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Old 06-29-2015, 07:58 PM   #1
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Hello from wv.

Hello from wv, just purchased a 1987 bluebird flat nose bus. I'm in full conversion mode. Here's a few pictures..
Click image for larger version

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Old 06-29-2015, 08:01 PM   #2
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dang, someone's done some major work on that!

welcome aboard
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Old 06-29-2015, 08:03 PM   #3
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Thanks! Can anyone connect me with a parts source? It's a 1987 blue bird. I have no idea what chassis is under it. But I do know it has a 427 gasses engine. I need to locate power steering parts and transmission gaskets.
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Old 06-29-2015, 08:14 PM   #4
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No idea on the parts, I'd just use google.
What kind of MPG's do you get?
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Old 06-29-2015, 08:34 PM   #5
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No idea on Mpg's yet. The drive home was nerve racking enough. We woke her up after sitting for 3 years. Greased all the fittings we could find. checked the oil. filled her up with gas and drove 500 miles home on the edge of our seats. Wow ! only problems so far the leaking power steering gearbox and small leak around the shift linkage on the side of the transmission.
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Old 06-29-2015, 08:40 PM   #6
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nice bus!!! good starting point!
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Old 06-29-2015, 08:41 PM   #7
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Thanks.., here's a few more pictures

ATTACH]7552[/ATTACH]Click image for larger version

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Old 06-29-2015, 08:43 PM   #8
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I'm exporting the other topics, looks like good info so far.
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Old 06-29-2015, 09:21 PM   #9
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welcome, nice ride you have the start of a nice conversion, roof air, midship door, all ready painted and windows out, nice,
lets see the inside.
gbstewart
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Old 06-29-2015, 09:28 PM   #10
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thats real similar to mine.... nice window!
and the headlights

i have a 93 bluebird, same set up but diesel.
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Old 06-29-2015, 10:54 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jpe123 View Post
No idea on Mpg's yet. The drive home was nerve racking enough. We woke her up after sitting for 3 years. Greased all the fittings we could find. checked the oil. filled her up with gas and drove 500 miles home on the edge of our seats. Wow ! only problems so far the leaking power steering gearbox and small leak around the shift linkage on the side of the transmission.
I know the feeling...
800 miles home in a $2100 bus bought online from Ky to Fl with no tag.
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Old 06-30-2015, 12:44 AM   #12
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Year: 1992
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Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: 190hp 5.9 Cummins
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I love the chrome and round lights on the older flat noses.

Nat
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Old 06-30-2015, 12:59 AM   #13
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Looks like a bookmobile. The 427 is a Chevy truck engine. Start there.
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Old 06-30-2015, 01:17 AM   #14
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It looks like a Wanderlodge or another one of the commercial versions of the All American. It certainly does not look like a school bus with those windows and the service door in the middle of the bus.

The 427 is the GM Tonawanda truck engine. It is very reliable, it is fairly easy when it comes to fix or repair, and it is relatively thirsty. Think in terms of 4 MPG average.

The transmission is most likely an Allison AT540 or MT640 series of transmission. There should be a tag somewhere on the case on the driver's side that will have the model and serial number.

The power steering is most likely not a GM Saginaw unit. The only way to know for sure is to contact Blue Bird and get a build sheet for it. In order to do that it will be helpful to know either the original selling dealer or the original purchaser. Regardless, you will need to provide the VIN and body number.

Good luck and happy trails!
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Old 06-30-2015, 04:12 AM   #15
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Yes,it was a book mobile. Originally from Ohio bus sales. I think I'm going to try a Vin search and hope that will give some info of its past.
I'll get some inside pictures soon.
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Old 06-30-2015, 04:14 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by turf View Post
thats real similar to mine.... nice window!

and the headlights



i have a 93 bluebird, same set up but diesel.

Any pictures on here of your bus? Would like to see what others have done inside and out
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Old 06-30-2015, 04:15 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nat_ster View Post
I love the chrome and round lights on the older flat noses.

Nat

Me too. That's what sold me on this one. Reminded me of my childhood days.
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Old 06-30-2015, 06:14 AM   #18
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Any pictures on here of your bus? Would like to see what others have done inside and out
link in my signature
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Old 06-30-2015, 08:13 AM   #19
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Year: 1946
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Lookin' good. If it is a flat-nosed '87 it must be an All American. Through 1988, BB built their high dollar Wanderlodges on the same chassis as the All American skoolies.

Haven't seen many with gas guzzlers though. They did put Ford gasoline engines in them back in the '60's but I don't think I've seen one any later than that.
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Old 06-30-2015, 08:18 AM   #20
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Year: 1988
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Lookin' good. If it is a flat-nosed '87 it must be an All American. Haven't seen many with gas guzzlers though.
It's probably some kind of All American. The TC/2000 didn't come out till '88 (the year of my TC/2000).
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