Gillig 30ft Low Floor - the journey starts

[dbsoundman]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

Looks good! Reminds me that I need to paint my rims, too. I'm also thinking of going gold.

Why not go for this look?



https://homecome89.com/products/xxr-...c576e149130c8a

[Bert06840]

Originally Posted by dbsoundman

Why not go for this look?



https://homecome89.com/products/xxr-...c576e149130c8a

Ooh, but I don’t have any subwoofers and underbody lights fitted … so those rims are out of reach!

[Bert06840]

Originally Posted by joeblack5

I cannot see it I the picture but did you incorporate something flexible or breakaway under that antenna? It looks a lot like a nice finger and tree branches don't like it when you flip it to them.

Does this mean that your other antenna experiments are over?

I have the antenna mounted on an aluminum angle bracket, which will act as a mechanical fuse. That’s the plan.

The weboost spring is so stiff that the antenna will be long gone, along with parts of the roof, before that spring starts to think of deflecting a degree or two.

But I’ll need at least six antennas (two per carrier) for cellular if I get them to cover all the bands - which is unlikely. Then there’s one for wifi, plus one for 2m/70cm amateur radio use, and then there needs to be some room for experiments down the road. ADS-B, NOAA satellites, ACARS, and all that fun stuff.

So there’ll be a dozen or so antennas down the road, and I want to drill just one hole.

[Bert06840]

I got this silicone thing figured out, I thought!

It’s gotta be “IP67”, at least, I thought.

Then came Ida.



Shrug, I said. Then came this.



Shrug, I said. But then



Doh. The morning after

[Bert06840]

I have a problem… there is a discrepancy between the transmission dip stick indicated ATF level, and what the computer, through the sensor, indicates.

I don’t know if the bus came with the wrong dip stick, or what else could be up.



The computer indicated level is temperature compensated, and I believe the temperature sensor to work correctly.

Even at this level, the transmission indicates 4 quarts low.





Turns out that one of these is rather convenient for moving ATF around…

[Dbacks2k4]

Nice looking bus. I drove some 2008 model 40' Gillig lowfloors in my college days. Not sure what model Cummins they had but I know the mechanics were always complaining about the DPF. I'm guessing since we were in a small metro area and never got over 35mph that it was due to always having to do parked regens versus active.
What's your top speed look like? I realize there's multiple factors that go into play here and which municipality ordered the bus with which configuration... but curious anyway.
Also, I see you were using the Cummins Insite software? My mechanic friend told me that was pretty hard to come by without being a licensed dealership (which of course is where he works, ha ha). Can you share any info on obtaining that?

[onechange]

Hey, I'm considering a 30 or 35 ft gillig for my family to convert for use as an RV. I've been playing with a few floorplans but without knowing exact dimensions it's difficult to know what would work and what wouldn't. Would you be willing to share the interior dimensions of your bus? Back to front, raised back area, height, etc. However detailed you'd like to be. I'd love to go with a 30ft if we can make all our wants fit, just not sure if it's possible.
Thanks!

[t444ebusser]

Bert, Were you ever able to get it insured? I am looking at buying a 40 ft gillig but I am getting told no by all the insurers. Friend says he uses Progressive for his bus conversions and they told me no..

[Nuggets]

Originally Posted by t444ebusser

Bert, Were you ever able to get it insured? I am looking at buying a 40 ft gillig but I am getting told no by all the insurers. Friend says he uses Progressive for his bus conversions and they told me no..

Just a note that if you do a title conversion to motorhome there should be no issue. RVs generally are an addition to your existing auto policy rather than independent. That being said, with mine I did find that it was more expensive once they realized what vehicle it was because they insured it for the chassis replacement cost. Other than curiosity with it being a nonstandard manufacturer I had no issues.

[rossvtaylor]

Originally Posted by t444ebusser

Bert, Were you ever able to get it insured? I am looking at buying a 40 ft gillig but I am getting told no by all the insurers. Friend says he uses Progressive for his bus conversions and they told me no..

I've owned several Gillig buses and before they were fully converted I used Progressive Commercial. Don't talk to the auto folks, ask for the commercial division and tell them you want a "commercial vehicle for personal use" policy. I have two vehicles insured that way right now, a bus and a big truck, and it costs me about $68/month for liability coverage.