I have thought long and hard about raising the roof on my 4905. I have come to the conclusion that removing the hump in the front will suffice for my needs/ wants ::) this will open up the front of the bus to give me additional flexibility in extending the forward floor space.
Does anyone have any info, pictures etc... on doing this and what was done for replacing the structure. Already have the cap on. I plan to remove it after we return from our trip to S.C. later this month.
Maybe Florida Cliff? Did you do this?
Thanks,
Bryan
Bryan, never done a GM but it is not that big of a deal on older Eagles,MCI and Prevost.Took me about 3 days to do my MCI 8
good luck
Because you already have a cap on the front, maybe you can remove the old one from the inside in pieces. Dunno, just a thought. At least that way you don't disturb the fit and finish of the cap that's on there. Might just be another hair brained idea though! ;D
Quote from: bryanhes on April 03, 2010, 09:01:11 PM
I have thought long and hard about raising the roof on my 4905.
Bryan,
I was just reading an old BMC (thanks Chris) and they were discussing just such a thing. The one point that was made clear that the steel roof was an integral support for the chin of the bus. The author stressed the need to support the chin while replacing the roof section. I'm sure this occurred to you, just felt compelled to mention.
However, remember I drive an MCI. LoL
Paul,
I have thought about that as well. I think I would have to add new structure before removing the original structure. I don't think there would enough room to reach in there with only the vista glass out of the way.
Matt,
I figured I would need to block the entire bus as if I were doing a roof raise or anything structure altering. What Volume and Issue was it in? Maybe I have it and have not seen that one yet.
Bryan
Several years ago, I had a friend bring his MC-8 with a MC-9 cap installed on top of the OEM MC-8 "hump" to our place. He wanted to remove the hump without disturbing the very nice paint job (or MC-9 cap) on the outside. We removed the "hump" from the inside. After blocking the bus, we removed the interior ceiling panels, hump framing, and OEM cap. OEM cap was cut as close as possible across the front and along the sides using a cut-off wheel in an angle grinder. New framing was fabricated and welded into place, then new interior ceiling installed. This really "opened up" this area in the front of the bus as you came up the steps. DISCLAIMER: This was an MC8, YMMV. Jack
QuoteDoes anyone have any info, pictures etc... on doing this and what was done for replacing the structure.
Ta-Da!.....4905 Conversion with roof raise (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.grabhorn.com/4905/bus_in_shop_2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.grabhorn.com/4905/index.html&usg=__2QLoNkINT0qiNK9ZcU8DlH7yKg4=&h=300&w=400&sz=31&hl=en&start=25&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=sLTQsK2Gu-l3aM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgmc%2Bbus%2Bconversion%26start%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26ndsp%3D21%26tbs%3Disch:1)
I love this board --- ask any question you want and someone has an answer
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Melbo
I saw that roof raise last year but could not remember where. Looks like a pretty good design.
Thanks
Just hope that Florida Cliff comes to the SC rally. His big 4905 will answer all your Questions.
uncle ned
Is that the rally around the 22nd of April? If so not sure I can make it. My son graduates Basic Training on the 23rd with family day on the 22nd. I would like to at least go for a day. I will have to see if we can fit it in.
Bryan
Quote from: bryanhes on April 04, 2010, 11:21:54 AM
Is that the rally around the 22nd of April? If so not sure I can make it. My son graduates Basic Training on the 23rd with family day on the 22nd. I would like to at least go for a day. I will have to see if we can fit it in.
Bryan
Yes, that is the SE BusNuts Rally at Palmetto Cove. Thursday, April 22 through Sunday April 23. Most will start leaving in the morning on Sunday, but several of us will be arriving a few days before the rally starts. If nothing else, stop by for a day if you can. Daily drive ins are OK. Jack
Jack,
Don't' you mean Sunday the 25th? ;D I would like to come by if I can. I think it is about 130 miles from Columbia, SC. Then we are taking our son to Fort Gordon and he has to be there by Saturday at midnight. In the mix somewhere the wife wants to make it to Myrtle Beach or any beach for that matter ::) So I will have to play it by ear.
Bryan
Quote from: bryanhes on April 04, 2010, 06:48:22 PM
Jack,
Don't' you mean Sunday the 25th? ;D I would like to come by if I can. I think it is about 130 miles from Columbia, SC. Then we are taking our son to Fort Gordon and he has to be there by Saturday at midnight. In the mix somewhere the wife wants to make it to Myrtle Beach or any beach for that matter ::) So I will have to play it by ear.
Bryan
Yes, darn Phat Phingers!! LOL Jack
Quote from: Barn Owl on April 04, 2010, 08:39:03 AM
QuoteDoes anyone have any info, pictures etc... on doing this and what was done for replacing the structure.
Ta-Da!.....4905 Conversion with roof raise (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.grabhorn.com/4905/bus_in_shop_2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.grabhorn.com/4905/index.html&usg=__2QLoNkINT0qiNK9ZcU8DlH7yKg4=&h=300&w=400&sz=31&hl=en&start=25&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=sLTQsK2Gu-l3aM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgmc%2Bbus%2Bconversion%26start%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26ndsp%3D21%26tbs%3Disch:1)
Interesting how they supported the entire bus from underneath, I assume to prevent sagging.
Yep doug, because it's not an iggle you need to support the bottom and make sure it stays true thruout the process, so much depends on being structuraly supported by another part being supported by another member etc. it all works together to maintain integrity.
Quote from: Barn Owl on April 04, 2010, 08:39:03 AM
QuoteDoes anyone have any info, pictures etc... on doing this and what was done for replacing the structure.
Ta-Da!.....4905 Conversion with roof raise (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.grabhorn.com/4905/bus_in_shop_2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.grabhorn.com/4905/index.html&usg=__2QLoNkINT0qiNK9ZcU8DlH7yKg4=&h=300&w=400&sz=31&hl=en&start=25&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=sLTQsK2Gu-l3aM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgmc%2Bbus%2Bconversion%26start%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26ndsp%3D21%26tbs%3Disch:1)
Yep, Great site and really nice folks.
I spoke to Randy once before I did my raise.
I built my frame by putting the cap on and fitting the support to just touch it.
Still waiting for the front end to fall off.... ;D
Cliff
Cliff,
I had sent Randy an email a couple different times. Never heard back. I don't know if he has the same email as on the site. Does anyone know how to contact him?
Are you going to the SC rally? I sent you a PM.
Bryan
Quote from: bryanhes on April 05, 2010, 08:19:09 PM
Cliff,
I had sent Randy an email a couple different times. Never heard back. I don't know if he has the same email as on the site. Does anyone know how to contact him?
Are you going to the SC rally? I sent you a PM.
Bryan
Bryan,
It has been a least three years since I talked with Randy...it was just the one time
SC is not a possibility this year....working 6 days now...I am not complaining....very grateful
If you can stop by the rally, do it...you will enjoy meeting all the folks
Cliff
Cliff,
Do you have any photos of your roof raise that you would mind sharing with me? Maybe any direction in regards to engine cradle support?
You can email me at bryanhest@sbcglobal.net
Thanks,
Bryan
Quote from: bryanhes on April 03, 2010, 09:01:11 PM
I have thought long and hard about raising the roof on my 4905. I have come to the conclusion that removing the hump in the front will suffice for my needs/ wants
If I had kept my 4903, I was thinking about putting on a cap, taking out the windows and using the deadspace for storage.
Cliff you will be missed at Palmeto Cove. Wonder if Bob is coming. He talked like he was coming back to nc for the summer the last time i talked to him.
ned
Quote from: uncle ned on April 11, 2010, 11:11:54 AM
Cliff you will be missed at Palmeto Cove. Wonder if Bob is coming. He talked like he was coming back to nc for the summer the last time i talked to him.
ned
We stopped for a few days and had a nice visit with NCBob and Miss Jackie when we left home around the first of March. I don't think they are leaving Florida until May 1. Bob has VERY LIMITED internet access at this time which is why we don't see him on here.