Hello everyone, I just purchased a 1958 PD4104, #2345. The bus is an older conversion. I've been doing a lot of reading here and at the other site, and intend to do a lot more. Right now the bus has a linkage issue with 1-2 gears, and a bad airbag on the right rear. The PO is helping me get those repaired. I'm already making big plans, trying not to get too carried away! The wiring is a mess, the box back by the engine bay is severely corroded. Has anyone replaced the fuse panel? I'm thinking of ordering a new, modern blade type. I found one with 26 circuits, figured that would be more than enough for future needs. Going to eventually be gutting and redoing the interior. Going to strip down the exterior paint and redo. I full time, and will have this bus for many years, as I travel for my work (I'm a pipefitter). This is my first bus, I've been full-timing for about 4 years now in 2 TT's and feel I am ready to move up, and have definate ideas in mind for what I want this bus to be like. I found this one for sale for $3500, and managed to get it for $2500. At that low buy-in, I figure I can afford to put some money into to make what I want. Just wanted to say HELLO!
Welcome to the madness
Sounds like you did good on the bus --- especially with the seller willing to help you
Keep us posted and PICTURES we want pictures
Melbo
Here ya go!
Welcome to the world of bus conversions. It sounds like you got a pretty good deal on the bus. It's nice when you find an owner willing to help you. When I bought mine the PO did a couple of necessary repairs before I took it home. It can be a lot of fun as well as a challenge sometimes. My conversion is half done, but I am going to enjoy it as I finish the interior. I have PD 4104-4520. Since you put your vin number in the post, you should be hearing from RJ about the history of your coach. Feel free to post more pictures and ask plenty of questions.
Mike
Wow-just about no side windows! I like lots of big picture windows-after all aren't we out here to see the sites? Especially when sitting it is nice to be able to gaze outside. But-it's your bus now. Good Luck, TomC
Congrats. Get ya some old work clothes on and quality latex gloves from Napa and dig in.
I'd like to know if it has a 8V in the back or just the 4106 engine door ??
Bill in Ks
I know it has the 671 with 4 speed, is that not the correct door for a 4104? Sorry but I really dont know. And Tom, I am already planning on more windows, don't care for the tunnel effect!
Looks good, gulfyankee.
Still has a tachograph too?
Enjoy
Congrats and welcome to the Board. Just take things one at a time and enjoy your bus. After owning ours for 3 years there's always a project on deck. I see it as part of the fun (and frustration) of owning an old bus.
Bryan
Vancouver BC
GM PD-4108
Thanks for the pic's. I sure like the lines and style of the older buses. Welcome and enjoy
Kevin
Gulf -
Welcome to the madness!
PD4104-2345 was delivered new in April of 1957 as fleet number 412 to Carey Transportation, based in Newark, NJ. Carey's business was, and still is, primarily shuttle transportation to/from NY's two major airports. There are several other busnuts here and over on BNO who have ex-Carey cars.
Yes, that's a 4106 tailgate on the back of your 4104, but at least it's not a fiberglass stick 'n staple look-alike. Seriously look into replacing those taillights with the newer LED models. Suggest you also might look into making the top ones amber turn signals only - might help the tailgaters to actually understand what you're going to to!
Also see that your coach still has the original rear window. PROTECT IT! Replacements are now made from unobtainium!!
Finally, to help us help you even better, I suggest that you add a "signature" to your posts, including the city/state you're based out of and your coach make/model. Real first name's helpful too - some folk don't like to talk to "handles". The location and bus model really help us direct you to more local help, along with giving you more correct info for your coach.
Again, welcome to the madness!!
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
Considering aluminium prices you got a good deal. Welcome.
Quote from: Barn Owl on March 27, 2011, 12:53:41 PM
Considering aluminium prices you got a good deal. Welcome.
Thank you. And, yes, I did. Actually, the PO told me yesterday that when I had contacted him, the bus was about 3 days from being scrapped. His local scrapman had offered him $2500 for it, which was why I was able to get it for that price. He wanted to see it go to a good home than be crushed.
Quote from: TedsBUSted on March 27, 2011, 10:03:14 AM
Looks good, gulfyankee.
Still has a tachograph too?
Enjoy
Thanks, and yes it does. And registers 915,000 miles! Also still has the sign above the driver stating that seating aboard the coach is without regard to color, race, creed, etc. Lots of history in these things if you look, I'm sure......
Welcome Scott, congrats on your 4104. We got ours 7 yrs. ago and haven't regretted it once. They are fine coaches and real eye catchers. Enjoy...Cable
You need to come down here to the rally next week at Franklin, Tx... about 180 miles from you.
You can find info on the calendar board.
Congrats on the new GMC, the best buses ever built!
Welcome! I was a operating engineer for years, retired now.worked with allot of fitters over the years. Bob
Scott,
The shift linkage is a problem that I solved by replacing all the pins and shackles in the linkage plus bushings and arms on the bellcrank. A big job, but cleared up the shifting and clutch problems.
There are no fuse panels, the 4104 had only circuit breakers and as old as mine are ("54) they still all work.
My biggest electrical problem was corroded wires and terminals in the driver's and rear electrical panels. I cleaned and replaced a bunch of them, cleaned the terminals and replaced the nuts with brass nuts and corrugated washers.
A maintenance manual is absolutely essential because of the wiring diagrams you need. You really can't do much electrical work without those numbered terminal diagrams.
I have a bunch on digital files I can send if you don't have them. Also the parts book is really valuable because it shows parts breakdown diagrams.
I'll be out of pocket for the next two days but can send them after Thursday.
Dallas, I would but am not at home. Working in VA, which is also where i bought the bus. I worked in Franklin a couple of years ago building a power plant there, nice community.
Gus, I fully intend to deal with the linkages ASAP. ALso the electrical, the rear electrical panel is full of corrosion. Kind of the reason why I am considering replacing it all with a more modern fuse panel.
zimtok has already been gracious enough to share the manuals on PDF's, thinking I will be going to kinko's to get them made into books.
Thanks to all of you for the welcomes! It's great to know that there are so many enthusiastic people out there who not only share a passion, but also a hobby! This is a move I have been considering for several years, and pretty much just nose dived into when I ran across this bus.
Where in Va are you working?
Quote from: Barn Owl on March 28, 2011, 08:14:27 PM
Where in Va are you working?
Surry, at the nuclear plant
It sounds like you got a great deal on your coach. I had a 58 4104 and it was a solid bus. You can't beat the price... enjoy.
Treat those Al bellcrank arms carefully, they are hard to find. I managed to find one decent used one but had to repair the other one with epoxy and new bushings.
The link ends and pins were not easy to find but I finally got enough of them to complete the job. I found some in hardware stores and some in an offshore marine supply store in LA!
Hi gulfyankee! Welcome! Sit down and have a cup o' joe with us and be sure to put your birthday in your profile ;)