4103 number 1054

Rick59-4104 · February 18, 2011, 04:03:12 PM

Wow, 2 hours ago I was a one bus guy and just like that It seems I may be up to 2..... Went to look at a 1957 Dodge Power Wagon Pickup today and on the way back I was just driving along minding my own business and there it was, a bus in a back yard in the far distance, did a turn around and found a nice looking GM 4103 number 1054.

Artvonne are you out there?? May need some help getting the old girl fired up

I talked to the owner who just happened to be an International Truck nut, I mentioned I have a 1968 International pickup needing restored and we sort of made a trade. I say sort of because he said if the International is straight (it is very) he wants to swap as he used to have an 68 International. I don't have a lot in the International and the bus is just 20 miles from home so I feel pretty good about the deal

The bus has a older bad conversion (shag carpet on the walls and ceiling) The outside looks very good, really straight with no dent or dings to speak of. I am going back with the International Pickup this weekend and will look at it a little closer. The only rust I saw was a few pin holes around the back glass. The bay doors take a key or wrench to open? Will have to check for rust issues in the bays but from the looks of the rest of the bus it looks good. a couple of the side windows are bad, the drivers windshield does have a crack which is a concern, passengers windshield is OK.

Any advice or anything to look for from any 4103 owners appreciated. It has 1100 20 tires so if I move it will probably stop by the local school bus garage and see if they have any 20" tires good enough to move it the 20 miles home.

Has not run in about 12 years, he said he drove it in from Oklahoma and parked it in the backyard. I did notice it has leaf springs, no air bags, fluid levels look good.

If I can figure out why I am having problems resizing pictures I will throw some up.

Rick

Rick59-4104 · February 18, 2011, 04:14:00 PM

Here are some pictures (I Hope)

thejumpsuitman · February 18, 2011, 04:23:03 PM

That is so COOL!!! Hope the deal works out for you. Love those buses. First one I looked at was a 4103. The guy who had that bus modified the windshields to accept flat glass. Not original, but effective. Keep us posted.

Marc

gus · February 18, 2011, 05:19:49 PM

I looked at a couple of 4103s before I got my 4104 but couldn't find any in really good shape.

Leaf springs, no air bags, is good. Air bags are a real pain, take my word for it!!

The things I remember are that many 4103s crack at the rear wheel wells. Bus companies used to install huge steel straps to fix or prevent that problem so check for any vertical cracks around the rear wheel wells up to the top.

Windshields seem to be impossible to find as they seem to have been used only a few years.

You won't find much rust because they are almost entirely Al construction.

I looked at one that had been cut at the outside bottom edge of a rear baggage compartment and had the baggage door riveted/bolted to the body. This baggage door was holding the bus body together!!

They are beautiful buses, wish I could have found a good one.

Rick59-4104 · February 18, 2011, 05:23:40 PM

I saw heavy leaf springs, Gus do you know if the 4103's have a ladder type frame like a truck or school bus?? I was really impressed by the condition of the exterior of this bus. I will check the rear wheel wells for cracks, thanks Gus. It has a really cool Art Deco look to it, all the lights seem to be original and there. I think the original windows are under the aluminum pieces someone put on the sides, if so I will probably remove the added window coverings, one of the things I like about my 4104 is the exterior looks original..

I know no power steering $:-\$

Rick

rv_safetyman · February 18, 2011, 05:27:13 PM

What the he** do you have against shag carpeting?

Great sound deadening material.

So many projects, so little time.

Jim

Rick59-4104 · February 18, 2011, 05:38:14 PM

rv-safetyman.... Ha! I had orange shag carpet in my '73 Barth and it looked good, loved it. Trust me, the carpet in this bus does not look good. As a matter of fact not much of the interior on the 4103 did look good except the original seat, cockpit and the cool fan on the dash.

Rick

Bill in KS · February 18, 2011, 05:44:57 PM

I pulled the power plant assembly ( engine / trans / radiator ) out of one along with some misc parts. The one I messed with was a rusty , rusty, rust bucket. One of the braces that held the rear engine cradle had rusted in 1/2. I have a rear tail / stop light glass lense and front marker light lenses I pulled from the 4103.
I sold the passenger side windshield to a gentleman that had 2 or 3, 4103 buses and he knew where more parts for the 4103 were located.

On a side note : I have the parking brake assembly avail for your '04 if you still want it.

I understand the sickness, been pondering making an offer on a 1948 Silverside

Bill in KS

Rick59-4104 · February 18, 2011, 05:54:39 PM

Bill,
I sent you a personal message on the brake parts, yes I still need them. I always liked the Silversides, just never ran across one that was not a long ways off (thank goodness)

Rick

Rick59-4104 · February 18, 2011, 06:35:22 PM

I found a couple of pictures of 2 really sharp 4103's.
Rick

DMoedave · February 18, 2011, 08:54:54 PM

we have a cousin a 3703. Leaf springs are awesome drive well,
everything gus said, i dont know about the cracking tho. great find and good luck.

Rick59-4104 · February 19, 2011, 02:02:17 AM

Any one know how available parts like wheel seals/bearings, brake parts, the things we need out here are on one of these? Are parts for the 4103's as available as the 4104's?

Rick

Just Dallas · February 19, 2011, 04:40:34 AM

I've never had any trouble finding parts for my 4103, other than windshields.
Brakes, bearings, seals and many other parts are the same as the PD4104.

I agree, with others, I like the spring ride much better, although it can be a PITA... like when coming down US69 in Oklahoma. I put auxilliary air bags over my rear leafs to help cushion the ride when on rough roads. When parked, the leaf springs support the bus with little or no movement, so once leveled, it stays leveled.

Unfortunately, we find that we need more room, so once I get the new cabinets and lav done in the bus, I'll be putting out by the road for sale.

By the way, it's serial number is 1085.

Good luck with your new love, you'll have fun!

Quote from: Rick59-4104 on February 19, 2011, 02:02:17 AM
Any one know how available parts like wheel seals/bearings, brake parts, the things we need out here are on one of these? Are parts for the 4103's as available as the 4104's?

Rick

thejumpsuitman · February 19, 2011, 05:16:52 AM

Our old Wanderlodge has leaf springs. Driver is pretty well insulated from bumps since you are in front of the steer wheels, but I wouldn't recommend playing "Operation" over the rear axle. LOL

roadrunnertex · February 19, 2011, 06:11:00 AM

Ex Continental Trailways (Continental Southern Lines) (Alexandra,Louisiana) 03/1952.

Note:If you buy it please remove that old Eagle plate on the front any GMC Coach should not be wearing any thing from a Eagle as it will cause the old Jimmies to rust and fall apart!

jlv