I like the classic look and I think trying to update an old coach with square caps looks odd and unflattering with some rare exceptions. I am doing all I can within reason to preserve my rear glass, but there will probably come a day when it will have to go. My father has something that I haven't seen talked about anywhere since I have been on the "boards". He has a fiberglass mold that makes rear caps for the 4106. The caps look like the original rear with glass and rubber, unlike the square R&M ones. I guess whoever made it did it off the back of a good 4106. I have no idea how much it would cost to have someone shoot some fiberglass and make a cap from it. Does anyone have an idea of how much it might run and what is involved? Also, it seems that the rear rubber is the most difficult piece to acquire. Can one be fabricated or pieced together from gasket material that is bought by the foot? How do some of the 4106s I see have such nice rubber in them?
laryn,
cut down a buffalo rear glass rubber...I have them in stock.
nice glass rubber is a combination of actual age and good upkeep as well as environmental conditions. when I sold my 04 the rear rubber looked like new.....was roughly 30 years old on the bus...but a large portion of that 30 years it lived inside.
I have a guy who can layoup your fiberglass mold for you
We have learned to do fiberglass. Nasty stuff, but not hard. We wanted fender skirts for our Neoplan and they don't exist. So far we have made the skirts, a front belt for under the windshield and a front cap for over the windshield. Next is a sun visor. If you go to a good web seller, we used Fibre Glast for our product and they have all kinds of information on how to do it. With the mold it's really easy. We had to start from the beginning and carve all the parts out of foam block and then cover them.
Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340
Yes, do the fibreglassing yourself - it's very straightforward. The only 'warning' in doing that particular job is to apply plenty of release agent to the mould - I usually figure on six coats for a new mould, or one that hasn't been used in a while. Get yourself a book on fibreglassing and learn about the techniques and materials first, then plunge in. A rear cap is quite a big thing to learn on, so it might be worth practising on some smaller items first.
Although I understand why people think fibreglass is 'nasty stuff', I personally disagree - it is actually my favourite material to work with as you can be so creative and do so many things with it, and it has so many inherent advantages (strong, light, durable, weatherproof etc). Highly desirable products (supercars, superboats, super motorhomes) are made of fibreglass, yet it is a material which the amateur can use with little money, skill or equipment. Some people like working with wood, some like working with metal, I like working with fibreglass!
Jeremy
Yes I concur Do the fibreglass yourself, as mentioned above try some small stuff first. I replaced the floors on a Corvette molded over the tranny hump did both drivers and passengers floor pans. It is a stronger fix than most would think. I have done the same repair with metal and I personally would never use the factory metal again. If the 4106 mold is good / accurate it will be a good project to tackle yourself.. Invest into a breathing apparatus if not in ventilated area.
One of the things we learned was the difference in the fabrics. Using the very fine woven for the surface is the best. It drapes in all the corners, doesn't bubble with air pockets, and is a lot smoother finish. Then pile the other materials on it which would be the inside of the piece.
Do use a resperator or do it outside. I paint for a living and it makes lacquer seem like mild stuff. It is easy once you get the hang of it. Just don't mix too much resin at a time on a warm day.
Don and Cary
GMC 4107
Neoplan AN340
I am soaking it all in.
Where do you all buy your supplies?
Tekebird, I am working on a parts list that just keeps growing, thanks in large part to you and your knowledge. Hope I will be meeting you soon. Want to see the "fleet". :)
Laryn