Prison Bus Question

[plfking]

Originally Posted by CJ1417

Here is the VIN: 1BABKB7A6TF064049. We have plans to see it tomorrow so we will take pics as well in case we need further expert advice from this forum!

Gates decoder says it's a 8.3L.

[joeblack5]

maybe the inmates had a say in it and wanted a get away bus with a larger engine to outrun the cops.
later j

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by plfking

Gates decoder says it's a 8.3L.

I kinda figured.

CL sellers...

[CJ1417]

You were all right-8.3! We had a chance to drive it but have a couple questions for the group before we buy. We are planning to convert for full time travel so we really want to make the right purchase first time.
1. The wood floor seems completely rotten. We cannot see any rust underneath the bus and know we have to rip the floor out-is the rotten wood any reason for concern?
2. With it being a RE there is a switch for front or back to start the bus. The bus will run when set to back but intermittently shuts off while running when set to front. Any thoughts on this issue?
3. How do we figure out the type of transmission? It is a solid shifter (attaching picture).
4. Attaching 2 picture of boxes in the rear of the bus. The first is back at the top-looks like a heater but we aren’t sure and would hope to be able to pull it out. The other is just behind he wheel well. The seller isn’t sure what either are.
Thanks everyone for the input-very much appreciated!

[EastCoastCB]

The wood probably rotted from the inmates various fluids.

[brokedown]

If the wood is soft it's a pretty safe bet there's some soft metal under it too. Don't plan on skipping removing the floor!

[Elliot Naess]

If the engine is an ISC, it has electronic fuel injection. IS stands for Interact System.

If it is a 6C8.3, it is mechanical (good!).

In between was the C8.3E, where the E stands for Electronic.

To identify a mechanical engine, look for an in-line fuel injection pump on the left side of the engine, with a mechanical accelerator-pedal linkage to it.

Buy it, regardless!
(Assuming the price is reasonable.)

[Oddball]

Just think, you can paint CON-AIR on the side and no one will mess with your bus!

[yfrank14]

If you buy it, and start demolishing for a build, anything you find that looks like a weapon or drugs, call the cops. Let them take it.
Last thing you want to do is put it aside or throw it in the trash and a cop finds it.

[CJ1417]

Thank you to everyone for the input! We ended up having a mechanic take a look at it and we decided to pass based on the amount of work (and money) required to fix it up for full time travel. Our search continues!

[Badbus81]

What did your mechanic say it needed if u don’t mind me asking. I saw this on CL looked pretty cool

[Versatile]

Originally Posted by CJ1417

We have arrangements to view a former prison bus tomorrow-wondering if there are any pros/cons/additional things to consider with a prison bus as opposed to a bus that has been used for school (aside from bars on the windows!)? It is a 96 Bluebird with cummins 8.9l DSL Engine w/46,000 miles.

Just make sure that no Cons are hiding in th back.

e

[Versatile]

Originally Posted by yfrank14

If you buy it, and start demolishing for a build, anything you find that looks like a weapon or drugs, call the cops. Let them take it.
Last thing you want to do is put it aside or throw it in the trash and a cop finds it.

Whatch you been smokin Wills?

[CJ1417]

Originally Posted by Badbus81

What did your mechanic say it needed if u don’t mind me asking. I saw this on CL looked pretty cool

Major engine leaks (head gasket, rear main, front main seals), rear axle leaks and needs new tires due to dry rot. That is more mechanical work than we want to do up front.

[Badbus81]

Wow yeah that sucks. Kind of surprised it needs all that given the low mileage.