Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 12-02-2007, 10:41 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 16
Coachwork: Shopping
Chassis: Shopping
Engine: Shopping
1986 GMC Schoolbus

I am travelling to view a 1986 GMC school bus 170K asking $2500, seats already removed but still needs conversion (it was posted here quite a while ago but I saw no bites so wondering why)

7.? diesel wit auto transmission

Anyone have any comments on this model to consider?

I have a good diesel mech coming with me but I plan to make this a cross USA venture next year so I'm wondering what concerns there might be.

I spoke with the seller, seems upfront about things and seen many pics it looks clean etc but if anyone has any inside knowledge in this model it would be greatly appreciated. Just trying to be careful here.

Cheers
Alan

britishroamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2007, 07:54 AM   #2
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 263
Re: 1986 GMC Schoolbus

things not work out with wanderer's bus? i know it will cost more, but, I think it's probably worth it.
pete c is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2007, 08:14 AM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 16
Coachwork: Shopping
Chassis: Shopping
Engine: Shopping
Re: 1986 GMC Schoolbus

Yeah he is away for 2 weeks and the price seems to have gone to $4500. Doesn't mean I'm not interested, just wondering whatt he best deal is
britishroamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2007, 06:35 PM   #4
Bus Geek
 
lapeer20m's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: near flint michigan
Posts: 2,657
Re: 1986 GMC Schoolbus

a 7.?? liter 1986??? Hmmmmmmm......

too early for a 7.3 liter non-powerstroke isn't it?

there is a 7.8 ford brazialian...but in a gmc??

what other early diesels were there??? I'm curious what motor that is
__________________
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes (who will watch the watchmen?)
lapeer20m is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2007, 08:08 PM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 16
Coachwork: Shopping
Chassis: Shopping
Engine: Shopping
Re: 1986 GMC Schoolbus

Yeah me too, according to another reply from the general forum it is probably a detroit 8.1 and Alison tranny.

The seller needs to get back with me before travelling 300 miles to view ..
britishroamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2007, 08:23 PM   #6
Bus Geek
 
the_experience03's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Saint James, MN
Posts: 2,669
Send a message via MSN to the_experience03 Send a message via Yahoo to the_experience03
Re: 1986 GMC Schoolbus

Ok...it did post...I didn't notice that you have two threads going.
__________________
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/...09f20d39_m.jpg
Skooling it...one state at a time...
the_experience03 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2007, 08:23 PM   #7
Bus Geek
 
the_experience03's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Saint James, MN
Posts: 2,669
Send a message via MSN to the_experience03 Send a message via Yahoo to the_experience03
Re: 1986 GMC Schoolbus

Grumble grumble grumble....my post didn't...er...post...

My guess is that it's a 8.2 Detroit. That came out in 1980 and certainly was the most common diesel in GM medium trucks in that era. I think it's too early to be a 3116. A 1986 8.2 should have the revisions done to the head (headbolts specifically) to make it reliable.

I don't personally own nor have I ever owned an 8.2, but everyone that has one seems to be reasonably satisfied. They have decent power in turbocharged trim I believe and they are noted for getting good mileage. They were a common engine so parts and competent mechanics shouldn't be hard to find. At the same time the engine is no longer produced so don't expect every NAPA and Carquest to have stuff on hand for it.

The transmission is most likely an Allison AT545. You can read up on the advantages and disadvantages of an AT545 versus an MT643 but suffice it to say that the tranny will be fine.

I'd look at the common stuff...rust, tires, fluid levels, driveability, top speed, service records, etc. Then offer him less than $2500 and hopefully sign the paperwork to take it home.
__________________
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/...09f20d39_m.jpg
Skooling it...one state at a time...
the_experience03 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2007, 01:29 AM   #8
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 49
Re: 1986 GMC Schoolbus

i assume you're talking about this one?
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2588

if so, i know the seller and you can be rest assured it's in as described condition. i would of course prefer you to buy mine when i return though, lol.;)

if you're making the drive to nc to look at that bus, i can make arrangements for a friend to show you mine as well. might save you some time/trouble.
__________________
1991 Blue Bird TC2000 shell version
5.9 Cummins/AT545 Allison
The Wanderer is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Jet Engined Powered Schoolbus! dgorila1 Conversion General Discussions 0 11-07-2014 07:42 AM
Schoolbus Homestead SeanF Skoolie Conversion Projects 133 07-05-2014 05:33 PM
Help me find a Schoolbus Florida crazycal Titles, Insurance, Registration and Money Matters 4 01-15-2013 09:55 PM
Driving a schoolbus to Mexico Stuff Titles, Insurance, Registration and Money Matters 10 04-08-2012 11:51 PM
Schoolbus Graveyards in Virginia kentja Everything Else | General Skoolie Discussions 0 09-04-2010 04:59 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:27 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.