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Old 03-26-2017, 03:32 PM   #1
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Out Looking at a 2006 Blue Bird

Has anyone converted a blue bird bus approximately 35 feet was used as a city bus and Trenton New Jersey bi-fold doors handicap lifts just putting it out there to see what anybody thinks about it

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Old 03-26-2017, 04:02 PM   #2
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I like the windows on those buses, but probably wouldn't like the miles. Is that propane or NG?
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Old 03-26-2017, 04:04 PM   #3
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No it is diesel

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Old 03-26-2017, 04:15 PM   #4
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That's cool. If you really want discussion on this bus you're going to need to put a lot more information on here. Milage, engine, trans, rear end gear ratio, tire condition and age.

The city buses often have been used up before they sell them. The gearing is designed for stop and start at city speeds. However, it's possible and it's been done.

Get more information on the bus, then the shark feeding frenzy begins.
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Old 03-26-2017, 05:07 PM   #5
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everything ive seen of Jersey is they beat the snot out of their equipment and all the start and stop in traffic and nasty roads might make for a pretty worn out bus..

-Christopher
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Old 03-26-2017, 06:40 PM   #6
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06 would likely have egr and emissions garbage.
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Old 03-26-2017, 08:38 PM   #7
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Question

Has anyone converted a BlueBird bus approximately 40 feet is a retired rural city bus down by Trenton, New Jersey. So I am going to put in out there for deep discussion . Would this bus be a nay or yay? The pictures are in the original posting.

Year: 2006
Body Manufacturer and Model: Blue Bird
Chassis: Blue Bird Rear Engine
Engine: Caterpillar C7 Diesel Engine
Transmission: Allison 5 Speed Automatic Transmission (PTS 3000)
Odometer: 147,000
Brakes: Air Brakes
Suspension: Rear Air Suspension
Air Conditioning & Heat: Dual Ducted A/C And Front And Rear Heat
Passenger Capacity: 42 Passengers
Passenger Seats: Blue Cloth
Passenger Entry Door: Air Actuated Bi-Fold Doors
Emergency Exits: 6 Emergency Exit Windows And 2 Roof Mounted Emergency Exit Hatches
Flooring: Full Rubber Floor with Ribbed Aisle
Fuel Capacity: 140 Gallons
GVWR: 36,200 lbs.
Media: Driver AM/FM/CD Radio
PA System
Misc. Options and Features:
Entry Area and Overhead Grab Rails
Overhead Dome Lights and Speakers
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
Auxiliary Rear Fan Heater
2 Driver’s Electric Fans
Dual Sun Visors
High Idle Switch
Cruise Control
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Old 03-26-2017, 08:56 PM   #8
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That sounds nice with the low mileage. I've got to ask why the city would get rid of a bus with that low of mileage? The majority on this site don't seem to like cat engines and tend to avoid them. Cats are ok if you've got a good one and if you take care of it properly. Nice transmission. Everything else sounds pretty normal to me but then I'm not a bus expert.

I'd still worry about the rear end gear ratio. My understanding is many of those buses won't put up with a long freeway drive. They aren't used to being run that hard for that long with low rear end gears.

I'm curious to know why you're looking at city buses? I'll admit, I like the windows better than school bus windows. Aren't the city bus bodies made from fiberglass?
You've got enough information on here now that people will start commenting.
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Old 03-26-2017, 09:03 PM   #9
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I have looking at several school bus. Then I looked at a couple of MCI Coaches. I want something to running from NYC to South Carolina. After that, I will be exploring other travels. Yes the motor is always my worry but I work on motors just not diesel.

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Old 03-26-2017, 09:41 PM   #10
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Also it was a college school (Rutgers) bus
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Old 03-26-2017, 10:24 PM   #11
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A college trip bus is more realistic to find than a low mileage city bus. I'm not qualified to even guess at a value for that bus. How much are they asking, if you don't mind?

Honestly it would be best for you if you could delay your purchase for a while and learn from this site what you need to look for in a bus to avoid trouble. As Chris said, it's likely that bus has problems based on its location. Certain areas of the country don't generally have buses in good shape. Have you got time before you need to take your trip?
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Old 03-26-2017, 11:00 PM   #12
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I can secure the bus for $4,000 brand new batteries rubber questionable, it's been out of service for awhile. The bus is 12 volts. All their new buses are 24 volts and Detroit. I am going to look at one more bus this week however I need to decided by Friday. Waiting to long and 3 buses where sold already. I am trying to be patient and cautious but I need to work at a faster Pace at the same time. LOL.

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Old 03-27-2017, 10:42 AM   #13
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You seem to be approaching the purchase of your bus the right way. Look at as many buses as you can and learn as much as possible. Most bus buyers try not to rush the purchase because a bad bus can cost way to much to fix up. A new set of tires can easily cost you a couple thousand.

I'm sure you've learned a lot just by looking at multiple buses. Do you have any mechanic friends that could help you evaluate the buses you're looking at? I'm on the wrong coast to be any help to you.
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Old 03-27-2017, 10:51 AM   #14
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Yes I have boarded So many buses, underneath so many buses. I have my favorites but I have to go with a Practical choice and right now its leaning towards the blue bird.
One problem I do have os all my friends are motorheads but for cars. Not a diesel mechanic in any of them.

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Old 03-27-2017, 12:02 PM   #15
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It sounds like you're doing alright they way you're looking at buses. Pick out a favorite, take some pics and let the mechanics here evaluate it for you. Maybe that would help.

Do try to get something with decent tires. Some places will put good tires on to make the sale take place.
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Old 03-27-2017, 02:36 PM   #16
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Thank you for all the advice you're giving me. it is very helpful this is totally different than going and picking out a new pickup truck or new car from my wife this is another adventure for the record book. Once again thank you Robin 97396

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Old 03-27-2017, 03:13 PM   #17
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I hasver been a Hot-Rod motorhead for a long time... i knew very little about Diesel engines other than we had a scout growing up.. and I had torn apart and rebuilt a peugeot diesel engine as a teen..

you will find transtitioning to the dieselk worlkd isnt as bad as it seems... and that because you have mechanical knowldedge of how things work that you can apply Much of it to your diesel.. electronic diesels bring about some challenges but even they have the same basic requirements and any engine. Air-Fuel-Heat-Compression.

Air is Air, COmpression is Compression.. Heat in a gas engine is provided by the spark plug.. Heat in a diesel is provided by the Super high compression.

Fuel in a gas engine is provided into the cylinder before the heat, on a diesel your fuel injector (in most) is directly in the cylinder.. fuel is injected at the time you need to begin the firing.. so in effect your timing is controlled by your fueling.. and amount of fuel is controlled by how much the injector injects...

you still have pistons, rings, valves, springs, rods, and all the other pieces of an engine you are familiar with..

OK so I over simplified.. but idea being if you can work on a gas engine, you can learn and work on a diesel.

-Christopher
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Old 03-27-2017, 07:24 PM   #18
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I see in the pics that the bus was owned and operated by
First Transit.
Perhaps under exclusive contract to Rutgers?
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Old 03-27-2017, 07:28 PM   #19
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It was the college bus

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