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Old 12-28-2017, 07:58 PM   #1
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94 Thomas Safety Liner - JesuitJohn retreat

I just got hold of a 1994 Thomas Saf-T-Liner HDX and plan to convert it to a retreat spot in South Louisiana. As a retreat spot, it won't need to remain mobile and can get by with a single twin bed. I will need to cook in it and wash up, but I won't be desperate for storage space. It gets hot here, so I'm planning to go solar and run a small window AC unit.

I've used most power tools at some point in my life, and I've done some modest home renovation work like demo, putting in flooring, painting etc... But I'm no expert at anything like this, so advice is appreciated!
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:06 PM   #2
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Welcome John

What engine and trans do you have in that bus? You might be able to recoup your purchase price.
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:06 PM   #3
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Welcome, and nice bus.

What you have there is a Thomas Saf-T-Liner MVP RE. It may be the more coveted "RE" or "West Coast", hard to tell from the pics.

It is not an HDX. They were not launched until 2001.

What engine and transmission does it have?
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:12 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Robin97396 View Post
Welcome John

What engine and trans do you have in that bus? You might be able to recoup your purchase price.
Its an automatic diesel. I wasn't thinking of selling, but maybe you are right!

My current plan is to park it near a shop I can use (did that today) and work to get it partly in shape there. Then, drive it into the woods and finish up the "mud room" front room starting with ripping out the driver's seat and dash etc...

I suppose I could sell the engine, then just tow it to the woods?

So much to think about.
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:16 PM   #5
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Thanks for the clarification!

How can I tell what I have? I've got more pics if that helps.

I noticed from some others on YouTube that my bus is odd. It has no roof openings.
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:19 PM   #6
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I was thinking more like you get it where you want it first and then possibly capitalize on the engine and transmission.

If you're eventually taking out the driver's seat and dashboard it's not like you'll be moving it without a wrecker anyway.

At the same time it would be a shame to gut such a nice bus.

Any chance you could take a couple pics of the engine to post here?
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:24 PM   #7
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I was thinking more like you get it where you want it first and then possibly capitalize on the engine and transmission.

If you're eventually taking out the driver's seat and dashboard it's not like you'll be moving it without a wrecker anyway.

At the same time it would be a shame to gut such a nice bus.

Any chance you could take a couple pics of the engine to post here?
I can, but it'll be a few days. Keep an eye out! I live a few hours away from where I will be working on the bus. Here are a few other pics.
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:36 PM   #8
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Welcome, and nice bus.

What you have there is a Thomas Saf-T-Liner MVP RE. It may be the more coveted "RE" or "West Coast", hard to tell from the pics.

It is not an HDX. They were not launched until 2001.

What engine and transmission does it have?
The rare-as-hen's-teeth Thomas WestCoast-ER was an uprated version of the regular Saf-T-Liner (not of the less expensive MVP), designed to compete with Crown and Gillig. It had heavier-duty specifications than a Saf-T-Liner, and some even had dual rear axles. I looked at a WestCoast-ER that Ramona SD was selling - it had a CAT 3208T, full air suspension and disk brakes! Nice buses.

John
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:39 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by JesuitJohn View Post
Thanks for the clarification!

How can I tell what I have? I've got more pics if that helps.

I noticed from some others on YouTube that my bus is odd. It has no roof openings.
As you go in the door there are two data plates on the right of the front panel (above the windshield).

They will tell you most of what you need to know
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:40 PM   #10
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The rare-as-hen's-teeth Thomas WestCoast-ER was an uprated version of the regular Saf-T-Liner (not of the less expensive MVP), designed to compete with Crown and Gillig. It had heavier-duty specifications than a Saf-T-Liner, and some even had dual rear axles. I looked at a WestCoast-ER that Ramona SD was selling - it had a CAT 3208T, full air suspension and disk brakes! Nice buses.

John

I'll have look and see what I got! I'd hate to think I was missing an opportunity. Thanks for the info.
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:45 PM   #11
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As you go in the door there are two data plates on the right of the front panel (above the windshield).

They will tell you most of what you need to know
Thank you! I'm so glad I registered on this forum.
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:48 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Iceni John View Post
The rare-as-hen's-teeth Thomas WestCoast-ER was an uprated version of the regular Saf-T-Liner (not of the less expensive MVP), designed to compete with Crown and Gillig. It had heavier-duty specifications than a Saf-T-Liner, and some even had dual rear axles. I looked at a WestCoast-ER that Ramona SD was selling - it had a CAT 3208T, full air suspension and disk brakes! Nice buses.

John
Thomas never sold three versions.

You could buy the MVP, or the ER. There wasn't a "regular" Saf-T-Liner by that time.

The MVP is pretty decently specc'd. It seems to be the equivalent of the Blue Bird "All American".

As you point out ... Thomas like the Saf-T-Liner name, but the WestCoast is a different beast altogether.
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Old 12-29-2017, 06:06 PM   #13
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As you go in the door there are two data plates on the right of the front panel (above the windshield).

They will tell you most of what you need to know
See attached. I think I see "ER" in the middle of a long Model NO but I'm not sure...
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Old 12-29-2017, 06:10 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Iceni John View Post
The rare-as-hen's-teeth Thomas WestCoast-ER was an uprated version of the regular Saf-T-Liner (not of the less expensive MVP), designed to compete with Crown and Gillig. It had heavier-duty specifications than a Saf-T-Liner, and some even had dual rear axles. I looked at a WestCoast-ER that Ramona SD was selling - it had a CAT 3208T, full air suspension and disk brakes! Nice buses.

John
Not sure if this photo helps. At least I know now it's a 96 and not a 94!
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Old 12-29-2017, 06:12 PM   #15
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Can't read that. Need a clear picture of the top plate

What does it say next to Engine and Transmission?
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Old 12-29-2017, 06:17 PM   #16
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Can't read that. Need a clear picture of the top plate

What does it say next to Engine and Transmission?
Engine 3116TA-185 (I think)
Transmission AT545
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Old 12-29-2017, 06:22 PM   #17
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Engine 3116TA-185 (I think)
Transmission AT545
Engine is a CAT 3116 tuned for 185 hp

Transmission is Allison AT 545

The 3116 is, I believe, a mechanical engine and if it's in good condition it would serve you well. 185 hp isn't much power, but it depends on the length of the bus.

The transmission is the weaker link. Nothing much wrong with it, it is bulletproof, but it doesn't have overdrive or a locking torque convertor. If you plan any mountain trips, or towing much, it isn't the best. Many people run around happily with that trans, but there are better options out there.
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Old 12-29-2017, 06:28 PM   #18
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Engine is a CAT 3116 tuned for 185 hp

Transmission is Allison AT 545

The 3116 is, I believe, a mechanical engine and if it's in good condition it would serve you well. 185 hp isn't much power, but it depends on the length of the bus.

The transmission is the weaker link. Nothing much wrong with it, it is bulletproof, but it doesn't have overdrive or a locking torque convertor. If you plan any mountain trips, or towing much, it isn't the best. Many people run around happily with that trans, but there are better options out there.
I've got no plans to go anywhere more than just driving it a couple of miles to its final resting place.

But thanks for the info. If you know anyone interested, I'd sell all but the body of the bus.
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Old 12-29-2017, 06:35 PM   #19
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why a bus if you dont plan to ever drive it?
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Old 12-29-2017, 06:49 PM   #20
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why a bus if you dont plan to ever drive it?
I've wanted to build a tiny house for decades, but lacked funds and time.

Big pluses:
1. I can work on the bus inside at a shop then drive (or tow) it to a more remote location
2. I can sleep in it just as soon as I take the seats out
3. The bus kind of fell in my lap.
4. Apart from a few solar power parts, I might get all the materials to finish the inside for free (scraps from a construction sight I'm close to). Building a tiny house would require a lot more material.
5. I love that it has so many windows
6. It's high off the ground. Where I finally park it, it won't flood.
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