Long time creeper

[Okie]

I've been creeping your forum for quite some time, just now decided to actually join and participate!

I've owned one bus (retired Green Bay Police mobile command center) and it was enough to make me fall in love(obsession?).

I am looking at buying my first fresh start plain jane bus for conversion, I have 2 options, and I'de love it if anyone would throw in there opinion/pick based on experience.

I've researched all the engine/trans combos, bus styles etc and I know I want an international DT or a cummins. Here are the best local choices I have at the moment, I'm ready to pull the trigger.

1. 2005 International FE DT466 full hood, 12 window, 79k miles $3800
2. 2000 Carpenter FE Flat nose, 24v cummins, 14 window, 59k miles $3900

[PNW_Steve]

A LOT depends on condition.

Also, what transmission?

Tires?

Rust?

More details would help us answer with more detail.

[Okie]

Both are relatively rust free, came from the same southern school district.

Both have Allison Autos, the owner doesn't know the model, but I'm going to look Friday and will be able to find out.

Tires on both are pretty decent/similar, appear to be 60%+ tread, no dry rot, maintained by the same school district until this year.

I guess my main question is:

DT466 shorter bus with hood VS Cummins longer bus with flat nose?

I like the space and look of the flat nose, but the hood seems more practical for maintenance and working on the bus. It also seems pretty unanimous that the DT466 is the favorite engine of most skoolie aficionados.. I'd like to be able to pull a small car or trailer while loaded.

[Okie]

Pics attached

[PNW_Steve]

Which Allison is important.

Personally, I have owned 3- 5.9 Cummins and one 8.3 Cummins. I love them in the rigs they are in. However, I would not buy a full size bus with a 5.9. ESPECIALLY if the bus had an AT545.

All other things equal: the DT466 Bus will have more power, last longer and have more interior room. Unfortunately, it will be harder to work on.

The DT can be rebuilt in frame. The Cummins cannot.

My vote is for the DT.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Okie

I've been creeping your forum for quite some time, just now decided to actually join and participate!

Creeper? Lurker ??

[Greatestrr]

I second or thrid which ever i am for the dt466. Tho if the cummins has a better trans i might lean there. Theres alot of variables. Do you want or need the extra space of the 14 window. Does that one also have underbelly storage. Rear end ratio is a big deal for some people. Affecting top speed. Tho I'd guess both those buses are power houses so they probably cruise. Stuff to think about

[Okie]

Creep lurk potato potato lol.

Hopefully I'll have more details Friday, the extra space wouldn't hurt for sure but it's probably not 100% necessary..

Glad to be here guys, looks like a cool community, thanks for the feedback!

[EastCoastCB]

My van is a creeper van. I love it.


Since getting this van, I'm wishing I'd gotten one sooner.

[cadillackid]

that 2005 bus is Most likely an allison 2000 transmission (5 speed with overdrive).. the other one is Most likely the AT545, but look to be sure..

also get the rear gear ratios if you can... you can have all the over-drive in the world but if the rear gears are short the bus wont cruise...
-Christopher

[dan-fox]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

The DT can be rebuilt in frame. The Cummins cannot.

Why do you say that? Issues of accessibility in an RE bus, or ??? The 8.3 is most definitely a wet sleeve design.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by dan-fox

Why do you say that? Issues of accessibility in an RE bus, or ??? The 8.3 is most definitely a wet sleeve design.

OP is asking about a 5.9 Cummins powered bus. The 5.9 is not a wet sleeve motor and cannot be rebuilt in frame.

The DT466 is wet sleeve and can be rebuilt in frame.

[dan-fox]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

OP is asking about a 5.9 Cummins powered bus. The 5.9 is not a wet sleeve motor and cannot be rebuilt in frame.

I would definitely agree with that, but did not see where the 5.9 spec was stated. (OTOH, I didn't see the 8.3 either; must have practiced my conclusion jumping skills.) Does "24v" imply "5.9"?

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by dan-fox

I would definitely agree with that, but did not see where the 5.9 spec was stated. (OTOH, I didn't see the 8.3 either; must have practiced my conclusion jumping skills.) Does "24v" imply "5.9"?

Good question and thank you for prompting me to re-read the thread. I misspoke in my post. I got the two buses mixed up.

The FE Carpenter has the Cummins and will likely have more living space and poor engine access. AFIK: Carpenter did not offer the 8.3 in the 2000 Chancellor FE so I would suspect that it is the 5.9

The International, with the DT466, will have easier engine access, more power and can be rebuilt in frame. As CB pointed out, it likely has the 2000 series Allison.

I think I got it straight this time......

[Okie]

Ok, well I let the cummins sell in hopes of getting the other bus. Drive an hour and a half out to check it out and the first thing I see is a T444E.....

The guy selling is an idiot who "knew" it was a DT466.... yeah.. So I was mad and not willing to settle. Still looking!

I guess Ill continue scouring public surplus, ebay and craigslist.

I'm pretty picky I guess, but If im going to invest 6 months and thousands of dollars I want it to be what I really want.

Thanks for all the input and info, glad to be here and participating in the discussions finally!

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by Okie

I'm pretty picky I guess, but If im going to invest 6 months and thousands of dollars I want it to be what I really want.

Thanks for all the input and info, glad to be here and participating in the discussions finally!

You have the perfect attitude. Don't settle for something that doesn't meet your needs.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

You have the perfect attitude. Don't settle for something that doesn't meet your needs.

Absolutely!