New b. Hello all

[Brand97]

Good morning I have been hooked on this site for quiet a while as we search for our first rig.. We have been looking for a 90s b.b. in our price range for about a year and it's awesome combing thru all your builds and learning from everyone experiences.. Thanks and hope to be able to contribute shortly ourselves!! An awesome group on here..

 

[Tango-SKO]

Welcome! Gotta love those Birds.

 

[Carytowncat]

Welcome!

Where are you located?

 

[Brand97]

We are located in northern Michigan, and thanks tango!

 

[miltruckman]

Welcome from Birch Run, MI, I'm building our camper out of a 1998 Bluebird TC2000 bus.

There are a bunch of buses on Craigslist right now.

I see 9 buses (1998-2000) in Saline, MI that say $1499

I'm not sure of that is the actual price or a starting price.

But I read that Saline just spent $2,000,000 on new buses.

Maybe that would be a good option.
Here is a link:
http://annarbor.craigslist.org/cto/5745668090.html
Good luck,

Bill

 

[Brand97]

Thanks bill, we are looking for something similar to what your building with your tc2000 platform or the all American.. Great to hear there's another so close I grew up in bay city!!

 

[miltruckman]

I see a TC in Tawas:
http://saginaw.craigslist.org/cto/5738543741.html

And a couple more in ST Clair:
http://porthuron.craigslist.org/cto/5742586952.html

http://porthuron.craigslist.org/cto/5756816224.html

One is even a rear engine!

Those are the best for an easy conversion. I have struggled with the limitations of a front engine. It will come out nice, but there is definitely limited storage space.

Bill

 

[Brand97]

I called the ones dwn state this morning all 9 are gone lol... I appreciate it, we have been watching the one in tawas as well but wasn't sure about the front motor and dog house set up.. Are u pretty far along on your rig

 

[miltruckman]

Mine has the dog house, that is not really an issue. Except there is engine noise.

But any front engine bus will have a drive shaft and exhaust system running the length of the bus limiting your space underneath.

I think I'm 2/3 done.
What is in: floor, walls, bunks, bottom two kitchen cabinets, counter top, sink, and one burner stove top.
Two van seats in the front, a dinette made out of bus seats, the 32" x 32" shower, and upper left cabinets. rear two stabilizer jacks, and the waste water tank. And a hitch in the back and front, and the front bike rack. And the roof top AC, solar panels, and my old van roof rack on top.

Still to install: upstairs: the composting toilet, upper right cabinets, sofa bed in front, over counter microwave, and closet in the rear, and the bathroom door, and all the wiring. And my wife is planning to make curtains. And new escape hatch.

Still to install underneath: the generator, fresh water tank and fill fitting and front two stabilizer jacks.

I'm working on the microwave install today. I hope to get the upper right cabinets in and the sofa bed in (it's waiting in my van) this weekend too. I might have to mod the sofa at one end for the wheel well. We'll see. If you get down this way, might be worth stopping in and checking it out.

Bill

 

[Brand97]

I would most definitely take u up on that offer .. I love learning from what people would do differently.. We may run down to look at those St Clair rigs.. We will see if your available if that pans out.. Maybe get your advice on a new purchase..

 

[miltruckman]

I tried sending you a pm with my cell. Not sure if it went through

Bill

 

[Brand97]

Yes sir I replied with ours as well thanks and good luck on that to do list!