Removing the hump on a Buffalo

bryanhes · April 03, 2010, 09:01:11 PM

I have thought long and hard about raising the roof on my 4905. I have come to the conclusion that removing the hump in the front will suffice for my needs/ wants

this will open up the front of the bus to give me additional flexibility in extending the forward floor space.

Does anyone have any info, pictures etc... on doing this and what was done for replacing the structure. Already have the cap on. I plan to remove it after we return from our trip to S.C. later this month.

Maybe Florida Cliff? Did you do this?

Thanks,

Bryan

luvrbus · April 04, 2010, 06:29:09 AM

Bryan, never done a GM but it is not that big of a deal on older Eagles,MCI and Prevost.Took me about 3 days to do my MCI 8

good luck

Dreamscape · April 04, 2010, 07:31:13 AM

Because you already have a cap on the front, maybe you can remove the old one from the inside in pieces. Dunno, just a thought. At least that way you don't disturb the fit and finish of the cap that's on there. Might just be another hair brained idea though!

MattC · April 04, 2010, 07:47:14 AM

Quote from: bryanhes on April 03, 2010, 09:01:11 PM
I have thought long and hard about raising the roof on my 4905.

Bryan,

I was just reading an old BMC (thanks Chris) and they were discussing just such a thing. The one point that was made clear that the steel roof was an integral support for the chin of the bus. The author stressed the need to support the chin while replacing the roof section. I'm sure this occurred to you, just felt compelled to mention.

However, remember I drive an MCI. LoL

bryanhes · April 04, 2010, 07:54:59 AM

Paul,

I have thought about that as well. I think I would have to add new structure before removing the original structure. I don't think there would enough room to reach in there with only the vista glass out of the way.

Matt,

I figured I would need to block the entire bus as if I were doing a roof raise or anything structure altering. What Volume and Issue was it in? Maybe I have it and have not seen that one yet.

Bryan

JackConrad · April 04, 2010, 08:14:06 AM

Several years ago, I had a friend bring his MC-8 with a MC-9 cap installed on top of the OEM MC-8 "hump" to our place. He wanted to remove the hump without disturbing the very nice paint job (or MC-9 cap) on the outside. We removed the "hump" from the inside. After blocking the bus, we removed the interior ceiling panels, hump framing, and OEM cap. OEM cap was cut as close as possible across the front and along the sides using a cut-off wheel in an angle grinder. New framing was fabricated and welded into place, then new interior ceiling installed. This really "opened up" this area in the front of the bus as you came up the steps. DISCLAIMER: This was an MC8, YMMV. Jack

Barn Owl · April 04, 2010, 08:39:03 AM

QuoteDoes anyone have any info, pictures etc... on doing this and what was done for replacing the structure.

Ta-Da!.....4905 Conversion with roof raise

Melbo · April 04, 2010, 09:04:13 AM

I love this board --- ask any question you want and someone has an answer

Melbo

bryanhes · April 04, 2010, 09:39:38 AM

I saw that roof raise last year but could not remember where. Looks like a pretty good design.

Thanks

uncle ned · April 04, 2010, 10:50:09 AM

Just hope that Florida Cliff comes to the SC rally. His big 4905 will answer all your Questions.

uncle ned

bryanhes · April 04, 2010, 11:21:54 AM

Is that the rally around the 22nd of April? If so not sure I can make it. My son graduates Basic Training on the 23rd with family day on the 22nd. I would like to at least go for a day. I will have to see if we can fit it in.

Bryan

JackConrad · April 04, 2010, 03:15:38 PM

Quote from: bryanhes on April 04, 2010, 11:21:54 AM
Is that the rally around the 22nd of April? If so not sure I can make it. My son graduates Basic Training on the 23rd with family day on the 22nd. I would like to at least go for a day. I will have to see if we can fit it in.
Bryan

Yes, that is the SE BusNuts Rally at Palmetto Cove. Thursday, April 22 through Sunday April 23. Most will start leaving in the morning on Sunday, but several of us will be arriving a few days before the rally starts. If nothing else, stop by for a day if you can. Daily drive ins are OK. Jack

bryanhes · April 04, 2010, 06:48:22 PM

Jack,

Don't' you mean Sunday the 25th?

I would like to come by if I can. I think it is about 130 miles from Columbia, SC. Then we are taking our son to Fort Gordon and he has to be there by Saturday at midnight. In the mix somewhere the wife wants to make it to Myrtle Beach or any beach for that matter

So I will have to play it by ear.

Bryan

JackConrad · April 05, 2010, 04:51:23 AM

Quote from: bryanhes on April 04, 2010, 06:48:22 PM
Jack,
Don't' you mean Sunday the 25th? I would like to come by if I can. I think it is about 130 miles from Columbia, SC. Then we are taking our son to Fort Gordon and he has to be there by Saturday at midnight. In the mix somewhere the wife wants to make it to Myrtle Beach or any beach for that matter So I will have to play it by ear.
Bryan

Yes, darn Phat Phingers!! LOL Jack

PADoug · April 05, 2010, 08:35:30 AM

Quote from: Barn Owl on April 04, 2010, 08:39:03 AM
QuoteDoes anyone have any info, pictures etc... on doing this and what was done for replacing the structure.

Ta-Da!.....4905 Conversion with roof raise

Interesting how they supported the entire bus from underneath, I assume to prevent sagging.