BCM Community
Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: travlinman on January 10, 2009, 07:22:44 PM
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Hi Guys,
As some of you know I am in the market for a converted coach to buy. I have been scouring the net and have my list down to three rigs, so tonight here is number one, certainly the most unique. I am looking for a unit that will excel at boondocking, as campgrounds and RV parks will only be visited when necessary. A 35 footer would be great but finding these with a roof raise has been difficult. A roof raise is mandatory as I am a tall guy.
This is a GM 4104 with some interesting features. The PO cut a hole in the roof and attached another 4104 upper section to it, magic, roof raise! The drive line was swapped out for an 8v71 / 730 / 2 speed rear, not standard either. The rest appears to be a good conversion with, Oak Cabinets, Flexsteel seats, Shepherd power steering, onan genset, propane heat and stove, 12 volt fridge, gell cell batteries, large holding and water capacities. With the addition of a solar system this would be on paper a good boondocking bus.
Up to this point my research has focused on Eagle as they are common with roof raises. So I'm looking for some feedback on this set up, and what to look for on the first visit. I don't look at GMs much as they are to short for me, the first bus I ever saw was a 4905, no standing up in that one. I'm hoping to see this one next week, and if it looks good bring in a mechanic or locals from there.
Steve
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Another Photo
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Cool, show us more!
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more photos
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more
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sorry for the mess
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more
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Nice Looking Coach!
Can't comment on MCI's cause I own an Eagle! ::)
Hope you find what you need!
Paul
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If the refer is only 12volts and not gas, electric and 12 volts it will sure use up the batterys when you are boondocking. Other than that it looks good.
Jack
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The PO cut a hole in the roof and attached another 4104 upper section to it, magic, roof raise!
Steve,
Am I missing something? Where is the roof raise?
GaryD
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Gary,
From what I have been told, there is the roof and upper section of another 4104 on this bus. Can't say for sure as I have not seen it yet.
Steve
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It definately is a nice looking rig.
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An exceptionally nice 4104. At first I couldn't see the roof raise but you can in the photo of the entrance door and windshield. A raised roof on a 4104 would ordinarily freak me out but the workmanship on this one inspires confidence.
My concern now would be the two speed rear. These were custom built by a guy in CA and had a lot of custom machining done. I have a little info on them but repairs might be a challenge.
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That was not an easy conversion and had to take some skill to do. It looks like a first rate job from the photos and I have seen modified 4104s before with 8v71s and autos that were so well done the job looked factory. You might have just found a labor of love built by someone who knew what they were doing. I'd buy it if it checked out. You will get more attention in a classic like that than you could ever imagine. I speak from experience on that one, I am amazed at all of the thumbs up I get as I travel in my bus and how many people have come up and wanted to see it and take photos. Keep in mind that mine is a beater and rough. (Yes thumbs, I know what some of you are thinking.)
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For a older coach it looks real good, may I ask what is he asking, and if it's close to someone on the board they might be able
to look it over for you.
Steve 5B.....
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Steve,
I couldn't see the raise at first either.
After comparing it to photos of my 4104 I decided that he cut all around below the side windows and above the windshield, rear windows and front side windows, raised the side windows with the top, inserted side strips from another 4104 into the gap and then added a piece above the windshield between the chrome strips and above the rear windows.
I feel much better now. At first I thought he had cut the top off where it starts to curve!
I didn't see how he could have done that without destroying the strength of the monocoque. cutting the sides kept everything strong.
It is a beautiful job and I don't think anyone will notice, even other 4104 drivers. I never would have noticed it unless I happened to go inside.
The only 2-speed I know about is a 2-sp clutch with the Spicer 4-sp trans. Never heard of a 2-sp rear. Since it is an AT my guess is that the rear end is not the original because the gear ratio would need to be different than for the manual. It certainly should fly with an 8V71!
Curious, how tall are you? I'm 6'1" and have no problem in my 4104.
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That is an amazing piece of work. My only concern is the structural
integrity of coach in that the engine hangs on the roof ribs, it would be interesting
to know how it was accomplished.
Blessings,
David
PD4104-2977
In Los Angeles, waiting for the Santa Ana Winds to go away.
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Very nice coach.. do you have Links to the Others you found..
:-))
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The only 2-speed I know about is a 2-sp clutch with the Spicer 4-sp trans. Never heard of a 2-sp rear. Since it is an AT my guess is that the rear end is not the original because the gear ratio would need to be different than for the manual. It certainly should fly with an 8V71!
Apparently someone named Bill Teal has done an overdrive for the v730 using VS2 donor parts. Not a 2 speed rear, but could that be what they are talking about?
Linky: v730 O/D post on BNO (http://www.busnut.com/bbs/messages/233/19273.html)
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DS,
I think he removed the roof in one piece so it retained its strength. Probably all he had to do for the engine was lengthen the stanchions that hang from the roof bottom.
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Steve asked me offline about the two speed axle for the 4104. Everything I know about it is here:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/gmc-busnuts/files/GM%20Two%20Speed/
Len
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4104's are good coaches-and this one with the roof raise is really nice. I have a 102" wide and it makes a big difference from the 96". Also- I would question the 2 spd rear end-so far with my research, I haven't found a V drive 2 spd rear end. Now if he installed a VS2 overdrive on the transmission, that I'd believe. If you don't mind the 96", this really looks like a nice one. Good Luck, TomC
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For me the 4104 is perfect. I love to camp on the Blue Ridge and the national forests. A 40 ft . bus has trouble going to most of these places.
In traffic i am also glad that i don't to have to worry about the extra length.
Also the bathroom is just one step from the bedroom. and coffee is three steps away. Nice for us old people.
uncle ned
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Ok, Uncle Ned I give up. What does "SWWWND" stand for?
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>>SWWWND<<
SHE Who Will NOT Be Disobeyed!! :o :D
<--going back to the singles side of the room now..near the exit door! ;D
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Wow,
Thanks for all the great replies, it always helps to have another set of eyes on any vehicle purchase. That plus the accumulated knowledge of this board is amazing. I will learn more about the two speed rear end when I go to see it. We are planning on the weekend of Jan 24-25. It is located outside of Sacramento Ca. Any busnuts in that neck of the woods?
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re the 2 speed rear end. i have seen info on this online somewhere. I think I even had schematics at one point. Not really a big deal as with that engine a one speed rear should do fine. Lokks like a really nice tight rig. If it's as good as the pics and the work is solid I have trouble imagining a better bus...but then I'm partial to 04s
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This is a GM 4104 with some interesting features. The PO cut a hole in the roof and attached another 4104 upper section to it, magic, roof raise!
It looks nice, but I would want PROOF of how many miles it has done since the roof raise, then I would give it a VERY CAREFUL inspection, looking for any signs of deformation due to the cutting of the structural members.
Any sign of this, or less than 10,000 miles since modification, and I would pass it by. Too much risk for too little gain.
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I live in Sacramento and can go take a look at it for you if you would like. shoot me an email and we can work something out. I'd like to see this bus closeup.
kylepesely AT tmail DOT com
kyle in norcal