Eagles International Forum

Hello and thank you for allowing me on this Eagle Forum. I've been looking at buying a Eagle bus(projects) and just looked at a 1973. My big question is there is another bus available in this package deal and its a 1997 Leber Coach bus. The little bit I've found searching is this company wasn't around for very long in Florida. If both buses were Eagles I'd buy both but the Leber unit I guess is a clone/copy? First pics are the 97 Leber, second ones are the 73 Eagle.

It looks like the older one is a Model 05, and the 1997 is a Model 15 with a Series 60 Detroit Diesel. The transmission is probably an Allison Auto 740 or 741. The 740 has a cable selector, the 741 has an electronic push-pad. The 1973 probably has the 8V71 engine with a four speed manual, but it could have been changed. Leber is not a brand, they were a coach converter. This 1997 is an Eagle, period. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but this is either a forty footer, or 45'. The 45' has four baggage bays on each side. My 1994 Eagle Model 15 was done by Leber as well, and has the same main windows up front with the screened bottom sliding windows under the fixed big window. Mine has altered steps from the front door that curve to the passenger side. There is a wall behind the driver, and a curtain at the top of the steps. This one might have Cruise-Aire A/C's and a big generator. Mine has two generators, four Cruise-Aire's, and three heat pump A/C's on the roof. Leber did a pretty good job, quality-wise. They only did conversions for a year or two, but the company still exists as a limo service.

Depending on mechanical condition, missing parts, and asking price, I think the Model 15 would offer more value because of its greater size, and the Series 60 engine (provided it is okay). Chances are the frame of the 15 has much less rust. Someone who knows Eagles should check them out.

Yes the 73 is a model 5 converted to a model 10 entertainers coach, it has a coolant leak and they didn't want to mess with it. It's in this elbow area circled in blue( i see the left fitting with the hose clamp off). The bus also had several rusted area I can see, so worried at what I can't see. The drivers side torsilastic spring was welded I'm told and needs to be fixed. The Leber looked good rust wise but it has coolant in the oil so head gasket or rebuild. I can get the pair for about $18,000. I have a shop but neither will fit inside. I feel i could get the 73 model 10 running where it is but the Leber would need to be towed.

With so many mechanical unknowns, $18,000 might be way too much. There is potential at the right price if you are handy and have the time and money. Running coaches in pretty good shape will always have things to fix, but coolant in the Series 60 oil, and a coolant leak in the other (which might have resulted in overheating and liner seal damage) lowers their value. I would not go above scrap value, minus towing costs.

I concur, They're removing the house where the two buses are, so that is a good bargaining chip as the buses must go. Maybe not for me but someone.... Thank you.

Regarding the rust repairs we have been doing, we have cut out the old rusty framework in the front and the fender wells and welded in the new. It really isn’t that big of a deal if you are a welder and fabricator.

These are the before pictures, I will take pictures of the replacement framing

As you can see, it was very rusty. But it is to be expected from a 50 year old vehicle. The framing beyond the front wheel wells is good and does not need repair

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