| Author |
Message |
Phil Shannon (205.188.200.28)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2001 - 8:02 pm: | |
Can anyone please tell me what a good tire and wheel combination would be for a 58 GMC pd 4104? I want to convert over from the original 11.00 X 20 tires and Goodyear 8020JM wheels to a more practical size yet keep the exact same RPMfor the tire. Ive seen a lot of Alcoa and Radial combinations on the internet and one or two in person. So I know someone out there has figured out the right combination. Im particularly interested in specific, more cimmon wheel sizes that with the right tire would still have the same RPM as my 11.00 X 20's. What has worked for youFolks. Id appreciate hearing from some of you. Because I live in a small town with virtualy no busses the local diesel tire shops have not been helpful. In all my searches on the net, I have yet to come accross a single article with 4104 tire and wheel information. Help!
Best Regards,
Phil Shannon |
RJ Long (24.130.101.25)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2001 - 9:21 pm: | |
Phil -
As delivered by GM, the 4104 originally came with 11:00x20 bias-ply tires. (Same as my 4106, btw.) Per GM specs, these tires turned 495 revs/mile.
If you want to keep things "the same", then you need to find tires that come as close to that figure as possible, regardless of the rim diameter size (22.5 or 24.5). I have a friend in the HD truck tire industry, and he says most 18-wheelers are going to 22.5 rims, but 24.5 is still quite popular. Also, be aware that the industry is slowly shifting to metric sizing, similar to what we're used to on our cars, 315/80R25.4 for example, but it's not a problem, because all the majors provide cross-over charts.
Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone, Toyo, etc., all have websites where you can browse thru their HD line. Be sure to look for "steer" or "all position" tires rated at 65 mph or above, that way they can be rotated, if necessary.
Here's a simple rule of thumb for tires on your 4104:
Tires that turn LESS than 495 revs/mile will give you more top speed and slightly better fuel mileage, the penalty will a little slower hill-climbing ability.
Tires that turn MORE than 495 will be just the opposite: slower top speed, slight increase in fuel consumption, better hill-climbing - well, as much as an '04 can climb hills! ;-)
Alcoas are very popular, and becoming more rugged every year. 18-wheelers like them because they're lighter than steel wheels, allowing more payload. For our conversions, they're mostly show. They do not like being used as part of the braking or cornering systems when too close to curbs - it is possible to fracture them. A consideration, in additon to their hefty price tag when new.
Steel wheels have been around forever, and, with a little shopping, you can get a full set of six new ones for about the same price as one new Alcoa - about $300.
For best prices, you may have to make a "road trip" to one of the larger metropolitan areas where there is lots of HD truck activity - dealers, parts houses, tire shops, etc.
Be sure to get new lug nuts and studs with your new wheels.
I've forgotten if the '04 wheels are stud or hub piloted - maybe one of the other '04 bus nuts can refresh my memory - make sure you get the right type, as they are different.
Sorry if this doesn't answer your question specifically, but it should give you the basics so you can do your "homework".
RJ
PD4106-2784 |
jim wilke (Pd41044039) (152.163.207.188)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2001 - 10:49 pm: | |
4104's have stud pilot wheels. I got a set of 7 used 22.5" x 8.5" (I think)wide rims at a truck wrecking yard for $30.00 each.
Jim-Bob |
Phil Shannon (205.188.193.174)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2001 - 10:51 pm: | |
Thankyou RJ, I appreciate it.
While were on the subject, maby you could tell me how I might find out some history pertaining to my bus.
As I said earlier, I have a '58 PD4104. I know It was an old "Continental Trailways" bus as I can see the remnants of both words in two different fonts faded into the aluminum on the nose.
I've searched everywhere that I can think of for some roster information to see what region and company the 4104 was from. Additionaly, I have a hundred questions that I would like to ask an old GMC enthusiast. That one is at the top of the list. I'd like to know where the old bus has been so that I may expand my story telling. My wife and friends all love the bus and it has become quite the conversation peice.
I bought the bus from a local RV dealer who got it as a trade in from a man in Las Vegas. It was reportedly professionally converted in the early 70's as the interior design will attest. The serial number is 3832.
It has a DD6-71 w/30,000 TSO, Spicer 4 speed, manual steering, and a 15KW Onan gas generator. The A/C plant is still intact and the engine runs.
I've had the bus since May of 2000.
Since then, I have installed 14 new Penninsula glass windows on both sides. Instant Makeover! The wiring is in fair condition and to date has been my biggest challenge. I had to cut open, bead blast, seal, weld and seal again the 165 Gallon tank due to severe corrosion She was plugging up my fuel filter every two hours of operation with fuel tank sludge. Both the Detroit and the Onan have had the oil changed and filters cleaned. They both run well. The detroit and the bus have also have the anti-freeze flushed. I've put in a new water pump.
Questions for the enthusiast:
1. Why does my DD6-71 smoke out a half acre after starting when cold but not when pre-heated?
2. What is the Red Line RPM on a DD6-71? (I heard another PD4104 owner say he didn't have a tach on his bus and he floored it everywhere he went in it for ten years with no problems. Yet my books tell me there is a 2,150 governed speed which I try to keep under but my governor easily will let the speed obtain 2350 rpm.)
3. Do I really need to be pussyfooting this rig around? (In case your wondering, I have only inadvertantly been past 2,150 a couple of times when I wasn't paying attention to my rpm.) Phil |
Phil Shannon (205.188.193.174)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2001 - 11:01 pm: | |
Thankyou Jim-Bob, I apreciate it.
I may buy used ones and powder coat them. Maby put some Baby Moons on them when I'm done.
Phil |
RJ Long (24.130.101.25)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2001 - 12:21 pm: | |
Phil -
According to my roster, GM originally delivered PD4104-3832 to Transcontinental Bus System (Continental Central Lines) (i.e. Trailways) of Dallas, TX in April of 1958. It carried fleet number 3141.
As for your other questions, here's the answers as Cliff's Notes:
*1 - It's a Detroit! Seriously, what color is the smoke? Makes a difference.
*2 - 2150 is considered the normal maximum governed speed for most DDs.
*3 - No, but DON'T lug it. Keep it above 1600 and it will serve you well.
RJ
PD4106-2784 |
Phil Shannon (64.12.103.37)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2001 - 10:09 pm: | |
RJ, you must be right because I can read a faded Fleet number 3141 on the left side behind my D window. Thanks! A Texas bus, who could ask for more? No corrosion. Now that I know where its from, I think I have a picture of a bus just like it in a book called "Trailways Busses" 1936-2001 Photo Archive on page 78. That bus has '53 texas plates, Trailways logo and an emblem on the side with a circle with a wing through it. I can see the same circle/wing pattern fadded in the aluminum in the same location. I figure this must be what she looked like in her hayday even though there is a 5 year difference. Thanks again, now I have a picture to go with my story telling.
Phil PD4104-3832 |
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