Sammy
New Member
Posts: 22
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Post by Sammy on Apr 1, 2005 9:25:40 GMT
The YRQ is a central, underfloor engine coach, many Bedfords are front engined. It is an extremely simple vehicle, no power steering (steering box), no servo on the clutch, air over hydraulic brakes. In my view, this is exactly what you want. Yes, the steering is heavy, but you're going to need to plan further ahead than you ever did in a car anyway. I would guess that things like aircon would depend on the body manufacturer, but mine was a Plaxton, and had nothing like that.
It would do 60 flat out, but was happier at 55. It would sit at 55 all day and not get hot, but 60 and it would struggle. I did see 75 down a steep incline on a motorway in Turkey, and that was as scary as hell.
They come with various engines, I had a 466 (7.5 litre), which an experienced bus mechanic described to me as "a bit soft", but it took me to the end of the world and back. The 500 is apparently even better, but don't get a 500 turbo, as they are apparently overtuned and unreliable.
Cheap as chips (pid £700 for mine, and was offered a 500 for nothing, but couldn't take it, as mine was already converted), but parts are more scarce than for a Volvo or Leyland etc.
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Post by jimmy193 on Apr 3, 2005 16:10:45 GMT
I've got a '79 Bedford Duple Dominant YLQ with the 7630cc mid-engine. It cruises along at 55-60 on the flat but you have to be willing to work the gears on those long steep hills. So far we haven't had any problems with overheating but the gauge has stopped working so it looks like it is running cold all the time. Will have to check to see if it is the guage or the connection that is causing the problem before we go out on the next longish run. Average fuel consumption is in the region of 15-20 MPG, I will get a better idea on that this year as we will be out a lot more. I don't find the steering heavy at all, not even when the wheels are only just turning. Was even thinking of adding one of those shiny handles that bolt on to the steering wheel Had a think about getting a turbo engine to give us a bit more oooomph but the missus is quite happy to chug along - newer coaches overtaking us don't seem to bother her. Should be adding some more pics to George's website as soon as the modifications are complete. Regards, Jim
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Post by driver308 on Jun 23, 2007 11:28:47 GMT
Hi Sammy, could you give me any help with insurance on a converted coach, has I have come up blank at the moment.
Regards Phil
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