Frame measurements please 1994 Thomas International 3800

[Hank's P-O-S]

On my international 1995 3800 the flange width is 3 inches wide and the frame is 34 inches outside to outside.
It is defenatly thicker than 1/4 inch but I'm not sure that it's quite 3/8.

[crazycal]

Thanks to the others also for providing the measurements but no Sainthood cuz you didn't post a pretty picture.

[crazycal]

Are those bumper brackets bolted or welded to the frame rails?

[nat_ster]

Originally Posted by crazycal

Are those bumper brackets bolted or welded to the frame rails?

Bolted most of the time.

Nat

[jazty]

Originally Posted by crazycal

Are those bumper brackets bolted or welded to the frame rails?

If your bus is anything like mine (and I expect it will be), the bumper brackets are welded to the outside of the frame rails, then the bumper is bolted to the brackets.

You can see the bumper bracket in this picture. The label, "Frame rail" got cut off, but if you look closely you can find Waldo.

[Hank's P-O-S]

Originally Posted by jazty

If your bus is anything like mine (and I expect it will be), the bumper brackets are welded to the outside of the frame rails, then the bumper is bolted to the brackets.

You can see the bumper bracket in this picture. The label, "Frame rail" got cut off, but if you look closely you can find Waldo.

That's the first I've seen like that. It dident look like there were tow hooks there?!
All the busses I've seen the bumper brackets bolt to the frame and drop down for tow hooks.

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by nat_ster

Bolted most of the time.

Nat

Originally Posted by jazty

If your bus is anything like mine (and I expect it will be), the bumper brackets are welded to the outside of the frame rails, then the bumper is bolted to the brackets.

You can see the bumper bracket in this picture. The label, "Frame rail" got cut off, but if you look closely you can find Waldo.

This is bad news. I am waiting for pictures from the school district. If the brackets are welded, I will need to change my hitch design. It was going to have channel on the outside of the frame rails.

[bansil]

mine had those brackets, but were bolted (nut/bolt) and not welded

[crazycal]

I got the pictures. I need to change the design. The brackets are welded to the frame.

[jazty]

Here's a better picture of how I made mine.


It slid right between the frame rails and required 6 holes to be drilled for bolts and a hole cut through the bumper. I used a cut-off saw for that.
Best part (in my opinion) is that it doesn't hang lower than the rear bumper and is boxed in between the frame and bumper in case a weld breaks. Also, it was made with **** I had lying around behind the shed

[crazycal]

Thanks. Going to pick up a hitch off CL right now. You been a big help. Thanks.

I accidentally edited your post instead of posting my own.

[crazycal]

Here is the hitch I picked up for $125. I know I could have gotten cheaper but this one was there and the most heavy duty. It is 3 inches wider than the bus frame but my friend will take care of that. The 2 1/2" to 2" adapter was $12.40 from wallyworld.

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by nat_ster

Bolted most of the time.

Nat

I looked at a similar sized Blue Bird and the brackets were bolted. Why is my stuff always more difficult?

[crazycal]

Thanks for the help with measurements. This is the hitch I had put together.

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/member...albums693.html

[bansil]

Originally Posted by crazycal

I looked at a similar sized Blue Bird and the brackets were bolted. Why is my stuff always more difficult?

Because you live in Cali'

You planning to have TX....ready this summer?

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by bansil

Because you live in Cali'

You planning to have TX....ready this summer?

I hope so.