Starting my search for...

Chongolio · 01-22-2018, 10:36 PM

Any thoughts on this bugger?

I sent off an email asking about engine and tranny type as well as if there is rust or mold.

Curious if something like this would pull a small trailer.

I have read that some of the shorties/ cutaways already put a lot of strain on brakes, engine and transmission with out all the added weight of the build

https://medford.craigslist.org/cto/d...468191446.html

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jjhwick119 · 01-22-2018, 11:04 PM

Do you have a vin number? I'm not the most knowledgeable but I think they need more info before knowing about towing. Unless that bus had a common build

Chongolio · 01-22-2018, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjhwick119

Do you have a vin number? I'm not the most knowledgeable but I think they need more info before knowing about towing. Unless that bus had a common build

Good point, I will see if I can get it from the guy...or girl

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jjhwick119 · 01-22-2018, 11:12 PM

What are your plans s for it? Keep interior as is or redo all / some?

EastCoastCB · 01-22-2018, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chongolio

Any thoughts on this bugger?

I sent off an email asking about engine and tranny type as well as if there is rust or mold.

Curious if something like this would pull a small trailer.

I have read that some of the shorties/ cutaways already put a lot of strain on brakes, engine and transmission with out all the added weight of the build

https://medford.craigslist.org/cto/d...468191446.html

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At that price? The seller is dreaming. Looks like about a $1500 bus to me.

Chongolio · 01-22-2018, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjhwick119

What are your plans s for it? Keep interior as is or redo all / some?

Shootz, I have not thought that far ahead really. I suppose I will have to make it my own where and when I can.

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Chongolio · 01-22-2018, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

At that price? The seller is dreaming. Looks like about a $1500 bus to me.

Fair enough. Care to elaborate?

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EastCoastCB · 01-23-2018, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chongolio

Fair enough. Care to elaborate?

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Looks dirty, looks like its seen better days. Buses like that sell at auction for like $400-$2000 on a really good day.
$4500 will get you a REALLY nice bus.

Chongolio · 01-23-2018, 08:22 AM

I have been looking on Craigslist in OR and CA mostly and have not seen anything cheaper than this so far. The low mileage on this one looked appealing despite being a bit beat up.

I am not familiar with auctions and how they work when it comes to inspection or if there is one close to me. Flying across the country only to be disappointed and coming back empty handed is not in my budget.

I was however going to start looking into near by school districts once I get situated at my next stop.

Thanks for your thoughts!

EastCoastCB · 01-23-2018, 09:05 AM

IDK what it will end up selling for, but this looks to be a hell of nice mini bus-
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...20&acctid=3164

EastCoastCB · 01-23-2018, 09:07 AM

I'd throw a healthy bid at this, though-
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...=1&acctid=9850

That thing is sweet!

even has a driver's door

This bus looks CLEAN. I'd rather start with something like one of these than a clapped out old bus in a field that appears to have been rode hard and put up wet.

ratfink56 · 01-23-2018, 09:13 AM

I've looked at a bunch of these older units and run the vins. 5.7, 4L80 and 4.10 rear gears unless it's diesel powered. I work at a Chevy dealer and would be happy to run the vin for you. GM only goes back to 1990 on vins.

jjhwick119 · 01-23-2018, 09:22 AM

What about this one? Little bigger than one you originally linked
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...=1&acctid=9850

Edit: didn't see east coast link first, lol

Chongolio · 01-23-2018, 09:26 AM

That is a clean bus with a decent starting bid and close-ish to where I land next week.

I will look into Duramax engines and see what I can learn regarding pain points and issues.

After doing some research, I was leaning more towards a Chevy 350 gasser for simplicity and having a fighting chance at doing repairs myself when needed. A deisel motor would leave me in the hands of merciless tow truck drivers and mechanics if things go gunny bag.

Chongolio · 01-23-2018, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjhwick119

What about this one? Little bigger than one you originally linked
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...=1&acctid=9850

Edit: didn't see east coast link first, lol

Thanks for the share regardless! A bigger bus is really not favorable for my needs. A short bus with a gas engine that can pull a trailer is kinda what I am thinkin’

Chongolio · 01-23-2018, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratfink56

I've looked at a bunch of these older units and run the vins. 5.7, 4L80 and 4.10 rear gears unless it's diesel powered. I work at a Chevy dealer and would be happy to run the vin for you. GM only goes back to 1990 on vins.

Thanks for that offer. If I hear back from the guy I may take you up on that.

Chongolio · 01-23-2018, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

This bus looks CLEAN. I'd rather start with something like one of these than a clapped out old bus in a field that appears to have been rode hard and put up wet.

Wheel chair lift in the front is a deal killer. It would have to be in the back to get my motorcycle in and out.

Not sure having my bike in the front would be a good idea

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EastCoastCB · 01-23-2018, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chongolio

Thanks for the share regardless! A bigger bus is really not favorable for my needs. A short bus with a gas engine that can pull a trailer is kinda what I am thinkin’

The buses linked will be much better suited to towing.
That said- a 350 short bus will tow a vehicle. I'd still look for a nicer bus and a much better deal than the one in Medford.

EastCoastCB · 01-23-2018, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chongolio

Wheel chair lift in the front is a deal killer. It would have to be in the back to get my motorcycle in and out.

Not sure having my bike in the front would be a good idea

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Well whatever works for you, go for it. The one you're interested in wouldn't even have a way to haul a MC in it at all.

Chongolio · 01-23-2018, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

The buses linked will be much better suited to towing.

That said- a 350 short bus will tow a vehicle. I'd still look for a nicer bus and a much better deal than the one in Medford.

I appreciate your replies (and avatar). Thanks! I am not rushing into anything and have a few different ideas on what I am looking for and will work for my situation.

Ultimately cheap, reliable and something that can move a motorcycle hither and dither is what I am after. Being able to work on it myself would be a plus

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