How wonderful to see and hear the sounds of an old school bus that is gas and stick shift with air brakes. I owned 6 1970s versions of GMC Superior School buses in the 90s. I miss that bus model. They no longer exist. Would love to drive one once again and smell that gas exhaust! Diesel can't compare!
Wow, your contribution sub plants the age old expression: "A picture says a thousand words" with your video "hatches a million vibes" of surrounding nuances that would otherwise escape one's aural senses. Thank you for posting so long ago, hope it remains a treasure trove for many years to come.
Well I am back on RUclips and I still love vintage buses. This is one of the buses that seems to have the progressive box in it. And that is because 1st is a direct rather than a deep under. Rick you are still one great guy. I know that Ward was taken over by Amtran and Amtrak was taken over by IC. We need guys like you to make sure that these pieces of our transportation heritage does not end up in the scrap yard. There is a truck show in Lexington, KY coming up in the spring of 2018. I still wish I could come down to help keep these nice vintage buses running. But my finances are keeping me from coming though sadly.
Awesome bus! Really cool that it's a 5-speed manual, that drivetrain in that bus is like music to my ears! When I get a bus myself, that's my dream drivetrain, gasoline, and manual!
At 3:00 . Only a gas engine can do that. Yes indeed the best music to ears. I experienced this music of gas engined Chevrolet buses while in Saudi Arabia. Equally ecstatic was the sound of a new batch of diesel engined International buses with manual transmission. It was in year 1995.
Summit to pick up the kids if we get them ready to buses come pick up the kids a 252 thank you if you want to let them know to get ready test was great down the bus is coming to pick them up
I've been a school bus driver for 30years and had many buses over these past 30 years but my old bus 4 was the exact model of this bus in your video and I loved it.
🇨🇦 Nice Real School bus..The new Busses don't have the same feeling of the road Yes the newer bus are up to date..There missing the old world class Thankyou for the History and ride along
@billmcdonald0256, thank you! I agree that buses don't have the same feeling as they did in the past. I also own two 1978 Chevrolet Ward buses and a 1973 International Superior. Those need work, but my goal is to get them back on the road eventually.
I ridden ward school buses when I was little particularly with the Ford B700 chassis on them and the Chevrolet chassis too.Of course they all had automatic transmission.
Hey Ricky... My name us Jim... We have a 1968 GMC carpenter 66 passenger bus we have a camper made into... 75,000 original miles... Still runs and drives really good...
I also learned that it should only take 45 seconds to get air pressure to build up to 85-100 PSI if you accelerate to normal operating speed. I dont know how it is on Medium Duty chassis like school buses but I know tractor trailers the RPMs should be between 1100 and 1500 RPMs. And operating speed is normally 13-14. And you should drain the air tanks at the end of the working day.
I remember it like it was yesterday. The year 1985. I was in Jr. High. I remember walking to the bus stop and being picked up in a brand new bus. It was a Bluebird. It was a manual transmission, and was a Chevrolet. I remember the smell of the new bus, and the sounds of the whining transmission. I remember it was the first bus that I rode in that had brown seats instead of green.
This is awesome! I remember as a kid my school district had several GMC buses both Wayne and Blue Bird. The last two gone were gone by '96 or so when I was 8
Ricky Adamson to be honest, I preferred Wayne. When I was a kid at my school district, they had Chevy, Ford, GMC. My school didn't start getting automatic til 1994 and that was the last year that Wayne was a new bus for my school because after that it was all blue bird
I think I would have preferred Wayne over Bluebird, too. Those Wayne buses were just so interesting and had so many unique features. My hometown district mainly bought manual transmission buses but they did buy automatics a couple of times through the years. Finally they started only buying automatics in 1999.
Ricky Adamson the last manual bus they got rid of was in 2004, a Wayne Chevy. Actually it was the bus I rode as a kid for a few years but buses that they didn't use full time after they got a new bus, the old one became a spare for a few years
@@mowenreal ysgsfsgrhrgvfgfdhefgwuece she's if you get this message for me and I will put it back to you to thank you and that's why I want to let you know thank you
Now Rick, I am glad I stumbled on this video because I am still a fan of Ward buses. One thing that also causes a bus to warm up slower or not want to start properly is that there could be some stuff such as dust and dirt close to either the carburetor, the fuel pump might also may have some dirt caked on it as well. As I was watching WD Detailing, RJ who is always seen on that channel demonstrates that some steel wool could make the handle shine like it used to when the bus was new! Now if you go over the engine with some degreaser, and knock all the dust and dirt out of there, that should help it warm up quicker. Sometimes a good flush out with going over the engine with a blower, you should be safe.
Ok. Now for those who are also new to these older buses, right at 0:44, we see almost a universal design for the door handle. I think it is where Ward had its own link to run from the handle to the door, but I have seen that kind of handle design on Ward, Superior, Wayne, and Carpenter. In those days when many of these buses were built, the customer told the company how they wanted the bus to be built. This one has the jackknife door. They also had the option for having the windshield wipers hanging from the top. The type of transmission this has is what is called a "Progressive" transmission. That means all 5 speeds are usable. A compound transmission like we see on many of the buses that are older than this one had, is where you have what is called the "Deep Under" gear in 1st. With a compound box, you may have 5 speeds, but only 3 or 4 of them are truly usable due to that 2nd on a 5-speed is can be a regular under gear than a direct gear. Also seen as an option is the indicator for the overhead blinker lights. Those would flash when the overhead lights are flashing.
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I’m going to the farm tomorrow morning to replace two windows that were broken out by vandals and the drivers seat I had reupholstered. I’m not sure how to post a video or photos here?..., but you’re welcome to text me at 15407971781. Would love to share the restoration process. The buses are identical minus the GMC or Chevy emblem. Mine is a 4 way red warning light system and didn’t have the 8 way or light monitor. Loved the video! Saw it a while back and the story of how I got “82” is hilarious. I’ve posted pics on FB and you are welcome to follow there too. Caleb Quesenberry in Roanoke Va.
our oldest bus where I work is a 95 international Amtran that resembles a Ward. I rode on many chevy buses like this growing up. though we didn't have wards. they don't make buses like this anymore. most of the buses where i work are 2003 IC CE 200s and 300s.
I learned the day before I retook the road test that the air brake supply also effects everything that uses air pressure on the vehicle. Even air ride driver seats. Which explains why I couldnt get the seat to go up when practicing driving. So Im assuming school buses with air powered doors are the same now days.
So 1984 was the last year Ward did not window channels. I know 1985 is the first year of the Window Channels on the Wards and 86 was the first year the ceiling and interior back wall was tan. And I think it went to white either the last year of Ward in 92 or the first year of Amtran in 93. I did read Amtran nearly went out of business around 96 but changing the front end cap made a big difference. And today they are still around as IC.
One thing I noticed changed on the Ward. Not sure if it was 85 or 86 but I know Baltimore County had the box like door handles on teh 86 Wards that have the latch at the top. And after 86 the design didnt come back until 1999 on the Amtran CS's with the International Chassis. And the door handle was the regular door handle with the top latch. I do wish they had Wards in 89 as well as Amtran in 93 and 97 instead of Thomas as the Thomas I dislike the way the front roof cap slopes up. As well as IC CEs from 00-01 and 04 and up.
love the video and the bus!!! is that a 366 v8 gas motor?? it sounds awesome...brings back good old memories...also like the factory tachometer on dash...it was a extra option on some school buses...excellent work...
Love this video! thank you!... you must love school buses. I can see. I am thinking of buying one, same year and model, 7 window. how much does it cost to fill the tank?.
Russell Acosta Hi Russell! Thank you! I do love school buses, an interest I have had since I was about 2 years old. I'm not sure of the cost to completely fill the tank but it is a 60 gallon tank.
This is my new channel Rick! I could remember the low-air alarm were loud buzzers. But THESE were real school buses. Of course for those who are watching, this has what is called a progressive transmission meaning all the gears are truly usable and I think 1st is direct rather than deep under. Probably the reason why it takes longer to start is that there is probably dust and debris in the fuel pump and water pump. So if you get these things updated and want to take these on a national tour, you may want to steam clean the engine.
I have never seen a GMC bus or a Ward. Where are you at? I grew up in Florida in the 80's and all of the buses were automatic diesel Ford with square lights on Bluebirds or Internationals on Thomasbuilt. I noticed your Elmo didn't have the front headlights or rear taillights on it, never seen one like that before. Our Elmos were built into the cb and stereo system up front over the driver where we could watch the lights flash. I also didn't see any a/c overhead so I was guessing it wasn't a southern bus, it would be hard riding a bus in FL with no a/c. It's really interesting to see different styles of buses in different areas.
+heis larenzo This bus is in Arkansas. Since Ward buses were manufactured here, this was a very Ward heavy state. The Elmo monitor was spec'd that way. There was another bus that had the rear turn signals, brake lights, back-up lights included on the monitor. None of our buses had air growing up but recently they have started buying buses with air conditioning.
Wards were not commonplace; however, I do remember one in Charles County (it was, in fact, unique in the county at the time), a Ward body with a Ford engine; they would get more common after the International acquisition (the only Ward dealer was in St. Mary's county - Kessler Body and Equipment - which did double-duty selling tractors and heavy-duty trucks).
The first (and one of only two) Ward bus I rode to school was a Ward/Ford (also manual transmission). Typically, third (or fourth) would be deliberately skipped - (it was not a Ward issue - it was, in fact, commonplace with Ford engine busses in the B700 and F750 and B8xx series with a manual transmissions - for some reason, the F800 work trucks saw the same sort of odd behavior). I was aware that fifth gear was, in fact, an overdrive gear - was fourth gear too tall? As I stated, it was NOT unique to Ward-bodied busses - I saw it in Thomas-bodied, and even the two Superior-bodied busses with Ford engines and stick shifters. Stick busses were common when I went to school - a grand total of ONE automatic was on any school bus I ran into in school - the only Carpenter-Ford (and that creature was actually owned by the county BoE - and the number - C-2 - reflected it). While Fords were not all that common power plants during the 1970s - when I was in school - International was *far* more common - automatics were practically hens' teeth - as I pointed out, I saw a grand total of *one*. As far as bus bodies went, Thomas conventional was the most common, followed by frst Superior (both standard Superior, then Superior/Sheller) then Ward, and with Carpenter (Carpenter and Carpenter/Crown) bringing up the rear. In my old home school district, it is still Thomas (C2) out in front, followed by IC conventional, then Blue Bird, then Thomas EFX/HDX in a tie. Prince George's County? IC conventional, then Blue Bird. Thomas? Missing (that is ANY sort of Thomas), except for the odd interloping charter (as in public charter school that has their own bus). The school board owns the route buses - which also explains the dominance of IC today - it was Blue Bird that was dominant five years ago.
a Ward was the only bus my school system never bought.. not sure why.. I think they felt like ward was too much like Superior.. if you look at many of the features like the defrosters and the electrical switch panels, shape of the bus etc it looked alot like a superior.. our school system had issues with superiors.. MANY years ago I had a Bluebird with a 454 HD in it (1986), Now I have a 1991 Carpenter/IH S-3800 {DT360} SHortie that I just got. .. I actually just recently was inside my first Ward (89) {DT360} - it seemed like a well built bus. do you still have this bus and still drive it? I Love busses!
Hi Christopher! Thank you for the comments. My hometown district had only Ward and Superior buses. I do agree that there are many similarities in the two buses. I found the Ward buses to be very well-built. As a matter of fact, my hometown district recently sold some Ward buses that were almost 30 years old. The bodies held up well for them. I do still have the 1984 GMC Ward in the video. I drive it when I go home for a visit. I also own a 1973 Superior International and two 1978 Chevrolet Wards.
the more i think about it.. our schools bought busses originally from companies near by... being in dayton ohio.. we had a lot of wayne, carpenter, and superior busses ... all were manufactruied in ohio or indiana.. superiors gave them issues.. Most of our chassis were IH.. which were built right in springfield ohio.. theyu did buy a few fords with carpenter and superior in 1979.. we never had a chevy / GMC bus that I can remember.. we never had a single diesel until 1986.. when they bought some carpenters and their first bluebirds.. they went away from wayne as rust issues even on newer busses were bad.. the 86 cartpenters were the redesign with the taller windows.. all of our busses were conventionals.. the only thomas we had was one substitute from 1971.. that got replaced with a new bluebird in 86.. .. theres a nice looking ward for sale on one of the bus forums now.. its not original.. its had the school equipment removed and a nice quality green paint job.. its an IH DT360/ AT545 auto..
Im wondering. Is the panel where the gauges are optional in different colors on the GM Chassis during that time? I noticed Baltimore County had white around the gauges on the 84 Waynes and black on the 87 Waynes as well as 88 Blue Birds, 89 Thomas' and Blue Birds and 90 Blue Birds before switching to International.
+MrWill1985 Hi. All of our 1983 and 1984 GMC buses had the same colors as this bus. Our 1986 and 1989 models did not have the white around the gauges. On those buses, the gauges were black.
Baltimore County used white around the gauges on the 84 Chevy Waynes but the 87 Chevy Waynes 88 blue bird gmc 89 Thomas Chevy and 90 gmc blue bird had black. But many gmc blue birds had Chevy grills due to a replacement grill. Mainly 88s.
Do you have to double clutch when driving this bus? Im currently in CDL Training and you do have to double clutch a tractor trailer when driving it. Im slowly improving on shifting gears and learned not to rush when shifting. But Ill get the hang of a proper gear shift.
No, you don't have to double-clutch this bus. As a matter of fact, none of my buses have to be double-clutched. Shifting gears takes practice but you will get it!
I got the shifting gears down packed before graduating CDL training and I even passed the state test and will become a tractor trailer driver next month. I definitely look forward to it. I may even buy a used school bus with a manual transmission from the late 90s early 2000s. Either a Blue Bird International. Amtran CS International or even a Thomas Freightliner with a high ceiling. I dont know if I should retrofit it with an Eaton Fuller 10 speed but I know most school buses from those days with manual have a Spicer 5 speed. I know the 10 speed and up you have to downshift when getting ready to take sharp turns or even approaching a red light(if possible). I get those moments I can't downshift when approaching a red light but it happens.
Does your Grandmothers school system keep drivers on the same route during their entire time as a school bus driver once they are on a regular route or do they change runs every year? I know Baltimore County which is where I grew up the drivers have the same runs every year. The driver my sister had in Middle school retired after the 96-97 school year and I had a different driver during my middle school years then she did and my middle school bus driver still has that same run today as she did when I was in middle school except I think she now days has a 2010 Saf T Liner C2 unless they decided to reassign her a 2014 or 2015 IC CE. But either way wouldnt surprise me. But when I was in school she had a 89 Thomas Chevy my 6th grade year. 96 Crown by Carpenter International my 7th grade year and 99 Amtran my 8th grade year (brand new). And had that bus for my 9th to 11th grade years as well and got assigned a 03 IC CE my senior year(brand new)
Hi there! My grandmother kept the same route for 30 years. Most drivers in the district kept the same route throughout their career unless they asked to change. Occasionally, drivers would have to take a new route if their old route was absorbed into another route.
I used to visit my schools a few years ago but after the school shooting in Connecticut my former school system beefed up on security stationing police at Middle Schools and possibly Elementary schools. And they did always have police at the high schools since my freshman year.
@@Stephen_R_Adamson Nice video! It reminds me of the good old days when I rode a school bus in the 1980's and 1990's. My comment is on the steering wheels. I like how the steering wheels were made in the GMC buses and not only I've seen black ones exactly like the one in this video but I've seen a grey-ish/tanned colored one in a green interior GMC school bus in the 1980's! I'm sure that you still have this same bus? If so, I was wondering if you could possibly take some photos or a video of the steering wheel up close in different angles in daylight? You don't very often see these type of steering wheels anymore!
@@Lee32T thanks for the nice comments! I do still own this bus. It is in Arkansas but I live in California now. When I get to go home again for a visit, I'd be happy to make some pics of the steering wheel for you. Are you a member of Vintage School Bus Group on Facebook? If so, there are pics of my bus in there as well as many others with the steering wheels you like. Check it out!
Thanks, Joe! I'm glad you like the video and that it brought back memories. I do still own this bus. I try to drive it when I go home to Arkansas for a visit.
Nice bus my school district in east Smithfield PA in 1989 had a 1989 international 5 speed manuel transmission. I also have a video on youtube it is titled Robert Gildea preaches. I put the video on youtube to reach the youth of America with touretes syndrome with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. Your friend in Jesus Robert Gildea Elmira NY Romans 6:23
You are bringing back.My childhood memories go school bus😊
also love the whine sound in 1st-2ND gear as well...good old memories...
Erica Burns yes and nothing better than hearing a Allison 545 either
How wonderful to see and hear the sounds of an old school bus that is gas and stick shift with air brakes. I owned 6 1970s versions of GMC Superior School buses in the 90s. I miss that bus model. They no longer exist. Would love to drive one once again and smell that gas exhaust! Diesel can't compare!
Oldie but GOODIE!!!!! I LOVE those straight rows of pine trees in front of where bus was parked.
Wow, your contribution sub plants the age old expression: "A picture says a thousand words" with your video "hatches a million vibes" of surrounding nuances that would otherwise escape one's aural senses. Thank you for posting so long ago, hope it remains a treasure trove for many years to come.
Oh man! Sweet sights and sounds of memories...
Well I am back on RUclips and I still love vintage buses. This is one of the buses that seems to have the progressive box in it. And that is because 1st is a direct rather than a deep under. Rick you are still one great guy. I know that Ward was taken over by Amtran and Amtrak was taken over by IC. We need guys like you to make sure that these pieces of our transportation heritage does not end up in the scrap yard. There is a truck show in Lexington, KY coming up in the spring of 2018. I still wish I could come down to help keep these nice vintage buses running. But my finances are keeping me from coming though sadly.
Awesome bus! Really cool that it's a 5-speed manual, that drivetrain in that bus is like music to my ears! When I get a bus myself, that's my dream drivetrain, gasoline, and manual!
At 3:00 . Only a gas engine can do that.
Yes indeed the best music to ears. I experienced this music of gas engined Chevrolet buses while in Saudi Arabia.
Equally ecstatic was the sound of a new batch of diesel engined International buses with manual transmission. It was in year 1995.
My phone is messed up sorry,,great bus
@@aestereo7448 xmdmhcmdjgsmxhdbdjdjshsngcalsgaahshsj
Summit to pick up the kids if we get them ready to buses come pick up the kids a 252 thank you if you want to let them know to get ready test was great down the bus is coming to pick them up
Thanks for sharing! I am interviewing for a school bus driver position at a local rural school this Monday! I'm so excited!
Hi Ricky.....That was great vidio of you. That is a very special bus it was your Grandma's bus! Your great driver to. ❤️❤️
Lo que mas me gusta escuchar de ese bus, es el ronroneo, el rugido que tiene cuando lo aceleran, y empieza a andar.
Nice video thank u! I drove a GMC Blue Bird 1987 with a 366 engine like this bus. It brings me good memories! :)
I've been a school bus driver for 30years and had many buses over these past 30 years but my old bus 4 was the exact model of this bus in your video and I loved it.
That's a nice bus right there. The one I drove is a 1990 with hydraulic brakes. I love the sound of that thing!!!
🇨🇦 Nice Real School bus..The new Busses don't have the same feeling of the road Yes the newer bus are up to date..There missing the old world class Thankyou for the History and ride along
@billmcdonald0256, thank you! I agree that buses don't have the same feeling as they did in the past. I also own two 1978 Chevrolet Ward buses and a 1973 International Superior. Those need work, but my goal is to get them back on the road eventually.
I ridden ward school buses when I was little particularly with the Ford B700 chassis on them and the Chevrolet chassis too.Of course they all had automatic transmission.
Hey Ricky... My name us Jim... We have a 1968 GMC carpenter 66 passenger bus we have a camper made into... 75,000 original miles... Still runs and drives really good...
cowboy 1966cowboy hoss Hi Jim! I’d love to see a video of your bus. How cool!
@@Stephen_R_Adamson I'll make a video and send it to you
I rode a Chevrolet Thomas in elementary school, I remember that thing having air brakes with an Allison. This brings back those memories!
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Wonderful video. This bus is beautiful
These are the type of buses I rode when I first started school in 1992. I remember the manual transmissions
I also learned that it should only take 45 seconds to get air pressure to build up to 85-100 PSI if you accelerate to normal operating speed. I dont know how it is on Medium Duty chassis like school buses but I know tractor trailers the RPMs should be between 1100 and 1500 RPMs. And operating speed is normally 13-14. And you should drain the air tanks at the end of the working day.
I remember it like it was yesterday. The year 1985. I was in Jr. High. I remember walking to the bus stop and being picked up in a brand new bus. It was a Bluebird. It was a manual transmission, and was a Chevrolet. I remember the smell of the new bus, and the sounds of the whining transmission. I remember it was the first bus that I rode in that had brown seats instead of green.
Great bus! It may just need a simple tune-up. Looking forward to seeing a video about the International.
This is awesome! I remember as a kid my school district had several GMC buses both Wayne and Blue Bird. The last two gone were gone by '96 or so when I was 8
My hometown district never had Wayne or Bluebird but I would have loved to explore those, especially the Wayne buses. Did you have a preference?
Ricky Adamson to be honest, I preferred Wayne. When I was a kid at my school district, they had Chevy, Ford, GMC. My school didn't start getting automatic til 1994 and that was the last year that Wayne was a new bus for my school because after that it was all blue bird
I think I would have preferred Wayne over Bluebird, too. Those Wayne buses were just so interesting and had so many unique features. My hometown district mainly bought manual transmission buses but they did buy automatics a couple of times through the years. Finally they started only buying automatics in 1999.
Ricky Adamson the last manual bus they got rid of was in 2004, a Wayne Chevy. Actually it was the bus I rode as a kid for a few years but buses that they didn't use full time after they got a new bus, the old one became a spare for a few years
Old Wards are my favorite.
Jim Kalin 0ppll
Hi! I do still own this bus. I'm glad you like the video!
I rewatched the video and heard your grandma retired in it. You should keep it
@@mowenreal ysgsfsgrhrgvfgfdhefgwuece she's if you get this message for me and I will put it back to you to thank you and that's why I want to let you know thank you
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Make an other one ! Busses where like this when i was a kid !
Now Rick, I am glad I stumbled on this video because I am still a fan of Ward buses. One thing that also causes a bus to warm up slower or not want to start properly is that there could be some stuff such as dust and dirt close to either the carburetor, the fuel pump might also may have some dirt caked on it as well. As I was watching WD Detailing, RJ who is always seen on that channel demonstrates that some steel wool could make the handle shine like it used to when the bus was new! Now if you go over the engine with some degreaser, and knock all the dust and dirt out of there, that should help it warm up quicker. Sometimes a good flush out with going over the engine with a blower, you should be safe.
Ok. Now for those who are also new to these older buses, right at 0:44, we see almost a universal design for the door handle. I think it is where Ward had its own link to run from the handle to the door, but I have seen that kind of handle design on Ward, Superior, Wayne, and Carpenter. In those days when many of these buses were built, the customer told the company how they wanted the bus to be built. This one has the jackknife door. They also had the option for having the windshield wipers hanging from the top. The type of transmission this has is what is called a "Progressive" transmission. That means all 5 speeds are usable. A compound transmission like we see on many of the buses that are older than this one had, is where you have what is called the "Deep Under" gear in 1st. With a compound box, you may have 5 speeds, but only 3 or 4 of them are truly usable due to that 2nd on a 5-speed is can be a regular under gear than a direct gear. Also seen as an option is the indicator for the overhead blinker lights. Those would flash when the overhead lights are flashing.
Hi Ricky. I just bought my 85 Chevy Ward I rode in high school. 366 gas engine, hydraulic brakes, 5spd.
That’s awesome! I’d love to see a video!
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I’m going to the farm tomorrow morning to replace two windows that were broken out by vandals and the drivers seat I had reupholstered. I’m not sure how to post a video or photos here?..., but you’re welcome to text me at 15407971781. Would love to share the restoration process. The buses are identical minus the GMC or Chevy emblem. Mine is a 4 way red warning light system and didn’t have the 8 way or light monitor. Loved the video! Saw it a while back and the story of how I got “82” is hilarious. I’ve posted pics on FB and you are welcome to follow there too. Caleb Quesenberry in Roanoke Va.
@@swcity2889 Are you in the vintage school bus group on Facebook?
If you can share the link, I will gladly share pics of the restoration process and current pics.
I tried to find the Facebook school bus link, but all I could find is the folks converting school buses into skoolies and campers.
our oldest bus where I work is a 95 international Amtran that resembles a Ward. I rode on many chevy buses like this growing up. though we didn't have wards. they don't make buses like this anymore. most of the buses where i work are 2003 IC CE 200s and 300s.
I think that's pretty cool that your the bus in the family.
Awesome.
Thanks for the memories.
Nice memories of my childhood when i'm listening this sound the engine, i remember this sound
I'd like to see you drive that superior bus too!
That’s cool that your G-ma got to keep the bus she drove for all those years.
Nice video. That poor ol gurl needs to be driven more to get all the coughs and sputters out. hehe
You are so right! Actually, the next time I drove it, I figured out that if I kept the choke pulled out slightly there were no coughs or sputters.
that bus should a been plug in during the cold winter months it has a block heater in them buses and set the timer on them to
I learned the day before I retook the road test that the air brake supply also effects everything that uses air pressure on the vehicle. Even air ride driver seats. Which explains why I couldnt get the seat to go up when practicing driving. So Im assuming school buses with air powered doors are the same now days.
awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's a shame GMC / Chevrolet, Ford & Dodge no longer make full-sized school buses. But it is nice to see gas powered buses making a comeback!
Manual bus...that looks like fun
So 1984 was the last year Ward did not window channels. I know 1985 is the first year of the Window Channels on the Wards and 86 was the first year the ceiling and interior back wall was tan. And I think it went to white either the last year of Ward in 92 or the first year of Amtran in 93. I did read Amtran nearly went out of business around 96 but changing the front end cap made a big difference. And today they are still around as IC.
RSS Herrera for as sgye gets. fss
One thing I noticed changed on the Ward. Not sure if it was 85 or 86 but I know Baltimore County had the box like door handles on teh 86 Wards that have the latch at the top. And after 86 the design didnt come back until 1999 on the Amtran CS's with the International Chassis. And the door handle was the regular door handle with the top latch. I do wish they had Wards in 89 as well as Amtran in 93 and 97 instead of Thomas as the Thomas I dislike the way the front roof cap slopes up. As well as IC CEs from 00-01 and 04 and up.
love the video and the bus!!! is that a 366 v8 gas motor?? it sounds awesome...brings back good old memories...also like the factory tachometer on dash...it was a extra option on some school buses...excellent work...
Your grandma must really love you
Love this video! thank you!... you must love school buses. I can see. I am thinking of buying one, same year and model, 7 window. how much does it cost to fill the tank?.
Russell Acosta Hi Russell! Thank you! I do love school buses, an interest I have had since I was about 2 years old. I'm not sure of the cost to completely fill the tank but it is a 60 gallon tank.
If you are interested in another bus, same as your ward, but 7 windows. I can refer you to a gentleman in Oregon who has one. let me know!.:)
I love School buses too! ever since I was a child as well. btw. I am glad I am not the only one in this world who thinks so ..:)
Disculpe: la primera de ese bus, con motor a gasolina, no es hacia adelanté?
Pues tengo entendido que esos Buses, con motor diesel, es hacia atras.
Put berrymans carb cleaner in it that carb is popping something crazy geezw
This is my new channel Rick! I could remember the low-air alarm were loud buzzers. But THESE were real school buses. Of course for those who are watching, this has what is called a progressive transmission meaning all the gears are truly usable and I think 1st is direct rather than deep under. Probably the reason why it takes longer to start is that there is probably dust and debris in the fuel pump and water pump. So if you get these things updated and want to take these on a national tour, you may want to steam clean the engine.
Get the carburetor overhauled too.
My district has a bus like this except, I think it's a 1986, it's smaller, has an automatic transmission, and automatic doors, and it's number 3
Any more videos of your bus? What about the other one?
very cool lots of fun :)
I remember that annoying beep from my dad’s 88 gmc 7000. It was incredibly annoying.
Lsjxdd
Play get ready
I have never seen a GMC bus or a Ward. Where are you at? I grew up in Florida in the 80's and all of the buses were automatic diesel Ford with square lights on Bluebirds or Internationals on Thomasbuilt. I noticed your Elmo didn't have the front headlights or rear taillights on it, never seen one like that before. Our Elmos were built into the cb and stereo system up front over the driver where we could watch the lights flash. I also didn't see any a/c overhead so I was guessing it wasn't a southern bus, it would be hard riding a bus in FL with no a/c. It's really interesting to see different styles of buses in different areas.
+heis larenzo This bus is in Arkansas. Since Ward buses were manufactured here, this was a very Ward heavy state. The Elmo monitor was spec'd that way. There was another bus that had the rear turn signals, brake lights, back-up lights included on the monitor. None of our buses had air growing up but recently they have started buying buses with air conditioning.
Wards were not commonplace; however, I do remember one in Charles County (it was, in fact, unique in the county at the time), a Ward body with a Ford engine; they would get more common after the International acquisition (the only Ward dealer was in St. Mary's county - Kessler Body and Equipment - which did double-duty selling tractors and heavy-duty trucks).
The first (and one of only two) Ward bus I rode to school was a Ward/Ford (also manual transmission). Typically, third (or fourth) would be deliberately skipped - (it was not a Ward issue - it was, in fact, commonplace with Ford engine busses in the B700 and F750 and B8xx series with a manual transmissions - for some reason, the F800 work trucks saw the same sort of odd behavior). I was aware that fifth gear was, in fact, an overdrive gear - was fourth gear too tall? As I stated, it was NOT unique to Ward-bodied busses - I saw it in Thomas-bodied, and even the two Superior-bodied busses with Ford engines and stick shifters. Stick busses were common when I went to school - a grand total of ONE automatic was on any school bus I ran into in school - the only Carpenter-Ford (and that creature was actually owned by the county BoE - and the number - C-2 - reflected it). While Fords were not all that common power plants during the 1970s - when I was in school - International was *far* more common - automatics were practically hens' teeth - as I pointed out, I saw a grand total of *one*. As far as bus bodies went, Thomas conventional was the most common, followed by frst Superior (both standard Superior, then Superior/Sheller) then Ward, and with Carpenter (Carpenter and Carpenter/Crown) bringing up the rear. In my old home school district, it is still Thomas (C2) out in front, followed by IC conventional, then Blue Bird, then Thomas EFX/HDX in a tie. Prince George's County? IC conventional, then Blue Bird. Thomas? Missing (that is ANY sort of Thomas), except for the odd interloping charter (as in public charter school that has their own bus). The school board owns the route buses - which also explains the dominance of IC today - it was Blue Bird that was dominant five years ago.
That would be cool if it were a diesel i love that it is not the same freightliner nose
Sounds like a burnt valve causing backfire threw the carburetor
a Ward was the only bus my school system never bought.. not sure why.. I think they felt like ward was too much like Superior.. if you look at many of the features like the defrosters and the electrical switch panels, shape of the bus etc it looked alot like a superior.. our school system had issues with superiors..
MANY years ago I had a Bluebird with a 454 HD in it (1986), Now I have a 1991 Carpenter/IH S-3800 {DT360} SHortie that I just got. ..
I actually just recently was inside my first Ward (89) {DT360} - it seemed like a well built bus.
do you still have this bus and still drive it? I Love busses!
Hi Christopher! Thank you for the comments. My hometown district had only Ward and Superior buses. I do agree that there are many similarities in the two buses. I found the Ward buses to be very well-built. As a matter of fact, my hometown district recently sold some Ward buses that were almost 30 years old. The bodies held up well for them. I do still have the 1984 GMC Ward in the video. I drive it when I go home for a visit. I also own a 1973 Superior International and two 1978 Chevrolet Wards.
the more i think about it.. our schools bought busses originally from
companies near by... being in dayton ohio.. we had a lot of wayne,
carpenter, and superior busses ... all were manufactruied in ohio or
indiana.. superiors gave them issues.. Most of our chassis were IH..
which were built right in springfield ohio.. theyu did buy a few fords
with carpenter and superior in 1979.. we never had a chevy / GMC bus
that I can remember.. we never had a single diesel until 1986.. when
they bought some carpenters and their first bluebirds.. they went away
from wayne as rust issues even on newer busses were bad.. the 86
cartpenters were the redesign with the taller windows.. all of our
busses were conventionals.. the only thomas we had was one substitute
from 1971.. that got replaced with a new bluebird in 86.. .. theres a
nice looking ward for sale on one of the bus forums now.. its not
original.. its had the school equipment removed and a nice quality green
paint job.. its an IH DT360/ AT545 auto..
So cool!!! Thanks for Sharing! Grew up with the family 57 Chevy bus we converted. Still driving the bus around?
Im wondering. Is the panel where the gauges are optional in different colors on the GM Chassis during that time? I noticed Baltimore County had white around the gauges on the 84 Waynes and black on the 87 Waynes as well as 88 Blue Birds, 89 Thomas' and Blue Birds and 90 Blue Birds before switching to International.
+MrWill1985 Hi. All of our 1983 and 1984 GMC buses had the same colors as this bus. Our 1986 and 1989 models did not have the white around the gauges. On those buses, the gauges were black.
Baltimore County used white around the gauges on the 84 Chevy Waynes but the 87 Chevy Waynes 88 blue bird gmc 89 Thomas Chevy and 90 gmc blue bird had black. But many gmc blue birds had Chevy grills due to a replacement grill. Mainly 88s.
why don't you have any more bus video are you in the process in restoring them now yet
Do you have to double clutch when driving this bus? Im currently in CDL Training and you do have to double clutch a tractor trailer when driving it. Im slowly improving on shifting gears and learned not to rush when shifting. But Ill get the hang of a proper gear shift.
No, you don't have to double-clutch this bus. As a matter of fact, none of my buses have to be double-clutched. Shifting gears takes practice but you will get it!
I got the shifting gears down packed before graduating CDL training and I even passed the state test and will become a tractor trailer driver next month. I definitely look forward to it. I may even buy a used school bus with a manual transmission from the late 90s early 2000s. Either a Blue Bird International. Amtran CS International or even a Thomas Freightliner with a high ceiling. I dont know if I should retrofit it with an Eaton Fuller 10 speed but I know most school buses from those days with manual have a Spicer 5 speed. I know the 10 speed and up you have to downshift when getting ready to take sharp turns or even approaching a red light(if possible). I get those moments I can't downshift when approaching a red light but it happens.
I'm still not 100 % perfect with shifting but now days I hardly ever use the clutch when shifting. But I'm driving tractor trailers.
When are you going to post a video of the 1978 bus?
Chad, once I get the 78 model running, I will post a pic of it.
This should have been powered by a Diesel engine...like a DD 6V53!
Or a 5.9 Cummins
Does your Grandmothers school system keep drivers on the same route during their entire time as a school bus driver once they are on a regular route or do they change runs every year? I know Baltimore County which is where I grew up the drivers have the same runs every year. The driver my sister had in Middle school retired after the 96-97 school year and I had a different driver during my middle school years then she did and my middle school bus driver still has that same run today as she did when I was in middle school except I think she now days has a 2010 Saf T Liner C2 unless they decided to reassign her a 2014 or 2015 IC CE. But either way wouldnt surprise me. But when I was in school she had a 89 Thomas Chevy my 6th grade year. 96 Crown by Carpenter International my 7th grade year and 99 Amtran my 8th grade year (brand new). And had that bus for my 9th to 11th grade years as well and got assigned a 03 IC CE my senior year(brand new)
Hi there! My grandmother kept the same route for 30 years. Most drivers in the district kept the same route throughout their career unless they asked to change. Occasionally, drivers would have to take a new route if their old route was absorbed into another route.
I used to visit my schools a few years ago but after the school shooting in Connecticut my former school system beefed up on security stationing police at Middle Schools and possibly Elementary schools. And they did always have police at the high schools since my freshman year.
Nice video and thank you for showing it. When will you take the other bus out for a drive?
Crossed wires or tuliped intake valves.
I love this vid!! Brings back good memories!! Do ya still have the bus?
I do still have this bus!
So if this is gas powered you can operate this in California
It's gas powered but I keep it in Arkansas. I didn't bring it to California with me.
@@Stephen_R_Adamson good choice not bringing it to California
No powersteering ? Nice bus
Sleeping in my feelings Sick 😫 emergency room
NICE ¡
Is this bus still in service or is it retired
I wish I could've been dressed like a girl riding on these,, nice bus though
Bus needs a tuneup but if tuneup then it’ll run better yesss in theed
Did you ever take it out?
+John Blessing , I take it out for a ride when I'm visiting my hometown. It is parked there at my grandmother's house.
+Ricky Adamson that's really cool wasn't sure if you had got a video of the other bus
That's an Old-school-bus.
what year did this bus retired
This was bus retired from service in 2004.
Love it. Wanna sell it
I'm afraid it's not for sell. It has a lot of sentimental value. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
@@Stephen_R_Adamson Nice video! It reminds me of the good old days when I rode a school bus in the 1980's and 1990's. My comment is on the steering wheels. I like how the steering wheels were made in the GMC buses and not only I've seen black ones exactly like the one in this video but I've seen a grey-ish/tanned colored one in a green interior GMC school bus in the 1980's! I'm sure that you still have this same bus? If so, I was wondering if you could possibly take some photos or a video of the steering wheel up close in different angles in daylight? You don't very often see these type of steering wheels anymore!
@@Lee32T thanks for the nice comments! I do still own this bus. It is in Arkansas but I live in California now. When I get to go home again for a visit, I'd be happy to make some pics of the steering wheel for you. Are you a member of Vintage School Bus Group on Facebook? If so, there are pics of my bus in there as well as many others with the steering wheels you like. Check it out!
Does this gmc bus use the normal square key or the round door key of General motors
Hi! This bus has the round key instead of the square key. I do own a 1978 Chevrolet Ward that has the square key.
Awesome vid bro! That’s the exact same bus that took me to grammar school in 1984! You still got it?
Thanks, Joe! I'm glad you like the video and that it brought back memories. I do still own this bus. I try to drive it when I go home to Arkansas for a visit.
please .dont upshift so quickly ..open it up..lets hear the sweet moan of the 4 barrel ..
I put a video of my bus on you tube... I hope you'll check it out
Nice bus my school district in east Smithfield PA in 1989 had a 1989 international 5 speed manuel transmission. I also have a video on youtube it is titled Robert Gildea preaches. I put the video on youtube to reach the youth of America with touretes syndrome with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. Your friend in Jesus Robert Gildea Elmira NY Romans 6:23
Put some non ethanol gas in it. It will thank you.
No thanks
That's an Old-school-bus.