2001 Blue Bird Rust too much ?

[pepperinacan]

Hello I need your opinion on a Blue Bird 2001 with 146,000 miles that was originally from Minnesota. I don't know exactly how to gauge what is too much rust for one of these buses from up north. I have read the forums and I know there are many an expert among. Please I could use some of those great opinions. It is a 72 passenger flatnose with a 5.9 cummins engine I believe.
Thank you ahead of time for your help. http://www.skoolie.net/forums/images/skoolie/smilies/Thanx.gif

 

[Robin97396]

That's surface rust on the frame. Nothing to worry about.

Are you able to see any holes in the body of the bus?

 

[Tango-SKO]

At least in the pix, the frame looks like it has normal surface oxidation. There should be no large, loose flakes or any rust through. But, check closely around the rear wheel wells and entry steps from below. Those are common areas for sheet metal rust through.

 

[pepperinacan]

That's surface rust on the frame. Nothing to worry about.

Are you able to see any holes in the body of the bus?

Thank you for the responses. The black metal trim that goes around the wheel well it has the screws rusted through. The rust is sufficient that the trim sags.
The battery cover handle has rust, but not enough to be serious.

 

[pepperinacan]

I have not seen any rust through. Are there any other serious issues with this model?
Thank you very much . I appreciate the insight.

 

[Robin97396]

That may be a nice bus. The 5.9 is the same as my engine, but mine is in a 26' FE. If you're a weekend tripper and don't travel in your bus much you should find that bus ok generally speaking. If you're going to travel on the interstate you will likely want a bigger engine if you have that choice. That bus sounds ok, but most of us would prefer something with more power.
Also consider the transmission number and the rear end ratio if possible. You can find a calculator here that will show you what speeds a bus is capable of with the current gearing.
Take some time and read more threads, considering your intended use of your bus.
For myself I'd pass on that bus because of the size of the engine. I have the same engine and it feels quite sluggish in this medium size bus. I wouldn't choose the same engine for a longer bus.

 

[Bon Voyage]

I can't really tell on my phone from the pictures but I'd avoid it if screws are rusted through.

Robin97396, what year is your sluggish 5.9? Halfway through 1998 they became a fair bit more powerful. My 2002 has 260 hp and 660ft pounds of torque (according to manufacturer). Just curious if that's what you've got.


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[Robin97396]

I've got a '97, all mechanical in a TC1000. It is sluggish in my opinion, but it has gotten much better over the past year or so while driving it. I haven't turned up the pump at all either. There's still room for improvement.

I shouldn't complain because this cummins starts up on the coldest mornings all winter long. The acceleration reminds me of driving a pickup truck with a full cord or wood on it.

 

[Robin97396]

I've got a '97 all mechanical. It reminds me of driving a pickup truck with a full cord of firewood on it. On the other hand it always starts even on the coldest days.
I won't know if it's fast of slow until I'm able to race another bus.

 

[pepperinacan]

I took your advice Robin and moved on from that bus. Thank you