Any Bus Nuts?

[lou432]

Hey all!! Been re arranging my life over last few years and was down in Fla for moms day visiting kin folks and looking for an RV .( to live in soon) Well the 3 that I looked at in my price range ,I wouldn't of give you a 1/3 what they were asking!!!Used ,98-04 Class A`s ...

So drivin round Port Charlotte and BAM!!!!!!!!!!!! there she is!! OMG!!!!!! I like it!! so call # and set up appointment next day...... She is a classic !! had to try to keep my drool from dripping and act cool and vaguely interested which was not my emotions at the time.

Any way she`s mine now 1966 MCI Challenger Land Cruiser 35` of stainless , Built by Custom coach as a one off .
In quite good condition for 48 years old! Seems to run like a swiss watch !! 34,000 original miles,3 owners With a Detroit diesel 8V71"N" series .spicer 8245D4 speed standard trans, and a MCI Special 3.36 to 1 rear end .

She`s still in Fla and am I`m looking to see if any of ya`ll know of reputable places/people in the Port Charolette area that may be familiar with this engine/drive train?
As I`ll be bringing her up to New England as soon as I can get her checked out ,new tires in front,brakes,bearings,hoses,belts all fluids etc.....
Heres a few pics of her >>>
And thought I`d share n my excitement.

[ceramictec]

Lou, that's a sweet ride!

I can go down and drive her to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale up to Daytona then to Orlando and back to Tampa and see how many women I can fit on that party bus for ya!

[ceramictec]

btw, my Grandfather used to drive them for NJ Transit when I was under 10yrs old.

[Vegas Sparky]

I'm no bus nut, but I love life on the road, and that is one cool machine. Nice find!

[lou432]

Thanks ya`ll!! And Brian, I was when I read your comment !! your the 3 or forth guy sad nearly the same thing but with different city`s !!
I`m contemplating doing the trip back to NH alone just to see how many ladies will fit ! Lets see,hmmmm!!!????? if I pick one up every hunerd miles or so that`ll be 17 by the time I get to NY ,it sleeps 6 comfortably so I guess some of us will be uncomfortable Oh well I will suffer with the other 11

Seriously tho , Might bring my life long friend Mark with me as he`s the more diesel engine kinda guy just in case. But my sis in Ga wants me to do 400 ft of flat work if I stop by and I will cause my Mom`s .

Oh Brian, How`d those knee pads work out for ya?

I was gona call and intro myself while in Tampa but had some stomach ailments first two day whilst RV hunting and when Mom flew in had to be her care giver as she`s not physically well :-( But did take her to the Colonnade for seafood and was quite pleased !! and Breakfast at Datz was nice too!

Maybe on my maiden voyage with heer ??? Hav`nt given her a name yet ,Hmmm I`ll have to work on that !!

[Executive Flooring]

Sweet bus Lou!

I love anything older even though Im only in my early 30's. Stainless really makes it stand out. Shouldnt be a problem spotting you driving around the area. If your in Southern NH, you cant be to far from me.

[PC7060]

Beautiful vehicle! Love that stainless steel, definitely the most unique RV ride on the road.

[Peerless Tile]

That bus is too cool for school!

Google Detroit Diesel...Locations....Port Charlotte.....Looks like a few places in Ft. Myers, including a RV dealership.

[ceramictec]

Originally Posted by lou432

Thanks ya`ll!! And Brian, I was when I read your comment !!

Oh Brian, How`d those knee pads work out for ya?

I was gona call and intro myself while in Tampa but had some stomach ailments first two day whilst RV hunting and when Mom flew in had to be her care giver as she`s not physically well :-( But did take her to the Colonnade for seafood and was quite pleased !! and Breakfast at Datz was nice too!

Maybe on my maiden voyage with heer ??? Hav`nt given her a name yet ,Hmmm I`ll have to work on that !!

the shorty ProKnees ad good, use them for some small stuff.

I love the Colonade on Bayshore! Haven't been there in a year. Datz is good for sandwiches and has good salads, next time your here you definitely need to hit me up !

[chuck stevenson]

Nice find Lou!

The title of your thread threw me. I know a sign painter that lives here.





His work truck.



His bus. He called it his Olds Vista-Cruiser. A bus nut for sure LOL.



I think Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters rode on it.



Kidding aside. I helped a bud fit up a 1950s Greyhound SeniCruiser in the 80s. I am sure he never got out of it what he put into it.

Yours looks ready to roll.

[lou432]

Yea , Like I said cant even remember when I was this excited abpout any thing for many years!!! Maybe cause I`m always doin for others and help somebody when I can :-) And all my Sweet Mom wanted was Seafood and fresh fruit!!! And of course my company !! Pic below!
I know Brian I was a bit disappointed I didnt have a chance to connect with you but next time for sure! Think you were at Coverings or just getting back too!

And Ray, Thanks! Yea I`m outa Milford and do a bit of work in your areas as well! You may see me cruis`n round in a few months or I`ll take her down to Billerica to show her off to some folks I know.


And Chuck, I`ll be in Columbus when I bring her back ,as My Mom lives there in Twin Chapel N Columbus and cant be that close and not swing in for some Moma love!! :-) I`ll shoot ya a PM when I think I`m gona be in there.
End of July or first half of August ,If I can squeeze enough time outa my semi over booked work load.

[John Bridge]

That is one beautiful rig. Check out the Good Old RV site. http://www.goodoldrvs.ning.com

It's a small group. Somebody will know about your bus and engine.

[chuck stevenson]

Lou,
Let me know if you are coming to COLGA.

[Lazarus]

A really nice bus "rebuild."

http://www.viralnova.com/luxury-rv-bus/

I saw another one even better....but this is pretty cool as well.

[lou432]

John, Thanks ! I am a member of a few Bus/RV forums and will check this one out .
Chuck. I am coming to Columbus ,unless the creek rises or hell freezes over ! :-) My Mom would never forgive me and I never pass a chance to see her ! I try to give her a few surprise visits a year even If I`m flying somewhere else I`ll take a 10-12 hour layover in Atlanta to race down to take her to lunch :-)

Laz , That is one heck of a conversion !! Who woulda thought !! Have not decided what I`m gone do with her after I bring her home yet?? There was a statement from the original owner to the second owner that Ronald Reagan used this RV to some capacity in his bid for the Republican nominee for President I think in 68 ?? I want to verify or dismiss that before I change anything as If its true maybe I`ll ask the Reagan museum to make me an offer !
But right now just wana drive her home and enjoy my new classic !