2010 Chevy Express 3500 Collins 6 Window HC Bus

[BMWNJ]

Hello Everyone!
Ive been lurking for a bit and on June 15th I finally found my bus. It's a 2010 Express 3500 w a 6.6l Duramax LMM with a little under 111k miles.

Very clean for a Mid-West bus. This is the exact body style and size I was looking for and one popped up for sale 20 mins from me.

I have not start my build yet. This is going to be a weekend camper (family of 4)/ hunting rig. I'm waiting for lumber prices to return to earth before starting lol.

I mailed for VT tags the other day.

I plan on insulating the floor and walls but I'd like to leave the ceiling as is. I have magnetic fishing rod holders that would stick right to the ceiling.

Anyway I'm enjoying the content on this website. I'll post updates of my build as it gets underway.

Here's the bus in it's current condition.

It's 16' long from behind the driver's seat to the rear exit. 7.5' wide and 6'4" tall. I'm 6' tall so I should have plenty of headroom after the build.

[zen builder]

Great find. I love the 6 windows. And from what I hear , the Duramax is a great engine. I have also been "Lurking" for awhile, then had to curtail my plans for awhile. Just started to look again today and found a number of possible buses not to far from here. They are only 5 windows , but I can make them work for our needs . Good luck.

[zen builder]

BMWNJ, Just saw that it was a Collins also. That extra nice. Squared off top equals more interior head room . and nicer to mount roof platform. jeff

[BMWNJ]

Originally Posted by zen builder

BMWNJ, Just saw that it was a Collins also. That extra nice. Squared off top equals more interior head room . and nicer to mount roof platform. jeff

Yeah the higher roof plus the flatter roof is what I was looking for. Bonus is there’s no inside wheel wells due to it being a handicap bus.

Good luck w your search!

[Frochevy]

Wish mine didn't have the wheel wells! They were fun to design around.. lol welcome and good luck on your build!!!

[Vineyardseashell]

Hi BMWNJ,


Looks like a nice clean bus! I am envious it's 16' feet long; mine is only 14 from behind the driver's seat; and my walls get narrower as they go up. Collins has a very nice body on them.


Good luck with your build- I can't wait to follow your build thread!


Clyn

[BMWNJ]

Thanks for the replies

Not much progress yet. I scrapped off stickers, covered the red flashers, and removed the stop sign.

I was excited to find out my AC and driver fan worked. There's a noise suppression button that activates the AC, vents and fans. I thought they weren't operational since nothing would click on with the dash knobs.

[BMWNJ]

My bus is missing it's radio head unit. I wanted a monitor for my obs2 in order to keep an eye on the engine and transmission temps plus get a mpg avg and things like that. I also wanted a rear camera and gps system. I found all of those things in an android unit on amazon. It looks pretty cool. Hopefully it's not a pita to install lol

My bus is going to be more high tech than my daily driver now lol

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083K9K7TS

[Vineyardseashell]

Originally Posted by BMWNJ

My bus is missing it's radio head unit. I wanted a monitor for my obs2 in order to keep an eye on the engine and transmission temps plus get a mpg avg and things like that. I also wanted a rear camera and gps system. I found all of those things in an android unit on amazon. It looks pretty cool. Hopefully it's not a pita to install lol

My bus is going to be more high tech than my daily driver now lol

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083K9K7TS

LOL... I am replacing my stock stereo, and this is one I am buying: Atoto Android Double Din



Extras are separate, but that is OK by me.


Clyn

[Fox Slider]

Great pick. I should do that, but im gonna be unreasonable and go fullsize old 6 window b/c i want the ground clearance and bigger look. lol.

single, so no wife to yell at me for being an idiot.

[zen builder]

BMWNJ, Whats the overall length of you 3500. Still envious of you ride. jeff

[BMWNJ]

Originally Posted by zen builder

BMWNJ, Whats the overall length of you 3500. Still envious of you ride. jeff

Total length is 24’

Living space is 16x7.5 and 6’4 tall stock.

[nailtechie]

Originally Posted by Fox Slider

Great pick. I should do that, but im gonna be unreasonable and go fullsize old 6 window b/c i want the ground clearance and bigger look. lol.

single, so no wife to yell at me for being an idiot.

Thanks for the LOL! I had a really good laugh! Single female with no man to mess up my dreams!

[zen builder]

BMWNJ, Thanks for the reply. At the risk of being rude, what did you end up paying for your bus? That's the bus that i am looking for, and would like to get an idea what i need to come up with. Thanks again for your help. jeff

[Proudy202]

This is perfect!!! I'm planning my build around a 5 window but that extra 2ft of room in a 6 window would be real nice!

Out of interest what's the GVWR I've been struggling to find it on the Chevy buses.

Cheers
Ash

[BMWNJ]

Originally Posted by Proudy202

This is perfect!!! I'm planning my build around a 5 window but that extra 2ft of room in a 6 window would be real nice!

Out of interest what's the GVWR I've been struggling to find it on the Chevy buses.

Cheers
Ash

My sticker says 12,300 lbs

[Proudy202]

Originally Posted by BMWNJ

My sticker says 12,300 lbs

Nice one thanks, big difference between the Chevy and the Ford then...I've been looking at both and trying to take this into account, need to do more research on a full build in one I guess

Ash

[BMWNJ]

Originally Posted by Proudy202

Nice one thanks, big difference between the Chevy and the Ford then...I've been looking at both and trying to take this into account, need to do more research on a full build in one I guess

Ash

How much does the Ford weigh?

[BMWNJ]

Got the lift out today. I was going to get rid of it but after getting it into the back of the truck I thought the platform would make a perfect carry all w some 2” tubing to go into a hitch receiver. Perfect size for hunting season.

I also picked up a magnet bug screen.

Next step is to get everything cleaned up then build a bed frame. Once the tags come in the mail I plan on doing some trips all summer and fall. I’ll start a real tear down over winter when I’m off from work.

[Proudy202]

Originally Posted by BMWNJ

How much does the Ford weigh?

Ford is 14000, probably not an issue for a light build but we're planning to live on the road so will have everything including the kitchen sink with us!!