Old fart from Alaska

[Domit_56]

Well, let's start with "hi, I am new here...."lol...and get that out of the way. I am at a junction in my life, and thinking about starting a new life in a skoolie.
I am 68, got laid off of my job, and having no luck finding a new job. I live in Alaska, and that is not cheap. I bit the bullet and filed for my Social Security, and living in a skoolie would keep me under the cap of being able to survive on that amount.
I found a 1963 Carpenter Madsen bus for sale, already converted to an Rv. It was purchased from a church in North Carolina in 1991, with a newly rebuilt motor. The owner put about 20 grand into it and then drove it up the highway to Alaska.
This bus has been his baby. He parked it at his daughters house 33 years ago.....but has religiously fired it up every month or so, and drove it back and forth a bit every few months.
Everything in it is basically brand new, just 33 years old....lol.
He put in new brakes last summer, and new tires.
He is selling it as he is leaving state, at the age of 89, for medical reasons.
I am smitten by this bus, but I also need a dose of reality check. What kind of issues could I be looking at with a vehicle of this age under these circumstances?
Things that come to mind. ...
...Are the water and propane lines still in good working order, or have to be replaced....especially the propane.
...What are the chances of having to replace all the belts and hoses and maybe even gaskets on this motor?
...I am waiting back to find out about the motor and transmission makes in this bus, but it is a gas motor.
I would entertain any and all thoughts on this.
Thank you in advance.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1198374328377594

 

[forthwist]

Hi! I'm also from Alaska--haven't been home in years, but oh yes, surprisingly expensive!

A lot depends on if you're just going to move it into place and park it, or if you're planning to travel.

• For all these things, I am by no means an expert! Here's a few that leapt to mind:
• Just moving the bus around the yard doesn't necessarily keep it in good running order, I was told a big diesel needs to get up and move at speed for 20-30 minutes every few weeks to get the fluids warm and moving through the engine and recharge the batteries. But hopefully they really let it run for a good bit each time. Sitting through 33 Alaskan winters I'd be very concerned about all the 'soft' parts. Hoses, belts, gaskets, etc. just as you mentioned.
  • I'd be shocked if the batteries were still good, unless they've changed those too recently.
  • Underbody rust? Soft spots in the floor?
  • Especially with something converted that long ago, definitely check for signs of water intrusion inside, and get up on the roof and check all the seals up there.
  • Make sure the fresh water tank isn't gnarly.
• Form up your contingency plans in advance:
  • Have a mechanic's number ready if you're not already handy.
  • Don't burn your last dollar on buying it. Something will inevitably go wrong. Keeping several thousand dollars on hand for when it does will save you so much stress.
  • You're probably all over this, but make sure it has redundant heating options.

 

[Domit_56]

I have one of the mechanics from my crew up on the Slope coming over next week to give it a good once over. Those are all good points you brought up. What part of Alaska did you live in?

 

[forthwist]

Oh excellent plan, I wish I'd had that kind of connection! Still feel lucky to have a cabinet maker friend who's stoked to help upgrade the interior tho.

I grew up all over South Central Alaska, parents chasing work from canneries early on to construction and the University. Seldovia, Anchor Point, Sutton, Knik.. few others.

 

[Domit_56]

Seldovia is such a beautiful little village. I spent years growing up fishing the Anchor and Deep Creek, Ninilchik rivers for silvers and kings. First trips of the year were always the Anchor for Steelhead.
Good luck with your build, and its good to have a carpenter to help with a build out if you don't have the experience for it/