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Old 01-31-2018, 08:37 PM   #1
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 102
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner ER
Engine: Cummins ISC 8.3 Allison MD3060
I've bought a bus! Now I need a name for it! :)

After searching high and low. Looking at every craigslist ad, local ad, ads from here, anywhere I could think there might be a good bus for sale, I have finally found my bus!

I bought a 1995 Thomas RE MVP

It's got a 8.3l Cummins with a MD 3060 Allison 6 speed with the 6th speed already unlocked.

It comes equiped with automatic chains deployed via switch on the go, a diesel powered pre-heater (Wabasto), a full basement for storage, cabin heaters, air ride driver's seat, and air brakes.

The tires are in outstanding shape all around. Steer tires are almost new, less than 3,000 miles on them. The rear tires have less than 5,000 on them.

I am going to pick it up in the next couple of weeks and can't wait to get started. This will be a project that me and my dad will work on together. I am 50 and he is 84 so this will be an amazing thing to share with him!

I will be full of questions, a few will be good questions, some stupid questions and some where you will ask yourself... does he really know what he's in for? lol

I am in for the long haul.. I am hoping to get it livable in 1.5 years and finished in a total of 3 years.. Why so long you might ask... I work over 62 hours a week that is funding my retirement and 401k so the work will go at a steady but slow pace and when this is done, I am hoping to semi retire and travel around these great states and meet people, see places I've only imagined and finally live life!

Thanks ahead of time for all the great knowledge I have gotten from lurking on these forums and I look forward to joining the great Skoolie family!!
Attached Thumbnails
Pass Side.jpg   Front End.jpg   Driver Side.jpg   Cummins 2.jpg   Driver.jpg  

Seats.jpg   Tire 2.jpg   Under the Belly Doors.jpg  

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Old 01-31-2018, 08:44 PM   #2
Skoolie
 
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Allenstown NH
Posts: 205
Year: 2000
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC-1000
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 39 Students
I'd call it Peanut Butter.
(Because that power train is going to make others "Jelly"[emoji57][emoji849])

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Old 01-31-2018, 08:47 PM   #3
Skoolie
 
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Welcome!!! Nice bus, nice project with your dad. Good luck and keep us posted.
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Old 01-31-2018, 09:00 PM   #4
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i agree peanut butter is an awesome name.!!!!!!!
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Old 01-31-2018, 09:13 PM   #5
Bus Geek
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Owasso, OK
Posts: 2,627
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner MVP ER
Engine: Cummins 6CTA8.3 Mechanical MD3060
Rated Cap: 46 Coach Seats, 40 foot
That's a very nice bus ... congrats. I'm in Tulsa and we appear to almost have twins

I have a specific question:

What Final Drive Ratio do you have?

I am looking to see which combinations Thomas and Allison have agreed to unlock 6th gear on. I know about a 6.14, but I don't have info on other ratios.

ps ... Do you mind us asking how much you had to pay for it?
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Old 01-31-2018, 09:42 PM   #6
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 102
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner ER
Engine: Cummins ISC 8.3 Allison MD3060
Quote:
Originally Posted by BennysTire View Post
I'd call it Peanut Butter.
(Because that power train is going to make others "Jelly"[emoji57][emoji849])

Sent from my E6883 using Tapatalk
That's an awesome name but I am not sure I want to make anyone jealous.. Live and let live..

btw, I lived in Manchester, NH for about 12 years. LOVED NH!! I will definitely be traveling around there and VT when I am roaming around.

James
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Old 01-31-2018, 09:44 PM   #7
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 102
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner ER
Engine: Cummins ISC 8.3 Allison MD3060
Quote:
Originally Posted by RRRVBUS View Post
Welcome!!! Nice bus, nice project with your dad. Good luck and keep us posted.
Thanks! I will! Some of my friends want me to do the YouTube thing, but I am not video friendly.. lol I cuss like a sailor, one of my shortcomings.. I am sure this project might bring some of that out in me.. haha

I will certainly keep you guys and gals updated with pictures and my progress!

James
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Old 01-31-2018, 09:48 PM   #8
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 102
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner ER
Engine: Cummins ISC 8.3 Allison MD3060
Quote:
Originally Posted by Twigg View Post
That's a very nice bus ... congrats. I'm in Tulsa and we appear to almost have twins

I have a specific question:

What Final Drive Ratio do you have?

I am looking to see which combinations Thomas and Allison have agreed to unlock 6th gear on. I know about a 6.14, but I don't have info on other ratios.

ps ... Do you mind us asking how much you had to pay for it?
I don't know what the drive ratio is.. After I go get the bus in a few weeks I might be better able to help answer your question.

As far as how much I paid... I paid too much, but it's the first bus that had everything on my check list. The seller was super super great about answering questions. The way I figure it, the price was a little high but since this is my home I don't mind putting a little more into it to make sure I have a good foundation and in turn a great home.

Plus, add the fact that I am working on this with my father at this age, the money will be well spent in the project and time spent with my father working on my Skoolie.

James
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Old 01-31-2018, 09:53 PM   #9
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Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Owasso, OK
Posts: 2,627
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner MVP ER
Engine: Cummins 6CTA8.3 Mechanical MD3060
Rated Cap: 46 Coach Seats, 40 foot
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieJackson View Post
I don't know what the drive ratio is.. After I go get the bus in a few weeks I might be better able to help answer your question.

As far as how much I paid... I paid too much, but it's the first bus that had everything on my check list. The seller was super super great about answering questions. The way I figure it, the price was a little high but since this is my home I don't mind putting a little more into it to make sure I have a good foundation and in turn a great home.

Plus, add the fact that I am working on this with my father at this age, the money will be well spent in the project and time spent with my father working on my Skoolie.

James
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I picked mine up in Nebraska and drove it 500 miles home. Easy drive, nice ride.

The only significant difference is that I have the higher ceiling, but they are great buses and you are going to love all those screws where others used rivets.
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Old 01-31-2018, 11:06 PM   #10
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Allenstown NH
Posts: 205
Year: 2000
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC-1000
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 39 Students
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieJackson View Post
That's an awesome name but I am not sure I want to make anyone jealous.. Live and let live..

btw, I lived in Manchester, NH for about 12 years. LOVED NH!! I will definitely be traveling around there and VT when I am roaming around.

James
I know a good tire guy in the Manchester/Concord area....
[emoji849][emoji848][emoji57]

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Old 01-31-2018, 11:35 PM   #11
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 8,462
Year: 1946
Coachwork: Chevrolet/Wayne
Chassis: 1- 1/2 ton
Engine: Cummins 4BT
Rated Cap: 15
Sweet find...keep the pix coming!
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Old 01-31-2018, 11:45 PM   #12
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Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Midwest
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Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9L Cummins
Rated Cap: '00
Best bus I've seen in a long time- nice score. All the boxes checked.

Get reading and scheming.


I'm going to have to agree on Peanut Butter....my 5-spd Md3060 is jelly.

Welcome !!!! These are the "good" days- relish them.
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Old 01-31-2018, 11:51 PM   #13
Skoolie
 
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Allenstown NH
Posts: 205
Year: 2000
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC-1000
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 39 Students
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty View Post
Best bus I've seen in a long time- nice score. All the boxes checked.

Get reading and scheming.


I'm going to have to agree on Peanut Butter....my 5-spd Md3060 is jelly.

Welcome !!!! These are the "good" days- relish them.
Paint her green and name her Relish🤣🤣

(Can you tell I may be hungry?)[emoji57]

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Old 02-01-2018, 09:32 AM   #14
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 3,056
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 72
Someone give this man a hot dog!

Nice bus BTW, you do have the jelly drivetrain!
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Old 02-01-2018, 10:00 AM   #15
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Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
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Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieJackson View Post
but I am not sure I want to make anyone jealous..
James
Too late!

Mechanical 8.3 and a 3060 with 6th unlocked....

Probably the most wanted drive train in a Skoolie. Congrats!
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Old 02-01-2018, 10:06 AM   #16
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
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Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PNW_Steve View Post
Too late!

Mechanical 8.3 and a 3060 with 6th unlocked....

Probably the most wanted drive train in a Skoolie. Congrats!
Well- there are the Cummins 855 Crowns with 10 speeds... but for the rest of us yeah that 8.3 with double OD is the cream of the crop!
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Old 02-01-2018, 10:17 AM   #17
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Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
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Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
Well- there are the Cummins 855 Crowns with 10 speeds... but for the rest of us yeah that 8.3 with double OD is the cream of the crop!
I stand corrected
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Old 02-01-2018, 02:49 PM   #18
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I may be wrong but I do NOT think that is a Saf-T-Liner MVP ER. The quad headlights and the fact it has the 8.3L with an Allison with 6th unlocked do not equal the spe'c's normally found on an MVP.

Unless somewhere on the build plate it says MVP I think that is more likely an HDX.

About the only thing that isn't great is it has the 9" windows.

Any price paid less than $10K is a bargain for that bus!

Good luck and happy trails to you!
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Old 02-01-2018, 02:54 PM   #19
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 102
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner ER
Engine: Cummins ISC 8.3 Allison MD3060
Quote:
Originally Posted by cowlitzcoach View Post
I may be wrong but I do NOT think that is a Saf-T-Liner MVP ER. The quad headlights and the fact it has the 8.3L with an Allison with 6th unlocked do not equal the spe'c's normally found on an MVP.

Unless somewhere on the build plate it says MVP I think that is more likely an HDX.

About the only thing that isn't great is it has the 9" windows.

Any price paid less than $10K is a bargain for that bus!

Good luck and happy trails to you!
Ah interesting.. I haven't actually looked for the exact model, I was just going on what the po called it. He is sending me a picture of the title for the vin number for insurance when I bring it home, I will have to check and let you guys know.

What do you mean by the 9" windows? They have different heights in the windows? With me pulling them out, that should bother with my build though right? The RV windows I order will just have to fit!

Well with that price I got a bargain then.. I thought/think it was a little high but worth it for the amount of good going for it.

James
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Old 02-01-2018, 04:10 PM   #20
Bus Geek
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Owasso, OK
Posts: 2,627
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner MVP ER
Engine: Cummins 6CTA8.3 Mechanical MD3060
Rated Cap: 46 Coach Seats, 40 foot
Quote:
Originally Posted by cowlitzcoach View Post
I may be wrong but I do NOT think that is a Saf-T-Liner MVP ER. The quad headlights and the fact it has the 8.3L with an Allison with 6th unlocked do not equal the spe'c's normally found on an MVP.

Unless somewhere on the build plate it says MVP I think that is more likely an HDX.

About the only thing that isn't great is it has the 9" windows.

Any price paid less than $10K is a bargain for that bus!

Good luck and happy trails to you!
It's confusing me

I noted the headlights, but thought the HDX only came with the 77" ceiling that this one doesn't have. The date and lights do say "HDX" though.
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