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02-06-2019, 01:50 PM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 5
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Abbie new from Denver Colorado!
Hi there! My name is Abbie and I am shopping now for a school bus to convert. I have zero knowledge going into this projest. That being said I have looked at a 2003 Ford E450 Collins, 7.3 diesel with 188k miles. I would really like either a short like that or a Flatnose Cummins, 5.9 liter valve overdrive transmission, 7 window preferrably. My understanding is those are a rare find? I am joining this forum in hopes that I could get some feedback along my search. Thank you for having me!
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02-06-2019, 02:12 PM
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#2
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 19,357
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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If you're patient really REALLY awesome Colorado buses pop up every few months on Public Surplus or GovDeals. Colorado has some of the most well-equipped buses in the country.
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02-06-2019, 02:28 PM
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#3
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New Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 5
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Do you find the flatnose 7 or 8 window super rare to find? I am in no rush I just dont want to pass up this great Collins to never find that size flatnose
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02-06-2019, 02:32 PM
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#4
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 8,522
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stabbie
Do you find the flatnose 7 or 8 window super rare to find? I am in no rush I just dont want to pass up this great Collins to never find that size flatnose ��
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Yes, don't see any on the roads.
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02-06-2019, 02:43 PM
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#5
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Posts: 2,675
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 72
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I don't think you'll find overdrive on a short flat nose bus pre-EGR. THe common build was a cummins 5.9 with at545, as in every front engined bluebird tc2000 ever made (with rare exception where a MT643 was specially ordered). Rear engine models had mt643 as an option but you won't find these in short lengths. Neither the AT545 nor the MT643 is an overdrive transmission, gearing is identical on them with a 1:1 ratio in 4th gear, the obvious difference being that MT643's 4th gear is a lock-up.
With THomas MVP, the front engine models were also cummins 5.9+at545 until they moved to Cat engines. Again, rear engine models had higher end options.
Looking at 7 window range you might also consider the TC1000 which has the same drivetrain as the TC2000 but was only made short.
The Ford Collins buses are likely to have an overdrive transmission and 2003 is the last year they made the 7.3 engine before replacing it with a sock filled with mayonnaise. Keep in mind that cutaway buses like that are generally not highly valued and the price should reflect it.
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02-06-2019, 07:55 PM
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#6
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 8,522
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
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But they are out there.
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02-06-2019, 08:27 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Ashtabula, Ohio
Posts: 1,260
Year: 1996
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: International
Engine: T444E 7.3L
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And they are so cute!
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02-06-2019, 08:33 PM
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#8
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,600
Year: 1993
Coachwork: bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins, Allison AT1545
Rated Cap: 2
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you just missed an auction from cherry creek school. i was tempted to get one
https://bid.rollerauction.com/cgi-bi...s.cgi?roller16
that was jan 30, 2019
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02-06-2019, 10:06 PM
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#9
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 8,522
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet
And they are so cute!
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Looks like my Craftsmen Tool Box.
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02-08-2019, 07:28 AM
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#10
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Skoolie
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 103
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: TC 1000
Engine: 5.9/AT
Rated Cap: 2 adults, 2 dogs
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02-08-2019, 07:33 AM
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#11
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 19,357
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZHippie
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The real trick in bargain shopping is getting that bus before the dealer does.
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02-08-2019, 08:25 AM
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#12
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Posts: 2,675
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 72
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZHippie
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They probably paid less than 2000 for it. That's why we always recommend auctions for the best prices.
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02-12-2019, 10:05 PM
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#13
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New Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stabbie
Hi there! My name is Abbie and I am shopping now for a school bus to convert. I have zero knowledge going into this projest. That being said I have looked at a 2003 Ford E450 Collins, 7.3 diesel with 188k miles. I would really like either a short like that or a Flatnose Cummins, 5.9 liter valve overdrive transmission, 7 window preferrably. My understanding is those are a rare find? I am joining this forum in hopes that I could get some feedback along my search. Thank you for having me!
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Hello Abbie
I'm a senior master ford diesel tech and i will say its hard to go wrong with a 7.3 diesel, very reliable. But my question for you is, what is the story behind the name Stabbie Abbie?
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