4106 vs. 4905

OneLapper · April 24, 2015, 10:08:12 AM

I know the 4106 inside and out, literally. I know what to look out for on GM's in general, as well.

What are the pro's and con's of the 4905? I know it's got an 8V71 vee drive, some were 35', some were 40', some were 4 spd Spicer, some were Allison.

I know I can get everything for the 4106 from Luke. Are parts easy and cheap for the 4905?

Are the brakes and suspensions basically the same?

Any feedback is really appreciated!

Bill Gerrie · April 24, 2015, 10:15:57 AM

The 35' version that looks like a 4905 is a 4107. The 4905 is 40'. All parts are as easy to come by on either model. Some 4905's had a tag axle as well. 4 speed or auto on the 4905.

luvrbus · April 24, 2015, 10:28:43 AM

Try and find the A or the H8H-649 they seem like a better bus to me

OneLapper · April 24, 2015, 12:06:55 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on April 24, 2015, 10:28:43 AM
Try and find the A or the H8H-649 they seem like a better bus to me

Hi Clifford! Did you get my PM the other day?

Is the H8H-649 also a Vee drive setup? I'm assuming it is, which is fine.

OneLapper · April 24, 2015, 12:13:12 PM

Quote from: Bill Gerrie on April 24, 2015, 10:15:57 AM
The 35' version that looks like a 4905 is a 4107. The 4905 is 40'. All parts are as easy to come by on either model. Some 4905's had a tag axle as well. 4 speed or auto on the 4905.

Thanks for the info, Bill! I'm jammed up all weekend but as soon as I find some time I'll do some research on the differences in models. I definitely want a 40'er, and don't want a tag. I will need the extra bay space. It wont be loaded down with all the typical RV stuff, either.

pabusnut · April 24, 2015, 06:17:51 PM

Mark,

I don't think too many of the 4905's had the tag(bogie) axle, but mine did. After I replaced the entire floor inside, I removed the tag axle and built(probably overbuilt!) a bay floor in that short bay for my tanks(actually all my utilities). I had the chance to insulate the whole area with 1.5 inches of foam, for if I ever go winter camping.

Steve Toomey
PAbusnut

OneLapper · April 26, 2015, 04:41:08 PM

I had the chance to talk with RJ at length about the differences between the 4107, 4905 and H8H-649. Sounds like the 1978, 79, and 80 4905 and H8H-649 is what I'm looking for, with the factory Allison option, no tag.

So.... anyone got one? lol

Geoff · April 26, 2015, 05:19:31 PM

Actually, the early '80s RTS is the cream of the crop for a well built GMC bus. 20,000+ made, and that is more than twice the 10,000 MC9s made.

--Geoff
'82 RTS
40' Suburban 102" wide
4:10 gears V730 auto
350 HP MUI 6V92TA

RJ · April 26, 2015, 10:43:51 PM

Geoff -

I totally agree with you about the RTS.

For what Mark is wanting to do, tho, he needs the large baggage bins of the 4905 series.

FWIW & HTH. . .

luvrbus · April 27, 2015, 05:48:03 AM

I am guessing you just want a GM but there are some nice MCI model C's and 102 A's for sell out there with Cummins ,Cat or DD engines at good buys and the parts for a C and A's are a lot easier to find than for the GM,do you still want the air clutch parts for the 4106 ?

OneLapper · April 27, 2015, 11:16:39 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on April 27, 2015, 05:48:03 AM
I am guessing you just want a GM but there are some nice MCI model C's and 102 A's for sell out there with Cummins ,Cat or DD engines at good buys and the parts for a C and A's are a lot easier to find than for the GM,do you still want the air clutch parts for the 4106 ?

I am looking for the GM parlor style bus.

Yes, I definitely still want the air assist parts! I'm not getting rid of the 4106, that's still my family RV. The 4905 is for a totally different project, but since it'll have a "vintage" spin to it, the classic GM parlor look is what I'm going for.

luvrbus · April 27, 2015, 11:40:20 AM

Well heck I thought I had you one with a little history but he sold it for scrap it belonged to my brother in law in Idaho and was one of Shirley Muldowney GM's

OneLapper · April 27, 2015, 04:52:45 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on April 27, 2015, 11:40:20 AM
Well heck I thought I had you one with a little history but he sold it for scrap it belonged to my brother in law in Idaho and was one of Shirley Muldowney GM's

That would have been perfect! Oh well.......

Geoff · April 27, 2015, 05:17:34 PM

I've done quite well with two baggage bays 18"H by 5'W, 8 feet long, pass through, for the last 12 years.

--Geoff

Quote from: RJ on April 26, 2015, 10:43:51 PM
Geoff -

I totally agree with you about the RTS.

For what Mark is wanting to do, tho, he needs the large baggage bins of the 4905 series.

FWIW & HTH. . .

chessie4905 · April 28, 2015, 05:34:29 AM

I know of a local H8H649 with standard trans. removed interior. Been sitting for some time . Could most likely get a good deal on it. In central Pa.