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Old 04-04-2019, 04:56 PM   #1
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Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hudson, WI
Posts: 35
Year: 1992
Chassis: Carpenter SB 2508
Engine: Navistar DTA360 disel inline 6 cyl, 5.9L
Question Advice needed to purchase a bus

Hi All,
I'm searching for a mid-size bus. Thanks to reading some threads here I found this on the gov website.My q

2007 Chevrolet C5V042 CUTAWAY, 8.1L V8 OHV 16V. Defender Shuttle Bus (28 Passenger) with complete extra set of rims and new tires, wheelchair lift and anchor point for 1 chair.

Starting bid is $5000. It's in So.Cal. (used by the University of So Cal - Santa Cruz) - so I'm thinking the rust issue would be low.

I plan to convert a bus into my home and travel, travel, travel - parking whenever, then travel again with my cat and dog. My needs are super simple, bed, toilet/shower, chair, sink/fridge/mini-stove.

My questions are:
1) is this a good vehicle for my plans?
2) is the price outrageous
3) has anyone had experience converting one of these before? If so, what advice can you offer?

Thanks! Cheers, Kathy

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Old 04-04-2019, 07:47 PM   #2
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Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Ashtabula, Ohio
Posts: 1,494
Year: 1996
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: International
Engine: T444E 7.3L
The 8.1L gas engine from GM is a very powerful and reliable engine. It would be nice to know how many miles on the unit. I would not pay much more than the $5000.
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Old 04-04-2019, 09:14 PM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Hudson, WI
Posts: 35
Year: 1992
Chassis: Carpenter SB 2508
Engine: Navistar DTA360 disel inline 6 cyl, 5.9L
Johnny, mileage is quoted at 50,629
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Old 04-04-2019, 09:28 PM   #4
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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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Johnny, mileage is quoted at 50,629
Sounds AWESOME to me!!!
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Old 04-05-2019, 06:12 AM   #5
Bus Crazy
 
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Year: 1996
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Me too! Sounds like a low mileage keeper.
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Old 04-05-2019, 06:14 AM   #6
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
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I almost won a low mileage GM van out in Ca last year. It had real low miles and an 8.1 Vortec. Still kicking myself for not winning that one!
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Old 04-05-2019, 08:37 AM   #7
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
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Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
the 8.1s came with the 6 speed allison 1000 i believe also.. thats the large chassis platform (not the 3500 van but should be a C5500 or C6500)...



-Christopher
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Old 04-05-2019, 09:29 AM   #8
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Location: Damascus, OR
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Year: 2004
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Engine: T444e w/ 2000 Allison Trans
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there is a reserve on the bus too. not sure what mileage that thing would get. I personally would choose a diesel over a gas engine. Yes west coast is a good source for rust free buses. IMHO you can find a cheaper better bus out there.
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Old 04-05-2019, 10:20 AM   #9
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Location: Eustis FLORIDA
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Originally Posted by Rovobay View Post
there is a reserve on the bus too. not sure what mileage that thing would get. I personally would choose a diesel over a gas engine. Yes west coast is a good source for rust free buses. IMHO you can find a cheaper better bus out there.
I'd never even consider any diesel engine as new as this gas engine. Emissions diesels are for suckers, man.
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Old 04-05-2019, 10:29 AM   #10
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I'd never even consider any diesel engine as new as this gas engine. Emissions diesels are for suckers, man.
Yes, get an older diesel. no DEF stuff.... in my 05 duramax, I deleted the EGR. I think 2004 was the last year of the 7.3. ???

what kind of mileage do you think the 8.1 gasser would get?
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Old 04-05-2019, 11:10 AM   #11
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Year: 1999
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Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
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Originally Posted by Rovobay View Post
Yes, get an older diesel. no DEF stuff.... in my 05 duramax, I deleted the EGR. I think 2004 was the last year of the 7.3. ???

what kind of mileage do you think the 8.1 gasser would get?
IDk, probably 5-8 mpg.
Chevrolet C5500 Kodiak MPG - Actual MPG from 9 Chevrolet C5500 Kodiak owners

http://www.fuelly.com/truck/chevrole...=&submodel_id=
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