The GMCs seem to be more reasonable. Can anyone tell me anything about them in general? How about PD4106-1369 or PD4106-1090? The owner of 1369 says it has been converted to automatic & has an Allison in it. Thanks
Welcome! I am sure many here will respond. Till then, look into the GMC site over on Yahoo Groups. Many of them are here also but you might as well cast as wide a net as possible.
Again, Welcome,
John
Howdy Dennis,
I am here is Tehas as well... and I am looking for a GM conversion. Looks like I got some competition :D I had a 4104 years ago and it is similar to the 4106 except it has the 671 vs the 8v71 in the 4106. I drove a 4106 that had a Alison tranny and it drove like a dream. I was really impressed with the power and drivability of the bus. There are a lot folks that know a lot more than me about them on this BB, but I thought I would throw my 2cents in.
Good luck,
Mike
Mike,
The pers info listing says Dennis lives in "Washington". My neighborhood!
John
What if he lives in Washington on the Brazos JohnEd lol
??? lol... I took it from his name, I assumed everyone that put "tx" in their name was in Texas ::) .
Wew... I was worried he would scoop of the deal of the year before I got to it. There are some fantastic deals out there right now.
A GM is a very well engineered bus and in many ways was ahead of it's time. That is one of the reasons you still see so many survivors running around out there. It is one of the easier buses to work on, and parts are inexpensive and easy to come by thanks to the transits that share so many of the same parts. I would consider them an entry level coach because it is one of the least expensive buses to purchase. Being almost all aluminum, rust issues are isolated to only a few places and are not difficult to remedy. If you go with a 4106 you will find they handle well, and because of the low height and 35' length, you can go places others cannot. The 8v71 makes it a peppy bus, and if you find one with a 6v92ta it will be a hot rod. Throw Jake brakes on it and again be impressed how well they work on such a light weight machine. Because of the places I go I have to have one with the v730 tranny conversion, but there seems to plenty here who manage quite well with the four speed. This should help get you started. Have you tried searching the archives? There is a lot of information out there that can help you as you look for buses.
Quote from: txdennis on February 14, 2011, 02:41:53 PM
The GMCs seem to be more reasonable. Can anyone tell me anything about them in general? How about PD4106-1369 or PD4106-1090? The owner of 1369 says it has been converted to automatic & has an Allison in it. Thanks
Dennis -PD4106-1369 was delivered new as fleet number 1082 to Central Greyhound Lines, headquartered in Kansas City, MO at the time. It was part of a 75-bus order, all going to this division between April and July of 1962. My guesstimate, based on the other orders GM was producing at the time, is that this bus came off the line near the end of April or the first part of May. Back then, Greyhound took exceptionally good care of their equipment (sadly, not so today), so for the first 10-11 years of it's life, it was well taken care of.
PD4106-1090 was delivered new in March of 1962 as fleet number J-219 to Jefferson Transportation Company, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
Did you happen to see this one? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1962-Vintage-GMC-4106-Conversion-Bus-RV-Camper-T160164-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a6317f2d1QQitemZ250770617041QQptZBuses (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1962-Vintage-GMC-4106-Conversion-Bus-RV-Camper-T160164-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a6317f2d1QQitemZ250770617041QQptZBuses)
They are asking to much for that one. No Jakes, manual tranny, just for starters.
My suggestion is to remain as open as possible to any make and be ready to pounce when the deal comes up. In this market, giveaway deals pop up all the time. You might be surprised what you can get. Could get more than you expect, we did.
Marc
look on craigslist yuma AZ my bus
I think you have to be real careful as to the difference between "cheap" and "well priced" It seems from all the posts from new buyers that purchased "cheap" they got a whole lot of expensive problems for their money. Then the bus ends up scrapped and they are out a lot of money.
To buy a "cheap" conversion and redo them now just isn't cost effective and takes a whole lot of work. If you don't REALLY like big projects that take months or years this is not for you. Spend the extra money up front and save the costs later and all the time you could have been out using the completed coach. If you aren't a mechanic or willing to learn to be one, make sure you bought a mechanically sound bus. Repair shops are very expensive.
We have a GM4107 and it has been a really good bus. We were lucky and got it from an honest seller. We spent an equal amount redoing the conversion. Even in this market it appears that a good conversion of this age will probably run about $25K. I am sure there are some for less, but I would be real afraid of the conversion in the under $10k price. A good engine and transmission is worth more than that.
Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340
Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340 ... A good reply and equally good advice.
Two ways to buy oats. Before they been thru the horse or after, it pays to be careful. Cheap isn't always the best way I am sure you agree.
BCO
Dennis,
I should have given you a more thorough answer. Back in 2002 I went throught this for the first time and I learned a lot. Everyone here has given some good advice. I do want to clarify a couple of things. Shelling out a lot of money does not mean you are getting a better conversion. Above and beyond all that, you have to know what you are looking at. I didn't really know the difference back then. I purchased a 58 PD4104 from the Pastor of my church at the time. He is a good man, God bless him, but he gave me some poor advice... or he just didn't know better (which is what I like to think). I paid $18k back then for it. Genset was bad, brakes were bad, a few electrical problems. I really loved the bus... ignorance is bliss. I later sold it for less than half than that. At the same time my brother and his wife saw an old MCI-5 on the side of the road and looked into it. It was an old busnut that had done a high quality conversion on it, the engine, brakes, and genset where in great shape. He got it from a widow for $11k... later sold it for $14k... and that person got a great deal.
My old conversion: (https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumb6.webshots.net%2Ft%2F56%2F156%2F2%2F14%2F5%2F513221405woGUTd_th.jpg&hash=138a345d98ac3d16db1a6f6021bc4b4dc29d9de9) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1513221405059106986woGUTd)
I could have got this one for $5000 in 2006 (lots and lots of work): (https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumb6.webshots.net%2Ft%2F60%2F60%2F6%2F5%2F38%2F510160538tmvidL_th.jpg&hash=4ac4b4b6e6783801c172ae20b7d5e5232cdbf2b2) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1510160538059106986tmvidL)
I could have got this one for 12k I think: (https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumb6.webshots.net%2Ft%2F36%2F37%2F3%2F4%2F57%2F285930457eRjkuZ_th.jpg&hash=dee72f4b7dfee8106c61404456a873991c6d5850) (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1285930457059106986eRjkuZ)
This one for around 10k. (https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumb6.webshots.net%2Ft%2F34%2F35%2F3%2F5%2F91%2F285930591wSkfxJ_th.jpg&hash=9b5b00ec19479c60284c92d20b2dd4a8b49b14c6) (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1285930591059106986wSkfxJ)
and finally this one for $25k... it needed to be retubed, but the conversion was very nice. (https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumb6.webshots.net%2Ft%2F64%2F64%2F6%2F63%2F19%2F510166319GrKrgt_th.jpg&hash=bbb6cd864f2e2894595cbc603af642004a7a7cec) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1510166319059106986GrKrgt)
Shop around a look at what a good conversion is... and go into it informed. You will notice tell-tale signs... how is the wiring ran? How do the fuel lines look? Look for frsh grease on the greasing points. Is it leaning after it has sat for a while. There are a lot of buses out there and some folks are very proud of thier bus. When you get serious about a bus, pay a diesel mechanic to check out the mechanical systems for you... that don't matter if you pay 100k for the bus... get a mechanic to look at it if you are not familiar with diesel engines or thier systems. Money well spent.
If their are some local busnuts... check thier buses. There is a local busnut in my area that I plan to buy his coach if he will sell it to me. He converted the bus right, used it for years, and maintained it correctly. Dennis, that is the kind of bus you should look for. You should be able to find one from 10k-15k.... 20k. Be patient...
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumb6.webshots.net%2Ft%2F55%2F55%2F2%2F4%2F96%2F2920204960059106986pTvKtS_th.jpg&hash=484472b3b174343a47b2510336625b7245e599ea) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2920204960059106986pTvKtS)
Hope that helps.
Quote from: bebackbus on February 15, 2011, 11:39:44 AM
look on craigslist yuma AZ my bus
Is this yours?
http://yuma.craigslist.org/bar/2210912079.html (http://yuma.craigslist.org/bar/2210912079.html)
Quote from: eddiepotts on February 15, 2011, 05:39:34 AM
Did you happen to see this one? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1962-Vintage-GMC-4106-Conversion-Bus-RV-Camper-T160164-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a6317f2d1QQitemZ250770617041QQptZBuses (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1962-Vintage-GMC-4106-Conversion-Bus-RV-Camper-T160164-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3a6317f2d1QQitemZ250770617041QQptZBuses)
All those pics and no pic of the bathroom, genny, or engine. The front setup is nice, the exterior looks to be in good shape. That fact sheet is confusing.
Yes this is the original bus that I redid starting about twelve years ago. I since have bought the mci you see on my posts. I took the coach down to the skin and it is well insulated has peninsula windows thru out. I am a full timer so it is hard to sell the coach. Craigslist only lets you post 4 pictures I would gladly send more pics to you by email. I did a quick post about craigslist because I don't think we are allowed to post for sale ads here. What else can I clarify for you?
There are 2 here in the Indpls, In area that have a price of $5000.00 1956-4104. A 1959-4104 for $6000.00 I wouldn't
hesitate to jump in either one and drive across the country.
Steve 5B.....
This could be something...
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/2211288341.html (http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/2211288341.html)
Quote from: thejumpsuitman on February 17, 2011, 07:44:12 PM
This could be something...
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/2211288341.html (http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/2211288341.html)
That looks like a great buy. Wish it were closer.
My turn:
diesel pusher 1973 gmc 4905 model trade or offers over - $9800 (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/rvs/2189845920.html)
Quote from: Barn Owl on February 17, 2011, 09:03:44 PM
My turn:
diesel pusher 1973 gmc 4905 model trade or offers over - $9800 (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/rvs/2189845920.html)
Do you have more pic's of the bus? Does it have a genset? Does it run?
I'll take a turn:
http://tinyurl.com/cheap4104 (http://tinyurl.com/cheap4104)
Bob ;)
Bob,
Love the dish on top of that one!
I can equal that:
GMC 4104 BUS - $3500 (Stuart) (http://treasure.craigslist.org/cto/2188344635.html)
1954 GM PD4104 retired Greyhound Bus
GM 6-71 engine - 14 mpg !
Makes excellent R/V - interior is open
Luggage doors are missing and replacements are available
Delivery available
MAKE AN OFFER !
772-634-4011
QuoteDo you have more pic's of the bus? Does it have a genset? Does it run?
Mike, that is all the seller has on the Craigslist ad. Click the link and email him to see if he will send you photos and a phone #.
I think this one that Jumpman found looks to be better than most in this price range. I am sure there is some wiggle room built in.
Below is what we are talking about for the archives:
1956 GM PD4104 Bus Conversion - $5000 (Franklin TN) (http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/2211288341.html)
Bonnie is a 1956 PD4104 GM bus which I converted in the middle 1980's so we could take our five kids and go camping. She was designed with space efficiency in mind.
She has a 17 Gal electric water heater, 100 fresh and 100 holding tanks, a 5 KW Onan Generator, 2 13.5 roof airs, a 4 burner stove with oven, and a Norcold refrigerator
The bunk area opposite the Bath is modular and can be removed to put in additional closets or a computer room or whatever.
The back room has foton bedding. Each side opens partially for a BIG twin or fully for a bigger than King. There is also a place for a post table in the back room so the kids could play a game on a table while traveling.
The 671 Detroit was rebuilt in 1994 in New Jersey by the Detroit - Allison dealership. Since then she has had about 60,000 miles put on her.
I had Shepherd power steering installed in 1995 ( the smartest thing I ever did).
I built a 1990 Eagle Bus and put in 2 slide outs which I began using in 2006. Bonnie Blue 1 has been sitting since then. She will need new batteries and I would put on new tires as they have been sitting. They hold air but The should be changed out.
Call Bill @ 615 394 5911 for additional details.
Sometimes you gotta travel to get the deal. We just drove 1200 miles ONE WAY to get our bus.
Virginia to California for mine.
Mike -
I've seen that 4905 Laryn posted, it's actually owned by a fellow who lives here in Fresno.
He's been trying to sell that for over five years, wanted $30K for it the last time I talked to him. He puts it up for sale on various Craigslists around the country, hoping for a bite. Never includes many pictures, or they're always the same ones.
I took a tour of it, then walked away. It has THE most depressing interior I've ever seen in a coach - like a long dark tunnel inside. Baggage bay doors that don't work properly - have to be held open with a stick.
IMHO, it's worth scrap, but some sucker will buy it.
If you want, I'll go by his place this weekend and see if the coach is there.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
bebackbus, you can put as many pictures on craigslist as you want if you use photobucket. Copy the HTML code and paste it in the writeup. The pictures will be seen full size also.
Been a while since I have posted but this subject is kinda interesting to me. Most if not all seem to spout it is a buyers market and coaches are just not bringing their true value.
I would challenge any one to post pics of their bus AND state the "buyers market" price they would take.
If you really are a bus enthusiast,I would think that you would be fully aware that if you sold YOUR coach for the "buyers market" price you could NEVER replace it from the proceeeds.
I guess my pointy is these coaches that are fully roadworthy are much more valuable than many seem to lead new enthusiasts to believe.
Not a pot stirree,Just my opinion:-)
Quote from: eagle19952 on February 18, 2011, 01:55:45 PM
I would challenge any one to post pics of their bus AND state the "buyers market" price they would take.
This is a well written comment on the subject, I will however pass on the offer.
Mine is priceless.
Not that I am an expert on any of this, but it appears that the term is being loosely used, almost a catch-all phrase for anything financial concerning buses. Perhaps a better term might be "for sale in a depressed market" instead of buyers market. You want a good deal (to me cheap means junk) you will have to hunt for it.
A buyers market to me means "cash sale" equals good deal. My Daddy used to say ... Money talks and the rest of it walks.
It would be virtually impossible in this current economy to find a banker who is willing to loan on face value what most of us want (my bus is 28 years old in April for example, who is going to loan big money on an old relic, regardless of excellent condition).
If you cannot get it at a bank ... then it would be right to assume ... that the
cash buyer is in the drivers seat (at least right now he is) that I guess would qualify for the term
buyers market .
Wouldn't you agree?
BCO
Do not be a borrower of money, nor a lender of it, be an owner of it. Ben Franklin (?)
Quote from: Barn Owl on February 18, 2011, 06:32:50 AM
I think this one that Jumpman found looks to be better than most in this price range. I am sure there is some wiggle room built in.
Below is what we are talking about for the archives:
1956 GM PD4104 Bus Conversion - $5000 (Franklin TN) (http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/2211288341.html)
Bonnie is a 1956 PD4104 GM bus
That is an exceptional deal if it runs and drives. I am sure it will take some work to get it road trustworthy, but for 5k you can't beat it.
In my opinion...
Quote from: RJ on February 18, 2011, 08:42:51 AM
IMHO, it's worth scrap, but some sucker will buy it.
If you want, I'll go by his place this weekend and see if the coach is there.
FWIW & HTH. . .
RJ,
Thanks for the offer to go by there, but it's not really what I am looking for. ;) If your saying some sucker will buy it... I know to heed your warning. ;D
Mike
The '04 in wildbob24's reply #23 looks to have been awarded a gold medal of some sort: ;D
QuoteMost if not all seem to spout it is a buyers market and coaches are just not bringing their true value.
I can remember back when I bought mine it wasn't. Only a few years ago. It is what it is, isn't it?
Of course if fuel prices reach anywhere near the predictions that'll probably weaken a few.
eddiepotts
Photobucket is like Picasa or photoshop? I am afraid I don't follow what you are saying about html etc.