Where to go for service and inspections?

[southhillkids]

Hello,

I am wondering where should I go for repairs and state inspections for a 4 window mini bus if needed? I am in MA.

Since the mini bus is under 20ft long, around 7.5 ft wide

Can I go to a regular garage for repairs/inspections?

Can I go to Costco for changing the tires?

Thanks

[Albatross]

For a micro bus like that, you're almost certainly running a medium-duty frame and suspension with some kind of 'one-ton' drivetrain. For the engine mechanics, you should be able to hit up basically any mechanic that works on pickup/fleet/work trucks; try to see if you can find out where the cable company has their vehicles maintained, if you can, or something along those lines.

For the transmission stuff, I would still use a transmission specialist.

For brakes, making the assumption that you're using hydraulic brakes, you could probably use the motor mechanic, or a brake shop that works on pickups. On the off-chance they're air brakes, I would go to a heavy-truck shop/stop.

For steering/suspension, you can try the local mechanic, but I would also check into a truck shop specialist, as guys used to 4000 lbs miatas and mazdas might not be fully conscious of some considerations with 14,000 lbs under the pedals.

For tires, you can try, but you're really just trying to find tires with the right load/ply- rating. You're not going to need any of the speed ratings, and you're probably heavy enough that the extreme traction stuff won't matter--though it certainly should be considered if you're not switching tires for summer/winter. But basically any tire shop should be able to manage that for your bus.

Inspections should be basic safety only, really... Since it's just another RV at the point you have it. Lights, brakes, honk the horn, done.

[cadillackid]

if its a Van-front bus then you can often go to a regular car shop for some service, youd have to call and ask.. alot of times it is dependent on their lift capacity and garage door height.. but the van portion and chassis of those is similar to the cargo van of the same brand..

[southhillkids]

It's a Chevy 3500 6.0 Gas 4 windows

thanks for your replies

[Albatross]

yeah, any mechanic worth the price of their tools should be able to work on a chevy 1-ton motor like that. In addition, you probably have the same brakes and steering/suspension set-ups, if only beefed up a bit. Might have different part numbers, but even a chevy dealer should be able to get you parts for it.

Just remember that it's a school bus, and the body is built by someone else (bluebird), and the frame/chassis is built by Chevy. Chevy builds the base, and sells the frame, drivetrain, gas tank, and driver's seat to bluebird, who puts basically everything else on.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

Originally Posted by southhillkids

It's a Chevy 3500 6.0 Gas 4 windows

thanks for your replies

i have a repair manual for it if you ever need advice.
any mechanics shop that is reputable should be able to work on it.
or just go to the dealership some places are lazy and say they cant because they dont want to work on a van.
i do everything on my wifes in a gravel driveway.
everything except new tires.
this weekend is a new A/C compressor. and re-pipe the relocated condensor