Start of the TC1000

[Tomas]

Came across this on CL and grabbed it.
To start with it needs a new radiator, side mirrors, front and rear frame cross braces (these were bent and broke during a previous tow I presume), front sway bar bushings, and may be more once I get that going. After that is done the aim is to build a small shower, kitchen and some type of sleeping accommodation. Its a 2002 model. Paid 4k. Probably too much but oh well. Mostly wanted it to tow the race car to the tracks around the area so my 3 year old daughter and wife can come along and don't have to suffer outside during the Florida summers the whole day.

This thing has air tanks everywhere. I've counted 4 so far. Engine runs. Not sure about transmission yet. Seems one of the rear air bags has colapsed but we'll see once it gets some air if it doesn't inflate.

I'll do some searching but if anyone can point me to a good place where I can source spare parts for the TC1000 I'd be deeply grateful.

[brokedown]

I believe the TC1000 with 5.9 always had an AT545 transmission. For the sure the front engine TC2000 was that way.

i think my TC2000 had 3 air tanks, plus I added one for helping to run air tools. Make sure to bleed your tanks in case there's water sitting in them!

Your bus was a Florida bus so don't skimp out on rust treatment or try leaving the floor in place! Also, it's in the year range of the 5.9 that you need look check your block casting for the 53 block.

Unit Dashboard | Portal

[Tomas]

Originally Posted by brokedown

I believe the TC1000 with 5.9 always had an AT545 transmission. For the sure the front engine TC2000 was that way.

i think my TC2000 had 3 air tanks, plus I added one for helping to run air tools. Make sure to bleed your tanks in case there's water sitting in them!

Your bus was a Florida bus so don't skimp out on rust treatment or try leaving the floor in place! Also, it's in the year range of the 5.9 that you need look check your block casting for the 53 block.

Unit Dashboard | Portal

Where on the block can I find that? Is the 53 a reference to the blocks cast in Brazil?

[brokedown]

That's exactly the issue, yep! It's on the passenger side of the block, probably covered in oil and grease.

Cummins 53 Block Casting Information

[Tomas]

ok thanks. I'll take a look next time I am down there.
Wasnt' there something also about once they pass 100K miles that the risk of cracking is no longer an issue? This baby has 250k on the clock.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by Tomas

ok thanks. I'll take a look next time I am down there.
Wasnt' there something also about once they pass 100K miles that the risk of cracking is no longer an issue? This baby has 250k on the clock.

[Tomas]

Guess I got lucky.
56

[brokedown]

High mile 53 blocks are usually OK but these things are generalizations not actual rules... I'd still avoid them if possible!

[gostrong_13]

Nice bus, a younger version of the one we’re currently building.

[Tomas]

Oh I wish mine had sliding windows like that.

[railbus5]

That is a CSFE 2409. I have a 2002 also. They are transit buses not school. They use the 5.9 cummins ISB with the 545 Allison tranny. It is not speedy. Flat out is 55 mph @ 2500 rpm. Mine has th 54 block. 2001 and older have possible 53 blocks. These buses are based on a TC2000. Go to https://www.centralstatesbus.com/Manuals.html and download the TC2000 manual. It has a lot of useful info. Sadly Bluebird is stopping making parts. They will not tell you alternatives. You have to be creative to find new or rebuilt parts. Truck/bus repair garages and suppliers can find stuff. Some localized parts store will usually help you. Forget chainstores.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by railbus5

That is a CSFE 2409. I have a 2002 also. They are transit buses not school. They use the 5.9 cummins ISB with the 545 Allison tranny. It is not speedy. Flat out is 55 mph @ 2500 rpm. Mine has th 54 block. 2001 and older have possible 53 blocks. These buses are based on a TC2000. Go to https://www.centralstatesbus.com/Manuals.html and download the TC2000 manual. It has a lot of useful info. Sadly Bluebird is stopping making parts. They will not tell you alternatives. You have to be creative to find new or rebuilt parts. Truck/bus repair garages and suppliers can find stuff. Some localized parts store will usually help you. Forget chainstores.

Not all older 24v 5.9's possibly have the "53". The 24v started in 98, the "53" block was put in the 99-01 buses. Not all those years had "53" blocks, some had no number Mexican blocks. The 53 crack is not catastrophic and can be easily repaired.