Frame measurements please 1994 Thomas International 3800

[crazycal]

I need help with frame measurements. I am looking at a 1994 International Thomas 3800 (very) short bus. If anyone has a similar bus, I hope you can help me with frame measurements. I want to build a hitch setup before I go pick up the bus. I plan on using it to tow back the vehicle I used to go get the bus. The measurements I need are frame width outside to outside. Inside to inside. How tall are the frame rails? Is the back bumper welded or bolted on?

[crazycal]

Nothing???

[jazty]

Oh, hey.. I can probably help. Does the 1994 version look anything like mine (signature link points to build thread)?

[crazycal]

Yes, I think so, but I am confused. Bus in the beginning has a lowered roof and later has a raised roof. Also, my bus doesn't have cool babes in it.

[crazycal]

I have one picture of my bus.

[jazty]

Originally Posted by crazycal

Yes, I think so, but I am confused. Bus in the beginning has a lowered roof and later has a raised roof.

Mine goes low to high now, too!

Originally Posted by crazycal

Also, my bus doesn't have cool babes in it.

Are you sure? Have you inspected the interior yet?

I'll measure the frame rails tomorrow.

In the meantime, here's a picture showing what the frame rails look like back there:

[jazty]

Actually, this is a better picture:

[jazty]

Out of curiosity, is this another schoolie project for yourself? Looking for something more "sporty" than a full-size?

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by jazty

Out of curiosity, is this another schoolie project for yourself? Looking for something more "sporty" than a full-size?

Absolutely, unless I find something like this.

[jazty]

Haha.. Funny thing; just last week I saw that bus. It makes a cameo appearance in the movie, "you, me and Dupree" which happened to be on in the background on Easter Sunday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37gmsBnixSo

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by jazty

Actually, this is a better picture:

If you are able to, I would like measurements from inside to inside of the frame rails. Outside also. I want to prebuild a hitch setup when I go to pick up the bus.

[crazycal]

Do you think my bus is shorter than yours?

[jazty]

It's hard to tell comparing from two different angles. I'll measure bumper to bumper tomorrow as well.

[nat_ster]

Sorry I missed this thread.

Most MDT frame rails are 34 inches outside to outside.

Frame rail height ranges a bit. Ford B700's use 10 inch tall frame.

My mid 90's TC2000's (freightliner) chassis are 9 3/4 inches tall

Nat

[bansil]

mine was 34 in and had 2 brackets bolted on bumper

[jazty]

Alright, here it is.
I'm not entirely sure if the frame rail thickness is 1/4" or 5/16" thick. I used 1/4" in the drawing.
As you can see, there is about 2 1/4" of flat metal on the flange before hitting the curve.

[jazty]

And here is a picture of the main bolts holding the bumper on. The nuts are a pain in the ass to reach. I think I cut the old ones off and replaced with fresh ones after getting fed up with it.



There are 6 bolts in total. 4 connect the bumper directly to the frame rails. There will also be one on each end of the bumper that connect it to stabilizer arms.

[jazty]

Are you bringing a friend? If you plan on removing the bumper to install your hitch receiver you will quickly realize it's a two person job. I managed by myself by lifting it onto blocks and supporting it with every available limb while I bolted it back on, but it took 4 times as long as it could have..

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by jazty

Alright, here it is.
I'm not entirely sure if the frame rail thickness is 1/4" or 5/16" thick. I used 1/4" in the drawing.
As you can see, there is about 2 1/4" of flat metal on the flange before hitting the curve.

I nominate Jazty for Sainthood. Thank you.

[jazty]

haha.. No problem.

I'd like to mention that I was being conservative about the 2 1/4" flat flange face. It's hard to measure where the inside curve starts with a measuring tape, so I rounded down to the nearest quarter inch.