Potentially extensive Body & Metal Work

Jrob12387

New Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2021
Posts
5
Location
Tampa, FL
I met with a seller on a 2000 26' Ford Champion E450 7.3 Turbo Diesel (80k Miles) - pics attached. I didn't take any pics of the outside, however it needs extensive body work. The basic shell is intact, but there is major deterioration and dents across several areas. Further, a tree limb fell on the roof at some point and the repairs were mediocre at best. Also, the inner metal rails/mounts look a little sketchy (weird repairs and rust) and I'm concerned if I will need to rebuild or completely replace a good portion.

The engine, chassis, front body, dash and dash components are all in great shape (has working AC in dash). I guess my question/concern is if I were to purchase the vehicle how much would it approximately cost to get the body and metal framework structurally sound enough to where I need it. Is it worth the cost vs the purchase price. He is asking for $4k as is, however I should be able to talk him down a few hundred or so. Just looking for some guidance on what I would be getting myself into with those sort of repairs before I even start my conversion. Thanks so much in advance for any help. Much appreciated!
 

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Hard to tell from those pics, but nothing really looks all that bad. Rust is minor surface rust and the repairs don't look terribly sketchy or anything.

Did you post this bus on Reddit recently? Or I guess all buses look the same one you gut them.
 
What's it look like underneath, the frame and other steel components that have been exposed to the weather?
 
Underneath really didn't look all that bad. Of course there was rust but it didn't seem like it was anything beyond the norm.
 
Additional Pics

Here's a few pics of the outside
 

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