94 Thomas Safety Liner - JesuitJohn retreat

[JesuitJohn]

I just got hold of a 1994 Thomas Saf-T-Liner HDX and plan to convert it to a retreat spot in South Louisiana. As a retreat spot, it won't need to remain mobile and can get by with a single twin bed. I will need to cook in it and wash up, but I won't be desperate for storage space. It gets hot here, so I'm planning to go solar and run a small window AC unit.

I've used most power tools at some point in my life, and I've done some modest home renovation work like demo, putting in flooring, painting etc... But I'm no expert at anything like this, so advice is appreciated!

[Robin97396]

Welcome John

What engine and trans do you have in that bus? You might be able to recoup your purchase price.

[Twigg]

Welcome, and nice bus.

What you have there is a Thomas Saf-T-Liner MVP RE. It may be the more coveted "RE" or "West Coast", hard to tell from the pics.

It is not an HDX. They were not launched until 2001.

What engine and transmission does it have?

[JesuitJohn]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

Welcome John

What engine and trans do you have in that bus? You might be able to recoup your purchase price.

Its an automatic diesel. I wasn't thinking of selling, but maybe you are right!

My current plan is to park it near a shop I can use (did that today) and work to get it partly in shape there. Then, drive it into the woods and finish up the "mud room" front room starting with ripping out the driver's seat and dash etc...

I suppose I could sell the engine, then just tow it to the woods?

So much to think about.

[JesuitJohn]

Thanks for the clarification!

How can I tell what I have? I've got more pics if that helps.

I noticed from some others on YouTube that my bus is odd. It has no roof openings.

[Robin97396]

I was thinking more like you get it where you want it first and then possibly capitalize on the engine and transmission.

If you're eventually taking out the driver's seat and dashboard it's not like you'll be moving it without a wrecker anyway.

At the same time it would be a shame to gut such a nice bus.

Any chance you could take a couple pics of the engine to post here?

[JesuitJohn]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

I was thinking more like you get it where you want it first and then possibly capitalize on the engine and transmission.

If you're eventually taking out the driver's seat and dashboard it's not like you'll be moving it without a wrecker anyway.

At the same time it would be a shame to gut such a nice bus.

Any chance you could take a couple pics of the engine to post here?

I can, but it'll be a few days. Keep an eye out! I live a few hours away from where I will be working on the bus. Here are a few other pics.

[Iceni John]

Originally Posted by Twigg

Welcome, and nice bus.

What you have there is a Thomas Saf-T-Liner MVP RE. It may be the more coveted "RE" or "West Coast", hard to tell from the pics.

It is not an HDX. They were not launched until 2001.

What engine and transmission does it have?

The rare-as-hen's-teeth Thomas WestCoast-ER was an uprated version of the regular Saf-T-Liner (not of the less expensive MVP), designed to compete with Crown and Gillig. It had heavier-duty specifications than a Saf-T-Liner, and some even had dual rear axles. I looked at a WestCoast-ER that Ramona SD was selling - it had a CAT 3208T, full air suspension and disk brakes! Nice buses.

John

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by JesuitJohn

Thanks for the clarification!

How can I tell what I have? I've got more pics if that helps.

I noticed from some others on YouTube that my bus is odd. It has no roof openings.

As you go in the door there are two data plates on the right of the front panel (above the windshield).

They will tell you most of what you need to know

[JesuitJohn]

Originally Posted by Iceni John

The rare-as-hen's-teeth Thomas WestCoast-ER was an uprated version of the regular Saf-T-Liner (not of the less expensive MVP), designed to compete with Crown and Gillig. It had heavier-duty specifications than a Saf-T-Liner, and some even had dual rear axles. I looked at a WestCoast-ER that Ramona SD was selling - it had a CAT 3208T, full air suspension and disk brakes! Nice buses.

John

I'll have look and see what I got! I'd hate to think I was missing an opportunity. Thanks for the info.

[JesuitJohn]

Originally Posted by Twigg

As you go in the door there are two data plates on the right of the front panel (above the windshield).

They will tell you most of what you need to know

Thank you! I'm so glad I registered on this forum.

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by Iceni John

The rare-as-hen's-teeth Thomas WestCoast-ER was an uprated version of the regular Saf-T-Liner (not of the less expensive MVP), designed to compete with Crown and Gillig. It had heavier-duty specifications than a Saf-T-Liner, and some even had dual rear axles. I looked at a WestCoast-ER that Ramona SD was selling - it had a CAT 3208T, full air suspension and disk brakes! Nice buses.

John

Thomas never sold three versions.

You could buy the MVP, or the ER. There wasn't a "regular" Saf-T-Liner by that time.

The MVP is pretty decently specc'd. It seems to be the equivalent of the Blue Bird "All American".

As you point out ... Thomas like the Saf-T-Liner name, but the WestCoast is a different beast altogether.

[JesuitJohn]

Originally Posted by Twigg

As you go in the door there are two data plates on the right of the front panel (above the windshield).

They will tell you most of what you need to know

See attached. I think I see "ER" in the middle of a long Model NO but I'm not sure...

[JesuitJohn]

Originally Posted by Iceni John

The rare-as-hen's-teeth Thomas WestCoast-ER was an uprated version of the regular Saf-T-Liner (not of the less expensive MVP), designed to compete with Crown and Gillig. It had heavier-duty specifications than a Saf-T-Liner, and some even had dual rear axles. I looked at a WestCoast-ER that Ramona SD was selling - it had a CAT 3208T, full air suspension and disk brakes! Nice buses.

John

Not sure if this photo helps. At least I know now it's a 96 and not a 94!

[Twigg]

Can't read that. Need a clear picture of the top plate

What does it say next to Engine and Transmission?

[JesuitJohn]

Originally Posted by Twigg

Can't read that. Need a clear picture of the top plate

What does it say next to Engine and Transmission?

Engine 3116TA-185 (I think)
Transmission AT545

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by JesuitJohn

Engine 3116TA-185 (I think)
Transmission AT545

Engine is a CAT 3116 tuned for 185 hp

Transmission is Allison AT 545

The 3116 is, I believe, a mechanical engine and if it's in good condition it would serve you well. 185 hp isn't much power, but it depends on the length of the bus.

The transmission is the weaker link. Nothing much wrong with it, it is bulletproof, but it doesn't have overdrive or a locking torque convertor. If you plan any mountain trips, or towing much, it isn't the best. Many people run around happily with that trans, but there are better options out there.

[JesuitJohn]

Originally Posted by Twigg

Engine is a CAT 3116 tuned for 185 hp

Transmission is Allison AT 545

The 3116 is, I believe, a mechanical engine and if it's in good condition it would serve you well. 185 hp isn't much power, but it depends on the length of the bus.

The transmission is the weaker link. Nothing much wrong with it, it is bulletproof, but it doesn't have overdrive or a locking torque convertor. If you plan any mountain trips, or towing much, it isn't the best. Many people run around happily with that trans, but there are better options out there.

I've got no plans to go anywhere more than just driving it a couple of miles to its final resting place.

But thanks for the info. If you know anyone interested, I'd sell all but the body of the bus.

[cadillackid]

why a bus if you dont plan to ever drive it?

[JesuitJohn]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

why a bus if you dont plan to ever drive it?

I've wanted to build a tiny house for decades, but lacked funds and time.

Big pluses:
1. I can work on the bus inside at a shop then drive (or tow) it to a more remote location
2. I can sleep in it just as soon as I take the seats out
3. The bus kind of fell in my lap.
4. Apart from a few solar power parts, I might get all the materials to finish the inside for free (scraps from a construction sight I'm close to). Building a tiny house would require a lot more material.
5. I love that it has so many windows
6. It's high off the ground. Where I finally park it, it won't flood.