Time to start doing something!

[Desfree]

I have wanted to build a skoolie since I was a teenager, uh, back in the um, late 60's. I've lurked on this site for several years, drooling often and driving the wife crazy with outbursts of, "Honey, look at this one!"

A few months ago we were talking and my wife mentioned that she would be retiring in about 18 months with me following a couple of years later (someone has to work to provide medical insurance). It took about 2 minutes after that statement for us to decide that if we were going to build a skoolie, we needed to get started, and now!

We will be traveling to eastern Oklahoma to look at a 1990 Chevy with a Bluebird body (I'm told) that has a Chevrolet 366 EFI. At this point that is all of the information we have. I would of course prefer a diesel engine but this one may come for less than a grand. Any pointers on what to look for would be greatly appreciated.

 

[milkmania]

I have wanted to build a skoolie since I was a teenager, uh, back in the um, late 60's. I've lurked on this site for several years, drooling often and driving the wife crazy with outbursts of, "Honey, look at this one!"

A few months ago we were talking and my wife mentioned that she would be retiring in about 18 months with me following a couple of years later (someone has to work to provide medical insurance). It took about 2 minutes after that statement for us to decide that if we were going to build a skoolie, we needed to get started, and now!

We will be traveling to eastern Oklahoma to look at a 1990 Chevy with a Bluebird body (I'm told) that has a Chevrolet 366 EFI. At this point that is all of the information we have. I would of course prefer a diesel engine but this one may come for less than a grand. Any pointers on what to look for would be greatly appreciated.

come on up, I'm in Eastern Oklahoma!

 

[Desfree]

I guess I should qualify "eastern", this bus at a summer camp just out of Wewoka.

 

[milkmania]

I guess I should qualify "eastern", this bus at a summer camp just out of Wewoka.

Wewoka is about 2 1/2 hours west of me.... I'm almost as far in Eastern Oklahoma as you can get.... Arkansas border less than 10 miles east of me

 

[Desfree]

Wewoka is about 2 1/2 hours west of me.... I'm almost as far in Eastern Oklahoma as you can get.... Arkansas border less than 10 miles east of me

You are in the truly gorgeous part of the state! I am envious.

 

[milkmania]

You are in the truly gorgeous part of the state! I am envious.

Got here in 1972 when I was 7... Couldn't get me to leave for love or money

 

[Crazy]

If you are planning on putting any miles on that bus, you had better start playing the lotto now because you will need a big payday to fill your tank.

 

[Desfree]

Pretty poor mpg then? So I be better off spending more and getting a diesel?

 

[Tango-SKO]

Ya... the 366 does not have the best reputation for either mpg or durability. If you're gonna cover many miles...go diesel. No comparison.

 

[Crazy]

It won't matter much if it will be a stationary home.

 

[Desfree]

Thanks guys, that helps a lot. We do plan on traveling with it so reliability is a bigger issue with me than even economy so thanks for the heads on that part.

 

[Desfree]

Based on feedback from several of you here, we backed off on the gas powered bus we were looking at and just today got an email from one of my son-in-laws parents who are living just out of Wewoka OK and know we are looking. The have located a 1995 Navistar International with tinted windows, dual A/C, 6cyl, 466 CID Diesel with an Allison 4speed auto transmission (no idea yet what model). It's rated as a 24seat, whatever that means. Reportedly starts and runs well, asking price is $3,000

Sounds much better to us, what say you guys with the experience?

I am trying to contact the owner for more information before I decide whether to make a flying trip up there to look at it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tango-SKO]

On anything over a couple of tons, a diesel will give you better mileage AND reliability...hands down.

 

[M1031A1]

What he said^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[Crazy]

That's a much better choice. Probably a P-pump engine. Hopefully it has a MT643 transmission.

 

[Desfree]

If you are referring to the fuel pump type, my friend who looked at it said it was not a rotary pump but some other type which I don't recall at the moment. He said it was more reliable than the rotary. The seller sent a few pics which look decent so now I need to request a day off work to go look at it and make a decision. Is there a way to determine what transmission it has by looking?

 

[Crazy]

Since it is a 24 pax, my guess is an AT545.


http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f33/how-to-tell-at545-from-mt643-w-pix-and-specs-1641.html

 

[Scooternj]

If you can get the VIN (or the last call or visit your local friendly neighborhood IC dealer