In a message dated 7/27/98 12:32:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
davelm@TELEPORT.COM writes:

<< buy the '71 bus in the paper which has 8,000 miles
 on a rebuilt engine and the owner says it is in excellent condition for
 $1,100. I drove a '71 for 12 years so I think I know something about them. >>

It is the old case of "the evil you know, vs the evil you do not know".
Usually this points one toward keeping one's present car, but it sounds like
the '71 is the evil you have more experience with. Why spend a fortune on a
vehicle you use to haul lumber?

Go get your money back on the '86 and get the '71. The older bus, in my
opinion, is a bit more solidly built, with thicker metal throughout, less
finicky motor & drivetrain, real metal door handles, etc.

gmbulley
cary, nc