Purchasing Advice.... engine rebuilt

[Welshie]

I've been an avid reader on here for a while so I want to begin by thanking everyone for the advice they've already unknowingly given me and all the advice they're going to give me in the future! Here's my situation:

I'm going to look at a bus next week. It's an International Amtran, I've never heard of Amtran I'm assuming it not really different from any other body? I'm planning on putting a roof deck on it, that's the reason for this question.

It has a DT466E motor and an Alison Trani. From my research this is an excellent combo. I'm going to heavily insulate the bus and then use it to transport myself through the mountains this winter to snowboard all North America. It should hold up to that well, oui?

The real question is with the engine. It was rebuilt and has about 1000 miles on it. The guy who is selling it wasn't the one who had the rebuild done, it was the previous owner. The current owner does have all the receipts for the rebuild and also says some part of the front end was rebuilt. Is there anything I should specifically look out for with a rebuilt engine? Should this be more of a concern than a positive?

The vehicle is a bit out of my price range however with a brand new engine and the extra conversion elements that have already been added to it then I believe it's worth the extra cash for the longevity and the conversion elements.

[Oscar1]

Originally Posted by Welshie

I've been an avid reader on here for a while so I want to begin by thanking everyone for the advice they've already unknowingly given me and all the advice they're going to give me in the future! Here's my situation:

I'm going to look at a bus next week. It's an International Amtran, I've never heard of Amtran I'm assuming it not really different from any other body? I'm planning on putting a roof deck on it, that's the reason for this question.

It has a DT466E motor and an Alison Trani. From my research this is an excellent combo. I'm going to heavily insulate the bus and then use it to transport myself through the mountains this winter to snowboard all North America. It should hold up to that well, oui?

The real question is with the engine. It was rebuilt and has about 1000 miles on it. The guy who is selling it wasn't the one who had the rebuild done, it was the previous owner. The current owner does have all the receipts for the rebuild and also says some part of the front end was rebuilt. Is there anything I should specifically look out for with a rebuilt engine? Should this be more of a concern than a positive?

The vehicle is a bit out of my price range however with a brand new engine and the extra conversion elements that have already been added to it then I believe it's worth the extra cash for the longevity and the conversion elements.

My spidy senses start tingling when a vehicle with a brand new rebuild changes hands once never mind twice. That's a definite independant mechanical inspection before purchase.
Go forth carefully.

[musigenesis]

AmTran = American Transportation Corporation = Navistar = International = IC = IC Bus. This company has rebranded itself an insane number of times.

In other words, there's no such bus as an "International AmTran" - both words are names for the company.

[Danjo]

Originally Posted by Oscar1

My spidy senses start tingling when a vehicle with a brand new rebuild changes hands once never mind twice. That's a definite independant mechanical inspection before purchase.
Go forth carefully.

I agree. I think that alone would scare me away from the purchase

[magnakansas]

test drive one hour long.... no test drive price drops. cold start on engine when you inspect it. tires -- build date on the tires must be five years or less for an expensive price..... I have seen too many crappy repair work to give a damn about a stack of reciepits. treat with skepticism.

william