2008 Collins windows

[Vin1]

I did not see any discoloration on the panels or anything that looks like rust or leaking inside this bus, but do the windows leak between the interior and out side panels? So that you don’t really know if it’s leaking?


I don’t have the bus to take pictures of the windows yet, but if I spray good with the hose, will I be able to tell if I need to take them out? I’m a little hesitant to mess with windows that are not leaking yet….


After I get it home, will get window pictures inside and out, so hopefully you guys can tell me how all the windows are in there and I can make a decision on pulling all those or doing that project a little ways down the road

I intend to have it painted, so I don’t know if it’s smart to do the windows before or after that

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

the windows have screws in the jams two in the bottom half and then drop the top half for the other two.
i would pull them and reseal them before painting.
i use an oscillating sprinkler to find leaks.
let soak for a couple of hours and then mark your leaks.
also think about your layout.
we moved our emergency exit windows around to work with our layout and still be accessible.

[Vin1]

I am not doing a conversion, mine is going to stay stock, it’s just for hauling bikes and paddleboard’s, I will be pulling a small RV behind it, is yours a dual rear wheel? And do you happen to have a hitch on yours? Wondering how you did that if you do

Thank you for the info on the windows, it’s getting some stuff done in the shop before I drive at seven hours home so I’m not sure when next week I’m going to get it or if it will be the following week so I can really start looking it over better


I have tried to use the Collins contact form on their website like five times and it never goes through
so tomorrow or Monday. When I have some time I will try to call them and maybe get more information on my bus if possible for future stuff.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

i have had no luck with collins.
yes dual rear wheel and the hitch i installed was made for a standard chevy 3500 express.
mine is 5 window so collins extended the chassis about 16"s so i couldnt use the factory holes in the frame.
had to drill new ones and because it spanned one of the body to chassis u bolts i torched 3/8" steel shims and bought longer bolts to clear.

[Vin1]

It was pouring rain yesterday when I was looking at the bus and muddy but I thought the hitch that’s on my 2017 express 1 ton single wheel looked like it was going to be the correct width but when I ask Chevrolet parts they said there was no hitch for the Vin number on my school bus….???

That will be super awesome if it fits even if I have to drill holes, I will have the hitch installed at my regular welding shop, mine is extended in the frame it looked like 16 inches to 24 maybe so I’m thinking maybe they’ll need to put another brace across their…???

Mine has six windows and I’m pretty sure it’s 24 feet long, how long is yours?

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by Vin1

I did not see any discoloration on the panels or anything that looks like rust or leaking inside this bus, but do the windows leak between the interior and out side panels? So that you don’t really know if it’s leaking?

Yes, the windows leak between the panels, and you can't tell until the floor rusts through as well, or until you demo the interior.

[Vin1]

Did you put the hitch through the back bumper or underneath?

[Vin1]

Well, I will budget the time and money to definitely pull all the windows and seal up, sounds like I need to do that before painting, and just get it done, be interesting to see if there are any leaks behind my interior panels

Will let you guys know…

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

i just went to oriellys and said i need a hitch for a chevy 3500 express.
no VIN needed.
dont know total measurement i know interior because of build out but never measured the whole thing.
from the left hand edge of the steps to the back door is right at 12'4"never measured drivers area forward of steps