Some repairs to the OG Matts4290 TC2000 Bus- Part 1

Today we replace the alternator on my 1990 Blue Bird TC2000 school bus. What was supposed to be a simple upgrade turned into a can of worms, so we still upgraded with a little money from the local starter & alternator shop.

This 1990 TC2000 is the first bus I purchased and also the first bus I've ever drove. As this one is, most TCs are powered by the 5.9 Cummins with an Allison automatic transmission, however a few existed with gasoline powered engines and/ or 5 speed manual transmissions. The TC2000 was introduced in 1987 as a cheaper alternative to the All American (first introduced in 1948). The TC2000 was produced through the 2004 model year (production ending around the end of 2002). While the TC saw many slight revisions throughout it's production run, it remained largely unchanged.

This one was built Wisconsin spec with a 4 lamp red only warning light system. I love the fact that this one is so simple, reliable and basic. The electrical system is solid state. The engine and transmission are all mechanical with no electrical dependency. In fact, it uses a mechanical fuel shut off (operated by pulling an engine stop handle connected to the injection pump via a cable) to stop the engine. When I bought this bus, the mechanic told me that the only way it would shut off (if it is in good mechanical working order, obviously) is if you shut it off, or it runs out of fuel. Shut the key off and it will stay running until you pull the stop handle.

Some unique optional equipment this bus was spec'd with include tinted windows, luggage racks, rear luggage compartments, an AM/FM stereo, a tachometer, and highway gears (4.33 rear axle ratio with a 1:1 4th gear Allison Ratio on 11R22.5 tires). I have added additional upgrades such as the high back driver's seat, light monitor, intermittent wipers, busboy crossview mirrors, heated double nickel mirrors (by rosco) including the updated driver's side mirror bracket, 4" exhaust (after downpipe) with 5" dual tips and some LED lighting.

Stay tuned for more videos!