Hello! I'm New here.

[anthvale]

Originally Posted by peteg59

Anthony, please reconsider this one, only because of the 6.0 Powerstroke engine.
Much discussion on here regarding that problematic and costly to repair engine.

You'll thank me later!

You could simply register it as a Ford Econoline van.
As far as insurance goes, you might run into issues if you're looking to get comprehensive vs liability only on it?

Darn! I was so excited to go purchase this thing. Perhaps I should keep looking. I do have a mechanic who was coming with me, but, I'd rather not need him constantly moving forward.

Any tips as to where to find these buses besides FB marketplace/craigslist?

Also, how do you register it as a van if it has all the camper stuff in it?

[peteg59]

govdeals.com is a good one, there are several other nationwide auction sites that good deals pop up on frequently if you have the patience to sort through the offerings.

If you have the time, peruse the "The 10 skoolie Commandments" on here. It was composed by a member who wanted to ensure newbies and others who are looking for a bus, don't get burned from making a poor decision early on in the buying process.


Links:
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...=&category=94H

https://onlineauction.422sales.com/c...cal.cgi?bsales

https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f10/t...nts-35502.html

[peteg59]

As a follow on to my post above, you should try to avoid buying a bus that lived it's life anywhere in the nation's "Rust Belt".

I looked around New England for months, and found 6 year old busses that needed rust remediation work to pass a state safety inspection! The older ones, fuhgeddaboudit!!!

While it is certainly costly to have a bus shipped across the country, or to fly out and drive an unknown entity x amount of miles, it will pay off in the long run in having a solid/rust free platform to build out your conversion on.

[o1marc]

Interesting video, I'm glad he didn't mention Vt., who's plates are cool looking also. In my case, I didn't go to Vt. to avoid paying taxes, they just weren't paid here. I had no issues registering mine as an RV in Ga. The only reason I went to Vt. was because the vanity tag (BCKT LST) was already taken in Ga. Also I rationalize by knowing that everytime the RV is driven it immediately leaves the state of Ga.

In regards to post #23. I was hoping the OP was not buying a bus from within 1000 miles of home. There are too many good buses to be had to avoid a large amount of headaches from buying in New England. This is a good case where the saying fits. The bitterness of poor quality lingers much longer than the sweetness of a great price. WE should have Musigenesis's thread as a sticky.

[anthvale]

Originally Posted by peteg59

As a follow on to my post above, you should try to avoid buying a bus that lived it's life anywhere in the nation's "Rust Belt".

I looked around New England for months, and found 6 year old busses that needed rust remediation work to pass a state safety inspection! The older ones, fuhgeddaboudit!!!

While it is certainly costly to have a bus shipped across the country, or to fly out and drive an unknown entity x amount of miles, it will pay off in the long run in having a solid/rust free platform to build out your conversion on.

After going through those 10 commandments, my search parameters are shrinking haha. Pre-2007 now!

Ya, there is almost nothing around here anywhere I search. My problem is there's no way I can get something anywhere else. My father and my mechanic (they are friends) are insisting they look at it/drive it/go through it before buying it. And, I won't get them to leave NH ha. Maybe MA, and ME. But, that's about it. I will continue my research and compileing parts and components while I continur my search!

Thanks Pete

[anthvale]

Originally Posted by peteg59

Anthony, please reconsider this one, only because of the 6.0 Powerstroke engine.
Much discussion on here regarding that problematic and costly to repair engine.

You'll thank me later!

You could simply register it as a Ford Econoline van.
As far as insurance goes, you might run into issues if you're looking to get comprehensive vs liability only on it?

What about this engine here? Any feedback would be great.

1998 GMC 3500
6.5l turbo diesel
115,000 miles

[SIMJEDI]

If a GMC you want a 2006-2007 Duramax 6.6l LBZ diesel. Fords you want 1994-2003 7.3l Powerstroke. These are the gems of the pre DEF era.




https://dieselresource.com/diesel-re...pecifications/


https://chevytrucks.org/duramax-6-6l-turbo-diesel/

[SIMJEDI]

For GMC/Chevy you want the 2006-2007 Duramax 6.6l LBZ. Fords the 1994-2003 Powerstroke 7.3l.


These are the gems of the pre DEF era.


https://dieselresource.com/diesel-re...pecifications/


https://dieselresource.com/diesel-re...pecifications/