| Author |
Message |
John Lawson (66.60.153.145)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 1:08 am: | |
Has anyone done this and do you have info and photos?
John 4107-271
Sacramento |
RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.74.29)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 1:44 am: | |
John -
This is NOT a project for the faint of heart on this model bus. I do know that someone did this with a 4905, and there are pics on the web somewhere, but I can't remember who it was. . .
Don't know if you're aware, but the GMC coach is built like an airplane - the exterior skins, bulkheads and floor make up the frame, and everything is tied together in such a way that the loads are shared throughout the structure. The roof helps support the engine, which is reverse rotation to impart the torque loads into the chassis, for example.
This is not to say that it cannot be done, it has, but it is a MUCH bigger project than raising the roof on an MCI or Eagle. You MUST support the coach thoroughly from underneath before you cut off the roof, otherwise it will sag and bow in the middle. GMs are also not welded, for the most part, they're riveted, so putting it back together with the right kind of rivets in the right places becomes an additional challenge.
Suggest you get hold of a parts book, and thoroughly study the exploded body parts section to get an idea how all this is put together before having at it with your Sawzall.
HTH,
RJ
PD4106-2784
Fresno CA |
Don KS/TX (66.82.9.18)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 6:37 am: | |
RJ is correct, not an easy rise. Although I am not particularly in favor of roof raises at all, I have been involved in a couple on 4905's. There are basically two methods I am familiar with, both work.
One is to slice the bus all the way around in the center of the windows, then add to that space left when you raise the roof. The other is to cut all that out between the top and bottom of the windows, and replace it with a "ladder" of sorts fabricated from 1 1/2 in square tubing. Although this looks to be a much more structurally solid raise, the added weight makes it "feel" topheavy when finished. This method uses the steel body channels that exist at the top and bottom of the window openings to their fullest.l
I am in the middle of a migration to Texas right now, email me and I can send you some photos of a completed one. |
bluegrass (216.207.2.125)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 6:47 am: | |
This Is a site with a roof raise In progress
www.utbiz.com/4905/index.html |
Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy) (24.196.191.70)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 7:45 am: | |
Bluegrass, great photos. Looks like a real labor of love! I really envy somebody that has the patience and skills to undertake such a tremendous task.
Richard |
Don KS/TX (66.82.9.17)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 8:33 am: | |
This is the "ladder" type raise I was referring to. |
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