Thoughts on this one?

Groy0109 · 03-06-2019, 01:42 PM

Hey Everyone, I found this skoolie about 3 hours from me. It is a diesel, automatic with 94,000 miles. My wife and I have a different idea than turning it into an rv, more of a commercial vehicle. Does anyone have any info to help me out?

Kinson · 03-06-2019, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groy0109

Hey Everyone, I found this skoolie about 3 hours from me. It is a diesel, automatic with 94,000 miles. My wife and I have a different idea than turning it into an rv, more of a commercial vehicle. Does anyone have any info to help me out?

Some here may be able to tell you certain things by sight alone, but try to contact them asking about engine/transmission models. Some pictures of the underside would probably shed some light on it's viability as well. If you can't post links yet, saving then uploading the other pictures yourself may help.

Kinson · 03-06-2019, 02:46 PM

Here you go:
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...829915447.html

Groy0109 · 03-06-2019, 02:58 PM

That's the One! I didn't know if it was worth the call if anyone already knew that it should be red flagged. I know there is a lot to know about different makes and models.

weboughtabus · 03-06-2019, 03:02 PM

I would be leery of trusting the odometer reading as the actual mileage of the vehicle. As has been discussed on here, frequently, gauge clusters crap out and are replaced frequently. My other concern is the deleted flashers fore and aft. Lots of states require that they be removed in order to occupy the roads, but from these pictures it doesn't really look like they were actually sealed up. I'd be concerned about what any incoming moisture may have done.

peteg59 · 03-06-2019, 03:15 PM

Looks like a good price and if miles are correct, there should theoretically be much more life left in it. Without crawling underneath to inspect the "bones", there's no way to definitively say it's good to go.
What commercial use are you planning? it won't be an economical delivery truck if that's what your plan is/was.
Good luck in your search...

o1marc · 03-06-2019, 03:36 PM

New body panels on the side make me wonder if it was involved in an accident?

weboughtabus · 03-06-2019, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o1marc

New body panels on the side make me wonder if it was involved in an accident?

Good eye - the passenger side definitely looks like its gone under the knife.

o1marc · 03-06-2019, 03:42 PM

Probably has a 5.9 backed by an Allison AT545, something to consider for its use.

david.dgeorge07 · 03-06-2019, 03:53 PM

High ceiling and AC suggest it might have been an activity bus, in which case probably not the 545.

Groy0109 · 03-06-2019, 03:57 PM

Is that a good thing? we will probably only put 200ish miles on it per month.

o1marc · 03-06-2019, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groy0109

Is that a good thing? we will probably only put 200ish miles on it per month.

Is what a good thing?

Kinson · 03-06-2019, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groy0109

Is that a good thing? we will probably only put 200ish miles on it per month.

The Allison 545 is probably the least desirable transmission due to its poor highway performance/longevity. There are people here that still get by with it though. If it interests you, there's no harm in a 5 minute phone call to get to know all you can about it. Even then, some seller's have no idea what they have.

ermracing · 03-06-2019, 04:25 PM

Based on the pictures (tire size) and the fact that it's a special needs bus, it will probably have a flat floor and no wheel wells. That will make the build process easier, but shouldn't sway your purchase decision.

Groy0109 · 03-08-2019, 12:56 PM

Thanks for the advice! sounds like it would at least be worth a phone call.

EastCoastCB · 03-08-2019, 03:15 PM

Bus is a lowrider. Gonna have limited capabilities on rough roads and it WILL ride pretty rough.

Groy0109 · 03-08-2019, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Bus is a lowrider. Gonna have limited capabilities on rough roads and it WILL ride pretty rough.

It will be strictly on the road. Also wont be traveling to far at a time. Probably no more than 50 miles at a time.

cowlitzcoach · 03-13-2019, 11:45 PM

The vintage suggests a Cat 3116/3126. For some reason in those years Thomas really pushed the Cat and the Cummins was an also ran in terms of which engine was chosen.

The stance suggests it has air ride in the rear at the least. Those little tires tend to cost more than a full size tire but they are still very available.

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