Hello everyone!
So I am about ready to pull the trigger on a bus in Indianapolis. It is a flat-nosed, 9 row Bluebird TC2000. 130k miles. 5 speed at545. 5.9 cummins with a p pump. Middle side door for the ramp. I just wish it was closer, and not across the border, but whatever. It's an 8 hour drive back to me in Hamilton, Ontario. I will bus there for $150. Gas back, about $300? Bus: $3900 asking.
Is there anyone in the Indianapolis area (I think the bus is in Camby, just south), I would be happy to meetup and buy you a drink and would appreciate anyone knowledgeable to come take a look at the bus before I drop my cash on it. Will be passing through Michigan as well. Maybe if someone knows a good place to check out for conversion parts / supplies on my route I will stop there too!
Basically, I'm shopping around for insurance and having issues. I think I am making the mistake of saying its a bus. I try to let them know its now a large truck / van that happens to look like a school bus...but so far I have only 1 quote for $400/month for a 'commercial vehicle under modification'. And they need 2 months up front + $1500 cancellation fee so I can't use this for 1 week to drive it home, convert/retitle it and then look for a cheaper policy. At least it dropped to $200/month once it is fully converted.
The other issue is I have a class G (no CDL / B/ E license) but this may be fine. At worst, it's a gray area as far as I understand? The bus is privately owned and isn't carrying passengers. I heard I can retitle it as a van in Indiana but it takes 2-4 weeks - might be time prohibitive. I also can't remove the seats because the bus needs to be unmodified to meet customs import requirements. Maybe there is someone here who can help me drive it across the border (the scariest spot for me) for some compensation
I appreciate all input and advice!