Looking for our bus to skip town in - Page 2

cadillackid · 01-07-2020, 05:32 AM

Iknow there is a post somewhere here but finding it is always tough on the forum...

som,e the big pnes that get alot of school busses..

http://www.publicsurplus.com

http://www.govdeals.com

# texas busses when they have them

http://www.onlinepros.com

# sometimes some good busses here
http://www.purplewave.com
422 Sales

there are others but those are the big ones that come to mind.

often in the auction listing the school system name will be noted so you can contact them directly about a bus that is listed.

thingto remember is that school busses depcriate rather quickly... the fact a bus may have cost 85k in 2003 doesmt mean its worth 10k now!.. lots of good busses can be had in the 3-5k range or even less depending on what your requirements are and how many busses are for sale in various venues..

-Christopher

skiptownbus · 01-08-2020, 08:17 PM

SO there is an opportunity to buy a 2005 Thomas HDX rear engine with 188,000, CAT C7 Allison 3060, air brakes . It is in the southwest and lived its life there. Listed as running and in drivable "fair" condition but has sat on the lot the last 11 months. Has a listed interior height of 76". I'm waiting to talk to someone from the school district tans depart if i can

So here are my questions
1) I have read mixed reviews on the C7 all over this forum but know the Allison is one of the better ones out there(right?) is the combo worth considering?
2) the listed interior height of 76' seems strange I have been told by multiple mechanics that buses are made in either 78" or 74" heights. Is that correct or should i trust the listed interior height?
3)how terrified by the 11 months on the lot should I be?
4)If i get ahold of the mechanics any specifics to ask other than jsut asking for whatever rundown they can give.
5)if i wanted to ask someone on the forum to check it out how would i go about finding someone? id pay or trade for work.

thanks so much to anyone who replies.

PNW_Steve · 01-08-2020, 08:22 PM

There is a good YouTube video called "how to bulletproof your C7 or 3126" that is a good watch.

In the right bus I would consider a C7.

o1marc · 01-08-2020, 08:26 PM

Start by filling out your profile in the UserCP so we know where you live.
The C7 was what the 3126 became when the EPA stepped in, so you have the dreaded potential issues that come with that, not necessarily a bad motor if it is well maintained. High roof will be as low as 74" depending on what flooring it has. I have yet to see one measured at 78". Sitting on a lot for 11 months doesn't bother me at all if it was maintained before it hit that lot. Not much is going to rot and fall off during that time.

skiptownbus · 01-08-2020, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o1marc

Pushers often will have the better drivetrains.

1) the 8.3 is revered in a pusher, as well as the Navistar DT466/530
2)Absolutely avoid the AT545 in a full size pusher, any other Allison will do, with the 3060 being top of the heap if 6th is open. Still near the top if only 5.
3) I would stay in the 98-03 years
4) Yes, International. I've driven many makes and models and find the International Genesis line to be in the upper range in quality and options.

I know i should know this but the 8.3 yo reference is a cummins?