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04-16-2018, 06:35 PM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
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TOTAL NOOB - What's too old and too many miles?
I am completely new to this. I haven't even got a bus yet!
How old is too old and how many miles is too many? Is something like what I've listed below worth converting? Do these things hold up?
Year: 1995
Mileage: 199,000
Running Condition: yes
Engine: Diesel DT 466
Transmission: allison
Body Style: Thomas
Brakes: Hydraulic
1995 School bus in Running Condition.
Condition: FAIR
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04-16-2018, 07:31 PM
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#2
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by msmarko
I am completely new to this. I haven't even got a bus yet!
How old is too old and how many miles is too many? Is something like what I've listed below worth converting? Do these things hold up?
Year: 1995
Mileage: 199,000
Running Condition: yes
Engine: Diesel DT 466
Transmission: allison
Body Style: Thomas
Brakes: Hydraulic
1995 School bus in Running Condition.
Condition: FAIR
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Sounds ok to me. Mechanical DT's are TOTALLY worth buying. WHat's the price??
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04-16-2018, 07:38 PM
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#3
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Skoolie
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Brunswick, GA
Posts: 150
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9 Cummins
Rated Cap: 84
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Definite possible maybe.
Engine's got a good reputation. If everything else checks ok, I would get an oil analysis if permitted.
Allison has many different flavors - some more desirable than others. Many discussions on here about the different models. If seller doesn't know which it is, there should be a data plate on the side specifying the model. A fluid analysis would give indication of wear.
Brakes- if maintained properly, not a deal breaker for me, but I prefer air.
You don't mention where it is from, but some areas of the country are more prone to corrosion issues than others (north east vs south west). Minor surface rust isn't a problem, but cancerous rust is.
Tires are expensive, and can cost more than many bus purchase prices.
Steering gear is $500-600 for parts alone.
Gotta look at the whole package - with a mechanic's eye and an accountant's pencil.
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04-16-2018, 07:44 PM
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#4
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
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Interesting bit on the DT466: Building The Legendary Navistar DT466 - Diesel Power Magazine
I would not hesitate to buy at DT466 powered bus with 200k miles just based on the miles. You would want to look at the same stuff that you would on any other purchase. Coolant in oil, oil in coolant, blow-by-blow and so on.
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04-16-2018, 09:40 PM
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#5
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
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IMHO the oldest and newest I would be interested in would be between 98-04. Reason being anything older will be in the same price range as an 04 can be had. Mileage makes a big difference if they were all cared for properly. While the 95 example would not fit my years, mileage makes up for the years, so it would be price dependent on whether the 95 is a deal or not. Newer than 04 runs into electrical gremlins that I just care to avoid, always frustrating, time consuming and expensive.
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04-16-2018, 09:44 PM
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#6
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Owasso, OK
Posts: 2,627
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner MVP ER
Engine: Cummins 6CTA8.3 Mechanical MD3060
Rated Cap: 46 Coach Seats, 40 foot
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Well so far on this site I've seen everything from 1946 to 2008.
It's completely a matter of what you want it for, and how much you want to do.
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04-16-2018, 09:49 PM
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#7
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twigg
Well so far on this site I've seen everything from 1946 to 2008.
It's completely a matter of what you want it for, and how much you want to do.
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Yup, back to cubic dollars, how fast do you want to go.
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04-17-2018, 12:07 AM
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#8
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 18,848
Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
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age plays a factor in bopdy condition too... while a nice mechanical non computer drivetrain is often a great find.. a 23 year old bus may have more hidden rust as. well than a 2004..
some here are Ok with electronic engines so they dont have to do metal work... others avoid electronic engines and buy older because they can weld in their sleep but dont have the skills or tools to troubleshoot the computerized engines..
and the general consensus is that busses newer than 2007 are prone to many more issues due to complex electronic smog / emissions controls. vs busses ewven from 2006 and earlier..
-Christopher
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04-17-2018, 12:38 PM
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#9
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New Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
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Its going for $1200
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04-17-2018, 12:48 PM
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#10
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New Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
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It's in Florida. I'd like to make a live aboard off grid art and video production vehicle that can sleep and support my crew and sometimes companions, up to 6. I'm a documentary photographer and filmmaker. Want to travel EVERYWHERE we can in such a thing, be happy and safe and avoid hypocrisy, eat well, discover the world and produce great work.
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04-17-2018, 03:50 PM
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#11
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Winlcok, WA
Posts: 2,233
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Since you intend to spend a lot of time on the road going places I think I would pass on this bus for several reasons.
First, the DT466 came in a lot of different HP ratings from as low as 160 HP to as high as 285 HP. A Type 'C' bus with hydraulic brakes is more than likely a route bus that has a low HP engine, the AT545 transmission, and route gearing. So while the engine is a great engine the rest of the package is so-so.
Second, if you are going to spend a lot of time going places you need big HP and highway gears. To retrofit later will cost much more than purchasing a bus that is already set up to go highway speeds and up hills quickly.
Third, if you are going to be traveling a lot that means you will be going through mountains. Air brakes usually have much greater braking surfaces than most hydraulic brakes. More braking surface means less brake fade. Less brake fade means more stopping ability. Also most hydraulic brake equipped vehicles have really poor emergency/parking brakes. All buses made in the last 40-years have spring brakes that apply the rear brakes in case of loss of air or for parking. They will stop the bus and keep it stopped much better than any hand brake. Air brakes also require much less care and feeding when not in use. Brake fluid is hydroscopic (attracts water). Over time that characteristic means water builds up in the brake fluid which reduces the ability of the brake fluid to shed heat and the water tends to rust and corrode the hard parts which will cause the soft parts to fail.
And lastly, you don't mention whether you anticipate a roof raise or not. If you get a high ceiling model you probably won't need to raise the roof. If you get a standard or low ceiling model you will most probably need to raise the roof.
So while the price is attractive you might discover that purchasing a bus 3x-5x as expensive will actually cost you less in the long run.
As always, regardless of price, if it has rust walk away from it!
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04-17-2018, 05:28 PM
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#12
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New Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cowlitzcoach
Since you intend to spend a lot of time on the road going places I think I would pass on this bus for several reasons.
First, the DT466 came in a lot of different HP ratings from as low as 160 HP to as high as 285 HP. A Type 'C' bus with hydraulic brakes is more than likely a route bus that has a low HP engine, the AT545 transmission, and route gearing. So while the engine is a great engine the rest of the package is so-so...
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Cowlitzcoach - Most of the things you mention I had no knowledge of and they are obviously important. Thanks for the cup of wisdom. I do want a high roof and also anticipate mountain driving. Feel free to enlighten me anytime. Thanx!!!
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04-17-2018, 09:26 PM
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#13
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by msmarko
Its going for $1200
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I'll take it if you don't want it.
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04-18-2018, 12:36 AM
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#14
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Virginia
Posts: 2,325
Year: 1971
Coachwork: Wayne
Chassis: International Loadstar 1700
Engine: 345 international V-8
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Test drive it. maybe it does have good gearing, and some power, even if does not at least gives you a chance to drive one to get the feel for it.
P.S. I was in Eustis Florida a few days ago
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04-18-2018, 05:12 AM
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#15
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronnie
Test drive it. maybe it does have good gearing, and some power, even if does not at least gives you a chance to drive one to get the feel for it.
P.S. I was in Eustis Florida a few days ago
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Cool. You from Fl?
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04-18-2018, 07:08 AM
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#16
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Virginia
Posts: 2,325
Year: 1971
Coachwork: Wayne
Chassis: International Loadstar 1700
Engine: 345 international V-8
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No, Virginia. Just visiting Florida
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