keep the wheel wells in. thx anyways guys
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