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Old 01-22-2017, 05:51 PM   #1
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The wife is on board!

Looking for my first bus. Any help would be appreciated. Buy budget 3-4k.
Planning on a 3 season camper.
I am in western Massachusetts, if that helps.
Any and all tips would be appreciated as well.
Thanks. Mike


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Old 01-22-2017, 07:05 PM   #2
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Do a lot of homework and figure out in advance what size and configuration will fit your dream. Research engine and tranny options. Then buy the very best unit you can afford with as little rust and issues as possible. Even if you have to travel a few thousand miles to get it. Your life as a bus converter will be SO much simpler.

Best of luck on the hunt.
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Old 01-22-2017, 07:08 PM   #3
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Do a lot of homework and figure out in advance what size and configuration will fit your dream. Research engine and tranny options. Then buy the very best unit you can afford with as little rust and issues as possible. Even if you have to travel a few thousand miles to get it. Your life as a bus converter will be SO much simpler.

Best of luck on the hunt.
Thank you.

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Old 01-22-2017, 07:12 PM   #4
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PS...The "build threads" here on this forum are probably the best place on planet Earth to actually see what can be done, avoided, encountered with any given Skoolie platform. Read up!
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Old 01-22-2017, 09:10 PM   #5
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BEFORE you buy, find a place to park/work on it! Jack
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Old 01-22-2017, 09:44 PM   #6
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Welcome Mike, good luck!
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Old 01-22-2017, 09:45 PM   #7
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The driveway is a cool 60 ft. Have to check with the town to make sure it's legal... But that is the plan.

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Old 01-22-2017, 09:46 PM   #8
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Welcome Mike, good luck!
Thank you. I am excited. Plan on looking all winter, unless the perfect specimen falls into my lap.

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Old 01-22-2017, 09:53 PM   #9
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Seems a very wise approach. Patience sure paid off for me, i was even about to catch a train to PA when my gut said to wait there is something better. It wasnt logical because the bus was exactly what i wanted, for $1200 what could be better?! but my gut insisted i wait and since i am in my 40s and not 20s i find much more peace when i listen to my gut, so reluctantly i listened and an almost identical bus showed up a week later, 70 miles away, and for $1000. It was profound
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Old 01-22-2017, 11:30 PM   #10
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Greeting from Eastern MA!

I know the different ends of the state can differ greatly on local issues, but I'd ask the town if they'd have any problems with you parking a motorhome in the driveway. (Don't use the word "bus.") If they say no, then once you get it, paint it, do the minimum conversion to get it registered as a motorhome, then take as darn long as you want to do the rest.

If they look at you like you're crazy for even asking, I'd be tempted to say just do whatever you please unless someone complains.
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Old 01-22-2017, 11:33 PM   #11
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Greeting from Eastern MA!

I know the different ends of the state can differ greatly on local issues, but I'd ask the town if they'd have any problems with you parking a motorhome in the driveway. (Don't use the word "bus.") If they say no, then once you get it, paint it, do the minimum conversion to get it registered as a motorhome, then take as darn long as you want to do the rest.

If they look at you like you're crazy for even asking, I'd be tempted to say just do whatever you please unless someone complains.
That's a good tip. 😉
No bus here...

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Old 01-23-2017, 06:55 AM   #12
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BEFORE you buy, find a place to park/work on it! Jack
THIS is the most important part!
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Old 01-23-2017, 10:17 PM   #13
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going to look at one close by

found this close by.
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Old 01-27-2017, 01:13 PM   #14
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how about this?

i am seeing a 2002 - 77 passenger RE International Amtran with a 466E and a 3060 trans. if I am correct that is a pretty solid combo if there are no warning lights. Also a 2001 - RE 84 passenger Bluebird with a Cummins and a 3000 trans (how it was listed)
I know it comes down to preference, but anyone have any input on these two drivelines... maint, durability, ease of service etc..
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Old 01-27-2017, 01:27 PM   #15
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i am seeing a 2002 - 77 passenger RE International Amtran with a 466E and a 3060 trans. if I am correct that is a pretty solid combo if there are no warning lights. Also a 2001 - RE 84 passenger Bluebird with a Cummins and a 3000 trans (how it was listed)
I know it comes down to preference, but anyone have any input on these two drivelines... maint, durability, ease of service etc..
Depends on which Cummins the Blue Bird has in it.

If it's a 5.9, it'll probably feel a little low on power in a bus that big. I'd go with the DT466E over a 5.9.

If it's an 8.3, that has more displacement (particularly important is the longer stroke) and gobs of torque. I would (and did) opt for an 8.3 over a DT466E.

As for durability, all are about equally good (assuming they've been well taken care of), but the 5.9 is not a sleeved engine (the other two are) and must be pulled from the vehicle if it should ever need to be rebuilt.
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Old 01-27-2017, 01:35 PM   #16
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Depends on which Cummins the Blue Bird has in it.

If it's a 5.9, it'll probably feel a little low on power in a bus that big. I'd go with the DT466E over a 5.9.

If it's an 8.3, that has more displacement (particularly important is the longer stroke) and gonna of torque. I would (and did) opt for an 8.3 over a DT466E.

As for durability, all are about equally good (assuming they've been well taken care of), but the 5.9 is not a sleeved engine (the other two are) and must be pulled from the vehicle if it should ever need to be rebuilt.
I know the all mechanical 466 is a workhorse. Thanks for the info. Didn't know about the sleeved vs non-sleeved.
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Old 01-27-2017, 06:12 PM   #17
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Seems like a good amount of busses out in Indiana. I may be taking a road trip when the time comes.
I will be planning, and checking local codes in the coming weeks, but I keep seeing some good looking busses.
2001 INTERNATIONAL REAR ENGINE - 75 PASS - 13233 | Used Bus Sales | Kerlin Bus Sales
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Old 01-27-2017, 06:14 PM   #18
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Seems like a good amount of busses out in Indiana. I may be taking a road trip when the time comes.
I will be planning, and checking local codes in the coming weeks, but I keep seeing some good looking busses.
2001 INTERNATIONAL REAR ENGINE - 75 PASS - 13233 | Used Bus Sales | Kerlin Bus Sales
The price is certainly attractive.
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Old 01-27-2017, 06:17 PM   #19
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The price is certainly attractive.
There are a couple of dealers out there that have pretty good prices. Won't get too much info till I am ready to pull the trigger, but they do look like they would be worth the trip.
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Old 01-30-2017, 02:15 PM   #20
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thanks all,
I have been looking around, and may have something.
2001 INT/IC 75 PASS - DT466E - 13228 | Used Bus Sales | Kerlin Bus Sales
I like it. have talked to the dealer and he seems not too shady... went as far as to say he had several of these. talked about the known gauge issue with one and a weak alternator on another. he is checking them out today and trying to figure out what bus is in the best mechanical shape.
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