GMC PD-4106 # 1539

[BusCrazyTom]

Hi,

I have a chance to purchase a 1962 4106 #1539. First of all, maybe someone with the original delivery info can post it here for my knowledge. This is a clean, unmolested bus, still seated and set up for a full load of passengers, with the mileage records showing a little less than 3/4 million miles. Body and interior in good shape, but owner says it was driven onto lot 7 months ago and now it won't start. I'm going to take another, more experienced busnut with me to inspect this bus and try to get it started. Any quick suggestions of things I should check?

Thanks
Tom Weeks
BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur

[tekebird]

1539 Tamiami Trails Tours (Trailways) Tampa Fl Fleet Number T2949

Tamiami was busy back in those days, I would suspect the documented mileage should be well over 750k

back in those days they didn't sell buses with less than 1 million miles on them and most of the time more than that.

[BusCrazyTom]

Mr. Wotring,

As always, thanks for the spot-on information. The bus is actually now state property and was used to transport a small college sports team, so perhaps their "documented mileage" only is for service in state ownership and does not include the prior owner.

I generally know way better than to buy a non-running coach, but something makes me think that there's a (simple)  reason why it won't start since it drove on the lot, and the price is so right that I think maybe myself, another busnut and a bus mechanic buddy of mine can get it going. Then again, I've been wrong before, but then again I've gotten really lucky.

My attraction to this coach lies in the fact that it is still a pasenger bus, and is cosmetically sound except for minor damage to the door. I really would prefer to start my conversion from scratch and not have to undo a bunch of someone elses "conversion" in the process.

Thanks again as always for the info.

Tom Weeks
BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur

[Buffalo SpaceShip]

Tom, take along a digital voltmeter and check a few things as you're troubleshooting. Hopefully all she needs is a fresh set of batts. After that, a non-cranker could be the solenoid and/or the starter. A cranker but no runner is almost always a fuel problem.

Once upon a time I bought a neglected 4106 conversion and resurrected it... new tires, lots of other new rubber parts, airbags, starter wires, etc. And it worked out fine, and we had a lot of fun with her. The reason we sold it was the 4-speed Spicer wouldn't go where we wanted to take it... steep driveways, beach access roads, campsites, 6-point turns, etc.

In the last few weeks, I've seen a couple of nice '06 conversions on eBay, with fresh(ish) engines, auto trannies, one even had a turbo. And tens of thousand$ of money in conversion and updates for not much $. Nowhere near what it would cost to DIY, not to mention the time saved. Just a thought!

Let us know how the "non-starter" works out. Keep us posted, since we can often help troubleshoot from afar... many of us have BTDT.

Brian B.

[BusCrazyTom]

Brian,

Thanks for the info. I know what you mean, its a buyers market in buses these days. I just think its worth as shot to save the 'ol girl. Digital voltmeter...I never leave home without several..., and an analog too. I figure it something simple like batteries, fuel issue (lost prime, etc), stuck shutdown or someone messed with the rear switches, etc. I don't think anyone at a state auction lot put a lot of time into trying. Hell, its even titled as a minivan! I guess when you're the goobermint you can title it whatever you want!

Thanks
Tom
BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur

[tekebird]

how long's it been sitting?

I beleive I have a new door in my inventory.

if it has cranking power, compression and fuel it should start.

[BusCrazyTom]

The gal at the auction storage lot says it drove in about 7 months ago and hasn't started since.

Tom

[tekebird]

does it crank?

perhaps someone turned the batteries off or they are dead?

if it drove in 7 months ago......it's prob drive out without to much effort.

[BusCrazyTom]

Not sure of whether it will try and crank or not. I think I'm going to take a couple of 8D's with me.
Thats sort of what I was thinking, I'll just have to see when I get my hands on it.

Tom

[Green-Hornet]

Hope you can post some pics when the gavel falls!
Sounds like it is worth saving. Good luck!

[BusCrazyTom]

Doesn't look like it's going to work out that I can bid this time, someone else should. I am awaiting a bunch of money owed to my business and I thought I would get a partial, but substantial payment on it this week, but it being Friday it looks like it ain't gonna happen today. We'll see. Seems like everytime a good opportunity comes along, my money's hiding in slow paying receivables.

D*m* wok stars! Oh well, another day, another dollar, another bus!

BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur

[Barn Owl]

Doesn't look like it's going to work out that I can bid this time, someone else should

Tom,

Can you post the link for the auction? I would like to see the photos and find out what it goes for.

Laryn

[RJ]

Can you post the link for the auction? I would like to see the photos and find out what it goes for.

Ebay item # 190130458442


FWIW & HTH. . .

[BusCrazyTom]

Thanks, Russ.  I did'nt see this early enough to post it. Currently the bid is just slightly under $700.00, quite a trivial amount, however without being paid on the job I don't have the cash right now, as Momma's meds are over $1400 monthly. Looks like it will make someone a nice bus,so if I can't grab it, someone else sure should. Hate to see it get away when some busnut could give it a home.

No sour grapes, good luck to all

BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur

[gomer]

just looked at the bus on ebay and it has an automatic in it instead of a 4-speed   That would fit so many coaches and it is in Americus ,Ga at the state  sale  wow I wish I needed it.  bid no.190130458442