looking at a 4905A.....

[DaveNCari]

I have a chance to pick up a 4905A Buffalo Bus.....

What should one look out for...special problems with this beastie?

What does everyone think of that model?

Thanks!!!

Dave

[Bill B /bus]

The flat floor after the steps is great. However, working around the step area takes a lot of thinking time. We converted a 4108. Worked ok but the steps are a problem. Ceiling height does not allow a 6'2" to pass under an AC without ducking. Typical of all GM's is the curves sides. If you are careful of installed weight then the tag axle could be pulled. Weight on two axles is 32,000#. Our 4108 weighed in at 28K# when loaded including three adults and one dog with full fuel and water.

Depending on location when in  service rust could be an issue.

Bill

[luvrbus]

Those suckers do have some huge bays and the best power steering for ease of turning when parked I have ever been around the few I have driven I don't care for the ride or the handling,the standee windows and the rear window are what I see people having the most problems with they don't leak they pour 

I am not much on problems with a 4905 like others here but one will drive you nuts with electrical problems when somebody has been bypassing and redoing the existing wiring system unlike most GM it has a 24v system  

The tag was a option I have never saw but 1 over the years that came with a tag in the bay,the wheel base on those are 319 inches makes turning corners a chore in town other than having the wet clutch with the 4 speed just a GM bus

[Utahclaimjumper]

 Some of the most comfortable and pleasing interiors I've seen have been 4905s, as said the storage bays are huge by any standard. Being aluminum construction they are not all that heavy for an 40 footer, the overall "look" is a mans machine.>>>Dan

[luvrbus]

The overall look is a mans machine is that the same as a man in bar looking at a ugly women at closing time Dan

[RJ]

I have a chance to pick up a 4905A Buffalo Bus.....

Dave -

Sent you a PM. . .

[roadrunnertex]

I have owned a P8M4905A Buffalo conversion for a number of years.
It's been a very trouble free coach.
I had the V730 transmission installed said good bye to the old Spicer.
I think the P8M4905's were a very nice driving coach with the Sheppard power steering.
The 24 volt electrical system has never been a problem for me.
I installed a voltage equalizer for the 12 volt requirements works well for me.
RRT

[4905 doc]

Love them. If you have one with a tag, remove it and you have a great space for a black tank, furnace, and even propane. Plus, when I removed the tag on mine, I discovered I now owned some spare hubs, brake chambers and other assorted parts.     I even grew to like the grumpy spicer 4 speed once I figured out how to sweet shift it. 

http://s991.photobucket.com/user/zion-dyi/library/bus?sort=6&page=1

[luvrbus]

You should raise the bus and be sure to check the rear radius rods I have friend his upper radius rod bracket is worn out on the axle housing and it is going to be a PITA to repair we have been studying for a year now to see how we can repair it it is not going to be easy 

Now a ? for the GM guys with extra wheels in the 3rd bay ahead of the drivers would that not be a bogie instead of a tag

[pabusnut]

Look for rust around the windows, where the steel panels are.  Mine has two tiny holes rusted through, but are not a structural problem, and are patched over(not pretty).

Also check for a cracked rear bulkhead, especially if it has an automatic transmission.

Mine had a "bogie" axle in the third bay, which I removed and built a floor.  This bay now houses all my tanks, electrical panels, batteries,and propane tanks.  It was a tight fit, but with a little ingenuity, it all fits!

The front "stadium seating" is not a problem for me, since I always wanted to keep some of the "bus" look and haul more than just one or two passengers.  I kept first four seats on the passenger side.  I think it will also be a good place to watch a projection tv(from a a computer) on a screen on the inside of the front window.


If you like that style bus, and it is in good condition -- go for it.  Remember you will never get out of it(money wise) what you put into it(an old bus), but there are intangibles that can't be measured.
Steve Toomey

[johnjem]

I will sell my 1970 4905  to u!!!!
johnjem84@yahoo.com

[DaveNCari]

If you gave it to me...it would cost me more to drive it to WA that I can get this one for....   ;-)

Dave

[chessie4905]

   Pull the side panel on left side of driver's seat and check for rusty/ corroded wiring. Does the coach run, is it drive-able?

[DaveNCari]

It does run...I am going to go drive it and go over it thoroughly next week.....

Dave

[tuccitown]

If you need a hand let me know, I have a '79. Where are you in WA? I'm in Seattle.

Jack