4104 Mirrors

[gus]

Has anyone changed the driver's side mirror on a 4104 to the lower position like the right side one??

Why was the 4104 the only GMC bus with this high mirror?

[tekebird]

Mirror placement was an option on the 04.  they came both with high and low mounts at the decretion of the buyer.

[gus]

teke,

Thanks, every photo I've ever seen shows it at the top.

But, why was it at the top even as an option when no other bus ever did this?

[roadrunnertex]

4104 high and low mount mirror's
The mirror head for the 4104 with the left one high are interchangable left and right.
With both mirrors mounted low the mirror heads are not interchangable.
MC-9 mirror heads will interchange on a PD4104,4106 & 4501.
Later model Greyhound PD4104's came from GMC both low mounts mirrors.
High mounts were on some of the very early Greyhound PD4104's.
jlv
 

[tekebird]

I would assume for safety.......keep that mirror as close to line of sight as possible.

Also the reason the turn signal lever is on the right side.......so the same hand is off the wheel as when shifting.

[DrivingMissLazy]

I think you may find that when the 4104 was first built, turn signals were a very new device and were actually an option, even in automobiles, up to the early 50's.

I really do not think a standard had been established for the placement, either on the right or left side, at that time. I do not recall them being standard in trucks till several years later.

I do not know if the earlier busses had the built in turn signal switches or not. I know I installed external turn signals on a lot of cars during that period of time.
Richard

I would assume for safety.......keep that mirror as close to line of sight as possible.

Also the reason the turn signal lever is on the right side.......so the same hand is off the wheel as when shifting.

[Len Silva]

I think you may find that when the 4104 was first built, turn signals were a very new device and were actually an option, even in automobiles, up to the early 50's.

I really do not think a standard had been established for the placement, either on the right or left side, at that time. I do not recall them being standard in trucks till several years later.

I do not know if the earlier busses had the built in turn signal switches or not. I know I installed external turn signals on a lot of cars during that period of time.
Richard

I would assume for safety.......keep that mirror as close to line of sight as possible.

Also the reason the turn signal lever is on the right side.......so the same hand is off the wheel as when shifting.

Actually, the 4104 turn signal lever was on the right side.  It was easilly rotated to be on the left.

Len

[gus]

rrtex,

Thanks for the in-depth report, nothing like the straight dope.

I'm still really puzzled about this being the only model ever configured this way?? The 4106 looks almost exactly like a 4104 and I've never seen a picture of one with the high mirror?

Vision in the high mirror is just as good as the low one, it is just a pain to adjust. Can't reach it from the window and requires a ladder or step stool to reach. (I'm 6'1" too).

My 4104 is a '54 (Second yearof production) and the turn lever is on the left.

[roadrunnertex]

Some PD4106 coaches had the left high mount mirror.
jlv

[Barn Owl]

The early 4106s had a high mount mirror. Mine is a '62 and still has the mounting bracket for one. At sometime mine was changed to a low mount. If you can find a picture of Brian Brown's 4106 you will see that it still has a high mount.

[WEC4104]

Never seen a pic of a 4106 with the high mirror?  You ask ... we provide.  (Although no guarantees that this is completely stock as it came from the factory.)

[DrivingMissLazy]

Actually, the 4104 turn signal lever was on the right side.  It was easilly rotated to be on the left.

Len

You are correct Len. I recall now of changing mine from right to left.
Richard

[gus]

WEC,

Thanks, now I've seen one.

I have Trailways and GMC  bus books with many 4106 photos and none of them show this!!