Short Bus to Food Truck Conversion

[EastCoastCB]

This would be the most sensible choice, imo. Looks like its got a 4bt?
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...87&acctid=6250
2003 Freightliner M-Line INCOMPLETE CHASSIS, 4.3L L4 DIESEL.

[Marvin]

Not bad at all. I wish it told the dimensions of the cargo area. Also not sure what incomplete chassis means, but I saved it as a favorite to check out if the bus option doesn't go through. Thanks!

[Marvin]

I found the bus on Craigslist at the Tampa Bay Market place that seemed like it was low on power steering. Here are the pics.

https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/bfs/6040963114.html

I just bought a ScanGauge so I can hook it up and check it out since some of the gauges aren't working. It'll be great to have for daily use anyway. I also like the idea of getting another one and daisy chaining it like GreyCoyote did.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VX2NP4W

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Marvin

Not bad at all. I wish it told the dimensions of the cargo area. Also not sure what incomplete chassis means, but I saved it as a favorite to check out if the bus option doesn't go through. Thanks!

"incomplete chassis just means someone built the chassis and someone else made the body. Like a bus, van, ambulance...
This thing will KILL a bus on MPG's.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Marvin

I found the bus on Craigslist at the Tampa Bay Market place that seemed like it was low on power steering. Here are the pics.

https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/bfs/6040963114.html

I just bought a ScanGauge so I can hook it up and check it out since some of the gauges aren't working. It'll be great to have for daily use anyway. I also like the idea of getting another one and daisy chaining it like GreyCoyote did.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VX2NP4W

Looks just like my $1700 one only with less headroom and probably older tires.
And just like the 96 that's ending in a couple days up in GA. Its only gona go for a couple grand maybe less.
Whats the axle ratio on this dealer bus you're gonna buy?

[cadillackid]

scangauge is a nice device to have for sure!.. that one you mentioned using it for daily use.. you can only use it with a commercial bus, not a regular car.. it speaks J1708 / 1939 but not OBD2.. os itll only be good in your bus.
-Christopher

[Marvin]

ECCB - You're thinking I should bid on this one? https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...59&acctid=2711

I don't want to overstep anyone on the forum if they are bidding on it already, but I think someone mentioned concerns with it only going like 55 mph. That would suck driving that all the way from GA at that speed on I75. Let alone not knowing what else is wrong with it sight unseen.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to throw a 2k proxy bid on it. You think? Then another $200 for a one way flight up there and probably another $200 for gas to get it down here (600 miles). Savings of 2k that can go into any repairs and the removal project too. Hmm...


Christopher - Thanks, yeah I'm glad I researched the connection first before buying on Amazon today because I was about to get the one for a car until something told me to find out where to plug in the dang thing and that's when I saw where it took a different type.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Marvin

ECCB - You're thinking I should bid on this one? https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...59&acctid=2711

I don't want to overstep anyone on the forum if they are bidding on it already, but I think someone mentioned concerns with it only going like 55 mph. That would suck driving that all the way from GA at that speed on I75. Let alone not knowing what else is wrong with it sight unseen.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to throw a 2k proxy bid on it. You think? Then another $200 for a one way flight up there and probably another $200 for gas to get it down here (600 miles). Savings of 2k that can go into any repairs and the removal project too. Hmm...


Christopher - Thanks, yeah I'm glad I researched the connection first before buying on Amazon today because I was about to get the one for a car until something told me to find out where to plug in the dang thing and that's when I saw where it took a different type.

I'd buy it myself if it were later in the summer. I'm tapped out financially for a month or two or three.
55 isn't too bad. I wonder what the dealer buses axle ratios are.

[Marvin]

I'm sorry, I'm not sure what you mean by axle ratios. The bus is about 25' long I'd say. Excuse my lack of knowledge in that area. Is it something I can ask him?

[Marvin]

Does this information help in any way? I took a picture of the information on both buses that I tested. It was posted up in the front.

[EastCoastCB]

THe rear axle ratio is the major factor in what your cruising speed will be on the highway, man.
Did you top out either one you test drove? How fast do they go?

Understanding Axle Ratios | Medium Duty Work Truck Info

[Marvin]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

THe rear axle ratio is the major factor in what your cruising speed will be on the highway, man.
Did you top out either one you test drove? How fast do they go?

Understanding Axle Ratios | Medium Duty Work Truck Info

Thanks for the link. That stuff still confuses me lol. I didn't top them out but plan on taking them for a longer test drive than just around the city streets for 10 min. Plus the 2002 with power steering tightness didn't have a speedometer that worked properly and would hang out around the 5MPH mark as shown about 55 seconds into the video I took. Video - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting

I'm thinking it would probably be beneficial to get your number in case I have a question while I'm there on Monday haha. I can call you when I'm on the highway and let you know how fast it goes

I was tempted to make a Thumbtack post to see if there is a mechanic in the area that wouldn't mind meeting me up so he can be the expert and give his feedback on which one is the best buy. I'm still debating. But then again, I can always see if I can get the 96 GovDeals one for under 3k and cross my fingers on it. The Q&A shows that someone asked about it and it's (low...513/576).

[lg22woo]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

THe rear axle ratio is the major factor in what your cruising speed will be on the highway, man.
Did you top out either one you test drove? How fast do they go?

Understanding Axle Ratios | Medium Duty Work Truck Info

Awesome link! I just read the whole thing through. Slowly, slowly, learning how buses work

[Robin97396]

Did you find the part where "the wheels on the bus go round and round?"

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Marvin

Thanks for the link. That stuff still confuses me lol. I didn't top them out but plan on taking them for a longer test drive than just around the city streets for 10 min. Plus the 2002 with power steering tightness didn't have a speedometer that worked properly and would hang out around the 5MPH mark as shown about 55 seconds into the video I took. Video - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting

I'm thinking it would probably be beneficial to get your number in case I have a question while I'm there on Monday haha. I can call you when I'm on the highway and let you know how fast it goes

I was tempted to make a Thumbtack post to see if there is a mechanic in the area that wouldn't mind meeting me up so he can be the expert and give his feedback on which one is the best buy. I'm still debating. But then again, I can always see if I can get the 96 GovDeals one for under 3k and cross my fingers on it. The Q&A shows that someone asked about it and it's (low...513/576).

Yep. I ask about ANY bus that interests me. Axle ratio is my number one question.
I'll Pm you my number, if you like.

[cadillackid]

If you are driving a bus that has suspect gauges , download an app called speedometer for your phone. It use the gps to get a pretty good speed.

Of course your scan gauge will show what the computer thinks your speed is.
Christopher

[EastCoastCB]

Public Surplus: Auction #1817647

[EastCoastCB]

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...33&acctid=6036

[EastCoastCB]

I've put in a bid on THIS ONE, so I got DIBS!
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...91&acctid=6250


Hoping no one bids it too high, this would make an excellent work truck! The lil 4 cylinder cummins would be PERFECT!
glad you got me looking at these. I'll keep my eyes out for em from now on. I bet it goes WAY higher than I bid, but anyone who wants it has to pay more than its worth to ME. That's my bidding strategy. Low and often.

[EastCoastCB]

Here's another one if anyone else wants to try n snag one.

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...87&acctid=6250