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Old 04-12-2015, 03:45 AM   #1
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Frame measurements please 1994 Thomas International 3800

I need help with frame measurements. I am looking at a 1994 International Thomas 3800 (very) short bus. If anyone has a similar bus, I hope you can help me with frame measurements. I want to build a hitch setup before I go pick up the bus. I plan on using it to tow back the vehicle I used to go get the bus. The measurements I need are frame width outside to outside. Inside to inside. How tall are the frame rails? Is the back bumper welded or bolted on?

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Old 04-13-2015, 03:57 PM   #2
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Nothing???
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Old 04-13-2015, 06:27 PM   #3
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Oh, hey.. I can probably help. Does the 1994 version look anything like mine (signature link points to build thread)?
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Old 04-13-2015, 08:08 PM   #4
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Yes, I think so, but I am confused. Bus in the beginning has a lowered roof and later has a raised roof. Also, my bus doesn't have cool babes in it.
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Old 04-13-2015, 08:17 PM   #5
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I have one picture of my bus.


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Old 04-13-2015, 08:36 PM   #6
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Quote:
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Yes, I think so, but I am confused. Bus in the beginning has a lowered roof and later has a raised roof.
Mine goes low to high now, too!



Quote:
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Also, my bus doesn't have cool babes in it.
Are you sure? Have you inspected the interior yet?

I'll measure the frame rails tomorrow.

In the meantime, here's a picture showing what the frame rails look like back there:
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Old 04-13-2015, 08:38 PM   #7
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Actually, this is a better picture:
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Old 04-13-2015, 08:41 PM   #8
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Out of curiosity, is this another schoolie project for yourself? Looking for something more "sporty" than a full-size?
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Old 04-13-2015, 09:22 PM   #9
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Out of curiosity, is this another schoolie project for yourself? Looking for something more "sporty" than a full-size?



Absolutely, unless I find something like this.



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Old 04-13-2015, 09:28 PM   #10
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Haha.. Funny thing; just last week I saw that bus. It makes a cameo appearance in the movie, "you, me and Dupree" which happened to be on in the background on Easter Sunday.
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Old 04-13-2015, 09:29 PM   #11
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Actually, this is a better picture:

If you are able to, I would like measurements from inside to inside of the frame rails. Outside also. I want to prebuild a hitch setup when I go to pick up the bus.
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Old 04-13-2015, 09:32 PM   #12
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Do you think my bus is shorter than yours?
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Old 04-13-2015, 10:05 PM   #13
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It's hard to tell comparing from two different angles. I'll measure bumper to bumper tomorrow as well.
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Old 04-14-2015, 09:13 AM   #14
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Sorry I missed this thread.

Most MDT frame rails are 34 inches outside to outside.

Frame rail height ranges a bit. Ford B700's use 10 inch tall frame.

My mid 90's TC2000's (freightliner) chassis are 9 3/4 inches tall

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Old 04-14-2015, 09:22 AM   #15
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mine was 34 in and had 2 brackets bolted on bumper
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Old 04-14-2015, 10:09 AM   #16
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Alright, here it is.
I'm not entirely sure if the frame rail thickness is 1/4" or 5/16" thick. I used 1/4" in the drawing.
As you can see, there is about 2 1/4" of flat metal on the flange before hitting the curve.
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Old 04-14-2015, 10:13 AM   #17
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And here is a picture of the main bolts holding the bumper on. The nuts are a pain in the ass to reach. I think I cut the old ones off and replaced with fresh ones after getting fed up with it.



There are 6 bolts in total. 4 connect the bumper directly to the frame rails. There will also be one on each end of the bumper that connect it to stabilizer arms.
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Old 04-14-2015, 10:17 AM   #18
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Are you bringing a friend? If you plan on removing the bumper to install your hitch receiver you will quickly realize it's a two person job. I managed by myself by lifting it onto blocks and supporting it with every available limb while I bolted it back on, but it took 4 times as long as it could have..
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Old 04-14-2015, 11:17 AM   #19
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Alright, here it is.
I'm not entirely sure if the frame rail thickness is 1/4" or 5/16" thick. I used 1/4" in the drawing.
As you can see, there is about 2 1/4" of flat metal on the flange before hitting the curve.

I nominate Jazty for Sainthood. Thank you.
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Old 04-14-2015, 11:27 AM   #20
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haha.. No problem.

I'd like to mention that I was being conservative about the 2 1/4" flat flange face. It's hard to measure where the inside curve starts with a measuring tape, so I rounded down to the nearest quarter inch.
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