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Old 08-17-2016, 02:51 AM   #1
New Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 3
Needing Advice on a potential bus purchase

1993 Bluebird School bus
5.6L Cummins straight six
automatic Allison tranny
150,000 miles

It has 2 low profile solar panels on the roof which feed 2 deep cycle batteries.

It is being sold for $3000


Hi everyone, I was hoping for some advice on purchasing a school bus for my conversion. I have done quite a bit of research and, upon looking at the initial ad, this bus really caught my eye. I would most definitely have it inspected by a mechanic first before buying. Can anyone tell me if this seems like a good deal?

also how would I go about finding out if replacement parts are readily available for this bus (if I need repairs in the future.) Does anyone know if I would have problems finding replacement parts for this bus? I have heard that is a major consideration when buying a bus.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ANY INFO YOU MAY HAVE!

Cbakes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2016, 04:14 AM   #2
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Georgia
Posts: 2,264
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: IH
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 14
You sure it ain't a 5.9 Cummins engine (common)? The 5.9 Cummins engines are pretty common, pretty durable (within reason) and easy to find parts for.
Brad_SwiftFur is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2016, 07:07 AM   #3
Bus Geek
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 18,758
Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
partly you have to look into what you plan to do with your bus to determine what drivetrain is good for you..

a cummins 5.9 is a pretty solid engine and parts are available all over..

what type of bus? conventional (wit ha hood).. or a flat-nose? how many rows?

Allison made several autos... if it has an AT545 then its not going to be the greatest for huge hill pulling like the rocky mountains... (but I drive my AT545 over the appalachains and smokies without issue)...

-Christopher
cadillackid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2016, 10:21 AM   #4
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Kansas
Posts: 492
Year: 2000
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: Your mom +1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cbakes View Post
1993 Bluebird School bus
5.6L Cummins straight six
automatic Allison tranny
150,000 miles

It has 2 low profile solar panels on the roof which feed 2 deep cycle batteries.

It is being sold for $3000


Hi everyone, I was hoping for some advice on purchasing a school bus for my conversion. I have done quite a bit of research and, upon looking at the initial ad, this bus really caught my eye. I would most definitely have it inspected by a mechanic first before buying. Can anyone tell me if this seems like a good deal?

also how would I go about finding out if replacement parts are readily available for this bus (if I need repairs in the future.) Does anyone know if I would have problems finding replacement parts for this bus? I have heard that is a major consideration when buying a bus.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ANY INFO YOU MAY HAVE!
If its in good shape with minimal rust I would buy that bus in a second. Already has some solar and a pretty robust drivetrain.
slaughridge85 is offline   Reply With Quote
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