new to this and overwhelmed

[rmein]

Ok so here goes I recently got a 4905a and am kinda lost as to locating parts for it any help. Example window rubbers ect.

The major components of the bus are in good working order but what i really need help with is the windows, i.e. seals for the stationary windows. Also should I try to have the sliding windows resealed or try to find replacements. I also need a RH mirror body mount I have the mirror but the body mount is broken.

[robertglines1]

first of all welcome..parts are generic for your engine and trans many busses used them..the gm guys will give you sources..but shouldn't be a problem..try E bay motors   Bob

[bevans6]

My first call is always to Luke at US Coach.  856 794 3104.  There are several other specialists, but I always call him first.

Brian

[rmein]

Thanks Brian I spoke to Luke and I think he will be able to get me most of what I need

[TomC]

When you want to upgrade to custom made windows-especially dual pane windows, take a look at Motion Windows by Peninsula Glass in Vancouver, Wa.  I have the single pane windows on my bus and they were a 200% improvement over the rattly, leaky original transit windows.  I now have the dual pane that I'm installing on my truck.  Good Luck, TomC

[roadrunnertex]

Say check your email 

[chris4905]

Just about anything you need for your 4905 is still available.  Don't be afraid to ask the board questions, the fellas who have "been there" are more than willing to help you out.

You don't always have to repair or change with original.  Example:  your mirrors don't have to be original replacement equipment, unless that is what you want.  Years ago I found a set of take-off mirrors from a prevost bus and put them on my 4905.  I liked the extra mirror area.  Another example, if your headlights are stock, you will soon see they are not very bright when driving at night.  That can be fixed with an "upgrade", but that's a project farther down the road.

We all started in your shoes, ask the veterans, many of these guys have a wealth of knowledge.  And the good part is..... they are more than willing to share it.

Welcome to the club.

[mcidave]

I agree...I have a 1982 MCI9 that I am converting and I have found that you can have a tastefull mix of original and new style equipment, if that is what the budget allowed.  Just remember this is your coach and the final product will be a reflection of that artistry and flare.  For example, my dash is still original 1982 [for now] and right next to it is a new LCD backup camera setup...Go figure!

What is importnat is to get it to a point where it is useable-even if it is not yet completed.  This is a great board full of experience and knowledge, enjoy your build.

[FloridaCliff]

rmein,

As others have said, First, finish the items that make it useable.

Once we started using ours as a "Tin Tent", it takes a lot of the pressure off getting it done,
"NOW"

It takes planning, time and money to finish one of these things.

The more planning you do, the less time and money you will waste.

Good Luck on your project

Cliff

[happycamperbrat]

Tin tenting with a coleman stove and cooler, etc is fun and motivating to get er done at the same time. Plus it is way better for your bus then letting it sit.

[chris4905]

Speaking of "Tin Tent"...........attached is a picture of when we first had the bus and took a 1 month trip from Sacramento to Idaho.  Spent a month in a mountain RV spot, had electrical hook-ups, didn't need the sewer hook-ups cause we didn't have any tanks, that's what they had restrooms and showers for. 

Didn't use the water hook-up either, no water tanks.  We'd step outside the bus and use the water faucet to fill the coffee pot.

Notice the fine overhead lighting (drop light with an extension cord to the outside and plugged in.  Same for coffee pot, and small heater during the nighttime.

Sleeping bags on an air mattress in the rear, the hi-tech refer system by where Cheryl is standing, the fancy adjustable bedroom curtain for privacy, dinning room table and chairs (I'm sure those were special order items.....lol).

We lived in the bus for a month and loved every moment of it.

Cheryl saw me posting this with the picture and she said, "those are good memories I would not trade for the world".

Use the bus every chance you get, including try to joint a busnut club so you can every once in a while attend a rally to keep motivated and also meet some FINE new friends !!!!

[Van]

After finally getting ours mechanically road worthy, ours interior is starting to take some sort of shape. It is a labor of love, but labor none the less and just makes quitting cigarettes all the more easier as every time I think of having one, I just shake my head and get busy doing stuff in the bus ( Gave up on the Patches, don't mind the vivid dreams but still get edgy  )We have come a long way since having the AC's wired by 30 amp shore line

Hang in there   and enjoy the ride!  

[cody]

I agree with getting the critical parts done first so you can begin using the bus as soon as possible, it really takes a few road trips with a clip board to find out what you need and what you don't and what will work and what won't, we've loaded and unloaded stuff since 1976 and are still corn fused as to what we really need.  Van, I found that having a major heart attack, dying twice and then spending a bunch of time in intensive care makes quitting smoking much easier.  I realize that there are less expensive programs out there but not that many that are quite as effective  .  As a warning to everyone, I'll be heading to saginaw for a doctors appointment on december 21st and I plan on hitting Bontragers, so anyone that wants me to check prices on any particular things like new windows I'll need the sizes but I warn you that you may have to pay up to as much as 50 bucks for a new tinted thermopane sliding window with screens.  They do ship but have a crating charge, I think thats about 75 bucks and they can put 3 windows in a crate, but thats still kinda reasonable in my book.  This gives people plenty of lead in time for thinking of stuff for me to check on.  I realize that there are the purists that don't think the windows will work for them but I've got them and I know of many others that have them and are not only happy with them but feel they are much better than the double pane windows from motion, remember that there is a difference between double pane and thermopane, thermopane have sealed edges generally with an inert gas between the layers where double pane are just 2 layers of glass bonded on the edge.  Double pane windows can give glare because of the construction, thermopane normally won't glare because they are usually polarized in the process.