1999 Blue Bird All American RE 84 Passenger School Bus

[RossRollingHomes]

1999 Blue Bird All American RE 84 Passenger School Bus

Year: 1999
Make: Blue Bird
Model: All American RE
Engine Make: Cummins 8.3L 250HP
Transmission: Allison Automatic MT643
Fuel Type: Diesel
Seating Capacity: 84
Brakes: Air
Options: 74" Headroom

I have access to two of these very desirable busses. They feature the mechanical Diesel engines which are much easier and less expensive to service. These two busses are from the southwest and are rust free. Recently retired from service and maintained since new. Great candidates for conversion. Both are in the low to mid $7000s. If you prefer a later model of this bus with the electronic Diesel engine I can help with that too.

[MNbusboy]

They are manual transmission? Am I correct in assuming from your title that they are in Scottsdale? Do you have a link to more photos? What's the milage?

[Drew Bru]

Originally Posted by MNbusboy

They are manual transmission?

Nah, MT643 is a 4 speed automatic with a lockup torque converter. We've got one in our bus. I'm not sure why the model is called MT.

[Sehnsucht]

I think Allison's Gen-3 series transmissions were called MTxxx then in Gen-4 they were called ATxxx and then in Gen-5 they expanded to 4-digit model numbers like the venerable MD3060. Sometimes the models mean something and sometimes it's just fuzz.

[RossRollingHomes]

Originally Posted by MNbusboy

They are manual transmission? Am I correct in assuming from your title that they are in Scottsdale? Do you have a link to more photos? What's the milage?

Automatic transmission as stated below. The mileages vary but 230,000 or less. Well maintained and have been inspected and certified by the state of Arizona before being retired. I have a close working relationship with a dealership here and I will happily put you in touch with the sales manager. If you use me as a referral you will save a substantial amount of money. I buy a lot of busses from her and I do not receive a commission. She treats me right and I in turn send business her way. I feel very confident in this source. They have a garage and mechanics on site and everything is checked and evaluated. Tires are replaced and minor work done to ensure their road worthiness.

[RossRollingHomes]

Here are a few more photos taken of one of the busses.

[okinawascuba]

It would be quite a hike for me to get one of these back to VA to start a build but I could be interested. I am not too familiar with what all is the most desirable to have in a bus with Engine and Tranny either.

Are they both alike with the lower storage? I like that.

[Iceni John]

Originally Posted by Drew Bru

Nah, MT643 is a 4 speed automatic with a lockup torque converter. We've got one in our bus. I'm not sure why the model is called MT.

The MT is for Medium Trucks (e.g. delivery and around-town trucks), the AT is for Automobile Trucks (e.g. pickup trucks), and the HT is for Heavy Trucks (e.g. Class 7 and 8 bigrigs and OTR 18-wheelers).

John

[Hummingbird]

I am very interested. , can you get me the contact info please?

[RossRollingHomes]

Originally Posted by Hummingbird

I am very interested. , can you get me the contact info please?

Call me or text 480.233.4306. Joel

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by Sehnsucht

I think Allison's Gen-3 series transmissions were called MTxxx then in Gen-4 they were called ATxxx and then in Gen-5 they expanded to 4-digit model numbers like the venerable MD3060. Sometimes the models mean something and sometimes it's just fuzz.

HT = Heavy truck

MT = Medium truck
AT = Auto / truck (believe it or not one of the original thoughts behind the AT5xx was to be used in light trucks like pickups.. certain parts resemblea GM TH400 (the torque converters are interchangeable for some applications).. to my knowledge the AT5xx series never made it into a light duty pickup from the factory..



the HT series (HT740) etc were 'Heavy truck' they got used in coaches and bigger trucks..



there was also a B-series which was specifically for Coaches and city busses.. 'B' meant Bus series.. currently that series seems based on 3000 / 4000 models.. occasionally you'll see members here obtain a bus with a B300(R) the R means a retarder integrated.. very similar to an MD3060 is the B300...

[RossRollingHomes]

I would have loved to have been at that price point. I got the baby bus for $4500 and was comfortable. The big one was $7000. I’ve done my research and I know of folks that have paid less for busses but ended up spending more because of repairs due to rust. If I’m investing this much time, effort and money I want a solid, rust free platform to build off of. If I spend a couple extra on the initial purchase I’m ok with that. Especially since it’s coming straight from a school district and the busses are thoroughly checked out by the shop. Also, they installed four new tires on the baby bus for that price.

[RossRollingHomes]

Originally Posted by o1marc

I understand your position.

I would imagine you’re in a good location to pick up rust free busses as well. I spoke to the head mechanic from the transportation company I worked for in Michigan and all the busses they were selling had issues. It doesn’t take long for the salt to do it’s thing in the Midwest. I saw it first hand.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by RossRollingHomes

I would imagine you’re in a good location to pick up rust free busses as well. I spoke to the head mechanic from the transportation company I worked for in Michigan and all the busses they were selling had issues. It doesn’t take long for the salt to do it’s thing in the Midwest. I saw it first hand.

If you can identify the model of transmission in you bus correctly you've already done better than most of the sellers and FLIPPERS. Some people like to come on here and poopoo on everyone else's bus for sale. Ignore those people.

[RossRollingHomes]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

If you can identify the model of transmission in you bus correctly you've already done better than most of the sellers and FLIPPERS. Some people like to come on here and poopoo on everyone else's bus for sale. Ignore those people.

I would be interested in doing a build for someone if it was the right fit. I’m not in the bus flipping business. I really like the company I get my busses from. They’ve been honest and helpful. I was going to buy a bus a few years newer but was led to the bus with an easier and more affordable engine to work on. My mechanic affirmed that advice. If I’m able to pair buyers up with them I know they will be treated right as will I.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by RossRollingHomes

I would be interested in doing a build for someone if it was the right fit. I’m not in the bus flipping business. I really like the company I get my busses from. They’ve been honest and helpful. I was going to buy a bus a few years newer but was led to the bus with an easier and more affordable engine to work on. My mechanic affirmed that advice. If I’m able to pair buyers up with them I know they will be treated right as will I.

YOu've got GREAT buses at reasonable prices. Don't let anyone beat you up on the prices! I'd be asking MORE.

[JDOnTheGo]

Guys; the rules are pretty clear. If you are not interested in purchasing the bus listed in a classified ad, you have no reason to post anything.