Unique GMC "4905"

[pabusnut]

Found this on the E-place, when looking for something else.  Item number: 251799558005

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-GMC-Coach-Bus-Conversion-4905-40ft-Class-A-Detroit-Diesel-RV-Motorhome-/251799558005?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3aa06c5775&item=251799558005&pt=RVs_Campers

It looks like they raised the original lower cap up to the top roof, and added MCI? windshields.  It kind of looks like one of the prototypes they had for the follow on to the 4905 or maybe it is it?

[RJ]

Steve -

Those are 96A3 MCI windshields on this buffalo.  Somebody went to a lot of work to customize the front end for them to fit.

It is not the prototype for the replacement model.  GMC called the Buffalo's replacement the Triton II, here's a pic:

[Purplewillie]

That's the 4905 Ros wanted. The one that wouldn't climb a hill he said.
Seller has a low feedback. And it's a H8H649 same as a 4905, just newer.
Mark



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[oldmansax]

Like that exhaust system...............   

TOM

[digesterman]

I was wondering 3 speed with 300 hp, not a fast coach by any means.


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[eagle19952]

iirc, i talked with the owner...the front end rotted away, hence the replacements...it was a NE bus, ohio maybe, and has been driven very little.

[RJ]

iirc, i talked with the owner...the front end rotted away, hence the replacements...it was a NE bus, ohio maybe, and has been driven very little.

Tracing the VIN posted in the eBay ad, H8H649-027 was delivered new in June of 1979 as fleet number 69 to Ellmas Bus Co (dba Academy Bus Tours), HQ'd in Hoboken, NJ.  So yes, a Rust Belt bus.

300 hp 8V71 with a V-730 is no race horse, and certainly no match to any Series 60-powered coach, but that's a common powertrain swap in a GM.  It may not win any drag races, and you will have to downshift pulling Rocky Top, but it will roll right on down the highway happily at 65 mph. 

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Purplewillie]

8v71 v730 in our 4905, not a fast coach by any means, but she still climbs out of BC just fine
I don't have that custom exhaust on ours...
Mark

Ps Go Hawks

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[Beesme]

I think it's pretty good deal ! Lot of coach for the money . I'm sure not getting up a hill is easy fix or just not used to how fast a big ole bus goes up a hill....

[eagle19952]

the ebay seller appears to not be the owner.... apparently he is using/allowing a broker to offer his bus, unless the current offer-er has bought it and is reselling it

clear as mud ?

[pabusnut]

RJ,  thanks for the corrected history of the prototype.
I guess none of us with the factory spec 8V71 in a 4905 are going to be winning any drag races or screaming up mountains.

On the subject of climbing mountains, Uncle Ned gave me a little scare when I talked to him about the route I was taking after leaving his place.  He said I would probably only be doing 25 MPH when I got to the top of Fancy Gap on I-77North.  What a kidder!   I did top it at 45 MPH and could have gone faster, but I was "drafting" a semi, and I didn't think tying up both lanes in the dark, rainy, foggy night(a weather trifecta) would engratiate me to any of the other folks on the highway.  I might have been able to hit 50(in third) if the truck wasn't there.  Uncle Ned was probably chuckling the whole evening. 

Wait, maybe it is Huggy that can only make it to the top going 20!! 

[buswarrior]

Don't feel bad, and be careful what you wish for...

An MCI EL3 Renaissance with a 400hp. S60 and a B500R 6 speed Allison with a load in it climbs Fancy Gap at 50mph, in 4th direct or 5th, the first O/D, same speed, that's it.

1/3 more HP doesn't mean 1/3 more speed!

Happy coaching!
buswarrior

[uncle ned]

Pabusnut

I said it was 25 to 30 if the temp. was above 70 degrees. if it was freezing rain 55 to 60 was easy.

HP in a detroit makes heat.

did you have a great trip and we missed you at Arcadia.

uncle ned

[DMoedave]

10-4 on the over 70. At 85 degrees we took a sandwich break just before the top :/