This is something we really never wanted to do and with the help of the members and weighing up different options that we had plus oppitunies that came about. It has been decided by Management and the members that the fate of 114 our 1998 Dennis Dart SLF has been decided. In this article we hope to share and show some of the choices that was made and why they was made. We also hope that you will understand.
The fate of 114 is a rather simple one in the grand scheme of things and that is. It is being broken for parts and scrapped.
This is something Myself and Shaun have been discussing for a long time and well before we started the restoration on the vehicle. We have been saying what ifs from around 2 years now since the engine issues started, Last year we had someone look and they said a “new engine is required” We carried on to try and repair the engine and thus spent a good chunk of money on the engine.
Fast forward a bit now to where we are now when we started the process we had poor compression on the cylinders which did show that a rebuild would be required at a minimal but ideally with other issues this engine has a replacement would be ideal. We did the head gasket as it looked like it was loosing water. After this was done getting it to start has been a massive challenge and most of the compression has been lost even though we followed the guide. along with a few other issues.
A family member very kindly offered us the money to get a new engine fitted at £2500 which you agree is a lot of money and we was prepared to do. to keep 114 on the road and going. However trying to find someone to replace the engine was another thing we was quoted the £2500 but trying to get them to take it away and do it started to become a pain as it was always delayed.
The morning of 14th September 2025 Shaun sent into our group chat a vehicle for sale for £2500 which would be ideal in many ways. Either for an engine and part the rest. or as a direct replacement for 114 depending on how it drove ect. So we contacted the person ASAP and did a deal with him. by this point after we have done the sale it was more or less decided that the new vehicle would be kept long as it drove fine and 114 sadly Broken for parts, As the work required on 114 although not really a lot we would still be in the place of a lack of someone to do a swap etc.
On 16th September 2025 Myself, Shaun and Natalie under took a trip to Cornwall to collect the vehicle. and we set off all the way back to Manchester with it a total of around 300 miles all of it on motorways where this little bus just laugh at the miles. The only issue we had was a oil leak that was worse than described so had to stop to top the oil up but that is nothing more than just a seal. it made it without anything major. Shaun had the pleasure of driving it all the way back.
That leaves us to where we are now which is sadly 114 is going to be broken for parts It is a complete vehicle and just about everything is for sale.
If you want or interested in any parts please contact us at admin@mancbuses.com and we will be happy to deal with your request.