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Old 01-28-2016, 01:51 AM   #1
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worth converting?

just a general question? came across this and just fancied the idea of converting this being tht it seems pretty cheap and mileage is "low". its not a school bus so not tech a skoolie but close enough. has anyone ever had any experience with something like this? is it worth it? would it make a good home with its lack of ground clearance, type of motor,tranny, etc? any positives of converting something like this instead of a school bus? just figured id start a conversation and see what you all thought for anyone out there who decides converting a bus tht isnt a skoolie. being tht you all as a collective have far more understanding of these things than i.
https://eastoregon.craigslist.org/cto/5404721577.html

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Old 01-28-2016, 06:41 AM   #2
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I'm sure I've asked you this before, but where are you located?
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Old 01-28-2016, 07:07 AM   #3
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go for it, check the usual. ask the top speed. good luck
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Old 01-28-2016, 08:05 AM   #4
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That looks like a nice bus but it has quite a few issues that don't lend itself to being a good conversion candidate.

First, there is virtually no space under the floor for any tanks or plumbing.

Second, since it was in transit service the power package and gearing is most likely not set up for highway speeds.

Third, if you ever expect to go anyplace off pavement you are going to have some real issues with ground clearance.

I have seen some really nice conversions made in low floor transit buses where all of the plumbing and tanks were installed on the factory floor and then a new floor was built on top of everything. That is fine if you have enough inside height to do so. Basically the floor would be the same height as the floor behind the drive axle of this bus. One advantage of this sort of construction is you won't have nearly as much of a problem keeping the floor warm and the tanks from freezing in cold weather. The big disadvantage is if you ever have a leak it can become a major disaster before you realize you have a problem.

If you recognize the problems and everything seems to work properly then the price makes this bus sort of attractive.

Good luck and happy trails.
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Old 01-28-2016, 02:29 PM   #5
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ok, i wouldnt convert this is was just interested in u guys' opinions. east coast cb im in l.a.
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Old 01-28-2016, 02:36 PM   #6
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California or Louisiana?
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Old 01-28-2016, 04:46 PM   #7
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sorry i always forget to clarify, but its california
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Old 01-29-2016, 12:14 AM   #8
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i mean realistically how hard(expensve) would it be to gear this for highway speeds and to raise the bus by a foot or 2? would the cost outway just straight buying a skool bus even though this bus has low miles and is pretty? those r the windows i kind of want and would save me loads of work
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Old 01-29-2016, 05:12 AM   #9
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IMHO, you would be better off getting a skoolie and installing those windows if those are what you want. Considering you want a roof raise, and such, the carbon fiber body becomes VERY weak during a roof raise and the whole structural integrity is compromised as well. School buses are designed to be brawlers with lots of steel to handle being upside down and not crush in. Thus you see lots of school buses getting roof raises. I do not have the facility, time, nor budget to do a roof raise, but I do appreciate roof raises done correctly and safely. The raise will give you options for larger windows and taller doors. I would not look at this fiberglass bus as a good candidate for such a project just in terms of safety alone.
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Old 01-29-2016, 06:46 AM   #10
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whats the top speed? 60 is fast enough in a bus. the roof is high enough. this is a great bus for the right person. i love those windows too, what a veiw of our great country. storage? plenty of storage area in the bus, most people haul to much junk around anyway. I M O
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Old 01-30-2016, 06:12 AM   #11
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My only concern as a n00b is the body itself. I like my skoolie because it'll laugh at anything smaller than a car from any direction. This? I doubt it...

Ground clearance? You planning on going mudding with it?!? ;)
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Old 01-30-2016, 06:26 AM   #12
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Ground clearance is essential for getting up my driveway. YMMV.
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Old 01-30-2016, 06:29 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
Ground clearance is essential for getting up my driveway. YMMV.
Park directly on the turnpike! I'm suuuuure the troopies will leave you alone! HA![emoji28]
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Old 01-30-2016, 06:30 AM   #14
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Its not too far now, they just expanded the 429 to about a mile from the bus!
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