The Holy Grail bus parts tread.

Barn Owl · June 30, 2014, 06:52:45 PM

Thanks to a sharp and very respected member on this board I was able to find a good set of rear glass and NOS gasket for my bus. Because i don't know what others are looking for I thought that if we post a list of very difficult and hard to find parts we might be able to help each other out. I run across other makes and models of buses but I don't always know what rare items others need or would like to have.

I will start with what I know is scarce on the 4106.

1. Rear Glass and NOS gasket. (gasket can be fabricated and made to work with new channel. Not OEM but better than nothing)
2. Front turn signal lenses.
3. Top corner marker lights especially the curb side.
4. Engine bay belly pans. I have never seen a set and are probably the rarest part of all GM buses across all models.
5. Side fluted window trim and the waist-line trim (not sure exactly the correct terms here)(Not super rare but difficult for me to find without buying the whole bus for some reason.)

These are just a few I thought about just sitting here, I am sure there are more and feel free to add to it.

I am not near as good on other makes. I know that for the Flxible buses the front windshield glass is rare and I am sure some trim is getting hard to find. Someone make a list.

Also what mechanical parts are getting hard to find? Drop boxes, steering parts? I don't know but list them and we can keep an eye out for them.

As many of these buses are being scrapped the important parts are going faster than ever. Lets keep an eye out for what to look for and post what we find.

Because of an ailing father I have been out of the loop, I am very grateful that someone knew what I was looking for and took the time to give me a heads up. As much as I want to shout out a big busnut thank you to the member publicly, I don't without their permission. Maybe they will reply here and I can give them the thanks they deserve. I couldn't do this without the fellow friends that are here on these bus boards.

Thanks,

Barn Owl

shelled · June 30, 2014, 11:53:23 PM

this is a good idea.

It would be nice to have part numbers as well as descriptive name.

You will never find the engine "belly pans" if you don't know GM lists them as "dust shields"

Another thread [sic] here adds brake slack adjusters to the list.

edward

RJ · July 01, 2014, 06:26:48 PM

Quote from: shelled on June 30, 2014, 11:53:23 PM
It would be nice to have part numbers as well as descriptive name.

Edward -

Such as a 3780981 Fan Belt?

Barn Owl · July 01, 2014, 07:16:54 PM

Part numbers are great but I wouldn't have them for anything other than a 4106. So if I find for example an old Eagle, all I would know to look for or ask for, is whatever description of the part I have.

I would had thought surly there would be someone out there looking for something. This tread is looking to be short lived.

OneLapper · July 01, 2014, 09:20:42 PM

Hey Barn Owl,

I'm usually on the prowl for a 4106 rear window. There was one on Craig's List a few months ago for $550 for all three pieces, but it was 1500 miles away, too far for me to consider.

I have a complete set of NOS lenses. The PO had spent years collecting them. I sold an extra set of NOS brake light lenses a month ago on eBay.... no one here was interested.

How many rear axles are out there?

Dave5Cs · July 01, 2014, 10:29:34 PM

MCI
Pantograph hinge for bay doors

Lower rub rail end caps.
Wheel well outside trim pieces.

Dave

Barn Owl · July 02, 2014, 06:05:58 PM

QuoteHow many rear axles are out there?

I know of two parts buses over the hill from me with the owner using them as sheds. Both are beat up and rusty. One has a cool drivers window that opens into the wind that I would like to have but the rubber is gone and I have never checked to see if they can be rebuilt. The owner's wife has been wanting them gone. One is supposed to be moved this winter out of sight but not sure if he would give up the mobility of not having wheels under it. If you need one I will be glad to ask what the plans are.

QuoteI'm usually on the prowl for a 4106 rear window. There was one on Craig's List a few months ago for $550 for all three pieces

Those are the ones I got. They also had one new front glass with gasket for $150 so I pick that up also. The owner said they had many calls but everyone wanted it shipped and they were not willing to do that. My wife is from Raleigh NC so it was a easy pick for me. I am glad they were around long enough for everyone to have a fair shake at it.

QuoteMCI
Pantograph hinge for bay doors
Lower rub rail end caps.
Wheel well outside trim pieces.

Dave, are these unique 5 parts?

shelled · July 02, 2014, 06:37:41 PM

Quote from: RJ on July 01, 2014, 06:26:48 PM
Edward -

Such as a 3780981 Fan Belt?

You cheated & read my info !
Actually, I have a stash of the wrapped Otto belts for my Rampside & UltraVan.

OneLapper · July 03, 2014, 06:52:13 AM

Quote from: Barn Owl on July 02, 2014, 06:05:58 PM
I know of two parts buses over the hill from me with the owner using them as sheds. Both are beat up and rusty. One has a cool drivers window that opens into the wind that I would like to have but the rubber is gone and I have never checked to see if they can be rebuilt. The owner's wife has been wanting them gone. One is supposed to be moved this winter out of sight but not sure if he would give up the mobility of not having wheels under it. If you need one I will be glad to ask what the plans are.

Those are the ones I got. They also had one new front glass with gasket for $150 so I pick that up also. The owner said they had many calls but everyone wanted it shipped and they were not willing to do that. My wife is from Raleigh NC so it was a easy pick for me. I am glad they were around long enough for everyone to have a fair shake at it.

Those windows were a good deal, btw!

Now that they're closer to CT, how much do you want for them??? JK! lol

RJ · July 03, 2014, 08:49:58 PM

Quote from: shelled on July 02, 2014, 06:37:41 PM
You cheated & read my info!

Ed -

True dat, but also instantly knew the OEM p/n for the vital belt related to that info - doubt many on this bbs would. . . ("What's that fit??" rattles around in their minds.) Hehehe. . .

BTW, could you use a pair of those rare sheet metal end covers for the 12-plate oil cooler?

Laryn -

Not tryin' to hijack your thread, just having a little side banter. . .

Actually, I think your idea is a good one. Perhaps Phil or Gary could set up a fixed "Parts Wanted" topic similar to the "Spare Tire" one.

Moderators - What say you?

FWIW & HTH. . .

Dave5Cs · July 04, 2014, 02:58:14 PM

Barn Owl

No but they are very hard to come by. People who scrap their bus don't want to take them apart and the crushers don't either. So called Luke, Sam Caylor, Don't have any left, BPI said they don't make them.

I may just see if I can pound them out and polish them up on the trim pieces. 1 of the lower of 3 pieces on 2 wheel wells are all dented up as if the PO ran over a rock or curb, or small camel. Saudi bus joke!...

The hinge I may have to try and make. It is 3 or 4 pieces.

Only need 2 end caps which I may have to make out of aluminum or make a form out of one of the other ones and pour it with poly, or resin.
Quote
MCI
Pantograph hinge for bay doors
Lower rub rail end caps.
Wheel well outside trim pieces.

Dave, are these unique 5 parts?
[/quote]