OK. I've been lookig at different MCI 102 buses for a while. I stopped by a local repair shop today. They had several buses on their lot. Their MCI did not interest me, but one bus did. Its a 1970 GMC PD 4905. I know, a far cry from an MCI 102.
This is what it has: DD8V71, Allison V-730-D, straight body, aluminum wheels, tires with good tread although they have some dry rot.
Conversion items: Front and rear caps, power Tech 17.5KW Diesel Gen - ran it for 45 minutes with everything inside on, 40 amp power converter, 7 battery bank plus two start batteries, three roof AC units with heat, holding tanks, water heater, furnace, 40lb propane tank, back up camera and a solar panel on the roof - approx 30" x 48"
It started immediately even though it had not been turned on for a couple weeks.
The paint on the engine and transmission looks fairly new - the shop owner didn't have much information except the bus belongs to a bank who told him the drive train and diesel gen were recently redone. He also told me the bank was trying to sell it for $25,000 just a few months ago. The price was dropped several times and is now $10,000. The bank is anxious to get this bus off their hands.
It seems like a lot of bus for the money. I imagine the generator alone is worth close to the asking.
I could really use some input, ideas or other.
BTW, it is a older conversion and definitely ready for updating. I should add that it did not come equipped with a stove.
Rick
I think it sounds like it would be worth serious consideration, if it's close to what you want. My view is the maintenance on the running gear and the drivetrain are what sets the price. Did you start the engine on the bus or just the gennie?
Brian
Started the bus and moved it around the shop lot. Let it run for about an hour. Looked for leaks and idle variations. It started right away.
The shop is less than 2 miles from me.
Rick
BUY BUY BUY BUS BUS BUS ;D ;D ;D
I would find out who to deal with at the bank and really low ball them and go from there ,would not worry any about hurting their feelings with a low offer,it's a BANK! :D all they can do is say yes or no. I would not offer 5 to 7 thousand if I did not want to own it!!
Are there any storage fees involved?
Rick
Rick,
The shop where it currently sits told the Bank they would not charge them storage fees if they sold it right away.
We're on the same page, I thinking of making a low ball offer. :)
Rick
Its not like they have people lined up to buy it. And its an old bus besides.(at least to the bank) Don't be afraid to low-ball them.I would go really low i.e. $4500 or so. Worst they can say is no at which point you can then ask them what they need to get out of it. Its pretty obvious from the drop in price from 25 to 10 grand they probably just want to unload it. They are already loosing money on it, its just a matter of how much.
Good luck.
QuoteI should add that it did not come equipped with a stove.
In my book that is a good thing. I had a propane stove in my bus and had to get ride of it. The stove would not only cook the food but anyone inside the bus also. I replaced it with a convection microwave and two induction hobs.
Link: Topic: NYT article on induction cooking (http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=15586.0)
Fred,
I was thinking about offering 5k. But, as several have said, I have nothing to lose.
Barn owl,
I was thinking about a convection oven. Glad you mentioned it. I was going to make that another topic.
Gonna stop by the shop tomorrow and get the banks info.
Rick
Rick-after having your MCI 102 Classic, I think the GMC will feel claustrophobic to you with the lower roof line and narrower bus. I know with my AMGeneral 10240B (as discussed before, a cousin to your Classic) I really like the 102" width. I too wanted to convert a 4905, but with me at 6'3", it just didn't work with head room. Personally-if I were not doing my truck conversion, I'd use the MCI 102C3 without question. Good Luck, TomC
Rick........Did you sell your MCI 102 Classic?? I know I hadn't seen you on the RTS-Bus.Com site in quite awhile
Quote from: bevans6 on March 01, 2011, 02:39:39 PM
BUY BUY BUY BUS BUS BUS ;D ;D ;D
what he said. If not, link me up to it. ;D
I'm serious, send me a link if it's something you don't want.
DDEC 8v71??? I didn't think the 71's came with DDEC. I lean towards good old mechanical detroits because I am electronically illiterate,
RB
After re-reading this post I believe you meant Detroit Diesel with the DD... sorry, my bad.
Two things
Rick make sure they have not started it by checking the block and make sure they don't have a block heater hooked up to it as well. You want to know what condition the motor is really in and there is nothing like a good old cold start to give you some valuable input as to the condition of the motor. Let us know if you see any smoke when it first fires and if so, what color it is.
That Powertech, if it has reasonably lo hours is worth more than their asking price for sure.
Let us know, but keep in mind that EVERYONE just had their motor rebuilt but they never kept the paperwork ;D ;D
Tom C,
The interior height of the 4905 is noticeably lower than my MCI. At 5' 10" it's not that big a deal for me. I have been thinking about the lower windows though. I could look straight out and up from inside my MCI.
I've been wondering how other bus nuts feel about the low windows on their 4905.
The 102C3 has great interior height and it's still a consideration. It'll just take a bigger chunk of the conversion budget, IF there's such a thing, to get one.
Highway Yatch,
Cool name :) I still have my MCI. Just been rethinking what bus to convert.
bevans6 & 4905 doc
I went to test drive it yesterday but that batts were dead. The shop moved it and left some lights on. They're charging them so I can stop by tomorrow. If we decide against it, I'll send you a pm with the shops number.
RickB,
Yeah I meant Detroit Diesel.
No computer - That's one of the things I like about the 4905. My biggest interest is the 17.5kw Power Tech gen. I'll take a look at the hour meter and post it for busnut input.
Thanks for all the input guys :)
Rick
I really like the look of the Buffalo style GM's but I'm biased. The step down to the cockpit is a bit of a waste of conversion space. Sounds like you're going to have to spend a grand or more (likely more) on tires. On the plus side, if it's a nice conversion, $10K is a deal in my mind.
Bryan
Vancouver BC
GMC PD-4108