| Author | Message | ||
| Stevehm (Stevehm)
Registered Member Username: Stevehm Post Number: 1 Registered: 2-2012 Posted From: 174.27.181.67 Rating: N/A |
Wannabe bus nut here with a few questions. I want to find a GMC 4905 shell, so that my wife and I can design our own interior. I’m interested in a couple of shells. On one of the shells the PO has removed the interior skin when they took out the A/C ductwork. On the other shell, they’ve raised the roof. Do either of these modifications affect the structural integrity? Are these types of GMC 4905 shells safe or should I try to find one that hasn’t had any modifications? Thanks in advance for any advice. | ||
| Bill Gerrie (Bill_gerrie)
Registered Member Username: Bill_gerrie Post Number: 641 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 216.198.139.38  Rating: N/A |
Steve Welcome to maybe becoming a busnut. The one with the interior skin off is what most people do to get ready to convert. The other one with the roof raise look very carefully at how it was done. GM's are a no frame bus so the skin forms the structure. Like in a car it is called unibody. If the roof raise is done properly it works but look closely. I know several guys that did it and had no problems. The 4905 is a great bus. Look down the side and follow a rivet line for the length of the bus. See if the rear end is sagging. If so don't touch it. We have a lot of guys with 4905 on here. Bill | ||
| J.L.Vickers (Roadrunnertex)
Registered Member Username: Roadrunnertex Post Number: 92 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.6.83.115 Rating: N/A |
A/C ducts no problem along with the interior skin One with the roof raise I would run the other way. You also might look close for rust issues. I own a converted P8M4905A and it's a good old GMC Coach. | ||
| Dan West (Utahclaimjumper)
Registered Member Username: Utahclaimjumper Post Number: 217 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 208.66.36.72 Rating: N/A |
The two most common roof raises for the 4905 are total length, and only the front "stepped" portion. The front only raise is usually just a "cap" over the forward portion and does not change strength issues.>>>Dan | ||
| FloridaCliff (Floridacracker)
Registered Member Username: Floridacracker Post Number: 444 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.202.154.78 Rating: N/A |
Steve, There's a lot to consider besides just the shell, but its a good start. The skill levels of Bus converters varies from "take away his tools" to "absolutely amazing what he did", so its buyer beware for sure. If you don't have welding skills and the ability to judge structural work and see it(not covered over), stay away from a roof raise on a 4905. Besides, it can't be done without the bus breaking in two... ;) The mechanical items will break your pocketbook faster than most body items, so keep that in mind when looking. Not knowing your skill levels..etc, I would say to check out the stripped interior only coach first. Best of luck, Cliff | ||
| Larry & Lynne Dixon (Larry_d)
Registered Member Username: Larry_d Post Number: 381 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 50.39.216.227  Rating: N/A |
Well I have a 4905 with ten inch raise done in Vegas used it for five or six years now and can see no structural problems. Has caps on both ends. Also makes it easy for my six foot five frame to get around in. Fact is mine is 831 close to yours it looks like, Cliff.\ Larry v | ||
| Stevehm (Stevehm)
Registered Member Username: Stevehm Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2012 Posted From: 174.27.181.67 Rating: N/A |
Thanks everyone for your advice. The 4905 with the interior skin has sold and I think it's best considering my lack of skills to stay away from the raised roof 4905. I'll keep looking for the right 4905 shell. | ||
| les marston (Les_marston)
Registered Member Username: Les_marston Post Number: 484 Registered: 1-2010 Posted From: 68.151.225.213  Rating: N/A |
Or!!! you could buy an MCI and not worry about those old GM rust buckets.lol That should get some steam boiling | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 2261 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157  Rating: N/A |
Only an MCi or Eagle owner would think of GMC's as rust buckets. Bwhahaha. Rust is near the bottom of GMC issues instead of near the top like youins. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 1637 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 76.4.118.163  Rating: N/A |
Now Chessie!! You be nice to them folks LOL They can't help it tho LOL HAHAHHA I gots me 2 GM here at the house and neither has rust issues lol Gomer |