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Post by thecross on Oct 9, 2005 21:47:01 GMT
Hello Hello,
I'm looking into buying a coach to convert. I would like to drive it far far away, so it need to be reliable. Sure it's going to break down, but I'm sure there must be betters to buy than others.
I would like it to be a 53 seater.
Jonathan, I see you live in Edinburgh. So do I. Can you suggest a place to park the bus while I do it up? I would like to live on it while I do the work.
Is there any chance we could meet up, so I could pick your brain at some point?
Thanks, Tim
P.S This site is a great resource! Keep up the great work!
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Post by tanglewood7x on Oct 9, 2005 22:28:33 GMT
Hi Tim
A couple of years ago I bought my first coach - a 1980 Bedford PJK 8-metre. I knew nothing at all about coaches really, but when I asked around I found a friendly mechanic to look at it. He pronounced it fit enough - so I asked if he really thought it would would drive to the south of Spain and back?
He said - if it was a Volvo no, but Bedfords will go on forever!
I did about 6000 miles in 3-months all over Europe no problem at all. They're are loads of specialists for old Bedfords and they're simple and strong. I'd say it's best to get one straight out of service if you can as they've been maintained (well, reasonably...) - but otherwise any coach is designed to travel 1000's of miles without trouble (unlike cars!) so just choose wisely.
That said, I've just bought a 1961 Ford based coach that's been stood for years - but then life's just dull without some risk and anyway, the power of positive thinking is a wonderful thing!
Good luck with the park-up. I'm reasonably lucky here in Cornwall. I know a few kind people with gardens and a sense of humour - but the council/police are hotter than **** if they think you're living in it.
Adam
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Post by Jonathan Smith on Oct 10, 2005 8:30:19 GMT
Hi Tim,
Living long term in a coach in Edinburgh won't be tolerated by the council.
There are a couple of "travellers sites" in the Lothians, one at Niddry and one out at Whitecraigs near Dalkeith.
The seating capacity of a coach is a red herring, they simply squeeze more seats into the same body. A 70 seater coach is the same size as a 49 seater.
I would agree with getting something out of service, I bought one which had been in storage and it needed alot of work for the MOT.
There is no guarantee though, the coach company I work with have bought 2 coaches in the past year for £40K + and both had terminal engine failure within a few weeks.
You should be able to get a reasonable vehicle for around £2K which will require some work. They always do!
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Post by thecross on Oct 20, 2005 12:52:22 GMT
Hi Guys, thank you both for the replies. Sorry I did not respond, I’ve been working too much recently.
OK, so Bedford has a good rep. I will keep that in mind. Jonathan, can you recommend good companies in Edinburgh to approach about buying an out of service bus?
When you say "Long term" will 3-6 month count as long term? What do you mean by travellers sites? Do you have names for the places you mentioned?
Roughly how much have people spend on getting their bus on the road? I have around 10-15K will this be enough?
I don't really know much about mechanics. But I am extremely practical and mechanically minded. What have people done to learn about engines?
Thanks, Tim
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steve
New Member
Posts: 30
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Post by steve on Oct 20, 2005 13:15:47 GMT
Havent learned much about bus engines but hoping with the light use nothing more than topping up the fluids should be all thats required oh and filters.
I have learned that for brakes you require bigger jack, bigger hammer, bigger lever than doing a car. Also bigger doesnt seem to equate to much bigger expenditure for parts.
As for buying one i had little success contacting operators, them seem to prefer to deal in batches with the dealers. Try ensign, stevensons and british bus sales
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Post by Jonathan Smith on Oct 20, 2005 15:29:48 GMT
Anything more than 24 hours would be long term to Edinburgh council.
Keep an eye on ebay there are a few dealers who sell alot of vehicles on there. You should be able to buy and convert a vehicle with what you have.
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