Newbe needs advice

Twowheelsteve · June 20, 2016, 08:03:24 PM

Hi everyone, I've been lurking in the shadows for some time. I'm considering a gmc 4905a I found on sell a bus
For $11500 any thoughts?

uncle ned · June 21, 2016, 06:06:45 AM

Goodsons bus in maiden nc has a nice one for sale.

If i was younger and wanted to do a new conversion that is what i would want.

uncle ned

DoubleEagle · June 21, 2016, 06:28:17 AM

Have someone who knows GMC's well check it out, and remember, every price is negotiable.

chessie4905 · June 21, 2016, 06:32:01 AM

Year? Which particular one? Conversion or seated or shell?
This one looks good,albeit more money.

http://www.sellabus.com/josh_w.html

Oonrahnjay · June 21, 2016, 06:56:39 AM

What's the location of the bus, and where is that in relation to where you are? It is a lot easier to buy a bus if it's near you..

ScharpeStGuy · June 21, 2016, 07:14:39 AM

I love the look of the 4905 myself. I am trying to get more info from this guy:

https://springfield.craigslist.org/rvs/5634267556.html

And I still love this one:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/5601246257.html

The VA bus MCI 102A3 was reduced by $5k so I may be flying up there soon to take a look at it but I love the 4905 look. TwoWheelSteve keep us posted on your search please and what you find out.

Twowheelsteve · June 21, 2016, 06:13:44 PM

The gmc is a 1977 buffalo I am in Boise and it's in LA I've been corresponding with the owner it sounds and looks really nice. Is there anything specific with gmc's I should look for?

Twowheelsteve · June 21, 2016, 06:33:23 PM

And it's a seated coach. This is my first time posting to a forum so please be patient with me.

Twowheelsteve · June 21, 2016, 06:44:59 PM

Chescience 4905 that's the one I'm looking at. I know not much information on the add. What do you think? The owner sent me additional photos, the thing looks really clean.

Oonrahnjay · June 21, 2016, 08:13:35 PM

Quote from: Twowheelsteve on June 21, 2016, 06:13:44 PM
The gmc is a 1977 buffalo I am in Boise and it's in LA I've been corresponding with the owner it sounds and looks really nice. Is there anything specific with gmc's I should look for?

Yeah, that's a ways but it can be done successfully. I don't know GMCs so I'll have to let people who know them well fill you in. And maybe someone can recommend a specialist who can inspect it for you in LA - it may be the best money you spend during the whole process.

Utahclaimjumper · June 22, 2016, 11:31:38 AM

If it's a seated coach then its a safe bet it was or is a "band bus" or a "church bus",, nether are famous for maintenence and repair.>>>Dan

chessie4905 · June 22, 2016, 04:54:12 PM

Personally, I wouldn't buy a 4905 without Sheppard power steering and a V730 automatic. As for whether you want a seated or conversion, that is going to be your decision. Enjoy it now or down the road when and if you get it converted. Many of us old duffer's are getting too old to drive or dying, so some great deals are out there; you just need to be patient and don't try to go for low price. You'll spend far more $ and time converting one than you realize if you do it properly. We've had some on here over the years that just make me shake my head with their ideas and or workmanship.We used to use bus conversions for travel and get together rallies.Now many new members or whatever are planning to use a conversion for living full time "off the grid, keeping a low profile or who the hell knows. And many can barely scrape up enough money to buy one, let alone operating or insuring one.

Twowheelsteve · June 22, 2016, 05:53:37 PM

Thanks for all your help I'm glad I found this site you have a great little community. Unfortunately this bus won't be in my driveway, I'm letting this one stay where it is. "I just don't care much for dishonest people"

John316 · June 23, 2016, 07:06:10 PM

Steve,

Welcome aboard. I am SO glad that you found us BEFORE buying a bus. Any bus.

First question is. Do you love to fix things and make things? If you are a mechanic and love working on large old things, an old bus might be in your future.

If you want something that you can save money on and make a cool, cheap RV....RUN. Totally pass. Do not buy a bus!

I am thoroughly convinced, that a large number of the great folks on here, like to play with and fix their buses, more than they like to use them.

Enjoy the fun!

John

Oonrahnjay · June 24, 2016, 08:05:27 AM

Quote from: John316 on June 23, 2016, 07:06:10 PMSteve,

Welcome aboard. I am SO glad that you found us BEFORE buying a bus. Any bus. ... John

Yeah, John is right (IMO) but I think you've done about the best thing an old bus buyer can do -- you've already developed a sense for seeing dishonesty. There's a lot of it out there and it's a situation where people can use dishonesty to their benefit (that's taking your $$$$). It you decide you want a bus, get the technical facts for that kind of bus, get a good idea of the exact condition of that bus, and keep your honesty eye open.