Hi from Chicago Iceberg

[Beanpod]

Hello All!

I've been thinking about doing a bus conversion for a while now but I'm excited to actually start entering into the planning and preparation stages!

It's nice to have something to look forward as a summer project in the artic tundra that is the midwest!

I've already read dozens of threads but I'm sure I'll be reading countless more over the next year

Also, figure this is as good a place to ask for help as any:

I'm currently trying to figure out the prices on busses and I found this (along with several others just like it) for dirt cheap.

Is there something I'm not seeing to make it so low?

https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=2265557

It's a recommended transmission, comparatively low mileage for a diesel, doesn't seem TOO rusted from the pictures (being in WA is a good thing, right?), it's a good size (at least for what I want), it was allegedly well maintained... etc.

So what's the scoop?

Anyways, look forward to reading + talking with y'all

 

[PNW_Steve]

Those look like pretty nice buses.

230hp, MD3060 and reasonable miles.

If I had room for more buses I would be bidding on all four.

 

[o1marc]

What you're missing is that that is a starting bid, it will spike at the end (3hr), but still looks like that will not go high. What were you guys saying about the auction buses going way up in price, there are still lots of deals out there.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Hello All!

I've been thinking about doing a bus conversion for a while now but I'm excited to actually start entering into the planning and preparation stages!

It's nice to have something to look forward as a summer project in the artic tundra that is the midwest!

I've already read dozens of threads but I'm sure I'll be reading countless more over the next year

Also, figure this is as good a place to ask for help as any:

I'm currently trying to figure out the prices on busses and I found this (along with several others just like it) for dirt cheap.

Is there something I'm not seeing to make it so low?

https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=2265557

It's a recommended transmission, comparatively low mileage for a diesel, doesn't seem TOO rusted from the pictures (being in WA is a good thing, right?), it's a good size (at least for what I want), it was allegedly well maintained... etc.

So what's the scoop?

Anyways, look forward to reading + talking with y'all

get on it. looks like a steal on a nice bus to me. I wish they werent 3000 miles away. I'd buy a few at those prices.

 

[o1marc]

My daughter just moved from Chicago in Nov. to Australia. I text her yesterday to let her know how cold it was in Chicago (-55 windchill). She says she has been monitoring it and it was 115 where she was, 170 difference.

 

[PNW_Steve]

What you're missing is that that is a starting bid, it will spike at the end (3hr), but still looks like that will not go high. What were you guys saying about the auction buses going way up in price, there are still lots of deals out there.

Spot on!

3 hours left and they are already up to $575-$660.

 

[o1marc]

The only thing I don't like about that bus is the 5.9, but backed with a 3060 it would concern me less. That 5.9 is rated at 20hp more than my DT466E.
The oldest bus they have is going for almost twice the others.

 

[miltruckman]

That is a long way away! Must be why they are so cheap.

Must be fewer crazy bus converters in Washington.

 

[Drew Bru]

Welcome from a fellow Chicagoan! Those buses do look like a steal, though the prices will rise toward auctions end. If you're sure you're ready for this adventure, those look to be great platforms for a build. If not....there's always going to be another crop of buses somewhere. Good luck!

 

[EastCoastCB]

The only thing I don't like about that bus is the 5.9, but backed with a 3060 it would concern me less. That 5.9 is rated at 20hp more than my DT466E.
The oldest bus they have is going for almost twice the others.

for some reason people are woowoo for TC's. I don' think they at all realize that the TC was BB's budget line. Someone on YouTube had a TC- THEY want a TC. Monkey see monkey do kinda thing.

Nothing AT ALL wrong with a TC. But there's an odd thing going on where folks seem to clamor over them. Give me an All American if I'm goin BB.Or better yet- a Wanderlodge!

 

[o1marc]

That is a long way away! Must be why they are so cheap.

Must be fewer crazy bus converters in Washington.

Almost all the school auctions start at $500, some have reserves. I went to Butte Montana for my Wash. bus. Spent close to $1500 on fuel home on top of the $3500 I paid for the bus. Well worth the trip for what I got.If you plan on spending any substantial time in your bus, it pays to have a little inconvenience at the start. If the Vir. buses stay low, I may consider buying another one. Wash. buses are the cream of the crop.