Trying to get an old bus running and inspecting it to get it ready for the road again. 4104

This 1958 gm pd4104 is in very poor condition. We are getting it running and inspecting all the systems to see about getting it ready for the road again. Many decades of deferred maintenance will cost many tens of thousands of dollars to get this large heavy duty vehicle back on the roads safely.

[@GarryFishermusic]

This old bus is a prime example of getting a qualified mechanic to inspect throughly before buying not after buying. Thanks

[@peteacher52]

The neglected bus reminds me of the words of a mechanic in the early '90s; The little Japanese hatchbacks were so reliable and undemanding that many people overlooked basic maintenance. Lady brought in an early Mirage with "It won't start. It always starts!" Hoisted it up and out of the sump came a couple of cupsful of treacle and all filters clogged, nothing else touched since new. Flushed, cleaned and replaced worn bits and bobs. Away it went as sweet as a nut, no doubt for the next five years of neglect. So, with an old bus, multiply the above exponentially and, like doing up an old boat, be prepared as the Boy Scouts used to say, for the project to be an on-going money pit. I know it's your bread and butter, Scott, but it must grieve you nevertheless to see a well engineered unit in such run-down condition, like seeing a '35 V12 Packard used as a beach buggy.

[@edwardantrobusjr2253]

Back in 1977, I bought a 66 Chevy wagon. The father thought the son had been changing the oil. Son thought the father was. The oil was no longer liquid. It was the consistency of chewed gum. It took 2 hands to pull the dipstick out! Unfortunately, it had a lot of other problems. I sold it to a junk yard about 1 year later. Due to a short in the printed circuit on the back of the dash console, you could no longer start it with the key. Had to jump the starter terminals with a screwdriver.

[@lostonwallace1396]

Bus is in damn rough shape. At least it's now in the hands of a solid mechanic that can actually seemingly fix the impossible at times. You guys have your work cut out for you, for sure.

[@djwayz5790]

"And because there was no smoke coming out of the exhaust..." Yep ! And now I know that too thanks to you ! If I had one these diesel pushers I would go out of my way to bring it to you for service..

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

I thought that was a water tank! so much water! wow! no room for any air.

[@topekasub]

I’m starting to really dig that theme song!

[@moshebron2105]

Holy moly!!! I've been working on air systems for years, never seen so much water come out of a system.

[@elrobo3568]

I started wrenching in 1958 when antifreeze was a can of alcohol and I put a can of water soluble oil in the water to lube the water pump. The thing I went on to be a career jet fighter crew chief in the USAF (F-4, A-7 and F-16) and learned that periodic maintenance and scheduled maint was crucial to the life of whatever equipment I was working on, from my air compressor oil to the jets I worked on. If things are paid attention to by periodically inspecting them they will probably not be an issue in the future. I also worked on heavy mining equip at a copper mine and we inspected the equipment daily. It's too bad this bus was not paid attention to for so long. I hope you will get to save it and give the care it needs.

[@tomhamilton9816]

I'd rather watch Jonathan and Scott working their magic on this bus over having a new bus any day of the week!!! 😂 ❤

[@bobrenner7213]

The old saying of 'Rode hard and put away wet' really seems to apply here.

[@creativeloafer9792]

I’ve seen a lot of vintage motor coaches in similar or worse shape safely made roadworthy, particularly on this channel. I would love to see video this 60+ year old 04 screaming down an interstate again. I sure hope the owner is able not to give up on this sexy beast.

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

Sexy beast...The bus right? not Scott your saying? Never give up on Scott..He'll get 'er done.

[@charlesfisher9616]

(

[@aussiebloke609]

The upside (if it be such) is that you generally can get more for parts than you can for an entire vehicle. So, while it's sad to see a complete-ish bus being parted out, if it's not feasible to repair it, then at least he can recoup some of his losses, and the parts can go towards keeping a slew of other buses on the road,.

[@trainmanbob]

Living in the UK and knowing virtually nothing about US buses, I would have thought you could buy a quite decent bus for the amount you have quoted to get it correct. What amazes me, with all respect to the owner, is why people don't pay a decent knowledgeable mechanic like BGM to check it out. However much you love something, to lose over $50000 is a lot of money. Greetings to all from the UK.

[@justfun985]

There are not many real Mechanics around these days much less bus mechanics. Saddly

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

good luck finding a good bus mechanic, or even knowing how to look for one, if you arent in TN that is.

[@carlbernard4197]

​@@dont-want-no-wrenchthat is where a lot of the good mechanics have went is inti Tennessee because of lower overall costs to operate.

[@privateuser-xp4nz]

There is something nostalgic about the style of the bodies and the way the old diesel engines sound I can feel the history of these busses

[@dennisbailey4296]

Yep as soon as he start turning that thing over and it whizzed around really really really fast there wasn't going to be any compression. Good job Scott!! Your sure great to give the owner a realistic appraisal of this old neglected Bus!! As you said it's not cheap to make these buses Safe and dependable!! All the best from Canada PS It sure is great to see what you've done on your property since you moved a number of years ago!!👍👍

[@acb6256]

It may be unloved and battered but it looks original which has got to be a good thing. Too often on this channel we see buses that have been modified and cost shed loads to put right.

[@mckruger6698]

Nice work keeping the old ones A live. And super nice song.

[@fatbackjacob5738]

Thank you for another great video. Maybe the owner will take your advice and move this bus on to another owner.

[@topekasub]

That’s cool how you can look inside the engine!

[@eskieguy9355]

I think we know what shape the wheel bearings are in. You're right, he should be thinking about getting a different bus.

[@Wayoutthere]

Might be a very bitter pill to swallow.. So much money already dumped into it with the purchase, and the botched transport..

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

these buses are art. I know that sounds funny but they are a glimpse of history when people were able to move about the country and see new things. I always think, " If these buses could tell their stories." Maybe that's what Scott see's IDK. They are Heavy Duty and never would see the bone yard if they were kept maintenanced. They still are with a little help.

[@throttlebottle5906]

what wheel bearings? 🤣 I expect to see powdered metal as lubricant....

[@hoists1829]

Awesome video👍👍👍👍

[@paulgoolsby6120]

These poor ole things were wore out and put up wet when parked. This one has seen its days.

[@desertbob6835]

I once had to drive a "last resort backup" coach a former C&S Trailways 4102, on ballpark scheduled runs if all the buffs, 06s, 04s, and 03s were already booked. That low decker 6-71 was so worn out, it required ether after sitting waaaay out in the back if the yard, sometimes for months in the summer!! The starter would (if the batteries still.had charge in them) roll that thing over just like that, then one jug at a time would fire off. Once I got 4 firing, I could get it over to the wash rack, at least! The pony motor for the AC probably had more horsepower by this time. Scored pistons, stuck rings, bad blower seals...you name it, that thing had it wrong with it! It dud have a nice interior still, and thecAC actually worked...sorta... very rare on any early model. Thd engine on this beater 04 is similarly cooked

[@terrystewart2070]

Sometimes you just have to cut your losses, stop the money bleed, and move on. Might be some parts on this one he could sell to get back a bit. Hope this young man makes the smart move.

[@BlackPill-pu4vi]

Agreed. I'd think BGM would know of a bus salvage yard that specializes in removing parts for repair of these old buses. Sell the bus to those guys and learn from the lesson.

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

yep, bail out and start again

[@ScottWM54]

A set of walkie talkies would be great for communicating w/the driver......

[@marshalloldham2905]

Really enjoy the channel 🎉

[@gerardjurgens2670]

At least he has a bus!!! Not many people can say that!!

[@stevehvac1]

Thanks for your great work man of brains

[@richardgalli7262]

Owning a bus is not for the faint of heart, it is expensive.

[@lucmarchand617]

This sad about bus like this I saw one in calgary detroit diesel dealer many years ago near same the owner refuse give up so bus was on shop 2 weeks with big invoice but lessons learn due buys used and send mechanic look first.thank you expose real world on this adventure.calgary alberta canada

[@coreycampbell1689]

All in all it doesn’t look much worse than a lot of the buses Scott works on. Just a uniform amount of work to do from nose to tail. The body looks good, sound frame (?). Honestly who would buy an old bus unless they anticipate a labor of love.

[@wernerdanler2742]

Wow! If anyone needed to get a ppi before purchasing this, it's this. The guy got taken.😢

[@donmoore7785]

I would get a PPO - lol

[@daniellewis37]

I don't think the owner is so very smart

[@billtodd6509]

You know that the customers gut is wrenching when you show him what all is wrong with his ride. Thats why he would have been thousands ahead to have paid you a big fee to go and inspect it b4 the purchase was made, right? Have a nice labor day. The Todds

[@garyharrington5300]

Like you said Scott, that motor is spinning over way to good

[@admranger]

It's the rare jet turbine greyhound. LOL

[@lukahierl9857]

It may bee the 12V starter on a 24V system trick.

[@chele-chele]

Refreshing honesty, the owner should cut their losses on this one and spend the money on a finished running but for less than just the cost of suspension work on this one!

[@18robsmith]

Old bus checklist: Air leeks - present; Oil leeks - present; Wheel movement independent of axle - present; Strange engine noises - present; Water in air tanks - present; Oil in air tanks - present; Bad smells - present; Failing air bags - present; Failing shock absorbers - present; Bearings and seals failing - present; Sick brakes - present; Coolant hose leeks - present; Vital bits missing - present. All present and needing work. Pass me the engine internals checklist....

[@Wingnut353]

To be fair.... the real problem is the axles and suspension, as far as the engine, every other bus on here has had an engine swap or at least a rebuild done. All the other problems are things that every other bus also has.... sadly this was a bus that should have been "free to get off my land" and it still would have cost alot to repair.

[@JoseMartinez-yq6pp]

Hola. Me encantan los vídeos. My English is very little. Sorry. Me gustaría saber para que es esa barra en la tapa donde están los balancines, que Ustedes manipulan con una pinza de presión. Me encantan los GM. Y si se puede me gustaría saber cómo es que funcionan los dos tiempos de esos Detroit. En mi país Uruguay esos buses eran muy adorados por todos. Una belleza el sonido del motor. Y por último si algún día llego a ir por los EEUU me gustaría ir por su taller. Gracias. Thanks you.

[@h5mind373]

I've seen beautiful older Prevost conversions going for less than what it will cost to make this old bus decent. I would have the owner put the repair money in escrow prior to the start of work.

[@gullreefclub]

If my eyes were not deceiving me the front axle has a crack in the weld where the axle beam is welded to vertical piece the king ping goes through on the side the king pins were first checked.

[@VanaConn]

An MC7 conversion just sold with rebuilt drivetrain for $12k a few miles from me. I wanted it but I have my MC8. I’d park that and make a tiny guest home out of it. Doesn’t make financial sense at those numbers.

[@h5mind373]

Best suggestion so far.

[@wazza33racer]

crazy how that still managed to fire up, despite such poor compression. Driving any engine at 220F is just going to kill it. On the plus side, any second hand bus is going to need repairs and probably renovations.

[@jamiesuejeffery]

I have a big shop air compressor in my shop (dual stage). The difference is that I live in Nevada. I drained it last year, and got nothing. We average about 8% humidity. I have a water seperator on it, and well... I'll go drink a beer. It has more moisture.

[@throttlebottle5906]

must be nice, mine throws out cups full each cycle(auto drain), I have a long line installed to extend the drain cycle time and still have to drain manually. I'm not even in a humid climate zone!

[@Chief351L]

I just don’t get why anyone would drop the first dime past the inspection on a pile like this! The other part is the future cost of ownership and the need for the owner to be a competent operator & have mechanical abilities to stay ahead of just maintenance. I have a 2010 43ft Phaeton that’s in great shape but it’s a part-time job to keep ready for the road and when on the road to keep it safe & solid!

[@rtjautomotive]

Good parts bus.Hope you have extra blocks to park it on.

[@mikemullay5622]

I hope the person that owns this bus takes your advice to heart and stops the bleeding now and sells it for what he can get. Experience can be a cruel teacher some times, and I hope he is smart enough not to throw good money after bad.

[@Jabberwocky4k]

Perhaps opening one of the rear side windows would help with communication from the engine bay to the driver's seat during engine related testing? Another great video, Scott.

[@darrenw2803]

sounds like the current owner got ripped a new one buying this bus

[@bobpaulino4714]

What kind of compression numbers did you have? She was cranking way too easily. Always loved a little bit of the old Detroit 'need my rack run' lope.. Absolutely right -- never use the emergency shut off unless it's an emergency. (Unless you want to replace blower seals, too)

[@CrazyPetez]

You’re final comments answered my unspoken questions as you pointed out all the work needed on this bus. In my mind, I was leaning toward, “walk away”. It’s the owner’s decision, of course, but a big bite of reality would be helpful to his wallet.

[@MikeMcAuliffe-g2f]

Nice painting.

[@generovinsky7228]

i was an engineer in the army working on electronic stuff and every once in the more poll would ask help get these running and i did!!

[@fxr1991hd]

Good morning Scott!! Haven't seen Tyler for a long time and this video another bus was sitting where his silver side was sitting... Is he okay? Keep up the great work!!!

[@peterexyboy4275]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@peterlindop4491]

Bus Grease Monkey your channel should have at least half a million subscribers, for the simple reason you’re a top class professional. Peter Lindop UK.

[@robertfoster6368]

this takes the word clunker or junker to another level.

[@gullreefclub]

I don’t think junker is the right word because from what I saw on this video the body of the bus is in pretty decent shape however mechanically the bus is rough shape. Realistically the buss is a good parts bus or even a bus that needs another bus that has good mechanical parts that could be swapped over to this bus. The simple fact of the matter RV’s ( conversion buses, mobile homes,) and camping trailers are like boats, that being holes you throw money into

[@jamesallen712]

That looks like a money pit. Good luck to the owner and after your good advice I hope he makes a sound choice thats right for him. If you do all the work would love to see the progress.

[@prevost8686]

ALL buses are money pits. Even clean, well maintained ones are money pits. Owning and maintaining them is a labor of love and if a person is in a financially unstable position they really should consider waiting for things to get better before they get one. The cheapest thing about buying a bus is the price you pay for it.

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

All the buses? Are those owners working on them? I thought I saw that you have RV spots for rent. Your looking pretty busy! Thought about putting up another building and selling critcal parts?

[@justfun985]

Yep these buses are a lot of money. I bought one to convert (Mid 70s model MCI). The demo was fairly easy. Just taking stuff apart. Except for the port a pot in the back. I had to cut it apart to get it out. The actual conversion and putting stuff back in is a lot tougher. I had to get 2 custom made doors as it is only 75" tall inside instead of the normal 80". I got the bathroom (2) wall up with help. But, It ended up being to much for me so I am selling it for what I have in it.

[@jeffogden2982]

😊I have a old car at the house in a similar situation,it's one like my first car but the more I look at it the more work it needs and would be cheaper to buy a much nicer one which I will do. I only paid 500 for it so not out much.

[@SuperMAZ007]

Maybe just do the engine and transmission side first? Not gonna lie the bill for the repairs will pile up exponentially once you dig deeper. Bad thing is if the owner resells as it is, it it will be a money loss regardless. To me it looks the radiator has been plugged for decades not something that happened recently. At least Scott is honest and tells how things are.

[@bruceknowling8633]

The engine and trans are 'secondary', the rolling chassis needs to be made safe first. Now the difference between 'safe' and 'good' may need some determining. Doing both at different times is going to be some double up on labor

[@alangordon3283]

Money does not equate to common sense . This thing should be used for whatever parts can be salvaged.

[@user-dq1kr6zc2t]

Love the track at the end. Bad A$$!

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

This is exactly why it pays big dividends to take a mechanic with you that knows what to look at and look for, even if you have to pay him a few thousand dollars .

[@claytoncomeaux414]

I agree, that is funny looking air !!!

[@franciscojosepellegrino2553]

this 1958 GM deserves a restoration, a good suspension wash, fluids change, finally be ready for the road !

[@phillipdean9879]

Wow that’s sad, feel for the owner. That’s a huge project! Would eat money…🇦🇺🍺🍺

[@douglasrizzo9210]

He should cut his losses and run.

[@atomarc1]

Why are you dealing with the guy in the drivers seat to turn the ON key when the starter and solenoid are right smack in front of you! A simple remote starter switch will work wonders!!

[@hotpuppy1]

Body and structure-wise, it doesn't look too bad in the pictures. Too bad the lack of maint. over the years and the fact the owner likely caused the engine damage.

[@Digital-Dan]

Time for a couple of the EARTEC Evade XTreme Wireless Headset System headsets, or the equivalent? Others who need to communicate hands-free over short distances swear by them (c.f. Ron Pratt in Missouri.)

[@gordoncorey8023]

Mechanics take care of it all

[@lloydrobinson7081]

is Tyler away? haven't seen him in a few clips!!, keep the clips coming

[@jetdriver]

I really do feel bad for this owner. It seems like he’s in well over his head on what’s a passion project for him. Even the decision to ship this bus to Scott given what that cost shows that he isn’t thinking the way he should be about what he’s spending. I hope for his sake he walks away from this one. It’s likely not saleable given how much work it needs so it’s just the scrap value.

[@commododragon9959]

Mr. Douglas is the present owner of the bus and the seller was Mr. Haney. (See “the best of Mr. Haney” from Green Acres.) 😂

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Lots of mr haney’s types come through here

[@commododragon9959]

⁠@@BusGreaseMonkey HeavyDSparks just happened upon a slew of old bus’. Might be something there for you…or, not. Just a thought! Cheers!

[@woody95124]

Old beast fired up!....

[@throttlebottle5906]

low compression would be an understatement on that poor thing. 😬

[@shannonschneider8413]

Its a racecar transporter,still the coolest kid in the carpark

[@peterhodgkins6985]

Man that's a tired old girl who's been fed a few too many hot suppers. It's a good DIY project I suppose, but dang... Seems a waste of a decent old bus. Gotta be a labor of love 'cause there ain't ever gonna be any investment angle to it.

[@john242ti]

Wonder if Cliff's family has sold his bus. If not, maybe the owner of this 4104 should buy his and use this one as rolling stock. Move the nice parts over to Cliff's bus, then sell off the rest. At least that bus runs good and drives good, if a bit smoky.

[@johngee5817]

Hope this person got super deep pockets because from the looks of things to get it Dot ready road ready go be 40 grand with labor

[@clintonandrews1538]

You might consider buying a pair of Family Radio Service walkie talkies. They are inexpensive and would preserve your voice.

[@Twin_Flyer]

The company that transported it libel for any of the damage they did to it?

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

You would think.

[@johngaither9263]

Did you see the Lowboy driver? Looked like the Gabby Hays of truck drivers. Finding him to collect damages would be quite a chore I believe.

[@carlbernard4197]

Yes they are liable for the damages. Have driven 18 wheelers for 18 years and remember a couple of times where we were on the hook for damaged goods.

[@privateparty4900]

13:39 I think I'd consider a stout crash barrier between the shop and your living quarters,

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

I have never worried once until this client revved that engine up super high just to pull forward a few inches.

[@sw7366]

​@BusGreaseMonkey if he doesn't need a clutch, he will soon.

[@stanpatterson5033]

Almost worth forming a policy that new customers, new-to-bus or new-to-heavy vehicle drivers shall abstain from being in control of the vehicle when it enters, leaves, or moves within the shop. Obviously there will be some customers who know quite well what they are doing. Not trying to belittle the newbies, but hey, accidents can and do happen.

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

@@sw7366 since this was the first time i had seen him drive the bus i immediately told him after he got out that you do not rev this engine before letting the clutch out to get it moving. but you are correct driving it like that will eat through a clutch In quick order.

[@johngaither9263]

Scott poo pooed that idea a long time ago. Perhaps he's having second thoughts and reconsidering who he allows to drive a questionable vehicle into his shop/home.

[@donw3912]

Hopefully it turns out okay for the owner whichever route he chooses as to fixing or cut and run. That radiator is a mess..at least you got it running and able to air up. How long since it has been on the road regularly??

[@stickit2theman1]

So sad to see that level of neglect on such a beautiful machine 😢

[@stickit2theman1]

Unrelated note: 19:10 watching this part did no favors for my bladder 😂

[@carlbernard4197]

​@@stickit2theman1didn't take me long to have to pee after that 😮😮😮😅😅😅

[@drinternatg6391]

Didn’t see Tyler’s bus in its place. Or did I miss it?

[@americanrambler4972]

A cool old bus. This is a big hole that swallowing money in a hurry. Your looking at 50 to 60 thousand dollars to finish up this bus. Sometimes, you’ve gotta walk away and lick your wounds and minimize your loses.

[@h5mind373]

Don't forget the paint and bodywork after everything else. I'd be surprised if it could be done for less than $80K

[@mfbfreak]

Ouchie. That's essentially wrecked. Poor thing. Remove the few nice bits off of it, give it some visual restoration, turn it into a stationary caravan like thing somewhere and recoup the costs over the peiod of 10 years renting it out to vacationers. Leave in the shifter, steering wheel and buttons and such. Kids will probably LOVE to play bus driver in it. As much as i'd like to see these things fixed and driven again, unless you're filthy filthy rich it's just too far gone. If the onwer *is* filthy rich, by all means - save it, keep another part of our rolling heritage alive.

[@gerardjurgens2670]

As the proces of degradation because of neglect passed over a long period of time and no money was invested by the previous owner, now the new owner has to undo that proces over a serious amount of time also and cope with the costs! Doing things step by step and to my opinion he should do it himself, investing also in tools. Justbone thing at the time and en Joy the proces

[@KindredAutomotive]

The chassis looks like it’s in great shape… too bad it was so poorly maintained for years.

[@nrgate]

is it insured? let it roll out your shop and down the mountain j/k

[@donmoore7785]

Wow that looks like a major project. So - what will the owner do? I would sell it but I know nothing at all about bus ownership.

[@mfbfreak]

18:15 auxiliary water tank

[@mfc4591]

That bus owner should get what he can and look for a better bus, but first, he should ask your advice !

[@robertsuggs7687]

I would love to see the engine rebuild on that bus

[@371508129]

You should invest in some cheap two way radios for better communication.

[@jaxsonhugh9334]

Or just get people to listen to instructions better lol

[@arthurdesimone4010]

makes sense to me!

[@TheObnoxiousMrPug]

Yelling to someone inside a vehicle from some twenty-five yards away gets old real fast. Simple two way radios would be helpful.

[@ronrambo7834]

Still would be sad to see it scrapped for parts. I run a 1960 Heidelberg letterpress and pains me to think my kids will load it in dumpster when I go…😏

[@BusGreaseMonkey]

Probably not after you go, but sooner like when they put you in a nursing home ;)

[@johngoodwyn8246]

Sorry to say that one is too far gone .........years of neglect are hard to overcome.

[@kevin9c1]

At least it was easy to write up the estimate. "Replace everything."

[@yhonnymartinez2012]

Saludo de Uruguay😂

[@philfurrow9026]

Hello Scott and what became of this 4104? Were you able to get it in safe running condition for its owner?