Thanks for letting me in to the board- maybe you folks can help me with a little mystery. I'm in the market for a 35' conversion and my search lead me to a 1969 GMC 4107 in Chico, CA. It's a bit of a convoluted story but the end result is that I know the bus is still for sale (listed @ $32,000), it's owned by a retired nurse named Amber who is not physically able to handle driving it anymore, but I have no other contact info or any pics of the bus. Does anyone happen to know about this rig or maybe have a connection with someone in Chico who does?
Thanks!
Google awes me sometimes. I have no idea if this adds to your information, but the fact that it popped right up just astounded me. I searched on "1969 GMC 4107 in Chico, CA".
http://www.nationalmultilist.com/listing.php?listing_id=153520 (http://www.nationalmultilist.com/listing.php?listing_id=153520)
Brian
Yeah, that's where I got the original lead. Thing is, that ad is not supposed to even be there. It's a "trial ad" (for lack of a better term) and the seller can then pay the $299 fee to list it fully with pics and direct contact info or they can request to just have the ad removed. This ad was supposed to have been removed per seller's request, it wasn't for some reason, I saw it and contacted the multi-list folks, they can't give me the seller info but gave me a little of the background story. I *could* pay the $299 fee myself and they would provide the connection, but I'm not excited about doing that since I have no pics or other details.
I doubt the salesperson you talked too has any idea as to why it's for sale. They call everybody that lists anything on Craigslist and puts up a sample add for them to see. Maybe, try putting an add on the Chico Craigslist and see if the owner sees it? It's hard to say how old that sample ad is.
Don and Cary
1973 05 Eagle
GM 4107
Neoplan An340
Theres a 4107 conversion on Sacramento Craigslist, $49K
Thats an awful lot of asking price for that model in the current market. $32K likely is as well, it would have to be really nice.
http://fayar.craigslist.org/rvs/2775030837.html (http://fayar.craigslist.org/rvs/2775030837.html)
Come to the dark side, Luke.....
to Cary and Don- Actually, the particular sales person I talked with did know quite a lot about the situation. I felt like she wanted to make the seller-buyer connection for free but she probably valued her job more than me! I might try the "bus wanted" craigslist ad as you suggest. Thanks.
artvonne- I emailed that Sacramento 4107 guy a week ago with some questions and he never responded. It is pricey, indeed.
uglydog- Haha! Cool little rig! wrong bed arrangement for me and a *bit* funkier than I had in mind. I used to have a '57 Crown, 40' with midship Cummins, a 5-speed stick and dually twin axels (yup, 8 tires in the back). Loved it except it rode like a rock.
to all- In the meantime, I've found a very nice '79 MCI-5C that might trump my other searches. But I'd still be interested in finding out about the Chico bus.
Sounds like a scam to get $299 from you..Careful...Cable
The later 40ft tandem axle Crowns had air suspension-then they ride well. Good Luck, TomC
Contact Larry Hall of the Western GM club he will tell you the contact for that bus screen name here is NotaPup
good luck
As a 4107 owner I have to say that it is an exceptional bus and only 35'. Unless you are a full-timer I see no need for the extra 5', weight and expense for a 40'ter.
4107 air bags give a great ride and mine has individual leveling valves which makes it much better. The 4104 air bags don't give anywhere nearly as good a ride but that system is totally different.
$32K is a reasonable price considering that it is surely only a starting price and if it is in great shape. I gave more than that for mine a year ago and it is worth every penny. It all depends!! There is no set price for any model bus, it far more depends on the condition than the model.
We just started our 9th year as fulltimers in a 35 ft. bus and are happy with it. There are times i would like to have a 3rd bay but i would just fill it up with junk. ;D
You can search Claz.org also
Chuck,
I have a 4107 I may be interested in selling. We were full timing for two years until last April. The bus is currently in the Tampa Bay area. You can call me to discuss it if you wish between 8 and 4 eastern at nine 4 one 7 three zero 7 four five 2.
Jim
Bus prices
We all know there are all different prices in bus conversions. There are high prices and low prices. There are good conversions and junk conversions. I don't think we are doing our conversions any favors by saying that a reasonable price for a good conversion is out of line. We are all crying over the price of our conversions going through the floor. It seems that we are doing it to ourselves by saying that any bus is too high priced without personally knowing what it has to offer. For us to decide the appropriate price for a conversion from an ad with four pictures and probably ten lines of description is not fair to either the seller or buyer. Newbies come here for informed information on prices and features in conversions.
I think it is good to share our knowledge of what to look for and the different features that a new owner should look for. We are here to share our experience. Let's help this new person to avoid the mistakes that we may have made or avoided because of somebody else that helped us.
Yes there are some great bargains out there and there are some over priced conversions out there. But for the most part, it comes down to you get pretty much what you pay for in this world. Many of theses "great bargains" are the reason the new bus owner didn't make it home without a tow.
Don and Cary
1973 05 Eagle
GM 4107
Neoplan AN340
I'm with you, DonandCary... ;D
Chuck actually sent me a link to the ad for one bus he is considering - an MC-5C - since he noticed that I own one. I spent a half hour or more pouring over the ad and the pictures, detailed pictures of every area of the bus. I hope he decides to share the link here - since it's his link and a bus that he is considering, I don't feel like I have the right to post it. But - I gave him my thoughts, and it sure looks like a good bus from the shots! Unique, sure looks like a well done pro conversion, absolutely love the engine install, the interior is beautiful, the bay work is spotless, if it shows as well in the steel as it does on the screen it's worth every penny of the asking price, in my opinion. It would take easily twice the asking price to duplicate.
Brian
great post. and you are right, that is what a major portion of this BB should be about. I have converted 5 of my own, and worked on several more, and there is so much information here that it has helped me greatly.
I would hate to have to post my stupid mistakes... boards i have cut too short, etc...
If you're planning to invest in a bus with the idea of making a profit when you sell it you may not be too wise. The best plan is to spend a few more bucks for a quality conversion and save a lot of money and frustration. If you look on it as a fun project with which you plan to get your money back from enjoyment, you are probably on the right track.
From the many stories on this board you can see that a conversion seldom pays for itself strictly in dollars. The payback in fun/therapy is a different thing altogether!
There is not a large market for bus conversions out there so you are pretty much limited to nuts like us, and we are all cheap so you can't make a profit from us!!
Wasn't the MCI MC5C the last of the 35 footers?
There is no way to make a profit on a bus conversion, or any other rv for that matter. You will not even get close to your investment back.
Writing off all our labor, we do expect to get a reasonable amount of our investment back with depreciation figured into it. There isn't any way to recoup the hours you spent. That is the hobby, therapy, part. We enjoy the projects.
When we purchased the Eagle, the owner said right out, he would put a match to it and toast marshmellows before he would give it away. I agree with him. There is a reasonable price for anything. Unless you really do enjoy working on them and expect to spend a lot of money while you are at it. Buy one that has all those things you want in it.
The technomads bought a real cheap bus and got a good buy. They have also put more than the purchase price into it to make it the way they needed it and plan on more upgrades. They were looking for a very unique bus set up in a unique way. They were never going to find that on the market. When complete they will no longer have a cheap bus. It made sense how they did their purchase.
Again, you get exactly what you pay for. Pay all at once or over time, it will end up the same for a good dependable conversion.
Don and Cary
1973 05 Eagle
1966 GM 4107
Neoplan AN 340
Quote from: Cary and Don on January 31, 2012, 04:12:18 PM
Writing off all our labor, we do expect to get a reasonable amount of our investment back with depreciation figured into it. There isn't any way to recoup the hours you spent. That is the hobby, therapy, part.
Again, you get exactly what you pay for. Pay all at once or over time, it will end up the same for a good dependable conversion.
Don and Cary
This old Bounder cost $85K new. The other ones we owned were similar. Thats a lot of money in depreciation and payments to nowhere down the drain. While I never bought a new one, my Uncle bought four new S&S Class A's. And lost his butt on everyone of them and then some.
I have always had the feeling the Bus Conversion crowd were looking for that magical place where you can have it all without breaking the bank. Best ride, safety, and quality, with the longest lifespan and durability.
Probably the best advice is to admit your not a heavy diesel mechanic and pay someone to check it out. It could be the best money youll ever spend on that Bus, whether you buy it or not. $50K isnt a bad price to pay for any Bus conversion, of any age, that checks out to have up to date brakes and mechanicals and good interior construction and looks good all the way round. You have to weigh the whole "package".
I like the direction this thread is taking! I've emailed some of you directly and I greatly appreciate the thoughtful advice and suggestions, particularly from Brian and Cary & Don.
From the Forum Rules, it looks like I can't post the actual ad for the MC-5C that I'm considering since it's still for sale; is that correct? But y'all could certainly find a certain 1979 MCI-5C with a 6V92T and a custom paint job for sale if you really wanted to, right? ;)
It's a much newer rig than those I was originally looking at. I've been mainly checking out 4104s, 06, 07, 08 with occasionally wanderings into Flx land. I particularly like the VL-100 but as the Technomads said, the parts are often made of unobtainium. There aren't many MC-5Cs out there and finding a conversion in good shape w the features I wanted seemed unlikely til I stumbled across this one. I do like the fact that so many MC8 & 9 parts are interchangeable w the 5 and since it's 10-20 years newer than many of the coaches I've been looking at, I figure she's got that many more years of good life in 'er.
I'm still keeping my eyes open for other possibilities, though, and I haven't found the owner of that 4107 in Chico yet.
Welcome aboard, Chuck. Glad to have you.
It is not against the board rules to post that add. Only if you were selling it, then that would be bending them a little.
Post away. Let's see what you are looking at.
God bless,
John
I hope he posts it - the engine install is seriously cool, for me at least! They put a MC9 engine bay in an MC-5C. Raised the roof 8", and raised the engine bay the same.
Brian
Here ye be:
http://busesandmore.com/rvs/1979-MCI-MC5C-RV-Bus-Conversion.shtml (http://busesandmore.com/rvs/1979-MCI-MC5C-RV-Bus-Conversion.shtml)
Quote from: chuckdrum on January 31, 2012, 06:38:54 PM
Here ye be:
http://busesandmore.com/rvs/1979-MCI-MC5C-RV-Bus-Conversion.shtml (http://busesandmore.com/rvs/1979-MCI-MC5C-RV-Bus-Conversion.shtml)
I don't know much about 5's, but I wouldn't hesitate to get that one. Looks like a sweet coach! Thumbs up from me.
FWIW
John
That looks like a really good coach. Nice installation of the engine, with raised bedroom floor, with room for the turbo on top. I paid a lot more than that for mine a couple of years ago. It is a close comparable.
JC
Wow. Thats an awful lot of rig for that kind of money.
As long as the engine and running gear check out and everything is up to snuff, thats a good deal IMHO.
I especially like the slide out shelfs, the pantograph doors, and the stainless steel paneling work in the systems bay. The longer I dont do anything, and the longer I collect pictures that give these awesome ideas, the neater this could work out.
That JD, is he the same guy who had the used Bus outfit in Ramsey off Hwy 10? They had a ton of 4106's on the south side of 10. They started hauling Buses out of there when they moved, I cant recall the year, but 4106's behind wreckers were going past our place up in Burns like crazy. Never did know where they took them all.
You don't actually raise the floor of the bedroom, that can stay low. What you raise is that shelf where the second access hatch is, and the upper shelf. I just love the extra room, but in a seated bus the rear seat would be 8" too high! ;)
But - notice that the rear doors are taller to match, and that the radiator openings on both sides are higher as well. The whole deal was done to make it the same as an MC-8 or 9. They kept the blower fan belt but went to the longer MC-9 spec one (and that is a custom belt - MCI only - from what I found when I tried to buy one from my jobber). Plus installed the MC-9 radiators. Plus a custom engine cradle, since that isn't an MCI engine mount on the front. The whole thing just smacks of a job done right, the details are the difference. I can't imagine the amount of work to do that, but with the roof raise just the chassis/body work has to be in the hundreds of hours.
Brian
Yes that is a super neat job, now a MC-5 in Texas, http://texas.freervshopper.com/rvs-parts/1979-mci-5c-bus-conversion.html. (http://texas.freervshopper.com/rvs-parts/1979-mci-5c-bus-conversion.html.)
The Texas needs WORK, but that Minn. bus is a bargin, even if it may need something.
Here is a deal
www.bus.s5.com (http://www.bus.s5.com)
Everyone always forgets about the F3500. Nice coach, new, I have heard they have some typical "new bus" issues with electronics and such, but so nice to have a newer bus...
Brian
Even the 40 ft models are going away I read where MCI has stopped production on the D 4000 and the H-41 is going away nothing left but 45 footers not enough sales for the 40ft buses I guess, the F3500 was a Dina with MCI badges built in Mexico fwiw not much of bus the ones I been around
good luck
Quote from: Beatenbo on February 01, 2012, 11:28:51 AM
Here is a deal
www.bus.s5.com (http://www.bus.s5.com)
This bus was recently listed on eBay with even more of a price reduction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-MCI-F3500-Bus-Conversion-Motorhome-NO-RESERVE-/290658150903?pt=Buses&hash=item43ac9369f7 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-MCI-F3500-Bus-Conversion-Motorhome-NO-RESERVE-/290658150903?pt=Buses&hash=item43ac9369f7)
Bob
One thing I've avoided is 24 volt and electronic buses.
I like the simple ones which have enough mysterious gremlins as it is!
Quote from: gus on February 01, 2012, 02:40:15 PM
One thing I've avoided is 24 volt and electronic buses.
I like the simple ones which have enough mysterious gremlins as it is!
On the other hand, our coach in 24V, and we have no problems. Don't let the 24V and electronics scare you. If we had it to do over again, I wouldn't hesitate to go with more electronics.
FWIW
John
The following bus has sold, but someone got a steal at that price!
http://gmbusguy.com/gallery/index.php?cat=45 (http://gmbusguy.com/gallery/index.php?cat=45)
Nice looking MCI 5. There is a nice looking MCI6 in Galveston TX. for 35k. Has any one checked it out?
Kevin
I know where a 35 ft Prevost is for sale very nice conversion by Foretravel one of the 5 Foretravel converted a 1980 model with 125,000 original miles he asking 65 , it is not a dated coach he upgraded in 2000
See Chuck.. told ya you'd get some awesome feedback from these nuts :) Glad you posted. Everyone here was such an inspiration and huge help in our own search.
The value of a coach is only what it's worth to you. We had our 'end dollar' figure in mind, and figured we'd either find a coach done close enough to what we wanted (unlikely) and be willing to spend most our budget on it, or we'd find good bones and modify as we go. Either way, our budget would be similar... and we never ever had the intention of having a 'cheap bus'. We wanted OUR bus.
We're very happy with the route we went, and the results. We're modifying Zephyr as we go, and she's becoming our ideal home & office on wheels more and more every day. We're loving the process and being intimately involved, and our bus is truly being built by a community as we roam.
For those that had been following our bus hunt adventure, here's a post about our first 7 months in the bus - including all our expenses to date bring her up on maintenance and starting our modifications: http://www.technomadia.com/2012/01/7-months-in-a-bus/ (http://www.technomadia.com/2012/01/7-months-in-a-bus/)
Thank you again to everyone who has helped us along the way. We're enjoying finally getting to meet up with so many of you!
- Cherie
Hey Cherie! Was about to write you to say thanks for nudging me toward the BCM forum. Nice folks indeed! These guys and gals have been a big help and support.
Yup, ya get what ya pay for and you can pay up front or over time. I went the ready-made route. Or at least that's the plan. I have flights booked to Florida two weeks from today to see the MCI-5C that I hope will be our new road home. Slightly challenging in that the owner is literally as far as he can possibly be from me and still be in the continental (non-keyes) U.S. If I decide to buy, I'll actually pick it up in April from Minneapolis. Already looking forward to the drive across to Seattle!
fwiw, here's a nice 4104 I recently spotted. If I wasn't already hooked on the MCI, I'd be tempted.
http://www.rvt.com/rvdetail1753323.htm (http://www.rvt.com/rvdetail1753323.htm)
I think that 5 was a good choice. It seems well laid out and looks sharp as a tack. My only beef with it is tank size but everybody's needs are different in that area. My wife was looking at the pantry in the pics, then at our washer/dryer and I was nervous for a minute.
What part of the Seattle area are you in?
Wow! Sometimes a bus conversion comes along that is an increadable bargin. If I only wasn't a GM snob! I would be putting some type of down payment on that to get it off the market, I hope you have now that all the world is looking at it.
I finally got to see the MC5 on a real computer. That is a nice coach. If that is what you are looking for, I hope you got it. The price is right.
I just showed the 5 to my wife and daughter, they both wondered why it was still for sale. If I had the coin, I would put a down on it with condition it passes a PPI. ASAP.
I offered to put money down on it a while back, knowing I wouldn't be able to see it for a few weeks. The owner graciously declined my offer saying, "If you're that interested in it, then you're first in line. If anyone else calls, they're second." I'll see it in person on Feb. 17th and anticipate some funds will change hands that day. :)
Chuckdrum, Check beside spare tire for rust. Spare if there is one is under front bumper. My 5c had some there but not enough to worry about. Block under rear and check engine cradle to bulk head for cracks. Mine was and I fixed it. Look along side by triangle windows and towards rear for bulge in siding, push on siding by rivets to check for rust issues. Mine needed a little help there, but unless tearing apart not bad enough to worry about. Hope this helps. Tom Y
Quote from: chuckdrum on February 04, 2012, 10:59:21 AM
The owner graciously declined my offer saying, "If you're that interested in it, then you're first in line. If anyone else calls, they're second."
Now thats what you call customer service.
to Tom-
Thanks for the suggestions on the rust exam. Brian had very similar comments. Both JD (at the MCI place in Minneapolis) and the owner claim there is no rust, but it's good to know the likely spots to check. (don't they ALL have rust SOMEwhere?!?) And I'll want to keep an I on that, as I intend to own this for quite a while.
Not much you can do with the side walls unless stripping them. I know after I drove mine 1800 miles home I found loose bolts on the driveshaft, glad I made it home. Tom
I would lean towards the F3500. Reasons- number one it is a 102" wide bus-that extra 6" width is very noticable. Two it uses a Cummins ISC, or ISL engine which is still being made-as compared to the obsolete Detroit 2 stroke engines (I know the 6V-53TA, 8V-71TA, and the 8V-92TA are still being made for the military, but try to find someone that knows how to work on them). Plus the F3500 is taller then the 5 giving you more baggage room. Good Luck, TomC
If you want to come to the east coast and get a real coach. Check on Dave Bullock's coach.
He passed away about a year ago and his wife is selling his coach.
It is a 1964 4106 with every thing documented that he did to the coach from the time he bought it till the last tank of fuel he bought.
It even has a bay of parts that any one might need.
It would be ready to go any where,even has almost a full tank of fuel.
For info on Dave and his wife go to Southeast busnuts web site and look at the rosters.
Also check with Charlie Bukoski President of the southeast busnuts.
uncle ned
HUGGY BEAR
4104 6v92 and v730
I like that MCI F3500 too, but after looking at the photos again (second page of pics on his site), the pic of the dash shows engine RPMs at 900 or so, but no oil pressure? I suppose it could be a gauge issue?
[I would lean towards the F3500. Reasons- number one it is a 102" wide bus-that extra 6" width is very noticable. TomC
[/quote]
Had to smile when I read that, TomC. One reason I'm NOT so excited about the F3500 is because it's 6" wider! Just that much more width to deal with driving down not-so-spacious roadways, parking lots, or on crowded freeways. But, yeah, I'm sure it makes a big difference on the interior. I seriously considered that F3500 down in GA because it was so much newer than everything else out there but I wasn't sold on the interior-- not the kind of look for me.
When I first saw the F3500, my initial reaction was wow. But the more I looked at it the more I saw a simple and plain looking box. At least the older Buses have a little style and funkiness. Different strokes and all that, but I like the 5 over the F3500, and I prefer the A and B over the C
Hey all,
I'm at 32,000 ft over Colorado, returning from my visit with Bob and Helen and their 1979 MCI5-C ( http://busesandmore.com/rvs/1979-MCI-MC5C-RV-Bus-Conversion.shtml (http://busesandmore.com/rvs/1979-MCI-MC5C-RV-Bus-Conversion.shtml)). The pictures don't lie. This is a clean machine inside and out. Bob has taken great care of it and added many personal and very practical touches. I put my money down and will pick it up in April after they return to their MN home. Right now, I might even be higher than 32,000 ft! Thanks, all of you, for your comments and suggestions as this thread went from a mystery 4107 in Chico, CA to an outstanding MC5-C at the tip of Florida. I'm sure I'll come back to y'all with questions and mysteries as my 2nd bus life begins.
Coolest feature: power slideout step cover for the co-pilot seat. Well, alright, there's some other cool features, too, but that's the one that the Mrs. will like. :)
Peace,
Chuck
Oh, I forgot to point out that Bob did much of the conversion himself after totally devouring BCM for about two years. He bought the rig in 1993, learned how to weld, raised the roof 8", did essentially all the electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems, near as I can tell. The engine and paint were done in Oregon and a friend of his did the professional quality cabinet work. So nice to know that the owner is the one who transformed this passenger coach into such a comfortable home. And I found out he purchased the shell from NW Bus Sales, about 5 miles from my home!
FYI, this was one of the Saudi MCIs. Bob said it had an extra roof on it to shield against the desert heat and an oversized air filter to deal w the sand. The current roof is totally new with the conversion, and the entire power train and related systems have been replaced.
Very cool! congratulations!
Brian
What does it have for power? I looked at alot of the Saudi buses, liked the double doors and extra roof insulation. Glad you found your bus. If i was buying a bus right now i would look hard at Jack Campbell's "Blue Goose" eagle.
According to the ad, it has a 6v92T and a 5 speed auto tranny.