Finding Bus Conversions for Sale on Facebook Marketplace | How to Buy a Bus

[@JB91710]

For everyone's enlightenment, I just registered a 2004 Chevrolet Express Turtle Top 3500 Shuttle Bus in Connecticut that was titled as a van and with a Standard Title. Allstate gave me basic insurance for $164 a YEAR as an RV!

[@scooter1737]

In CT looking for long bus

[@Lotuslaful]

Great! Where did you buy it?

[@scooter1737]

@@Lotuslaful Not yet I'm looking around. Also there is 422 auction in Pennsylvania that is basically for buses and industrial vehicles

[@oldskier3019]

@@Lotuslaful Facebook. They are hard to find. 90% are Fords.

[@tom-ss2mn]

Glad you pointed out the ceiling shape. Round verses less round. Something i wouldnt have considered before now

[@ATLJonathanH]

I will never buy a bus or RV in one, yet I can’t stop watching your channel.

[@jamesboaz4787]

The handicap lift in the back is also great for a motorcycle lift. You need to add a folding extension to it but then you can have a supemoto and a little bike garage/workshop in the back ;D

[@kevintakalo427]

Also worth mentioning while looking at buses. Is the window count.

[@gerbermrsa]

great clip......my takeaway.......curved roofs of busses = difficulty in deck fitting and interior fitting due to human head space restrictions.......thank you....

[@jasonmoore1453]

I 100% agree with your assessment that those wheelchair tie down strips are a pain to remove. I would gladly have removed twice as many seats if it meant not having to deal with those. We got through it though.

[@jasonmoore1453]

@@jeffj_39 I'm not sure I understand the question. The metal strips that were in the bus for wheelchairs are bolted through the floor similar to the way seats are. The difference being that each of my seats had 4 bolts total while each chair strip had over 20. These all had to be removed so that we could pull up the existing sub floor, treat the rust we found, and eventually rebuild our own insulated subfloor. I suppose you technically could try just building over everything without removing it, but I would worry about the unknowns in that situation.

[@cam3blue]

WOW! I love the new videography on this video, nice change!

[@navigationnowhere]

Really appreciate that. It was a really new edit for me. Haha.

[@GraysdadCal]

I’d recommend traveling OUT of the rust belt. The time and trouble spent traveling to retrieve a NON RUSTED bus will be well worth it. Mike turned me on to Collins busses. They are taller and my Grand Bantam-E450 Ford doesn’t have wheel humps. Lots of 7.3 diesels around too. Fantastic engine. I paid $2,100 for mine in South Carolina.

[@naturallydope247]

Can you define the rust belt area?

[@stahliclaassen6466]

Really appreciate the tips! We are still a few years from getting into buslife but I never would have thought of some of the things to look at.

[@haydenchambers5697]

I can vouch for the handicap bus. I did not realize before we bought ours that those DANG TRACKS would be such a pain!

[@jennifereng3594]

Thank you for tips. Wish I saw this before I impulsively bought one. Now they are flooding the Market place. Maybe provide tips of what to look for when going to look at one as well. Now we know better. Trial and error. Appreciate you taking the time to share.

[@randylee2189]

Thank you for the video I would have never noticed to roof lines or step up or step down this really helps

[@cansfloatbottlesdont857]

Yep! Always get a measurement though if you’re tall. Ours had a 78” ceiling, some with the step up only had 74”.. it depends on what the bus was used for... who knows? Cheers!

[@vaughn6371]

Something I recently learned is shuttle buses are usually fiberglass which is a pain to work on. Helped narrow my searches big time.

[@rosalieogden479]

Hi Mike. On September 5th I got my son to take me to see a 2006 Ford E450 Diesel automatic (Party Bus very popular here) with 250,000 miles for $12,000. Looked at it and saw a fresh leak under the bus. The inside looked very good. It even has a pole in the middle for pole dancing (hilarious). We didn't test drive it because of the price. Since then it has been reduced 3 times and is now at $6,700 as of today. That's a big "oh no" sign for me. If it isn't sold and the price is reduced more I will have our neighborhood mechanic take a look at it. After your video I'm cautiously looking at this shuttle/party bus in a different way. The inside looks very doable. I don't mind putting some money into the engine but I don't want to replace it. Thanks for this informative video.

[@EdwardUrena]

Hi Rosalie, I have a 2008 shuttle bus for sale if interested. Extremely low miles. Check it out. offerup.com/item/detail/943059363/

[@GraysdadCal]

Avoid 6.0 diesel.

[@david2284180]

Great video! Towards the end there was a double decker bus I wanted you to click on just for fun..

[@Spaceman-jo5mz]

Thanks for posting this video. I'm looking right now for a bus to convert and go full time BusLife

[@optimaltime]

This! This is the type of video I've been looking for! Thank you!

[@geraldcardwell9972]

Check out rocky mountain bus sales in Colorado and AAA bus sales in ARIZONA

[@LilyHanna]

This was really helpful! Crazy to see how many buses are available on the East coast. I'm not finding a ton of inventory in California/Washington/Oregon. They're all much more expensive too (5-8k).

[@cansfloatbottlesdont857]

That’s because they are not as rusted as on the east coast/south. Check out the public surplus app. We lost a few bids on that but ended up with our perfect bus locally due to a company going out of business from Covid. Good luck!

[@LilyHanna]

@@cansfloatbottlesdont857 thanks! I have been checking it and haven't found anything quite right yet, but I'll keep after it.

[@cansfloatbottlesdont857]

@@LilyHanna It took us about a 8 months and was quite tiring. Take your time and make sure you get what you want👌🏼

[@HaltWhoGoesThere]

Same. I'm in Arizona and there is nothing even close to these prices in this video! Way more expensive.

[@AdrienneLawrence1]

I kept asking (as if you could hear me) to check out the 1951 double decker. Oh man. It had style. Also, great informative video.

[@lorrainedeveau7706]

Yeah, I am 100% handicapped and want to buy a bus to convert. I would definitely need the lift in it. I am looking for a 30 ft bus. Right now I am still saving for the money to buy. Covid-19 has made it more difficult for me. I am hoping for that to change soon. Thanks Mike for all your insight and advice on how to build out and what to look for!

[@BullScrapPracEff]

Look around in the middle of the country. They tend to be much cheaper and handicapped busses are 'less desireable'...

[@lorrainedeveau7706]

@@BullScrapPracEff I am looking into AAA bus sales in Arizona because they have good prices and are helpful. They also have more rust free options.

[@BullScrapPracEff]

@@lorrainedeveau7706 Good thinking. Best of luck.

[@lorrainedeveau7706]

@@BullScrapPracEff thank you! I will be posting the bus build on my KZbin channel when I buy the bus. Traveling with special abilities.

[@TheWarrrenator]

I’m in Seattle! I’ve seen a few schoolies here and there. Cost of housing is ridiculous in the city but so is finding parking for an entire bus! I’m surprised kinda that the prices aren’t slightly higher since everything out here is slightly higher (heh) but a lot of those examples you found are out in the country. I saw that city bus listed and I’ve taken them around enough to get places to sit there and contemplate how a person would convert it, especially with the elbow. Also have you seen Mike Mongomery/Modern Builds latest series where he builds out a schoolie? He doesn’t do nearly as much work into it but it would be neat to know what your take is. As for me, I was looking for a ProMaster to build out living out here before COVID-19 hit but I’ve been drawing unemployment since then and I have decided to keep my apartment until I get back to work. Always Mike, your input is greatly appreciated, bud! All the best to you! PS: I’ve also seen lots of RVs and trailers for free out here because of the constant moisture the subfloors draw up that they just fall apart. So climate and geography are to be taken in consideration, too.

[@JCredible86]

When is work coming back?

[@TheWarrrenator]

@Baba Ganush At your service! Some of them might be babied and taken care of but it is an issue to watch out for specifically in damp climates.

[@TheWarrrenator]

@@JCredible86 That’s a great question.

[@zedwolf1589]

I just started looking at busses seriously in the last week so this was good timing Thanks Mike

[@forestanderson3267]

You got me hooked on wanting a bus and here it is I live in Nevada and finding a decent bus is hard to find I got this bathing butey for 500$ not running bad tital and needs tires I got it running and tital almost clear license and insurance to the tune of 1000$ You should do a special on never buy more bus than you can afford to buy and run I wanted a full size bus but can only afford a small one on my income I wound up with a Wayne Bussette

[@real_Ghost-the_Dom]

Hey Michael, love your videos, very informative! The one thing I'm having trouble finding out is how to title and register a bus conversion as an RV in NJ. Lucky (maybe) for me, you're from the same state! Perhaps you could share some wisdom..? I bet that would make a very successful video too, surely lots of people have little clue on how these proceedings work. Thanks and hopefully you get to see this post!

[@_GntlStone_]

check out the thread on Skoolies.net regarding registration. You will find that many people register their busses out of Vermont, and instructions to do so. VT allows out of state registration and changing type to RV without any physical conversion or inspection. Last post I saw it currently takes about a month and a half once you submit the paperwork. This will allow you to insure it as an RV.

[@cg60msc]

Great info... Always great videos, keep up the good work...

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks!

[@GHSTTHERENEGADE]

Also, I think you struck gold on this content. You may have just added to your channels vaule. Please consider doing this more while continuing to drop jewels on those who are illinformed

[@NumberJuanBus]

This is an amazing video Mike!! This is extremely helpful for anyone looking for a bus!

[@gracecallowayable]

Thank you so very very much!!! Your info is so helpful!!!👠🚌👠

[@cansfloatbottlesdont857]

Another great video! All your older ones helped us get a perfect bus... until 38’ is too long😂. Great stuff, cheers!

[@beckyjomiller2040]

Thank you for doing this video. It is extremely helpful as this is the process I am in right now looking to purchase. I'm trying to decide between a short bus or a shuttle bus and I know you have worked on both types. Do you have any insight into why one might be better than the other?

[@cansfloatbottlesdont857]

You can put more weight on a bus usually. I think it’s also harder to do custom work on a shuttle bus vs a school bus. School buses are safer because they are steel. A bus should be much cheaper as well

[@atx-cvpi_99]

13:26 That 2011 bus has the dreaded MaxxForce 7. Even International techs don’t want to fix em. Buses may not change over the years but engines do. VT365 is also junk. Same thing goes for them too. When the engine takes a shit, it’s best to swap a Cummins in it. That’s what school bus fleets are doing. By the way, Cummins swap is not a cheap thing to do but in the long run, you’ll definitely save money on repairs related to the engine if it’s done right and not half assed. That means buying a reman 6.7 Cummins ISB from Cummins with the complete wiring harness, ECM, Cummins radiator from the newer CE200 buses, and the emissions that is required by law. You’ll have a warranty too.

[@zenasworkzovart8749]

I’m so glad I watched you were very informative. Thank you

[@ayeshamcneely3095]

Thank you sooo much this is soo helpful for a single woman like me I have been going crazy trying to find the right bus. I would love to see Southern California area I am interested in my area simply because we don't have a lot of rain so less rust

[@277kne]

Mike, You got me interested in looking at vans,busses today. Thanks for the video. I found a turtle top shuttle bus in Massachusetts. It's a handicap with the lift and only 8 seats. Also one on Ebay with good mileage. These are between $12,000 and $16,000. I would like to know what you do with the seats. Where do you dispose of them?

[@orlandomarcano9822]

One thing I looked at when i got my bus was the type of engine it has. I prefer a cummins engine, they are easier to work on and can get parts anywhere. Caterpiller engines parts can be expensive and caterpiller is not in the trucking business anymore they are into offroad equipment only. Dont know how long they will keep making parts for automotive side. International motors and caterpiller uses high pressure oil to pop off the injectors, if they leak you will have a no start or hard start. Prefer a common rail fuel system. The older DT466 mechanical engine are good, much cheaper to fix than the electronic engines although they are not as clean running as the electronic version. Dont like glow pugs either, if their not working its not starting. One reason i like cummins. I got a 2001 thomas 9 window bump down flat nose, its working for us not complete but usable. I met you briefly at the Macon Ga tiny house festival, you were busy show somebody how to service your vehicle. Keep making great videos, Thanks!

[@darleneoglesby2139]

I also need your help to find a short bus because of my driveway. I think that a short bus will make it up our driveway easier. I need a small kitchen that has a fridge and of course sink, a shower and toilet, a living space and 2-3 sleeping spaces

[@Scorpiomary]

Good vlog Michael. Take care and have a good day

[@TheSbaty]

We live in the Houston area and it is ridiculously hot. We have two A/C’s in our bus and while I hate them because they are so big and ugly we will need something for A/C while driving. I was thinking maybe about getting one of those small dog house A/C’s some vanlifers use, but I was wondering if you had a good idea that we could hook up to battery or something?

[@pburgess888]

Thank you! Thank you! For sharing all your knowledge on buses. Much appreciated!! Love your channel..

[@watahyahknow]

think the cheapest busses for youre busness to buy are unfinished RV projects there usually stripped bare and might have some stuff put in most of them would have electric or engine problems (the "we dont need that wire "problem and the "just cut of those heater hoses "problem ) could allso be that the bus has become a neusance or the storagefees put a damper on the joy for the previous builder you usually have to be quick on the drae and bring cash and a towtruck

[@sweetpea3472]

Nice. Thank you, Mike. That's really helpful -- in evaluating the market.

[@mustacheonthemove4270]

Great video!! Kind of inspires me to look for a bus :)

[@djpWilson]

I can tell this video was filmed fairly recently. A bunch of the busses on your NJ search are currently in mine. :)

[@navigationnowhere]

Yup! I was hoping some would still be available so someone might be able to pick up a bus! I am filming another video right now about shuttle buses on auction sites right now. 👍

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Thanks Mike for the tour of choices & not to pick out. Always, Tommy :-)

[@moewrrrichard]

Great video. Super helpful. Maybe great video / episode topic…In your opinion…. What are differences & pros/cons of dog nose vs flat front buses? IE if other boxes are checked (ceiling height, roof curve, engine/transmission) what would guide you to favor one vs the other? Thank You. Your videos are epic

[@glc1311]

Do you have a favorite short to a mid-sized bus for someone who is 6'4"? Nothing more than 26 feet long. Not to live in full-time but to take adventures.

[@kiyosenl.3889]

Ith the a/c system if you could just hook that compressor up to run off of an electric motor you could run it any time

[@ishgilbertstone4887]

Absolutely get a bus/shuttle bus that provides maintenance/service records go with deisel and be very weary of particular engines and transmissions can not stress that enough it's the difference between spending a little more now or paying thousands in repairs and upgrades not to far down the road theres literally thousands of buses out there be patient pay for a mechanic diagnostic test do your research !!

[@drewp1974]

Your videos REALLY help .. thank you👍

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks. Glad it helped you out !

[@TheMarkDrake]

Haven't had much luck looking for the perfect bus to convert. I'd love to work with you to find one, if you ever do such things.

[@GHSTTHERENEGADE]

Well, this just showed me that this venture is not for the weak. It's a costly venture with time and resources.

[@trudyhalstead3662]

Thanks for the tips!

[@naturallydope247]

Where can I find more info about which ceilings are best and round vs flat?

[@JoshuaScottApplegate]

I'm seeing a lot of T444 but keep reading that the way to go is DT466 - thoughts??

[@codyborden3631]

Yes a new video!

[@marshallbaldwin395]

It took me 3 years to find my bus it is a 1968 Gm pd4107 what that amounts to is it looks like a greyhound the big advantage is the storage bays they are 6 foot long 7.5 feet wide and 33 inchs tall it is a nice older design looks all most like the older senicruiser Have a good day THE GRUMPY BUS

[@fulblod]

Where do you get insurance before your bus is converted?

[@ronaldweatherbee8929]

Problem with some of those are they are gas with almost 200,000 miles thats to much in my opinion? Diesel is a different story

[@Torgershark]

so quick question, would remodeling an older rv not be as good of an idea compared to a short bus?

[@brazilianredneck]

What's your opinion about buying a short bus with the 6.0 chevy gas engine? The one near me has 150k miles on it, not rusted at all and has other features I want.

[@cansfloatbottlesdont857]

Gas will get 5 mpg, diesel around 11mpg. Diesel engines last longer and have way more power

[@billb4200]

I like the color

[@brazelton13]

I know you only care about school busses but you broke my heart by not looking at the double decker!

[@navigationnowhere]

Haha next time. 😂

[@brazelton13]

@@navigationnowhere I tried to find it but can't 🤣

[@pamelaraney4654]

Enjoy kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4TYaamKlNmZmtk

[@geraldcardwell9972]

Stay away from the maxforce engine from international years 2005 to 2008

[@joabtrust]

Can you at least tell us why? And then maybe back up why or what happened with more evidence like other people having the same issues etc... Help everyone learn why and what your basis is from, thx. I prefer the DT that come in the Internationals which seem to be in the 12 window versions and the larger passenger International has the Max Force is this correct ? I also prefer the Activity buses as well for the lower compartments and they seemed to have less miles overall.

[@GHSTTHERENEGADE]

@@joabtrust I can pick up on that a little. The engines are a nightmare. So in Short they tried to make them eco friendly by building them with so many different systems. Most fleets ended up just replacing the engine with how hard it was to work on.

[@joabtrust]

Here is a Bluebird serial number coding page and I am sure there are other manufactures that have these as well, but it is a good idea to know what motor you are getting: www.cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Blue_Bird_Vehicle_Identification_Number_Explanation

[@HaltWhoGoesThere]

How much does if suck to take out the wheelchair lifts? I feel like I would have to hire someone with a forklift or something.

[@angelacorbett4977]

Great video

[@gingerjolley9027]

That double decker bus looked way fun! Wonder if you could drive it anywhere.

[@BullScrapPracEff]

On roads...

[@gingerjolley9027]

@@BullScrapPracEff height concerns - and gearing - those are built as in town buses.

[@BullScrapPracEff]

@@gingerjolley9027 Height I get, but aren't all full size busses geared pretty slow?

[@gingerjolley9027]

@@BullScrapPracEff from what I understand, yes. I've thought about just doing one as a tiny house conversion, but getting it to SoCal from Oregon would likely be difficult.

[@BullScrapPracEff]

@@gingerjolley9027 It'd just be slow going. Most busses have that 55mph sweet spot lol. Only 15 or so hours...

[@rainrain6653]

Can you please do a video like this for the 5-7 windows shuttle bus?

[@navigationnowhere]

Sure. It was fun to make.

[@rainrain6653]

@@navigationnowhere awesome.

[@georgiavanhouten9360]

This was so helpful

[@pooty024]

Wheelchair/Motorcycle lift... Make the back a Garage 🤷‍♂️

[@gracefulcat68]

good information, i'd get the clutch if it was 4wd, too.. lol

[@gracecallowayable]

Would you please do a video also on shuttle buses!!! Please!!! Please!!! Please!!! 👠🚌👠

[@diegoseuret3783]

school bus or city bus?? your personal opinion!!! why you always choose school bus??

[@manumit1394]

Is there another good place to look for buses or van beside Facebook market place?

[@navigationnowhere]

Sure, I just chose to use Facebook this time around. I’ll be making more videos about Craigslist, auctions and dealers.... in the future.

[@manumit1394]

@@navigationnowhere Fabulous

[@Snailmailtrucker]

What kind of MPGs can you hope to get out of these buses ?

[@PochoNews]

Great tips

[@SteampunkSteve]

Good info Michael

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Steve! I hope your travels are going well and the bus got fixed !

[@SteampunkSteve]

@@navigationnowhere waiting on parts but I needed more nap time anyway

[@navigationnowhere]

Buslife in the slow lane ✌️

[@mikedesverknopf4681]

I'm currently living extremely uncomfortably out of my grand caravan not by choice. Got my fingers crossed for edd (been waiting for over 5months) and am really inexperienced in bus buying. Can you just tell me what styles of bus I would need to eliminate a lot of time and frustration for me? I'll tell you a little about myself. I'm 26, no job or obligations to anyone beside myself, need a shower and toilet space, desk for a computer I have in storage to do video editing and possibly streaming, bed and closet. Don't care much for outside storage as I worry about valuables being stolen easily. I'm worried about the year make and model to last me a long time. Any advice for my needs in terms of sizing and style would be really appreciated.

[@HoneyBl]

I'm only 5' 2". Headroom really isn't an issue for me

[@theresahartman7465]

Would you ever do a shuttle bus? Why or why not?

[@navigationnowhere]

I will probably be building one next year with my sister. Personally, I like the metal bodied buses because of the ability to customize the shell easier.

[@theresahartman7465]

Thank you.

[@gingerjolley9027]

hey Mike, when did you do that search? Looking for that double decker bus on the list?

[@navigationnowhere]

I searched 'Seattle' 'school bus' '500 miles' I hope it still comes up for you.

[@gingerjolley9027]

@@navigationnowhere I saw that, just didn't know when. I'm not on Facebook, so that may be the problem. Thanks for the response. Looking forward to seeing the spray foam on the blue bus. Please include cost range for the spray foam in the video, still contemplating that type of insulation.

[@tammylauran5577]

Have you considered looking at auction pics, for a fee, for someone to give them your thoughts? :)

[@pixiebusadventures936]

Soo beautiful

[@colindonoghue6120]

I think the rule of thumb is 7 years is when the tires start to dry rot and become unsafe

[@rosscohn8442]

Can I ask: where do you live now?

[@sbb6779]

Perhaps a dumb question. How did you get a FB marketplace search to go 500 miles on the radius? It only goes to 100 for me.

[@navigationnowhere]

I don’t know. 🤷‍♂️ it was an option for me.

[@sbb6779]

@@navigationnowhere maybe I just need to update the app. Thanks for the response though.

[@sofaism]

Would you consider a gas engine ever? and I was sad you didn't click on double decker bus.. just to humor us :)

[@atx-cvpi_99]

What I would absolutely not recommend is any bus with a MaxxForce or VT365 engine. They are junk. Stay away from any 2005 and newer International BE200 and CE200 unless it’s got a Cummins engine. Another bus I would never buy is a Caterpillar equipped bus because they have wiring problems and they are also very expensive to fix compared to a Cummins and even Detroit. DT466, T444E, Cummins are the best ones.

[@mehrig728]

Do you do consults? I found a converted bus and would like a pro to look at it . Zoom ? I'd pay you !

[@spiritualeccentricities4172]

Plz do this again and fyi your a cutie

[@danielvanmourik5247]

Cool all the skool bussen. Can You buy a bus for me

[@BullScrapPracEff]

I still wonder why all the insulation work, but ignoring the windows. Seems anti-productive.

[@navigationnowhere]

Windows will be address in future videos.

[@BullScrapPracEff]

@@navigationnowhere Cool man, thanks. Have a great day.

[@SALEENME1]

stay away from buses made after 2006 especially international no 6.0 or 6.4 IH engines no mercedes benz brakes on ih buses are electronic after 2005 buy 1998 or older cummins powered buses or DT 466

[@JoshuaScottApplegate]

find me one!!

[@cansfloatbottlesdont857]

He already did✌🏼😂

[@JCredible86]

Too bad I dont have facebook

[@navigationnowhere]

I’ll do one on another platform then.

[@JCredible86]

@@navigationnowhere I appreciate your work. Do you build and flip buses?

[@jeffreyworth5830]

Wow those buses are way over priced.

[@XeniasWorld]

Wow, 1 yr later & prices have doubled!

[@navigationnowhere]

I agree. It’s crazy how this video has aged.

[@karenandrews7812]

Do you purchase bus for people am looking for a spa party bus can you help me fine one .please email me

[@christopherlastname7638]

Be careful I drove 421 miles to look at a bus with vt365 ask the guy if it ok does it fun drive is there any thing wrong with it he said know I get there pull the oil cap and its blowing smoking ! Stay away from the vt365

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for the tip! Maybe I should do another video like this and focus on the drivetrains. 🤔

[@a-dog8075]

The VT365 is a great engine. The Powerstroke version is the one to stay away from. But that was good that you checked the blow by