| Author |
Message |
Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member
Username: Glenn
Post Number: 53
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 216.163.57.237
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 - 9:31 pm: | |
First - thanks for filling me in on the GMC Silversides. I don't think one of those would really suit my nees.
Second - looked at a 79 MCI 9 w/smooth sides. I noticed a rotating knob in the drivers area with a label for webasto heat. Were these used for engine block heating, or were they used for heating the coach? If only for block heat, could one be modified to use for coach heat?
Third - this coach could be had for between 8 and 10k. It has Jasper reman engine (6v92)and trans (Automatic)with about 30k miles on both. There is documentation, and I am aquainted with the owner of the coach line that sold it at auction where the current owner bought it. Small amounts of corrosion, one layer of paint, no broken windows. Does this seem like a decent deal? |
George M. Todd (George_mc6)
Registered Member
Username: George_mc6
Post Number: 253
Registered: 8-2006
Posted From: 207.231.81.129
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 1:19 am: | |
Glen,
The Webasto is able to do both, with only some plumbing modifications.
The price sounds reasonable, especially if you get a Webasto!
George |
Jerry Liebler (Jerry_liebler)
Registered Member
Username: Jerry_liebler
Post Number: 270
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 67.140.170.34
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 8:00 am: | |
Glenn,
Since you are shopping for a shell you must be planning on taking the insurrance company offer. I'd sure not be quick to take an offer from thieves like most insurance companys are. You know you don't have to accept it. From what you'd said previously your bus sounde very reparible. If it were me, I'd insist on keeping the salvage with a cash settlement or they pay to repair, no other option.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120 |
James Smith (Tomcat)
Registered Member
Username: Tomcat
Post Number: 55
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 207.200.116.13
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 9:13 am: | |
Having worked in the insurance industry once when I was weak minded, I will have to say I agree with Jerry 100%.
Think fast and move slow when it comes to accepting any offer from any insurance company.
Jay
87 SaftLiner |
Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member
Username: Glenn
Post Number: 54
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 216.163.57.237
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 10:50 am: | |
Thanks for the input guys. Jerry - At this point I am keeping all of my options open. I am rather frustrated with my company, and my agent is trying to get things handled in my favor. After an outside appraisal company looked at my bus and understood that I did not want it totaled and that it is a work in progress, my insurance company did not call me. I only recieved a form in the mail titled "Total Theft/Total Fire Affadavit". There was no letter of explanation, or discussion of options. So I called my agent and am waiting to hear back.
As for my GMC, there is a littany of things the chassis needs, including an entire wiring harness. There is some significant rust in the driver's windows, the original floor is in very poor condition and the bay doors are quite dented. I also replced one radius rod bushing, and it still doesn't look like it is goin to last. There is accident damage in that region and trans failure damage when the drive shaft probably tore free. Thin aluminum with some thin foam insulation was installed over the old window openings which are steel and I wonder about the condition underneath. I need to seriously consider money vs. time at this point. I have a 1 yr old boy... On the good side, it has an awsome 8v71 and tranny.
Though, the boy is our biggest reason for staying in a bus conversion. Saftey, flexiblity, etc.
I am hoping to get my 4000 settlement from the insurance co, keep my appliances, and sell the shell for parts and use the funds to buy a newer shell with easier part availability.
I do know where another 4905 is here in Michigan and I looked at it yesterday as well. It had no oil and was low on antifreeze. It started (before we checked the oil - the owner started it) instantly and it has an automatic. The floor needs some replacement and it has only had it's seats and luggage racks removed. The tranny was serviced and the generator was rebuilt. There is little rust in the steel sections, it has several new airbags. It needs bay door panel repair, and tailgate repair. It also has modern wiring (unmolested). Basically a clean shell from 1975. I could pick up this one for 3500, if the engine is good.
I could combine mine with this one, but I am getting tired of that game. I have 2 Ford galaxies that I have been playing that game with.
So, once I hear from the insurance company, I will know what my options may be limited to. |
Douglas Wotring (Tekebird)
Registered Member
Username: Tekebird
Post Number: 227
Registered: 10-2004
Posted From: 71.59.75.212
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 11:28 am: | |
ins company is only giving you 4k.....thats awefull.....
makew sure you get agreed value coverage on your next one |
Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member
Username: Glenn
Post Number: 55
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 216.163.57.237
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 11:35 am: | |
Well, the 4K is my doing. It covers what I actually have into the vehicle. I have been able to do this on an incredibly low budget. Where I didn't think was in setting the amount high enough to purchase an equivallent vehicle. |
Ed Roelle (Ed_roelle)
Registered Member
Username: Ed_roelle
Post Number: 32
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 68.85.142.109
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 11:56 am: | |
Glen,
I do not think 1979 MCI 9 originally came with 6V92. Also, is it a silver?
I also think that they had the smaller fans and radiators in 1979.
Unless updated, they do not have integral steering.
For that price, you should be able to find a coach with the newer features. If you add them later, you will be spending thousands more.
Consider 1982/3 or newer, to get those features.
Ed Roelle
Flint, MI |
David Dulmage (Daved)
Registered Member
Username: Daved
Post Number: 174
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 142.46.199.30
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 12:09 pm: | |
I was in an accident with my truck last winter that resulted in a write-off. My experience was that the insurance companies rely on the fact that the insured parties need to settle so they can replace their vehicles - It's a matter of who can hold out the longest. Fortunately my two sons (one of who owns a auto body shop) convinced me not to take the insurance company's first offer; in fact my son, who deals with the same broker for his auto and shop insurance as I do, went to bat for me. I ended up with a more reasonable settlment than the first offer and also got the wrecked vehicle for salvage for a nominal amount. |
Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member
Username: Glenn
Post Number: 56
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 216.163.57.237
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 12:42 pm: | |
Ed - The engine is red, along with the tranny. It may have been silver, but very hard to tell. The steering is power, they had to replace the box because after replacing the engine, they mis connected the steering box to power steering pump and blew it up. They replaced the box to the tune of 2200. Would this not be integral? As for radiators, I can't say, but I have to ask what the problem was with them.
Dave, thanks for the advice. I will definatly keep this in mind about not taking the first offer. I expect to be able to scare them into paying me out and allowing me to keep the bus, even if I pay a little for it. They really would not want to take this to auction. It looks far worse than it is. |
Florida Cliff (Floridacracker)
Registered Member
Username: Floridacracker
Post Number: 330
Registered: 7-2004
Posted From: 65.33.18.155
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 1:03 pm: | |
Glenn,
I must have missed something.
What happended to you 4905?
Cliff |
Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member
Username: Glenn
Post Number: 57
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 216.163.57.237
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 1:17 pm: | |
Hey Cliff -
My muffler failed and the heat ignited the old insulation on the AC lines and the heater lines and burned up the throttle and crisped the old cloth wiring harness. It also burned a hole about 4 inches front to back and 20 inches L to r. It really needs a new harness,floor... |
Florida Cliff (Floridacracker)
Registered Member
Username: Floridacracker
Post Number: 331
Registered: 7-2004
Posted From: 65.33.18.155
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 3:19 pm: | |
Glenn,
I remember the throttle problem now.
Sorry this happened to you too!
I suggested at the time to check that darn muffler as a probable cause after my experience.
http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=1218.0
Maybe you can get the cash and fix it?
Theres a pic of my new, not under the floor mufflers at the end. About $600.00 in parts.
Cliff
(Message edited by floridacracker on August 15, 2007) |
Jerry Liebler (Jerry_liebler)
Registered Member
Username: Jerry_liebler
Post Number: 271
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 67.141.34.223
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 7:50 pm: | |
Cliff,
Please share more details of what you ended up with in the way of plumbing. How did you tie into the original exaust pipes? What exactly are the mufflers? Where did you get them and the pipe pieces. All of us Bufalo owners should probably copy your work.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120 |
Ed Roelle (Ed_roelle)
Registered Member
Username: Ed_roelle
Post Number: 33
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 68.85.142.109
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 9:52 pm: | |
Glenn,
On the 79 MCI you are considering, if there is a hydraulic cylinder on the linkage below the driver, it is the old steering box, not integral.
The silver 6V92 had numerous, desireable design updates. Check the serial number and post it on the boards. I do not have the break point, but someone should. If not, post on the Yahoo Group Detroit Diesel board, if the MCI remains a consideration for you.
Ed Roelle |
Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member
Username: Buswarrior
Post Number: 1057
Registered: 12-2000
Posted From: 70.53.131.164
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 4:42 pm: | |
The Webasto in that bus will be an add on.
"Silver" 92 engines are about the series of engine, not the colour it is painted. Everyone went out and started spray painting their re-builds silver to fool the unknowing.
A '79 MC9 that has been smooth sided? I suspiciously ask why? And by whom, with what quality/service life expected?
The original skins would not have rotted, what rotted underneath? or how extensive was the body damage? or was someone playing "keeping up with the Jones'" trying to fool commercial customers that it was newer than it is?
I doubt a commercial carrier would have updated the steering. Why would they? Spend money to replace something that is good enough for a hired driver?
I agree, there are lots of perfectly good examples of original MC9 out there, with virgin panels, that no one has corrupted with potential shade tree structural fixes, webasto plumbing and wiring.
perhaps walk quickly in another direction?
happy coaching!
buswarrior |
Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member
Username: Glenn
Post Number: 58
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 216.163.57.237
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 5:08 pm: | |
Buswarrior - I would usually agree, but in this case, the trasit line that owned and operated the coach has actually loaned us busses and drivers to get my singing group to shows in hard situations and has made financial contributions to some of our bigger shows and has actually transported 2200 kids (free of charge) to a show of ours raising money for the YMCA, so, I know I can get all maintenance records, speak with the mechanics, etc. They always keep their fleet up to date and it wouldn't suprise me to see them upgrade the look. In their case, it actually expanded the amount of graphic space and allowed them to add "The Lansing Lugnut's" team logo.
As an update to the insurance deal, I spoke with ADP apraisers, and they knew what questions to ask about a bus conversion. I hope it helps. I also finally have some contact info for the person handling my claim, so, I think I am going to see what the appraisal comes in at, and see what their offer is. I know now that I could just turn the offer down, keep my bus, and get insurance with someone else. I din't know that was even an option!
On a different vehicle question - anyone ever pull the cradle and drive train from a GMC? My manual covers all of the steps, just not the small detail of what the dolly looks like to put the cradle on!
If I get a small settlement, there is another 4905A with caps that has been unmolested with the exception the seats and luggage racks. It didn't have enough oil to register on the dip stick. I would only need to drive it about 120 miles. The body is quite good, almost no surface rust, but the usual underside crust and one layer of paint. Several new airbags, a rebuilt/repaired? V730. I might be able to get this for 2k or less. Use my old bus as the donor for all parts and loose the rest. Any thoughts?
BTW - what would mileage be for a 4905, 8v71 with a v730? Towing a car, vs bus only. |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member
Username: Pvcces
Post Number: 1114
Registered: 5-2001
Posted From: 65.74.67.130
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 10:55 pm: | |
We pulled the cradle from a 4106 just last month. We did it at the owner's home, in his front yard.
We blocked the body, and unhooked the two rear leveling valve links. We raised the rear up until the body was a couple of inches higher than normal.
Then, we blocked under the cradle and removed the front cradle bolts and all the other connections mentioned in the manual.
Then, we lowered the body until there was no load on the rear cradle hangers by using the leveling valves. By jockeying the body up and down a bit, we were able to pull the hanger bolts clear.
Then, we lowered the body enough to clear the front hangers, caged the spring brakes and used a pickup to pull the body away from the cradle. We had the front wheels turned slightly left, so the driveline hit the side of the hole in the bulkhead.
We figured out that the steering wheel had to be turned slightly to the right to prevent the driveline from hanging up when it pulls apart.
It went fine; I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
You're looking at 7 to 7 1/2 mpg. if the engine is in good shape.
Good luck.
Tom Caffrey |
Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member
Username: Glenn
Post Number: 59
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 216.163.57.94
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 7:58 am: | |
Tom - Great advise! To get to the levelling valves to lower the body, did you just reach around the rear wheels, or did you rig something up? Here's the 64K question - to re-install the cradle, did you just do the opposite and back the bus up to the cradle? In my case, I might be swapping engines/cradles and would have to bring in the other bus. In a way, it seems like bringing the mountain to the people.. |
Christopher Goodwin (Cgoodwin)
Registered Member
Username: Cgoodwin
Post Number: 120
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 71.212.70.132
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 10:09 pm: | |
Make sure the webasto works. The are not difficult to rebuild, I have done several and made my current 35kbtu unit out of 3 but you will need to do any repair and maintenance yourself as anyone selling or servicing webastos seems to think that it is rocket science and they charge a fortune! Mine preheats both the engine and the rediators inside the bus and this seems to be the typical installation. Many bus companies removed them because the drivers would leave them on and run the batteries down. |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member
Username: Pvcces
Post Number: 1116
Registered: 5-2001
Posted From: 65.74.67.130
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 10:35 pm: | |
Glenn, we stored the whole cradle in a garage. To do what you want, you have to have quite a bit of manuevering room.
The coach that we took the cradle out of had holes cut into the after bulkhead wall to allow for the installation of spring brakes. This let us reach thorugh the holes.
If you were doing it without the holes, you could hook up straightened coat hangers to the valves; they move easily.
The forward cradle hangers rest on top of cradle mounts in the chassis when engaged, so a slight tilt of the creadle while maneuvering the chassis might be helpful, provided that you could lift the after end of the cradle to line up the boltholes in the after hangers.
With that done, and the after hanger bolts in, you just reconnect everything that needs to be reconnected. The exception is that the throttle cable and tube have to be aligned before the cradle is placed in the chassis.
There might be a few other things that you can start to connect before the cradle goes into place, but there won't be much.
For what it's worth.
Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576
Suncatcher
Ketchikan, Alaska |