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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2007 : 09:11:26 AM
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Looks like I'll be buying this bus that I've had my eyes on now for about 2 years. Its very clean as its from Alabama, has the lift and a 15000 trailer reciever. 179K, tires are good, batteries are shot. Looking at $2,500 which is a little high, but I'm helping out the guy as he is handy capped, and the rig is really clean which saves me from going south on a road trip to get one. Its going to basically fill the needs of a family truck/van/camper thing, and will be converted to run on veggy (WVO). My only wish is that it had the DT466/643 combo I just sold in it. Maybe someday, although I'll be it does OK with the DT360 in it. Dave
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Edited by - asnowsquall on 03/27/2007 09:11:50 AM
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dem84skeeprollinup
Top Member
USA
888 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2007 : 10:55:39 AM
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Yeah. I don't see many 360's around by me unfortunatly. For older engines around here its about 75% 7.3/t444, 20% dt466, and the other 5% is 407's and 360's. |
Do the world a favor and bring back GMC and Ford conventional chassis......
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Cody
Top Member
United States
1630 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2007 : 1:51:19 PM
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Actually in my experience and opinion the DT360 is a far superior engine to the 466. My old regular route bus has a 360 in it and hasn't been out a day for engine trouble in about 7 years. |
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93CarpFord#11
Top Member
USA
1382 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2007 : 2:57:39 PM
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Those 360s are tough engines. My county still has a '93 Genesis with a 360 running a daily route and that bus runs strong. |
Johnny
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2007 : 6:21:33 PM
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Well, I tried sticking my charger on the batteries and it wigged out. The rig is parked real close to a fence so I pulled out the 6 bolts that hold the battery door on and yanked the door off. Pulled all 3 different brand batteries out, no dates, 1 had no fluid anymore, the other had fluid but you could see where the plates are breaking down, and I didn't bother looking at the 3rd. The highest voltage of the three was .8 VDC (notice thats point 8 volts) I've got some batteries so I charged them up and installed them. Started up OK for sitting for so long. Runs decent, shifts good. Ride is pretty bouncy. 55-60 mph tops I think. List of things wrong: Passenger side window cracked and I don't think it will pass inspection. Thermostat stuck open so she won't come up to temp. Right front brake is dragging so its getting HOT. May be just a matter of cleaning up the slides on the caliper, or ..... High beam clicker does nothing, no reverse lights, some markers out. Need 3 new batteries. Tires are OK, no visable dry rot, fair tread. Needs a real good cleaning as it looks like crap with all the green fungis on it. To me this is like a $1,000 rig, mostly because its been sitting for so long. Inspection was due Aug 2004. That all said, I think it would be fun to play with for a while and it doesn't take up near as much room as a full size. Oh and my last insurance place was State farm and all I had was a bus insured with them and they said they can't insure me like that anymore. Called Allstate and they said no problem, $129 a year for liability! Dave
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03CV200
Top Member
United States
740 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2007 : 6:56:54 PM
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Wow, That bus looks great for an '89. I could just be me, but I find it odd that that old of a bus has disc wheels, most of them had spoke rims back then. I like the disc better though. |
-Dave |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2007 : 12:37:14 PM
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It does, especially for VT. Called a spring shop and they said they could most likely take a spring or two out. Called a glass shopo and they said the windsheild would come from Bluebird. Called bluebird and they gave me local distributor number, called them and they said to old for their list so they are calling Bluebird tomorrow. Hope the glass is good in the rig I took to the scrapyard, its a 92 but looks the same in the pictures. |
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78fordwayne
Top Member
USA
2868 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2007 : 4:06:17 PM
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quote: Originally posted by asnowsquall
Called a glass shopo and they said the windsheild would come from Bluebird. Called bluebird and they gave me local distributor number, called them and they said to old for their list so they are calling Bluebird tomorrow. Hope the glass is good in the rig I took to the scrapyard, its a 92 but looks the same in the pictures.
As far as I know the new Blue Birds use the same windshield. Just have them look it up for like a 2000 or something |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2007 : 5:20:40 PM
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I'm going to check the local junkyard where I sent BUS 13 to meet its fate and see if the windsheild is still whole. Glass shop said $65 to install. I just have to get the good one out whole if it still exists. Its a 1992 and from the pictures I have it looks the same. Here it is on its way. I've got its drivetrain sold, should be going tomorrow AM for $2,500.
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Edited by - asnowsquall on 03/29/2007 5:22:52 PM |
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BBInt.10
Top Member
USA
1042 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2007 : 8:39:54 PM
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That bus looks great. I just sold a '91 Ward shorty with the DTA360... it had been sitting for about two years (although started every now and then), leaked oil, rear brake lines were shot, exhaust was shot, shock absorbers were shot, master cylinder was bad, horn didn't work, headlights didn't work, parking brake sticks, windshield washer fluid pump didn't work, heater booster pump didn't work, stepwell was rotting off, and the list goes on. I got $1000 for it. Those 360's hold their value. $2500 for a bus that looks like that one does and has a lift is worth every penny of $2500. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 360. It's my personal favorite engine. We have four '93 Blue Birds as spares where I drive, and those things are very reliable. I've driven 360's that had better power than older 466's. I'd say go for it with this bus purchase. |
If all your problems are behind you... you must be a school bus driver. |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 11:56:06 AM
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$80 for a new windsheild and I can also have the one at the scrap yard for free, think I'll grab both and save the extra drivers side. Time to make an offer. |
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contactbluebird
Senior Member
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 1:08:39 PM
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We have a 1994 BB/Int shorty DT360....air cond,,,air brakes...205,000 miles...we still use it as spare...to me...best starting bus in the whole fleet (72). All it's had has been a water pump installed 3 years ago. Now that dependability! |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 2:00:48 PM
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Verbal agreement over the phone for $2,000 without the lift. I have one in my garage. He isn't advertising and I believe he is honorable so the deal should go down on Monday. COOL! This little diamond in the rough will shine up real good, and its in good hands. |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 3:08:12 PM
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^ Go looking bus, Its even nicer than the one you sold. Post Interior pictures when you get a chance and maybe even the engine running if you wouldn't mind. Sure wish i could trade my Harley Golf Cart for a bus of that size with that engine.
SEEEEEEEEE YAAAAAAAAAAAA and good luck,
bluebirdvision |
Facebook Page: Blue Bird Corporation Fans https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_212311114614&ap=1
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2007 : 4:23:58 PM
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Way cleaner than the one I sold. I think I'll like the 360, but I know I'll miss the drivetrain combo of the other bus as it was strong and did 75mph comfortably. Then again I'm in no rush. Just stopped by to show my daughter again and she said its cleaner inside than the school bus she rides in. Should be fun. I think my dad, 7 year old daughter and I will go get the windsield out at the junkyard tomorrow. |
Edited by - asnowsquall on 03/30/2007 4:25:33 PM |
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BBInt.10
Top Member
USA
1042 Posts |
Posted - 03/31/2007 : 11:02:19 AM
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My '93 Bluebird with the 360 and Allison 545 tops out at around 67-68 under normal circumstances... if you're going down hill with a tail wind you can hit 70. |
If all your problems are behind you... you must be a school bus driver. |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 03/31/2007 : 4:37:13 PM
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My parents are up visiting so I took my dad over to check it out, that was fun. Pulled it out and got some pictures. Notice the green shmegma which I'm sure will come off relatively easy. There is always the D/A.
Drivers side has a air seat, he said he paid $1,000 for the three seats.
A "barn door" concept that I have, software helped me do this one. I think its kind of cool. Just needs LED tail lights.
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 04/02/2007 : 6:15:27 PM
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Although its not in my yard yet, it is mine, and its registered and insured. I'll drive it home next Monday or Tuesday. Flying down to Georgia tomorrow to pick up a Mercedes 240D. Wish me luck. Dave |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2007 : 09:21:54 AM
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asnowsquall,
Nice little bus you have bought. I hope someday to purchase such a bus. Would you please inform us after you drive it how the ride is (bouncy.) Heres to long lasting BBs and their drivers. O also tell us wether you like that driver's seat or not.
Good Luck,
bluebirdvision |
Facebook Page: Blue Bird Corporation Fans https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_212311114614&ap=1
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Edited by - bluebirdvision on 04/03/2007 09:22:46 AM |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2007 : 2:22:27 PM
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So I got the bus and its really cool. The only thing is it seems like a dog, especially on the hills. So the first thing I think is the air cleaner or something with the boost. Then I start looking for a place that I can tap in and put a boost gauge, and what do I find but a spot where the fuel shotoff cable had been rubbing on a boost pressure line that goes to the Injection Pump. Must be this line regulates the fuel mixture so that its richer when there is boost. I'm guess this is what its for. Will be interesting what this does for the power. I was maxing out at about 60 mph at 2,600 rpms. Also need to install the new thermostat so the engine will come up to temp, then I'll change the oil and all of the filters. Check out the pictures, safe to say I wasn't getting any boost, or rich fuel.
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Edited by - asnowsquall on 04/10/2007 2:25:11 PM |
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Gini
Top Member
USA
1249 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2007 : 10:07:16 PM
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once you get everything fixed up, it should good. can't wait to see what all you do it. one thing i noticed, the back door- or should i say doors? i've never seen a bus w/ double back doors like that. really opens up the possibilities for setting things up when camping & stuff. |
1Peter 1:3 |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2007 : 05:22:21 AM
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Well its just a software concept at this point, for now. I'd also like to move the handy cap lift to the rear of the vehicle so that the front of the rig can be all seating, and the rear all bussiness! |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2007 : 09:52:17 AM
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Well I changed the thermostat so temps come up where they should be, 170 on my gauge. Repairing the line made a big difference in seat of the pants performance. Top speed is the same but the same hills are around 10 mph faster now, like 45-50 mph instead of 35-40. I would like to see if I can figure out if its governed for 60 mph, must be. This engine should be able to take more than 2,750 rpm's shouldn't it? Think I do some research. Just have to wire up the headlights as someone did what looks like a little hack job when the put in the handy cap controls for the PO. Then I need to get the reverse lights working and then its off for inspection. |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2007 : 3:12:37 PM
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Cleaning up nice! Green scum is coming off relatively easy. Paint is tired for sure but what a clean old bus. Fits in my driveway, small and easy to drive IMO, I could see driving this most anywhere. Love it. What a gift.
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Kodie
Top Member
United States
2028 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2007 : 3:16:14 PM
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wow that looks great. You are doing a great job with it. That is a beautiful bus. |
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BBInt.10
Top Member
USA
1042 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2007 : 4:36:50 PM
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That bus certainly cleaned up nicely. Looks very nice, and I don't even see any rust on it. How lucky you were to come across it, especially with that 360 under the hood! Thanks for keeping us updated with pictures. |
If all your problems are behind you... you must be a school bus driver. |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 04/23/2007 : 04:17:41 AM
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Thanks for the nice comments, I'm amazed the more I work on it how rust free it really is. I figured out the wiring for the headlights and will have tem working as soon as I get some small connectors. The reverse lights: All I've done so far is to check connections at the tranny (Allison 545), and measure to see if there was any voltage when the lights were turned on an the gear selector in Reverse. No voltage on two things that look like the could be switches, one being on the same side as the mechanical gear selector coming into the tranny. Where should I be looking? Is the switch on the tranny or the gear selector inside on the dash?
The Bus has a nice spot between the rear frame rails, in back of the rear axle, and in front of the rear bumper for a 60 gallon veggy oil tank which I also pulled from the scrap bus.
Dave |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2007 : 11:49:39 AM
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Dropped it off for inspection. Sounds like it needs front king pins to pass. Dave |
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AMTK207
Senior Member
United States
110 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2007 : 6:53:18 PM
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quote: Originally posted by asnowsquall
Dropped it off for inspection. Sounds like it needs front king pins to pass. Dave
Please keep us updated! |
First Student 224933: 2003 Thomas Minotour, T444E/7.3l Powerstroke Diesel engine, white roof/tinted windows, front/rear AC |
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Allamericanre
Advanced Member
USA
238 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2007 : 09:35:44 AM
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Gotta love those '89s! I'm looking at a '95 Ford BB Cummins (in the signature) or a '89 International like yours (with a DT466). |
http://www.flickr.com/groups/schoolbus/
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Edited by - Allamericanre on 04/29/2007 09:36:15 AM |
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 10/29/2007 : 2:08:17 PM
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So I had the kingpins done by a professional. I was running on a WVO/diesel mix for a short time, had complication on my Mercedes running on the mix so I went back to straight diesel on both rigs. I replaced the calipers at all 4 corners with rebuilt units from my local international dealer for like $90 ea for the fronts and $70 for the rear. New pads for the rear were $90. Brakes are great now. Love the rig. Just packed it with leaves again. Also started spray the underneath with a mix of Bar and Chain Oil and tranny fluid to stop any rust and protect the metal. So far I've got about $3,250 into it. Next spring it will get paint. Always keeping my eyes open for a 466, but thats a lot of work... Best part is the kids love it! |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2007 : 09:20:09 AM
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asnowsquall,
Do you have any update front end shots of the bus? Its in really nice shape. You should take video of it running so we can all hear it.
Thanks, bluebirdvision |
Facebook Page: Blue Bird Corporation Fans https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_212311114614&ap=1
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asnowsquall
Senior Member
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2007 : 10:17:28 AM
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Yes, the barn doors are a concept of mine that I did with software. I think it may look better without the big lights above and then I would have to come up with brake, turn, and reverse lights. Round or square LED's maybe. In the bumper? Should try all that with the software and see how it looks. I do have all of the hardware to install the 2nd door if I decide to so it. Thanks for the compliments. I'll take some video for sure. Sure wish I still had the bus with the DT466/MT643 to slap in this one. I think this bus is governed at 60 mph and its at about 2,800 rpms. For $3,250 I think its the most metal for the money. Just wish it had 4x4 and could put a plow on it. That would be sick. |
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busgeek++
Advanced Member
United States
253 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2007 : 11:34:08 AM
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Well, a if a DT360 doesn't have too much torque, which I'm pretty sure it doesn't, you could take the transfer case from an old Jeep and make it 4x4 :)
It can also be re-geared for more speed if needed. |
Buses are not a way of life, they are life |
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LBDboater
Advanced Member
USA
279 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2007 : 1:06:20 PM
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Why do you need 4x4? Unless off-roading, you probably won't need it. |
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