| Author |
Message |
gusc
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 2:34 am: | |
Newbie here and looking for a good conversion.
Which bus,PD4104/4106, is MC5/5A more like? I've studied a lot about the GMs but don't know much about MCIs.
Thanks,
gusc |
RJ Long (Rjlong)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 4:09 am: | |
The only thing the three really have in common is that they're 35 feet long.
PD4104s have 6-71 engines, were built between 1953 - 1960, use a V-drive powertrain layout.
PD4106s also have the V-drive powertrain, but with an 8V71. These were built between 1961 - 1965. Considered by folk who've been in the bus business a long time to be the "Sports Car of Buses", or at least the first generation, with the RTS being the second.
MC5s, be they A, B or C models, were built from about 1964 thru 1980. T-drive powertrain, majority with 8V71s and 4-spd manuals, altho C models are often found with 6V71 and HT740 automatics. Mild and stainless steel construction, vs the aluminum GMs. RH rotating engines makes swapping in a 350 hp 6V92TA less of a challenge than the LH GMs.
For LOTS of information about the various makes and models, pick up a copy of "Modern Intercity Coaches" by Larry Plachno, editor of National Bus Trader mag. A little dated nowdays, but excellent coverage of the models most commonly used for conversions. Available from the publisher (www.busmag.com), Amazon or sometimes eBay. Well worth the $$ investment.
HTH,
RJ
PD4106-2784
Fresno CA |
christopher
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 5:54 am: | |
email me i maybe selling my 5c
thanx
chris
oceanwater@att.net |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 7:33 am: | |
Go here: http://www.coachinfo.com/
and look in the "all about buses" section. |
Rodger in WA
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 9:55 am: | |
Gusc,
Check out my 35' Prevost in the BNO Bus For sale section.
An excellent choice for a 35' coach and very favorably comparable to an MCI MC5C. |
john marbury (Jmarbury)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 03, 2005 - 7:19 am: | |
I think you'll find alot less rust on the GMs.
My first introduction to busses was a 5A but soon found a GM 4905 that I preferred. Was amazed at the differance between the two as far as Corrosion is concerned.
John |
gusc
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 10:05 pm: | |
Thanks to all, I'm still looking but will probably get a GMC. |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 7:52 am: | |
gusc-
The major difference of concern that I found between the
GMCs and MCIs, is the rounded ceiling of the GMCs.
My wife felt claustrophobic in both the 4104 and 4106 we
looked at, due to the narrow appearance of the ceiling. And
I'll have to admit, the MCIs do seem larger with the more
square ceiling....
Both the '04 and '06 are workhorses, but so are the MCIs.
And the difference between 35' and 40' isn't all that noticeable
behind the wheel. Wherever you can fit the '06, you can fit
the MC9. (no tire wells to deal with, with the MC9 either!) |
FAST FRED
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 6:04 am: | |
"I'll have to admit, the MCIs do seem larger with the more square ceiling...."
AFTER conversion with overhead cabinets installed , or valences on the windows the only difference is the rounded GM roof will leave a bit less room inside the cabinet for a big Wheaties box.
That is balanced by the better road manners from the rounded corners in heavy crosswinds.
A coach for driving , or a coach for the Wheaties box?
FAST FRED |
Jtng
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 9:56 am: | |
Thank you, "Tony the Tiger". |
Brian (Bigbusguy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 11:03 am: | |
Id buy a newer MCI 102 wide. The walls on the GMC also tilt in starting at the bottom of the windows harder to put in pocket doors less side head room to walk on the side of your bed. Unless you are lucky to find a low mile or very good cond. older coach you will end up spending more on the older one then if you just started with a newer one. The newer buses also use lower cost replacement parts used also in trucks not bus only stuff that costs 20 times more.
Brian 4905 |