Hey guys, name's Nate! I've been lurking the forums the past few weeks, and have been on the hunt for a specific bus: Flat face, under 29ft total length, with DT466 or 5.9L Cummins, and around 150+ square feet of usable space. This has been a rather difficult search, as its a rare combo, especially finding one in good shape. Well, I think I might have finally found one!
Asking price: $8,000. The owner has stated they've received multiple offers for $5,000 and have turned them down.
Reason for sale: Not able to financially sustain their youth program
Bus is around 8 hours away from me, so I haven't checked it out in person yet
Details (per the current owner):
2001 Blue Bird CS-Series (I think, based on Blue Bird Wiki)
- Front engine
- 25 person bus
- 27' total length
- Interior dimensions from the rear of driver's seat: 21'Lx7'9"Wx6'3"H
Usage:
- Originally purchased at auction, it was a transit bus for the Treasure Coast area of FL
- Used as Church bus (daily youth program, weekend field trips, etc.)
- The last usage was early December (180mi round trip)
Engine: 5.9L Cummins 24V, 304,000 miles
- Worked on locally by a diesel tech
- Diesel tank had growth in it when they bought it, the tank was removed and steam cleaned and re-installed
- Has had Cummins Campaign 0504 Bulletin # 4907663 performed (Upgraded LP).
- Rear seal replaced 1.5K miles ago, new trans seals and other seals accomplished when this took place.
- 9.3MPG avg, cruises comfortably at 63mph, governed at 68mph
Transmission: Allison AT545
- 4K mi since overhaul
- Rear Axle Ratio: 3.54
Brakes: Hydraulic
- Parking brake recently rebuilt
Suspension: Air Ride in rear
Paint: Repainted when they took ownership from city bus auction.
Tires: 2yrs old, 4K miles
Air Conditioning: Dual A/C (right/left) in good working condition
All Gauges and lights work
Issues:
The fuel pump may need work
Back door weeps very slightly in heavy rain
Emergency exit on top leaks very little in heavy rain (needs new clamp?)
My plan:
I'll be turning this into a full-time off-grid skoolie, moving myself and my two 90lb Labs into it within the next year. My reason for going with a compact bus is so I can travel and use it at 84% of national parks (Source:
https://camperreport.com/best-rv-len...ational-parks/).
My initial thoughts:
Mileage is probably high for that price, however, it seems like it's been well-kept and the owner is upfront with any issues (they are church-goers, so I would hope so haha)
This has nice, big windows already, and the floor is FLAT, so no worries about working around wheel wells in my floorplan. It's also the right height, as I'm about 5'9" and even with floor and roof additions I should have enough room to stand comfortably.
Ground clearance may be an issue, but only if I have to ascend some crazy steep roadways.
I'd obviously prefer a bigger motor/more durable transmission (MT643 or better), but there are solutions for the AT545 to install a torque converter if needed (Suncoast Transmissions makes some great options, and I happen to know one of their engineers

)
More pics on Imgur
here
One more thing, does anyone here know about the Blue Bird CS/APC series buses? I can't find many examples of anyone converting one, so I'm slightly hesitant of diving into the unknown.
Looking forward to feedback and expertise from everyone!