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Another new guy
Hey all, long time listener, first time caller. My journey started about 15 years ago when a family member offered us a free charter bus that had been converted by a great uncle who had passed. Seemed like it would be cool until we realized how rough it was and what kind of time and financial commitment it would take. We weren't anywhere near ready so we passed. But that was the first time we started dreaming.
Finally bit the bullet this week and bought a bus. It's kind of a special bus to me because I know it. I drive buses for my kids' school (sports and field trips) and this was a bus I drove pretty regularly before they recently retired it. It was actually my favorite bus to drive in the fleet, and was even the bus I tested for my CDL on many years ago.
I should add that it's probably the only school bus in the country that has hit a sailboat..mast busted out a window. I wasn't the driver...I only hit a box trailer in it.
Not only are we better off financially now, but my oldest son is 24, a certified welder and turbine mechanic. His best friend and friends older brother are both big diesel mechanics. Friend's boss rides motorcycles with my son and has a transmission shop...offered us wholesale prices on any parts we can buy through him. Better position all around
They had posted it online for a few weeks with no bites and were going to send it to auction. I joked that I'd give them $3k for it and they said ok. So then I had to go talk my wife into it.
I like that I know the full history of the bus. I have mechanics reports on what it needs and know who owned it (2 private schools here in Arizona). Always been in Arizona and it's an activity bus so has storage, air ride, and does great on the highway. About 150k miles.
Details:
2003 Blue Bird with 8.3 Cummins. Alison Trans, though don't know which yet. Does have push button transmission, which I think makes a difference.
Hope the pictures come through. Will be doing a roof raise and build out close to the "Chuck Cassidy" methods... Like his builds a lot. Appreciate any feedback and tips.
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