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06-03-2019, 11:23 PM
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#1
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 11
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Is this the right bus?
Hello Fourm, any thoughts on this being a viable conversion bus?
Year: 2003
Make: INTL
Model: BUS
Mileage: 168072
VIN: 4DRBRABL83B958139
Running Condition: SEE DESCRIPTION
Engine: T444E
Transmission: ALLISON 2000 SERIES
https://m.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=2348575
It's a 6 window mid/short bus. I saw the bus today, tires are in great shape. Needs a jump but runs. I'm weirded out by the lack of bids, unless this will escalate before it's over.
Thanks for your help.
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06-03-2019, 11:30 PM
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#2
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Brevard County, FL
Posts: 911
Year: 1990
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Ford
Engine: 6.6 New Holland Diesel
Rated Cap: 60 kids, 10 window
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Looks like a winner to me. I would bid on it if I was any where near it
__________________
Nick
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06-04-2019, 12:03 AM
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#3
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: E Central Tejas
Posts: 2,089
Year: 1998
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: IH 3800, 8 window
Engine: T444E w/ Spicer 5-speed MT
Rated Cap: I prefer broad-brims hats
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BegoniaTheBus
Hello Fourm, any thoughts on this being a viable conversion bus?
Year: 2003
Make: INTL
Model: BUS
Mileage: 168072
VIN: 4DRBRABL83B958139
Running Condition: SEE DESCRIPTION
Engine: T444E
Transmission: ALLISON 2000 SERIES
https://m.publicsurplus.com/sms/auct...ew?auc=2348575
It's a 6 window mid/short bus. I saw the bus today, tires are in great shape. Needs a jump but runs. I'm weirded out by the lack of bids, unless this will escalate before it's over.
Thanks for your help.
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What a coinky dink! You're the 2nd person today to post a bus from this auction, soliciting inputs!
OK, 1st item that concern me, is that it states the maintenance records will not be offered. Why? Is the board of ed scrap- booking? Seems like there's something to hide. Another poster on that thread said they weren't offered on his, either. ( different state)
Condition: dirty/mold. Ditto on the other unit I looked at for another. Maybe these descriptions are plug n chug, coz that was identical. But if true, Indicative of leaks, or other water damage.
Bus has been sitting for a year.
May or may not have batteries. If it does, how good can they be after so long?
A/C: TX bus, so likely to have, but working..?
Mileage is not unreasonable. I have that same engine, in an 8-window, and it struggles going up any grade of more than molehill significance!
It is probably the last year before expensive emissions controls were foisted on school buses. Confirm it's pre-emissions to be safe.
Finally, it's early days, yet. DO NOT BID!!! There're days yet before the auction closes. Why risk running up the bidding prematurely? It will go VERY briskly as it draws to a close! Guaranteed.
If they don't receive their minimum bid, likely it will be extended.
I prolly missed some stuff, but thems the hilites. Good luck.
__________________
Those who say that it cannot be done should not interrupt the people doing it.
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06-04-2019, 12:26 AM
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#4
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Greater Boston
Posts: 503
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Looks good to me.
There's a bunch of them in similar condition too.
I wouldn't read too deeply into a lack of bids.
I wonder if there's any way to find out if the AC works. . .
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06-04-2019, 12:34 AM
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#5
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark_In_MA
Looks good to me.
There's a bunch of them in similar condition too.
I wouldn't read too deeply into a lack of bids.
I wonder if there's any way to find out if the AC works. . .
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There's usually a number you can call and get some info. I've seen auctions that were vague and was able to call the school garage and find out just about anything.
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06-04-2019, 03:44 AM
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#6
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 11
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Marc and Mark the theme here is don't bid (yet), everyone is saying 'needs more info!' But the cookie cutter discription makes me think I'm looking at someone's choice of convenience.
T444e means 50mph and crawl up hills. Matt, thanks for taking the time to write everything up.
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06-04-2019, 06:14 AM
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#7
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,826
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by haz.matt.1960
What a coinky dink! You're the 2nd person today to post a bus from this auction, soliciting inputs!
OK, 1st item that concern me, is that it states the maintenance records will not be offered. Why? Is the board of ed scrap- booking? Seems like there's something to hide. Another poster on that thread said they weren't offered on his, either. ( different state)
Condition: dirty/mold. Ditto on the other unit I looked at for another. Maybe these descriptions are plug n chug, coz that was identical. But if true, Indicative of leaks, or other water damage.
Bus has been sitting for a year.
May or may not have batteries. If it does, how good can they be after so long?
A/C: TX bus, so likely to have, but working..?
Mileage is not unreasonable. I have that same engine, in an 8-window, and it struggles going up any grade of more than molehill significance!
It is probably the last year before expensive emissions controls were foisted on school buses. Confirm it's pre-emissions to be safe.
Finally, it's early days, yet. DO NOT BID!!! There're days yet before the auction closes. Why risk running up the bidding prematurely? It will go VERY briskly as it draws to a close! Guaranteed.
If they don't receive their minimum bid, likely it will be extended.
I prolly missed some stuff, but thems the hilites. Good luck.
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I bid early and the less info the lower the price stays.
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06-04-2019, 07:40 AM
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#8
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 3,056
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 72
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I'm a T444E fan. The fact is, it comes in a variety of horsepower tunes and your biggest limitation going up hills is primarily going to be transmission/gearing. An Allison 2000 vs an AT545 will give very different experiences. Especially when you're talking about a 6 window shortie.
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06-04-2019, 07:46 AM
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#9
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,826
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brokedown
I'm a T444E fan. The fact is, it comes in a variety of horsepower tunes and your biggest limitation going up hills is primarily going to be transmission/gearing. An Allison 2000 vs an AT545 will give very different experiences. Especially when you're talking about a 6 window shortie.
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IDK, I'd think the difference would be more noticeable on a larger bus. I hate the 545 but I'll still buy a 5 or 6 window shorty with one. For me it isn't a deal breaker. But they are crap-tastic!
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06-04-2019, 08:00 AM
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#10
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Weeki Wachee, FL
Posts: 3,056
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC2000 FE
Engine: Cummins 5.9
Rated Cap: 72
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A 230hp T444e with an A2000 and good gearing would be a hoot in a 6 window like the one linked. Won't do crossed up wheelies or smokey burnouts of course.
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06-04-2019, 08:11 AM
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#11
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Claremont, NH
Posts: 483
Year: 2003
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DT466E (195hp, 520tq)
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Looks like it has air brakes too which is a big plus.
__________________
Dave
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06-04-2019, 08:53 AM
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#12
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: E Central Tejas
Posts: 2,089
Year: 1998
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: IH 3800, 8 window
Engine: T444E w/ Spicer 5-speed MT
Rated Cap: I prefer broad-brims hats
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Aye, and there lies the rub (rail)
Mine's only 175 HP... (
__________________
Those who say that it cannot be done should not interrupt the people doing it.
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06-04-2019, 10:32 AM
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#13
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 58
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I’m the other poster who was looking at those.
Begonia, Did you only look at that one?
From the pics it looked like the treads were worn off on the tires on all of them so you would probably need to get new ones before you do any traveling.
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06-04-2019, 07:35 PM
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#14
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Disastrogirl
I’m the other poster who was looking at those.
Begonia, Did you only look at that one?
From the pics it looked like the treads were worn off on the tires on all of them so you would probably need to get new ones before you do any traveling.
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I looked at 3, and now I'm second guessing which had the best tires. I've definitely seen worse. These were carting kids a year ago, how f'ed can they be? But don't quote me on that. Ha. Well I'll be bidding as Cattym. I'll try and stay out of your bidding lane though all is fair game. Best of luck to you.
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06-04-2019, 07:37 PM
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#15
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brokedown
I'm a T444E fan. The fact is, it comes in a variety of horsepower tunes and your biggest limitation going up hills is primarily going to be transmission/gearing. An Allison 2000 vs an AT545 will give very different experiences. Especially when you're talking about a 6 window shortie.
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Good to know, thanks.
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06-04-2019, 07:40 PM
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#16
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brokedown
A 230hp T444e with an A2000 and good gearing would be a hoot in a 6 window like the one linked. Won't do crossed up wheelies or smokey burnouts of course.
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Darn, I was hoping to be known by the 4-tire skids I leave from peeling out all over the country. ;)
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06-04-2019, 11:33 PM
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#17
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Greater Boston
Posts: 503
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For informational purposes. . . how hard is it to change the gearing in an Allison 2000 series?
I'm really interested to see what these end up going for.
Right now, the bids are still around $500. The shortie with a DT466 and 2000 series Allison I'm looking at is SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive. (By a factor greater then 10.) A 444 can be turned up a little bit, and these all have 2000 series Allisons. You can be picky, but I don't think you can argue that these are still solid foundations to build on. (Solid, not necessarily fast.)
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06-05-2019, 10:38 AM
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#18
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 58
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Bus #3509 had one good tire but it’s also got a dent on the top front so that’s not a great trade off. ; )
I’m on there as Monetta but I’m not sure I’ll be bidding since I’m a bit farther away and can’t actually look at the busses in person. I sent an email with some questions yesterday so waiting to see if they get back to me.
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06-05-2019, 11:05 AM
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#19
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: E Central Tejas
Posts: 2,089
Year: 1998
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: IH 3800, 8 window
Engine: T444E w/ Spicer 5-speed MT
Rated Cap: I prefer broad-brims hats
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Good luck! 🤞
__________________
Those who say that it cannot be done should not interrupt the people doing it.
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06-08-2019, 11:26 PM
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#20
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 58
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BegoniaTheBus
I looked at 3, and now I'm second guessing which had the best tires. I've definitely seen worse. These were carting kids a year ago, how f'ed can they be? But don't quote me on that. Ha. Well I'll be bidding as Cattym. I'll try and stay out of your bidding lane though all is fair game. Best of luck to you.
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Congratulations!
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