1962 GMC 4106 bus conversion - $3000

[napamikey]

Hey Guys.

Found this on craigslist in sf. I'm not affiliated but thought I should pass along...
It is definitely a fixer!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/rvs/3384499219.html

Mike

[Brassman]

Great price, dated conversion. You can sure see where they blanked the windows.

[Len Silva]

It looks like a pretty good deal to me.

BUT, for all you newbys and dreamers out there, if you don't have another $20K or so in your pocket, you can't afford it.  Please trust those of us who have been down that road.

[bobofthenorth]

That's a good deal for somebody.  Not quarreling with the need for a reserve fund Len but for $10,000 you could buy the bus, put new tires and new brake hardware all around and have some left over for electrical incidentals.  Assuming it runs a little elbow grease and not much money will get somebody a pretty sweet little cruiser.

[Len Silva]

You're right Bob,  I exaggerated for effect. I have known a lot of dreamers who would say "Oh, $3000, I can afford that".  Then, it sits for years for lack of funds.  I am not trying to discourage anyone, just slappin' them upside the head with a reality stick.

[rezzznick]

Before i say anything, just wanted to say hi, i'm new to the site and to bus conversions in general.  Excited to be here and learn what i can.


About this particular bus, what exactly stands out as "red flags"?

It is in obvious need of TLC.  Cosmetics for sure on the exterior (paint, windows, tires), and interior is definitely dated but appears usable(ish).  Owner claims it runs, but hasn't been used in about 3 years.

I love me a good project, and have worked on restoring an older RV before, but again, wondering what specifically about this bus should a determined DIYer be weary of?

[bobofthenorth]

As I posted earlier, put tires and brakes on it.  Once you get that done you'll know what else it needs.  Without new tires and rebuilt brakes its a safety hazard to you, your family and everybody else on the road. 

[Brassman]

About this particular bus, what exactly stands out as "red flags"?

First, welcome to a great bus site. I'd say there are no "red flags" that I can see. Strong legs, strong arms, and a credit card is all that you need. Three thousand bucks is the price of a well used car. You won't believe all the stuff you bought for $3,000 -- might be its own kind of nightmare though, but that's bus'n.

[Lin]

The only way to know what it needs is to have it gone over by someone who knows buses and DD in particular.  If you are serious, find that person.  The couple of hundred you might pay will be well worth it.

[rezzznick]

Thanks for the replies. I know the default answer is to have someone inspect it, but what are things I can look at?  I mean the sort of things that would make it not worth getting into? 

According to the owner, brakes have been gone over, as well as some other recent services. No documentation on a rebuild, or anything major like that. If I bought it, it would need to make a 200 mile drive home...

[RJ]

If I bought it, it would need to make a 200 mile drive home...

Rezz -

Which way from The City?  Up/down the coast, or over into the Central Valley?

Also, help us help you.  Please take a few minutes to edit your profile to add a signature line, similar to mine below.  Include at least your first name and your home base city/state.  Coach make/model/powertrain too, when you get one.  This way we can help direct you to assistance in your area - no sense sending you to NJ when what you need might be in Williams, CA.  Along the way, you might just find another busnut nearby!

Welcome aboard!

FWIW & HTH. . .

  

[rezzznick]

It would be south along 101.  I'm in southern Monterey County.

I'll update with the appropriate info.

Thanks

[Cary and Don]

Just asking this because I don't know.  There has been some discussion here as to the proper way to install a hitch on the GMs and the problems that can occur if done wrong.  Any body have the information on this?

Don and Cary

[napamikey]

I'm based in Oakland and prob check it out with you.  I would say that I would not but unless you are or have have a relationship with a mechanic that can work on these.

Mike

[bkelly1011]

Don and Cary -

Ah, the famous GM hitch question.  I think RJ once noted that the old GMs are built so that the powertrain cradle is basically hanging from the ceiling due to the monocoque (sp?) construction.  OneLapper (Mark) fabbed up a hitch solution that pulls a pretty big load - I want to guess 10K.  I tried to search the site to find one of Mark's threads that had the picture, but the search function is returinng a database error currently.  I'm sure if you PM Mark he'll be able to provide info you need.

Take care,
Brad

[OneLapper]

Before i say anything, just wanted to say hi, i'm new to the site and to bus conversions in general.  Excited to be here and learn what i can.


About this particular bus, what exactly stands out as "red flags"?

It is in obvious need of TLC.  Cosmetics for sure on the exterior (paint, windows, tires), and interior is definitely dated but appears usable(ish).  Owner claims it runs, but hasn't been used in about 3 years.

I love me a good project, and have worked on restoring an older RV before, but again, wondering what specifically about this bus should a determined DIYer be weary of?

Welcome Noob Nick!

This 4106 could have good potential.  I paid a lot for one 4106 that needed everything.  I paid several hundred for a rather ratty looking 4106 that I drove 900 miles home!  The cheap one had new brakes, kingpins, shocks, bags, muffler, etc etc.  needed tires and batteries.  

Have the owner start the engine for you when it's stone cold.  That will tell you a lot.  If it needs ether to start or smokes when warm, it'll eventually need an engine.  I paid $2750 for a great running 8V71 pulled from a NYC transit.  

Drive the bus; does the clutch chatter badly?  Is there more than a couple inches of free play in the steering wheel? Do the brakes feels weak?  Does it pull to one side when the brakes are applied hard?   All things that will need attention if you buy it.  

I agree with RJ.  Do tires and brakes.   It's just gotta stop when you need it to stop!

That being said, the chassis has some corrosion spots to look at, and the 8V71 dies a very slow death!  

Good luck, keep us posted.  

Mark

[rezzznick]

Thanks for the info everyone.