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Old 01-17-2016, 08:43 PM   #41
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Bozeman Montana
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Year: 1978
Coachwork: Superior
Chassis: International
Engine: International 392 V-8 gas
Rated Cap: 72 passengers
I was looking at those busses in wa also. my 78 international is so simple and will run no matter how cold it is out but there is something to be said about being able to cruise over 60 mph and get decent mileage. . I am looking to start building different types of specific use vehicles so something a little more modern fits the bill. A friend who drives truck for a living told me that most of those buses are being bought just for their engines and transmissions then scrap the rest for a fair bit at the recycler.
Seems to me they are well worth the investment. I look forward to watching your progress

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Old 01-17-2016, 09:50 PM   #42
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Not sure what auxiliary braking is. I can downshift and engine brake or use the normal aor brakes.
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Old 01-18-2016, 08:33 AM   #43
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What's s/a hi-low switch? Cl lamps? I'm trying to figure out how to turn on top white lights. Will be driving thru low visibility snow in a few hours
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Old 01-18-2016, 08:47 AM   #44
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What's s/a hi-low switch? Cl lamps? I'm trying to figure out how to turn on top white lights. Will be driving thru low visibility snow in a few hours
I don't know about "s/a hi-low", but "Cl lamps" would be your clearance lights (the small orange and red lights all around the top of the bus). Around here large vehicles legally need these turned on past dusk. Like headlights, they're worth having on at all times.
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Old 01-18-2016, 10:27 AM   #45
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i think the "s/a switch" is the stop arm. or stop sign that swings when you open the door
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Old 01-18-2016, 05:49 PM   #46
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Advice PLS

Woukd this be a good deal or do you all think we could find better ?

Here is the link

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5401656449.html
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Old 01-18-2016, 05:53 PM   #47
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I'd grab it. Most of the work is done.
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Old 01-18-2016, 06:06 PM   #48
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True, is the millage ok though ? Most people who buy buses get them for a lot less .... my fear would be for it to not have as much life as something else maybe ? What do you thibk I am very ignorant on mechanics, little let, or a lot less, bus mechanics.
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Old 01-18-2016, 06:26 PM   #49
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Woukd this be a good deal or do you all think we could find better ?

Here is the link

1985 Thomas MPV School Bus conversion
How big of an issue is the coolant leak?
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Old 01-18-2016, 06:37 PM   #50
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How big of an issue is the coolant leak?
No clue ... but if that is an issue, wouldnt it be easy to fix ??? I really need to be guided theough all of this.
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Old 01-18-2016, 07:08 PM   #51
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If it were an easy fix, then the seller would have likely fixed it and not put that into the listing.
If it is easy to fix and they haven't addressed it, what else have they let go?
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Old 01-19-2016, 04:12 PM   #52
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Alright, so, I have been doing my homework and looking for buses ion my area. I did call the school districts and they would all sell buses to us.Now the question is, out of all of these buses just with this information available, which bus would be the "better" choice according to your knowledge ?

1.- 1988 International F1800, Thomas body, Allison MT 643, DT 466, Diesel 216k miles 66 pax and 210 HP, Air brakes

2.- 2000 International Amtram, 72 pax, MT 643, Air brakes, T444E Engine, diesel, 168 k miles

3.- 2001 International AmTram, 72 pax, AT545 Transmission, Air Brakes, T444E Engine, Diesel, from 147 k to 211k miles ...
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Old 01-19-2016, 04:44 PM   #53
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another one is a 1994-96 Ford Chassis, Thomas Body, Cummins 5.9 B model, allison MT643, 77 pax, 120 k miles , electric retarder
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Old 01-19-2016, 04:50 PM   #54
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1.- 1988 International F1800, Thomas body, Allison MT 643, DT 466, Diesel 216k miles 66 pax and 210 HP, Air breaks
I would go for this one, but if you need more room or want the retarder I'd go with the ford as second.
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Old 01-19-2016, 04:54 PM   #55
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Air "breaks" do not stop vehicles; air "BRAKES" do.

1. Go for the most seating available. You will, more than likely, be removing all of the passenger seats and selling them at 1¢/lb at the local scrap yard. This will yield the most available square footage.

2. Many people go for the transit-style buses simply because they, too, yield the most square footage. I have an 03 Thomas HDX transit-style with basement (see profile pix); I have approximately 240 sq. ft. and the engine is in the very rear, giving a better balance and lower noise in the cabin. The drawback? You have front-row seats to an accident and the four wheel arches in back. Conventional style buses have only two wheel arches in back, but are easier in the transition from your POV to driving a 36000 lb building. In this style, you walk to the accident.

3. Lower mileage vehicles and newer ones may give you the most longevity, but check out the drive train and tires.

4. RUST. No one can stress this too much. Surface rust is one thing; cancer is another. The footwell (entry) on these vehicles can tell you much, but crawling underneath will reveal other potential problems.

Without pictures, it's impossible to determine which bus is the better choice. Besides, preferences differ. Some people like Fords, others Chevys; some like Thomases, others Cornbinders.
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Old 01-19-2016, 06:10 PM   #56
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congrats!!!


welcome to skoolie ownership. it just gets more expensive from here.

if you already have auto insurance, a recent bill of sale (less than 14 days) covers you for the trip home. waiting longer means you'll have to plate and insure it.
Is this everywhere in the US or does it vary per state ?
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Old 01-19-2016, 07:13 PM   #57
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I would go for this one, but if you need more room or want the retarder I'd go with the ford as second.
Please tell me something. Would the cummins 5.9 be an ok engine though? I am thinking about my husbands truck being a 5.3... we would like to be able to tow my durango behind it, plus the concersion weight...

Any and all advice is so welcome and apriceated.
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Old 01-19-2016, 07:18 PM   #58
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I would go for this one, but if you need more room or want the retarder I'd go with the ford as second.
I vote with Hank.
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Old 01-19-2016, 07:20 PM   #59
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I third Hank's vote.
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Old 01-20-2016, 10:16 AM   #60
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Ok, so I went to see bus #1. IT is in excellent conditikn and to our surprise, it has a retarder and the engine and transmissio were "recently" changed so it does not have the 216k miles listed. HOWEVER, there are 25 feet from behind the driver's seat to the back by 7 feet wide. That is 175 square feet, for a family of 5 ... maybe 6 .... I am affraid it would be too tight UNLESS we add a loft. What are your oppinions PLEASE !!!!
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