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Mid 90’s 40’XL wanted
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Liam’s point about buyer beware is valid.
If you have owned a coach for a while you know how it has been maintained, you know what works, what does not work, and what items tend to need special attention.
Every coach has the potential to break. But if you know how you have maintained your coach, what maintenance tasks have been done, what ones have been overlooked, what is wearing out, etc. you can put together a very comprehensive list of things to rebuild, things to replace, fluids to change, things to look at with detail, etc. that list can comprise a way to quantify whether it makes more sense to treat the old gal to a makeover, or if it makes more sense to get something newer.
Buying a coach is pretty hard. Once your wants and needs are defined you have to find potential candidates. If you want a 40 foot Series 60 the number of coaches available is going to be minute. That’s the bad news. The good news is the market is so small you are going to be an expert knowing what market prices should be, what coaches are out there and who has them.
For a commercial use it is imperative the candidate for purchase has to have a proven history of maintenance and there is nothing more difficult to get when looking to purchase. Every seller will tell you the coach has been well maintained. Unless there are detailed records showing a comprehensive schedule and compliance with that schedule is available it is safe to assume the work was not done. A pile of receipts is a poor substitute unless you are prepared to do a full audit of the work shown in the receipts and comparing that work with when service should have been performed.
For example, a wet sleeve engine such as a Series 60 is going to be highly sensitive to coolant maintenance. Lack of such scheduled maintenance is a risk due to the potential for cavitation which can destroy an engine. You certainly need to see when that coolant change has been done over the years.
Any prepurchase inspection is going to catch some things, but there are so many things that are not visible or known without records the real condition of a coach is a guess. Try to consider all the factors. A bus is a big investment, and maintaining one is a large ongoing expense.
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Anyone wanting a 40′, the above coach used to be mine, it’s an excellent bus.
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Is anyone familiar with this coach?
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I read this thread with interest because I have 40′ bus with an 8V92 and although I agree with much that’s been said. I’ve found that there is no shortage of 8V92 mechanics in this general area. Some shops have even hired young guys and trained them on the 92’s because of demand. Clark Power Service to name one.
And mention the 8V92 to anyone over 60 who knows trucks, farming, mining etc and they all have stories. All having to do with how great they were. They use fuel, I get just shy of 6 mpg and slows a bit on a hills. But whoa doggies do they run and sound sweet.
But I completely understand having a schedule to keep and every shop doesn’t have 92 mechanics as 60’s are much more plentiful. But you know what I have found. When I go to Jeff’s at ETLC for service and maintenance of my bus. The older bus’s with the 8V92 Diesel engines are not the only ones there being worked on! WoW who’d of thought that? My point and it was made earlier… Lots of stuff can go wrong with something 50,000+ pounds going down the road on wheels!
Harry
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My first coach was a 1989 Marathon chassis with oak interior.
Current coach is a 45′ I was talked into because of bigger closets/bath.
The S60 is better, but there are lots of days I wish I still had that Marathon. Look before you leap.
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Thanks everyone for the shared insight. After the comments here and input from some other knowledgeable pals, I’m going to pursue the notion of bringing everything on our rig up to snuff and keep her on the road. She’s become a bit of a legend out here on the music touring circuit so we feel compelled to keep her going. I’ve leased dozens of Prevost’s over the years and have yet to come across one as comfortable and well equipped as Lafawnduh (that’s her name). I’m looking into the options mentioned, American Fleet, etc. but was curious if anyone has any 8v92/5 speed Allison guru recommendations on the west coast?
Thanks again…
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Nice looking coach. Timeless.
As far as 8V92/Allison guru, find out who American Fleet rebuilds for in your area. I recall reading of an Allison rebuild shop, but can’t remember the name. American Fleet might know of one.
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Loocho, very wise choice especially because you know what your coach needs.
I think with a little effort on your laptop you can find west coach 2 stroke engine and Allison 5 speed experts.
I don’t know your skills or budget, but if you want to create a new coach I would have your non-computer engine rebuilt, replace accessories while it is out (alternator, air compressor, power steering pump, starter etc),rebuild the Allison and then redo the chassis.
The chassis will need air bags, brake chambers, Norgren valves (or what Prevost was using in their place), ride height valves, plus check wheel bearings, brake drums and shoes, and make sure you have no hub seal leaks.
Given the age I would check rubber hoses on the brake system, replace all coolant hoses, etc. You will end up with a new mid 80’s Prevost that should be mechanically reliable for a long time.
You did not mention the house systems, but things that would screw up a trip are A/Cs, the refrigerator, the house electrical system which could be converters or inverters depending on the coach history.
If you can do a lot of the work, or find someone able to do it for a reasonable price you will have a very reliable coach for less money than it would cost to move to a 10 year newer Series 60 coach that might need much of the same work.
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Hey Loocho, How could you move out of a bus named Lafawnduh? I mean, what would you call your next bus… Sue? There’s something special about a classic bus and I’m glad to hear you’ve decided to stay in the family. Talking about family, stick around the forum, there’s always something good going on and you may even get a smile or two that we can all use.
I understand that Jon is about to post a video doing his rendition of “Play that funky music white boy”! It’s a real crowd pleaser…
Harry
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Hey Jon,
Great input. I’ve had Lafawnduh now for near 3 years. I wasn’t looking for an 8v92 bus but she was so damn pretty and original, we couldn’t pass her up. Plus, we paid practically nothing for her.
Born into a family of mechanics, I’m fairly handy, in fact the guys always clown me for constantly tinkering with her backstage while on the road, so, I’ve been able to upgrade many things on her already. So far, besides new TV’s, stereos, etc., I’ve replaced the following:
New…airbags, Michelins, shocks, 24volt generator, regulator, 24v relays, Lifeline batteries, exhaust, hi-idle piston, Jake plunger (that a plastic piece broke off of and left us stranded in Sturgis on a holiday weekend), coolant and fuel lines, fuel gauge sending unit, and of course…the biggie…brand spanking new 20kw generator…
Yes, now that I look at the list…why would I not just keep going???
She originally had Cruisairs but that has all been removed and Penguins were installed prior to me getting her,they are the older models and could use some TLC. The Dometic refer is starting to act up…but I love that I can let her sit outside NYC in a bus lot for a few days and not have to run the genny since she has the LP backup.
I have a local truck guy that keeps her serviced and he looks out for brake and air issues…she’s got close to 300k miles on her now so it’s probably prudent to start thinking about deeper engine, trans, cooling system attention, though she barely smokes, or burns (or slings) oil or trans fluid. My last issue on the road was Allison DO NOT SHIFT warnings which turned out to be a combination of loose pins at ECM, bad harness splice and shift solenoid.
I like the, “Devil you know vs the devil you don’t know metaphor”. Looks like we are sticking by this cute little devil.
Thanks y’all.
BTW…I’d like to find one of those Bus Armour plexi shields for the front if anyone sees one on the loose.
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I recently saw the 1994 Liberty at Tradewinds and it is a good looking bus.
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Loocho, I’m an old 70’s roadie and curious who you are and where can I see you perform.
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OP, sorry about off topic, Jimmy I see your signature. Please, can you tell me about GX470 as a toad? PM is fine so as not to derail this thread. I hate my Arcadia, and love my LS 460. I’d go to a Lexus Toad in a heartbeat if it’s feasible.
1984 96" with 8V92TA
(remodeled Liberty Coach)
Greenwood, MO -
Hey Jimmy,
I’m just an old rickety bass player who plays with various bands. Let me know where you live and I’ll let you know if and when I’m coming through.
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Hey, Loocho, more off-topic… if you need another upright bass I’ve got a 1950 Kay M-1-W in decent condition but it’s feeling neglected after I quit using it due to back problems.
Linda
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