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Old 10-19-2015, 05:49 PM   #1
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New user, new to me bus

Well some quick backround on me and my hopeful short bus soon to be camper.

My main hobby is Lemons racing https://www.24hoursoflemons.com/and anything working on anything with an engine. So far I've been towing my trailer with my Dodge 3500 van, I also sleep in the van when we get to the track. Its not really setup for camping or particularly good on power for towing the trailers. Not to mention the fuel mileage

SO enter the hunt for something more powerful and spacious (mainly in the height department). Ive been eyeing ambulances and several types of buses but browsing my local craigslist brought this to my attention.

1997 E350 short bus with a narrow body. For some reason it spoke to me, so $600 later I got it home.
The main issues the seller conveyed was a "flywheel issue" and dead batteries.

Turns out the flywheel was stripped, so Ive got a new one on order and will hopefully be installing that this weekend.


I'd like to have it ready for our next race in February but we shall see what happens.

More specs on the bus, 1997 E350 7.3 diesel with 149k miles body by Carpenter I think with rear a/c and heat.



So thats me and my bus, I hope to have more progress soon.

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Old 10-19-2015, 07:11 PM   #2
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Location: Eustis FLORIDA
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Year: 1999
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I've been tempted to bid on those CD shorties!
I love LeMons, welcome to the forum.

I want a bus just like that for weekend duty. And for hauling stuff around, like my scooters.
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Old 10-19-2015, 07:32 PM   #3
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Year: 1995
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Rated Cap: 23 500 gvw
Lemons not LeMons.
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Old 10-19-2015, 09:46 PM   #4
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https://www.24hoursoflemons.com/

No- I was/am correct.


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Old 10-19-2015, 10:51 PM   #5
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Year: 1995
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Yes you were, was, is.
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Old 10-20-2015, 06:42 AM   #6
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Location: Moodus, Ct.
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Year: 1996
Coachwork: Champion
Chassis: Ford e-450
Engine: 7.3 Powerstroke
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The tranny is very heavy-but it comes out easy. Make sure you use a serious tranny jack- this isn't a floor jack job. I rented one when i did mine and it made the job go easy. Also have someone help from inside the cab when removing and installing the converter.
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Old 10-20-2015, 10:49 AM   #7
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Thanks for welcoming me, my build won't be as in depth as some but I have a very specific goal in mind.

It needs to be able to tow a 28' car trailer, sleep 3, keep us warm or cold, and be comfortable for 1000+mile drives (each way mind you). So that's what the build will try and achieve.

I like to think I am a fairly competent mechanic and building things that challenge me is incredibly enjoyable.

After the flex plate I need to tackle wiring. I'd like to remove as much of the 'bus' wiring as possible, the only thing I really need to keep is the rear AC system and I am pretty sure I can wire that easy enough
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Old 10-20-2015, 06:43 PM   #8
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You might need just a little bit more bus. Wish it was a duallie towing that much trailer. And sleeping for 3 is going to use up most of your space. A Shuttle bus might suit your needs a bit better.
But if its what you got, being a LeMons guy, you'll figure out how to make due.
Got a good car for you if you're in the northeast. Want a 524 (diesel) BMW?
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Old 10-20-2015, 06:48 PM   #9
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Dually conversion is in the works and the bus wont have a kitchen area so that cuts down on the needed space.

And that beemer is awfully tempting,
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Old 10-20-2015, 10:27 PM   #10
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Location: St Louis Metro
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Year: 1978
Coachwork: Wayne
Chassis: Lifeguard
Engine: 366 Chevy
Welcome, glad to see another racer on here. I do Land Speed Racing, mostly standing mile and 1/2 mile. I put my race car in the bus instead of towing a trailer. We park our rigs on the airport taxiway and race on the runway all weekend, so mine is completely self-sufficient (at least for 4-5 days).

I think I'd have to agree with sdwarf36, you may need a larger shuttle bus. I planned mine over and over down to the inch and still ran out room.
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Old 10-23-2015, 05:48 PM   #11
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Pulled all the seats, and have the bus sitting on the lift getting ready to pull the trans
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Old 10-27-2015, 06:14 PM   #12
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trans is out, and new flex plate is in, just waiting on some seals and the trans can go back in. Would be really nice to hear this thing start.

Also MD makes you paint the bus before inspection/tags so now I need to come up with a color.
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Old 11-13-2015, 12:35 AM   #13
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The bus moves under its own power now! Still have a bunch to do before inspection but thats a huge goal. It idles great and has good oil pressure so I am really hopeful it will be a good runner.
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