Are GMC buffalo buses hard to find?

[suzanka]

Hi all,

Buying a bus is still in the distant future for me.  I want to make sure I save up enough to deal with the worst case scenarios when it comes to repairs.  In the mean time I've been browsing, researching, and etc.

I really like the look of the GMC Buffalo's, especially the ones that still have the top and rear windows.  I love the stylish side windows, too.

One thing I've noticed is that there are much fewer of the Buffalo's for sale than other GMC models.  Is that because there were fewer made?  Or was there some other problem with them that took them off the road?

Thanks!

[richard5933]

Welcome to the madness!

As an owner of a Buffalo, I agree with you about the look and style of these things. There were fewer Buffalo buses made than the 4106, but not that many fewer. Many of the parts are interchangeable between the various GM models, so those parts are pretty easy to find. There are still good parts sources for most parts, but there are of course some things that are pretty much made of unobtainium.

I can't say exactly why there are fewer for sale, although my first thought is that once someone gets one they simply don't want to let it go. There are still a good number of these available as seated coaches as well, so if you are planning to do this from scratch that's still an option. There was a 4905 that was sold in Texas last year in running condition for about $5000. Would make a great conversion. That one sold on a government surplus site. Keep looking and don't forget the classified sections of the various bus conversion sites out there, including this one.

[suzanka]

Hi Richard,

Thank you!  Lol.  I had that thought, too, that folks might not want to give them up.  That's good news to hear that the parts are interchangeable.

Where can I find government surplus websites?

So far, I've been using a Craigslist aggregator that scours all of the CL sites and Google searches of RV sites.  I've been searching since last year, and I keep seeing the same ones over and over again or the ones that need too much work to function again.

I did see a great Buffalo sell on eBay for $5,000 last month, seated and all original windows!  So tempting.  I would love to convert one from scratch, too. Just trying not to get in over my head until my pockets are deep enough to get me back out again, lol.

[buswarrior]

Many many busnut coaches are never posted for sale.

They trade within the community, or otherwise, have a list of unsolicited buyers that expressed interest in the past, before the sale was thought about.

Get out to the bus rallies, meet people, see coaches, leave your number in person.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[pd4501-771]

Please please please consider finding a conversion project. Zero sense in converting a seated coach, when so many older conversions are out there needing good homes. (in my opinion)  It would be nice if the few remaining could be preserved. Once they're all gone, that's it.

[richard5933]

The classified ads on this site are a great starting point. There are also ads on the other two bus conversion sites.

I also agree that talking to other bus nuts is the best way to find a good coach.

I actually found mine from a bus dealer on the east coast (https://www.busesforsale.com/). There is also Jay Woods at https://luxurycoachesfor.sale.com    His website usually lists the higher-end coaches, but it's worth calling him to see what he's got that's not online. Jay used to be connected with Custom Coach. I can't speak specifically for any coaches at either of these two places, but I do have knowledge of satisfied customers from both (myself included).

Government surplus can be found at:
http://govdeals.com/
https://www.publicsurplus.com/
https://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions/

Usually lots of school and transit buses at these sites, but sometimes a coach from university or school system (or a bookmobile like right now.) Expect a lot o wear on these buses, and be prepared for anything.

All that said, I agree that almost every time someone is going to do better money wise buying a bus already converted. There are a number of them for sale right now in running condition on the three bus conversion sites that would cost far less than building one from scratch from a seated bus. However, if you've got the tools and ability to do things yourself and the desire to build from scratch it's an option.

Regardless of where you find your 'dream' bus, don't fall in love with it until someone inspects it that is knowledgeable and experienced with old buses. There is not much similar between buying a car and a bus, so you'll want to have the thing thoroughly examined. There is the potential for a good deal to quickly turn into a nightmare due to hidden rust, mechanical problems, etc.

[chessie4905]

They frequently show up for sale on the bus conversion section on Facebook.

[bigred]

Check the RVT web site every once in a while .Last time I looked they had a couple of Buffalo's and an old Gillig for sale on there .When I go there ,I will go to "bus conversions" with a price ceiling of 100 grand .That will get you to the Po Boy stuff AND the interesting stuff!!

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Check out Buck Trout's Facebook page Bus Conversions For Sale.  They pop up on there now and then. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1682004755384802/

Also check out Facebook page Bus Conversions For Sale USA and Canada.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/144320983098588/

Also watch our Classified Ad page on BCM https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/bcmclassifieds/

We list buses for sale for only $99 until sold and you can update your ad as often as you want (within reason).

[Templar52]

They are rare beacause most of the owners remooved the front vista window and install a front cap. If you want one with the front upper windows in place and in good condition,you will have to do like i did ....surching.

[suzanka]

All very helpful advice.  Thank you!

[suzanka]

Just out of curiosity, does this rusty Buffalo look salvageable?  https://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/rvs/d/lawrence-1975-gmc-buffalo/6780832908.html

I messaged the owner to ask for a photo of the engine.  He said he would send one and never got back to me. 

On Facebook he mentioned that it'll probably be crushed soon and just wants to find it a good home.  Listed for $3,000, maybe someone could use it for parts?

[chessie4905]

Looks ok from pictures. Which automatic? Check electrical panel alongside driver for water leakage. If it has the V730 and engine and trans. work, could be a good one to start with. You at the minimum will need tires and batteries, fuel filters, oil and filter. And check coolant protection.

[richard5933]

Thinking out load here...

Hard to tell from photos, but it looks like it hasn't been used since retiring from revenue service. Possibly a factory automatic, which could be a plus or a negative depending on condition. Also looks like Erie PA written on the door, indicating it might have been in revenue service in the rust belt. Could indicate lots of rust will be found in the suspension and steel parts. Could also have hidden rot in the aluminum panels, as they often rot from the inside out. Or it could all be superficial - you won't know till you get a hands-on look.

A plus is the presence of Astro Glass (upper windshield) and rear window, something that's often removed in conversions -nice to have a rear window in the bedroom. Also no one has cut things up making a motor home out of it, so you'd be starting from scratch with all the factory systems still largely in place.

However, judging by the condition of the exterior, you'd have an uphill climb getting most of the factory systems up and running again, if you could. I'd expect lots of work necessary to get the electrical components up and running due to corrosion and moisture damage. Like already mentioned, looking behind the panel to the left of the driver will be key in determining the condition of the electrical system. Also, try and take a look into the HVAC area for condition.

Given the budget and the space, this might be a good candidate to be a parts bus to have alongside your project bus. Otherwise, I'd pass given the number of other quality conversions already out there. From a dollars & cents viewpoint you can probably do better with an existing conversion. Or you might be surprised and the thing can be started and made running without too much effort.

I really understand the desire to keep this thing out of the scrap heap or crusher. Hurts my heart to see these old beauties rot away, but not everyone is equipped to tackle something like this. If you are, then perhaps you could consider it. I've seen worse be brought back to glory, but many conversions started from a bus like this end up being abandoned, but not before countless hours and dollars are wasted.

Would greatly help if you were able to get an up close look, especially if you brought along an experienced bus nut to evaluate with you.

[DoubleEagle]

The price on the ad is $4,000, which is twice the salvage value on a good day. The glass looks good, so if it runs and drives, it is worth something. I would offer $1,000 if I was in love with a Buffalo. If it ran in the Erie, PA corridor, it would have been in a lot of snow and salt. The fact that the seats are already out indicates that someone had a desire to convert it, but gave it up.