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Old 05-19-2020, 06:43 PM   #1
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Most Reliable Short Buses To Convert?

Hello friends,

I finally secured a solid location to convert a bus and now I’m looking for the right bus for me.

I’m set on a short bus (4-5 window seats) but have no idea where to begin in regards to which models/makes/years have good reputations and what I should be looking out for on auction sites...

Have been debating diesel too. Budget for bus (not including the conversion) is 5000ish.

Any advice/insight or if you could point me In the right direction that would be a blessing!

Thanks, Zac

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Old 05-19-2020, 08:39 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by medstud27 View Post
Hello friends,

I finally secured a solid location to convert a bus and now I’m looking for the right bus for me.

I’m set on a short bus (4-5 window seats) but have no idea where to begin in regards to which models/makes/years have good reputations and what I should be looking out for on auction sites...

Have been debating diesel too. Budget for bus (not including the conversion) is 5000ish.

Any advice/insight or if you could point me In the right direction that would be a blessing!

Thanks, Zac
I have a 6 window, love the size, and it drives like a dream. Just finished wire brushing the floor today. It's a 1998 Collins, 7.3 liter diesel powerstroke turbo, with 200K miles on it. Gets around 12 mpg. I'm interested in seeing the response by the community to your question too.
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Old 05-19-2020, 11:28 PM   #3
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Anything that doesn't have a VT365 / 6.0 PowerJoke engine. Most smaller cutaway van types were decent, if a little underpowered. On the larger 2+ ton shorties, the AT545 trans usually is weak, but on a short that weighs less, it might not be so bad.
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Old 05-20-2020, 10:13 AM   #4
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Thank you for your responses! I'll keep a look out for anything that does not have a 6.0
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Old 05-20-2020, 10:14 AM   #5
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Thank you for your responses! I'll keep a look out for anything that does not have a 6.0
6.0 gm gas engine is good in a van.
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Old 05-20-2020, 05:36 PM   #6
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I know many folks, myself included, will recommend the 7.3L Powerstroke engine. If your budget of $5000 is just for the bus I think you will have no problem finding a good one. I have a 4 window E350 with that engine which I got for $2500, I love that it’s a van cutaway style as opposed to a “real” school bus—it’s cheaper, handles better in smaller areas, but goddamn there is no storage!
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Old 05-20-2020, 05:38 PM   #7
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Also don’t be in a rush to buy, I suspect the market will be flooded with unused school buses this fall when schools don’t fully reopen and districts need to offload their inventory. You are picking a GREAT time to start looking!
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Old 05-23-2020, 07:13 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Jfoster503 View Post
I have a 6 window, love the size, and it drives like a dream. Just finished wire brushing the floor today. It's a 1998 Collins, 7.3 liter diesel powerstroke turbo, with 200K miles on it. Gets around 12 mpg. I'm interested in seeing the response by the community to your question too.

How does your bus handle on the interstate? Can you cruise at 70 or 80 mph without the engine blowing up?
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Old 06-05-2020, 09:06 PM   #9
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Also don’t be in a rush to buy, I suspect the market will be flooded with unused school buses this fall when schools don’t fully reopen and districts need to offload their inventory. You are picking a GREAT time to start looking!
Do you think schools will still have the older, more desirable buses? What is it, 1998-2003?
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Old 06-06-2020, 06:14 AM   #10
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Do you think schools will still have the older, more desirable buses? What is it, 1998-2003?
A bunch just sold in GA.
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Old 06-06-2020, 07:19 AM   #11
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A bunch just sold in GA.
On an online auction or directly from a school? Or is that the same thing?

Ive tried calling schools in my current district but have not figured out which arm of the school to be transferred to and no one has responded to the messages I have left.
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Old 06-06-2020, 09:38 AM   #12
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On an online auction or directly from a school? Or is that the same thing?

Ive tried calling schools in my current district but have not figured out which arm of the school to be transferred to and no one has responded to the messages I have left.
GovDeals and Public Surplus are where to buy. Be prepared for vague descriptions and few pics but if you educate yourself about what to look for you get the best buses possible for the cheapest.
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