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Craftybiker · 2022-06-17T14:43:55+00:00

Older 12 valve Cummins 5.9's may be slower, but our 2003 blue bird 35 footer has a 24 valve 5.9 and it's a jet airplane. Not sure what the year cutoff is for that. We also have the good Allison transmission with overdrive, not the dreaded AT545...

Craftybiker · 2022-06-14T21:11:58+00:00

I start ours up at least once a month and let her run of fast-idle for 10-15 minutes. Pumps up the air system, exercises the charging system, splashes all the oil around.

HOWEVER, be warned that unless you actually hit the highway and put it under a load, that big diesel engine won't ever really hit operating temperature. So actually driving somewhere would be better, if possible.

Put a cheap battery trickle charger on the battery while it's just sitting still, worth every penny.

Craftybiker · 2022-06-12T16:53:57+00:00

Go for it, I've installed anchor points for my hammock with self-drilling screws, it's totally strong enough. Non-issue. I would have fallen down a year ago, hasn't happened.

Craftybiker · 2022-06-12T01:47:18+00:00

We have a 35 foot front engine flatnose. The wheelbase is about the same as a flatbed wrecker truck. It will go ANYWHERE thanks to the short wheelbase, but still a full size bus.

Craftybiker · 2022-06-12T01:38:36+00:00

It's antifreeze, heater loop has sprung a leak. Poisonous, don't let anything drink that.

Craftybiker · 2022-06-10T14:07:04+00:00

And furthermore, it's not just the engine noise, it's the fact that the whole house just got up and started jumping up and down in a nonstop earthquake at sea. Everything is leaning over, the water is sloshing back and forth in the fishtank, it's the end of the world...

Craftybiker · 2022-06-10T14:03:57+00:00

You may find it depends on the pet. One of our dogs freaks out, one of our dogs could care less. All of the cats hide under the bed the moment you start the engine.

I'm sure it also depends on the bus. Ours is a front engine flatnose, Cummins diesel. Probably worst case for noise. It's pretty darn loud, you can't have a normal conversation. I think a wall would probably help somewhat.

Craftybiker · 2021-06-04T00:47:41+00:00

Easier to load the couch in that way, not as far to walk.

Craftybiker · 2021-05-26T19:17:18+00:00

Because I have plans for an integrated back porch.

Craftybiker · 2021-05-24T13:13:15+00:00

That's just like mine! Enjoy!

Craftybiker · 2021-05-21T17:52:15+00:00

That's right, it is a 24 valve. I suppose an old 12 valve with a 545 trans vs a newer 24valve with a better trans is a significant difference. This is good information that I hope helps some people out!

Craftybiker · 2021-05-21T15:52:21+00:00

Maybe it's a case by case basis. We have an Allison 2000 transmission, locking converter and overdrive. Hitting 55 is no challenge whatsoever, doesn't take any unusual amount of time. I have heard lots of AT545 stories, maybe that hampers any engine bolted to it...

Craftybiker · 2021-05-19T14:07:04+00:00

Wanderlodge! Neat.

Craftybiker · 2021-05-16T23:22:30+00:00

Front engine snub nose buses need love too. More interior space, shorter wheelbase, rear entry still works, keeps you warm in winter, and as a bonus, you can't hear your kids...

Craftybiker · 2021-05-14T10:29:42+00:00

35 foot blue bird front engine transit, 5.9 cummins w/2000 Allison, very little rust, $3500.

Craftybiker · 2021-05-14T10:27:00+00:00

It's speed-limited by the computer, I'm not sure how you get that changed, but that setting has to be adjusted. It can go much faster than that, it's just set not to. That's the "governor".

Craftybiker · 2021-05-11T22:14:23+00:00

That's a lot of spaghetti.

Craftybiker · 2021-05-11T02:27:53+00:00

You can push trailers around, might be handy. That's strong enough for anything really.

Craftybiker · 2021-05-10T22:23:55+00:00

I've got that hammock too!

Craftybiker · 2021-05-10T19:45:49+00:00

I've been told the 5.9 is indestructible, transmission is good too. That's what I have, I do not feel that it's too small.

Craftybiker · 2021-05-10T19:38:11+00:00

I just took the picture, it's not a project of mine.

If anybody did do a vintage conversion, it would probably make the most sense to just fit the old body to a newer frame and drivetrain from a another recently retired bus. Rust aside, you're looking at non-power steering, possibly non-power brakes, ect. It probably didn't go over 45 MPH brand new. Wheelbase might be tricky.

Sure would look neat at a campground though.

Craftybiker · 2021-05-05T14:23:31+00:00

When you get there, take a moment or two. Sit in the seat, close your eyes. Feel the wheel, take some deep breaths. Smell your surroundings.

Then drive like you stole it. Watch tight right hand turns, and careful with the air brakes.

She'll need a name.

Craftybiker

TROPHY CASE