Still looking for a bus in PNW

[Kandall]

Update:
The folks at Harlows Bus Sales said that the bus we are interested in is either scrapped or sold. They dont seem to have any other school buses that fit our needs. So we are hoping something pops up on auction pretty soon.

[Btimmer]

Here's a recent post from CL: https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/r...596524962.html

[Kandall]

Originally Posted by Btimmer

Here's a recent post from CL: https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/r...596524962.html

We are looking for a conventional. Thanks for looking out tho!

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Kandall

We are looking for a conventional. Thanks for looking out tho!

How long a bus you looking for?

[Kandall]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

How long a bus you looking for?

12 windows would be ideal. No less than 10 windows.

[brokedown]

Any particular reason you're against a Type D bus? I quite like mine after driving a Type B for a year.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Kandall

12 windows would be ideal. No less than 10 windows.

Check Texas. Lots of conventional buses and usually no rust problems.

[Kandall]

Originally Posted by brokedown

Any particular reason you're against a Type D bus? I quite like mine after driving a Type B for a year.

Our biggest reasons are: 1 conventionals are supposedly easier to work on, 2 the engine is actually outside the bus which should mean less heat inside the bus, and 3 is we are hoping to make a garage in the very back with outside access.

[cowlitzcoach]

Originally Posted by Btimmer

Here's a recent post from CL: https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/r...596524962.html

190 HP T444E in an RE bus is going to be a real slowpoke going anywhere.

Add in the fact it is a former church bus and it isn't worth the asking price.

[Kandall]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Check Texas. Lots of conventional buses and usually no rust problems.

Texas is too far for us to travel to look at a bus in person before we buy it. That's why we are really only looking in the PNW.

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by Kandall

Our biggest reasons are: 1 conventionals are supposedly easier to work on, 2 the engine is actually outside the bus which should mean less heat inside the bus, and 3 is we are hoping to make a garage in the very back with outside access.

Conventional buses can be easier to work on, but rear engine buses come second. Access is generally very good. Front engine transits are where the access is difficult.

Rear engines don't create any heat in the bus. Well none you are going to notice while traveling.

The desire for a rear garage is, however, an unanswerable point. If you want that you either cannot create one with a rear engine, or you have to put the garage somewhere else. All rear-engine buses have a door, usually on the driver side. It would be perfectly possible to build a very good garage by that door, depending on how big you need it.

I'm not arguing with your points, just wanting to make sure you have good info to make a decision with.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by Kandall

Our biggest reasons are: 1 conventionals are supposedly easier to work on, 2 the engine is actually outside the bus which should mean less heat inside the bus, and 3 is we are hoping to make a garage in the very back with outside access.

What your looking for in a flat front would give you more buildable floor space. My "garage" will be 8', flat front gets me the extra room needed after 56' of floor space is gone.

[Kandall]

Originally Posted by Twigg

Conventional buses can be easier to work on, but rear engine buses come second. Access is generally very good. Front engine transits are where the access is difficult.

Rear engines don't create any heat in the bus. Well none you are going to notice while traveling.

The desire for a rear garage is, however, an unanswerable point. If you want that you either cannot create one with a rear engine, or you have to put the garage somewhere else. All rear-engine buses have a door, usually on the driver side. It would be perfectly possible to build a very good garage by that door, depending on how big you need it.

I'm not arguing with your points, just wanting to make sure you have good info to make a decision with.

That is great input. Sometimes a debate can be absolutely necessary, and I'd prefer to be informed.

The garage bit is mainly because the layout we made kind of requires it. Parts of our floorplan will be made very simple with the garage and it's location. I think we are pretty set on it.

The heat not being an issue in a RE is great but not enough to make us want to get a type d.

The fact that it is the number 1 easiest to work on is pretty important. I'm not a mechanic, but I am going to try to learn how to do any repairs myself when needed, being a noob I'd prefer those projects be as easy and simple as possible. Note taken about the RE being the 2nd easiest to work on tho.

[pipnoodles]

I have a really well maintained, mechanically sound. conventional (64 passenger?) ward Bus. around 34' long 10' high 74 inch ceiling to floor. that I would consider selling. I am in white salmon washington, It came from lewiston idaho school district, no rust. runs great, They have exelent mechanics up there. you could take her to florida right now with confidence. around 176000 on a dt466 with a 643 transmission. I did my research and looked quite a while before I picked this bus up. I figure I wont get to a conversion for at least a couple of years so I would be willing to sell her for 4500.00. provided I dont have to deal with a bunch of drama. I have not done a thing to her other than drive her back from lewiston and start her every couple of weeks. This was an events and backup bus. super clean engine and undercarriage. If you are interested you can email me at noah.hubbard@gmail.com

You sound pretty well informed so I thought I would respond to your post. I would be happy to take the time to send pictures and more details and set up a test drive ect. however, please only contact me if you are serious about purchasing a bus and have cash available. I would post it on craigslist if I needed to sell it and/or wanted to deal with time vampires. whatever you do good luck to you. cheers. Noah hubbard.

[iHunt]

Is Fargo ND too far to go to look at a bus? Mine is pretty much what you are looking for I believe.

2001 Thomas Built 3800
179,000 Miles
77 Rated Cap
DT466E Engine

[Rovobay]

not sure of the engine specs or tranny but check this out.

https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/d...575421987.html

[cowlitzcoach]

Originally Posted by Rovobay

not sure of the engine specs or tranny but check this out.

https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/d...575421987.html

Most likely a T444E with an AT540

Low roof model with air brakes.

It is not a WA spe'c bus.

It doesn't appear to have any rust.

The price is not bad for what it is.

[iHunt]

Here is the bus I have if your interested, sorry its rotated..

It is in the process of getting painted though

[Kandall]

Originally Posted by iHunt

Here is the bus I have if your interested, sorry its rotated..

It is in the process of getting painted though

Your bus is far, but we are interested if it's the one, I will PM you soon, thanks!

[cowlitzcoach]

I know you said you wanted a conventional but there is a Crown for sale in Granite Falls for $4K.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/WAYN...group_activity