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Old 02-12-2018, 06:23 PM   #1
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What do you think about this bus for a conversion

I think I may have found my bus for conversion. Being as I am an electrician, low voltage technician and come from a family of contractors I don't believe the conversion to be much of an issue. I like the "age" of the bus. Not too old and it seems to be in good shape. I know most people don't like to pay over $3 - $4000 for their starter but I figure it will pay for itself in needless repairs in the beginning.

Opinions are appreciated and listened to

https://lakecity.craigslist.org/cto/...482824894.html

Andrew Byrd
Future bus owner

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Old 02-13-2018, 10:14 AM   #2
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Hey Andrew,

From what I can see in the ad, that looks like a nice bus. I would check thoroughly for rust. If it doesn't have rust issues I could get excited about it.

Reasonably low miles on a respected drivetrane. The 5.9 may be a tad under powered in a full size bus. There are folks here with 5.9's in full size buses that are quite happy with them.

I am partial to the bigger motors myself.

It appears to have an Allison 2000 or 3000 series transmission. That will get you 5 five forward gears with fifth being overdrive. And, the potential to have sixth gear unlocked giving you a second overdrive.

Regarding the price, I would venture a guess that the seller may well have bought the bus recently at auction for 2000-3000 and is flipping it. If you are comfortable with the idea of buying at auction you may find a similar deal.

If you prefer being able to test drive the bus and to be able to take it to a mechanic for inspection then buying from a dealer or private party makes sense. You will likely pay more if you go this route.

IMHO: Assuming no rust issues and a reasonable seller, I think $4500 would not be unreasonable from a private seller.
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Old 02-13-2018, 10:49 AM   #3
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Hey Andrew,

From what I can see in the ad, that looks like a nice bus. I would check thoroughly for rust. If it doesn't have rust issues I could get excited about it.

Reasonably low miles on a respected drivetrane. The 5.9 may be a tad under powered in a full size bus. There are folks here with 5.9's in full size buses that are quite happy with them.

I am partial to the bigger motors myself.

It appears to have an Allison 2000 or 3000 series transmission. That will get you 5 five forward gears with fifth being overdrive. And, the potential to have sixth gear unlocked giving you a second overdrive.

Regarding the price, I would venture a guess that the seller may well have bought the bus recently at auction for 2000-3000 and is flipping it. If you are comfortable with the idea of buying at auction you may find a similar deal.

If you prefer being able to test drive the bus and to be able to take it to a mechanic for inspection then buying from a dealer or private party makes sense. You will likely pay more if you go this route.

IMHO: Assuming no rust issues and a reasonable seller, I think $4500 would not be unreasonable from a private seller.

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Old 02-13-2018, 10:54 AM   #4
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I know....... I must be a 5.9 hater..... Except for the one in my driveway
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Old 02-13-2018, 10:56 AM   #5
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I know....... I must be a 5.9 hater..... Except for the one in my driveway
Me too, except for the one I'm high bidder on.
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Old 02-13-2018, 11:35 AM   #6
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I drive a 5.9 and I also always advising others to get a bus with a larger engine. This bus does fine, but I wouldn't want to tow anything other than on flat ground.

The way I see it, it's like having a large motorcycle that will go faster than you actually need to go. You don't drive it wide open all the time, but it's nice to have that power there when you need it. Most of us grew up riding minibikes wide open. It's not like that anymore, well most of the time anyway. My 5.9 does fine but our state speed limit is usually 55, unless you're on the interstate at 65.
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Old 02-13-2018, 11:43 AM   #7
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Thank you

I truly appreciate all the constructive advice. I am now thinking of holding out for a bigger engine.

Thanks!
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Old 02-13-2018, 12:08 PM   #8
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I rescanned your thread trying to find out what length of bus you're looking for. If you're doing the 35 or 40' bus you'll definitely want a larger engine. Towing, another good reason for more power. Mostly if you're going interstate on long trips you're going to want a larger engine.

Honestly I can go all the same places with my 5.9, but this is a 26' bus. It still feels like I'm driving an overloaded vehicle. It's like hauling a cord of wood in a pickup truck, so yeah I'd like an 8.3 or 466. I have not seen those engines in this type of bus. Sometimes there are 466s in shorties but I've never seen a 8.3 in a shorty or even a medium bus like mine. It doesn't mean they aren't out there in any configuration you can think of.

It's hard to find the perfect bus. About half way through your project you'll start having fantasies about your next bus anyway.
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Old 02-13-2018, 12:12 PM   #9
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a 5.9 with a 3060 or 2000 series transmission is GREAT in a short bus.
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Old 02-13-2018, 12:18 PM   #10
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a 5.9 with a 3060 or 2000 series transmission is GREAT in a short bus.
No! It would be awful!

If you see one let me know immediately. I will save you from it.....
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Old 02-13-2018, 12:47 PM   #11
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I haven't seen a 3060 on a 5.9. I have seen a bunch of 466s with 545s though.
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Old 02-13-2018, 02:09 PM   #12
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If there is no rust then I would say that wouldn't be a bad bus if you could get it for $4k-$4.5K.

Before I spent the $$$ I would want to know which HP rating it has. I have seen those engines as low as 185 HP and as high as 265 HP with 210-225 HP the most common. 210 HP would be adequate. 185 HP would be okay for a route bus but it would be really pokey if trying to go highway speed.
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Old 02-13-2018, 02:58 PM   #13
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I haven't seen a 3060 on a 5.9. I have seen a bunch of 466s with 545s though.
I bid on one in Colorado last year. 8 window Thomas.
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Old 02-14-2018, 07:13 AM   #14
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Andrew where are you located?? We have a lake City just north of us...
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