I've come across an interesting find recently, and I'm trying to decide if it's a good candidate for a conversion. It's a 97 Ford 24 passenger bus. I don't know what engine, but I'm pretty sure it's gas. Only has 22k miles on it though, and is in pretty solid shape just looking at the exterior. Obviously the interior is cavernous, and has lots of potential. Does anyone know much about these rigs? Doing a quick search, it seems they are pretty pricy, and most have a zillion miles on them.
Anyone know of a converted 24 passenger bus?
- Thread starter hitek79
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dcguillory
Adventurer
Do your research on the coach manufacturer (Glaval, Ameritrans, Starcraft?). Those buses are everywhere although they do usually have a lot of miles. Find out who made it and a rough original cost. That would be a place to start
olddodgevan
Observer
A buddy converted one into RV/Tow rig for his dragster. Pulls his trailer effortlessly and lots of room inside.
Then check for sticky valves and transmission shifting and the other internal issues from sitting too long. Also check the rear-end ratio for highway-ability.
Biggest issue I have found on them is poor seals around the bus door causing a lot of road/wind noise and water infiltration issues.
I have looked at several, none of them even close to immaculate.
Biggest issue I have found on them is poor seals around the bus door causing a lot of road/wind noise and water infiltration issues.
I have looked at several, none of them even close to immaculate.
landyachtcaptn
Observer
I've been passively dreaming about the possibilities of one of these with 4wd for some time. There have been a few for sale around here that I've though about the possibilities of. If I didn't already have a rig and trailer I'd be looking for one of the passenger busses myself.
Lots of ideas online. Search for "short bus RV" to see some great conversions.
Here's one example, the short bus conversion forum at Skoolie.net
http://www.skoolie.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=36
Here's one example, the short bus conversion forum at Skoolie.net
http://www.skoolie.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=36
Sounds like a fair price if the condition is what you say.
It depends how much of the interior you want to keep, sometimes it is better to get a ratted interior if you are just going to rip it all out--but the clean drivetrain is probably worth it. They don't really seem to go for that much in the consumer market, and I haven't looked at the prices in the commercial market for used buses.
It is your money, your call.
ETA: Snooping around craigslist, I found a few clean buses in the 8-10K range and 200K miles on a 7.3.
It depends how much of the interior you want to keep, sometimes it is better to get a ratted interior if you are just going to rip it all out--but the clean drivetrain is probably worth it. They don't really seem to go for that much in the consumer market, and I haven't looked at the prices in the commercial market for used buses.
It is your money, your call.
ETA: Snooping around craigslist, I found a few clean buses in the 8-10K range and 200K miles on a 7.3.
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