Vintage Bus Delivered via Freight

  

My vintage bus was delivered to its temporary home yesterday (where it will be re-powered and have the brakes and other systems upgraded). It arrived via semi truck and took over two hours (driver claims 4.5) to unload! Why so long? Well, the bus has a very long overhang behind the rear wheels and there are a few water tanks that extend slightly below the body in the middle of the bus. If it goes down too steep of a ramp, then either area can run-aground. 
 

The pic above was taken on maybe our third attempt. Each time we'd pile up more wood and ramps to try to make the angle less steep.

 

We'd also end up digging in an attempt to prevent the trailer hitch from scraping too much. 

In the end, you can see all the wood and ramps we ended up using. It was a good thing that this setup worked without scraping anything since the bus was put in reverse a few seconds after it was started and ended up going down the ramp with zero brake power because the air pressure didn't have time to build up yet. The bus doesn't have modern spring brakes which would have stayed engaged until enough pressure had built up to allow them to be released. My friend Charlie who was at the wheel joking said something like "I'm just going to gun it and get this over with"... the next thing I knew, it looked like he did exactly that! He came out of the bus with a white face and was a bit shooken up since he was expecting to go very slow with the brakes on the entire time. 

The next step in the vintage bus project is to locate the right engine/transmission combo. I'm currently searching for a Cummins ISL 425HP with Allison six speed automatic. I hope to find a low milage one for a good price out of a wrecked RV.

Comments

[Charlie Heuer]

Ben, now that you are an expert on hunting down a vintage bus, what does that entail, how did you locate them, and what should one look for. What kept you off some other buses and what sold you on this one. ch

[Ben Willmore]

Hi Charlie,

Buses are most easy to locate if you get connected with bus nuts in your area... people who are passionate about buses. The best buses seem to be those that are not actively on the market. I find those my talking to everyone you know that is in to buses and following up on all leads.

I look for very little rust and one that has a very good ride.

I spent two years getting educated and connecting with the bus nuts around the US. It wasn't something simple... it took a lot of dedication.

I'd also do google search for random topics relating to buses every week or so which would always bring up new data and buses to explore.

I was sold on this bus because it has the best body I've ever seen, no rust and drove very nicely. I paid about $6K more than I really wanted to, but it was such a good example that I couldn't pass it up.

-Ben

[Charlie Heuer]

Excellent, I can't wait to follow along on the build. I can't imagine how many decisions you have waiting for you down the road. I figured it was all about the body. She really looks like a beauty. I guess she's gonna need a name. gettign her painted should be fun, like to see that paint booth. ch

[Balliolman]

Your new bus is certainly a lovely looking vehicle, Ben! :)

Balliolman,
England.

[Ken Ufheil]

Get them spring brakes in there ASAP Ben, good insurance! Keep the slack adjusters adjusted, as without good adjustment, the spring brakes might as well not even be there! Ken U in TX

PS: I figure you already know this, since I now know you had a Prevost before, after reading your blog more.

[Wholesale Dropshippers]

Get them spring brakes in there ASAP Ben, good insurance! Keep the slack adjusters adjusted, as without good adjustment, the spring brakes might as well not even be there! Ken U in TX

PS: I figure you already know this, since I now know you had a Prevost before, after reading your blog more.

[Jim D]

Hi Ben,
I'm a nubee Flxible researcher. I'm curious who you found to ship the bus? Where did it come from and where did it go? I'm also wondering a ball park figure for shipping. I've found a 47 Clipper in California that looks pretty good. I just have to figure how to get it back to Massachusetts. =O Thanks. -Jim

[Jim D]

PS: I guess if I kept reading the older post, I would have seen where you started from and where you ended before needing the tow. still curious about the shipping company and the rough cost. Thanks. -Jim

[coach handbags]

I knew little in this part before,thank you for you information! May the joy and happiness around you today and always.