Who hasn’t dreamed of chucking it all in favor of a footloose lifestyle – favorite person at your side, best four-legged buddy on board, only what you need in the cupboards and closets. This 1958 GMC school bus offers the enterprising owner an opportunity to make that happen – even if only for long weekends. It was bodied by Wayne Corporation, founded in the mid-1800s as a foundry. Like so many early American companies, Wayne shifted with the times, turning to production of farm equipment, then wagons. In 1892, Wayne made its first “kid hack”, a wagon designed to haul schoolchildren. The company entered the bus market wholeheartedly in the 1910s. Find this Wayne-bodied bus here on facebook Marketplace with an asking price of just $3000. Haul it away from Lincoln, Nebraska. Thanks to Kelly H. for the great tip!
In the 1950s, Wayne, along with its competitors, would have built its buses on a variety of GMC truck chassis, made to ferry from 16 to 60 pupils, optioned with GMC’s Jobmaster, Trademaster, or Taskmaster V6s and V8s. This seller notes that the gas-fueled “304 engine was replaced in 1970”, without mentioning the make (AMC? IH? is it GMC’s later 304.6 V6?) or whether the bus now runs. It is equipped with a two-speed rear axle and GM’s Hydro-Matic transmission. The good news is that school buses were maintained on a strict schedule; the bad news is that we have no idea how this one was treated after it left service. But the interior has already been the subject of some customization, as all but two seats have been removed.
Here are the two remaining seats. Remember these horizontally-set steering wheels? My kid days are far away, but I remember our bus driver stretching hand over hand to operate that thing.
This entryway must have seen thousands of little faces over the decades. Converting a school bus to a home or RV has been done a thousand times: configurations are nearly limitless, but most likely you’ll leave the single-seat operator’s station alone. Other considerations include the flooring – not always sturdy enough to install everything you want; insulation; HVAC provisions; wiring … you get the idea. But these buses are sturdy as heck, so your new home will outlast any fiberglass RV.
The seller notes that rust is minimal – though that doesn’t mean there’s none. The back door needs new glass, too. But just imagine this vintage bus – with its roundie lines and frogeye lamps – after a thorough restoration. What do you think – have you ever been tempted to restore a bus?
Seen some innovative dandys on YouTube. Amazing the finishing some people end up building onto a bus. š
Veronica Crabtree, “Sit down and shut up, or Mr. Bunny Rabbit gets it” ( holding gun to rabbits head) I didn’t spend much time on a school bus, we had to walk uphill in blizzards both ways to school and back( cough), and dear, if you want to bring YOUR favorite 4 legged buddy, you’ll have to cut the top open,, :)
Okay, enough 4 am tomfoolery, took me a while, I’m a busy man( at 4am?) but I never saw this type of bus before. Most were the conventional type. I read, this was a Wayne GMC “Superamic Transit” bus and typically had the 305 V6 GMC motor, although early ones had a 302 in-line 6. Most had the 4 speed Hydramatic, but nothing said about a 2 speed. These come up from time to time, usually some old hippies bus from the 70s, some are pretty nice, but not for the faint of heart, or wallet. One came up on FB, I forget, a 50s Flxible maybe, same style, priced right, but nice inside, ready to run, I don’t know, pull the Jeep behind, like the big shots do? Driving around in a 50s school bus,,,um,,I’ll get back to you on that.
Now, I want to make clear, on the International 6 speed post, I practically am PLEADING the staff to feature more of this stuff. I said in the post, if you folks want to see more of this stuff, check the thumbs up. Well, I’ve gotten 59 thumbs up so far, indicating what people would like to see. Websters defines a “member” as: a person who is part of an organization or team compensating them for membership and possible decisions of said organization( I added that last part). The future is all about change, none more evident than right here. I realize the irony of ME saying that, but BarnFinds has become more than just a collection of overpriced classic cars, it’s more of a gathering place for angry loners like me, to reminisce about the times we cherished so, and tough to find these days.
I’m telling you( Jesse) you have a wonderful staff of writers, this Ms. Rand is truly a special person, and knows what we would like to see. I only hope these writers don’t become dismayed at the lack of interest on say Lambos or Corvettes, and may go elsewhere with their great talents. That would be a shame. I’ve been around these sites for almost 15 years, and have seen sites crash and burn. I hope that doesn’t happen here, thanks to all that contribute to these posts.
Howard, thank you so much for the compliment; I smiled all day!
PS. I think that rear door is an emergency exit- Betty Lou the pinto could sashay up a ramp right into Main Headquarters- no need to section the roof, ha ha!
This is (Sk)ool!!! There are a good number of people who have made “Skoolies”. I’m actually very curious about the GM Hydramatic and two speed rear end. I’ve never heard about that setup before. Every school but I was in had a manual transmission. And I’m with Michelle, I remember those steering wheel angles, great for leverage if you had (gasp) manual steering. I’m going to say that I’m one of those 59 thumbs ups on Howards post on that International 6 Speed Special. I really enjoy seeing vintage trucks and buses. But I do also enjoy everything else too, even if it’s a 2 Million dollar Ferrari or a ’70 LT1 equipped Corvette that I’d never have a chance to own, I still admire them. But old cars and trucks and tractors and boats ( railroad equipment huge core boring machines etc) seriously tug at my heartstrings, and I always enjoy learning something new on here. A tip of the hat to Kelly H for a great tip, and of course Michelle for a great write up too. I don’t think I can emphasize enough that not only myself, but many people on here appreciate this site and the work behind the scenes that goes on, and the time the writers take to research what they’re writing up as well. Thank you!!!!
-Dave
Myself I would like to comment on these lovely front windshields. Notice how they drop down to observe the front corners of the bus. Now this old girl chassis I am sure was built quite stout. The drivetrain is more geared to run locally I would guess. A newer pusher assembly could probably be installed but at what cost. Not something you can do in a garage during the weekends. I am sure Howard would agree there. Sure like the looks of that front end!
I forgot to mention the bow-shaped windshield – thanks for pointing that out.
Those windshields are very cool looking, curving and dropping down the way they do, but they would keep me from buying that bus if I were looking for an RV project. Where oh where would you find replacements if either one were shattered by a rock falling off of a gravel truck.
Automatic+2sp very rare combo. Low side for in town or in the field, high side for the highway. GMCs V6 didn’t appear ’till ’59, I’m guessing it’s a big 302 I6.
Hey Jim, hope the cold hadn’t got the best of ya’. I don’t think the automatic and 2 speed were original, as mentioned, the whole shebang was replaced. I see what looks like a manual shift lever, so could have been a manual and the 2 speed would make more sense. Bus dashboards that have the Hydramatic, had a lever coming out of the dash, like a Corvair. I think it was the 302 as well, a very popular motor at the time. I read, in ’57, Hydramatics were paired with a 2 speed, but not very common in a school bus. What’s the rush?
I never thought I’d ever say this, but, “put an LS in it!”
There is a part of me that would really love to take one of these old twinkies and make a rolling home out of it. If only I had the space. And the money. And the malleable spouse…
Hey Howard, we had 8″ of packed sleet 3 weeks ago and it’s still here! The bricks on the dog box, is that cruise control? Many years ago a customer at the KW dealer had a K100 8V92 Allison and 2sp rears. If memory serves he hauled a moving van and ran team with his 5’2″ 110# wife. Low side in town, high side on the highway.
Perhaps there are some young 80 year olds out there that could relive their college days, and recreate Ken Kesey’s Merry Prankster bus, with this one?
Rusty…Ken who? Timothy who? Allan who? Jack who? Jerry who?
These kids today have no clue what it means to turn the universe upside down. We lived through a magical, if chaotic and sometimes tragic, moment in time that literally changed just about everything from the bottom up.
Ken Kesey was a remarkably profound character in the history of mankind.
Oh, you kids! How’s ’bout Sinatra, Como, Damone, Lee, Page, the Duke, Spike Jones (WHAT?), Garner, Shearing, Brubeck, Kenton.
All this other stuff was “kiddie noise” to us.
I’ve had many inquiries about older school buses as far as RV conversions. My advise, just buy a RV. Most of the older school buses have a top speed of 50-55 mph, and fuel economy of 4-5 mpg. About the only sense for building a school bus RV would be for one that’s driven to one location and parked permanently, and someone that has nothing but time on their hand and loves to fabricate and carpentry.
Those wanting to convert one of these to an R.V. should check on insurance first. Some insurance companies will not insure a conversion.
I recall as a kid thinking I wanted to drive a school bus…lol. I took that all back years ago. I’d still drive the vehicle, but with passengers…maybe not. My observation is that flat front designs were meant for city maneuvering. I like the older rounded corners and the attention to detail in the windshield dip for pedestrian view.
I always wanted to drive a bus just so I could tell people where to get off!
Merry Pranksters, saddle up! Time for the next adventure!
Looks like the first bus I rode in
while touring the country playing music šµ in 1970. I was 15 going
on 16 back then and it was my first tour. The man I worked for
fancied himself a real hotshot as
he had his name, WAYNE DURBIN
AND HIS SHOWER OF STARS plastered on both sides of the bus. It slept 4 people in bunks in
the rear while 5 or 6 more could
sleep on couches or in reclining
seats farther up front. For some
odd reason, the rest room was
placed behind the drivers seat.
The bus also towed a 2 axle trailer behind it, emblazoned with
the same graphics I mentioned
earlier. The trailer held our bags
and all our equipment and whatever merch Mr. Durbin wanted to carry with him to sell at
the venues we played at. As I said before, Mr. Durbin thought himself to be a real hotshot and
Almost everyone could see right through him. The only way that we could’ve been “stars” was when we played these small out of the way towns where the townsfolk treated us like that. Not long after that, I was picked up by a promoter who was the real deal and had acts going all over the country. I did these summer tours 3 months out of the year so that I could remain in
school and get my highschool diploma. Made nearly $2,500 every summer I played and made
more playing weekends when school was in session. Some guys I went to school with wanted to start a local band so I
joined them. We played 9;months a year just doing gigs in
the state of Illinois. Yeah, I rode
on one of these buses, had a good time, got a secondary education, got paid a small fortune in ’70s money for doing it.
And the memories? They were
nothing short of wonderful.
I think thatās really great, having a little side-hustle to get you through those years. Iāve got a friend in CA whoās retired now but he keeps his musical talents sharp. On weekends he gets in his ā54 International panel and joins his friends to either jam together or play someoneās class reunion or community celebration. Heās always got something booked.
Myself, I love music and can play anything from an RCA Victor record player to a thumb drive, with my best talents being 8-tracks. My best achievement was 50 years fixing trucks and a few trips down the highway, driving one. My main occupation today is finding and selling antique truck parts, and my weekend warrior talents are grandkids, writing and annoying my wife.
Iād like to succeed in the writing part; my agent keeps telling me that my books are āOn the cusp,ā which I hope doesnāt mean the edge of the chute leading to the shredder.
But, like you, Iāve got memories that canāt be forgotten. Sharing them with others is one great thing but I will really feel short-changed if I canāt take them with me when I climb into the cab or straddle that bike for my last rideā¦
the chances of this seeing road time again are slim to none, and both have left town. i have the room and i would use it to store parts and shop stuff not often used. too many miles from me though
With the 4 lights and the curved glass, it looks somewhat like a late 40s early 50s Fxlible. The Flxs had 4 7″ lamps.
We did quite a bit of research on buses and conversions.
We came to the conclusion that it was best to not convert a school or city bus.
We ended up with a 1945 Fxible Clipper that was converted in 1959 by aircraft engineers. Aircraft spruce and other 1959 materials, some liken it to a rail car inside.
It had been a 26 or 28 passenger highway coach.
It has pulled the racecar trailer at highway speeds It gets more interest than the racecar.
Never say bus, it’s a motorhome…especially to insurance and dmv types.
Ran the ā bus barn ā for about a decade. As stated, route buses usually low miles/ hours, but geared low. Cummins or Binder, Allison, air brakes. NM requires 20 year limit, then must sell. However, ā team busesā were much better equipped $.Football is serious $ in this country, and busses were pusher Cummins, Allison, air brakes and ride, Big AC systems, and maintain freeway speed. Same 20 year rule. These would be the ones to convert.
You outdid yourself again, Michelle. Well done!
This is an attention getter for me but I didn’t see anything this big when I went to school. We had 36 passenger buses (one–later two–54 passenger) with a conventional cab front end on them. I believe that some referred to them as a “Flat Back Cowl.”
Anyways, I worked on a lot of buses but, like I said, they were all more conventional. But I can tell lots of stories.
From 2nd Grade, onwards, riding the bus down 20 miles of rock-strewn, pothole infested, washboard, trail twice a day was a continuous adventure.
We started out riding an International S-150, a 24 passenger fugitive from the junkyard. They had set the tappets so many times that the holes in the rocker arms were stripping out. So every night, after the run was completed, they had to reset all the tappets. It finally got to the point where it couldn’t complete one run before the engine started losing cylinders.
Ol’ Dick finally got rid of the Binder and got an equally decrepit GMC that had at least one wheel in the crusher at all times. Dick (the driver) had a specially sized forked stick on the floor beside the driver’s seat. When he got it into high, he took the stick and blocked it between the dash and the gear shifter so it wouldn’t pop out of high.
Then there was the time when the exhaust system all fell apart just ahead of the rear end. Our home ranch was on a riverflat on the Milk River, and it was a fairly steep and twisty road to come down. We made it down OK but when Dick stepped on the brake pedal at the prescribed stop, the pedal went down to the floor.
At least the E-brake worked.
The exhaust had burned through the hose that ran over the rear axle, causing loss of brake fluid.
That incident was on a Tuesday night. The rest of the week, us kids had different activities going on after school so our folks were transporting us back and forth until Friday. We boarded the smelly remains of that GMC and were somewhat surprised to see Dick (somewhat more skillfully) still using that E-brake as his regular service brake.
He did fix it properly over the weekend (possibly the broken exhaust too although you could still smell the fumes) and all was well.
Now, that was in the 60s. I can only imagine what would happen if he tried that today. They’d staple part of his anatomy to a fence post and tip him over backwards. Then they’d lock him up and throw the key away. Quite likely take his wife and kids and put them in a concentration camp. But that’s the way it was done…
Holy cow, what a story. I think my insides are rattled up a little, and here I was just about to take a nap!
School Bus drivers are a unique breed. The ones I recall from fifty and sixty years ago also differ from those today. Back then there was zero tolerance for poor behavior and the offender could easily find themself on the receiving end of the bus driver’s rath, not to mention what awaited them at home since there were no secrets and all the neighborhood moms knew one another. I believe those women who drove were well at ease with a 50 or 60 passenger bus as it differed little from the grain truck they may have driven to town during harvest time. All our drivers I recall to be women with two exceptions, Ken and Max. Ken would substitute now and then as our bus driver and mailman. Max ran the bus garage and provided substitute duties as he also knew all the routes by heart. Both were excellent drivers but Max could handle those busses like nobody else. We were hooking gears and rolling down those back roads with skill and aplomb. I have always enjoyed riding with someone who really knows how to drive whether it be Max, my older brother or professional race driver.
Our school bus was a old Dodge with a hemi you could hear the driver a mile away when he shifted and them long pipes really crackled
Dinky Toys made a model of this school bus in the ā60s.
I work for a bus co. we had several intnl busses from 2009-2915
intnl engines had probs w emission systems past 100k mi
warranted to 100k mi
funny coincidence huh?
selling them off for newer busses
sold/ traded 4 so far for newer freightliners; still have three 2 go
trade in value is standard 2500 bucks
none have more than 150k miles
the one I drive is at 133k; started having dpf problems at 107k miles
runs,starts,drives fine even in sub weather here in maine
problem is dpf doesn’t like idling and city runs
might be decent vehicles for hiway use
Thanks Geo. That side hustle morphed into a career that I would retire from in 1991 after 23
years of playing music šµ. Started out playing on WHOW out of Clinton Illinois and never looked back. While the other kids
were working at McDonald’s for
maybe $25 a week back then, I was playing guitar on a radio show called The Breakfast Jamboree with Uncle Johnny Barton making the magnificent sum of $75 a week in late ’60s
money– a variable fortune for a
skinny blind kid like me. And all I had to do was keep my grades up
in school and practice a lot. Things really took off when I got
picked to be the lead singer for the band that warmed up for Marty Robbins in ’73-’74. After that, I played the Midwest tour
until the ’80s when the big record
companies finally started going
to the small towns and fairs we
were playing which put an end to
that tour. But you’ve done alright
too. 50 years as a mechanic is
nothing to sneeze at. Bet you could write a car and truck repair
manual that would rival or even
Pass Chilton’s because you have
done all kinds of repairs yourself
and know how to do it. Not like
Chilton’s where it was written by a
writer that never got his hands dirty. Do you really have an agent? How do you get one? The
girls (my niece and SIL) and the kids I work with have said that I
should write a book about my memories of playing music before I forget them. It’s fun to tell those old stories and watch the looks on people’s faces when
I tell one or two of them. And like
you, I’ve been blessed with a full and wonderful life.
Hi, Ken. A major piece of advice that I can give you is to write eveything down; put pen to paper and get it written. I started when I was 14 and a local contractor I was helping out pulled me into the local coffee shop. Those old men told some great stories and I went home and wrote them down. I was hooked. I might add that a lot of those stories became fodder for my novels and short stories.
Put the stories into a file and maybe start a blog page.
When you start getting acquainted with an agent, he or she will want to see your website. I’ve talked to successful writers who have had actual websites and others who keep a blog. Blogs are relatively free to set up and have a lot of interesting themes. You can always customize them with pictures and cartoons. I’ve been keeping a blog since 2012 and it’s been fun.
You can check my blog page out anytime: gearheadsncoffeestains.blogspot.com
Finding an agent can be challenging. For years I had problems finding an agency that didn’t have a hand outstretched, looking for money up front. There is going to be some investments you’ll be expected to make, such as registration for a book fair but a good agent will otherwise work for a percentage; the more money you make; the more money they make.
Why don’t you drop me a line. I’ll give you all the information I have without boring everyone else to tears.
Writing is fun, and you only need ONE person to like your stuff to make you feel like you’ve succeeded.