| Author | Message | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 50 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 208.54.14.40  Rating: N/A |
which bus would be the first on your list? Please elaborate with the year, engine, transmission choice, etc. | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1466 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.110.9  Rating: N/A |
GMC4905 last couple of years built; automatic | ||
| John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 175 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 24.179.147.233  Rating: N/A |
Something with a modern electronically controled engine to get the most mileage and horsepower and an automatic for ease of operation. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1059 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.3.157.139  Rating: N/A |
Not that I want to do another conversion, but it would be a 102 wide MCI with a series 60 & B600 transmission. | ||
| L James Jones Jr (Jamo)
Registered Member Username: Jamo Post Number: 64 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 24.59.114.248  Rating: N/A |
I'd stick with a 4104. I love the lines, the air suspension, the 4 speed, and even the lack of power steering. Probably an 8/71 would be better in the back bay, but in the couple (almost) years of ownership, I'm still happy as an old beat up clam... | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 492 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 64.40.216.17  Rating: N/A |
The same Eagle we own, only with power steering and auto with 8v71T, new aluminum siding, new paint and an interior that I wouldn't have to work on!  That would be sweet! I Love My Ride! ~Paul~ | ||
| David Guglielmetti (Daveg)
Registered Member Username: Daveg Post Number: 52 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 64.163.110.102  Rating: N/A |
Well not that I'm gonna start all over, but from a newbie who is stil looking for his first bus, I'm with Jack; 102 wide and suspension upgrades (like the 102A,C) and budget permitting...a 60 | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 413 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 70.60.107.113  Rating: N/A |
I think that I'd save money and buy a penthouse apartment on 5th Av. in New York. | ||
| David B. Sweet (Sweets4104)
Registered Member Username: Sweets4104 Post Number: 26 Registered: 2-2007 Posted From: 75.51.79.90  Rating: N/A |
A 4104, but I would have started a little earlier, say when I was around 50. We were late 60-ish early 70-ish when we got ours. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1546 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 98.192.173.82  Rating: |
Peter - If budget wasn't an issue, first would be a Setra S417, like this one:  Then I'd probably consider an MCI "J":  But, in reality, I still like the Sports Car of Coaches, GM's PD4106. Quick, maneuverable, decent fuel mileage, fits lots of places the bigger boys can't. Just wish they were still in production, and that mine looked like Cliff's:  FWIW & HTH. . . | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 896 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 74.235.211.61  Rating: N/A |
A decent rust-free, early 1960s Eagle, will always be my dream. http://www.silvereaglebus.com/eaglehistory3.htm  . | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 466 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.197.237  Rating: N/A |
All i have to do is dream.dream dream ?? Wasn't that in a song? Everly Brothers? In the 60-s? Gosh am I getting old? Well at least my mind is still working some!! I love the 06 gm for the reason mentioned.However I have an 04,4905 and a MCI 8 and I love all three. Now which one do I put on the road? I'll start with the Ole 4104 as it gets about 12 miles to the gallon. then I will get the others out. I would like to sell the mci as posted on the classified. Gomer | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 178 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.235.190  Rating: N/A |
I wouldn't mind one of those nuclear powered Cyclops monsters like in the "big bus" IF ONLY parking wasn't a problem , nor finding a "enemy country" to shoot my waste uranium into. I am very partial to those rare MC-6 & desire one next time, but I think a more sensible choice would be a early MCI 102-C with 8V92 TA MUI with auto trans, stainless sides. | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 1591 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.66.16.242  Rating: N/A |
An MCI 102DL3 of the 1997/1998 vintage. Detroit Diesel Series 60 B500R World Transmission floppy tags still functional. or An MCI 102 EL3 Renaissance, 1998-2000 model Detroit Diesel Series 60 B500R World Transmission steering tag But, my MC8 is just dandy, thanks for asking! happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| Jim Rink (Fakeguy)
Registered Member Username: Fakeguy Post Number: 140 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 96.11.209.1  Rating: N/A |
RJ: MEGA-DITTOS | ||
| Bill Holstein (Billmoocow)
Registered Member Username: Billmoocow Post Number: 10 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 98.232.218.68 Rating: N/A |
You should be happy with what you got. I have been reading through all the archive post and seeing what people say about somebodys bus. Sometimes it gets into the negative comments like they are too good for what you have cause theirs is better. What makes the beauty in every bus is their distict personality of that year and make. Changing it to look like something else? Why? Humps look beautyful. Design it the way you want, but never talk trash about somebody elses as what comes around goes around. Remember, you can always dream but if someone extinguishes that dream what do you have? | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 772 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.194.80.204 Rating: N/A |
"But, in reality, I still like the Sports Car of Coaches, GM's PD4106. Quick, maneuverable, decent fuel mileage, fits lots of places the bigger boys can't. Just wish they were still in production," Works for me for a bus camper or RV. Only downside to the Sportscar of Coaches is the inability to tow much in the way of a trailer with a high tongue load. Otherwise economy , simplicity and pure driving fun put it at the top of the list. The V drive gives almost as much room in 35 as many 40's . For touring the unit is handy enough that a TOWD is hardly required. 10ft height gets you OFF the Truck Routes in towns. Happily works for me, FF | ||
| David Dulmage (Daved)
Registered Member Username: Daved Post Number: 243 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 142.46.199.30  Rating: N/A |
A 102" wide MCI, at least a 102A3, preferably a newer series than that. Dave D (Message edited by DaveD on May 12, 2009) | ||
| Ron Walker (Prevost82)
Registered Member Username: Prevost82 Post Number: 386 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.181.210.47  Rating: N/A |
I like the one I have ... but if we are talking fantasy ... a Prevost H3 40 ser 60/B500 with a slide in the salon. | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 180 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.232.82 Rating: N/A |
Ok so then were talking remotely plausible fantasy on how to spend a lottery jackpot (being that there are no Cyclops buses for sale), I would not count out that 2009 4 slide H 3-45 that one of the big converters has been producing for 2 million bucks. Lots of room & fancy crap, even if the size creates some mobility restrictions. Would still hang on to a older bus that is not so electronically vulnerable to events such as solar storms or Nuc blast induced Elector Magnetic Pulse. | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1468 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.110.9 Rating: N/A |
Sorry Clint, I have the only one they made. Pick sumptin else. Course if fuel prices go crazy again, maybe I should turn one of these into a conversion. Probably have to go outside to turn around. http://images.google.com/images?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s& hl=en&q=smart+for2&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=oOgJSufyD6C-NNOcsd4L&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum =4&ct=title | ||
| Mike Eades (Mike4905)
Registered Member Username: Mike4905 Post Number: 188 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 97.106.122.149 Rating: N/A |
I would start with a MCI J4500. I drive one a lotand it is a great bus. The setra is right there also. I drive all of them. Our company has H3-4500 and new mci's and setra's. We also some older Mirage's. All great buses in there own right. I thinkfor conversion's I would stick with my 4905. I would only change to a turbo engine. Other than that the bus is light and it goes down road real good. Luke and Bill keep it going all the time | ||
| David Guglielmetti (Daveg)
Registered Member Username: Daveg Post Number: 53 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 64.163.110.102 Rating: N/A |
RJ, why the Setra? | ||
| Tim (Timkar)
Registered Member Username: Timkar Post Number: 126 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 24.64.223.203 Rating: N/A |
Clint...Sounds as though you should be chasing down that MC6 just off 97 south of OK Falls. I have driven by a few times and have often wondered about it...... | ||
| Kevin Black (Kblackav8or)
Registered Member Username: Kblackav8or Post Number: 121 Registered: 8-2005 Posted From: 24.152.162.226 Rating: N/A |
Just to be a little different, a Kenworth Bus/Bruck http://www.flickr.com/photos/govert1970/278541510/in/photostream/ Or a Crown Or a 70's/80's Prevost with the highest horsepower and number of available gears. Not sure of the model. I like my current truck but remain a bus/coach fan. | ||
| Tom Christman (Tchristman)
Registered Member Username: Tchristman Post Number: 88 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 66.218.33.156 Rating: N/A |
After contending with all the weird bus stuff, I'm using my '85 Kenworth with Cat 3406B mechanical and Allison HT740 to have a 32 ft box behind my 90" Aerodyne cabover. I'll have 27ft of 24" high basement for all equiment, a 13ft x 5ft tall garage in the back, tandem drive, and the capability to easily tow a 15,000lb trailer-still weighing in less then what the truck/trailer weighed empty. The Cat and Allison are easily worked on by any mechanic, and since it is a cabover, the engine and transmission are exposed when the cab is tilted. Both my wife and I are excited to get it done. It will be right at 40ft overall so to be able to drive on any highway. Good Luck, TomC | ||
| john degemis (Degemis)
Registered Member Username: Degemis Post Number: 61 Registered: 3-2008 Posted From: 71.92.155.232  Rating: N/A |
I love my 92 Prevost. 8v92TA DDEC2 with alison flys up grades. Great ride well built with lots of nice extras. Parts are high priced. If I could do it again and price was not a factor a 45 foot Prevot with 3 slides. | ||
| Kevin Black (Kblackav8or)
Registered Member Username: Kblackav8or Post Number: 123 Registered: 8-2005 Posted From: 24.152.162.226 Rating: N/A |
My rig is pretty much like Tom's. 81 Kenworth W900A with a 60" sleeper and a 29ft Alpenlite 5th wheel. Big Cam III 400 and a more recent 15 speed (10 speed w/ underdrive) Gets over 10mpg and is probably the equivilent of a 350 chevy in the diesel world with parts availability and supportability. I have factory power steering, air conditioning, air ride and it is fun to drive. Not a coach but when it comes right down to it, we are mostly RV'rs that like big unconventional stuff. I doubt there are many Marathon owners on here. I still enjoy coaches and would love to see more of the older ones show up to ATHS events. We always get a few but the old truck/bus hobby is pretty cool if you ask me, plenty in common. The GMC Crackerbox COE of the late 50's and early 60's shared quite a bit with the GMC coaches of the time, power plant and suspension pieces among them. Some Crackerboxes had an air ride front suspension which even now would be quite unusual on a truck. | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 182 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.235.190 Rating: N/A |
Yes Tim I have been inside that MC 6 "conversion in Progress" south of Okanagon falls (I,m based about 10 minuets south). He is not ready to part yet with it yet, unless one comes up with whopping $100,000. Problem with that one is he lowered the floor, and those extra big bays are one of the features I most covet on the MC 6, just one of many. Tip most appreciated. | ||
| Mark Renner (Boomer)
Registered Member Username: Boomer Post Number: 167 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 75.221.142.30  Rating: N/A |
'98 to '03 Prevost H3-45. I owned a few and they are, in my humble opinion, they finest coach on the road. ('98-'03)= new enough to have features like the new dash and dual Bosch alternators; old enough to not have the EGR junk on the Series 60 engine. You can keep the ZF transmission too, I will take a World trans any day. | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 697 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.33.63.151 Rating: N/A |
A 45 ft Eagle model 15 with 60 series and B500 or the Setra S417 good luck | ||
| David Lower (Dave_l)
Registered Member Username: Dave_l Post Number: 148 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 67.58.201.132  Rating: |
If I had to start over I would still look for the type I have now! The MC7, I like it's shape, more than enough power , great ride and easy to drive with the automatic trans! And Compared to my last one a 1947 western flyer with a big IH gas six and a four speed the MC7 is a lot cheaper to operate. | ||
| Peter E (Sdibaja)
Registered Member Username: Sdibaja Post Number: 288 Registered: 5-2002 Posted From: 71.223.44.23  Rating: N/A |
crown tandem turbo with a road ranger | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 706 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.208.146.59 Rating: N/A |
Peter....and????? Thanx, RCB | ||
| Tony Gojenola (Akbusnut)
Registered Member Username: Akbusnut Post Number: 40 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 208.98.151.220 Rating: N/A |
Well, at the tender age of 74 I wouldn't! However, the subject of what I would do differently did rise up once in awhile during the conversion, and here's a summary: I would have selected the same coach, a GM 4106, but would have spent more time to find one in better condition. I would then, after stripping everything out, send it to a reputable rebuilder to have it reconditioned mechanically from end to end. I would have had them return it to me with spring brakes, shepherd steering, new or rebuilt engine (a-timed with N65 injectors and jakes) and a V-730 tramsmsission and air shifter. Body work done - ready to convert. Why all this work? Because these were all the things that became necessary or desirable after conversion. I ended up doing them myself over several miserable years at probably a greater expense and a much longer time span. So I wouldn't end up with anything different, I just wouldn't have been so damned old in the end. tg | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501)
Registered Member Username: Kyle4501 Post Number: 467 Registered: 9-2004 Posted From: 65.23.106.193 Rating: N/A |
I'd have started earlier. 1st step would have been marrying into $$$, Then I could have hired a staff to assist in the conversion. No other choice as far as bus tho, PD4501 still is the only type I want. Although, I have seen a neat '48 jimmy that has a certain alure. & Lets not forget the Fexible vista ctuiser . . . . (Message edited by kyle4501 on May 15, 2009) | ||
| Peter E (Sdibaja)
Registered Member Username: Sdibaja Post Number: 290 Registered: 5-2002 Posted From: 71.223.44.23 Rating: N/A |
RCB: 1. crown: simplicity of systems for repair and maint in rural areas, and better ground clearance. 2. tandem: traction on unpaved roads. 3. turbo: high altitude efficency (or so I am told) 4. road ranger: so that a gear can be chosen that fits the road conditions and power band. reasons? travel in third world areas. my dream is to travel the length of the Pan Am highway, at least that streach between the US/Mx boarder to Panama our 4905 was super for the US Interstates but I was hampered in my desired routes... | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 710 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.208.41.62 Rating: N/A |
Thanx, Peter...you described what we have. You reaffirmed my decision... and BTW...I live in that third world you are talking about...Southern NM..U R correcto! RCB | ||
| Peter E (Sdibaja)
Registered Member Username: Sdibaja Post Number: 291 Registered: 5-2002 Posted From: 71.223.44.23 Rating: N/A |
RCB: thanks for the confirmation that I am not out to lunch, at least on this issue. when I am not in Baja I am in Prescott, Az... third world all the way for me. Let me know if you see a good candidate for my new endeavor. Peter | ||
| Muddog16 (Muddog16)
Registered Member Username: Muddog16 Post Number: 383 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 76.181.165.196 Rating: N/A |
a swimming pool and lawn chair in the back yard.....would be about a 1/3 less work! | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 716 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.148.250 Rating: N/A |
Peter...NASA, or someone...perhaps Atomic Energy Commission ,used to run a bunch of them between Las Vegas and the proving grounds some 6o miles south of there; some about that in the Archives. I have the Highway Coach..not the regular school bus. 1964 Supercoach. I believe there are still some out there from what I have read and seen. I was pointed to this particular coach by Jason ( as I recall) at AZ Bus Sales in Phoenix. Mine was the former Northern AZ Univ. Activities coach.Got the original MSO on it along with all the service records, manuals, etc. A great coach for us and would recommend for anyone who is not over 6'2" tall... . (I'm not into raising the roof). RCB. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1548 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 98.192.173.82 Rating: N/A |
David - Why the Setra? ~ Independent Front Suspension. ~ Steerable Tag Axle. ~ Anti-Lock Disc Brakes all around. ~ Tightest turning circle of any 40' & 45' coach on the market - turns slightly tighter than my 35' 4106 even. ~ Huge baggage bins - even larger than the 4905. ~ Lots of exterior cubby access panels - wasted space on other makes, Setra gives you the additional storage w/ access. ~ On the 417, a flat floor. (215s & 217s have dropped center aisles.) ~ 500hp S-60 coupled to a B500 Allison. ~ Self-diagnosing multi-plexed electrics. ~ "Birdcage" semi-monocoque construction - just like the Eagles. (Yes, you could build a slide-out.) ~ A driver's coach, in terms of feel. Think BMW vs Buick. Only real negative is that they don't have the large dealer network that MCI & Prevost have, but that's slowly changing. But I'd still like a brand new 4106 if I could get one! FWIW & HTH. . . | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 786 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.214.45.118 Rating: N/A |
But I'd still like a brand new 4106 if I could get one! A while back a college had one with 40,000 miles SINCE NEW , garage kept too. About $17K asking. Talk about a FIND!!! FF | ||
| Frank Allen (Frank66)
Registered Member Username: Frank66 Post Number: 111 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 64.12.116.203 Rating: N/A |
4106 for me, best all around unit for our needs Frank Allen 4106 |
