1997 tc/1000

[SirJames]

Hello, I recently joined after buying a 1997 TC/1000. I'm having trouble contacting anyone at Blue Bird Corp, Warehouse, or Parts Dept. Anyone have any contacts? I'm trying to obtain accurate info about this type of bus; ie, height, width, weight, etc. As well as how many were made. How can I obtain an owner's manual? How was the actual configuration of my bus when originally built? Just the ordinary questions, I think.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

can only answer one of your questions but in your drivers area should be a data tag with the original build info. on it for engine tire size and things like that.
if you have it why not just go measure it for the length and width?
there is already a thread here where the interior data plate does not match the engine data plate for HP.
someone with a blue bird will be here shortly.
if you fill in your profile it will help you get faster answers because we dont have to guess at what you have and will save you from having to type in your bluebird body and still get asked what motor/tranny type stuff.
if you dont know those and your data plate doesnt say it?
then after 5 post you can share pics and someone here can identify your motor/tranny.
without seeing it i will guess 190hp 5.9 cummins and an at545 tranny but thats just a guess.
more info please

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

also do you have the 22.5 tires with the wheel hump in the bus or the flat floor with the low profile tires?
that info will help us help you.
i dont know your model bus and always assumed a TC 1,2000 series bus was thomas but i have been wrong many times especially when i assume because dont know for sure.

[ewo1]

https://www.centralstatesbus.com/wiring/

Originally Posted by SirJames

Hello, I recently joined after buying a 1997 TC/1000. I'm having trouble contacting anyone at Blue Bird Corp, Warehouse, or Parts Dept. Anyone have any contacts? I'm trying to obtain accurate info about this type of bus; ie, height, width, weight, etc. As well as how many were made. How can I obtain an owner's manual? How was the actual configuration of my bus when originally built? Just the ordinary questions, I think.

Don’t be shy, fill in your user profile and maybe introduce yourself…
We like that here!

User manual can be found here.


Wiring Schematics by Body Number
Blue Bird Wiring Schematics—> Here

[SirJames]

Hey thanks for the info. I did fill in my profile info with all the info I have on the bus, Guess I did something wrong there. I'll check it again. Also I posted pics of my bus as well.

[Hutchy]

Sweet Bus! How much did it set you back? I have a 2000 tc1000 and I'm not sure but I don't think that's a tc1000 although it looks to be similar. The windshield and front cap look the same anyway. It looks to be a rear engine shortie so super rare and I have never seen mileage so low on any bus. Plug your vin into this and see what it says. I would be interested to know what the transmission is.


https://vantage.blue-bird.com/Portal...?srcaud=Portal

[SirJames]

I did what you asked. Here's what it showed.
Delivery Date 5/7/1997 to AHTD Planning & Research (Arkansas Hwy. Trans, Dept,).
Body -F118744
Model - QB RE 2903
Vehicle Class - NON SCHOOL BUS.

The QB mean it is a Transit Bus. Also, the 1992 - 2001 buses of this model were the first not derived from the TC2000. They were rear engine, high floor buses.


Now that I have the original engine & tranny Ser #'s, I will check to see if they are the originals.


Thanks for the link.

[ewo1]

Originally Posted by SirJames

I did what you asked. Here's what it showed.
Delivery Date 5/7/1997 to AHTD Planning & Research (Arkansas Hwy. Trans, Dept,).
Body -F118744
Model - QB RE 2903
Vehicle Class - NON SCHOOL BUS.

The QB mean it is a Transit Bus. Also, the 1992 - 2001 buses of this model were the first not derived from the TC2000. They were rear engine, high floor buses.


Now that I have the original engine & tranny Ser #'s, I will check to see if they are the originals.


Thanks for the link.

Happy to help.

FYI - When you are replying to a specific post, hit the "Quote" button first. That will include the post you are responding to in YOUR posting. Makes it alot easier for others reading the thread, not to mention the poster you are responding to.

What county in Central texas are you in?

[BamaBus]

I think this would be a Blue Bird Q-bus. See pics posted by SirJames HERE

[BamaBus]

Originally Posted by SirJames

How can I obtain an owner's manual?

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/10...ct-Q%20-%20BUS

[SirJames]

Originally Posted by BamaBus

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/10...ct-Q%20-%20BUS

Thank you for the link. My bus, "Charley" is definitely a Q - Bus. Thanks to everyone for their help. Does this mean I have to leave this site since Charley isn't a Skoolie? I hope not. This is a very informative group.

[BarnYardCamp]

you can stay...just send each of us a signed, blank check, we'll take care of the rest according to our "needs"!

[SirJames]

Originally Posted by BarnYardCamp

you can stay...just send each of us a signed, blank check, we'll take care of the rest according to our "needs"!

Now that's pretty neighborly of you. Hahahaha!

[SirJames]

Originally Posted by SirJames

Now that's pretty neighborly of you. Hahahaha!

I used to own a trucking company & ran Mercedes engines. Expensive, but worth every dollar!

[BarnYardCamp]

well you know, Christmas spirit and all that...

I hope the MB engine last forever...and that the truck shop can "tune" it up just a bit as they claim. I'll find out next month.

[SirJames]

Originally Posted by Hutchy

Sweet Bus! How much did it set you back? I have a 2000 tc1000 and I'm not sure but I don't think that's a tc1000 although it looks to be similar. The windshield and front cap look the same anyway. It looks to be a rear engine shortie so super rare and I have never seen mileage so low on any bus. Plug your vin into this and see what it says. I would be interested to know what the transmission is.


https://vantage.blue-bird.com/Portal...?srcaud=Portal

I've been searching the internet tirelessly day after day. I can't find any videos on this bus. I have found a few pictures of the 37' single door, but no 30' or 34' double door. I'm trying to find info on the chair lift, which is supposed to be built into the steps of the the 2nd door. There is only a mention of it in the bus manual. No diagram.

[BamaBus]

Originally Posted by SirJames

I've been searching the internet tirelessly day after day. I can't find any videos on this bus. I have found a few pictures of the 37' single door, but no 30' or 34' double door. I'm trying to find info on the chair lift, which is supposed to be built into the steps of the the 2nd door. There is only a mention of it in the bus manual. No diagram.

Try this for a picture.
Blue Bird 30' Q-Bus
Follow the distributor link at the bottom for some old contact numbers. Maybe you'll get lucky. I had to contact Blue Bird in Ga. several months ago and it took two weeks before I could find a number where someone would pick up the phone.

[SirJames]

Originally Posted by BamaBus

Try this for a picture.
Blue Bird 30' Q-Bus
Follow the distributor link at the bottom for some old contact numbers. Maybe you'll get lucky. I had to contact Blue Bird in Ga. several months ago and it took two weeks before I could find a number where someone would pick up the phone.

I saw that bus too. It really looks a lot like mine. The Q Bus was made from 1997 - 2001. But I really think that is one. I'm not sure how my door opens. Due to the air leak issue (which will be fixed on Monday), i've not been able to open the center door. I emailed Ricon Corp about the lift, but haven't heard back yet.

These buses are extremely hard to find! At least the 30' bus is. My brother-in-law is an expert diesel mechanic (over 40 years experience) & as soon as he saw & heard the engine run, he said buy it. It was briefly listed on market place for about 2 seconds. I saw it, called the guy, & drove an hour to see it. Bought it on the spot. I paid $4,000. Might be a little high. But when it's what your looking for, & there is only one, you buy it!

We haven't found any leaks on the bus or engine. The air leveling valve on the front right was busted. They are no longer made, like the air bags, so I had to search around until I found an aftermarket that would fit.

I want to thank you very much for all your help. If you buy that bus, I hope you'll be as happy with it as I am with mine.

James