Checking in from Maryland

[Stovebolt-SKO]

Hello all,


John and Peggy checking in from Southern Maryland. We are currently in process of purchasing a 2002 International AmTran (Or Wolfington ... not sure) flatnose for a basic schoolie project.


We were looking for an International (I'm a big fan of the DT466 engine) and a forward-mounted wheelchair lift. Finally found one a couple of states away and we're now working through the hoops of getting it home... "Its not just about logistics ... it's ALL about Logistics."


I had bus training and a license while in the Marine Corps and now that I'm retired, I have a CDL-A, I drive trucks (removeable Gooseneck/drop deck trailers) and I operate heavy excavating equipment. So the owning/maintaining/registering/licensing/etc is not daunting. A little different (it will be our first RV ... ). Depending on how retarded MD is about bus to RV conversions, we may just keep it licensed and titled as a bus. More hassle and expense, but what the heck.


Our planned buildout plan is pretty simple -- Bed in back with a privacy wall, a fancy captain's chair on a swivel in the copilot position, a rack for some totes, and a table. Done. Shoot, as a Marine, I think a GP Medium is good living! And that's how we're approaching this -- a GP Medium on wheels.


Miss Peggy is a 40-year paraplegic which is why we need the lift. I've been able to carry her anywhere but I am getting to the point where I may not be able to do that much longer ... The openness of the bus gives her room to get around once aboard that regular RV's don't have.


And FWIW, Peggy and I have a website/forum for folks who are into antique GM trucks (not unlike this forum) ... Stovebolt.com


So thanks in advance to the Admins and moderators who do *this* site. Looks great and I am looking forward to learning from you all.


Semper Fi,
John

 

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

welcome
i was also in the CORP.
still live near and work on camp lejeune , new river MCAS and cherry point.
i have 2 buses and it was easier to insure and register as a bus for personal use down here.
good luck

 

[Stovebolt-SKO]

Semper Fi, Jolly Roger! I never was stationed at Camp Swampy but I have spent some time at New River and Cherry Point (and a BUNCH of other places )


I have now connected with a fellow member of this site in the next town over so I am good to go!!

 

[BarnYardCamp]

Welcome to this community. I escaped from southern Md in '98..Port Tobacco area.
Any way, good luck on your acquisition. Hope it goes well.

 

[Stovebolt-SKO]

Finalized the deal!

Completed the deal today. Here's our Schoolie project -- 2002 International/AmTran. Forward located wheelchair lift made the deal. Formerly with the Bayonne, NJ school system. Only 74,000 miles.



Next part is relocating it from the seller location (NYC area) to us in Southern Maryland, but that plan is coming together as well.


Fun fun fun!!

 

[Stovebolt-SKO]

Brought the bus home yesterday. Left the house about 0530 and got home almost exactly 12 hours later


A couple of friends went with me as there were a few things to accomplish. The bus was located just north of Philly (near Trenton, NJ) and the trip was going to take us back down to Southern Maryland, so I wanted to address a few things like adjusting the brakes (if needed -- they didn't ), change the fuel filter and grease everything.


And ... we brought home a parts engine for another friend. That emergency door on the side came in handy!



Had a very uneventful trip other than heavy traffic backups at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The bus did great!

 

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

very good.
those rails in the floor helped tie down that engine nicely

 

[cadillackid]

very good.
those rails in the floor helped tie down that engine nicely

I kept all the rails in my DEV bus and use the straps and a repurposed 4 post seat frame to keep my house batteries in check