New Member Huntsville TX - Looking at a GMC 4905A and a MCI 102A3

[DoubleEagle]

On stacking the kids 3 high...

That was my bright idea too.... until I mocked up a bunk in the bus with the correct dimensions.

The kids did not like how little vertical space they each had.

That was in a stock MC8, a newer coach gets you a couple inches to share between them, and a roof raise gives you a bit more, depending...

And kids get bigger WAY quicker than your dreams of traveling together.

If the kids are unhappy, guess which way momma bear is going to go....

build a mock-up, save yourself?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

BusWarrior beat me to it, I agree completely. Not only is the vertical space limited, you have to be prepared to roll into the bunk whatever the position is. Another key point is having individual lights in each, a small shelf or bin for small items like glasses, jewelry, etc., and ventilation for heat/AC. My 1984 Eagle Entertainer had twelve bunks originally; I have cut it down to six in order to add a second bathroom for grand-kids. In the case of an entertainer coach there is usually a combination electric furnace/AC that is controlled by a thermostat just like at home. There are ducts that distribute the air throughout the coach, and there is a fresh air intake as well. All of that might be hard to handle in a coach with roof airs. On a hot humid night with the engine still giving off heat, good clean cool air is desirable in each of the bunks, especially if there are privacy curtains on each bunk. If the musicians and road crew guys can roll in these bunks and sleep, so can the kids if they are not claustrophobic. It would help sell the idea if the kids knew about all of the adults associated with the music groups sleeping in such bunks all the time. (They might not be as happy as the star in the rear stateroom or even the separate coach all by their selves, but thousands of people have done it). Yes, you must keep the baby bears and momma bears happy.

[jackhanow]

I don't see anything on the a3 that the neighbors could complain about. If it's not too rusty underneath then I think it would be a good bus. By the looks it was done by someone that knew what they were doing. I have 2 buses and only a 1/4 acre lot. And when the mayor asked me about them, I told him they are both registered and insured and they both run and drive. He said ok and got in his car and left saying they were mad because the one was so big. Form the street you have be be next to them on my property to see them. Have forest service on 2 sides. Gives me a 5 million acre yard.  Nice thing about living in a bus is you always get new neighbors. I don't think I've seen anybody poke and scrape paint at any RV parks and refuse entry for those little blemishes. Oil leaks maybe. Smoke billowing maybe. Block heater helps with that. Abstract paint jobs are biggest refusal point. Oh don't worry, even if it's a work of art bus, the neighbors are gonna talk and one is gonna go to the town or HOA.

[eagle19952]

Just re read all the posts and I do mention paint often. Short answer is no but it would be something addressed sooner than later. I wouldn't want neighbors to complain nor would I want to receive frequent turn aways at rv parks. I would also want to be proud of my bus!

Here are four buses in no order we are looking at now, the same two originals and one more of each.

1. 1990 MCI 102A3 $29,995, Virginia : https://www.sawyersbussales.com/-90-mci-102a3--bus---741.html  (has some known leaks on the engine, transmission, not sure of engine condition, some gauges not working, but upgraded very nicely, if I purchase this bus it will be taken to Choo Choo for repairs if they are available)
2. 1977 GMC 4905A $21,000, Arizona : http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/rvs/5474051463.html    (Love the look of this bus and the inside, inside would be relatively easy to update/upgrade but only a single roof air and the paint could be freshened up by that fellow on the Mexican side of the border at Yuma, AZ or maybe some prisoners at the Ellis unit)
3. 1970 GMC 4905A asking $12,500, Arizona: http://mohave.craigslist.org/rvs/5541752314.html. newer 8V71 with Allison Auto Transmission, needs a few things done and no bunk beds but great price with good engine so bunks could be put in (I think) and other items addressed.
4. 1988 MCI 102a3 $25,000, Oklahoma: http://tulsa .craigslist.org/rvs/5496707811.htm two bunks, engine had top overhaul 90,000 miles ago, showing 850,000 miles, bus ac needs to be serviced.

Don't see anywhere near 10-15K $ possible discounts on these..

[ScharpeStGuy]

Don't see anywhere near 10-15K $ possible discounts on these..

I agree I think the price for both is pretty good. Perhaps a little lower on the GMC 4905 only due to the age of the coach and not as updated as the MCI but he says he is firm at $21,000.

[luvrbus]

I can look at the GM in Laveen next week for you if you like but that bus has set in the AZ heat for years you will need to replace all the foam.I think 21 grand is a little steep no telling what needs replacing from the 120 degree heat

[DoubleEagle]

I can look at the GM in Laveen next week for you if you like but that bus has set in the AZ heat for years you will need to replace all the foam.I think 21 grand is a little steep no telling what needs replacing from the 120 degree

That is a generous offer, that will help him decide better than looking at any pictures. If that bus has not been used much and has been cooking in the sun, that firm $21,000 could melt away. Many of us have spent big bucks and lots of time working on these buses and we hate to see that value evaporate over time, but it does, and we have to be flexible. Time takes a toll on seals, gaskets, and tires whether they are used or not. If a visual inspection reveals problems that cost money do not be afraid to offer less. What do you think a bus dealer would offer for an old bus if you were to trade it in? Not much, wholesale or less. By the way, I hope our fellow bus nut in Canada was not too insulted by my suggesting knocking off $17,000 Canadian; it appears to be a solid bus that was not cooking in the sun, and I was under pressure to come up with a discount.

[ScharpeStGuy]

I can look at the GM in Laveen next week for you if you like but that bus has set in the AZ heat for years you will need to replace all the foam.I think 21 grand is a little steep no telling what needs replacing from the 120 degree heat

Thank you so much, very very kind and generous of you. Please let me know how I can repay you. Here is some write ups from the owner:

"I have had the bus since 1995 and finished the conversion in 1997. It is very dependable and ready to go anywhere. But will need the front two tires replaced and even though they are 90% Michelin's they now have some cracks, Still good under 65mph, but I would replace them soon. The air bags are excellent and I have replaced them as needed, It will need two battery's since I have not used the bus in years only to take it to and from mexico.  But it starts right up even with two car battery's as is what I de every few months to keep it running good.   I built it with the best of materials. The 3 bunks will sleep adults and have drawers under one and two small closets with a fire proof safe good size for your valuables.
Here first is a little oak table just behind the driver seat.  Also is the fire proof safe under a closet floor in back bedroom. Then other bunk bed and fridge. Next foto is the day I got home with the bus from Kansas. I bought it from a guy who sells these buses and he bought it from New Jersey. You can see it has 3 big cargo bay, the biggest of any bus and I use to put 2 Honda 3 wheel ATC's in two of these plus a 50cc honda cycle and our Bar be que grill inside. Has 125 gallon water tanks, One fresh and one waste. Next is a foto the brochure when I brought it back from mexico 3 years ago and put it on consignment, but they started it at $50,000 and I wanted $35,000 back then, Just thought I'd put that in. Then is bus as it is painted and one shows the 21 ft beautiful awning, Cost me $1000 and I like how the arms fold up not show when not in use.  Another foto of the bathroom and upper driver console. Steering wheel and more. Has Sheppard power steering. The bus will need the front break chamber to be replaced as they leak some air and more so the 4 air hoses that connect to it. I replaced the expensive one at $1000. ea back ones and also replaced all 6 hoses with new ones. The front only have 4 total. And also the control for the solar power also has to be replaced and cost $45. It has a 100 watts solar power to keep the batteries charged. Has a gas Makita 5500 watts both electric and pull start that is portable with handle bars and wheels I put if you want to take out of but for other things. Had a electric water heater and 35000 BTU gas furnace to heat the coach. Has ducks to the bedroom, kitchen and living room. Has a 2600 watt power inverter that run with the bus engine on from alternator to run the air, lights and all when driving down the road. It has both air ride and air brakes , Brakes are about 90% and good. I had all the front and back radius rod bushing replaced and goes down the road good. Has a 4 speed manual and wet clutch which mean you never have to replace the clutch. It is expected to last the life of the engine.  The two front cargo bays are empty except for the middle one that has a water tank of 16 wide across door to door. When both sides of cargo bay are open it is through, no walls to block and is 39 inches tall. The rear cargo bay has the electric water heater, one water tank, and 2 water pumps, water pressure tank and room for many tools and tool boxes I put. And it goes with the 1" impact wrench in case you have to change a tire on the road. This cost $100"s and has saved me $100"s and has a like new Good Year spare which is in front just behind the front bumper. Two bolts come out and the bumper is on hinges which fold down. Some people put a generator there too. The rear tires are Firestone and have about 90% rubber and no crack. These firestone I found last longer and don't blow out or separate like the Michelin's or other tires do.  The engine has never let us down and is very dependable a 8V-71 detroit diesel, no turbo, super charged blower. I built this bus for family use and it has made many good memories."

[ScharpeStGuy]

A couple more pictures.

[DoubleEagle]

The GMC is worth checking out, the power steering is a plus, the manual transmission is still not, and I fail to see how one A/C will be enough to cool going down the road (especially in Texas). Maybe it cools the front area only, and the rear stays hot until you park.

[ScharpeStGuy]

The GMC is worth checking out, the power steering is a plus, the manual transmission is still not, and I fail to see how one A/C will be enough to cool going down the road (especially in Texas). Maybe it cools the front area only, and the rear stays hot until you park.

DoubleEagle, I could add another one or two or three or .... A/C's could I not? I spoke last night to a remarkable man who has some video's of youtube of his GM 4106 bus the "Strayhound" and he went from a manual to an automatic and is thinking about going back to the manual. Yes harder to drive and have to get the feel of it but he would actually go back. Great video's by the way if your looking for something to watch including when he single handily replaced a section of the frame. He built the bus for his four kids and wife and toured the US just like my wife and I are wanting to do with our children.

[luvrbus]

I would check with the guy on the 4905 I bet it's only 30 amp service upgrading to 50 amps for 3 AC is a major task and expensive,any details on the generator ?  

[DoubleEagle]

Yes, you can add A/C's, but that means opening up the ceiling to run wires, possibly getting a bigger generator, and needing to run it while going down the road. One inverter will not handle the load. Shifting has its virtues, it makes your left leg stronger, it reduces the possibility of someone stealing your coach, it might increase the fuel mileage a little bit, there is less cooling load, and you will feel satisfaction knowing that you can shift a Spicer up and down without grinding too much. If you get incapacitated for some reason, you might have trouble coaching your wife as to how to drive it. I do not know if there was an air-assist on the clutch for that model. Anyway, let Luvrbus check it out, and go by what he says. If you want to cruise this summer (and I know you do) you will need something ready to go. Adding A/C's and generator capacity will crimp your plans; it always takes longer than you think (twice/triple).

[ScharpeStGuy]

Just speaking to owner and he says the bus has a 30 amp connection to fit most rv parks but has big electrical box and 50 amp wiring. He says the bus has the roof air and a a/c split system in the rear but when driving can only run one a/c with the inverter but can run both while plugged in. Says both use 17 amps on a 20 amp breaker.

Also bus does not have a Jake brake, these seem to be highly recommended how difficult are they to install?

[lostagain]

Jakes is a hotly debated subject on these boards. Many bus nuts will tell you that driving without Jakes is not safe and that they are indispensable. Look in the archives, you will find lots of threads about Jake brakes.

Jakes are sure nice to have, but not necessary. Engine brakes didn't show up on buses until the 1980s. Before that, we learned to drive without them. We went downhill slowly. We were trained to go down in the same gear that it took to go up. Do they make driving a bus safer? The only factor that makes driving safer is the driver, by using the engine brake as it was designed and intended. For example, I see transport trucks barreling down 8% grades at 70 miles an hour with the Jakes rattling away...

You have to be a bit of a mechanic to install them. Although it is not rocket surgery, if you have the manual with you. Look on the Jacobs and the Pacbrake sites for the installation manuals. Then you will need to do a tune up again on the engine. You need the Detroit service manual for that, and some tools.

The cost for the parts is in the $1000 to $3000 range if I remember some of the posts on that subject. Some of the parts are hard to find.

JC

[luvrbus]

You need to cut the tail gate to install Jakes on a 4905.Seems to me like you have your heart set on the 4905 in Phoenix so I will PM the dates when I going back.

I don't think you will like driving a 4905 they ride and most drive ok not great but ok, the 50 ft turning radius on a 4905 sucks and they love to take out signs on the drivers side or my 20ft wide gate (twice) by 4905 owners  lol