Considering a 1996 Thomas Flatnose Bus for Motocross Conversion

[Conversion Noob]

Hi

Glad I found this forum!
.. haven't gotten around to looking through all of it but hoping to find info maybe even advice on a specific flatnose bus I'm considering buying.


chow4now

 

[Conversion Noob]

I found one

Done a lot of research and appears to be a great choice for conversions.
I've got a motocross so the RICON lift & track tie-downs will be very useful, save me money and loading time.

Fingers crossed ..waiting for seller's reply.

 

[MechanicGuy24]

Hope you get it at the price you want. That's a great starting point. I just bought myself a 97 Thomas MVP with the mechanical 8.3l Cummins and a Allison MD3036.
I haven't had it too long or done extensive driving with it. But I hear these buses are fantastic. Good luck on your adventures!
Send a picture of the data plate on the bus if you buy it. I have manuals for the engine and trans and a Thomas Chassis diagram depending if it fits that year of your bus.

 

[FawnaFox]

Is that a 5.9 or 8.3 cummins? If it's the 5.9 I'd look into doing a KDP fix, as that looks like a 12 valve! But once that's done.. that's a solid motor.

 

[MechanicGuy24]

Is that a 5.9 or 8.3 cummins? If it's the 5.9 I'd look into doing a KDP fix, as that looks like a 12 valve! But once that's done.. that's a solid motor.

Sorry to the OP my reply sounds confusing. That is indeed a 5.9 in his bus.

Edit: I have the parts and repair and maintenance manuals for just about any Cummins engine.
So if you need anything let me know and I can get you manuals in PDF.

 

[Conversion Noob]

I believe it's the 5.9 12 valve Cummins just going off what I've researched so far.
The ad has no details and I've yet to hear from the seller, I drove by again today so I know it's not sold plus my daughter told me hoe they hadn't even seen her FB message yet.

They're asking $5000.00 OBO CAD = $3665.00 USD
..Ill try for lower but honestly I have no problem paying his asking price simply because all the research I've done on this specific model and engine has come back with rave reviews saying this is a great deal and it's a one of the best units to convert.

It's a 1996 Thomas Built Sat-T-Liner ER 78 Passenger & RICON lift and I believe it's a 5.9 Cummins
224K Miles/360,000 KM
GWVR: 33,000 Lbs / 15,513 Kg

I've been there 4 times while it was raining
only seen 1 leak
a little surface rust between rear top flashers
rest is almost immaculate, even bumpers are in really good shape. lol

It comes with all service records
and only used on Vancouver Island
..where there's less than 2 weeks of winter weather, just an extended Fall with lots of rain.

I'll post more pics after the deal is done, dont wanna get too worked up and have it sold under me.

 

[Bjorkinman]

looks like a good starting point and for the money you cant beat it. The transmission looks to be an MT643 based on the manual shifter knob, I would doubt a full size like that has an AT545. Plus the storage bay.