| Author | Message | ||
| Justin Burie (Justinb)
Registered Member Username: Justinb Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2010 Posted From: 209.254.23.194 Rating: N/A |
I figured that I'd make my intro to the board a good one. This may be the beginning of a slippery slope that could potentially interfere with my marital relationship. 8^O OK. I really want a boondocking rig to support my skiing habbit. I see what seems to be a fair amount of solid looking GMC buses aound for pretty cheap. The problem is that I have an aversion for "V" configuration diesels & "V" drives seem problematic to support or re-ratio. Has anyone successfully converted a RTS, Fishbowl or Buffalo to a "T" drive? Can this be done with a donor truck that has a somewhat modern engine/trans/rear? What pitfalls await such a fool? | ||
| Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 254 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 216.163.57.219  Rating: |
If "T" drive is your thing, look for an older MCI or Eagle and put the money into the conversion. There are many of those buses out there in the same price bracket as the GMC's and they all have a "t" drive. Welcome to the madness! Glenn | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 147 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 174.91.229.84  Rating: |
FYI I was skeptical of the V drive set up as well, but as I have gotten to know it better there are definite advantages. For instance the use of a drop box in T drives and associated problems is also a problem and the t drives have some major PITA access problems compared to V drives (especially 6-71 V drives). I used to think I only wanted a t drive but things change, my 2 cents is shop around, when the right bus comes up for all the right reasons you will know, but don't let the drive dissuade you. BTW the V drive ratios etc should not stop you. From what I've read longer ratios are out there, in highway/commuter RTS etc... | ||
| John & Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 349 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 24.183.21.246  Rating: N/A |
As someone who owns both, I will tell you that I have much better access to the v-drive components in my 4107 with an 8v71 than I do to the trans/drop box etc in my MCI 5C with a 6v71 w/auto. Hardly any room in the MCI at all. Just one mans opinion John | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1217 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 74.4.63.215  Rating: |
I have seen a couple V drives that were converted to T drive, but it requires a tremendous amount of engineering, time & $$$$. The buses do not have a ladder frame like a truck has. On the buses, the body is the frame and extensive modification is required to make that change. We have had both types, GM 4106 & MC-8,and the only differences we noticed are trade-offs. The rear end of the engine on a V drive is more accessible (air compressor, transmission, PS pump, alternator), the front end is more accessible on the T drive (water pump, fuel pump) Usually starters are more accessible on T drives. Since we live in Florida, I cannot comment on driveability of either in winter conditions. Jack | ||
| Bill Gerrie (Bill_gerrie)
Registered Member Username: Bill_gerrie Post Number: 349 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 216.198.139.38  Rating: |
Justin I have had a "V" drive for over 25 years and I really prefer it to the "T" drive for access to the engine and tranny. So easy to service the "V" drive compared to the other. You can get a lot of different rear end ratios. The only downfall is the selection of trannys. Limited to V730 or a like tranny. Bill | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 630 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 72.66.179.36  Rating: N/A |
I second how easy the V drive is to work on. The transits have proven them to be very durable, and parts are plentiful and cheep. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1076 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 69.19.14.38  Rating: |
The V drive does not lend it self to conversion, to a T , but why would you want to? The 2 stroke 6-71 and 8-71 and their more powerfull brothers can be installed . For the 4 stroke folks the Series 50 and either Allison or ZF is avilable from loads of transit scrap. late model and cheap. Why bother massive reconstruction and engineering ? When most anything is already there to simply install? FF | ||
| Jack Hart (Jackhartjr)
Registered Member Username: Jackhartjr Post Number: 59 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 64.12.116.203 Rating: N/A |
Get a Scenicruiser, it has T-drive, and in bad driving conditions you can let some air out of the tag and get more traction to the drive axle, which is the forward axle. No drop box either. Plus it is a GMC! And they look ssoo good! | ||
| Tom Christman (Tchristman)
Registered Member Username: Tchristman Post Number: 177 Registered: 1-2006 Posted From: 66.218.33.156 Rating: N/A |
I have an AMGeneral 10240B with 8V-71 and V730. The rear end ratio is 4.56 and at 1850rpm, I'm cruising at 58mph. 2100rpm is 65mph. I had the engine turbocharged with air to air intercooler, with much upgrading and it performs extremely well. The V drive has the engine tilted towards you for the best access possible. Plus most V drives are built on a sub frame commonly called an engine cradle that facilitates removing the entire engine/transmission in about 2 hours for easy access. While T drives do have more engine/transmission choices, the V drive has more than proven itself as being very reliable, and most mechanics can work on them. The only other vehicle that has better access to the engine/transmission is a cabover truck-of which I'm in the process of converting my 1985 Kenworth 90" Aerodyne into a motorhome with garage. Good Luck, TomC | ||
| Justin Burie (Justinb)
Registered Member Username: Justinb Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2010 Posted From: 209.254.23.194 Rating: N/A |
Guess I'm trying to put together something with a SRS-50, SRS60 or ISM/M11. Those engines are pretty happy cruising at 1450rpm at 62-65mph. With an HT auto trans, I'd be needing a 2.93:1 ratio to make that happen. Unless I have the harnessing, in hand, I'r rather avoid setting up a J1587/J1939 data-link for a B500 tranny & a 3.42-3.55:1 ratio. 9+MPG appeals to me. I may need to scavenge a low$ SRS50 powered Gillig & an old Eagle lying along-side the road for $7k obo. I get the impression that rebushing torsion suspensions can run pretty high. Has anybody played with urethane bushings or done a DIY? | ||
| david anderson (Davidanderson)
Registered Member Username: Davidanderson Post Number: 254 Registered: 2-2004 Posted From: 67.65.198.90 Rating: N/A |
Justin, I'm kind of hijacking your thread and changing to the subject of boondock skiing. I equipped my eagle to do just that and tried it a few times and found that most of the ski areas don't like RV's pulling into their lots. My family and I had a very bad experience at Keystone and Breckenridge with our coach. Our rig was not welcomed there and by no means could we find any place to dry camp over night. We paid $50/night and stayed at Tiger Run Resort. We were welcomed at Wolf Creek, but it is a small place family owned. That is the only place I've had a good ski experience with my coach. Maybe this won't be a problem for you, but keep it in mind. Good luck, David (Message edited by davidanderson on February 10, 2010) | ||
| David Guglielmetti (Daveg)
Registered Member Username: Daveg Post Number: 144 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 209.77.228.123  Rating: N/A |
Justin, there is an Eagle in Red Bluff CA for $7,500. 1966 model 01, 8V71/4spd drive it home. Contact is Chris Chapman (530) 736-2156 Search the BCM board -Red Bluff eagle- | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1077 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.9.80 Rating: N/A |
Guess I'm trying to put together something with a SRS-50, SRS60 or ISM/M11. Those engines are pretty happy cruising at 1450rpm at 62-65mph. A friend is almost done with a Sportscar 4106 with Series 50 tweaked to 330hp and 1200ft lbs torque , hooked to a 5 speed (5 is OD)ZF ), if you are interested in saving the year or so of work , and all the electrical joys of sticking 50 years newer tech in a Classic. Wont be cheap , but its DONE! FF | ||
| Justin Burie (Justinb)
Registered Member Username: Justinb Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2010 Posted From: 209.254.23.194 Rating: N/A |
The Gilligs that were referenced on another thread look like the nearest possibility, given spousal approval. She seems to be warming up to the idea. DavidAnderson - I kinda' fingured that the destination resorts would prove problematic. A week in the rockies would be a multi-family trip with at least 10 bodies & a great likelyhood of 15. A condo would be rented at that point. & the bus parked. If I'm boondocking, it'll be near a trailhead, turnout or large lot with the tow behind used for local access. The plan is for a few Northern MI weekends at Nubs, Marquette & Bohemia. Maybe a couple of long w/e trips east & spring break out your way. Too bad I can't afford to get the kids on tele gear, skins & 3-4 'ceiver/shovel/probe packs for the bc. Summer plans would include some travel/camping around the state along with the regularly scheduled family rebellions in-da UP. |
