Announcing our new addition!

[rjnye79]

Margot Tenenbus arrived home at approximately 2:13am, May 27, 2016. Measuring 35' and weighing a smidge over 27,500 pounds she is very clean, with only a few beauty marks here and there. She is a 66 passenger, 1995 Bluebird International 3800 with 163,322 miles, a T444e, and hydraulic brakes.

The journey home was a successful, albeit wild, ride. First through Atlanta traffic, then rain, then fog, then finally negotiating the narrow streets and abundant, overhanging oaks of Savannah. Keep in mind that I have never driven a bus or any comparable vehicle before! No serious issues that I was aware of, apart from the non-reliable fuel gauge that was disclosed prior to purchase and a clip light that went out but apparently can't be replaced without knocking the others out too. That being said, when I started her up again (seven hours later) the brake pressure warning light presented itself. The brake fluid tank is full, but I do know that the previous owner put in a new master cylinder and brake booster. Her mother and I are anxious to get started on conversion work, but are considering getting her checked out by a mechanic first.

We are still awakening to our new reality (that there is a bus parked in our driveway and that we are going to live in it), but couldn't be more excited about the possibilities that the future will hold. I am, personally, at once thrilled and humbled to now be officially joining your ranks. I hope that I don't bore or vex you all with what I'm sure will be numerous questions and conundrums. We already are so grateful for the advice and insight offered during the process leading us to this moment. However, I know you probably just came here for the pictures, so without further adieu...

[rjnye79]

More pics to come...

[EastCoastCB]

Congrats on the bus, yall!

[Asetechrail]

Margot Tenenbus is quite the looker!! Congratulations on your new family member. Ours came home on the 27th also.

[cadillackid]

wow! looks like a great bus in nice shape!!.. when I brought mine home from florida it was blinding rain, fog, wind... and a broken Air brake compressor.. but still fun adventure!!
-Christopher

[Robin97396]

Nice looking rig. Congrats, cigars all around.

Originally Posted by cadillackid

wow! looks like a great bus in nice shape!!.. when I brought mine home from florida it was blinding rain, fog, wind... and a broken Air brake compressor.. but still fun adventure!!
-Christopher

Chris you are eternally the optimist, but you got'r done.

[Roadrunner]

Sweet lookin' bus! Congratulations. Looking forward to following your build.

[rjnye79]

Thanks everybody! Gonna try and find a good diesel mechanic nearby, hopefully give her a clean bill of health so we can get started. I'll post more pics soon, but got family in town for a few days.

[Carytowncat]

Congratulations!

I can totally relate; i feel very similar to what you described. I had been troubled ovee my living situation for some time and tonight i sleep in my bed excited to yank seats in the morning, and comforted that i don't have to live here anymoreeeeee! lol yay!
It's so noisy here it's... Adios! lol

[rjnye79]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

Nice looking rig. Congrats, cigars all around.

Oh yeah, we christened her with a bottle of bubbly last night.

[dgorila1]

That's a nice, clean looking bus! Congrats! Hopefully all she needs is a little tune up to get her in top running shape.

[Josiahdr]

Nice Looking Bus!!!! Congrats!

[REDD]

Originally Posted by rjnye79

Thanks everybody! Gonna try and find a good diesel mechanic nearby, hopefully give her a clean bill of health so we can get started. I'll post more pics soon, but got family in town for a few days.

Looks very clean and rust free....as for the family in town, perfect! Put'em to work and you'll have the seats out in no time,

[Arvik]

oh heck yeah!! great looking International!! congrats guys

[rjnye79]

Thanks for all the well wishes, y'all! More photos...

Up close and personal








Cockpit


Nice to have that extra door...


The obligatory "before" photo...


She BARELY fit through the gate and into the backyard!


One down, twenty one to go...


The foreman, supervising...


Day and a half of work... all seats and bulkheading are out.

[2kool4skool]

LIKE!

[dgorila1]

Man, that is one clean looking bus! The engine and underside are pristine. Usually see at least the engine bays looking dirty/worn even when they are maintained regularly.
Question: what did you do about insurance for getting her home, or did you not worry about it? I'm waiting to hear back from my insurance agent on if my auto policy covers me for a bus purchase like it would buying any other vehicle. Normally covers you for any new/used vehicle you buy until you can get it home and call them to add it to the policy, but I'm not sure if a bus would be covered since they might technically see it as a commercial vehicle even though I will be registering it for private use.

[Justin McCormick]

Congrats! Look forward to watching the conversion process.

[FlyboyHPD]

Awesome looking bus you got there. Nice and clean. You're making quick work of things. I hope the rest goes as smooth for you. You've come to the right place for good advice. Keep up the great work.

[rjnye79]

Originally Posted by dgorila1

Man, that is one clean looking bus! The engine and underside are pristine. Usually see at least the engine bays looking dirty/worn even when they are maintained regularly.
Question: what did you do about insurance for getting her home, or did you not worry about it? I'm waiting to hear back from my insurance agent on if my auto policy covers me for a bus purchase like it would buying any other vehicle. Normally covers you for any new/used vehicle you buy until you can get it home and call them to add it to the policy, but I'm not sure if a bus would be covered since they might technically see it as a commercial vehicle even though I will be registering it for private use.

I called my insurance company and asked about coverage during the transport of a new vehicle. Now, I am a liability-only customer because my daily driver is not worth the policy to cover it. I was told that I would be covered as the driver, granted I did not mention what type of vehicle I purchased. So, with policy card, title and bill of sale in hand I drove her home (6 hours) sweating bullets and crossing my fingers.