Basics on Picking a Bus

Velocipedic · 03-03-2019, 03:04 AM

While I'm deployed, I can't work on my bus, so I've tried to make a concise documentation of everything I've learned on this site and through the conversion process. Hopefully it helps someone out there!

https://thederelictebus.com/project-...-amp-biodiesel

Kinson · 03-03-2019, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velocipedic

While I'm deployed, I can't work on my bus, so I've tried to make a concise documentation of everything I've learned on this site and through the conversion process. Hopefully it helps someone out there!

https://thederelictebus.com/project-...-amp-biodiesel

The 466 you're referring to is the name of an International engine model. It would not be your transmission.

o1marc · 03-03-2019, 12:59 PM

A 14 window bus is only 37' , 15 windows would be a 40'er. Mine is 14 windows, 37'.
Navistar makes the DT466.

Velocipedic · 03-03-2019, 03:02 PM

Thanks guys, I'll make the transmission changes! Also, mine is a 14 window bus but its 40' long... I dunno?

o1marc · 03-03-2019, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velocipedic

Thanks guys, I'll make the transmission changes! Also, mine is a 14 window bus but its 40' long... I dunno?

Looking at pics of yours, the rear over hang seems to be the same. as well as the front. I think they are basically the same body. I wish mine were 40'.

Kinson · 03-03-2019, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velocipedic

Thanks guys, I'll make the transmission changes! Also, mine is a 14 window bus but its 40' long... I dunno?

I haven't looked into it for long, but standard window size is ~22.5 inches with 2.5 inch partitions. I say standard because that can vary and there are definitely various window sizes even on the same bus. To get a rough size, people count the windows and add on a certain amount for the driver area or dog nose. The sure-fire way is a tape measure.

o1marc · 03-03-2019, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinson

I haven't looked into it for long, but standard window size is ~22.5 inches with 2.5 inch partitions. I say standard because that can vary and there are definitely various window sizes even on the same bus. To get a rough size, people count the windows and add on a certain amount for the driver area or dog nose. The sure-fire way is a tape measure.

My 14 window has windows that are a full 24", with a 3" divider. That's 28" plus 3'3", 31'3". Guarantee there is not 9' in front and back of the windows, 5' in front and one behind. Measured with a tape measure at 37'.

EastCoastCB · 03-03-2019, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o1marc

A 14 window bus is only 37' , 15 windows would be a 40'er. Mine is 14 windows, 37'.
Navistar makes the DT466.

Window count and length vary as some have wide windows in some locations. I've owned a 14 window 40 footer. I think the OP does now.

Kinson · 03-06-2019, 02:29 PM

Yes, my mistake. The DT466 is made by Navistar International Corporation. (formerly International Harvester Company)

Shanimal808 · 03-20-2019, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velocipedic

While I'm deployed, I can't work on my bus, so I've tried to make a concise documentation of everything I've learned on this site and through the conversion process. Hopefully it helps someone out there!

https://thederelictebus.com/project-...-amp-biodiesel

Thanks so much for this great resource! I am in the process of building a skoolie to barge over to the North Shore of Oahu and I really appreciate all of the great info! Thanks!

PNW_Steve · 03-21-2019, 10:17 AM

I suspect that the author probably has never owned and driven an RE bus.....,

I picked my RE buses because they are quieter and easier to work on than FE's.

PatrickBaptist · 07-23-2019, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

I suspect that the author probably has never owned and driven an RE bus.....,

I picked my RE buses because they are quieter and easier to work on than FE's.

Bet not because I agree with you, not just quieter but the hot end is in the back so it doesn't make you nearly as hot when the power plant and radiator is up front. It is funny how different it is feeling that "push" compared to the others.

In my engine bay I had room to install a 4GPM tankless LP water heater.
Way easier to work on the engine in the rear by far, if you are out in the rain then you always have cover in the rear engine bay, atleast on the IC ones anyways. I love the access from both sides giving me full access to everything, it's easier to deal with those than the engine bay of a Fseries truck.
Another good thing about the RE units is the short drive line for various reasons.
They do drive alot better and have a better turning radius.

I didn't goto the authors website, especially after seeing he was unclear what a "466" even was.

PNW_Steve · 07-23-2019, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatrickBaptist

Bet not because I agree with you, not just quieter but the hot end is in the back so it doesn't make you nearly as hot when the power plant and radiator is up front. It is funny how different it is feeling that "push" compared to the others.

In my engine bay I had room to install a 4GPM tankless LP water heater.
Way easier to work on the engine in the rear by far, if you are out in the rain then you always have cover in the rear engine bay, atleast on the IC ones anyways. I love the access from both sides giving me full access to everything, it's easier to deal with those than the engine bay of a Fseries truck.
Another good thing about the RE units is the short drive line for various reasons.
They do drive alot better and have a better turning radius.

I didn't goto the authors website, especially after seeing he was unclear what a "466" even was.

I have driven CE, FE and RE. My personal preference is RE for the reasons you mention as well as the shorter "overhang" behind the drive axle. The trade off is a wider turning radius.

I can live with this.

cowlitzcoach · 07-23-2019, 08:02 PM

Counting windows is just to get a ballpark estimate of what size the bus might be.

My 1979 Crown Supercoach had one fixed window and nine single sash windows on the curb side and it was 36' long. It originally had 13-rows of seats.

I had a 1971 Gillig Schoolcoach with eleven single sash drop windows, one emergency door, one driver's window, and one fixed window and it was 35' long. It had 13-rows of seats.

I had a 1979 IHC Loadstar/Carpenter bus that had ten double sash windows, a driver's window, and an emergency door and it was 35' long. It had 11-rows of seats.

EastCoastCB · 07-23-2019, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatrickBaptist

Bet not because I agree with you, not just quieter but the hot end is in the back so it doesn't make you nearly as hot when the power plant and radiator is up front. It is funny how different it is feeling that "push" compared to the others.

In my engine bay I had room to install a 4GPM tankless LP water heater.
Way easier to work on the engine in the rear by far, if you are out in the rain then you always have cover in the rear engine bay, atleast on the IC ones anyways. I love the access from both sides giving me full access to everything, it's easier to deal with those than the engine bay of a Fseries truck.
Another good thing about the RE units is the short drive line for various reasons.
They do drive alot better and have a better turning radius.

I didn't goto the authors website, especially after seeing he was unclear what a "466" even was.

FE has by far the best turning radius of any layout.

PNW_Steve · 07-24-2019, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

FE has by far the best turning radius of any layout.

That has been my experience as well.

I still prefer RE due to the shorter overhang behind the drive axle. As well as the usual lack of heat, noise and doghouse.

There are pro's and con's to each of the bus types. Pick the one that fits your needs best.

PatrickBaptist · 07-24-2019, 12:43 PM

I like having my water heater in the engine bay along with some other things.
Much easier to work on that a FE and well in my case easier than working on pickups.
Though it does hog some floor space, it works out since one of my kids has her bed atop the engine bay and she loves it.

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