Abbie the newbie!

[Stabbie]

Hi there! My name is Abbie and I am shopping now for a school bus to convert. I have zero knowledge going into this projest. That being said I have looked at a 2003 Ford E450 Collins, 7.3 diesel with 188k miles. I would really like either a short like that or a Flatnose Cummins, 5.9 liter valve overdrive transmission, 7 window preferrably. My understanding is those are a rare find? I am joining this forum in hopes that I could get some feedback along my search. Thank you for having me!

[EastCoastCB]

If you're patient really REALLY awesome Colorado buses pop up every few months on Public Surplus or GovDeals. Colorado has some of the most well-equipped buses in the country.

[Stabbie]

Do you find the flatnose 7 or 8 window super rare to find? I am in no rush I just dont want to pass up this great Collins to never find that size flatnose ��

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by Stabbie

Do you find the flatnose 7 or 8 window super rare to find? I am in no rush I just dont want to pass up this great Collins to never find that size flatnose ��

Yes, don't see any on the roads.

[brokedown]

I don't think you'll find overdrive on a short flat nose bus pre-EGR. THe common build was a cummins 5.9 with at545, as in every front engined bluebird tc2000 ever made (with rare exception where a MT643 was specially ordered). Rear engine models had mt643 as an option but you won't find these in short lengths. Neither the AT545 nor the MT643 is an overdrive transmission, gearing is identical on them with a 1:1 ratio in 4th gear, the obvious difference being that MT643's 4th gear is a lock-up.

With THomas MVP, the front engine models were also cummins 5.9+at545 until they moved to Cat engines. Again, rear engine models had higher end options.

Looking at 7 window range you might also consider the TC1000 which has the same drivetrain as the TC2000 but was only made short.

The Ford Collins buses are likely to have an overdrive transmission and 2003 is the last year they made the 7.3 engine before replacing it with a sock filled with mayonnaise. Keep in mind that cutaway buses like that are generally not highly valued and the price should reflect it.

[o1marc]

But they are out there.

[Johnny Mullet]

And they are so cute!

[turf]

you just missed an auction from cherry creek school. i was tempted to get one

https://bid.rollerauction.com/cgi-bi...s.cgi?roller16

that was jan 30, 2019

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

And they are so cute!

Looks like my Craftsmen Tool Box.

[AZHippie]

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/c...809041564.html


I think the price is a little high

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by AZHippie

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/c...809041564.html

The real trick in bargain shopping is getting that bus before the dealer does.

[brokedown]

Originally Posted by AZHippie

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/c...809041564.html


I think the price is a little high

They probably paid less than 2000 for it. That's why we always recommend auctions for the best prices.

[Mercury351c]

Originally Posted by Stabbie

Hi there! My name is Abbie and I am shopping now for a school bus to convert. I have zero knowledge going into this projest. That being said I have looked at a 2003 Ford E450 Collins, 7.3 diesel with 188k miles. I would really like either a short like that or a Flatnose Cummins, 5.9 liter valve overdrive transmission, 7 window preferrably. My understanding is those are a rare find? I am joining this forum in hopes that I could get some feedback along my search. Thank you for having me!

Hello Abbie
I'm a senior master ford diesel tech and i will say its hard to go wrong with a 7.3 diesel, very reliable. But my question for you is, what is the story behind the name Stabbie Abbie?