[Chas]

I didn’t stay away from Angola because it is an orphan. Most of the systems they used were standard, simple and can still be maintained. My house systems are the same as installed. I’ve had one inverter fan replaced, replaced the galley sink faucet due to no parts to repair. The house batts or course had to be replaced.

It took the alternative approach to zero out the chassis. I’ve taken almost 4 years to go thru everything, start batts, norgren valves, shocks, airbags, brake chanbers, flexible brake hoses, etc. Plus bringing all the annual – Bi-annual items upto date.

Mine is 6 years older and has the 8V92TA but I would expect you to be on a similar path unless all those chassis items have been done.

If you are lucky you will get all the individual component house system manuals. There were no house electrical drawings are anything that tells you how everthings goes together. No house operating manual ect. But it is pretty simple and I have not found anything I have not been able to “sort out” and work on.

[Archived]

We purchased new Angola’s in 93, 2000 & 2002. I did not detect any drop in quality after the change in ownership. My 2000 was being built alongside NASCAR racer Tony Stewart’s new Angola. As stated above, they are simple but extremely well built coaches. Don’t let the orphan Angola conversion frighten you. Rather concentrate on the previous owners maintenance program and have the vehicle throughly inspected as Jon has suggested in other threads.

[AL]

One thing all potential buyers need to recognize is regardless of who did the conversion all are based on the Prevost chassis. So in that case all our conversions have continued support and all possess the same quality of construction.

I would not hesitate to consider an Angola, because like several conversions whose converters are no longer in business the conversion was well done, using most if not all of the same components other converters used and in most cases even the same system design.

[Archived]

Thank you all for your helpful answers. I am learning how little I know. Just as importantly, you are giving me confidence that I will get through this successfully.

[Archived]

Thom wrote: “you are giving me confidence that I will get through this successfully.”

Thom … to varying degrees many of us have made the passage, seen the light, and now ride the crest of the wave based on the information and insight provided by so many on this forum, its two founders and administrators, and the attentive, helpful, and dedicated forum advertisers.

[Dan]

I have a 1996 XL American Coach conversion. Have talked to the owner of the previous company and could not get schimatics of systems, but the over all conversion is sound. Cabinet and system conversions were done very well. Note back in 96 much of my conversion is basic compaired to todays high tech. Major systems have redundent backup. Other then upgrades (ie electronics etc) They did a good job. Would not be concerened with American or Angola as the converter. Looking at many other converter coaches of the same vintage they did a good job.

[Archived]

Thom,

As a potential buyer all you really have to remember is that the purchase of any coach requires a good pre-purchase inspection. Even if you are completely in the dark as far as coaches, if you and the seller start at some point in the coach, and operate every switch, or knob, or system, not only to verify it does what it is supposed to do, but for you to learn what they do, how they do it and why.

The chassis should be a part of the inspection and if you are unaware of how to judge the condition of the chassis, there are places you can take it to get that done, including Prevost, or some of the great shops that other owners have had very good experience with.

The engine and transmission should be inspected and codes read by Detroit Diesel / Allison. Finally, you should compare the service records against the recommended service and determine how well previous owners maintained the coach. No records? Despite what every seller says about a well maintained coach treat the lack of records as though there was no service and you must face the cost of zeroing out all maintenance so you know it was done and you have a starting point for future maintenance. If you fail to do any of the above you assume a lot of risk. Are you a gambler?

[Larry & Diane]

Thanks Jon.

I hate gambling, and I intend to follow your advice. This one is beginning to look like it is a strong candidate, but it is appearing way sooner in my research than I expected. Any thoughts on where to find inspection options near western Arkansas?

[Archived]

There is a marathon coach at Steve Bennetts with a ad on hear he is great to deal with and is one of the best

California coach company I would go there ask him what he has for sale he knows his stuff he owns one , its in top shape also, He will tell you what it needs and what it does not need

[Archived]

As a riveted coach the pre-purchase inspection by Prevost is less important. I’m not saying don’t take it to Prevost if the opportunity presents itself, but do take it to Detroit / Allison to run the codes and see the service history and condition of the engine and transmission.

Other than that with some guidance you can do the balance of the inspection completely on your own with two possible excepetions. With the coach up in the air or over a pit check the pneumatic system for water and evidence it was well maintained such as completely dry tanks. Get someone knowledgible to look at the front suspension. A arm bushings on early IFS coaches were an issue for a while. They look horrible but could be in excellent shape so that requires and expert who understands how Prevost evaluates them.

There are a myriad of things to look at beneath the coach ranging from air bags or brake chambers, brake pads or shoes, brake travel, leaks, etc. but service records will reveal a lot.

Nice looking coach.

[Peter]

Well, I went ahead and bought the bus. It was a terrifying
experience, but thanks to all of your help and suggestions, it went really
well. I am so glad that I attended the “Know your Prevost” Seminar last month.
Who knew I would be tested so soon after the seminar. Enough of the lessons
stuck to give me some confidence that this was manageable. (After hearing the
dinner table discussion at the seminar, I gave the toilet a lot of extra
attention. 😉

The owner was happy to help me arrange for a thorough PPI at
a local diesel shop that has a couple of Prevost entertainers that they rent
out. The service manager who did the inspection was impressed. He used phrases
like “meticulously maintained” in his written report. The service records
appear to be complete and thorough.

The ad for this bus has been taken down, however the current
owner (actually, I guess I am now the current owner) bought the bus last summer
from Legacy, and that ad is still available to view. http://www.prevost-stuff.com/1999PrevostAngolaXL_Legacy611.html

I know that the decor of this particular bus is not going to
appeal to everyone, but I really love it. It feels almost like a rustic cabin
in the woods. I think of Frodo Baggins’ home in Lord of the Rings.

My next step is to give Jeff Rowe a call and give him a
chance to give this bus a thorough examination.
My other next step is to start asking lots of questions, big and small,
on PC. I’m glad that you folks are here and willing to give your advice.

[Archived]

Beautiful bus Thom. Congratulations.

[Dick]

Yes, beautiful bus Thom, I think the interior is very attractive. The wood is beautiful!

Mark

[Walter]

That is a beautiful bus!

Davy

[June]

That is a really good looking interior! Congrats!