Went at lunch time today and grabbed some 2x10s to build my ramps. Going to use a modified version of the plans I have seen posted around with the 2x10s on end.
Hopefully this will get me where I need to be to make enough room to safely get under the bus and convert the rear brakes to spring brakes.
Vern
When I built mine I drilled a couple of holes in the big end, found some old rope lying around, cut off a couple of 2 foot pieces, poured epoxy in the holes and stuffed the ends of the rope in the epoxy. I've never regretted that - it makes it really easy to drag them around. Mine must weigh 70 or 80 pounds apiece - without the rope handles they'd get monotonous to move.
Yeah, I will probably have to do that as well.
After building 4 ramps and then moving them around, I started to think it might have been easier to dig a pit and back the bus over it. Thanks for the note about the rope, I was still trying to figure out how I was gonna do that. Makes perfect sense now.
Put wheels on the ramps, makes them easy to move around.
Jack
Now Jack that is an excellent idea.
If you position them right you could make it so they only touch when they are lifted at the right angle.
I just now read the bit at the start where the idea is to convert from DD-3's to spring brakes. My strong advice is to just block the bus up in the air (and ramps are a great start to the whole "up in the air" thing), and take all the rear wheels off. Makes working on the brakes so much easier when you can see what you are up against.
Brian
Not DD-3s, I have an old 4104, so I have straight chambers on the back.
The plan is to run it up the ramp, with it fully aired up block the body up. I was going to leave the tire on and on the ramp, but I can see that it might be easier to do with the tires off.
If you have # 30 service brakes now,all that you would need to do is install the top hat and of course the lines and valve.
If you can even buy the top 2/3 rd sections any more.
I already have all of the parts with 30/30 cans. Just have to get the bus in the air so I can put them on.
Vern
You should have spent some time crawling around and under Huggy. Lots of good ideas and some bad ones
in him.
Every one is always welcome to visit do not have to be invited. Good luck on your adventure with our 04.
uncle ned
I should have.
Vern -
Did you buy Uncle Ned's "spare" 4104?
???
Nope, I think what he meant by our is that we are the guardians of the last of a breed.
RJ
Vern was my neighbor at the GM barn at Arcadia.
The time I spent with you, john vickers, sam kayor, jack campbell and luke are the best times of all.
I just hope I get to meet clifford in person.
after meeting the young people at Arcadia I think out hobby and love for these old buses is in good hands.
uncle ned
ps do not know what to think of a turn coat. LOL LOL
Yes we enjoyed talking with you and everyone in our barn.
Quote from: uncle ned on January 08, 2015, 01:53:03 PM
ps do not know what to think of a turn coat. LOL LOL
Ha!
If the 4106 I'd been drooling over since 1999 had been available, it would be parked in that barn now instead of an MCI.
But the guy doesn't want to sell, he's currently updating the galley, says he's gonna hang on to it for another 10 years or so, if his health holds out.
So when this opportunity suddenly popped up, it was almost a no-brainer. Especially since it was never a revenue service bus.
Ya, may be a turn coat, but still a busnut!
;D