| Author | Message | ||
| Thomas Weeks (Buscrazytom)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazytom Post Number: 102 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.81.96.100 Rating: N/A |
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 | ||
| Michael Malloy (Busnut06)
Registered Member Username: Busnut06 Post Number: 40 Registered: 6-2005 Posted From: 63.27.55.130 Rating: N/A |
Tom, check the bulkhead over carefully for cracks. The 06 is a good coach. Godspeed Michael | ||
| Thomas Weeks (Buscrazytom)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazytom Post Number: 103 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.81.96.100 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Michael, I'll remember to do that. Tom | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1260 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.189.94 Rating: N/A |
Tom - PD4106-1539 was delivered new as fleet number T-2979 in December of 1962 to Tamiami Trail Tours, based in Tampa, FL. Just a thought: I know you're going crazy trying to find "the right bus", however, take a good look at this coach from another perspective as well: Is there a possibility that it might make a good addition to a transportation museum? Finding pristine 4106s still in revenue service condition is getting rare nowadays, and some museums might be interested in one that hasn't been cobbled up. Another thought: It's been said over and over again: "Buy the newest chassis you can afford, equipped with the powertrain you want. You will be far better ahead in the long run, both for the conversion project and your pocketbook." Not to discourage you at all, the 4106 is a great coach, I own one too. Just don't let your anxiousness to get a coach override your common sense and knowledge you've gleaned from reading the boards. Buses are very easy to buy, and very hard to sell. FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| Thomas Weeks (Buscrazytom)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazytom Post Number: 104 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.81.96.100 Rating: N/A |
Great advice as always, Mr. Long. Thank you. Never really thought about the bus museum aspect, but I see your point. Regardless of the current powertrain issues, it is a clean, unmolested seated coach and is very attractive to me as a basis for a conversion since I really would like to start fresh. Thanks Tom BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur | ||
| Austin Scott Davis (Zimtok)
Registered Member Username: Zimtok Post Number: 152 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 216.37.73.226 Rating: N/A |
If you plan on getting this bus and removing the seats/interior you could donate them to a transportation museum. they may be able to use them on a restoration project. . | ||
| Thomas Weeks (Buscrazytom)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazytom Post Number: 105 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.81.96.100 Rating: N/A |
Yeah Austin, that might not be a bad idea should I buy this bus. Don't know how its going to work out yet until I get down to see it. Thanks Tom | ||
| J.L.Vickers (Roadrunnertex)
Registered Member Username: Roadrunnertex Post Number: 26 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.1.64.165 Rating: N/A |
There is one or two PD4106's conversions on Ebay for a good starting bid. You will be way far ahead buying a converted one than starting all over on a seated coach. But what do I know I have done the same conversion thing twice and have not learned yet! jlv | ||
| Thomas Weeks (Buscrazytom)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazytom Post Number: 106 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.81.96.100 Rating: N/A |
Mr. Vickers, Yes, I've seen several excellent 4106 conversions for very reasonable money on Ebay lately. The thing that turns me on about the seated coach is that its a fresh start without having to tear up someone elses perfectly good conversion to make it what I need, since it will need to be more of a mobile laboratory than an RV type conversion. I figure I'll get out for about the same cash, it'll just be a load of work. But at least in the end I get a product I know everything about! Thanks Best of luck on your continued efforts Thomas Weeks BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur | ||
| Jack Campbell (Blue_goose)
Registered Member Username: Blue_goose Post Number: 25 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 71.101.55.168 Rating: N/A |
All of the advice has been good. The one thing that you need to think about is, if you ever plan to sell what you convert the newer it is the more you can get for it. You will spend the same amount on the conversion regardless of what bus you start with. There are so meny good buys now that it is a byers choice. Lots of luck on what ever you do. I started mine 21 years ago and still makeing changes. If you convert it yourself you never finish. Of course I have put 186,000 mills on it during that 21 years. | ||
| Thomas Weeks (Buscrazytom)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazytom Post Number: 107 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.81.96.100 Rating: N/A |
Mr. Campbell, Thank you for the good advice as well. I know no one actuallly gets the full value of thier conversion when it's time to sell, but you make a good point. The benefit to me of converting it myself is that I will know it thoroughly when it's completed (if ever , and that makes a difference to me. Thanks BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 626 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.117.21 Rating: |
Remember to think beyond just getting a shell and doing it your way instead of one already done- Engine repairs or rebuild, batteries, rebuild DD3's, new clutch, new u-joints, replace air bags, rebuild brakes, new drums, replace a few wheel bearings or seals, rebuild or renew differential or seals, sheppard steering installation?, replace radius rod bushings, replace king pins, rebuild steering shafts and or u-joints, replace speedometer and or tachometer, replace rotted radiator, repair cracks in bulkhead, replace rubbers in baggage doors, replace window seals or door seals, add pennisula window sliders on driver and passenger side windows, etc....A conversion COULD be a much better deal if previous owner has already attended to many of these items- OOPS... forgot tires. Many on here have bought what seemed like a bargain at first, only to spend several thousand dollars restoring or repairing above items. | ||
| Thomas Weeks (Buscrazytom)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazytom Post Number: 108 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.81.96.100 Rating: N/A |
Mr. Roan, You indeed drive home a very good point. I agree and will take this into consideration, I just want to check out the overall condition of this bus, as it was supposedly government maintained and in service up until 7 months ago. Don't really know what's been done and what hasn't. If it looks like more than I want to chew, then I'll spit it out and run like he**! Thanks BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur | ||
| Jeffrey Smith (Greenhornet)
Registered Member Username: Greenhornet Post Number: 42 Registered: 12-2006 Posted From: 76.110.30.60 Rating: N/A |
Sounds like it will be a fun time regardless. Those Government auctions can be fun and you can get some good deals. When they sell old school busses down here they usually go for a pretty high price. They are used for running day labor farm and grove workers around, so it is harder to find a good deal. Take plenty of pics please! Love da pics! | ||
| Thomas Weeks (Buscrazytom)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazytom Post Number: 109 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.81.96.100 Rating: N/A |
Jeffrey, See the post I left on MAK. It doesn't look like its going to happen for me this time. Better love next time, I guess. BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur | ||
| dutch (Dutch)
Registered Member Username: Dutch Post Number: 111 Registered: 2-2007 Posted From: 66.68.98.151 Rating: N/A |
maybe i can help i have a 1964 inspected and approved by barnowl | ||
| Thomas Weeks (Buscrazytom)
Registered Member Username: Buscrazytom Post Number: 110 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 97.81.96.100 Rating: N/A |
Hi Dutch, I've been reading your posts and know you've put a lot of money in that bus over a short period. Best of luck with it. Although the only way I know anybody could help me right now is to buy about $25,000 worth of receivables that are 90 days late ....yeah right . As I was explaining to Jeffrey, it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to pull it off this time, because I was expecting a partial, but substantial payment on these receivables, but it doesn't look as if it will happen in time for me to make this deal work. Best of luck to you on your coach, and thanks. Tom Weeks BusCrazyTom the Analog Dinosaur As usual | ||
| Jeffrey Smith (Greenhornet)
Registered Member Username: Greenhornet Post Number: 45 Registered: 12-2006 Posted From: 198.136.32.74 Rating: N/A |
Saw the deal on EBay #190130458442. That was a good deal for somebody. It should make a sweet ride. I assumed you were going to a live auction. Don't worry, the right bus will find you. I am still dreaming too. |
