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Old 11-27-2022, 01:02 PM   #1
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Join Date: Nov 2022
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Question 1996 Bluebird 32 Passenger Bus Question

Hi, I’m new to bus conversions and am looking to get into it. I’ve been looking at different listings over the past few months and came across one that looked like it was a pretty good bus. It is a 1996 Bluebird 32 passenger bus with 46k miles on it. They didn’t list the size of the engine, just that it was a Cummins and it had an Allison transmission. It was originally a charter bus but it’s not used anymore. The condition looks to be pretty good. They are asking $10,900 for it. Any thoughts on the price? Is that too high? Thanks for any help you would be able to give.

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Old 11-28-2022, 07:51 AM   #2
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Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Central Alabama
Posts: 541
Year: 1998
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: TC/2000
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 12-valve
Rated Cap: 1
It is a clean bus with a high roof and side storage compartments. To me the seats and above seating racks adds value but all of that is going to be removed for a conversion. It is an 11 window bus so the low seat count is misleading.

The gear shift indicates a AT545 trans which would give it a 5.9 Cummins. A picture of the engine would help. That wouldn't be bad but you may have a heavy bus if you do a major conversion.

The mileage may actually be accurate but needs to be verified with repair/maintenance records. Since it is probably a reseller, records may not be available unless he went to the church it came from. Also, age alone can affect some repair/maintenance needs.

The tires have good tread but may be old and need replacing. You would need to get date codes from the tires.

The existing paint also helps for value if you can buff out the lettering.

96 Blue Bird - 1.png
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Old 11-28-2022, 03:55 PM   #3
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Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Suburbs of Winterset, OH
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Year: 2005
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: FS65
Engine: Mercedes 6.4L
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Nice looking bus. High roof and storage are desirable. Not having to paint is worth a couple gran +/-. does it have a/c? (Probably not?)

Walk away, price is too high especially if it has the less than desirable AT545.
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Old 11-29-2022, 06:49 AM   #4
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
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Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
price is high... these were made with AT545 and MT643 both (D-3-2-1 shifter was used on both).. appears to have (or had) Air-cond..



if its an MT643, geared for highway, and has A/C id place it at a 5k Bus... maybe a little less since the bottom seems to be coming out of the market with persistent high diesel prices and people going back to traditional travel (im i nthe hotel Biz and occupancy for hotels is High)
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