New from Colorado

[Mash-SKO]

Hi there.

The husband and I are looking at getting a school bus to turn into an RV, or actually a tiny hoise we will live in for a little while we build our home.

If you all could give your 50 cents in to help us make a more educated choice on buses we would really appriciate it.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Definitely buy a Colorado spec bus so you get a retarder.

 

[Mash-SKO]

Definitely buy a Colorado spec bus so you get a retarder.

Hhuummm.... can you REALLY dumb it down for me please ??? What does that mean ?

 

[slaughridge85]

It means if you buy a bus that was in service in colorado it should have a piece of equipment called a "driveline retarder." Basically it makes it easier to go down steep grades and not overheat your brake system... Very good thing to have if you're in the mountains.

 

[Mash-SKO]

It means if you buy a bus that was in service in colorado it should have a piece of equipment called a "driveline retarder." Basically it makes it easier to go down steep grades and not overheat your brake system... Very good thing to have if you're in the mountains.

Aahhhhh. Thank you !!!

 

[Mash-SKO]

Sos help.

Ok everyone. We have not yet bought the bus. We came across this blue bird, 1996. We know nothing about buses, as previously stated, and the place we found it (scrap yard) has no info right now.

The husband and I looked at it and I look at what you all always sugest people look for. There is no evident (aweful) rust except under the steps.

I took as many pictures as I could and of everything I could thibk of.

Would you guys mind looking into them and letti g us know what you think and if there is anything you can dedduct on the engine and transmission by looking at what we have ? I would think its a long shot but I know nothing.

 

[Mash-SKO]

View Album, ldevillasante's Library | Photobucket

 

[Mash-SKO]

Im at a loss on uploading the pics. The link is not working ..

 

[leadsled01-SKO]

Link is slow but does work. IMO the bus looks pretty good although I would worry the mechanical/electrical systems need major work since its in the scrap yard.

 

[Mash-SKO]

Link is slow but does work. IMO the bus looks pretty good although I would worry the mechanical/electrical systems need major work since its in the scrap yard.

Well, the bus was driven there. Electrical would be ok to work with ... I think... I hope husband is kilful enough... I am waiting on a call from the yard manager who did tell us that one bus had a bad starter but I believe this one is ok. The company has a scrap yard, where three other buses were parked, and a steel factory where this one is parked. We will see. Crossing my fingers.

 

[Mash-SKO]

Whats this !!???

Does anyone know what the chains are for ??

http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums...loads/2016-01/20160126_161148_zpsgnmvj3ld.jpg

 

[somewhereinusa]

Automatic snow chains

 

[Mash-SKO]

Automatic snow chains

How does that work ... ??? Im guessing its a good thing huh ??

 

[family wagon]

See Onspot tire chains for additional info. There are probably other brands as well but the operating concept is likely to be similar. Briefly, the arm rotates so that the rubber disc presses against the tire sidewall. As the tire spins the chains are slung out away from the disc; with enough speed the chains swing out to where the tire can run over them. Because the whole works is driven off the tire sidewall the movement of the tire tread and chains are synchronized so it doesn't tear itself apart.

 

[Mash-SKO]

See Onspot tire chains for additional info. There are probably other brands as well but the operating concept is likely to be similar. Briefly, the arm rotates so that the rubber disc presses against the tire sidewall. As the tire spins the chains are slung out away from the disc; with enough speed the chains swing out to where the tire can run over them. Because the whole works is driven off the tire sidewall the movement of the tire tread and chains are synchronized so it doesn't tear itself apart.

Thank you bunches.


Now, the one million question .... would you jump on this bus ???

 

[family wagon]

The 5.9 is a fine engine and the bus looks like a good specimen. Would I jump on it? Well, my needs/wants may well be different to yours! My first bus was a 1991 similar in many ways to the one you're looking at. I sold it because through using it before we even did any conversion I learned that I preferred more engine (go up grades faster) and rear engine (quieter and less exposure to heat in the driver seat). Many people find that a 5.9L engine in front suits them fine; I'm just not part of that group.

 

[Mash-SKO]

Ok, well here is what I learned today.

Apparently the O rings on the engine were bad making oil to blow back to of the engine. Woukd you happen to k ow if that is a hard thing to fix ??

 

[turf]

thats a worn engine. needs to be rebuilt.

 

[cowlitzcoach]

It would appear as if it has both a transmission retarder (which means it has an MT643R transmission) and a Telma driveline retarder. Both of which means you will rarely need to use your service brakes.

It has air brakes which is a good thing.

It doesn't appear to have much in the way of rust. That is a good thing.

Depending upon what is wrong with the engine it could be a simple fix or a major repair. Without more knowledge of what is going on it is hard to speculate as to what needs to be done and how much it would cost to repair. That is not such a good thing.

The rear gearing is going to give you some decent highway speed with some okay climbing ability. That is a good thing.

If it is at a scrap yard are they offering it at retail price or just over scrap price? Will it come with a real title or a scrap title?

If the price is reasonable I would seriously consider this bus.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Retarders are COOL!