BCM Community

Looking for some feedback from other nuts that have a 4104 and run the rockies or smokeys and various other " big climbs " pulling a toad. 

We really like our 4104 and it has a lot of what we wanted in a coach BUT after our last trip to a state park I want an auto trans.  I realize it is not feasable to put an auto in the 4104 CUZ you can buy a mid 80's Newell w/ an 8v92 and allison for 35K or less. 

I'm not buried in my bus and can get out with little or no loss , planned on rolling that cash into a newer rig.

Have any of yall started with one bus and moved on to a bit bigger / auto / more HP ? If so I'd like some feedback.

thanks
Bill in KS

Quantity has a quality all it's own, springs to mind.  I think a mid 80's Newell with an 8V92 and an Allison might be an ideal choice as a move-up, but it equally might be a total money pit.  You can't deny the desire to have just a tad more power than anyone would ever need...

Brian

I can understand your power(less) problem with the 4104.  I once saw a loaded 4104 that couldn't even bump over a curb without having a jarring rolling start at it. I had the same problem with my bus pulling the toad.  I came close a couple of times to not making it up a relatively mild hill (down to 10mph with it floored!). Plus I like to go into the mountains and the extra black smoke and lack of power was just not acceptable.  I turbo'd my 8V-71 and had the V730 overhauled. WOW what a difference.  While my mileage is still in the 5-6mpg range (I have a transit and the sign bump in front catches alot of wind) the performance now is such that I don't slow down much on hills. A 6% grade is at 45mph instead of 32mph.  I realize that you could sell your bus and buy another-but you know your bus inside and out by now.  Any bus you buy you'll have to rectify many problems or even change major stuff to bring it up to your standards.

I would suggest you change out your complete engine/transmission.  Some combinations that I've seen on a 4104 is turboing the 6-71-but you still have the inadequate 4 spd manual transmission.  A 6V-92TA and V730 Allison is popular.  Other engines that can be bolted to the V730 Allison with reverser gear are the Cummins ISL, ISM/M11/L10.  Good Luck, TomC

Buy the Newell Bill I love the looks of the older Newells they even look like a bus and the mid entry door is neat and plus it won't have 2 million miles on it either, parts for one are off the self you can buy those parts at a drug store and Napa sorry Luke lol ps I have a friend that has one nice!!

good luck

I have to agree with TomC. You could save and repower easier than sell and start over. IMO

Quote from: mike4104tx on July 26, 2011, 10:37:18 AM
I have to agree with TomC. You could save and repower easier than sell and start over. IMO

I know folks with Newell's and they work on them just like I work on my Eagle.  Like most complex machines, they are going to demand attention from time to time.  Here is a shot of my buddies 93 model, in my shop, this time it was the inverter (we fixed it).


Clifford is right about the parts issue, they are off the shelf, but slowly mine is morphing into the same thing (as far as parts go), replacing what needs replacing with truck parts whenever I can.

I guess there is a little bit of Tim Allen (The Tool Man) in all of us .... We all want more power!

BCO

Bill,

Go for it. Upgrade. Get a Newell, Prevost, whatever you want. Upgrade, because if you put a lot of $$$ into your current one, you will always wonder if you could have gotten XYZ. I really don't think that you want to put a lot of money into a bus, and feel like you have to stick with it because of the money that you have in it.

JMHO upgrade...and get that newer one.

FWIW

John

Hey Bill,

Keep looking for a later model if you want to change.  They are out there. I bought a 91 Prevost (cole conversion) with 56,600 miles on coach since new for 57,000 bucks. Inside the baby is like new.  I drove it down to my place, Sunday, (438 miles to front gate) and took it to Keith Whitiker in New Brunsfeld Tx. for a complete check out. I wish I knew now to post pics to show you what's out there.

Good Luck,
Glen

Bill,

If you're a fan of the character and construction of the GM buses (as I am) and really like your 35' 4104, you might consider this one:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/rvs/2508480162.html (http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/rvs/2508480162.html)

While the color scheme may be an acquired taste, the mechanical package is a nice upgrade and will have plenty of power for the hills. His price might be a tad high for today's market, but given everything that's been done to it, not too far off, IMHO.

Bob

I sold my 4104 and bought a Vogue Prima Vista.  The Vogue is every bit the equivalent of a Newell or Bluebird of the same vintage and is a very nice coach.  However, I have regretted it ever since.  If it were not for the financial hit, I would trade back for a 4104 in a minute.

It's a bus thing, just ain't the same.

Talk about power lol wow  :o

http://busesandmore.com/rvs/1961-GM-PD4106-RV.shtml (http://busesandmore.com/rvs/1961-GM-PD4106-RV.shtml)

Wonder if that owner bought a Eagle  lol 

good luck

I am at a loss about GMs so I don't know what matches or swaps can be made; however, the owner of the local RV place here in Cambridge had an early model GM conversion with a 4 speed. He bought an auto tranny & all the necessary parts to upgrade (he says) & then sold the bus. He wants rid of the auto & parts. I think you could get it cheap. It's the V-drive thing. I can get a phone number if you are  interested..
I have no interest in it. Just providing the info.

TOM

Finally found a bus that I would trade "HUGGY" for.It was at Davids Coach today.

It was a 35 foot eagle.

Now all i need to do is convince the Baptist Church in Denver that they need a bigger bus.

I think that would be the perfect bus for the east coast and the way that I want to go.

Never on the interstate just the back roads.

uncle ned

Ned, you need to stay away from the Eagles Rallies look what is happening to you LOL

good luck

Thanks for everyones input. 

Went to the Newell Factory today. We went there to check on the build of a mid 80's coach, before he left they gave him a full 36" long multiple view blue print of the coach he is looking to buy in Cali.


We both showed up in blue collar work wear and had a tough time breaking through the front desk but once we got past the surface people were very helpful and knew the coach's original owners that my friend was inquiring about. 

I think I'm going to set my sigts on a Newell

Bill in KS

Take a look at my post (missplaced bus ) , need HP, Auto. ????

 A few years ago i saw a Newell for sale on line that had once belonged to Cybil Shepard (sp?). It was either an 86 or 87 and sure was a purdy coach.

Quote from: Bill in KS on July 26, 2011, 07:05:07 PM
I think I'm going to set my sigts on a Newell

Bill in KS

Good thinking, Bill. Go for it. I think you will like the upgrade.

Quote from: Bill in KS on July 26, 2011, 07:05:07 PM
Thanks for everyones input. 

Went to the Newell Factory today. We went there to check on the build of a mid 80's coach, before he left they gave him a full 36" long multiple view blue print of the coach he is looking to buy in Cali.


We both showed up in blue collar work wear and had a tough time breaking through the front desk but once we got past the surface people were very helpful and knew the coach's original owners that my friend was inquiring about. 

I think I'm going to set my sigts on a Newell

Bill in KS

A yearly inspection, change oil, filters, lube, (tune-up if it needs it) and give it the once over .... $4.500.00.

Bring your check book.

BCO

 4500 bucks is not that bad lol my wife got a notice one time from Vogue in Pryor to bring the bus in for service and inspection she took it in I picked it up over 10 grand but that did include the free hook ups, Harvey and Steve Mitchell got me on that one but only that one time  

good luck

luvrbus

I thought the eagle people put me over in the corner by myself because "HUGGY" would distract all the eagle fans away.

or maybe because i am so good looking .

uncle ned

Power is not the problem with a 671/4-SP, the too-high first gear is the problem.

4104s with a 6V71/AT and rear axle from a transit are supposed to be good fits.

Wish mine had that plus Sheppard Steering, I would never sell it!