Scenicruisin'..?

[amazinblue82]

trying to find the bus that Matt saw on the road.

These examples are CLOSE but not quite. the middle one definitely is real close. They were in service tho in the 1930's!!

That WAS a true antique that Matt saw. Wow.

 

[detmatt]

Wow indeed!

 

[commando1]

Am I remembering correctly that the big round Greyhound logo on the back of the bus lit up?

 

[cantflip]

Am I remembering correctly that the big round Greyhound logo on the back of the bus lit up?

I think you're right... I have seen pictures of other GMC models that had that with a red "Stop" lens.

trying to find the bus that Matt saw on the road.

These examples are CLOSE but not quite. the middle one definitely is real close. They were in service tho in the 1930's!!

That WAS a true antique that Matt saw. Wow.

View attachment 205854 View attachment 205853View attachment 205857

I believe you've nailed this one...

Wow indeed!

Great catch, Matt

 

[amazinblue82]

this pic was advertised as taken in 1937. definitely Matts shot is oldest bus I have ever seen on the road under its own power.

the buses that replaced these in the 1940s were the "Silversides". PD-3751 one of the more iconic ones.

 

[detmatt]

I wouldn’t have guessed it was from the ‘30s, that’s pretty impressive. I actually saw it at a rest stop before I took the pics and he pulled out just in front of us. It was a young group and they didn’t look like nascar fans so I’m guessing they were heading home from some music fest.
It sounded bad *** and had some serious get up and go as it made short work of the entrance ramp and had to be going as fast as it could by the time it merged onto the highway. The sign on the back is lit if you look close.

 

[Ripinator]

I wouldn’t have guessed it was from the ‘30s, that’s pretty impressive. I actually saw it at a rest stop before I took the pics and he pulled out just in front of us. It was a young group and they didn’t look like nascar fans so I’m guessing they were heading home from some music fest.
It sounded bad *** and had some serious get up and go as it made short work of the entrance ramp and had to be going as fast as it could by the time it merged onto the highway. The sign on the back is lit if you look close.

I think the lighted sign on the back end of these buses was intended to mimic the "drum head" signs used by the railroads of the era on the rear end of their passenger trains. Here is one such drum head for the Gold Coast Limited:

 

[commando1]

Is it a lighted sign, or a lit sign.
Grammar Nazi confused.

 

[300rag]

Is it a lighted sign, or a lit sign.
Grammar Nazi confused.

Lighted sign=when off
Lit sign=when on

 

[commando1]

Lighted sign=when off
Lit sign=when on

But of course. Thank you for the short, brief, concise, answer instead of a 12 paragraph diatribe where one pontificates endlessly, including circuit theory and the history of Edison.

 

[amazinblue82]

PD -3700 Series (3701, 02, and 03). Believe this is Matt's coup.

Now, introduction date is a mystery. Sources show pre-war design/limited intro (Detroit City had them), limited production during WWII, Silverside versions post-war

 

[cantflip]

PD -3700 Series (3701, 02, and 03). Believe this is Matt's coup.

Now, introduction date is a mystery. Sources show pre-war design/limited intro (Detroit City had them), limited production during WWII, Silverside versions post-war

IIRC, the ones with less side fluting were often bought by GreyHound's competitors... I think some of that went toward them eventually designing their exclusive for the PD4501-Scenics... Marketing and exclusivity were probably a much bigger factor back when they competed for travelers with the railroads vs. their current catering to the lowest common denominator.

 

[cantflip]

Just because...

I toured this bus back when I was researching...

She helped me decide to go with the skoolie to do my build... very big... but too small for my desires at the time. She's counters and displays down both sides of he interior, but I had to bend over a little while inside and there was no seating... I imagine a good sail boat architect could have figured out a comfortable interior.

this one kid of shows the potential...
1948 Flxible motor home conversion.

Sellabus keeps some old listings... but @200k... I think they're shooting for the moon.

I really like this one...
1968 35' Flxible Flxliner converted Coach For Sale

@ under $20k, I could afford to buy her... but IDK what I'd do then... probably have to move in to cover the rest of her expenses. I would really be interested in what the Whisperer says about her...

I like this one, but the pictures suck...
1955 Flxible VL-100 – Flxible Owners International

"BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC COACH

Rare 1955 Flxible VL-100 Motorhome/Bus

This Flxible is one of a kind. It is #102 of 220 built. There are apparently only 10 of these classic buses on the road today. Elvis Presley even owned one of these classic buses! This bus would be great for the classic car enthusiast who wants to pull a car trailer to the shows-you would be the hit of the event in your classic motorhome and car! We have taken the bus to many car shows and it attracts as much attention as the classic cars. There is a line-up to get into see the bus! The bus is a fully functioning motorhome (and is currently registered as a motorhome). We have also used the bus to transport wedding parties- a classic ride for the bride and groom.

This Flxible has been been professionally appraised at over $125,000.00 US

The coach is powered by a 350 HP Detroit Turbo Diesel 6V-92 with 40K on the engine (since new, not rebuilt). It has a 4 speed Allison transmission and power steering. The batteries and tires are new. The back suspension is also new. This Flxible is a blast to drive and cruises comfortably at 70 miles an hour. The bus has a 10 KW Yanmar diesel generator, roof and basement air. The bus has Dupont Imiron paint and retains the factory lines and trim that it left the factory with.

The interior of the bus is a work of art. The bus has been redone in birds eye maple and black walnut by a master carpenter- it took him two years to complete; the pictures don\'t do it justice-it is truly beautiful inside. The bus sleeps 4. There is a redone shower, electric \'fridge, microwave, flat screen TV and is bi-level. You can even look out at the stars through the many skylights! It is tastefully decorated."

I like these as much as the Scenics...maybe more... This sounds like a high quality build from too long ago to matter... She might be worth a look if you liked the finishes, but I'd be ready for the Whisperer to Pooh-pooh on the price a little at $75k

The Elvis connection-disconnection just makes me sad... must be a hard sell, today, getting rid of one of these for more than the price of a a used pick up.

 

[amazinblue82]

I like it.

1955 Flxible Bus VL100, Class A - Diesel RV For Sale By Owner in Sturgeon county, Alberta | RVT.com - 134726

Whisperer already wrote me and shares your like of this bus (Chevy guy, but he lurks around this thread a few times a month to see if i diss him behind his back ) ..easier to work on the Scenics, very stylish, cool art-deco customization on rear, rarer (1/5 as many made as PD4501), etc.

he didnt flinch at price if he were buying, was NOT cool though on the AC placement blocking panoramic window -- thought something underfloor may havae been better if it was possible. only sleeps 4, but good layout otherwise he thought. listed 18 months ago at 85K, now 70K.

oh, he didnt say anything about the '68 Flexie .. i'll ask and bounce back.

 

[LeBaron1973]

I like it.

1955 Flxible Bus VL100, Class A - Diesel RV For Sale By Owner in Sturgeon county, Alberta | RVT.com - 134726



Whisperer already wrote me and shares your like of this bus (Chevy guy, but he lurks around this thread a few times a month to see if i diss him behind his back ) ..easier to work on the Scenics, very stylish, cool art-deco customization on rear, rarer (1/5 as many made as PD4501), etc.

didnt flinch at price if he were buying, was NOT cool though on the AC placement blocking panoramic window -- thought something underfloor may havae been better if it was possible. only sleeps 4, but good layout otherwise he thought.

listed 18 months ago at 85K, now 70K.

View attachment 206158 View attachment 206159 View attachment 206160

Nice, would it be practical to remove existing air conditioning unit and replace with underfloor one?

Nice bus.

 

[commando1]

I like this one, but the pictures suck...
1955 Flxible VL-100 – Flxible Owners International

Freedom Ride

Elvis'stour bus.

 

[cantflip]

I like it.

1955 Flxible Bus VL100, Class A - Diesel RV For Sale By Owner in Sturgeon county, Alberta | RVT.com - 134726

Whisperer already wrote me and shares your like of this bus (Chevy guy, but he lurks around this thread a few times a month to see if i diss him behind his back ) ..easier to work on the Scenics, very stylish, cool art-deco customization on rear, rarer (1/5 as many made as PD4501), etc.

he didnt flinch at price if he were buying, was NOT cool though on the AC placement blocking panoramic window -- thought something underfloor may havae been better if it was possible. only sleeps 4, but good layout otherwise he thought. listed 18 months ago at 85K, now 70K.

oh, he didnt say anything about the '68 Flexie .. i'll ask and bounce back.

View attachment 206158 View attachment 206159 View attachment 206160

Nice, would it be practical to remove existing air conditioning unit and replace with underfloor one?
Nice bus.

Removing the A/C unit is usually just a matter of putting in a roof vent. The Fantastic Fans are nice, reasonable to buy and would let you pump out any stale farts, the old farts may produce.

In many cases, the interior control of the roof top has enough material under it for a clean installation. I agree that unit has an unfortunate location.

 

[amazinblue82]

Trying to avoid the "commentary" on "what the beancounters did" to GM (i resemble that remark ), i stumbled across this video. The 1973-1978 GMC Motorhome. 12,000 made, and 40 years later 8,000 still roadworthy.

Examples below of vintage look and then upgraded looks ... but I was struck by the engineering in the vid. Cool RV. Late 80's when I went to GM we had a few running around in various places. though a little worse for wear, they were still good driving big vehicles .. smooth, spritely, handled well.

 

[cantflip]

Forgot one...

 

[commando1]

Anybody remember the Vixen RV?