Hello everyone! Just joined the forum as I'm on the very edge of pulling the trigger on an old GMC 4104 RV conversion. I've gone up to see it twice and am in the final steps of negotiating the price, but while I'm here, may as well see if anyone's got any insight!
First, some personal background - I'm 32 with an IT/Telecom background and lots of amateur experience working on cars, light trucks, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc - I like to tinker. I'm coming off an an '83 Winnebago with a 6.2 diesel, so I'm somewhat familiar with big, old, slow, diesels, just not ones this big, old, or slow! I also have an uncle who used to work on detroit diesels, so that's a huge plus I know.
Now, the bus itself - it was converted to an RV back in the early nineties, and if the hub counter was reset then then it's got about 14k RV miles on it. The current owner was a professional trucker and still takes it out once or twice a year locally, but wants to see it go to a good home. Body seems to be in great shape - needs fresh paint on the painted bits and a shine on the aluminum, but everything seems super solid. From what I could see, the air bags and suspension components all looked healthy. It does need new tires, which I know are not cheap, but hey, at least it's only got two axles. Some of the window seals, including the windshield one, are due for replacement as well.
Conversion work was done well - definitely some updates needed, but the cabinetry is all very well made oak which was made and put in by the current owner's father; a lot of love clearly went into this bus.
Had the seller take us for a test drive yesterday - it actually ran out of fuel while idling after startup, and he refilled the tank and primed it back up while we were there, only took him 10-15 minutes total. I actually consider this a perk, as I'm wary of sellers prepping for 'perfect' showings. Not much smoke once it was running. Ride was very smooth, speedometer wasn't behaving but at one point we were keeping up with traffic on a stretch of highway where traffic is usually going 65-70mph, so I was impressed.
One thing of some concern was that the previous owner installed padded panels in the roof for insulation - I'm tall, so I can only stand fully upright in the middle 2'-3' in the center of the bus, otherwise I need to duck my head slightly or risk bumping into the padding (it is soft at least). I'm thinking that I could either a) adapt to it, or b) at some point take down the panels and re-engineer it with a more modern insulator to recover some headroom (looks like aerogel-based insulation is finally filtering out into affordable ranges).
Any thoughts, encouragements, or warnings are welcome! If I take the dive, I'll put up a bunch of photos (and then probably spend the next few months asking for more advice).
-Rob
4104 is a good old reliable bus. And since you know mechanics-will help. The 6-71 is very reliable with basic maintenance. Weak spot is the 4spd manual, but if you know that startability is not good, just don't get into a situation that you can't get out of.
As to headroom-I wanted a 4104/4106 myself, but being 6'3" in shoes, I didn't want to be banging my head. And the fact that the 04/06 is a 96" wide, I wanted something bigger. I have an AMGeneral 10240B transit I converted. It is 102" wide, with 6'10" headroom. There is a big difference in the interior space. Before you buy this 04, please look at a MCI 102C3 or equal to see the difference. You can't easily raise the roof on a GMC since it is unibody construction. But-if you're willing to live with the dimensions of the 04, it will be a good bus. Good Luck, TomC
We have a 4104, I am 6-4 and have to watch my head in ours sometimes. But being a professional school bus driver, I am used to ducking in the older buses I drive.
For me the interior height of the bus wasn't a make or break it item. I like the classic look and length.
I am also the guy tracking down all the surviving GM intercity left in the world. Whether you buy the coach or not, would you care to share the coaches serial number with the GM survivors list?
Headroom in the camper all depends on how much time you spend inside the camper standing up...
There is likely little to no headroom to recover, the pleated covering is likely nearby to the structure anyway.
Don't shine the aluminium bits until you know what anodised aluminium panels are, and the repercussions...
4104 are a lovely machine, nice camper size, classic looks, and with basic maintenance, pretty much brings you home every time.
Welcome to the madness!
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
In this day and age, I can't see someone spending the time and money to convert a 4104. A cool bus to look at, but there are so many newer buses for sale that have bigger engines, automatic transmissions, power steering and so on, that spending money on a 4104 is a failure. You can spend the same money on a newer bus as you would converting a 4104.
BTW, on the buses for sale there is a fully converted MCI-9 for $15,000.
Quote from: Geoff on September 02, 2019, 03:59:59 PM
In this day and age, I can't see someone spending the time and money to convert a 4104. A cool bus to look at, but there are so many newer buses for sale that have bigger engines, automatic transmissions, power steering and so on, that spending money on a 4104 is a failure. You can spend the same money on a newer bus as you would converting a 4104.
BTW, on the buses for sale there is a fully converted MCI-9 for $15,000.
Sometimes it's not about easy or cheaper or more features. Sometimes it's about the joy of getting a vintage beast up and running, and then making it into your own. Some people just prefer old vehicles to new. I do, and while I agree that we could have spent less for "more" with a newer bus, there's no way I'd enjoy it nearly as much.
It's the whole journey vs. the destination thing...
Quote from: siberyd on September 02, 2019, 10:08:02 AM
We have a 4104, I am 6-4 and have to watch my head in ours sometimes. But being a professional school bus driver, I am used to ducking in the older buses I drive.
For me the interior height of the bus wasn't a make or break it item. I like the classic look and length.
I am also the guy tracking down all the surviving GM intercity left in the world. Whether you buy the coach or not, would you care to share the coaches serial number with the GM survivors list?
Sure thing - pretty certain I'm buying, but either way I'll update you with the serial. I'm thinking similarly on the headroom - I really don't spend much time standing around in my current RV, and I found myself automatically ducking in the right places (aside from occasionally bumping an AC) just while looking it over.
Quote from: buswarrior on September 02, 2019, 11:33:32 AM
Headroom in the camper all depends on how much time you spend inside the camper standing up...
There is likely little to no headroom to recover, the pleated covering is likely nearby to the structure anyway.
Don't shine the aluminium bits until you know what anodised aluminium panels are, and the repercussions...
4104 are a lovely machine, nice camper size, classic looks, and with basic maintenance, pretty much brings you home every time.
Welcome to the madness!
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Yeah, I did a little research on how to treat the aluminum right - that will most likely end up being a Spring project, so I'll have plenty of time to read up and prepare.
Quote from: Geoff on September 02, 2019, 03:59:59 PM
In this day and age, I can't see someone spending the time and money to convert a 4104. A cool bus to look at, but there are so many newer buses for sale that have bigger engines, automatic transmissions, power steering and so on, that spending money on a 4104 is a failure. You can spend the same money on a newer bus as you would converting a 4104.
BTW, on the buses for sale there is a fully converted MCI-9 for $15,000.
Thankfully this one is already converted, and quite nicely at that. Personally I'm not worried about learning to shift it or taking it slow, I appreciate the simplicity of maintenance and the improved mileage - this will be a once-in-a-while toy and home hobby honestly, not a full-time living situation type of deal. I love the style of it, and very much appreciate the 35' length (40' would be problematic for some of my frequent locations). Best of all though, it's an hour from my house instead of across the country.
Thank you all for the advice and encouragement, I'll let you know when the deal is struck!
I have fond memories of the 4104, it carried me to the Army induction office in 1965, and then a Silver Eagle Model 01 took me to Fort Dix. You say you are not worried about shifting the Spicer 4 speed, but have you actually driven this or any other Spicer? As Tom said, it has its limitations because of the relatively high gear ratios. There are grades that will challenge it, and you might find them going to campgrounds where 35 footers are allowed. Double clutching will be required, and it is an acquired art form mastering it. Is your left leg in good shape, if not, it will be. The 6-71 is a sweet sounding engine, but you will be one of the slower buses on the road. If you like the looks, you remember to duck, and you are patient, then go for it.
Quote from: DoubleEagle on September 02, 2019, 07:35:06 PM
I have fond memories of the 4104, it carried me to the Army induction office in 1965, and then a Silver Eagle Model 01 took me to Fort Dix. You say you are not worried about shifting the Spicer 4 speed, but have you actually driven this or any other Spicer? As Tom said, it has its limitations because of the relatively high gear ratios. There are grades that will challenge it, and you might find them going to campgrounds where 35 footers are allowed. Double clutching will be required, and it is an acquired art form mastering it. Is your left leg in good shape, if not, it will be. The 6-71 is a sweet sounding engine, but you will be one of the slower buses on the road. If you like the looks, you remember to duck, and you are patient, then go for it.
I watched the previous owner driving it like a pro, but did not try myself. I fully expect there to be a learning curve, but I've typically got a good hand with that sort of thing and am patient. Left leg's strong, but it's got an air clutch upgrade anyway. I know first is pretty steep on these, and that starting on hills can be problematic - are we talking 'takes a minute and some swearing to get going' problematic, or 'back down the hill and try again' problematic?
We have owned our 4104 for 40 years now. Purchased it in service & performed the original conversion on it and a couple interior remodels since then not to mention major unit repairs on nearly every system in the bus. Unless a system has become completely unobtanium for parts we've tried to keep it as original as possible. Nothing can be farther from the truth of any bus no matter how old or worn out it may be to be a failure to convert. True bus nutting is a labor of love & not a labor to recoup what is spent... Follow your dream. The 4104 is a turtle to today's interstate system but will do the trip and get you there. We are winding down our 2nd road trip to AK from FL & the ole' girl is completely stock and purrs down the road & up every mountain N America has to offer. BTDT with a track record of 100s of thousands of miles on the same ole' work horse your contemplating on purchasing.
Quote from: Nova Eona on September 02, 2019, 08:36:15 PM
...I know first is pretty steep on these, and that starting on hills can be problematic - are we talking 'takes a minute and some swearing to get going' problematic, or 'back down the hill and try again' problematic?
Depends on the hill. When we were coming out of the Sioux Falls downtown area last year to see the falls we ended up on a road with our 4108 which was very steep. Much steeper than we had any business being on at such slow speeds in city traffic. As we approached the stop sign at the "T" intersection at the top of the last hill we knew we had a problem since the oncoming traffic required us to come to a complete stop. No way possible to get going again. Police were called, and I backed down about 3/4 mile of narrow road with the squad car behind us and lights flashing. I haven't made that mistake again, and our bus has an 8V71 mated to the Spicer 4-speed.
All that said, it hasn't limited our travels and just requires a bit more pre-planning. To us it's part of the journey and not a big deal. The worst part of it is actually the limitations with reverse on ours - our Spicer doesn't like to back up on a hill at all, and that's where getting into or out of a campground might be a problem for us.
Like has been said before, these buses have crossed every corner of the country for decades, so there's no reason a bus nut can't keep doing it with a bit of careful planning if the bus you want happens to have a 4-speed.
Many seek car-like performance from their coach.
Some do not.
Just one of those choices...
The driver's of the 4104 when it showed up in the fleets in the 50's thought they were rocket ships...
Perspective, expectations and experience.
Do what YOU want to do.
Following the crowd on the internet has stifled a lot of creativity.
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Quote from: Nova Eona on September 02, 2019, 08:36:15 PM
starting on hills can be problematic - are we talking 'takes a minute and some swearing to get going' problematic, or 'back down the hill and try again' problematic?
Richard's experience is a fine example of what can happen with the 4 speed. I had a similar experience in South Dakota with my first Eagle when I was towing a Land Rover up the entrance grade to the Crazy Horse Monument. I started the hill in third gear, and as it got steeper, I got down to first. It was okay for awhile, but I kept losing speed as I approached the top. If anybody ahead of me stopped I would have been forced to stop, unhook, and back down. But, no one did, and I lugged it in first into the parking lot. I wished at that point I had the five speed version, which would have done better. The other hazard is trying to restart in traffic on a steep grade and doing serious damage to the clutch and flywheel. Most buses went from terminal to terminal without encountering serious grades, but we tend to go to places that buses didn't normally go.
The 4104 you are considering will probably be a fine vehicle, but you will have to plan where you go carefully to avoid trouble, particularly because you do not have experience with it yet. I would have the present owner give you training guidance in shifting since he is comfortable with it and knows it best. There is something satisfying about shifting a manual transmission that an automatic can not give you. You feel a connection to the whole drivetrain through your arm that lets you know there are a lot of parts back there pulling for you. Once the grinding days are over, and you can upshift and downshift with ease, you will feel very satisfied. Not everyone can do it well. ::)
A little worrisome, but not devastatingly so. From the sounds of this thread: https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=18977.0 (https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=18977.0) it is *possible* to get it moving again on an uphill situation with some modifications, skill, and a touch of mechanical recklessness. Obviously avoidance is the best bet, but I can think of situations where I'd rather risk clutch damage over trying to back down certain slopes. To be clear though, are talking about the white-knuckle "wouldn't want to even walk down that in the winter" type of slopes, or are gentler hills and inclines equally hazardous? Anyone have a guess on the highest safe grade percentage you'd want to stop on?
I am a manual fan in many ways - automatics are nice for everyday driving, but my summer 'fun' car is a manual '90 BMW convertible which I'm in the middle of dropping a newer engine into. Reason I didn't mention it earlier is that I'm aware that shifting that type of transmission hardly counts as experience when it comes to the Spicer. Slow doesn't scare me - my old Winnebago regularly takes steep hills at a leisurely 25mph if I don't carry enough momentum into it, I'm used to enjoying the scenery.
As far as a safe percentage grade goes, it depends on how heavy you are, which engine, tire size, etc. The grades you encounter on interstates are more modest (usually less than 7%), it's the ones on state, county, and private roads that can get too steep to restart without clutch wear and/or stalling of the engine. Some local roads in some states have signs warning of steep grades, but not everywhere. If you can't safely back down, the next option is being towed. There are trucker guides in print and online that cover the subject, but I don't remember anything specifically, (I have automatics now). 8)
I had to put a clutch in a 4104 last year. Luke is the only person I know who still has them.
The story is that my customer lives on top of a hill. She was going up the hill in first gear to her house when a car cut her off from a side street and she had to stop. She tried to get going again and completely burned out her clutch to the point all she could do is roll backwards, which she did, and ended up in an empty lot. The only thing that keep the bus from going into a ditch was a built up embankment that stopped the bus. Don't ask me about using the brakes, I think she was overwhelmed by the situation.
Quote from: Geoff on September 03, 2019, 12:04:09 PM
I had to put a clutch in a 4104 last year. Luke is the only person I know who still has them.
The story is that my customer lives on top of a hill. She was going up the hill in first gear to her house when a car cut her off from a side street and she had to stop. She tried to get going again and completely burned out her clutch to the point all she could do is roll backwards, which she did, and ended up in an empty lot. The only thing that keep the bus from going into a ditch was a built up embankment that stopped the bus. Don't ask me about using the brakes, I think she was overwhelmed by the situation.
Yikes. I'll admit, I don't think I'd be looking at a 4104 if its home was going to be on top of a hill where that could happen with any regularity.
Quote from: Nova Eona on September 03, 2019, 11:33:31 AM
A little worrisome, but not devastatingly so. From the sounds of this thread: https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=18977.0 (https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=18977.0) it is *possible* to get it moving again on an uphill situation with some modifications, skill, and a touch of mechanical recklessness. ...
I just check the location that was a problem for me last year in Sioux Falls on Google Earth. It's about a 15% grade at the offending stop sign. There is no amount of feathering or skill that's going to keep from doing damage on a grade like that once you come to a stop. Calling for assistance is the only wise option. I should have known better than to even try that. Lesson learned.
My other major issue with the 4-speed is turning into my driveway. There is a county road in front of my house - no shoulders and only 1 lane in each direction. My driveway can be entered from only one direction, and it is located about 50 yards from the peak of a rather steep grade. The grade is about 12% for the most part, and then just before my driveway it flattens out a bit to only about 8%. If I need to stop in front of my driveway for traffic I can get started, but it's a real bugger.
What I do now is approach from the side street at the bottom of the hill. I make the turn onto the country highway in first gear and stay in first as I creep up the steepest part of the hill and approach my driveway with the hazards blinking. It's only about 300 yards from the side road to my driveway. As I approach my driveway, I make a quick calculation regarding my ability to make the turn safely. If I can, then I continue through the turn into my driveway without stopping after giving a warning blow on the air horn. If I have any doubts, I'm already in first gear and already in motion. This allows me to just do a 'touch-and-go' and continue over the crest of the hill. At that point I go around the block and try again. If I have a co-pilot with me I can drop him/her off to act as a set of eyes on top of the hill to help me better decide on the safety of turning into the driveway.
Proper planning is key. Once you identify problem locations develop a plan and find a way to work through it. A 4-speed shouldn't keep you from enjoying the 4104, as long as you're willing and able to work within the limitations presented by it.
Fair enough, and I definitely didn't mean to imply any lack of skill on your part Richard - I put modifications first for a reason, it sounds like there may be some potential in that fast-idle tweak, but that does no good if you haven't done it before you're on the hill - or even then, I think you're right that 15% is probably beyond the scope of that particular workaround.
I live in New England and will likely do most of my back-country travels around here - as hilly as it is, most of our roads squirm around them rather than over thankfully.
Oh, here's a good thing to ask - I know insurance can be a bear on any converted bus, anyone have any recommendations and/or want to share what they're paying?
Quote from: Nova Eona on September 03, 2019, 12:56:35 PM
Fair enough, and I definitely didn't mean to imply any lack of skill on your part Richard - I put modifications first for a reason, it sounds like there may be some potential in that fast-idle tweak, but that does no good if you haven't done it before you're on the hill - or even then, I think you're right that 15% is probably beyond the scope of that particular workaround...
No offense taken at all. Just presented the extra facts so you would know what I was dealing with. The fast idle thing wouldn't work on my bus anyway, as the fast idle is disabled if my parking brake is not set.
Quote from: Nova Eona on September 03, 2019, 12:56:35 PM
Oh, here's a good thing to ask - I know insurance can be a bear on any converted bus, anyone have any recommendations and/or want to share what they're paying?
First - work with an independent insurance agent and not with the company directly. Independent agents know how to work the system and get things through underwriting. You or I call directly for the same vehicle, and we're likely to get a blanket "no" from some low-level call center operator and never get near underwriting. The agent knows how to submit things to get through the initial layers more easily.
Second, and most important...
Assuming that your bus is registered/licensed as a motor home you are looking for insurance on a class A motor home. Not a bus, not a bus conversion, not anything other than a class A motor home. If you are working with a good independent agent you can have a more complete conversation, but be careful of giving too much information.
I was asked for photos to present to underwriting, largely because we were getting stated value coverage. We also submitted a private appraisal which supported our insurance request. I think that the underwriters would have asked for the photos either way though, just to be sure that they were not insuring some DIY conversion which was going to be inherently unsafe or present a huge liability risk.
Others will surely have more thoughts on this topic. You can also find lots of good information by doing a search on the forum - there are numerous threads about it.
If you were in Wisconsin I'd be able to give you the name of a great agent that will likely get things done. Not sure where you are in New England, but there are lots of good bus people in that part of the country who could help, I'm sure.
Living vicariously in the bus nut world at least for us includes bringing the towed vehicle into the equation of getting the bus to move, stopped, or relocated either with the assistance of the toad or sometimes (with a dead engine) totally with only the power of the toad while hitched. Thus the reason we prefer to tow four down...
We too recently performed a total clutch rebuild and we're lucky to be able to purchase some parts from the late Jefferson Truck & Coach. Lots of the parts were still serviceable through machining &/or local (Tampa)clutch shop. In general the consensus weather it be private owner's, commercial owners, charter companies, mechanics, etc. - the 4104 was (& still is in our book) one of the simplest & toughest busses built with a bullet proof transmission when operated & maintained properly. We don't advocate living dangerously by using some of our methods as we eased into our experience with our over the decades of trials & tribulations with our specific bus. We can & do attest that there is absolutely no regularity of break downs of any of the systems in the 4104. Yes we're bias to a bus that is truly our home away from home and have been full timing in since May 11 w/o issue in some of the most extreme places this continent has to offer. To date since start of this road trip we have only added 1 gallon of engine oil with the engine & rear of coach relatively dry!
I drove 13spd manual in my truck for 21 years and 1.3 million miles-so I have nothing to prove. My bus has a V730 Allison 3 spd. I also have turbocharged my 8V-71 with air to air intercooling. I'll never give up the automatic. So much so, that on my truck conversion, I replaced the 13 spd with an Allison HT740 (quite possibly the most reliable truck/bus transmission ever made). Good Luck, TomC
We like the exercise as gearheads but do enjoy the auto in the toad.
Nova, many of us include our location as part of our signature (see mine as an example.) That way, we can know who's local to you and may be available to help.
You mention that you're in New England. Unless you're in Connecticut or the northern reaches, considering getting to know Spike and Jim Michaud in southern New Hampshire (east of Manchester, west of Portsmouth, north of Haverhill. https://busesonline.com/about/ (https://busesonline.com/about/)
Spike was in charge of Maintenance for the family bus company, back when the coach fleet was all GMC (including 4106's, 4903/5's, and a Scenicruiser - and I suspect he drove 4104's as a teenager). If he's available, he'd be a great teacher -- particularly on shifting. Don't let the non-synchro Spicer be a concern. Decades ago, when I was an instructor for another local company -- a Michaud competitor, I only ran into one person who couldn't learn to drive -- and my successor taught him (but only by threatening to beat him up if he didn't learn).
Arthur
Arthur thanks for the bus link which is always good to have on file. :)
From a former 4104 owner. Shift the trans faster when cold for a couple of miles, then slow your shifting speed after it warms up. Some have mentioned using 50 weight synthetic lube in the trans as it doesnt change viscosity at different trans temps.
Ditto on what Chessie said, we have been running 50 wt full synthetic for many years now. Initially it costs $$$ but for the difference in shifting and the prolonged change interval (500,000 mile) it has paid off time & again. We're running a product called Shell Dentex which hasn't been available for quite some time. The same stuff has been in our tranny since the 80s & still is the color & smell as the day we refilled it. Made shifting much easier. The author back in the day recommending that product was the late "Dean's Coach" who had the largest grave yard of mostly GM coaches I have ever seen in the Raleigh/Durham area of the Carolinas at the time.
Well gang, I am now the proud owner of PD4104-4231! Pic below, once I've picked it up and brought it home I'll put up a proper gallery of pics and stats, probably start a thread in the right section of the forum for that. Wish me luck!
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/g_BUUTdse8FYyXDulvElNKWEnTvWQrZJvCZjpzrnUJuX0sQaJh_RFbgzTS1jno4VdKuOn-2cfqlXMsh2vAI39-1CCcSP_SRNpfyROyFCIt-hviBgt46i1xZapZ7X51CH4kpDsrxDf9pJA6qdX6tNIv6g_HMqSavqJjHKoceqmxgxkp3h2wr4qO0uQ1XBigztT3pgTokix2iDo9pl-iTh0C6XA8a_iSBBOfAwxEwtzthEufe_5UFwgyn50XM4AIZQndtdaLPUe0LyTXY5o67vo9qIwVWOBLowKbS8kWU57dnqrbTwIBcVUH8mFl9n-tE2L0yUR0NN4_mkXVZjIm3VuZFZtLAEMPxyUSeKG-D_Ye7LYnCRt-R85Hu7rdY2pdW0noHZXQqrQaKSb0g9AZGJeE5px8Sz4odabcOsgEJOEhDpMQTsBMO_aVUcfA57M6736aQUDmqEBVgE531b1YfsKTMh4dZ9wsAmQuLIp2ypJT8bXGfkaJ_DkG0UPRoJ6CuT1SUMz3fcsOp1P07bLyN5YVq5uIOrrzgMZRuvAkQ3dhwlp0gwu59yCX-OGgtMm9iQ42bhaEiVcUz0C_HehMoJdzgujT7Xv7DLdWmXCbl098_bTr2X435bX5lntd0jLOaHuAKRCIqaEhxNK4rHjURfx6EWaS23F2xI_0nSMJZBV3tio5P5TM7lS-qz0b4WyI4r7L0RoeVRu9q0ODTRz5Hi4wksrRf77RGIsdq1HOIrvZ4rEuJw=w982-h920-no)
Congratulations! I'm excited for you.
Yes, congratulations, you made the leap. What part of New Hampshire? I used to live in Littleton, a few decades ago. Does New Hampshire still require vehicle inspections every six months?
Quote from: DoubleEagle on September 09, 2019, 04:00:46 PM
Yes, congratulations, you made the leap. What part of New Hampshire? I used to live in Littleton, a few decades ago. Does New Hampshire still require vehicle inspections every six months?
Oh god no, I've never even heard of biannual inspections, that sounds horrific. Normal cars are inspected yearly, antiques of a certain age either every two years or not at all, gotta nail that down.
Littleton's a nice area, but I'm down in the Milford/Nashua area, right by the MA border.
Biannual inspections were the thing in the 1980's; glad to hear they are gone, they were a real pain when I had a truck fleet. Littleton was very nice, but it got a tad bit cold in the winter (like 40 below). Keep your new bus out of the salt, they use a lot of it down your way!
Yeah, thankfully it doesn't get that cold down here often, but the salt is still a thing - my daily driver bears the brunt of it, but the bus will stay off the road from the first snowfall until after the first rain following the last snowfall.
Good luck Bob, nice looking 04. Welcome to the best disease on Earth. There's no cure for it so make the best of it. Lol.
Funny-as strict as California is, I've owned my bus since 1993 and have never had to do an inspection on it. Good Luck, TomC
Well, it's home! I've started a proper project thread, the story continues here:
https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=34310.0 (https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=34310.0)
Congratulations fellow 4104 owner - now the fun begins