New Member Huntsville TX - Looking at a GMC 4905A and a MCI 102A3

[ScharpeStGuy]

You need to cut the tail gate to install Jakes on a 4905.Seems to me like you have your heart set on the 4905 in Phoenix so I will PM the dates when I going back.

I don't think you will like driving a 4905 they ride and most drive ok not great but ok, the 50 ft turning radius on a 4905 sucks and they love to take out signs on the drivers side or my 20ft wide gate (twice) by 4905 owners  lol    

I am not sold on the 4905 but I like the design and the overall conversion that this guy did on his. The front living room would be nice to update and perhaps update the counter back splash in the kitchen but everything else design wise is perfect for my family and it has style! I am not opposed to something else either and just found this 1987 MCI Conversion located in Ames, Iowa for an asking price of $38,000: http://desmoines.craigslist.org/rvs/5534373518.html

It's a nice bus and I have not seen one setup like this but it has two bunks and the whole tightness of three bunks and mama bear argument to think about. Perhaps the wife and I get the two bunks and we put three/four bunks in the rear instead? Any idea what model this is? It looks like a MCI 96A3 however it has those skylights above the side windows which is unique and has no Tag axle.

[lostagain]

Nice looking bus. Looks like a 96A2 (2 axles). All the buses I drove for Brewster's in the 70s had sky-view glass in the roof like this bus. And my Courier 96 had them too. We loved them, and hated them. Lots of light. You can look out when standing up. They leak when it rains. New rubber might help if they do. Although I remember them leaking on brand new MC8s ! I used to mark the leaks, then caulk them after it dried up. They are very hot in the summer. I had outside covers for them that snapped on. And inside blinds that went on with Velcro. I see this bus has inside insulating material on them. So you end up leaving the covers on inside and out most of the time. And they still leak... On my Courier 96, I was going to remove them and fill them in with sheet metal and insulation. I sold that bus before getting into that project. This bus might be nice enough that you could deal with the sky-views one way or the other.

Oh and I am an MCI guy. I hope you get an MCI  

JC  

[ScharpeStGuy]

lostagain

Thanks for the info on the MCI 96a2 bus! It's a good looking bus but they do have all the sky views covered up so it must be hot like you say it was/is. Hot and Leaky are two very big items with that bus and would be useful info to negotiate a lower price. Perhaps this is the reason they are selling and why they purchased a Prevost. I would love to purchase an MCI but it needs that specific setup for all five of us (three kids and wife and I). I am starting to think perhaps I should just buy the best gutted bus I can find and design/setup the interior ourselves. I like the design of the MCI 96a2 and changing the back room to three bunks like the GMC 4905 in Phoenix would be an awesome setup for us.

Thanks again everyone for putting up with me and my family's search for a bus, appreciate you all.

[DoubleEagle]

The Iowa MCI has a nice layout, the kitchen layout is very pleasant, but it has all the side windows and extra skylights that will let a lot of heat in, and will be a leak problem, plus only two bunks. I have never driven a 4905 GMC, but a 50' turn circle is more than other coaches the same length. The fact that another A/C is there helps, but apparently it can only be used with the other A/C when parked and hooked up to 50 Amp. The inverter and the generator can't do both, it looks like.

[ScharpeStGuy]

I would check with the guy on the 4905 I bet it's only 30 amp service upgrading to 50 amps for 3 AC is a major task and expensive,any details on the generator ?  

Luvrbus,

Here is the info on the generator:" It has a 100 watts solar power to keep the batteries charged. Has a gas Makita 5500 watts both electric and pull start that is portable with handle bars and wheels I put if you want to take out of but for other things."

The 4905 bus in Mohave did you install that engine for or with Bill or was that your engine? He said he bought it from the president of a West Coast Bus Club and it has super low miles. If I could find a really good and reasonable carpenter perhaps that bus could be changed up to accommodate us all like the Phoenix 4905 is setup. It has the new(er) or (low mile) engine, automatic transmission, jake brake, sheppard steering???, and a real generator if I recall correctly.

Could be a good starting basis and with an asking price of $12,500 perhaps we get that one redone??? What do you all think?

Link: https://mohave.craigslist.org/rvs/5541752314.html

[luvrbus]

I did all the change over from std to automatic the engine came from a standard transmission bus his was a 730 and installed the Jakes I did a lot of things replaced all the hoses we had the alternator and starter rebuilt changed the oil pan gasket from cork to paper rebuilt the fan drive to much to list like the updated fuel control tubes and blower drive .
Bill was the paint can guy lol he was always in the friggn way with a paint can.The engine checked out good when I pulled the heads one was seeping oil so I fixed it it has all new gaskets only problems I know of and he probably has that fix it had a over charging glitch (24v system) he was in charge of the wiring.
It has air to oil cooling for the transmission with fans.Cooling should not be a problem it had a new larger radiator when he bought because the original engine was a turbo 8v71 I still have the old engine.
Bill went back with a N/A I would have rebuilt the 8V71T myself but it was his call.One other thing I ran a compression test all was fine but that engine is a bear to start when the temps are below 50F to 40F without the block heater some DD are like that.
Bill is a neat freak so I am sure he has taken every precaution to protect the bus he just battles a bad @$# health problem but he keeps going.The generator is a older Onan diesel but runs good.
FWIW a friggn salesman blew the engine up driving from Ca to the dealer here where Bill bought the bus.I spoke with PO several times the only reason he got rid of the bus was his wife wanted slides, he had owned the bus for 20 years "that's all folks" but I THINK that should be a good bus.There should be a photo of the engine floating around on either the BNO or this board I know there is one on my F/B page if you do the F/B thing       

[Scott & Heather]

I just was looking on craigslist and spotted that Boston Iowa as well laugh out loud and I was going to post it here for you guys too I thought it might make a nice conversion but I agree with your concerns about the skylights I'll keep looking :-)


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[ScharpeStGuy]

Luvrbus,

Thank you for the background on Bill's bus. It sounds like a good candidate for a bus "re-conversion"! My wife and I don't do the facebook thing although it seems we might be getting pulled in sooner or later as my two boys Grayden (7) and Heath (5) are now in school and a whole lot is scheduled/setup/shared on facebook.

Looking forward to hearing your feedback of the Phoenix 4905 and if good I will fly out and look at both Bill's and the one in Phoenix and possibly look at the MCI 102a3 in Virginia then purchase one of the three. The seller of the Phoenix bus told me tonight that a fellow by the name of Phil Humbert sold him the bus and Phil has plenty of spare parts for the 4905's. I am going to call Phil tomorrow and check on parts availability and what he remembers of this particular 4905.

I see from your signature line that you enjoy "good wine", if you would share a good shipping address my wife and I would love to send you a nice gift or some how show our appreciation to you for your help. Please let us know and thank you once again.

[ScharpeStGuy]

I just was looking on craigslist and spotted that Boston Iowa as well laugh out loud and I was going to post it here for you guys too I thought it might make a nice conversion but I agree with your concerns about the skylights I'll keep looking :-)

Scott, thank you so much. It is a cool looking bus with some style and a very unique layout from all the other buses I have seen. Thank God for forums and those who participate to share knowledge as this bus piqued our interest initially until we started getting feedback from lostagain and doubleeagle concerning the heat and leaking.

Unless another bus shows itself soon I think we may be looking at one of the AZ 4905's or the VA MCI 102a3. Looking forward to getting either a positive or negative review of the Phoenix 4905 from luvrbus so it can be either scratched off the list or kept and then make a decision. Bill's bus in Mohave sounds really good since luvrbus did all the recent work to it and the price would allow us to essentially perform a re-conversion to some areas to get us beds for the kids and my wife and I. Bill only had so many pictures so it's going to require a trip there to actually walk the bus to see how much would need to be reconfigured.

Thanks

[DoubleEagle]

Depending on what needs to be fixed on the Virginia MCI, that might be your best bet for something ready to go. Do not be afraid to offer less money, all they can say is no. It might cost thousands to correct the minor things that need fixing. Most of us never regret paying too little, but the other way around burns for years. How long the coach has been for sale can affect their willingness to deal.

[ScharpeStGuy]

Depending on what needs to be fixed on the Virginia MCI, that might be your best bet for something ready to go. Do not be afraid to offer less money, all they can say is no. It might cost thousands to correct the minor things that need fixing. Most of us never regret paying too little, but the other way around burns for years. How long the coach has been for sale can affect their willingness to deal.

DoubleEagle, here is the list for the MCI 102a3:

Location   Issue
Body   Paint Poor Condition / Clear Coat peeling off.
Body   Question of corrosion at end of stripes on exterior of bus -  this material appears to be galvalume, (galvanized/ aluminum)which may corrode, but didn't notice any holes. Appears to be just paint bubbled. However I tried to get a good pic of the other paint on the bus. The paint is peeling all over the bus. It looks like just the clear coat layer, but since the back is bubbled, it may be easier to just repaint the whole bus.
Engine   Oil leak also appears to be from a leak at the Turbo Intake.
Engine   Oil leak appears to be coming from a leak at the Fan Drive Gear Box
Engine   Oil leak at the 3 lb oil pressure Sensor at manifold.
Gauges   "Not Gen"  tell tale alert flickers constantly when driving. This could be minor wiring, regulator, alternator, or possible other issues.
Gauges   Oil Pressure Gauge Not working per owner write up.
Gauges   Speedometer not working at low speeds and is not accurate at speeds above 45 mph.
Gauges   Temperature Gauge Not working per owner write up.
Interior   Extra bunk added under existing 2 bunks, including re-spacing  existing 2 bunks.     
Safety   Tag Light needs to be rewired - Doesn't work.
Transmission   Transmission Hose on Right Top leaking at fitting.
Transmission   Transmission shifts rough during 10 mile drive. This is not unusual for this type transmission, until it gets the fluid warmer. It's was only around 50 degrees when trying it out. Maybe after driving for 30 miles or so, it could possibly get better. Then again, it may not.


I will PM you as well a question. Thanks

[ScharpeStGuy]

I'll be back in Phoenix next week I can peek at the 4905's for you I know a little bit about a GM bus, or I can put you in contact with Kevin who owns a diesel repair shop in the Phoenix area and a bus owner his self.You do know I hope the 4905 brake drums are almost impossible to find I am looking for some rear drums now for 1 and I am not having any luck. The 4905 is a nice bus but me just for parts I would go with a MCI   

All/Luvrbus,

I spoke with Phil Humbert (952-657-2140) today regarding the Phoenix 4905a bus. He sold (traded) the bus to the current owner back in 1995. He remembers the owner well as he traded the bus for a corvette and has sold the owner parts over the years. Phil said the owner is the "fussiest" individual he has ever dealt with and is incredibly skilled and very very picky. When I asked Phil about parts availability he said he could get me any part I wanted with no issues. I asked if he would still be in business in ten years and his reply was I am almost 80 and not sure I will still be here but my son knows the business and will be running it.

So with that said what do you all think?

Luvrbus perhaps Phil has the rear drums you are looking for??

[ScharpeStGuy]

I live very close to the Ellis unit actually. Found this link on the Bus Refurbishment that TDCJ offers however it appears it's only for city/county/government and select non-profits. See link here: http://www.tci.tdcj.state.tx.us/services/bus.aspx

All, spoke with the Ellis unit using the link above today and they are no longer painting buses effective September 1, 2015, specifically they said they will not paint anything with a motor so they are limited to trailers now. The guy indicated I should (and I will) check with Lee College which is college for TDCJ (Texas Department Criminal Justice) and specifically the Eastham or Michael Units both have body shops and may be willing to do repairs through Lee College. I will update all when I obtain additional information for these two units.

Thanks

[luvrbus]

Those 2 are in the Baytown,Liberty or Dayton area I presume since Lee is a Baytown Collage,that will work for me we own property in Anahuac and getting the bus ready now for our Texas trip to central TX and the gulf coast before it gets to hot so thanks I will check at Lee while in that area

[ScharpeStGuy]

Lee College is located in Baytown however they have an arrangement with TDCJ to educate the prisoners.

The Eastham unit is near Weldon however it has a Lovelady address: 2665 Prison Road 1, Lovelady, TX 75851

The Michael unit is west of Palestine: 2664 FM 2054, Tennessee Colony, TX 75886

Luvrbus if you arrange to drop off your bus at either unit I would be more then happy to pick you up and take you back to Anahuac and then back to the prison when your bus is completed and ready for pickup. I didn't get a chance today to confirm these two units would perform work on a private individuals bus but I hope too tomorrow and will post what I find. If not at the prison the college in Baytown may be looking for projects for the students to work on. Thanks and the seller of the 4905 in Phoenix is back home from Mexico, I will PM you his number if your offer to check out the bus is still open. Thanks.