DESPERATELY SEEKING…

[FeralGoth]

Hi, been a lurker here for a while, and decided it was time to speak up. I have not acquired a bus yet, but guess I’m hunting my unicorn: 4 to 6 window shortie, standard (not van front) with acceptable engine and transmission, with not too many miles and minimal rust. Also just not really knowledgeable about mechanics yet but I have a DIY soul that loves learning and doing.

Glad I’m finally stepping up into community.

 

[FawnaFox]

4 and under window busses on a standard truck chassis are not very common, you'd be looking at a 5 to 7 window bus, if you're going on the lower end of that, it might be a better idea to just get a van chassis bus, they're easier to work on and insure. Unless there's a preference for a commercial chassis or a specific reason, I'd say the vans are better for very small busses.

 

[FeralGoth]

I looked at van-front to begin with, but somehow got the notion that it would be better powered (better ability to do more mountainous terrain?) to go with a truck chassis. I’ve seen quite a few 5 window ones with T444e but you are right, never seen a 4 window like that. I think I also like how the truck chassis models are higher up/more clearance.

 

[FawnaFox]

I looked at van-front to begin with, but somehow got the notion that it would be better powered (better ability to do more mountainous terrain?) to go with a truck chassis. I’ve seen quite a few 5 window ones with T444e but you are right, never seen a 4 window like that. I think I also like how the truck chassis models are higher up/more clearance.

Honestly, (and this is just my opinion) If you have the space or budget, go with a 5 to 7 window. The extra few feet of space is totally worth it. The International 3800 Chassis with the 466e are good options. If you want to do a mountain build, see if you can find a manual bus, the engine braking is superb! I think the smallest you're going to get on a commercial chassis is a 5 window.

 

[FeralGoth]

Honestly, (and this is just my opinion) If you have the space or budget, go with a 5 to 7 window. The extra few feet of space is totally worth it. The International 3800 Chassis with the 466e are good options. If you want to do a mountain build, see if you can find a manual bus, the engine braking is superb! I think the smallest you're going to get on a commercial chassis is a 5 window.

Thank you! I’ll keep the space constraints in mind. I don’t have any experience driving a large vehicle (except for box trucks) and I do like the idea of having a shorter bus for maneuverability as well as being able to get it into smaller spots. I’ve driven many manuals but it was smaller vehicles. I’m not going to be in mountainous spots often, but was thinking the bigger engine might help with that. It may be wrong thinking, as I am still learning.

 

[DeMac]

 

[FawnaFox]

Thank you! I’ll keep the space constraints in mind. I don’t have any experience driving a large vehicle (except for box trucks) and I do like the idea of having a shorter bus for maneuverability as well as being able to get it into smaller spots. I’ve driven many manuals but it was smaller vehicles. I’m not going to be in mountainous spots often, but was thinking the bigger engine might help with that. It may be wrong thinking, as I am still learning.

The big thing with manual busses is that you dont apply throttle when taking off, just let off the clutch and then throttle on.

 

[FeralGoth]

View attachment 2406393

Look at that little guy! I love this

 

[nikitis]

Don't search for 3800's. If you want the truck chassis on a small window, look for 90's era 3700's. You'll have more luck.

The little buses like that were International 3700, not 3800, and most had T444E's as someone stated here. I'm running a T444E in my 8 window, and it's a solid engine IMO.

 

[FeralGoth]

Don't search for 3800's. If you want the truck chassis on a small window, look for 90's era 3700's. You'll have more luck.

The little buses like that were International 3700, not 3800, and most had T444E's as someone stated here. I'm running a T444E in my 8 window, and it's a solid engine IMO.

Thank you so much! It’s good to know that the T444E is sufficient for your 8 window that’s been built out.

 

[FeralGoth]

Also, other than facebook marketplace and govdeals, any other good sites where should I be looking?

 

[Bjorkinman]

I would second the notion to go with a 5 to 7 window. Also, as mentioned why not just do a van? Insurance would be way easier - the advantage of a bus in my opinion is the size and weight capacity, you can carry a lot of weight. They are wider, so you may not be able to go where a van could go.

 

[FawnaFox]

Also, other than facebook marketplace and govdeals, any other good sites where should I be looking?

Local bus dealers, search them up in your area. Check out also Purple Wave auction, I've seen some pretty good busses on there.

 

[FawnaFox]

Don't search for 3800's. If you want the truck chassis on a small window, look for 90's era 3700's. You'll have more luck.

The little buses like that were International 3700, not 3800, and most had T444E's as someone stated here. I'm running a T444E in my 8 window, and it's a solid engine IMO.

I didn't know there was a 3700, I've only seen the 3800 busses.. I'm gonna guess the 3800 was a more popular chassis?

 

[nikitis]

3700, 3800, 4800, etc are all just nomenclatures by International and how they sell their chassis.

The higher the number can mean it usually has "Better" or "More heavy duty" components on the chassis. A 4800 I believe has a higher weighted front end axle as one example. I don't claim to know all of the features between them all, but a 3700 makes sense with this logic as they were only used on small buses so it didn't require as heavy a weighted axle, even though on the outside the front end bodies all looks the same between the 3700 to 4800.

 

[Slapdash]

Speaking for/from the van-fronted bus types, I have to say I am very, very happy I went smaller and shorter. Mine is a 5-window GMC with a 6.0 gas-powered engine with a 10k towing capacity. It is very capable in the mountain areas of New England. It fits width-wise in a regular parking spot at the grocery store with only a little overhang. Tires are $200 each, not $1,200 each. It's very easy to drive, relatively quiet, and very comfortable. No diesel clatter, no diesel noise, no diesel expense. Anywho, my two cents. Enjoy the ride with whatever you end up getting. There will always be support here for you!

 

[BusBiz]

Hi, been a lurker here for a while, and decided it was time to speak up. I have not acquired a bus yet, but guess I’m hunting my unicorn: 4 to 6 window shortie, standard (not van front) with acceptable engine and transmission, with not too many miles and minimal rust. Also just not really knowledgeable about mechanics yet but I have a DIY soul that loves learning and doing.

Glad I’m finally stepping up into community.

I have a 5 window 25 foot Thomas/Freightliner I might be selling in excellent condition with low miles and many options, air seat, cruise control, telescoping fully adjustable steering wheel, adjustable pedals, LED lighting, tinted windows, heated driver seat, high end audio/video system, Apple computer, starlink, Alcoa polished aluminum wheels, diesel heater, unlocked speed parameters, air brakes, eco mode, exhaust brake, unlocked 6 speed Allison transmission, Cummins 6.7 turbo,, lots of power, very fast..

Hi, been a lurker here for a while, and decided it was time to speak up. I have not acquired a bus yet, but guess I’m hunting my unicorn: 4 to 6 window shortie, standard (not van front) with acceptable engine and transmission, with not too many miles and minimal rust. Also just not really knowledgeable about mechanics yet but I have a DIY soul that loves learning and doing.

Glad I’m finally stepping up into community.

Hi, been a lurker here for a while, and decided it was time to speak up. I have not acquired a bus yet, but guess I’m hunting my unicorn: 4 to 6 window shortie, standard (not van front) with acceptable engine and transmission, with not too many miles and minimal rust. Also just not really knowledgeable about mechanics yet but I have a DIY soul that loves learning and doing.

Glad I’m finally stepping up into community.

Hi, been a lurker here for a while, and decided it was time to speak up. I have not acquired a bus yet, but guess I’m hunting my unicorn: 4 to 6 window shortie, standard (not van front) with acceptable engine and transmission, with not too many miles and minimal rust. Also just not really knowledgeable about mechanics yet but I have a DIY soul that loves learning and doing.

Glad I’m finally stepping up into community.

Hi, been a lurker here for a while, and decided it was time to speak up. I have not acquired a bus yet, but guess I’m hunting my unicorn: 4 to 6 window shortie, standard (not van front) with acceptable engine and transmission, with not too many miles and minimal rust. Also just not really knowledgeable about mechanics yet but I have a DIY soul that loves learning and doing.

Glad I’m finally stepping up into community.

Hi, been a lurker here for a while, and decided it was time to speak up. I have not acquired a bus yet, but guess I’m hunting my unicorn: 4 to 6 window shortie, standard (not van front) with acceptable engine and transmission, with not too many miles and minimal rust. Also just not really knowledgeable about mechanics yet but I have a DIY soul that loves learning and doing.

Glad I’m finally stepping up into community.