| Author | Message | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501) (65.23.106.193)
Rating: N/A |
Hi all, I thank all of you for posting here so that wannabes can learn what they are getting in to. My bus is a 1954 PD4501 092. It has a good 8V71 and manual transmission. The interior was converted as an entertainer coach and the floor is still original. I do not have a computer at home, so I have to use the one at work. My first question is what automatics will work in this bus? (life is to short for me to learn how to shift this thing) Second question - where do I start concerning leveling the floor? I am a mechanical engineer so I understand the importance of doing it corectly. Thanks for all of your help! Kyle | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.182) Rating: N/A |
Double-clutching a bus is nothing to fear. Start in first, run it up to the governor (about 15mph) and depress clutch - shift into neutral - release clutch - depress clutch - shift into second. Count one - two for the entire shift. Same with next gear, etc. Once you become comfy with the shifting, you can shift below the governor. Learning to shift is a whole lot easier than swapping transmissions from a manual to a standard. | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501) (65.23.106.193)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks John, I guess that since this bus is a 'luxury' (ha ha) item for me, and I am tired of shaking hands with the vehicle I am driving, I guess I just want a automatic more than I want to become practiced at double clutching. (Also my wife has said that she WILL NOT drive the bus until it's an automatic.) I have undertaken many large tasks with little benefit other than the satisfaction that 'I did it'. And I will learn more about my bus in the process. | ||
| John that newguy (199.232.240.182) Rating: N/A |
There isn't anything that can't be done, and done well. Swapping from a standard to an automatic is done frequently and I'm sure by this evening you'll have a ton of messages with useful advice. I haven't done it and know little about the mechanics of these things. I'm on the hard side of the learning curve, myself. I -can- tell you, that my MC9 had been converted from a manual to an automatic prior to my buying it. There are issues with wiring, engine timing and other matters. I don't know if the job was done by a reputable garage or in some alleyway, but there are issues that have to be dealt with. And with that, I would be cautious and learn all the nuances and engineering put into each type of transmission made for the vehicle. The job may go well beyond a simple mechanical swap, and into rewiring, re-routing of air controls, auto-stop devices, etc etc.. It -can- get complicated to do it right. My wife won't drive a standard, but my wife won't drive a bus, either. | ||
| Frank Allen (205.188.116.135) Rating: N/A |
My wife said the same thing , i got the auto and she still wont drive | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501) (65.23.106.193)
Rating: N/A |
BTW this is the scenicruiser bus with the T-drive for those that might not have recgonized the model #. it also came with a 14 kw gen set (yanmar diesel w/ kohler gen) that runs the 3 roof airs easily. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (67.181.236.27)
Rating: N/A |
Kyle - PD4501-092 was originally delivered as fleet number N-933 to Northland Greyhound Lines. It was subsequently transferred to Central Greyhound Lines, where it was renumbered C-933. An additional transfer took it to Central Southwest Greyhound, where it received fleet number C-1265. Finally, it was transferred back to Central Greyhound, and ended it's 'Hound career there, using fleet number 1265. This coach is really easy to drive w/ the stick shift, once you spend a little time w/ it. First order of business, tho, is to make sure the clutch linkage is adjusted properly. And you've got to start up front, under the driver's floor, in order to do it right. Procedure is outlined in "DA BOOK", which is another high priority item to get, if it didn't come w/ one. For shifting tips, check out the "Articles of Interest" link off the main page of BNO for the one written by yours truly. But if you're getting lazy, like so many of us are, then you've got a couple of Allison automatics that can be installed: The HT-740 is probably the most popular, and virtually bulletproof. Four speeds w/ a lock-up torque converter, feels like a five speed. It's cousin, the HT-754CR, would be my choice. This is a five-speed model, with the close ratio gearset. Allison made a DR version, too, but it's a stump-puller and not a good fit for a coach. That extra gear makes a difference, especially if you make it out here to the left coast and go up and down our mountains, which are a WHOLE lot bigger than the speed bumps found back east. As for lowering the floor. . . Downstairs it's not worth the effort, as you'd still end up with large wheelwells to work around. Upstairs it can be done, but understand that the floor is a major structural member that keeps the whole coach "square", so it must be done carefully. I've heard that only the curb side can be lowered successfully, as the control stuff runs down the street side, but haven't actually confirmed that. The parts book will have exploded drawings to help you see what's inside. I'm sure you're aware that the GMC coaches are built like an aircraft. The floor, bulkheads and exterior skin combined make up the "frame" of the coach, even the roof helps support the engine! Keep this in mind if/when you decide to make chassis modifications. A few years ago I saw a converted Scenic in the Los Angeles area that the owner had thought "outside the box" a little. He put the galley and dining area downstairs, the living room at the top of the stairs, then the head and finally the bedroom. Most of the other Scenics I've seen have had the living room downstairs, then the galley, bath & bedroom upstairs. The downstairs galley/dining makes a lot of sense, when you think about it, at least to me. . . And if you REALLY get into the modifications of your Scenic, you can make it look like this:  HTH, RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior) (64.229.210.244)
Rating: N/A |
RJ, I hope you're trying to post that nice red shiny one from Arcadia last year... happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| FishbowlBrian (Fishbowlbrian) (67.165.212.171)
Rating: N/A |
Congrats, Kyle. The Scenics were, IMHO, the most beautiful coaches ever made. And a true collector's item now. Gawd I love those things... Any chance we can see some pics of her??? FBB | ||
| Daveand Mel (65.40.222.178)
Rating: N/A |
Congratulations on your new bus! We have a scenicruiser that had the floor lowered "upstairs", however we still have the large raised area over the engine. It was already converted, with a side bath and an unusual kitchen layout. We are in the process of changing the manual transmission to a HT740, and we will be refurbishing the interior. I would love to lower at least part of the front area, which will be the living area, but the wheel wells are indeed VERY large. We also have all the windows and skylights, which need the glass/plexiglass replaced. Since we live in the pacific NW, natural daylight is very important to us, so we are trying to retain everything we can. It is an attention getter, and we can't wait to get it on the road. And both of us will drive it after I get some training! My husband is a volunteer firefighter, so has some experience in driving large rigs after driver training through the dept. I see large orange cones in a parking lot in my future. | ||
| Kyle Brandt (Kyle4501) (65.23.106.193)
Rating: N/A |
I added a picture to my profile, I hope to put the upper front glass back in even if i have to use lexan! I also would like to reinstall the rear glass too. Guess i'm just a glutton for punishment. | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (69.3.74.195)
Rating: N/A |
SWEEEET COACH! Welcome to the insanity, Kyle. | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (69.3.74.195)
Rating: N/A |
Scenicruiser stretched to 45' and reskinned with mirror finish stainless steel. | ||
| Derek (Derek_L) (24.83.196.239)
Rating: N/A |
Nice! Even a "moden bus" guy (Slab sided Fred? I think of it as *clean lines* ;-) can appreciate something that looks like that. | ||
| ED-NJ (67.85.226.217) Rating: N/A |
Chuck show them the Cat in the back. | ||
| Gary McFarland (Gearheadgary) (68.250.96.41)
Rating: N/A |
Man that is cool. and Kittypowered? I wanna see! Gary | ||
| Robert Wood (Bobwoodsocal) (4.46.108.207)
Rating: N/A |
Congratulations, Kyle!!! I too believe the Sceinicruiser to be the most beautiful coaches ever made. have fun Kyle!!! Bob | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks) (69.3.74.195)
Rating: N/A |
Ed, I don't have any more photos. That one was pinched from the Busin 2004 site and I don't even have the link because I'm using a different computer right now. I'm pretty sure that was the only photo of that coach. The owner's name is on that site. | ||
| TWO DOGS (65.177.145.178) Rating: N/A |
I think that is the one that was E**Y amonth or so ago & it did not reach min. bid...nice bus !!! KEEP IT STANDARD TRANSMISSON !!!! | ||
| Red4501 (68.184.180.200)
Rating: N/A |
Welcome to the wonderful world of Cruiser ownership. I too am thinking of going to an auto someday. But for now I have too many other priorities on the bus to take care of. I really love the looks we get when we are out Cruisin'. Our floor is lowered on the top right side only and think we have some structural issues. So be real careful how you do it and who does it. Best of luck as a new Cruiser owner. Red4501 "In the Great State of Texas" ps. We have a few Cruiser owners down here. | ||
| Kevin Webb (Gmbusguy) (69.244.34.24)
Rating: N/A |
Gotta love a 4501.....they started the whole era of designer buses. Automatic trannies can be added, as can a Series 60 DDC, something no other GM coach can have...so feel "special". I know of a couple that have done the swap if you'd like contact info. Floors can be lowered as well. I have a few pics of some 4501s I found in N. CA in various state of disassembly that show what's under the floor. If you need parts...check out: http://gmbusguy.com and if you'd like to belong to a great FMCA Chapter exclusively for GM coaches, email me for a newsletter and membership application. Happy GM Busin' Kevin |