WTB short bus in WA

[crazycal]

If that's the original engine, it is probably approaching the end of it's life. The trans behind a 7.3 is probably an AT545. If it is original, it is on borrowed time.

[marbury]

I have so much to learn. Here I thought that diesel engines were good much longer. *sigh*

Thanks VERY much for the info! I might have jumped in head-first and had regrets. Y'all are awesome.

[Kubla]

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f14/97...ale-11815.html

I have one for sale about 2000 miles from WA

[marbury]

Originally Posted by Kubla

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f14/97...ale-11815.html

I have one for sale about 2000 miles from WA

Oh awesome!!

Ok, folks... What do you reckon about Kubla's bus?

[crazycal]

DT 466e, 190 HP, at545 allison, might include the MT643 i bought to go in it, rear end changed to a 4.10 ratio, 126 k miles I think, need to check, handicap lift tires have 90%tread left

That is a much better bus. A real truck engine. It has air suspension. This is a huge plus. Miles are 1/3 of the other bus. It has a very desirable rear end ratio. Good rubber. I don't like the AT545 but if the MT643 is included, I would say that you would have a solid bus. I think the price is fair if it doesn't have a ton of rust.

[Kubla]

it has a little rust, there should be pictures of it in the links, the MT 643 can be included, the TE444 in my other bus seems to work fine with the AT545 in it and if I change that one, I am going to a manual transmission

[marbury]

So up until this point I've been staunchly against cutaway shorties but I realized that I'm not entirely certain why I feel so strongly about that. What are the cons of a cutaway style short bus with a diesel engine? Given that I'm looking to put highway miles on my rig (and significant amounts of them) is that a viable option? There are certainly many more of them listed than non-cutaway shorties, although most appear to be gas.

[nat_ster]

Originally Posted by marbury

So up until this point I've been staunchly against cutaway shorties but I realized that I'm not entirely certain why I feel so strongly about that. What are the cons of a cutaway style short bus with a diesel engine? Given that I'm looking to put highway miles on my rig (and significant amounts of them) is that a viable option? There are certainly many more of them listed than non-cutaway shorties, although most appear to be gas.

Having to live with a garbage quality diesel engine, with no better models to chose from.

In full size chassis buses, you can get almost any engine you want.

Nat

[marbury]

Originally Posted by nat_ster

In full size chassis buses, you can get almost any engine you want.

Nat

Alas, because of my current living situation I can only accommodate a bus up to 37ft (length of my driveway). Technically our city code is 'nothing longer than 22ft' but I have neighbors that store their RV's (~40ft) in their yards so I doubt anyone would give me flak unless my bus hung out into the road.

[crazycal]

Just because your neighbors can have a pretty RV in their driveway and the city looks the other way doesn't mean the city will do the same for you when you show up with a 37 foot yellow submarine. Having dealt with some of that BS before, don't poke the eye of the tiger. Fly under the radar if you can.

[crazycal]

Also, nothing wrong with a van cutaway. I have owned them before and they have come in very handy. You are not a long haul trucker driving 300k miles a year. Nat is right that the bigger buses are in a different class, but they do pose problems for some people.

[EastCoastCB]

Here is a big shorty in OR-


Public Surplus: Auction #1471646

And I agree with Cal, a cutaway van can be a great choice for weekends. I'm looking for a deal on one myself.

[marbury]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Here is a big shorty in OR-


Public Surplus: Auction #1471646

And I agree with Cal, a cutaway van can be a great choice for weekends. I'm looking for a deal on one myself.

WAH! That's a SWEET lookin' bus there! Awesome find. I'd just given up on PS given the 'weirdness' on some of the auctions there.

TBH I know darn well that my first bus will not be my last. So in some respects I might be better off with a cutaway micro instead- stay well under my length limit (because you're right, folks don't always take to bus conversions like they take to a 'real' RV), have a bit of fun learning how to build, use it for a while, and then step up to my REAL dream bus with more experience, knowledge, and skill under my belt.

Bugger all. Every time I think I've settled on something I start thinking too hard...

[marbury]

Hey, guys! Anyone willing to weigh in on these? I was hoping for a 'real' dognose shorty but I was talking with my dad (who is an engineer but not familiar with vehicles) and he mused that perhaps a cutaway would be a better choice for highway driving since it may be geared to go above 55 without modification. Is that correct?

Public Surplus: Auction #1513637

There are a handful of these and they're local (and currently well within my price range). Is he correct? Would these (despite having shorter engine lives) be more appropriate for a weekender destined for highway miles and not much else?

Thanks, all!

[sdwarf36]

If the size fits you, then yes its a perfect weekender.

[Dragonpop]

Public surplus just listed a batch of cutaway vans for auction in Washington
State.

[marbury]

Originally Posted by Dragonpop

Public surplus just listed a batch of cutaway vans for auction in Washington
State.

Y'mean like the one I linked to in my question?

That's what I have my eye on right now. They look good in photos- and for running shorties the price is right!

[PhxPdx]

Did you ever find your dream-shortie? We have a dealer here in PDX that has a lot of nice used busses...not as cheap as auction prices, but probably in better shape

[marbury]

Not yet! I am being very picky. At this point I think I've psyched myself up to wait for the end-of-school-year auctions. I even took put in my off-work request to go to the auction already!

[PhxPdx]

Ooh that sounds exciting