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Old 03-18-2010, 10:48 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North of Detroit, MI
Posts: 56
Year: 1986
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 8.2 Detroit Deisel
Rated Cap: 6 carbon units 1 drag car
New skoolie owner.

Ok guys and gals,

I asked a few questions, was refered to some great topics to read. Well after a bunch of thinking and research I pulled the trigger.

I told the guy I am getting the bus from a couple of weeks ago I wanted it. Now I leave tomorrow to go get it. A 2 day Bonzai road trip from MI to AL and back.

I will post pics of the trip and the bus when I get back.

Here are the basics,

86 Bluebird, 88 passenger, auto, 8.2 liter International diesel. engine and trans rebuilt with less than 2 years of sevice on them. Tires and brakes are in good condition. It is mosly converted over to be a car hauler with living space up front. The only thing that is an issue is one of the powersteering lines leak and I should carry a quart or 2 of fluid.

That is everything I know at this point.

Just thought I would let you all know.

so with that, any known downfalls to the 8.2 liter International diesel? the 86's have any quirks I should keep my eyes out for?

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Old 03-18-2010, 01:44 PM   #2
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North of Detroit, MI
Posts: 56
Year: 1986
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 8.2 Detroit Deisel
Rated Cap: 6 carbon units 1 drag car
Re: New skoolie owner.

Thanks guys,

Yes the camera is packed. Starting to get excited.

Good call on the oil and coolant. so you think a gallon of PS fluid is needed?


I am hoping the extra cash and CC are not needed.

I am thinking positive on this end.
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Old 03-22-2010, 07:18 AM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North of Detroit, MI
Posts: 56
Year: 1986
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 8.2 Detroit Deisel
Rated Cap: 6 carbon units 1 drag car
Re: New skoolie owner.

Ok the Banzai run to Alabama and back are complete. Only casualties is my buddy and my sleep habits.

The bus is a just fine. I will post pics as soon as I can figure out how on this site.

Here is what I know, it is an 86, was told it is an 8.2 International. Could 8.1, again I need to check. It was removed from service in 06, bought in 07 by the guy I bought it off of. He actually knows the guy who drove it while in service. The guy I bought it off is really great. told me more about it than most sellers would and even made sure all the fluids were topped off and it was ready for a 850+ mile trip to its new home. Heck he even called me on the way home to see how things were going.

I said above there was a leak in the P/S line. actually the p/s pump is shot, I think. It really hates to be put under load even at higher rpms. The bus needs some TLC but is usable for what I need now.

I have some good plans for it but will be doing a lot of reading on here before I start to tear into it.

Also need to get it moved from the drive to the back of the house as it takes up a lot of space....
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Old 03-23-2010, 09:26 AM   #4
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North of Detroit, MI
Posts: 56
Year: 1986
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 8.2 Detroit Deisel
Rated Cap: 6 carbon units 1 drag car
Re: New skoolie owner.

Ok I think I have the pic thing figured out so here is a shot at it.

I will have more and post them soon. Still need to get a game plan for finishing it.
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Old 03-23-2010, 10:49 AM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Re: New skoolie owner.

Can I ask how you found the bus?
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Old 03-24-2010, 06:40 AM   #6
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North of Detroit, MI
Posts: 56
Year: 1986
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 8.2 Detroit Deisel
Rated Cap: 6 carbon units 1 drag car
Re: New skoolie owner.

Filling it will be easy. figuring out what kind of flooring, seating and entertainment system will be the issue.

Here is the car we drove down to pick it up, loaded and ready for the trip home.

How I found it was a long story, the short of it is this. One of the racing boards I go to had a converted bus for sale. The guy selling it was pretty non-commital to even tossing out a ball park price. I ended up contacting the guy who built it with hopes of getting his help in building my own. He said I could by his. We talked, struck a deal and that is that.
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Old 03-24-2010, 06:52 AM   #7
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North of Detroit, MI
Posts: 56
Year: 1986
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 8.2 Detroit Deisel
Rated Cap: 6 carbon units 1 drag car
Re: New skoolie owner.

Here are the cars that it will be filled with, 1 is mine and 2 are a buddies.

I am a little worried about the B-body fitting but I think it will be tight, but should fit.
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Old 03-26-2010, 07:08 PM   #8
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MASS
Posts: 449
Year: 1993
Coachwork: THOMAS
Chassis: SAFE-T-LINER
Engine: CAT 3116
Rated Cap: 83
Re: New skoolie owner.

WOW! NICE CARS AND NICE BUS!!

Oh that engine would be the 8.2 Detroit Diesel. What was the max speed on the highway? 55-60mph? Keep an eye on the coolant level. They like to eat head gaskets. I'll bet it fires up on half a crank right? LOL
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Old 03-27-2010, 10:15 AM   #9
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North of Detroit, MI
Posts: 56
Year: 1986
Coachwork: Bluebird
Engine: 8.2 Detroit Deisel
Rated Cap: 6 carbon units 1 drag car
Re: New skoolie owner.

Good to know it is a DD.

We were seeing speeds of 65 max, not down hill, according to the Garmin.

Thanks for the heads up on the eating head gaskets.
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