Bob K's HINO RB

[bobk]

Good evening all, I have found one of these buses north of Sydney (I'm in Adelaide) and I'm looking for details with a view to fitting it out. Can anybody advise me of the interior width and the length from rear of the drivers seat to the front of the 'boot' intrusion, and to the back window. As well if anybody owns one of these buses, maybe some pictures could be posted for some ideas please. Its not a definite yet but the price is ok and provided two single beds will fit (with walking space between) and if a stove (hopefully with an oven) can be fitted, we may make the big decision to do it. Thanks for any help, BobK

[BruceS]

Bob I think you should have a little chat to Brian. (Homeless) I think he's considering selling his one day.
Might need a little re-arranging for beds etc.

[Chuck]

Now there's an idea Bob...

All those solar panels & possibly that beaut battery system...

Hmm, pricing might be just a little different, but...

[homeless]

Miner is setup with two king singles runing down both sides of the bus but can and has been setup for a queen and I have storage boxes to take up the extra room when setup for queen so I would consider all Hinos would have enough room.
Not sure what I am doing with mine, I expect to sell in 12 months and it will go as is with a bit of luck or I might strip the Lithiums and reset back to AGM's as many are still frightened of new technology and it may be a deterent to a sale. Much easier to sell setup like must people can understand. Will leave the solar etc. but will need to strip the large inverter and the control systems but need to get the boat going first.

[bobk]

Thanks for replying, but now plan B is happening. Bought an airline ticket this evening and on Wednesday, before the sparrow or Chuck get up, I'm off to Melbourne to look at and (unless something strikes me dead) purchase a HINO BC144 still in company liverie. It's a 9 metre midi with a PMC 'cub' body.
and centre mounted naturally aspirated engine. From Adelaide it looks really good so I am spending the money on the ticket at least. Will follow up for you soon. Could be a test bed for Lithi-yum. Hmmm. I see a lot of work ahead.
BobK

[jon_d]

Hi Bob,

Do consider the question about a RWC and whether the cert' is transferable when registering in SA. If it isn't, then you might be up for some more costs.

jd

[bobk]

Thanks for the thought jd but there is no RWC as the bus is unregistered, being previously registered as like taxis are etc and not transferable. It will have to be brought up to roadworthy to SA standards and I just hope I haven't bitten off too much. There will be more than enough to spend in the fit-out without going through major issues with roadworthiness. Drove it home on a permit today, not sure of the economy because the diff has been changed for a higher ratio so the speedo and odo are miles off (pardon the pun) and I haven't topped off the tank after the leg from Coonalpyn to home. It's streets ahead of the old Bedford I had anyway. (another pun) Because of the mid mount engine there is very little space underneath but the boot is big. Should be able to fit grey and fresh tanks in there at least. May be room in one place on the side for a 3kva generator. Lots to think about eh?

BobK

[T1 Terry]

You can test the water for me Bob, I'll see how you go with Transport SA before I attempt to take Big Bus over the rego pits. Might even be easier to do the rego in NSW and then transfer it back here. Did that with the truck, drove it from Melbourne to Wollongong to Mannum, back to Wollongong, all on transfer permits, got it registered there and drove back to Mannum and transferred the rego to SA, no problems

[Dot]

Terry there may not be any transport SA when you get around to taking the "big bus" over the rego pits
Good one Bob, bet the old girl is ecstatic

[BruceS]

Terry when I registered my old Bedford several years ago there was no need for inspection on it because it was over 25 years old and therefore came under the vintage vehicles act or something.
No need for seat belts or many other requirements that apply to modern vehicles.
Best you have a chat to some elderly AUSTRALIAN policeman. A lot of them are now immigrants that aren't aware of old vehicle exceptions.