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Old 04-13-2018, 10:21 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Revelstoke, BC, Canada
Posts: 65
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Engine: Cummins 8.3l 12v
Rated Cap: 84 pax
Buying advice?

Sorry to ask but I've only just started researching buying a bus, have learned a lot in a few days but am sure I don't know everything in order to make an informed decision. I wouldn't be in such a rush if the IDEAL bus hadn't just showed up for sale. So, I'm looking for tips on what to check out (and yes, I did read the 'So you wanna buy a bus?' thread! Again, I'm sorry)

Just found a '92 Bluebird 84 pax with Cummins, auto, air, storage boxes, etc = everything I'm looking for and it's the right side of the border (Canada ). Seller is offering to pay for any repairs needed on agreed sale and commercial licensing fees.
I asked for more info on auto, service history, rust, tires, and what repairs are required. Got this reply:

"No history but it was used to train school bus drivers for over 10 years. Bus was built to carry 12000 lbs of kids. It has had to be certified every 6 months as a school bus and they are very strict about school buses. This one has been babied! Last time it was certified was Oct 2016 and has been sitting ever since. The speedometer was replaced and it shows 550,000 kilo. Previous owner said 190,000 miles on the bus. The Cummins is a Million mile motor. Cast iron block and head with mechanical injectors said to go the distance as is this motor. Last test run about three weeks ago, the bus performed excelently.

Tires will pass the certification for commercial use.

Minor rust on a cross member but that is a minor fix.

The mechanic that did the inspection and estimate for full certification for commercial use said less than $1000 to repair what is wrong; fuses, light bulbs, minor electrical connections in fuse panel (corrosion from sitting), condensation in the differential (from sitting), exposed metal on cross member showing rust"

Anything red flags there? Anything else crucial I should be considering/asking? Too far away to take a quick look and I'll prob get an independent mechanic to look it over in any case.
Cheers

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Old 04-18-2018, 03:14 PM   #2
Skoolie
 
SilentReprieve's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Marion NY
Posts: 103
Year: 2003
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: HDX
Engine: 3126 7.2
Quote:
Originally Posted by N'om'ad View Post
Sorry to ask but I've only just started researching buying a bus, have learned a lot in a few days but am sure I don't know everything in order to make an informed decision. I wouldn't be in such a rush if the IDEAL bus hadn't just showed up for sale. So, I'm looking for tips on what to check out (and yes, I did read the 'So you wanna buy a bus?' thread! Again, I'm sorry)

Just found a '92 Bluebird 84 pax with Cummins, auto, air, storage boxes, etc = everything I'm looking for and it's the right side of the border (Canada ). Seller is offering to pay for any repairs needed on agreed sale and commercial licensing fees.
I asked for more info on auto, service history, rust, tires, and what repairs are required. Got this reply:

"No history but it was used to train school bus drivers for over 10 years. Bus was built to carry 12000 lbs of kids. It has had to be certified every 6 months as a school bus and they are very strict about school buses. This one has been babied! Last time it was certified was Oct 2016 and has been sitting ever since. The speedometer was replaced and it shows 550,000 kilo. Previous owner said 190,000 miles on the bus. The Cummins is a Million mile motor. Cast iron block and head with mechanical injectors said to go the distance as is this motor. Last test run about three weeks ago, the bus performed excelently.

Tires will pass the certification for commercial use.

Minor rust on a cross member but that is a minor fix.

The mechanic that did the inspection and estimate for full certification for commercial use said less than $1000 to repair what is wrong; fuses, light bulbs, minor electrical connections in fuse panel (corrosion from sitting), condensation in the differential (from sitting), exposed metal on cross member showing rust"

Anything red flags there? Anything else crucial I should be considering/asking? Too far away to take a quick look and I'll prob get an independent mechanic to look it over in any case.
Cheers
Most of what you say here is minor fixes especially if a mechanic can do it for say $1000.00 you should check the rust more thoroughly.. the rust is the biggest enemy in any bus build... good luck!!
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"Fitting a bus for your lifestyle is certainly easier than fitting your lifestyle into your bus" The journey begins... I am expecting a rough road ahead!!
Jim, Marion NY
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Old 04-18-2018, 03:38 PM   #3
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Winlcok, WA
Posts: 2,233
Depending upon the price it might be a great deal or a so-so deal.

If the engine is the 8.3L 6CT/ISC engine it is going to be worth more than with the 5.9L 6BT/ISB engine.

Many of the 5.9L engines were installed with the AT540 transmission--an okay transmission but it does not have a lock up torque convertor.

Almost all of the 8.3L engines were installed with the MT643 transmission--a more robust transmission with lockup in 3rd and 4th gears.

And as always, rust is never a good thing.
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