The Gallery
 

1940 Chevy School Bus


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  Owned by Steve Bobst
"phantomgas"
Bolter # 719
Saint Charles, Iowa
23 January 2009 Update

From Steve :

    I finished my 1940 School Bus Project and am sending this updated picture for the Gallery.

    Restoring the bus only took about 10 years to complete my 2 1/2 year project.

    I still have my web site dedicated to the restoration. I have also updated it with a few new pages on the rebuild. So if you would like more details, please check it out!

See you in Kansas City,

Steve



Love to hear from our "old timers" (check Steve's Bolter #!) Incredible! You are not only finished, but the bus looks great. I love the people-pictures you have included on your site. All those parades! Great job. I'm sure you'll enjoy just cruising a while before you start another "two year project." Yes, see ya in KC! ~ Editor

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From Steve:

    I acquired this vehicle [ pix ] at a farm auction. I wasn't really looking for a bus, but I didn't want to see it go to the crusher for scrap iron. I have since decided to "hot rod" the old girl. It had been converted into a camper prior to 1959.(It still had 1959 plates on it.) The "conversion" included a full size refrigerator, a cast iron sink, twin bed, an early chemical toilet, shelving built from full 1" plywood, and tile flooring. The body was manufactured by Wayneworks of Richmond, Indiana (serial #27438). The drivetrain was original. The engine does run and I was able to drive it around the yard, even though it had flat tires and no brakes.

    My plans for it include replacing the original chassis with a 1984 P30 chassis. I intend to lower it a few inches. I also plan to shorten the body about 33" thus removing one window section. The front fenders will probably have to be widened to accept the new chassis. On the interior, I plan to install captain chairs and a sofa/bed from a conversion van. I plan to add a gas/ac/dc refrigerator. I also would like to add a few other items, if I have enough room for them. The idea is to have a vehicle that is dependable enough for cross country trips and roomy enough that the kids can move around, sleep or watch videos.

    Thanks for the kind words about my bus. My tentative plans are to have it finished (if they are ever finished) within the next 2 or 2 1/2 years. Next year, my main objective is to get the chassis work done and get the major body work done so that I can get the body mounted on the chassis. The following year I hope to finish it up with a custom interior and a few exterior tricks that I have up my sleeve. I am very excited about this project and appreciate your interest and support.

There'll be no stopping Steve, now ... check his web site if you want to see some more pictures of the bus ... and some other projects he's done. -- Ed.

-30-


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