I would like to add that you don't have to rev the engine up so high when down shifting, and don't try doing it from 4th to third above 40 mph. Other than that, you're doing fine and you will get better with time. I will also " second the motion> about Scott Crosby. He is just outside Centerville, Tenn., south of exit 163, off I 40. I used to drive motorcoaches in Massachusetts, and I wish I had one for myself. My first choice would be an early MC8 though. 40 foot, manual or factory automatic transmixer, and an 8V 71 T Detroit engine. BTW, If you're up shifting without grinding gears, without double clutching, and it works for you, then that's your style of shifting and don't worry about it. Coming down a grade, with a stop at the bottom, whether you're in 2nd or 3rd, don't throw the clutch in until the dead last second. You need the engine braking to help with the stop. Depending on the brakes alone in such a situation is a BAD IDEA.

Great job young man! I was about 11 years old when 1959 GM 4104 was popular and you just gave me a ride in the bus for old time. Thank for sharing this!

Ross, just remember that this bus has a diesel engine. Diesels have a lot of low end torque which means that they run at lower RPM's that a gas engine. Three thousand R's is about tops and 1500 is a good driving engine speed. Now as far as the transmission, double clutching will get faster as you drive. For instance, first gear, shift to neutral, clutch out, then in, shift to second and so on. Down shifting is the same method only backwards. I would check the brakes ASAP. A vehicle doesn't have to go but it does have to stop. Good luck with this bus. There are a lot of people who love these buses and are willing to help a new owner.

As a truck driver, you are doing better than most who have never touched an unsynchronized transmission, eventually you'll learn how to float the gears and have a smother ride while saving your clutch

Engine doesn't need rapped completely out, and such high RPMs aren't needed to grab another gear. You'll catch on to it eventually. After awhile you'll be able to float the gears without even using the clutch.

In Australia you need an HR (Heavy Rigid) drivers licence to drive that and possibly a Medical review.

@busgreasemonkey should be your new best friend.

Others have stated in this thread...get on board with Scott Crosby, Bus Grease Monkey. He'll save your life!

Like others have said BUS GREASEMONKEY is very good place to get advice and work done

Grew up on a farm in the 60's and learned to drive on a manual. Non syncro gearboxes are no problem, and for the size, at 16 was operating a twin screw grain truck so this bus would be a piece of cake to operate. Did you ever think of airing the thing up with a aux compressor to start up. Simply run a air line to the air tank and use a compressor to fill the tank. Remember the air compressor on that diesel is rather small.

@Ross - Nice video, nice to see a "youngster" interested in these old road warriors. Can't tell you how many miles/hours I have behind the wheel of 4104s, 4106s, the Buffalos, Crowns, Gilligs, Eagles, MCIs, etc. - over 35 years in the industry. Some thoughts:

You’re handling that big bus really well. Driving a “crash box” transmission is a challenge but you get better by driving it. Double clutching will definitely get you into a smoother operation. Great old bus! These were everywhere in the 50s and 60s. Thanks for posting!

I would start looking for air leaks, a half-hour is a long time to air up...

Thanks for taking us on a ride and explaining the nuances of operating that awesome old beast!

A 1959 4104 was the first coach I had driven on the road in the mid ‘70’s, when I started my mechanical apprenticeship. Seeing this brings back some good old memories!

Hi mate , I’m in London uk 🇬🇧 and I often drive some old lorry units and exactly the same double clutch . I’m a huge fan of the American old buses and this video was so entertaining. Also nice to see a young man like yourself express an interest in what is amazing history . Thanks again

Nice to see a young man with an old bus! Shifting will get easier with more driving. I recommend you fix that seat suspension, driving is so much easier if the seat doesn't try to throw you off all the time. Air pressure should be up in few minutes, not 30, you either have a huge leak or worn compressor.

I learned to drive on unsynchronized manual transmission. That bus is really a historical gem.

You should clutch in > go to neutral > clutch out > rev it to match the gears > clutch in > put it in gear > clutch out. The skill is in the speed of this process and also being able to rev to correct RPM to not grind the gears. I have never driven old american bus but we had gearboxes like this in Europe also :D

Thanks, everybody for the comments. I've been doing some things wrong and appreciate the input. I shouldn't be keeping it on the governor as much as I was and I was wrong about the air suspension. It is manual inflation (changed from factory self leveling) she wasn't aired up much at all. I'm in the process of making a part two to this video. I've had a lot more practice with shifting and have figured out the bus a lot more. I had a lot of misconceptions rooted out by all of your input. I'll explain in more detail in part two. Thank you