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Dvorak
Senior Member
United States
95 Posts |
 Posted - 04/26/2011 : 11:41:50 AM
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Our fleet currently consists of 32 International buses. This year we're looking to buy two more. With all the trouble we've had with our two newest (2010) Internationals, we're considering looking at Blue Bird and Thomas as well. Any advice?? I don't want to make this into an SCR/EGR debate, so outside of that what are the pros and cons you guys have seen between the three brands?
Thanks in advance. |
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Wolf0r
Top Member
USA
2181 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2011 : 12:36:21 PM
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| Who ever is the nearest commute for warranty work and availability of parts and technical support for your mechanics. They are no good sitting on the fence at the bus lot or the dealership right? |
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson |
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RichBusman
Advanced Member
453 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2011 : 1:09:35 PM
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Dealer support should break the tie between Blue Bird and Thomas.
As far as the engines go, haven't heard any real major issues with the 2010 Cummins. |
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bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2011 : 2:22:21 PM
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I agree with RichBusman. The dealer will be your deal maker. I haven't had any experience with the C2 Thomas but the old FS65s were good machines. I have great dealer support with my Blue Birds that is what makes the sale for me. Good luck!!
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Bryan |
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Thomasbus24
Administrator
USA
4559 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2011 : 2:55:08 PM
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| I would also advise you to obtain and read every warranty document associated with each vehicle before making your choice. I'm not up to speed on the warranty that new Blue Birds carry, but the Thomas C2 warranty has disappointing at best. See $400 fender extensions busting at 50,000 miles, interior plastic self-destructing even quicker, service door oxidation, warrarty all gone! |
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bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2011 : 3:11:54 PM
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| They are all putting that junk plastic in there. I don't know what it is going to take to convience these dorks that these machines are utilitarian not show pieces or your personal car for that matter. I was disappointed with my latest BB and all the plastic they added since the last one I got (only a year between the models). I improved it by adding a radio mount in the dash that doubled as bracing. I'll have to put a picture of my modification on another thread if there is interest. |
Bryan |
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Jake
Top Member
USA
3528 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2011 : 3:38:39 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by bwest
They are all putting that junk plastic in there. I don't know what it is going to take to convience these dorks that these machines are utilitarian not show pieces or your personal car for that matter. I was disappointed with my latest BB and all the plastic they added since the last one I got (only a year between the models). I improved it by adding a radio mount in the dash that doubled as bracing. I'll have to put a picture of my modification on another thread if there is interest.
I would be interested in seeing it.
It is a complete shame what this industry has boiled down to. I would also agree that I'd like to see buses built more structurally sound, rather than for looks. I'll also say I miss the variety we once had, but everyday thats becoming more of a distant memory.
I would agree as well with the posts made above, you need to look at the dealerships in your area and the warranty support for those buses. |
Edited by - Jake on 04/26/2011 3:39:26 PM |
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BBInt.10
Top Member
USA
1042 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2011 : 4:34:58 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by bwest
They are all putting that junk plastic in there. I don't know what it is going to take to convience these dorks that these machines are utilitarian not show pieces or your personal car for that matter. I was disappointed with my latest BB and all the plastic they added since the last one I got (only a year between the models). I improved it by adding a radio mount in the dash that doubled as bracing. I'll have to put a picture of my modification on another thread if there is interest.
Interesting you mention the difference in the new Blue Birds. My regular route bus is a 2010 model year made in the North Georgia plant. Lately they've had me in a 2011 model year (with the new dash design) made in the Fort Valley plant, and there is noticeably more creaking coming from the dash area as you're driving down the road. I don't know if this creaking is due to the dash redesign or the fact that it was built in Fort Valley. I also think it's a shame they did away with that little compartment over the windshield by the door. |
If all your problems are behind you... you must be a school bus driver. |
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Wolf0r
Top Member
USA
2181 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2011 : 06:27:58 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by BBInt.10
quote:
Originally posted by bwest
They are all putting that junk plastic in there. I don't know what it is going to take to convience these dorks that these machines are utilitarian not show pieces or your personal car for that matter. I was disappointed with my latest BB and all the plastic they added since the last one I got (only a year between the models). I improved it by adding a radio mount in the dash that doubled as bracing. I'll have to put a picture of my modification on another thread if there is interest.
I also think it's a shame they did away with that little compartment over the windshield by the door.
Ya that little compartment was handy. |
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson |
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Cal Mc
Advanced Member
303 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2011 : 10:10:41 PM
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We purchased 10 IC buses two years ago and five more of the same last year. We are looking at purchasing five more buses this year.
I am not entirely sold on the IC buses. Much preferred the BB bodies.
We need better ride quality than is currently offered with any of the sprung suspensions. I have been told that BB offers a resonably priced air ride option. Has anyone had experience with air ride on a Vision chassis? |
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bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2011 : 06:41:51 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Cal Mc
We purchased 10 IC buses two years ago and five more of the same last year. We are looking at purchasing five more buses this year.
I am not entirely sold on the IC buses. Much preferred the BB bodies.
We need better ride quality than is currently offered with any of the sprung suspensions. I have been told that BB offers a resonably priced air ride option. Has anyone had experience with air ride on a Vision chassis?
No experience with air but have you been on a BB latley? I would say they ride better than a Chevy chassis and some have called Chevy the best ride. |
Bryan |
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Thomasbus24
Administrator
USA
4559 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2011 : 10:19:00 AM
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| I believe Hendrickson provides the air ride to Blue Bird, somebody chime in if I am wrong please. If it's Neway, I'd run away from it. Had that on some Thomas EFs and it's VERY expensive to rebuilt when it wears out VERY early in life. |
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Kodie
Top Member
United States
2028 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2011 : 10:42:44 AM
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| One thing I've noticed in particular with the Hendrickson suspension system is how creaky it is. I've only seen spring ride on Blue Birds personally, but it creaks and pops like nothing I've ever heard. I'm not sure if it's the rubber "washers" or what. It's certainly not a deal breaker, but I've never heard it on anything but a Blue Bird. |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
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Wolf0r
Top Member
USA
2181 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2011 : 06:39:44 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by bluebirdvision
There is a service bulletin on that.
http://newyorkbussales.com/pdfs/10-04_service_notice-spring_insert.pdf
Haha a bulletin telling you that "We ain't paying for your squeeky springs" it's a maintenance part. But we can sell ya the parts to fix it. LOL Gotta love corporate. Do the new ones squeek still? My 2008s do when empty mainly. |
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson |
Edited by - Wolf0r on 04/29/2011 06:41:59 AM |
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Kodie
Top Member
United States
2028 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2011 : 6:25:47 PM
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| The units I saw were both 2011's and they had that god awful squeak. One was a propane powered Vision, so there wasn't a diesel sound to drown out the chassis noise, however, there was a D3 FE with the same squeaky suspension. |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2011 : 6:54:08 PM
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| I've learned to live with the rattling and squeaking. Its an awful lot of metal and plastic parts, you have to expect that some rattling is going to happen. Although I think some is excessive. I have never been on a bus that didn't rattle (at least a little) and I've been on IC, Carpenter Thomas and BBs. Just turn the radio up louder! |
Facebook Page: Blue Bird Corporation Fans
https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_212311114614&ap=1
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Edited by - bluebirdvision on 04/29/2011 6:59:38 PM |
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JustinB
Advanced Member
United States
490 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2011 : 8:00:07 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by bluebirdvision
... Just turn the radio up louder!
LOL!! The greatest challenge with low $$s OE installed Spark-O-Matics is finding the right frequency of static to cancel out the noise.  |
I may not know the answer but I can usually find who does. |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
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Wolf0r
Top Member
USA
2181 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2011 : 07:46:17 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by JustinB
quote:
Originally posted by bluebirdvision
... Just turn the radio up louder!
LOL!! The greatest challenge with low $$s OE installed Spark-O-Matics is finding the right frequency of static to cancel out the noise.
Ya, I agree with Shane. Order the deluxe speakers. Those chinese sparkomatics are crap. |
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
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Wolf0r
Top Member
USA
2181 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2011 : 06:25:24 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by bluebirdvision
Aren't they all CRCs?
NO, not anymore. They put in some cheap non-branded speaker. I replace them with CRC. If you don't get 4 ohms when you go across the terminals, it's junk. If you have static, drop all the speakers and ohm them out. Make sure the leads from the cone to coil aren't touching the speaker frame. The Panasonic CD radios are great IMO, I have one in my Crown Vicky. |
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson |
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bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2011 : 09:10:19 AM
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So just put your leads from your ohm meter across the terminals on the speakers and if you are over 4 ohms of resistance then they are bad? Cool! That's some good information to have! I just never give the radio system in these things much attention. If they are bad I tell the drivers that a radio is a luxury item and the repair of them are not in our budget. So when I do repair them I'm a hero. |
Bryan |
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Wolf0r
Top Member
USA
2181 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2011 : 12:26:05 PM
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| Yes at least 4 ohms. usually you will get one open or over then it's junk. |
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson |
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Cal Mc
Advanced Member
303 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2011 : 7:38:54 PM
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| No radios in the buses...guess the drivers will hve to put up with the creaking. |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2011 : 7:55:02 PM
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I never cared much for CRC products. Their head units leave a lot to be desired.... But if Wolf says their speakers are good, I'll take him at his word, as he listens to HEAVY metal!  |
Facebook Page: Blue Bird Corporation Fans
https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_212311114614&ap=1
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Edited by - bluebirdvision on 05/05/2011 7:58:55 PM |
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bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2011 : 8:23:13 PM
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You metal guys are not right
Fit right in with the kids though |
Bryan |
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Wolf0r
Top Member
USA
2181 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2011 : 1:53:22 PM
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| \m/ |
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson |
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JustinB
Advanced Member
United States
490 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2011 : 05:35:25 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wolf0r
\m/
Nice Dagwood.
Bluegrass is where its at. |
I may not know the answer but I can usually find who does. |
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bluebirdvision
Top Member
USA
1081 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2011 : 06:46:37 AM
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Country or oldies for me.
Occasionally I'll turn it on rock.
Anyway, back on topic. I rode on a Vision with air ride, and i was very impressed with it. It doesn't take much to impress me tho. |
Facebook Page: Blue Bird Corporation Fans
https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_212311114614&ap=1
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Edited by - bluebirdvision on 05/07/2011 06:54:18 AM |
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bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2011 : 07:03:30 AM
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| I think this thread spun out of control anyway so here's my 2 cents. I used to listen to a lot of country but all they are interested in is lust in the dust now a days. I now listen to a lot of talk but I really like my XM radio where I can listen to The Message which is rock style music with a message. This is the first I have seen this video but this song is great! Watch this Third Day video and you will understand the Message I am talking about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij71LWwPt-w |
Bryan |
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Topic |
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Buying new buses
