Making lemonade...

[richard5933]

We weren't willing to let the dream die after what happened to our 4106, so we immediately started what we thought would be a months-long search for a replacement. As it happens, we found a great bus that seems to fit us and moved on it quickly. Someone posted on another thread about making lemonade - that's exactly what we plan to do. As much as we both are still struggling with recent events, we are determined to keep moving forward.

Now that the deal is complete and I have title I am happy to say that we've begun our next project. This is a 1974 GMC P8M4108a. It was ordered from the factory specifically to be converted, and the conversion was done by Custom Coach.

Even though this was pushing our budget, it was exciting to see a bone stock 4108a with the original conversion still largely in the same condition as when it left Custom Coach. All the bus systems are in place and functional, including the HVAC system. Engine is the 8V71 which is coupled to a 4-speed transmission. One day I might swap an auto, but not now. I want to experience this as it was built first.

I know that I'll have to upgrade many of the house systems, but it will be a pleasure to work on a bus that has not been butchered over the years and/or modified in ways that are hard to understand. The seller is including all the original manuals, including the CC manual and the CC conversion wiring diagram. They will be really helpful.

Best part for us is the interior... Like someone took a snapshot of a luxury motorhome in 1974 and locked it in a time capsule.

Once I get it home next week I'll start a thread on the project page so people can see the progress.

Richard

[luvrbus]

LOL that is crazy that looks identical to my friends 4108a Custom Coach expect he has power mirrors,aluminum wheels and now a 6v92TA DDEC engine with the V731  

[pabusnut]

If I didn't already have a 4905 that is 80% converted, I would have bought that one myself!

Few coaches give me envy, but that is one that does.

Enjoy it, as it should give you many trouble free miles.

Steve

[lvmci]

Good luck with your new coach Richard, wishes for many happy trails to you, lvmci...

[PP]

Nice looking coach! And there is nothing wrong with classic that is quality built. Enjoy,
Will and Wife

[Geoff]

Is there something wrong with my smartphone?  All I see is two pictures-- the outside right and the driver's seat.  Where are the conversion pictures?

--Geoff

[richard5933]

Is there something wrong with my smartphone?  All I see is two pictures-- the outside right and the driver's seat.  Where are the conversion pictures?

--Geoff
[/quote

Nothing wrong with your phone. Haven't posted them all yet.

Richard

[Bus Lurker]

Richard,

I think saw this coach listed on Ebay...this looks like a great find!  Congratulations on finding a replacement so soon. 

I am looking for a coach on the west coast, but recently I have noticed on Ebay, there appears to be many viewers, but few bidders.  Several recent listings that had reasonable starting prices received no bids at all...makes me wonder if buying a coach is a financially sound decision.  Hopefully you got a good price.  Keeping making your excellent posts.

Mike

[lvmci]

Hi Mike,  check on Craigslist, go to RV then search bus, lvmci...

[Bus Lurker]

Thanks Tom,

Your posts are great too.  I have been monitoring those sources such as CL too.  I was following WindTrader's/Don's strategy of looking for a coach; his method appeared good and he was successful. 

It is fortunate Richard found a great replacement so quickly.  It appears there are many mistakes a buyer can make when looking for a coach, so I am in no hurry.  Being a geezer I would not want to leave a mistake behind for my wife deal with when I am gone.

Mike

[lvmci]

Mike where are you, label where your from and anything you want us to know, an experienced busnut will help you to make less mistakes, come to a bus rally, look and talk to the nuts, you will learn a lot, tom...

[RJ]

Mike where are you, label where your from and anything you want us to know, an experienced busnut will help you to make less mistakes, come to a bus rally, look and talk to the nuts, you will learn a lot, tom...

Mike -

What Tom's suggesting is editing your profile to something similar to his, or mine, or several other busnuts that appears at the bottom of our posts.  Simply click on the profile tab above, and when the next screen pops up, scroll down to "Forum Profile Info." Click on that link, then follow the prompts.  Remember: the more information you share with us, the better we can help you!

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Scott & Heather]

First of all, congrats Richard, that is a seriously beautiful coach! Can't wait to see what you'll do with it. Second of all, someone tell Mike that buying a bus is most certainly NOT a financially sound decision. If that's what he wants, he should buy real estate or bonds or something lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[luvrbus]

Buses are not a sound investment even the later model factory conversions require a bundle of cash to keep up the maintenance.
My good friend Tom (LVMCI) can tell you he has spent more money on his in the last 3 years than he paid for it and he is still spending the cash owning a bus is not for the faint of heart   

[DoubleEagle]

I toured Custom Coach in Columbus (they are no longer in business) when I was first looking at buses back in the nineties. They were a quality outfit that went in to a lot of detail when customizing a coach. Having their original diagrams will be a big help in figuring things out. You might find that they installed layers of cork and lead sheeting in the floor for sound deadening. You will need double clutching skills to smooth out the 4 speed Spicer trans, and I hope for your left leg's sake that the clutch has air-assist.