Author Topic: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!  (Read 14497 times)

Offline travlinman

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Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« on: January 10, 2009, 07:22:44 PM »
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
Steve & Kristen Full time nomads since '06 - PD4106-674  8V71/V730
This bus is for sale - https://gm4106.wordpress.com

Offline travlinman

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2009, 07:24:10 PM »
Another Photo
Steve & Kristen Full time nomads since '06 - PD4106-674  8V71/V730
This bus is for sale - https://gm4106.wordpress.com

Offline Barn Owl

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2009, 09:24:48 PM »
Cool, show us more!
L. Christley - W3EYE Amateur Extra
Blue Ridge Mountains, S.W. Virginia
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Have fun, be great, that way you have Great Fun!

Offline travlinman

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #3 on: January 10, 2009, 10:09:23 PM »
more photos
Steve & Kristen Full time nomads since '06 - PD4106-674  8V71/V730
This bus is for sale - https://gm4106.wordpress.com

Offline travlinman

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #4 on: January 10, 2009, 10:09:59 PM »
more
Steve & Kristen Full time nomads since '06 - PD4106-674  8V71/V730
This bus is for sale - https://gm4106.wordpress.com

Offline travlinman

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #5 on: January 10, 2009, 10:10:36 PM »
sorry for the mess
Steve & Kristen Full time nomads since '06 - PD4106-674  8V71/V730
This bus is for sale - https://gm4106.wordpress.com

Offline travlinman

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2009, 10:12:21 PM »
more
Steve & Kristen Full time nomads since '06 - PD4106-674  8V71/V730
This bus is for sale - https://gm4106.wordpress.com

Offline Dreamscape

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #7 on: January 11, 2009, 03:05:00 AM »
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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Our coach was originally owned by the Dixie Echoes.

Offline blue_goose

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #8 on: January 11, 2009, 04:31:13 AM »
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

Offline usbusin

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #9 on: January 11, 2009, 09:07:24 AM »
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
Gary D

USBUSIN was our 1960 PD4104 for 16 years (150,000 miles)
USTRUCKIN was our 2001 Freightliner Truck Conversion for 19 years (135,000 miles)
We are busless and truckless after 35 years of traveling

Offline travlinman

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #10 on: January 11, 2009, 09:10:10 AM »
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
Steve & Kristen Full time nomads since '06 - PD4106-674  8V71/V730
This bus is for sale - https://gm4106.wordpress.com

Offline Chopper Scott

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #11 on: January 11, 2009, 09:19:06 AM »
It definately is a nice looking rig.
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Offline Len Silva

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #12 on: January 11, 2009, 09:40:43 AM »
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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Offline Barn Owl

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #13 on: January 11, 2009, 10:49:00 AM »
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.)
L. Christley - W3EYE Amateur Extra
Blue Ridge Mountains, S.W. Virginia
It’s the education gained, and the ability to apply, and share, what we learn.
Have fun, be great, that way you have Great Fun!

Offline steve5B

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Re: Ok Bus Nuts time to weigh in on this one!
« Reply #14 on: January 11, 2009, 12:18:23 PM »


     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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