Frodnew's 1989, Model 15, 6v92, 102" wide

[frodnew]

Excellent information. Thank you all!!

[frodnew]

Just a quick update on the status of where I'm at.

1. Bus is still in NC and she's fine. They've had some serious weather this year including a big dump of snow up where the bus sits.
2. Owner took pics this morning in/out and no leaks which is always a good sign.
3. Running condition is as stated. He said that she starts, runs fine but was concerned about the tranny. I didn't know this but she'll run fine down here to Fla no problem. Issue was that in cold weather, the tranny needs a little time to "warm up" before she shifts like she's supposed to. I don't know the details but a suggestion was to take it to a shop that he's very familiar with and have them dump the tranny fluid and change it and the filter(s). Guys, I'm ok on having this done since nobody is certain that last time it was done but can anyone tell me the way it really works when it comes to bus engines and tranny's, ie, when it's cold, it's cold and needs heaters on it, etc... Will the fluid/filter change help it? I know the seller is doing the best he can under his schedule and the shop's but I had to ask.
4. Lastly, I forgot that I uploaded many more detailed photos of the bus to my Google Docs and so have ways to upload more details of any part of the bus. For now, I'll simply post these as of this morning.

Hope everyone is staying warm,

[DoubleEagle]

The thing about the transmission not shifting well until it is warmed up might be a sign of trouble. I have driven a few different makes of buses as charter buses in cold weather, and I don't recall any particular difference in shifting. The first thing I would check is whether it has transmission fluid or motor oil in it. The color will tell you which, and then check whether the fluid looks dark or dirty in color compared to when it was fresh, and whether the level is low. I have the Allison HT740 in my Eagle (4 speed), you might have a five or six speed Allison, or some other brand. Grill the owner as to what it has, and what fluid it has. If the color looks good, I don't see the need to change the oil, but maybe change the filter.

[frodnew]

Update on the transmission. I have an Alison HT-740, 4 speed automatic transmission.
Fluids and filter will be changed which I don't mind. Color did not show any oil but it did show that it should probably be changed.

[frodnew]

Meant to ask where should I begin on getting better seats for myself and co-pilot? Purchase online? Used from an RV dealership? Are there things to consider when wanting one and a head's up on installation? If I need to order some, I better get started because I'm going to want to get this baby on the road asap and would like my lady by my side.

Thanks!!

[rusty]

colaws rv salvage in Missouri
Wayne

[beltguy]

Can't speak to the model 15, but if it is the same as a model 10, there is not much room for a thick back seat. If the driver's area has been modified, all bets are off.

My bus had an air seat, and I kept it, but changed the seat to an Astro Van seat. In my working days, I put a lot of long days in an Astro van when I was on special assignment and I really like the feel of that seat. The back is thin and you can get a lot of clearance between the back of the seat and the steering wheel.

Many years ago, folks used plush seats out of ritzy American cars, but they are pretty thick. Today, as Wayne mentioned, there are lots of options in RV salvage yards. Again, they are pretty thick.

Another option are semi-truck seats. They are made to be comfortable (and adjustable) so that the driver can put in tons of time in the seat.

For the copilot seat, you can use about anything. We use a top-of-the-line RV seat with all the bells and whistles.

Jim

[frodnew]

Wayne and Jim:

Thank you! I'll get started on doing the research and making calls as well. Anyone have suggestions on website to review for co-pilot seats or truck driving seats? I ask because I usually save favorites on websites myself as a quick reference but not on things like this. I'm thinking that maybe someone has done this already.
I wish I was close to an RV salvage as that would be a nice place to hang out for awhile unfortunately, I can't find one anywhere near Jacksonville, Fl.
The info about the driver's seat is interesting. I never thought of wanting a thin back due to the close proximity of the steering wheel. I weigh a modest buck 75 so can squeeze into narrow places easy, however, having the comfort of sleep number would be nice on my skinny little rump.
Added are some pics I took from the summer when I went up to look at her. If anyone thinks that the pilot seat is ok to keep, I'll keep er. If you see anything else that sparks you, please let me know. She's a dirty bus for sure.

Thank you guys!

[Eagle obsessed]

I feel dumb for not thinking of this before, but in Nebraska our biggest enemy in winter is the fuel gelling up. The further below freezing it gets, the worse it gels.
It would be a good idea to ask the seller if he has put in any antigel solvent in it recently.

[frodnew]

Actually, it's a great question which I will be asking. The temps in the daytime have been in the 50's but at night they drop into the 30's. I'm not sure at what point you want to add anything to the fuel before it starts to gel. Are there rules that you all have pertaining to driving any bus in cold weather and what would that be? I know here in Jax, Florida, I need anti-gel because I'm freezing with our nightly 50's temps!
Seriously, I didn't think of the fuel additive so I'll ask. I appreciate you asking and will be back at ya soon.