| Author | Message | ||
| Kyle Pesely (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 77 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 216.220.208.233 Rating: N/A |
I'm looking for input from those of you on here that own a Scenicruiser. I'm an eagle lover. always have been since I can remember learning what they were. to me, its the epitome of the movie star bus. just a beautiful lady. but the other day, I happened to stumble accross PD4501-0054 in a classified. to satisfy my interest, I contacted the seller. he sent me a spec sheet and this bus sounds amazing. all you GM guys please tell me what you think: repowered w/ a DD 8v92TA w/ all new pistons, liners, bearing, all new gaskets, new heads, rebuilt turbo, new injectors, new radiator, jake, new clutch, new water pump, new injector pump, new hoses, new exhaust, new compressor, 4spd, upgraded power steering, recent brakes, recent air bags, and new tires w/ 22.5 alloy wheels, and that's just the mechanical. the conversion is also about 75% complete. it has a 4KW onan gas genset, a yet-to-be installed levelling system and backup cam, upper floor has been leveled to a flat floor, 10gal waterheater, pressurized water system, 100gal fresh, 160gal black/grey, propane furnace, cat heater, bus heat, 2 roof airs, 4 golf cart batterys, 180 gal fuel tank that was removed, cleaned and checked for leaks, and all the stock windows. plus a full kitchen and bath with new counters. the remaining 25% of converting is just cabinets mainly. the guy who owns it now bought it from universal studios in 1989, and it was striped and painted in 1990. so back to my ?, does this sound too good? me and the guy are kinda sorta talking about doing a trade, eagle for scenic, maybe I'd keep my 8kw wrico diesel genset. of course I know the basics, like getting it checked out of course, but I kind of like the idea of having an 8v92 w/ a manual trans. that could mean decent mpg but still be able to haul as on the hills. I'm gonna try and check it out soon and ill take some pics. oh, the best part is I found this LOCALLY!!!!!! thank ya..... kyle in norcal 1980 Eagle 10 #30223 | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 341 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.226.108.95 Rating: N/A |
scenicruisers are sexy!..no doubt about it,can you tell a 8v92 when you see one?does he have the paperwork on overhaul?LOOK IT OVER...they are collectors item for sure,just make sure it isn't in worse shape than your Eagle. I hope you get it if it's good shape !!! | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 345 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.126.56 Rating: N/A |
They are a neat classic design, however you get almost as much with a 4905; easier to convert due to floor issues; less driveline componetry; the latest GM engineering improvements, etc. This is not to put down scenics; but, at least check for issues as worn out drivetrain components and body integrity issues as they accumulated an awsome number of miles on and don't forget that a lot of the parts are going to be more difficult to obtain than the newer GM's. I always loved MCI-6's but their issues made them less practical than other models. If you really have to have one; some of our guys that have one can give you pointers; also if you can find someone that can really check it over. Otherwise, go for it. | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
Registered Member Username: Blue_velvet Post Number: 394 Registered: 6-2005 Posted From: 76.186.181.86 Rating: N/A |
Hmm... sounds interesting. Scenics ARE my all-time favorite classic bus, hands down. Owning one might be tough with parts sources and the fact that it's so old. The repower is certainly a huge plus, but make sure it cools itself OK. Pull a couple of nearby grades, if you can. Manual trans is fine, but a 10spd RR would be MUCH prefered over the 4-speed if you need to wrangle it anywhere or have more options when going up and down hills. Maybe a swap isn't tough, since it's a t-drive. Also ask yourself if you want to finish someone else's conversion. You may end up re-converting some parts that don't suit you, or aren't done up to your standards. Happens a lot, so don't pay a lot for partially-done stuff. Yeah, that genset won't hold a candle to your Wrico, so that should be part of the deal... he keeps his genset/ you keep yours. And bear in mind, most people get out of a bus for some reason(s) that might not be obvious, nor disclosed. Even honest folks tend to overstate the positive and understate the negs. Just some advice from someone on Bus #4! Good luck, and keep us posted, Brian Brown 4108-216 w/ V730 Longmont, CO soon leaving Dallas, TX for home | ||
| Kyle Pesely (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 79 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 216.220.208.123 Rating: N/A |
JOHN: I agree w/ you on the mc-6. I think that is (in my eye, at least) the sexiest bus made. next to the eagle, of course. I would sell most of what I had to own one, regardless of the age. to have one of only 101? plus the front end is just bada$$ looking. I have a lead on one now, but the guy isn't ready to sell just yet. I don't feel that way about scenics as much(although they are gorgeous buses), so the parts availability is a concern, but I'm sure they're out there, just gotta look. BRIAN: that's funny you take the time to post on this because last night I was reading the april 2005 archives when you were contemplating the future of your fishbowl, and all that associated stuff. hope all is well with you. I am definetly ging to take a good close and hard look @ this ol' 4501. I will hopefully make a visit out to her next week or so and take lots of pics. and you're right on about the Wrico. its a killer genset(I prefer diesel anyway) and its only got 633.7 hrs on it. hell, that's barely broken in. thanks for the pointers, and drive safe back to CO. kyle in norcal | ||
| sylverstone (Sylverstone_pd4501864)
Registered Member Username: Sylverstone_pd4501864 Post Number: 230 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 216.173.223.253 Rating: N/A |
PD4501-054 Capitol Greyhound Lines B-9231 Eastern Greyhound Lines E-9231 Eastern Greyhound Lines 4295 Gerald R. Peck -- Vancouver, WA Purchased from Universal Studios Sold to Bill Holt in 1989. No more known. Motor Home Conversion wners: Bill & DeeDee Holt -- Shingletown, California Four speed 8V92, floor lowered, aluminum wheels. Two-tone blue and silver, with yellow & blue stripes. from my conversation with luke when mine was in his shop, the only part that is unobtainable for the cruiser is the radius rod bushings, and he's working on that. i'm not going to tell you what i think, because i am horribly horribly biased >  -dd | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1108 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.163.170 Rating: N/A |
Kyle - Is that the Scenic for sale in the Fairfield/Solano area? | ||
| J.L.Vickers (Roadrunnertex)
Registered Member Username: Roadrunnertex Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 71.52.82.62 Rating: N/A |
Scenicruiser / Eagle One thing about the Scenicruiser it's a classic coach even though it's over 50+ years old. One thing Eagle owners must remember and this is. If GMC and Greyhound Lines would have never built the Scenicruiser. Continental Trailways would have never built the Eagle Coach. Continental Trailways was loosing passengers to Greyhound due to the new at the time Scenicruiser. So they needed a new bus that might be able to solve keep this problem. Continental Trailways went to Germany for their first Eagles. And the rest is history. jlv | ||
| Kyle Pesely (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 81 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 216.220.208.232 Rating: N/A |
RJ: I don't think that's it, unless its moving around. sylverstone hit it right on the nose. its up in shingletown, about 3hrs north of me. in between lassen park and whiskeytown up I-5. SYL: talk about big brother! haha. you got it perfect. bill holt is who I've been exchanging emails with. how did you get the colors right too? makes me wonder who's watching me...... biases are ok. I've heard what luke told you also, that aside from the radius rod bushings, almost everything can be found without too many gray hairs. any input from you two regarding this old girl? I know that reading some text isn't at all grounds for a real opinion, but as someone who owns one and another who knows more about GM coaches than GM ever did, advice is always appreciated. kyle in norcal ps: hey rj, wanna drive up to shingletown w/ me and spend the day playing w/ a scenic? my treat.....ha | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
Registered Member Username: Kyle4501 Post Number: 240 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 68.159.68.65 Rating: N/A |
As far as the drive train issues, It is a T-drive. Almost ANY truck engine can be used & you have tons of transmissions to choose from (not like the limitations with the V-drive), so that should be nothing to wory about. As far as parts being hard to get, well there are some issues there, but what do you need? I don't know about the radius rod bushing, but that can be custom molded, I'm sure. The biggest 'problem parts' are those needed for restoration to seated coach. As an RV, you should be able to get any part you need IF you are prepared to look & wait for it. There is NOTHING I haven't been able to find for mine. I'm not done looking for stuff yet as the deeper I get into it, the more items I discover I want! Eagles are a great coach, & they are common. The MC6 is also a cool looking bus, but it is so heavy, it will never have any practical use. (but it has tons of style that will render practicality issues meaningless) But a Scenicruiser is in a class all by itself. The ONLY thing that would deter me from a 4501 (assuming the money is not an issue) would be lack of structural soundness. If the sides are buckled & wavy, that girl is gonna need a TON of work, & that would be beyond the scope & resources of 99.9% of the people here. The value of any scenicruiser is determined when & only when the buyer & seller agree on a price. The opinions of others are just that, opinions. Since there are so few out there to choose from, choose wisely. I love all 3 of mine, & they are not for sale as they bring me more happiness than money. | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
Registered Member Username: Kyle4501 Post Number: 241 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 68.159.68.65 Rating: N/A |
There were some posts made while I was slowly typing before . . . Try this site for info about 4501's http://www.strayhound.com/scregistry/scregistry2.htm The site hasn't been updated in a while, but there is lots if good info there. Do a search on yahoo for scenicruiser21 or scenicruiserdepot for fome serious 4501 nuts! | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 344 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.226.237.13 Rating: N/A |
I've seen 4501-094... it is BEAUTIFUL !!...has original paint design & big greyhound on the sides..BEAUTIFUL !! | ||
| Tim McWhorter (Theredwriter)
Registered Member Username: Theredwriter Post Number: 66 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 68.246.7.209 Rating: N/A |
Kyle, Is the scenic you're interested in blue in color? We saw one a couple weeks ago on our way up to Lassen, sitting in the side yard...it was pretty nice looking! Tim | ||
| Melanie Kite (Melkite)
Registered Member Username: Melkite Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 71.1.131.119 Rating: N/A |
We found out that some scenics had their rear bulkhead area and sides reinforced to eliminate sagging caused by the weight of the 8-71. We believe that the half round plates we see riveted on the sides and the tubular supports tied to the bulkhead under the engine area are part of this process. When we were driving ours back to Oregon it sure rode sweet, and turned a lot of heads. Still in the process of installing a ht-740 - there's that 'slight' bulkhead modification to be made. We need vista windows, and possibly a new windshield, which I hear are difficult to find. Plus we are redoing the previous owner's conversion, so ours hasn't been on the road for a while! Hope the inspection turns out well! | ||
| Kyle Pesely (Kylexisxrad)
Registered Member Username: Kylexisxrad Post Number: 82 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 216.220.208.236 Rating: N/A |
TIM: I'm sure that's the one. I was told it was blue in color, although I haven't seen it yet. its up in shingletown, right by lassen. I hope its as nice as you say it looks! how's your journey going? MELANIE: thanks for the pointers! I hope to be able to get under it eventually and take a look, and I hope your auto conversion goes well. keep us all posted. do you have any pic of your coach? kyle in norcal | ||
| Tim McWhorter (Theredwriter)
Registered Member Username: Theredwriter Post Number: 67 Registered: 5-2006 Posted From: 68.246.120.165 Rating: N/A |
Kyle, If it's the same one we saw, which I'm sure it is since we went right through Shingletown...it's a beauty! We are having a great trip. We are at the CalExpo center in Sacramento in their RV park. Aren't you in this area?? Wanna come by and check our bus out? Let me know...we're here until Saturday morning... | ||
| Jeff Johnson (Series60)
Registered Member Username: Series60 Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 4.225.238.40 Rating: N/A |
Some folks lowered the floors to level them on the scenicruisers. Have someone familiar with the structural theory of the 4501 comment on its stability. | ||
| Dave Hartshorne (Yeeolde48)
Registered Member Username: Yeeolde48 Post Number: 50 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 24.209.222.82 Rating: N/A |
Hi guys, one more post. I would certainly not trade our scenic for anything. Melanie was correct on the rear doublers. Most got them, but not all. I saw one last year that did not, they are easy to spot, but if you need measurments I can give you some references. The repower is a real plus, and what I plan for mine, especially if you plan to tow. Have someone with structural knowlage take a look at the floor leveling. The box section each side of the original walkway is part of the original structure. A significant amount of bracing needs to be added when the floors are leveled. I speak from some indirect experience, last winter I had Indiana hghway patrol and NTSB come out and inspect my bus, as it still has the original floors installed. They were investigating a scenic accident just north of Indy, bus had been hit by a semi, and structure failed. The floor leveling was blamed for the structural failure, and a couple of people lost their lives. I do not know any more, as they would not give any more details, but they spent 2 days taking measurements, material samples, etc. from our bus. Look for any evidence of buckling or cracking in the outer skins, under the floors (from inside the luggage bays) and anywhere else you can crawl. Don't want to scare you off, I know of a couple that have been done right and it makes a huge difference, but make sure this one is done right. Cheers, Dave PD4501-304 | ||
| sylverstone (Sylverstone_pd4501864)
Registered Member Username: Sylverstone_pd4501864 Post Number: 231 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 216.173.223.253 Rating: N/A |
the design of my floorplan is such that i'm probably not going to lower the floors, but i am looking for all the pictures i can of this process, and of the doublers and other reinforcements that were done by greyhound, for a writeup i'm doing for http://www.scenicruisers.com/ i'm also looking for a lot of good pics of existing buses and pics that can be helpful to people (i.e. "this is what the bay under the factory bathroom looks like" etc. -dd |