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10-23-2020, 03:03 AM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 3
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Completely new bus question
Full on Newb here!
I know many are recommending buses pre-egr. I’m looking for a rear engine diesel pusher to convert. This will primarily be used for week/weekend getaways at this point. Can anyone way in on the option below?
Does this model have the raised roof? Is this setup usually good for towing? How’s the price?TIA
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/washington-2002-international-school-bus/7212817138.html
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10-24-2020, 01:26 AM
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#2
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3,844
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Thomas Built Bus
Chassis: Freightliner FS65
Engine: Caterpillar 3126E Diesel
Rated Cap: 71 Passenger- 30,000 lbs.
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The link did not "click" right in, so here it is in "clickable" format:
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...212817138.html
The price seems good. There are no pictures of the underside to check for rust. The transmission was not listed, but the shifter handle indicates a non-MD3000 series transmission (could be a AT2000, or an AT545).
It does not show the tell-tale signs of rust in the stairwell ... so this is a plus.
Overall, looks good from what I can see. An in-person inspection would still be warranted.
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10-24-2020, 07:38 AM
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#3
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 4,778
Year: 2003
Coachwork: International
Chassis: CE 300
Engine: DT466e
Rated Cap: 65C-43A
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This is not a high-ceiling bus - you can tell because the tops of the passenger windows are in line with the top of the driver's side window. Height down the center aisle of about 6'2", I think.
I think the 215 HP means it's a T444E engine, not sure. That would probably be considered a bit weak for a full-length bus like this.
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10-24-2020, 08:38 AM
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#4
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 14,413
Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
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215 horse wont be a great towing rig.. that power rating would move the bus itself OK but you wont fly down the highway wit ha big trailer..
like others mentioned you need to find out what transmission is in it.. at 215 rating MOST likely its a MT643 or AD2000 however verification is needed as IH did offer the RE models in AT545.. (I never knew this till recerntly)..
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10-24-2020, 09:22 AM
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#5
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Wake Forest NC
Posts: 429
Year: 1998
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Vista 3600
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 24000 lbs
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2002 is right when it could have either
Unless someone who knows more says this is nae a good way to tell I always thought the quickest way to tell was the gear selector numbers scheme
D-3-2-1 = AT545
D-4-2-1 = Allison 2000
other than crawling under and or calling in the vin
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10-24-2020, 09:35 AM
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#6
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 14,413
Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
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D-3-2-1 is also same shift for MT-643
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10-25-2020, 09:48 PM
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#7
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New Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 3
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Wow! Thank you for all of the help! So I think the ideal bus would be a r. Engine 8.3, with an unlockable 6 speed, a high roof (6’6”), driving air, and cruise control. I really like the look of the dog ear Thomas. Those of you who have been doing this long enough. Is the bus I described even made? Open to other makes, potentially open to other engines, but my research points me to the 8.3. Thoughts?
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10-25-2020, 09:50 PM
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#8
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New Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 3
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You guys were right, T444E and MT643
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10-26-2020, 09:05 AM
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#9
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 14,413
Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J_Zinck
Wow! Thank you for all of the help! So I think the ideal bus would be a r. Engine 8.3, with an unlockable 6 speed, a high roof (6’6”), driving air, and cruise control. I really like the look of the dog ear Thomas. Those of you who have been doing this long enough. Is the bus I described even made? Open to other makes, potentially open to other engines, but my research points me to the 8.3. Thoughts?
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Mosrt of the "dog-ear" thiomas's are model HDX.. (I think some of the MVP RE may have gotten the coach mirrors).. I believe there were a cpuple years of those made with 8.3, many of them got the CAT3126 or C7.. some here dont like the 04-06 models with C7, personally I dont have issues with those.. do your own research..
but an HDX with cruise, A/C, MD3060, 4 corner air ride suspension.. yep exists, not too long ago I fixed the A/C on one that went into church-bus service.. that one was a Cat C7 250 HP , its owner had gotten thomas to allow 6th opened... so yes it exists.
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10-26-2020, 04:07 PM
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#10
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3,844
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Thomas Built Bus
Chassis: Freightliner FS65
Engine: Caterpillar 3126E Diesel
Rated Cap: 71 Passenger- 30,000 lbs.
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Thomas seems to be decently responsive to requests for 6th gear unlock. It is Allison that can *sometimes* be a hurdle.
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