Opinions on Bus for Conversion?

Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 03:51 PM

Looking at a bus to purchase nd wanted to hear everyone’s opinion on this bus:

1996 International 3800 School Bus, 7.6L L6 DIESEL

279,814 Miles

Located in Colorado

CaptSquid · 10-26-2017, 03:52 PM

How many shekels are they wanting?

Personal preference, but I don't like the doghouse intrusion.

Rusty · 10-26-2017, 03:54 PM

I don't know... it's TOO yellow, for my tastes.

Lotsa miles- good State to buy from, am told. Whats the tires like? what transmission? How tall is ceiling???

You need a monster bus like that? Sucker holds like 78 chitlins.

Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptSquid

How many shekels are they wanting?

Personal preference, but I don't like the doghouse intrusion.

It’s on Gov Deals, auction is still at $500 right now, but who know what will happen as the time time passes.

There’s a few similar buses available, all pretty low still.

I’m super new to this, what does “Dog House Intrusion” mean?

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CaptSquid · 10-26-2017, 03:58 PM

Doghouse intrusion - this bus is a front engined bus. The doghouse intrudes into the passenger compartments.

Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptSquid

Doghouse intrusion - this bus is a front engined bus. The doghouse intrudes into the passenger compartments.

Got it, that’s what I was thinking you meant but I’m learning so much new terminology ;)

Any other opinions on it??

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Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 04:11 PM

2001 International 3800 BUS, 7.3L V8 OHV 16V DIESEL/CNG. T444E. Body is by Blue Bird. School bus with decals removed and some paint damage or fading in various areas on outside of bus. Info plate lists as 71 passenger, but has 23 standard bench seats and one short beach seat. Seats are intact with no tears in vinyl. There is some damage to flooring in a few spots.
Bus was driven to auction site. Last started on 10-24-17. Only tested to start. May or may not have engine issues.

CaptSquid · 10-26-2017, 04:12 PM

I happen to have a RE Thomas (see avatar). These are quieter going down the road and have the shortest drive train. They also have a through-basement.

Transit style (flat nose) buses have the most floor space. The only drawbacks:

Front row seats to an accident
Different steering learning curve.

Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 04:13 PM

I am looking for a very large bus, I have some large furniture I’m unwilling to part with and am planning on living in it full time.

Let me ask about tires and dimensions and get back to you

Rusty · 10-26-2017, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missmichelleb

I have some large furniture I’m unwilling to part with

Let's talk about that, for a second. Are we talking some antiques or just really cool Ikea stuff? Will it fit thru the door? I'd hate to see ya driving around with an extra 10 feet of bus just for a credenza or chaise lounge.

Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptSquid

I happen to have a RE Thomas (see avatar). These are quieter going down the road and have the shortest drive train. They also have a through-basement.

Transit style (flat nose) buses have the most floor space. The only drawbacks:

Front row seats to an accident
Different steering learning curve.

Beautiful looking bus! Where did you get it? I really like the flat nose bus, the style of your bus would be ideal, Great looking bus!!

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CaptSquid · 10-26-2017, 04:27 PM

I got mine at Midwest Transit.. Brunhilde is a 2003 Thomas HDX. I paid $8K for her with 128K on the clock. She's an 84 passenger Rear Engined bus. Drove her from Kankakee, IL to Billings, MT. Foot on the floor, she made 65 MPH and got about 7 MPG. Rode like she was on rails, and the ride was a dream. Had to pay to have a stereo installed, paid 2 kids $340 to gut the seats and had carpeting installed on the front and back 3ds with linoleum in the middle. Another $300 for a custom bedframe.

Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

Let's talk about that, for a second. Are we talking some antiques or just really cool Ikea stuff? Will it fit thru the door? I'd hate to see ya driving around with an extra 10 feet of bus just for a credenza or chaise lounge.

Neither, I have a large bed, it’s important to me and my relationship to have that space. Fitting it in the bus might be a challenge and could possible force me to change my plans. I also have a large couch that doubles as a bed. That should fit no problem, it breaks apart into small units.

My brother and I’m sure most in this community will think I’m crazy but I’m dead set on making it work.

Either way I’d rather have a large bus. Large and in charge is kinda my style

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Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptSquid

I got mine at Midwest Transit.. Brunhilde is a 2003 Thomas HDX. I paid $8K for her with 128K on the clock. She's an 84 passenger Rear Engined bus. Drove her from Kankakee, IL to Billings, MT. Foot on the floor, she made 65 MPH and got about 7 MPG. Rode like she was on rails, and the ride was a dream. Had to pay to have a stereo installed, paid 2 kids $340 to gut the seats and had carpeting installed on the front and back 3ds with linoleum in the middle. Another $300 for a custom bedframe.

Amazing!! I really love the Dog Ear style mirrors on that bus. That’s a-little out of my price range as of right now. Still saving and looking for the perfect bus.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share with me. I do like the idea of having a rear engine and not have that intrusion by the drivers seat.

I learn something new every time I’m on here. Love this community

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Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

I don't know... it's TOO yellow, for my tastes.

Lotsa miles- good State to buy from, am told. Whats the tires like? what transmission? How tall is ceiling???

You need a monster bus like that? Sucker holds like 78 chitlins.

Tires are in fair condition height is 73 inches length is 33
Allison MT643 4speed

Is it safe to assume a 4speed would be a slow mover??

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EastCoastCB · 10-26-2017, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missmichelleb

Got it, that’s what I was thinking you meant but I’m learning so much new terminology ;)

Any other opinions on it??

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I'd personally go get it if I felt like having a 40 footer. Its well equipped. I THINK its even got a retarder on it.

Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I'd personally go get it if I felt like having a 40 footer. Its well equipped. I THINK its even got a retarder on it.

What’s the benefit of a retarder??

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EastCoastCB · 10-26-2017, 07:46 PM

Total vehicle control in mountains and grades.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW5LeTV07Tk

Missmichelleb · 10-26-2017, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Total vehicle control in mountains and grades.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW5LeTV07Tk

Awesome!! Good to know. Thank
You

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CaptSquid · 10-26-2017, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missmichelleb

Amazing!! I really love the Dog Ear style mirrors on that bus. That’s a-little out of my price range as of right now. Still saving and looking for the perfect bus.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share with me. I do like the idea of having a rear engine and not have that intrusion by the drivers seat.

I learn something new every time I’m on here. Love this community

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What is your price range?

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