Headed off grid

5 hours ago, jcussen said:

Think you were responding to OP,  not me. Agree with getting it inspected. But do not believe a normal RV inspector will have the knowledge to properly inspect a 45 year old bus conversion. I would check out the bus conversion forums and contact a member that has actual experience, and has actually owned an older bus conversion, and offer to pay him to look it over, and drive it. Older MCI's had some engine and chassis quirks, that might go unnoticed to someone not familiar with them. Also remember, every bus conversion is completely custom,  usually designed and installed by original owner, but possibly modified over the years by subsequent owners, not a normal motorhome in any way.

Yes, I meant OP. Sorry about that. I agree on your points, which is why I suggest an EXPERT... someone who knows the buses... not just any old RV inspector. I have located an inspector with experience around these old buses. I don't recall recommending a normal RV inspector, or insinuating that it is a normal RV. I mentioned Pop RV's because they broker a lot of deals, including a lot of old bus conversions. 

Hey Jcussen,

Like you, I am newly in the market for a bus, and may have found the one I want. The way I am going to determine it, rather than flying or driving halfway across the country to see it, is hiring an expert to do a thorough inspection. Yes, it costs a few hundred, but in my experience with many things ranging from experts to help in salary negotiating to home inspections, to about any other larger ticket item, paying for expert advice always pays dividends. I am going through a broker, placing a deposit with a signed purchase agreement contract with contingencies for the inspection and test drive by an expert in the kind of rig I am looking at. No, it's not a really high $ one either... a 1975 MCI 8. But with his 5-6hr inspection, I will KNOW a great deal about the unit. Then, I can re-negotiate, or feel good about the pre-agreed upon price. If I have to walk away, I'd rather walk away from a few hundred bucks (Inspector says $400-600) than get mired in a money pit. This way I will also learn a great deal more than I currently know about old bus conversions. Cheap education if you ask me. Besides, I could easily spend the cost of the inspection in travel and accommodation. And I still get my time to do the things I need to do daily. So when I take delivery of whatever coach I buy, its pretty likely I will have only seen it in pictures, maybe some video, and through the eyes of a professional, qualified inspector. Peace of mind. Again, I'm no expert in all this, but this is how I approach subjects like this I have much to learn about. Hope it helps. Try Pop RV's for locating an expert.