Are there no good buses left?? (Pt.1)

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Happy Holidays!

[@glenncourtney4876]

I'm a mobile mechanic for an International dealer. I go to lots of different school districts and work on buses from the mid 90s to brand new. That 95 Bluebird with a p pump DT is the best one you looked at. I bought the last one that was traded into my dealership, it's a 97 DT p pump with a MT643. The DTs could be p pump or HEUI from 1995 to 1997, I think most of them here in Eastern WA were the HEUI ones. The special needs buses have more idle hours, hence the hours to miles seem a bit off. The bus is usually running while the wheel chair left is being operated. I work on Allison 2000/3000 series transmissions some too. They are good transmissions with very few issues. I know some of the 2000 series can have the sixth gear unlocked, Allison only makes them a 5 speed based on the GVW and usage requirements. Maxxforce engines are overly complicated and time consuming to work on. If it has a Maxxforce 7 in it run away, those are the worst. I hear you on parts cost, they've skyrocketed since Covid. Supposedly Navistar for the next round of price increases will actually be lowering some pricing, we'll see. And anything over 20 years old or so is rapidly losing dealer support. If you're ever in the Spokane WA area look me up at the International dealer and I can take you along for a day of working on buses. If it's yellow and a school bus I work on it, mostly Internationals and Bluebirds but an occasional Thomasbilt.

[@sandyradsek2058]

@glenncourtney4876 I’m looking at some local busses in southern AZ. How concerned should I be when the add says check engine light is on? Anyway for me to pull codes easily and see what’s going?

[@glenncourtney4876]

@sandyradsek2058 You need to be able to read the codes to see what made the check engine light come on. Could be something simple to fix or something very expensive. I have all the factory software on my work laptop and JPRO for the few vehicles that I don't have the factory software for. So I'm not much help in telling you what a good aftermarket scantool would be.

[@thetslabus]

@@sandyradsek2058 The best way to read the codes is with an adapter such as the NexIQ USBLINK to a laptop. They're expensive though. But you also need the software. Navistar Servicemaxx is free for Internationals older than 2008, but Cummins, Cat, MBE software is not free. There are mixed reviews all over the internet for best aftermarket tools to try to read those.

[@raymondevans7615]

@@sandyradsek2058 depending on make model year you can get codes without a scan tool, my international 4400 has a process you can do with the dash buttons, google it

[@SuzyQ89]

Hi Chuck. One of these days, I'm going to have enough money to pay you to build the bus of my dreams. I wouldn't trust anyone else with it :) Merry Christmas!

[@iderryan]

LOL, he's been making these videos so you can do it yourself. He doesn't build busses anymore. Although with enough money, you could probably persuade him.

[@nomadicnative2444]

I know.. when he said he wasn't doing it anymore, my heart sank. I can probably do the preliminary stuff but the electronic and plumbing has me scared 😮 😱

[@ChadFos1]

I found this cool trustworthy guy on KZbin about 15 months ago. Just flew to Denver to buy it from him and drove that thing all the way back to New Orleans. My bus is amazing! We have a few months left on the conversion. The guy kinda looked like you 😂

[@bloodybonescomic]

I bought a 1998 Bluebird 8 window with a 466e International in line 6 that had been rebuilt. Zero blowby and it runs excellent. New tires no oil leaks, zero rust. I have only taken out the seats so far as I have other things to do but my plan is to build a working hunter/fishing forager bus. I have been drafting floor plans. Several people have tried to buy it from me but no deal at any price.

[@carlhunter2448]

I searched the entire country (minus the rust belt) for a front engine, flat faced (it's going to be a toy hauler) 8.3 Cummins. Finally found one in Georgia. Flew out there with a friend (he worked at as a mechanic for a bus barn for 30 years) and drove it back to Oregon. Small problem in Nebraska with a cracked high pressure fuel line, because it didnt have the clamp down brackets installed on the line, but other wise it ran like a champ. We put new steer tires on after 50 miles as they were toast. Which we expected from the pictures. It was a ton of fun and makes a great start to my schoolie project.

[@halleluYAH144]

Wow, nice find! I have never seen a 8.3 Cummins FE flat nose bus before. I was curious about that myself when I bus shopping. I then settled for a CAT C7 engine FE flat nose bus when I bought mine. Cheers!

[@davidcarrick9114]

Thank you Chuck! I bought a 2003 Bluebird TC 2000 FE 5.9 Cummins AT545 28 foot out of Vegas 2 months ago. Zero rust 178 thousand miles. Drove it home 8 hours. It runs like a champ, little loud because they stole the muffler got 14 mpg. Needs a bit of work but it’s solid! So glad I’ve watched all your videos and really appreciate your knowledge and expertise! Got a great deal 3K.

[@marcjunghansphotography2134]

Hey Chuck, merry christmas from germany. I like your chanel very much. Go on to share your knowledge and your style "doing the things right". This is quality "made in USA". Sad that you closed you shop - but maybee you can help people to realise their bus-dream this way. Best wishes Marc

[@dmwi1549]

I really admire a nicely built Skoolie and I know that is the basis for Chucks life work. However, after building out an expensive Sprinter and knowing how badly you can get bit on a poor Skoolie choice, I’m starting to consider Box Trucks. Penske has hundreds for sale, newer, under 50k miles and under $20k. And the tall roofs, square walls and highway ready gearing are all bonuses. Thoughts?

[@elizabethireland6320]

PS Id love to hear your school / shuttle comparisons.

[@wellthatsunfortunate2387]

As I watch this working full time while living in my car to save my money to buy a bus you’ve given me hope haha

[@elizabethireland6320]

Hi Chuck really appreciate your informative how to and what to watch out for videos. Im hoping to purchase a shuttle bus for a build but suspect they have differences ( ie painted wooden exterior floor board ,scares the heck out of me. have you or might you consider a video on the different shuttle buses? Personally I like the look and suspect a more comfortable / handling ride ( Im guessing ) I would pour over every inch of such a video of yours. So appreciate all your detail. details are everything : ) Thanks for all your attentions to details!

[@patrickutter3165]

The box on the side of the 2010 Thomas C2 is a wabesto heater and the lights on top is plastic and fades easily and clear signage is fiberglass easily to crack and break and leaks.

[@natethomas3497]

Bought a 2000 international special needs bus ( 45,000 mile Cat motor) Only down side was all the lag bolts they have. Plus the lift was hard to get out.

[@pianogal853]

I really appreciate your experience as a mechanic and driver - unbeatable knowledge!

[@Billy-cs4cc]

Good to see you Chuck. Keep em coming. Can't get enough skoolie-ing in my old age.

[@joannewolfe5688]

Hey Chuck, Merry Christmas and best wishes for a much better year in 2024! Keep bussin' and keep smilin'.

[@Lynn7015hb]

Very informative, from you and everyone in the comments.👍

[@moustachemike7128]

I was down around beal AFB and i spyed a turtle back bus in a storage lot. Farly long window count..and it looked stock not a roof raiser..should of stopped and took some pics for ya.IF i head that way out i'll do that...thks for sharing old stuff ..good info.Peace .😎

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

Really great video Chuck. Here is what I discovered on my bus long after I got it. 1. Like new rear drive tires, nope!Just re-treads. 2. Very new front tires, nope! They put re-tread steers in front. 3. Total cost 6x tires, $3200. 4. Found a mechanic to scan with Cummins Insite. The odometer shows 178,000 miles, nope! Actual PCM miles 413,662. Spring 2024 rebuild engine. Labor me, parts $2000 5. AT-545 transmission failed, upgraded to MT-643. Cost $3000, labor was me. 6. All shocks and two airbags rear, $700 7. All wore out and replaced, Leese Neville alternator, water pump, tensioner. Bad harmonic balancer, leaking front main seal. Cost $1200 parts, labor me. 8. All new engine sensors, $400, labor me. 9. The odometer quit working and speed jumping, $400 and labor me. 10. Cost? Ohh ya, baby.

[@thetslabus]

Recaps are pretty common on drives, rare to see on steers though - illegal for many instances of commerical use but not illegal to put on before selling unfortunately. I've never had issues with recaps on my drives but I know that's a major turnoff and personal choice for a lot of operators.

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

@@thetslabus For me it was as shocker, but I was not worried since my bus was in "dry-dock" for three years on the build. The day I got my plates and insurance, was day one for new hoops. My profile pix is my bus. For my bus, absolutely zero chances taken. I don't want that $1500 tow bill, ket alone a accident

[@crownnaround]

Gotta love the Crown drawing on the mantle!! And that trim around the windows of your house is so COOL! TEE HEE HEE

[@halleluYAH144]

Hey Chuck, I remember bus shopping too! You were right about the last bus. It's a CAT ACERT C7 engine. I bought a '07 Bluebird that "perhaps" has the same engine. It's basically a 3126 that CAT modified, no changes for the most part, but the HEUI pump is the main weak point if not maintained properly. CAT started the make in '04 when EPA monitored emissions to reduce particulate matter and NOX. Real problems on the C7s started in '07 when EPA wanted to reduce emissions to zero. Thank Goodness I have the '05 model coz the '07-'11 C7s are completely different engines. I heard those were a nightmare to maintain with many problems on ARD heads, DPFs, redsigned turbo chargers, unnecessary sensors, the list goes on.. Cheers!

[@johnnylightning1491]

As someone who has lived in Michigan avoid any busses ore other vehicles for that matter that have lived in the salt, you can never get it out. Spend the money on an airplane ticket or hitchhike and get one from the southwest.

[@johningardia2088]

I've enjoyed you so much

[@rbnhood39]

Merry Christmas Chuck.

[@aelfwealld]

Nice video! I’m starting all of my planning for my bus and I’m perusing these auction sites so it’s actually very helpful watching you peruse as well. Now I have some more ideas of what to look for. I hope you do another video like this!

[@lukekao8136]

Don't forget to hide your mistakes when building said bus with "white paint....President Chuck"then watch the bus fly apart as you drive it down the road. Remind you of someone? lol

[@mrcookiemonster7805]

Without my knowledge, my significant other at the time, bought a bus from Virginia. We lived in Oklahoma. She came to me on Monday and said pack your bags we're flying to Virginia on Wed. Flew to Virginia, fixed a rear tail light wiring issue and hit the road. Only to find out it had a governor set to 50 mph. It was a long slow drive back to Oklahoma from Virginia, but it drove great and never had any mechanical issues, next to no rust, and made a great home.

[@kenknaell1290]

Neat video Chuck - Happi New Year

[@moustachemike7128]

Happy almost new year ..sty safe ..see ya next year ...peace...

[@GTLandser]

I noticed that many of the newer school buses share the same chassis as the Freightliner M2, using the 6.7l Cummins ISB engine. Truck rental companies have surplus models of these box trucks available all the time. Given that all-mechanical diesel engines are becoming increasingly rare, what do you think of these surplus box trucks as a base for a build?

[@oilyadventures420]

Very awesome vid Chuck. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. This video is a huge help for me as I am currently looking to purchase a bus to live in full time. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

If and when we ever buy a bus for a future build. You’re gonna be our coach! 😂

[@dmwi1549]

Happy Holidays to you Chuck. Best wishes for an Adventurous New Year.

[@mariemedina257]

Wow you really know alot and know what to look for.. Glad to see you again. Merry Christmas Chuck!!🌲🌲

[@katj8120]

thank you!

[@milesoroads]

You also have iaai and copart. Little more involved but sometimes that keeps people from running them up.

[@DaKine-xw4gn]

I recently traded my vehicle for a 1991 international dt 466 its 37 feeit made by Wayne im pretty stoked thanks for all the information i hope i did a good trade.

[@amberdoran]

More great info, as always. Can we talk tires? I don't recall a video with tire info(did I miss it)? I need to get new ones, should I get what is on there or change? She is well under GVW, another mile or two in top speed would be nice, as well as a smidge more clearance on those forest roads. Currently running 245R70 19.5. Unfortunately the plaque has no details on tire size so not sure if these are what the school was running or not. Planning to go to a commercial tire shop and pick their brain also. But I appreciate your thoughtful and simple explanations.

[@jeremysarver5094]

Great video. What are your pros and cons on step vans as a base for a conversion?

[@magnoliathebus]

I want one of those Bus Life Adventure hats.

[@what_the_mike]

The 2007 emissions regulations are what caused Caterpillar to stop making over-the-road engines. The pre-2007 Cat C7 is a fine engine (for a robot parent bore), just keep up on the maintenance, maybe add a centrifugal bypass filter and post-HEUI pump inline filter kit. Don't expect an in-frame rebuild, of course. The 2007 Cat C7S (with the S) and later are the turds. Very complicated design changes solely to deal with emissions, and ran very hot. That's probably why that bus is so cheap. You can't even put the previous model year engine in the bus because of the emission changes for that year, I believe. Commercial buyers aren't going to touch those buses, and sadly the skoolie buyer probably won't know about those issues before buying. 2006 Cat C7 should be entertained. 2007 Cat C7S is a deal killer.

[@jaynewarriner7214]

I’m anxious to watch this video. When my dad was here, he was the mechanic in the family and ”jack of all trades”. He would’ve loved helping me find a vehicle and build it out. I can’t pray him back from heaven, that wouldn’t be fair.😊 When I find the van/bus that works in my mind . It will be my third build, not counting the first bill that was way too heavy for my truck and kind of “Jimmy-rigged” through and through. I learned a lot tho! I need advice and expert experience on a 1998, 3500 GMC . Purchase price is $15,000. And all that they have replaced it sounds like it has been maintained well. It is a high roof. It is gutted from seats, which for me helps. I promise I won’t hold it to your blame, but what is your gut on what you know so far? Is it worth that I wonder?

[@pianogal853]

I bought a diesel van because of gas mileage, and learned that gas vans now match mileage now. Then diesel became more expensive than gas.... And i got an older one because i didn't want to deal with DEF - so thats still a win. I wish id found your channel before putting all my eggs in that basket🙄

[@yvairguy]

You did good. There's a lot of reasons to have a diesel other than just fuel economy.

[@miguelbrinon4136]

What are your thoughts on a 2002 DT466 international front engine (flat front) bus. no rust, and it is from Virginia outside of Richmond on an agricultural zone. AT545. There’s a catch and the drivers side front leaf spring is broken (only one leaf) costs 800 to replace. 5000 dollar asking price

[@bingulikbal]

Hi Chuck, I have been a huge fan since I heard your words about bus windows. Thank you so much for your videos, I am planning my future bus building journey way much better thanks to you. I really want to knock your door if I happen to be able to pay for your services accordingly. I have a question, could you also make a video about bus bodies as well? I mean, for example front engine and back engine differences. I have seen a lot of people complaining about front engine busses and opting for rear engines. Thanks a lot!

[@guessmyhandle]

LuLz Got to love camera B. As a Californian, I hated the idea of a doghouse, as an Alaskan I see the doghouse as a perk.

[@thewildokierose]

Can you explain why everyone always wants diesel rather than gas? As you can tell from my profile picture I went against all the experts 😊 and bought 1982 Ford B700 Gas ....why.... because it had been previously owned by a Fire department and was very well kept 😊

[@joannewolfe5688]

Could you look at some short buses, please?

[@Thairockshop]

Hi Chuck, Nice topic, Great advice, I got my 96 T444E Thomas built international with the 7.3 Navistar diesel and Alison 545 from GovDeals. Is it worth to convert to an RV, A bit long at 42'. What can i do with it for highway speeds? The Read end and mt643? Where do you find an Mt643 that's geared the same. You know any good sites? Bought it in 2018 for about $2500 drove home but replaced the transmission with the same original. Its engine is a replaced reviva in 2016 so very low miles. tires are now aged to 10 years and will need replacing as well. Worth it or not?

[@SomeTechGuy666]

I'm not a skoolie guy but if I was I would get a Thomas C2 with the Cummins 6.7. Not the MBE. The FL chassis is much nicer than the International. Get a pre 2007/8 so no DPF or DEF. The Cummins 6.7 is electronic but very dependable.

[@isaacsims6203]

🙂

[@sandyradsek2058]

Chuck, What is your thoughts on buses with AC in the rear? Here in southern Az lots of them have AC, some multiple units. I don't necessarily want that, I would add my own. How complicated is it removing these systems, Looks like the condenser are mounted underneath maybe? Should they be avoided, or don't worry about them and take them out?

[@LemonadeLadyAZ]

I want to know Chuck’s opinion on what to do with these bus ACs on Arizona buses. Keep them? Remove them?

[@moisesgarcia1021]

My father in law has an old greyhound bus he transform to travel and rv in. He been looking to sell but no luck. What are the websites to try to sell it?

[@PsychoathGOD]

i got my bus from PurpleWave

[@thetslabus]

That's a good source, I've bought several buses from there.

[@dstrbd223]

What insurance company do yall use to insure your buses? Progressive said they won't insure a conversion.

[@00D600]

all american bird blue 1989 GM 427 engine gas Allison MT643 with locking torque converter Air brakes 68 mph top speed I was young memories ride trips but it loud engine sound like roar or angry lol. Both Bus Same But Different Engine Cat 3208 & Gas 427

[@pianogal853]

Im confused - i thought you left your shop and moved into your mostly-built bus. What did i miss?

[@alanhat5252]

you missed that he didn't also sell his house?

[@pianogal853]

I apparently missed something - is he traveling or in a house in CO? I love his video and building stuff!

[@kennethlagana8523]

Mormons 😅