Eagles International Forum

Jim, thanks again for the final inspection.

The wheels are 9" "floaters" and are hub pilot. I use these wheels and tires on the steer and lift axles of my semi therefore, I can keep them rotated to the coach with ease. I plan to change the hubs on the drive as well. I just wanted to make sure we didn't have to change anything else with it while doing the engine swap.

If anyone know the direct hub replacement from stud pilot to hub pilot for the drive, please let me know...it will save me from killing more brain cells!!!
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BILL

After attending my first and only Eagle’s Bus Rally out in Quartzsite, I really got the bug. I saw several spectacular Eagles as well as S.O.Bs, all with unique concepts. The power plants really caught my attention. “CATS AND CUMMINS, AND DETROIT 60S, OH MY!!!” Everything looked so neat and clean. I was like a kid in a candy store, so I was told.


CUMMINS BIG CAM 400 (I THINK)


DETROIT SERIES 60


C.A.T. B MODEL


CUMMINS (MODEL UNKNOWN)

After several and (I do mean several) months of begging and pleading moma to let me update the engine, she finally gave in. I looked for several engines and trannys but was unable to find exactly what I was looking for. Then I received a phone call about a complete truck with a Cummins ISX engine and ZF Freedomline 12 speed automatic. After striking a deal and paying it off, moma and I headed to “THE BEST LITTLE BUS SHOP IN TEXAS!!!”


THANKSGIVING DAY HEADED FOR POTTSBORO, TX
MOMA IS DRIVING THE TRUCK AS I FOLLOW WITH THE COACH


ARRIVE IN POTTSBORO ON BLACK FRIDAY (11/26/2010)


"EAGLE'S NEST"
MOMA AND THE EAGLE GENIUS!!! (SONNIE GRAY)

Sonnie and I have been talking off and on since I met him out in Quartzsite. After getting everything ironed out, I decided on him doing the job. Out with the old and in with the new…WRONG!!!


LAST TIME LOOKING AT THE 6V92TA


READY FOR INSTALL...NOT!!!

…well, what started out as a “simple” engine swap (in my eyes) ended up being an engine compartment rebuild as well as Bigfoot levelers reconstruction. As it turns out, the entire engine compartment structure had been rigged from the original conversion. Sonnie has had the pleasure of rebuilding the entire engine compartment and correct the problem with the Bigfoot leveler installation.


FRAME SPLICED TOGETHER WITH SPLINTS


...MORE SPLINTS


NICE WORK SONNIE!!!


...AND THE LEVELERS ARE WORKING PROPERLY TOO!!!

Looks great Bill! You picked the right guy to do the job for sure, his work is one of a kind. I'll bet you are anxious to show 'er off huh! Looking forward to meeting you one day and swapping a few lies!

Bill, I wish you wouldn't have posted a picture of my Cummins 400. For some reason it does not look that good now. I guess it is because it now has 95000 miles on it. And the old Hotsy does remove a little paint each time I wash it. Now I won't be able to sleep thinking I have to take the engine out and clean it up. Nice work on the new install but we all knew it would be first class with that Texas ( old yellow motor) dude doing the work.

Wayne

Hey Paul,
We have been anxious to get ‘er back for some time now. We know she’s in good hands and have added several more tasks for Sonny to complete for us. We look forward to making some rallies once she’s up to par. Moma laughed something fierce when she read the “swapping a few lies” part. We look forward to meeting you soon!!!

Hey Wayne,
You know you have an image to maintain. You’re just going to have to pull out the Krylon every time you pull out the hotsy!!! It sounds like you’re racking up the miles though. As for that “Texas old yellow motor dude,” I think he’s a one of a kind. We really need to keep him around. I guess when it’s all said and done, we’ll be known as 'Ole Yellar' and 'Big Red'!!!

Thanks to everyone for the compliments. We didn’t build our coach from start however, we’re rebuilding 'er all over again!!!
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BILL

After a great deal of work and modifications, the Eagle Genius has managed to make the engine compartment look like a masterpiece. The engine has new rods and mains, a new a/c compressor was added for much needed driver air, and we decided to go ahead and install a new clutch kit. A complete rebuild was going to cost more than $24,000.00. I would have gone that route but there was not going to be any warranty. I figure if the engine fails, we can have it repaired or replaced for less money. Besides, she won’t be ran as hard as the truck.

Sonnie has sent me pictures of the accessory drives and the engine now that it is ready for final installation. I couldn’t believe how great everything looks. He has also managed to make everything accessible.


MAN...WHAT A MESS


ONE OF MANY FITMENTS!!!


NOW I'M GETTING EXCITED!!!


WOWEE!!!


LOOKING REAL GOOD!!!

Very nice and clean job.

Eric

Thanks Eric, Sonnie appreciates it!!!
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BILL