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Transit bus conversions
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Turtle1
Posted 2019-09-27 11:46 AM (#6903)
Subject: Transit bus conversions



(73.209.116.160)		I thought I would start a thread for those few that own an FMC transit bus converted to RV. Since there are quite a few differences between the motorhome and the converted bus/motorhome, it seems like a good idea to have a thread specifically for these things.
Some of the differences; the bus has disc brakes all around. It also has an Alison 4spd transmission. The engine is mounted in a straight line. Apu is located in right-front of the engine bay (mine is at least).
There are quite a few things different but they may not be the same on other conversions. No door on the driver's side, just one on the right side a little aft of the passenger seat.
I am curious as to how many of these things are out there and who did these conversions. I haven't found any indication on mine as to who was responsible for the work.
My wiring was a complete nightmare and the diagram for the 2900R is of little help. The bus was equipped with a higher output alternator (130 amp) and seems to be wired differently from the 2900R. One of the things I have changed so far is the distributor. I had a bad coil and I replaced the whole mess with an all in one distributor. That got rid of a few components..
Currently, my engine shuts off if I disconnect the battery. I know there are some vehicles wired this way so I don't know if this means my alternator is not charging or if it is supposed to do this. I'm thinking I still need to make a connection somewhere.
Well, that's enough for now, I'm looking forward to seeing if anyone else posts there experiences with one of these conversions!
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LCAC_Man
Posted 2019-09-27 1:42 PM (#6904 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions


Location: Oceanside, CA
(172.10.134.245)		"and the diagram for the 2900R is of little help"
Don't feel alone on that...it's not that much help to the coach crowd either...they took a lot of liberties with it..
"my engine shuts off if I disconnect the battery"
My assumption is that you're disconnecting the positive lead of the battery and that any other wires that may be hooked to that positive cable stay hooked to it when disconnected. If that's the case then you're alternator is not doing it's job, that may be a simple wiring/fusible link fix or an actual alternator problem.
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Turtle1
Posted 2019-09-28 5:36 PM (#6916 - in reply to #6904)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions



(73.209.116.160)		I gather from your comment that the engine is supposed to keep running with the battery disconnected (which seems to be the norm). I have the diagram from the alternator mfgr which shows a jumper from a field terminal to the + cable. I installed one and the engine would not shut off when I turned the ignition off. I have rerouted some wiring since that trial so I think I'll revisit that set-up. If it turns out that the alternator is not doing its thing, I'll replace it with a newer type with an internal regulator. It would be nice to eliminate another component and a few more wires!
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andy1canada
Posted 2019-09-27 6:55 PM (#6905 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions


Location: Victoria, BC. Canada
(108.172.101.233)		Don't recall if the transit's even came with a genny? The reason the engine in the transit's is mounted on the centerline is because there was no 360-lb anchor of an Onan plunked beside it necessitating that the engine be canted off the centerline to balance the whole mess.

If you haven't read it yet, you might find some good reading here: http://www.fmcmotorcoach.com/ (click: Publications/Transit coach specs)

I seem to remember a number around 125 transits built. Don't recall where I read it. Maybe someone else knows.

Terry
#846
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hemi354az
Posted 2019-09-27 10:39 PM (#6906 - in reply to #6905)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(68.2.104.9)		Duh, direct from the PREVIOUS Topic in Discussion. Drum or Disc Brakes for FMC :
FMC A & J Models came with Drum Brakes.There were 874 produced.
FMC Transit/Buses came with Disc Brakes. There were 132 produced.
FMC Club Models came with ??? Brakes. There were 18 produced.
FMC M Models came with ??? Brakes. There were 22 produced.
FMC for NASA came with ??? Brakes. There were 4 produced.

How soon we forget. Lou #120

Edited by hemi354az 2019-09-27 10:40 PM
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Turtle1
Posted 2019-09-28 5:10 PM (#6914 - in reply to #6905)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions



(73.209.116.160)		I don't imagine that the transits had genny's until they were converted.
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Turtle1
Posted 2019-09-28 5:25 PM (#6915 - in reply to #6905)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions



(73.209.116.160)		Thanks for the heads up on the Transit bus spec link! I managed to miss that in previous visits to the site.
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andy1canada
Posted 2019-09-27 11:55 PM (#6907 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions


Location: Victoria, BC. Canada
(108.172.101.233)		Forgive me for not committing to memory your excellent treatise on FMC production numbers, Lou.

These days I mainly remember two things: I'm 63 and Trump is an A@#hole!

Honestly, the buck-and-a-quarter number I referenced was from some time ago, not the previous post.

Sheesh, a guy should get some cred for only being off by - 7.

Terry
#846
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hemi354az
Posted 2019-09-28 12:05 AM (#6908 - in reply to #6907)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(68.2.104.9)		Well, being a Retired (2002) Engine Ear . . . I maintain my mathematical skills . . . of . . . Arithmetic.
I'm 78, and remember nothing racial, religious, or political on Public Forums.
Count ON ! Lou #120

Edited by hemi354az 2019-09-28 12:12 AM
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Turtle1
Posted 2019-10-07 3:44 PM (#6928 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions



(73.209.116.160)		OK, I have given up on the alternator and ordered a new one wire job. I like the fact that more stuff can be removed from the engine bay. The ignition control unit and coil already gone (all in one distributor), now I can get rid of the regulator and more wires. Pretty soon I might be able to look in there and know what wires go where and why! Nah, just wishful thinking. Oh, and Andy1, I'm 70 and you are not wrong about our fearless leader.
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Turtle1
Posted 2019-10-11 8:51 AM (#6948 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions



(73.209.116.160)		Got the alternator yesterday and had to make some changes to the installation due to physical differences, but it went in nicely and now the engine will run without the battery connected and the voltage gauge reads in the normal range while running. Yay!
Next, I will remove all of the relays and solenoids that have to do with the coach DC power and start from scratch. None of that made sense to me so I'll re-do it in a manner that agrees with my meager cognitive functions.
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byegorge
Posted 2019-10-18 11:50 PM (#6977 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions


Location: Olympia, Washington
(71.197.142.167)		When your old setup kept running when shut off the jumper wire back fed the ignition system putting a resistor (a dash light bulb filament works perfect) in series with the jumper corrects the problem.
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Turtle1
Posted 2019-10-20 9:31 AM (#6978 - in reply to #6977)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions



(73.209.116.160)		Thanks, George! I thought it was something along those lines. Moot point now though, since I have replaced the alternator with a 1 wire job.
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JEV1A
Posted 2020-04-22 5:20 PM (#7232 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: RE: Transit bus conversions




(65.41.158.2)		This is not technical but FYI

Once we (RVD) Santa Clara hit 1000 Vehicles Club Coaches at the end, we had a plant shutdown and then called back for a couple of weeks and then plant closure. Most of the plant was gutted and crews gone. The Denver contract had to be completed so a crew was put together to build your vehicles. And there was a failed plan to soley build transit vehicles. Many of the vehicles (I had left to a different division) were unfinished and there were legal problems.

I'm new to the board, just joined today, was a Union Electrical Line Specialist from #1 - #1000 FMC RVD Santa Clara

John V.
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hemi354az
Posted 2020-04-22 5:55 PM (#7235 - in reply to #7232)
Subject: RE: Transit bus conversions


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(68.2.104.9)		Welcome John V. !

What does "RVD" stand for . . . Recreational Vehicle Division ? Or something else ?
Are you still in the SF Bay Area ?
Ever OWN a FMC 2900R, or FMC Transit.

Lou #120 in Scottsdale Aridzona
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JEV1A
Posted 2020-04-22 11:31 PM (#7240 - in reply to #7235)
Subject: RE: Transit bus conversions




(65.41.158.2)		Sorry, I worked for FMC Corp Recreational Vehicle Division (RVD) on Brokaw Road in Santa Clara, CA. After the plant closure, I transferred to AED (Airline Equipment Division) My Union agreement was Electrical Line Specialist and later Inspector. I worked on each and every 2900R, Club Coaches and Customs from #1-1000. I did not work on the transit bus conversions other than the early prototype wheel chair lifts which were designed by us.

No, I never owned a FMC Recreational Vehicle. My dad whom was Supervisor of Woodworking shop and designed the Interiors was allowed to drive the 2300R built in San Diego. So I did drive the smaller vehicle from time to time. And in Final Inspection I test drove countless 2900R's before Final Final.


I do know there were big problems with the City of Denver agreement and RVD as the contract called for x amount of vehicles and then our plant closed. Some of your vehicles were completed in Denver by unknown!


I just wanted to chime in and introduce myself to you all.


John V.

formerly San Jose, CA

Apopka, Florida
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hemi354az
Posted 2020-04-23 12:06 AM (#7242 - in reply to #7240)
Subject: RE: Transit bus conversions


Location: Scottsdale, Aridzona
(68.2.104.9)		Hello again John V.,
Thanks for the PROMPT reply.
We look forward to your stories about FMC RVD and other FMC Corp experience.

Not electrical, but . . .
Do you remember if the rivets that hold the Top f-glass to all the pieces of the Bottom f-glass under/thru the "Rub Rail", ALSO go into the aluminum frame beneath the Rub Rail ?
Put another way . . . where are the expanded pop-rivet bulbs for the top/bottom f-glass overlap joint . . . behind the lower half f-glass of the overlap . . . or "inside" the aluminum box of the frame ?

Thanks to your Dad, all my interior wood cabinets/furniture are still in good shape . . . and the formica covering is only loose in a few places.

Do you remember Jim Black ? He told me he cleared squawks in Final Final.
Do you still like Mustard Yellow Gel-Coat ?

What kind of Potatoes grow around Apopka ?
Glad you have joined our DIVERSE Group.
Lou #120 in Aridzona
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JEV1A
Posted 2020-04-23 6:36 AM (#7247 - in reply to #7242)
Subject: RE: Transit bus conversions




(65.41.158.2)		Thanks so much Lou and I did work on your vehicle. Last question first, "Apopka" is a Native American term for Potato Eater, we are known as the Indoor foliage Capital, neighboring Zellwood is famous for its sweet corn and we actually have hills in Mount Dora but no taters in sight.

From what I remember the 3/16 rivets were supposed to penetrate both the fiberglass as well as the 1/4 inch aluminum frame. This was not my area but installation of wiper motors and blades were. All the windows were sealed with a RTV Calking and then a rubber weatherstrip was installed. I do know for fact that if the rivets did not penetrate the metal frame the windows could come loose.

Yes, I do remember Mr. Black but I answered to Tony Funari. Great to know about my dad's woodwork. He built custom homes all over the Bay Area before coming to FMC. There was 3 floor plans if I remember correctly that my dad known as Fisherman Pete designed.


The very first vehicles were white and then they added the yellow. Personally I never got used to that stinker of a color but at least the paint scheme was simplified and saved money not having a paint booth. I was happy when the Club Coach upgrades came. FYI: You could order a FMC Club Coach in any color you wanted... There was this millionaire in Australia that ordered 2 custom coaches with kangaroos dancing across the sides.


Thanks for writing I hope I can help.


John V.
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dkarnath
Posted 2020-04-23 12:26 PM (#7249 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions


Location: Medford, OR
(204.10.247.1)		Nice to hear your stories John!
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BigRabbitMan
Posted 2020-04-23 2:18 PM (#7250 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions



Location: Cottage Grove, OR
(71.94.238.133)		I believe you would remember Earl Anderson of the sales team. He later formed a almond harvesting equipment manufacturing company. I worked for him as a salesman for 20 years. About 10 years ago we had him as a guest speaker at a rally here in the west. It would be good to have you as a guest speaker some day.

By the way, production coach #0001 is located in Florida.
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JEV1A
Posted 2020-04-24 11:23 AM (#7256 - in reply to #7250)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions




(65.41.158.2)		Stephen, no sorry don't remember Mr. Anderson. I don't think I ever even remember meeting anyone in sales. But I did have to repair Coaches that came back damaged. Yes, I would just love to join up with a FMC Coach rally, I noticed in the past the group was in Felton I presume Big Basin State Park and Roaring Camp? I have family in Aptos, CA. so if you have a rally on the Monterey bay area or Santa Cruz county I can get there. In the meantime I will try not to bore ya all too much here.

Can you tell more about the wherabouts of coach #1?

Best
John V.
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LCAC_Man
Posted 2020-04-24 10:09 AM (#7255 - in reply to #6903)
Subject: Re: Transit bus conversions


Location: Oceanside, CA
(70.183.106.155)		The upper/lower FB panels do overlap each other, the rivets pass through both and anchor in the aluminum square tube...I had to R&R all of these on the back half of my rig when I beefed up the structure.
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