Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 10-04-2017, 02:34 PM   #1
New Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 5
Thoughts on this find?

I have found a partially completed short bus conversion. 2000 with 156k miles. I climbed in, over and under.

Seats have been removed. There's a bed that flips to couch, some shelving, kitchen counter/cabinet with sink, partition for camping toilet. Original rubber flooring, no electric, solar or water.

There is a bit of rust around the rear wheel wells and some around the exhaust pipe (no holes or anything). Carfax report shows someone hit the left rear bumper but it is barely dented (i'm guessing whatever vehicle hit the bus was damaged way worse than the bus...) There is a small spot on the right rear side that was "bondo-ed" and looks cosmetic more than anything.

Engine looks good. Ran well. I drove it - good brakes and acceleration.

That being said... I am not mechanically inclined and am buying this solo. I am afraid of buying a lemon. Anything that would be a red flag that I might have missed? My gut says go for it.

Charris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2017, 02:59 PM   #2
Traveling
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,573
Year: 2003
Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9L Cummins
Rated Cap: '00
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charris View Post

That being said... I am not mechanically inclined and am buying this solo. I am afraid of buying a lemon. Anything that would be a red flag that I might have missed? My gut says go for it.
What make/model?

What trans/motor?

What state did it live in?

What do the tires look like- check rear inners. Tires are pricey. CheckDOT date codes- older than 7 and time to go shopping.

Did you get engine up to temperature?
Rusty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2017, 09:29 PM   #3
New Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 5
Its a Thomas. 7.3Liter Powerstroke from Washington, DC.

The tires all looked very good. They did have a flat a few months ago and replaced the tire and had it realigned.

We drove the bus for about 30 minutes, back roads and then on larger roads and up to speed. Having never driven a school bus, I didn't know what to expect. It wasn't as daunting as I thought!
Charris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2017, 10:22 PM   #4
Traveling
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,573
Year: 2003
Coachwork: BlueBird
Chassis: TC2000
Engine: 5.9L Cummins
Rated Cap: '00
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charris View Post
Its a Thomas. 7.3Liter Powerstroke from Washington, DC.

The tires all looked very good. They did have a flat a few months ago and replaced the tire and had it realigned.

We drove the bus for about 30 minutes, back roads and then on larger roads and up to speed. Having never driven a school bus, I didn't know what to expect. It wasn't as daunting as I thought!
I bet you felt ALIVE while driving the bus !!

I was never impressed with DC offerings, seemed neglected. I'm sure you know, 7.3 turbo is a respected motor.

As long as the rust isn't terrible. Rear wheel wells showing on the outside means it's rusting from within. I'd hate to see you pour time and effort into something that will disappoint. Show us pics of rust, if you can.
Rusty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2017, 07:43 AM   #5
New Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 5
Thanks for the feedback. It was fun to drive! I've never "driven" an elephant but I imagine it would feel like driving a bus!

For some reason I can't get pictures of wheel wells to upload. What do you mean wheel wells would be rusting from within?

Thanks
Charris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2017, 07:49 AM   #6
Bus Geek
 
EastCoastCB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charris View Post
Thanks for the feedback. It was fun to drive! I've never "driven" an elephant but I imagine it would feel like driving a bus!

For some reason I can't get pictures of wheel wells to upload. What do you mean wheel wells would be rusting from within?

Thanks
You need more than 5 posts. Otherwise your pics are withheld for moderators to make sure you're not a spammer.
EastCoastCB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2017, 08:08 AM   #7
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: KANSAS CITY
Posts: 751
[QUOTE=Charris;227476]Its a Thomas. 7.3Liter Powerstroke from Washington, DC.

The tires all looked very good. They did have a flat a few months ago and replaced the tire and had it realigned.

We drove the bus for about 30 minutes, back roads and then on larger roads and up to speed. Having never driven a school bus, I didn't know what to expect. It wasn't as daunting as I thought![/QUOTE

A lot of fun. Just a big ole truck. I hope other newbies read this.
__________________
Former owner of a 1969 F600 Skoolie.

1998 Ford B700 Thomas body 65 passenger. 5.9 Cummins 12 valve with MT643 Transmission 123,000 miles.
Versatile is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2017, 11:00 AM   #8
Bus Geek
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Owasso, OK
Posts: 2,627
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner MVP ER
Engine: Cummins 6CTA8.3 Mechanical MD3060
Rated Cap: 46 Coach Seats, 40 foot
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charris View Post
Thanks for the feedback. It was fun to drive! I've never "driven" an elephant but I imagine it would feel like driving a bus!

For some reason I can't get pictures of wheel wells to upload. What do you mean wheel wells would be rusting from within?

Thanks
Rust starts where water collects. It doesn't collect on the skin of a bus, or the body of a car. It collects inside, between the panels or their coverings.

So by the time you see paint bubbling, or rust breaking through, the steel is in a very poor state behind it and the rust could be extensive ... hidden by the floor covering, etc.

Rust is an iceberg, and you only see the tip from the outside.

It's not unusual to press a paint bubble and have your thumb go right through the panel.
__________________
Steve Bracken

Build Thread
Twigg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2017, 04:11 PM   #9
Bus Geek
 
bansil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: MNT CITY TN
Posts: 5,158
Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
You need more than 5 posts. Otherwise your pics are withheld for moderators to make sure you're not a spammer.
Nothing in the que?
__________________
Our build La Tortuga
Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.
George S. Patton
bansil is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2017, 04:12 PM   #10
Bus Geek
 
bansil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: MNT CITY TN
Posts: 5,158
does this work here? @EastCoastCB

works on other boards...I reckon I should now this hugh


__________________
Our build La Tortuga
Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.
George S. Patton
bansil is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:52 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.