| Author | Message | ||
| Mike Merriam (Cricket)
Registered Member Username: Cricket Post Number: 12 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 71.238.193.228 Rating: N/A |
Ok... i've been thinking about buying this pd-4106 .http://s610.photobucket.com/albums/tt182/caseyjones38/craigs%20list/GM%204106%20Motorhome/ The major drawbacks are: tires are all dry rot & need replace. headlights & brake lights do not work. Running lights work. Radiator core is rotten @ the bottom (dont leek) But othe overall condition of the bus is nice. The conversion is old & needs redone, but everything is there. How much $$$ will i have to spend for new tires, Battries,& headlight fix? | ||
| Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 261 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 216.163.57.219  Rating: N/A |
Well, consider this bus a shell, unless you want to leave the interior alone. Even then, the plumbing may be shot. Tires (new) at least 2k. Batteries will vary depending on size, but if you need two 8D size, figure 325. Radiator repairs are not cheap. Some of the other GMC guys here have more experience. Repairing the lights is usually a matter of chasing bad grounds and replacing bulbs. This is a job to do yourself, not pay someone else to do. If the parking lights work on the rear, check the brake light switch. If you are capable of doing work on your own, the price goes down. Are they asking very much for this bus? With those things needed it would be easy to expect that it will need airbags too, and probably a number of hoses. I wouldn't pay very much for this one. Good luck! Glenn | ||
| Bob MacIsaac (Wildbob24)
Registered Member Username: Wildbob24 Post Number: 83 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 98.92.169.72  Rating: N/A |
Mike, What Glenn said. About 2 years ago, I paid $750 for a 4106 core from General Radiator. It's probably gone up some since then. If you have to pay someone to install it, figure another $1500 or so. The interior is a little dated, but looks serviceable. If it runs and drives well, it might be a good starting point, depending on the price. FYI, PD41062863 was delivered new to The Chieppo Bus Co, (New Haven CT) in June, 1964, Fleet# 147. Since it's a NE bus, corrosion will be something else to look for. Bob | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 640 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 72.66.171.142  Rating: N/A |
What are they asking for it? | ||
| Mike Merriam (Cricket)
Registered Member Username: Cricket Post Number: 13 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 75.144.80.51 Rating: N/A |
Asking price is $5000 Exterior is real nice (could use paint) There is nothing nice about the interior. needs complete redo (headliner ok) All the RV components are there but needs work to get them operational. Tires & lights need imeadieat attension before going anywhere. I'm thinking 5000 for the bus. 2000 for tires. 1000 for a mechanic to get her ready to take home. Is it worth $8000 ? | ||
| Douglas Wotring (Tekebird)
Registered Member Username: Tekebird Post Number: 423 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.57.224.23 Rating: N/A |
NO | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 819 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91  Rating: N/A |
NO | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 153 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 216.66.108.218 Rating: N/A |
i would give 8k for it.....it's a 4106!!! the sportscar of busses | ||
| Glenn Williams (Glenn)
Registered Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 263 Registered: 6-2006 Posted From: 216.163.57.219 Rating: N/A |
Offer him 2500, pay 3k at MOST! Paint can be several to 10 plus grand! Don't forget to add near to another grand for airbags, especially if the airbeams are toast. Then, if you can't do the work yourself, double that. Look at it this way, you can get a pretty nice older conversion for 8K now. Keep us posted! We don't want to sound cruel, but it is a real buyers market. We also want our new people to be successful from the beginning. Glenn | ||
| Mike Merriam (Cricket)
Registered Member Username: Cricket Post Number: 14 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 71.238.193.228 Rating: N/A |
I love you guy's. I'll keep looking.. You guy's keep me going in the direction & i'll end up happy. | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 641 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 72.66.171.142 Rating: N/A |
You run into problems when you gut it and start over. Then you have a shell plus RV parts. If you can get that bus for less, then you would be on the right track. It is very hard and often a crap shoot when you are in this price range. It doesn't take long for several 1k repairs or upgrades to put you upside down. My vote is to hold out and pay more for something you want. It took me a year pouring through the ads to find mine way back when. I think a GM is a great starter coach. Things to put on your wish list: *V730 tranny *Spring brakes *Jake brakes *Oversize radiator *6V92 conversion Lucky for 4106 owners GM did away with those rusty air beams after the 4104. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1239 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 74.4.63.215  Rating: N/A |
I know where there is a 4106 for sale for about $5000 that is reay to drive home, fully converted. The owners wife died and the owner just completely lost interest in using it. Jack | ||
| Mike Merriam (Cricket)
Registered Member Username: Cricket Post Number: 15 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 75.144.80.51 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Jack... I would like this contact info. If anyone elce has one in mind,please let me know. I am ready. | ||
| Roger Dalke (Roger_d)
Registered Member Username: Roger_d Post Number: 29 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 205.206.150.137 Rating: N/A |
Dave Cambell in Yuma has a 4106 that has many newer components and would make a good starter coach. Needs your personal touch  | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1150 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.243.143.93 Rating: N/A |
Certainly glad I'm not trying to sell my coach just now....you guys aren't helping the "hobby" a bit! Always figured it was kinda like an antique auto. Worth what someone wants to pay for it. I see Batman out bid Superman last week!...amazing! ....cheap is as cheap does...or something like that. "do it your way". RCB | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 435 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 173.77.219.254  Rating: N/A |
We are packing up at night as we are slowly moving but i keep getting sidetracked by old magazines,pictures etc. It is amazing the price 4106's and even nice 04's were getting before all the MCI 9's hit the market. In 98 they were asking big bucks. Even in 02 they were still listed up there. Its a shame now. I saw some really nice coaches for sale at Arcadia this year. I nice 06 for 30,000. asking. Is it worth it? I would say yes.Turnkey ready to go. Even the 9's are going cheap now. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1099 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 69.19.14.20  Rating: |
"and would make a good starter coach" This is a concept I simply do not understand. The 06 is a fab driving machine , simple and economical to cruise (most with a stick are 9-10MPG) . It is small enough , and low enough for the back roads and most old town downtown cruising. No need for a toad in a "See the USA tour". Its internal volume IS smaller than the big boxes , but simple volume and living comfort are not related. HOW the volume is used is far more important to living comfort than just empty space. The 40 and 45 ft shoe boxes DO have more room to carry stuff, so for full timers it gives the space for the wedding dress and boxes of bronze baby shoes , and the old dice from your 55 Chebby. But what carrying life's momentos has to do with comfort is beyond me. Fast , cheap to keep, fun to drive isn't a "starter coach" its THE KEEPER! FF | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 643 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 72.66.171.142 Rating: N/A |
It doesn't help prices when the manufacture is out of the bus business or gone. There are many who do not like chasing parts and/or simply don't like the older look. I agree that the supply of the MCIs that are now reasonably available only serve to drive the prices down. Remember when so many dreamed of moving into the big time with a 40' coach? They can now. Supply and demand determine prices, not these boards. I do feel these boards have helped some from making a big mistake and that has helped the hobby more than anything. Many who are trying to sell are more than likely trying to get out of the hobby. I have BCMs that show the same buses for sale going back over two years. They simply are not priced to meet the market demand. I have made more than one person upset by sharing my opinion. I do try to give an honest assessment when I post, but it doesn't make it gospel. | ||
| Mike Merriam (Cricket)
Registered Member Username: Cricket Post Number: 16 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 75.144.80.51 Rating: N/A |
Fred... I'm with you Fred. I think i'm stuck on a 4106, & that will be my keeper. as far a prices,By comparison, my house has droped conciderably more in value than any 45 year old bus. I just sold my boat & if i was hung up on what I had into it Vs. what i sold it for, I would cry. We never get back what we put into our toys. Long story short.But it right & keep it up. No body wants a P.O.S. Stay tuned, | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 173 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 70.51.31.70  Rating: N/A |
my 2 cents is if you like the layout and will just tart it up and take off, this is a decent bus. The lighting is no big deal, and if the onan etc work this is a decent bus. It needs tires but what exactly is wrong with the rad, is it leaking or are the fins just smushed ? If it's driveable, doesn't smoke and just needs new rubber, try offering 3K that would be a sweet deal. | ||
| Mike Merriam (Cricket)
Registered Member Username: Cricket Post Number: 17 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 71.238.193.228 Rating: N/A |
The lighting is no big deal??? Headlights & Brake lights that dont work, scare me. I/m a Mech engineer. The Rad has the bottom 5 or 6 rows of rotten fins but does not leak. The guy has his feet planted @ $5000. The tires hold air & have lots of tred but there cracked up on the side wall& I bet the air bags are about the same. Also, I dont think it has power steering. It has a great big steering wheel. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1152 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.243.10.59 Rating: |
Well, Laryn.....how many automobile manufacturers are no longer in business? Packard, Studebaker, Stanley, just to name a very few...never mind what has happened to "brands" in recent years. I agree with you about those just wanting to get out of the "hobby"; however, there remains a segment of the population who "want to travel"..."want a motor home", and generally do not want to spend, as much as hundreds of thousands ...and above.... for the privilege, yet still want comfortable, reliable "living" while doing so. I have a friend who has, over the past 20 years, spent over a million on newer, bigger, classier manufactured motor homes. At the bottom line, I would guess he has spent more on "problems" than most of our conversions cost...converted...including engine and tranny change outs, etc. . Guess my point is, it is up to each individual ( buyer or seller) what a "unit" is worth. If we do not market our product responsibly (sensibly, according to what it can provide in use) then we do not only ourselves, but a potential purchaser, an injustice. Take a look at the price of used and new Motor Homes...in today's economic situation. I would put any bus conversion (on a comparable level of inclusions) way ahead in terms of real value. Yes, some need this or that, but name a vehicle that is not is a similar scenario. (noticed how many new vehicles are now recommended to have "extended warranties"?) I am not attempting to be a pain about the subject...I simply feel, as a "group"....we most probably sell ourselves "short" when "passing on" our conversions. FWIW ....and thanx for listenin'...just food for thought!...Buyer OR Seller.... RCB | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 644 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 151.199.107.45 Rating: N/A |
Lighting not working: Check the electrical panel beside the drivers seat. If you have a side window leak it will cause corrosion in that panel. Fixable, but not fun, and I have seen some online that had to be completely redone. I would rather have mild corrosion than a crappy repair job that no longer matches the schematic, unless the floor is rotten, then I would walk away. The Rad: Have the radiator checked. A few fins missing is no big deal. The fan can pull a lot of crap off the ground that causes a lot of fin abrasion at the bottom. If the core is thin then I think the $1500+ figure others have quoted is correct. I have the paperwork from the PO that shows he spent $1200 in '96 for a seven core (stock is four). Tires: Call a tire manufacture rep and see if he has a line on some good takeoffs. New tires rot before you can use them up so I buy used with 50% or more, and the price is hard to beat. Air bags: My air bags are very cracked and I posted photos on one of these boards because I was concerned. I was told that it was normal and not to worry about it. So far the guys here are right. Power Steering: That bus does not have it. If it did you would see the pump on the engine. I should add power steering to the 4106 wish list. It is a easy and inexpensive upgrade if you go through NIMCO. So I wouldn't sweat it. You cannot go by the size of the wheel to tell. Mine still has the original wheel but it can be changed. The Sheppard steering conversion is much better than the steering assist OEM setup. There are lots of rocks out there that you need to turn over before you commit. Enjoy the hunt. | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 645 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 151.199.107.45 Rating: N/A |
RCB, You haven't said anything I disagree with. We are different and know better than the "average Joe". Unless educated on the matter, I believe most people hold a factory stick build over a home brew bus conversion. I check prices of what is selling on occasion and prices are depressed. Throw in a widow who "just wants it gone" and it pushes prices even lower. So with more sellers than buyers, market forces determine prices. Also, why would someone pay 25k for a GM when you can buy a MCI for 30K? I get in trouble all of the time over this and I am OK with it. I am sure that when prices are discussed and I chime in, eyes roll. After doing this bus thing for a while I just don't do the Hyping prices thing. With that being said, no one is quicker to step up and eat crow than me. Bus prices can be the topic I'm hated for. Love all bus nuts just the same though. (Message edited by barn_owl on March 04, 2010) | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1153 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.243.10.59 Rating: N/A |
Not sure what GM vs MCI has to do with anything...but then,,,,,from what I know, (...very little on the global scope of things) it's kinda like Ford vs Chevy or, Buick... or.. or...or; all in the eye of the beholder. I can remember hearing "I wouldn't have a Mercedes on a bet...". Hyperbole?...Could be....then again... Like our GM friend, FF says...."do it your way". But, I'll take my stand...don't sell it short when there is no need to....including widows who have knowledgeable "bus" friends. I think we're on the same page, Laryn...just different views, perhaps. RCB | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 646 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 151.199.107.45 Rating: N/A |
???? | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1685 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.182.48.162  Rating: N/A |
"I think we're on the same page, Laryn...just different views, perhaps." Sure are from my vantage point! One's looking at the page left-handed, the other's looking at it right-handed, that's all! | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 174 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 70.51.31.181 Rating: N/A |
"The lighting is no big deal??? Headlights & Brake lights that dont work, scare me. " On an old bus this is a small problem,obviously you need to fix it , but this is an easy to diagnose/fix issue If that scares you, you are headed for the fair ground haunted house ride of RVing if you get an old bus. Especially one in the $5-10 K range. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1101 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.9.18 Rating: |
The hassles with older buses is the fear of being stuck in West Bumflock , and the brand hardly matters. ALL repair parts will either be so common (fuel filter , air gov) that the local truck parts shop has it OTS. (on the shelf).. MCI ,Prevert , Flx ,GM need a brake shoe or wheel bearing or seal and its Air Freight time . "PARTS" is the same hassle , even if its a 2010 , there nor where you are , its just a phone call and a wait. The "Cure" for every coach is the same , no matter the year. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE , follow Da Book, get in front of the issues , not playing catch up and unless the coach is Pre War ,or Euro Trash, the hassles for "parts" is about the same. FF | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 1155 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.243.115.47 Rating: N/A |
Yep...my feelin's x-actly. And a "catch" with manuals, maintenance logs, things updated and kept in good operating order make a big difference...in value,peace of mind and....uhh, price worth paying for such a "catch". Not difficult to figure. RCB | ||
| Douglas Wotring (Tekebird)
Registered Member Username: Tekebird Post Number: 426 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.57.224.23 Rating: |
considering what else is out there ( nicer coaches at not too much more than this one needs invested in ti to make sericable) it is not worth it. More often than not people who buy the cheap coach that needs Work loose interest and then take a huge hit when trying to recoup the $$ the stupidly spent. If you are thinking of buying a 5000 coach tyhat needs at minimum several thousand of extra money just to be semi reliable.....spend a few more and buy one you can test drive. Nice 06 up around state college for 18/19k and is probably one of the most solid ones around see the want adds on this board | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 498 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.165.176.62  Rating: N/A |
THere is a FLxliner from this board (not mine) up on Ebay right now no reserve. Current bid 2500 though it does mention a miss in the 6-71 in the ad | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1102 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.162.12 Rating: N/A |
AT one time folks thought 1/3 of the bus camper cost would be the shell and 2/3 the conversion, This only "works" on higher end campers where a $50K shell might see a $100K interoir from a good shop. The bottom end of interiors , with all the usual goodies for a backyard conversion is about $20K in parts. The shell is actually more important than the interior , as a sledge hammer will cure a poor interior, But it takes both bucks and skills to bring a chasis and drive train up to roadworthy. FAR FAR better to start with a good coach , and do as you wish to the conversion than the other way round. Unless you worked for a coach co for 30 years and live near Nimco , and have a lift a pit and a bushel bbl of cash. And your hobby is bus repair ,,,not traveling. FF | ||
| Mike Merriam (Cricket)
Registered Member Username: Cricket Post Number: 18 Registered: 2-2010 Posted From: 71.238.193.228 Rating: N/A |
Advise well taken... I have adjusted my budget to 10/12 grand. Whole new list of buses to look @. I will post pic's of potential suitors for you all to comment on. Thanks again for all your knowledge & support. | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1862 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157  Rating: N/A |
Hey Fred...I have a pit and live near Nimco. Now all I need is cash. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 827 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91 Rating: N/A |
Chessie??? Gomer |
