The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1954 3800 bus in McDonald's Commercial

I had a series of health issues this summer so when I received this email I wasn't too interested: Dear Jim, I saw a picture of your beautiful 1954 School Bus on the Stovebolt website ( http://stovebolt.com/gallery/lee_jim_1954.html ) and was wondering if you still have it.
I am working on a television commercial for McDonalds in the Chicago area this month and we are looking for a bus from that era. The commercial is a period piece and will be shot on July 27th at the original McDonalds in DesPlaines, IL.
If you still have the bus and think you might be interested in having in a commercial, please let me know. We would be happy to pay a rental fee of course and cover any transportation and accommodation costs.

I emailed the guy back and told him thanks for the interest I really didn't feel up to hauling the bus from Springfield MO to Chicago and back.

My brother Tom and son told me to go for it, especially since the original McDonald's was on Lee Street.

I decided if my brother Tom could go with me I'd do it.

Plans were made, Tom had to back out so I loaded the bus on his flatbed behind my Suburban and, with my two grandsons (Trey 13 and Austin 11), headed off to Chicago in late July.

Here are some photos:

http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/07/going-to-chicago-for-mcdonalds.html

http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/09/british-mcdonalds-commercial-featuring.html

We had a grand time.

And thanks to Stovebolt for playing a part in the whole process!

Jim Lee

Great story!

That is an awesome story and an awesome bus! I remember seeing a bus like that in one of the TV series years back. Thanks for making the trip!

My wife told me about the advert over here, I jokingly said I wonder if the bus belonged to a Stovebolter.
Guess I was right!

Do you know who owns the 1/2 ton GMC?
Thanks for sharing.

Back when I went to school you really didn't want to be associated with the "short bus" but it is very cool now.

Chuck

The red GMC belonged to a guy from Chicago area. It took about 20 takes before the director was satisfied with the action.

It was a fun day but long.

That is awesome,you are very fortunate to have had the opportunity!


Thanks,Tim

That bus is something else! What a great adventure.

Thanks Jim, I was just curious. I hope you told him about this place!