| Author | Message | ||
| Matt (199.182.59.191) Rating: N/A |
O.K. - I started a new thread since I am really looking for thoughts on a 4108A-017 that is for sale, has a 8v71T with a v730. Not sure on the rear-end - will have to ask, but have been told it gets 7.2mpg, pulls 65mph at 1800, 70mph at 2300. It has a jake and the radiator was re-cored (thicker core) and has a misting system. Been told it has run warm weather without any over-heating problems... I have been looking for a year now, and this one looks like a nice conversion - with the engine work done at Oregon Southern Diesel. Owner has not done any front end work - so I am a bit concerned about the brakes etc. Rear bags have been replaced - front not done in at least five year...likely more. No serious rust reported, and no leaks from water. Tires are new in back, 50k and 4-5 years on the front..thinking those will need to be addressed immediately. Walls done with solid foam insulation, layer of "bubble wrap" covered with 3/4 inch playwood on walls and 1/2 inch on ceiling. Apparently the rear end leaks about a quart every 5000k...should this be a concern? I am curious what it would cost to give the brakes a once over, replace the front airbags and put two new tires up front...since from what I have been told - those are the items that immediately jump out (based on my novice knowlege and reading every post that referances 4108, 8v71t, v730 and lots more to boot). Oh..one other thing - the A/C units on top are off-set...he did not want to cut the center support. Read other posts that others have done this as well...should it be a concern? U-joints are new, nothing done to the king pins or front bushings...steering is reportedly straight as an arrow. You all have been very helpful - and hope you will provide some bits to think about on this one as well. Thanks again, Matt | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.74.29)
Rating: |
PD4108-017: Delivered new as fleet number 217 in May of 1970 to Las Vegas-Tonopah-Reno Stage Lines. LTR was a good company, took real good care of their equipment until. . . The original management sold the business to someone who literally ran it into the ground. . . sad. The current powertrain you're talking about in this coach is a repower, originally it came with a straight 8V71 and the 4-spd Spicer manual. The stock rear axle ratio for this coach was 4.125:1. The speeds you mention sound about right with this axle and the 0.87:1 bevel gear ratio in the V-730. If you want to go faster, you'll need taller tires, usually 11R24.5s turning around 470 revs/mile. Mileage figure sounds about right, too. Rear axle leaks?? That's unusual, usually it's the Detroit! But it's something to watch - you can put a lot of gear oil in there for the cost of repairing the leak. . . unless it stains Mama's driveway! If you're concerned about the front end, have it looked at by a professional shop, one with BUS experience. Southern Oregon Diesel may be able to help, or refer you to someone. But these things are EXTREMELY rugged, including the air bellows - far more so than your average automotive front end. They have to be for revenue service. If the brakes were relined correctly, the shoes trued to the drums, all the brakes were adjusted properly at regular service intervals and the Jake was used as designed, these can go 100,000 miles or more on a set of linings. The Grey dog gets that fairly routinely, or used to until the hot dog salesman took over. Air bags are about $100 each, there are four on each axle, and they're different sizes, front and rear. Mohawk seems to have the best price: www.mohawkmfg.com is their website. They take plastic, and if you have the OEM part number, that helps. Tires, depending on who's you buy and what size, will run $250 - $450 each. Off-set roof airs are not a problem. Less likely to bunk one's head on it walking down the center of the coach. Cutting the center support is not recommended, because the engine hangs from the rear bulkhead and the roof, which is designed to spread the load. Major cause of overheating in a bus conversion is driver error, notably the weight of their right shoe and not watching their mirrors and gauges when pulling grades, allowing a combination of lugging and overfueling, which equals heating problems. I never had a GMC nor an MCI overheat on me in revenue service, and I frequently pushed them HARD, but I paid attention, too. Before you get totally enamoured, take this prospective purchase out for a 50 - 100 mile run, then to a shop that has bus experience for their evaluation of the chassis. A dyno run at DDA on the engine might also be a good idea. Good Luck, HTH, RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| Stephen Fessenden (Sffess) (65.134.2.131)
Rating: N/A |
I had two 4905s before I got my Prevost. They were wonderful, but never converted. The 2nd one had a V730 with an 871. It was a joy to drive and would do about 72 MPH. Handled as well as my Prevost. I envy you if you have found a good 4108 conversion with the 8V71TA and V730. Just check it over completely and have it checked over thoroughly mechanically. Brakes are easy. Does it have power steering? If it is factory power steering it will probably be power assist steering with a hydraulic ram drag link. It can be just as good as integral power steering. My first 4905 had the power assist steering and once properly repaired was identical in handling to the integral power steering on the next one I owned. Note that the drag link on the power assist style has a ball type joint on one end that can seem very loose until the engine is running and it gets enough hydraulic pressure. If you do not buy this for any reason other than poor condition, let me know where it is. It sounds like something that I would like. | ||
| J.L.Vickers (209.34.28.164) Rating: N/A |
If this is the 4108 that's on ebay. There is no way you could build this coach for the amount of money it's going to go for on ebay. As for the off set roof A/C's. That is a wise thing to do on a buffalo. R.J.Long is right about structure on the GMC's. I would say go for it. If I didn't have a P8M4905A conversion almost finished. I would buy it in a heart beat. | ||
| Matt (205.56.145.37) Rating: N/A |
J.L. Not that I want otherrs to bid up the price...LOL...but that is the one and the same. As RJ points out...an inspection would be great - buying without one makes the hair on my neck stick straight up...a good deal up front may indeed a nightmare in the long run...anyone know someone in that area (Coos Bay) that would be for hire to take a look at the rig? | ||
| Stan (216.95.238.104) Rating: N/A |
I think for most vehicles sold on e-bay the bidder makes it subject to inspection. |
