Too much rust??

[Emoore-SKO]

Hi, Everyone! I have my eyes on a 2006 Thomas Safetliner with 120k miles for $4,000. The owner started to convert it and decided to sell it. He is very upfront about the amount of rust. I’m wondering if this is too much rust? Is this amount expected to see on any bus you gut to bare bones?

Thanks! The links to the pictures are below.

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.ne..._suYqGuOTiaAIKjR1_DFVI5veXz65bNZg&oe=620488E3

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...w81GwSXg1uyNHHVzUuvyND7S1o1viVQqA&oe=6203689C

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...xhWPUfqL-jeNyA0UFedTNenebUHzadWMQ&oe=62046D9C

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...U497YWavjol_G8CxXozvx4veIp8N1ZJPg&oe=620484FE

 

[TheHubbardBus]

Musgenesis to the grey courtesy phone. Musigenesis...

Can't answer the "Is it too much" question. That all depends on your options, budget, and abilities. But no, it's not a given that any bus you gut will have rust to this level or worse. There are many buses - like many of those from my home state for example - much older with minimal/insignificant rust.

 

[Emoore-SKO]

If I did purchase this bus, what kind of work should I expect? I have lots of family help, but don’t want to buy something that’ll end up costing more money and stress.

 

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

the floor looks about normal for older buses
can you get pictures of the actual floor structure underneath?

 

[Emoore-SKO]

This is just about it, hope this is what you meant.

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...vK4T__Ymruj5nsnqMASJaEVUXF7XEXreg&oe=6206579E

https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...npvsLSHjxPjxBqdhqIbk961fxfGEnKkRA&oe=6206CD97

 

[EastCoastCB]

That's more rust than I'd touch on a bus newer than I'd buy so for me its a hard pass.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[musigenesis]

Here is what I had to do to repair the rusted-out floor on my bus. Your bus is not nearly as bad, but you will still have to do a fair amount of rust remediation, which will include cutting away the hopelessly rusted parts of the floor and welding on patches. This will be a lot more work than the nothing you would have to do if you were to start with a completely un-rusted bus.

Converting a skoolie is a heck of a lot of work as it is. You shouldn't add significantly to that work load unless you really want to learn metal fabrication skills - something that a rusty bus is perfect for.