For Sale: 1980 Gillig School Bus (bus is in Sumas, near Bellingham, WA!!!)

Gillig Model 6360-13A school bus; nice "retro" styling.   VIN is 05385 (five digits).   Powered by Caterpiller 3208 diesel engine, very common. Convertible to veggie fuel according to the folks at realenergy.net.   Rebuilt engine and trans at 347927 miles. Current mileage is 394978.  
Compressed air brakes, has five remaining seats including two facing each other behind the driver's seat. Duel rear tires. Allison auto transmission. Cruises 70 mph comfortably on the flat. The bus is about 34 feet long, 12 feet tall with roof rack. Runs great.

Purchased from the Mount Baker School District in March 2004.   Only 2050 miles added since then.     After I bought her I took her to a truck mechanic who did some minor maintenance and inspection work.   Brakes were adjusted and a temperature sending unit was replaced.   All fluids and filters replaced.  

A good looking bus in my opinion; I got a lot of comments, thumbs up, peace signs, etc.   Yes the painted messages are all very earth friendly (read "hippie") however I’ve been careful to maintain the beauty of her original lines, even lining the inside curtains in black to insure the windows remain dark (windows without curtains have been tinted).   Paint is all Rustoleum, hand painted brush by me.   Original surface was roughed up with an orbital sander first for a long life.

She is basically a bus shell awaiting your own vision. In Washington State, no CDL required for non-commercial use.   Everything done this far is reversible (with the exception of drilled holes etc). The windows that are covered over remain in place. Aluminum panels were cut to size and installed over eight windows.

The roof rack is welded steel tube frame, expanded metal deck, and several coats of primer and rust paint. After welding, it was pop riveted to the roof with a squirt of caulk in each pre-drilled hole. Its very solid. You get to the roof rack through a small 24x24 square marine type locking roof hatch. Five or six people can fit up there comfortably.

No cabinets, or potable, gray or waste water systems installed; some uninstalled tanks (barrels used to transport soda syrup) are included for future water systems if desired.

Radiator fan has a noisy bearing that will need replacement eventually, not immediate. Windshield washer pump broken.   All school related warning lights are disconnected.  

She has a wood platform, convertible single or double size, with futon...needs more foam. The platform faces the wood stove.

Wood Stove -- There's a welded steel wood stove originally intended for a mobile home, which is bolted to the floor about half way back.   There's an insulated stove flue insert where the 6" flue penetrates the roof (and roof rack).   Also a removable (for travel) stove cap.   Stove sits on a prefabricated stone hearth, and I've installed an insulating sheet of Hardy-plank against the wall.   Ready to ski, hunt, or just camp?

Propane -- I've installed a propane system using one of the basement compartments to hold two 20 pound (5 gallon) cylinders.   The compartment is vented but probably should be vented more (I have a suitable grille but haven't installed it yet).   Appliances include a 1970's refrigerator (2 way), a propane light from Paulen, a very old direct-fire Hydroflame heater ducted out the side, an new 6 gallon hot water heater, and an older three burner stove & range combination (manufacturer unknown). All appliances work, however the water heater has never been tested.

Tires -- All tires came with, all are marked as "re-treadable" but none have been re-treaded (not recaps). Tires would require eventual replacement but not immediate.

Belts, filters & misc -- Belts and filters were changed less than 1000 miles ago.   I don't believe I've had the air intake filter cleaned.   Windshield wipers work fine.   Defroster fans and other comfort fans work fine.

Windows, Doors, Locks -- All glass is good; all windows lock.   Vinyl seals are all good to excellent.   Driver's window slides sideways; back windows hinge up for emergency exit.   There is also a lockable emergency exit door about two thirds back on the driver's side.   I applied some limo tint to most of the windows toward the front, including the folding door.   The folding door is quite tight, and lockable using a padlock and the same steel key that's used to open (and lock) the basement compartments.   The rear emergency exit is wired close; otherwise no locks on that.   There's some noise when you're going down the highway, this was a schoolbus...window rattles etc, but nothing truly annoying.

Seating -- Driver's seat has been welded and repaired. Its adjustable, but lots of room for improvement.   Remaining passenger seats are original green vinyl, no seat belts.   Two original seats in back sit right over the engine.   Five other original seats remain in the front, including one flipped around with a decent table for dining/desk.

Other -- All lights and signals work (except the flashing red lights used with the stop sign when in service).   Stop sign works.   Mirrors are in place and vision is excellent.   Driver's seat has a seat belt.   Batteries were new in March 04, still work fine.   Extra parts include three 30 gallon plastic tanks and mounts (for future water), another square tank for black water, water pump & accessories, lots of relevant shop manuals, info on electrical, filters, fluids, etc. Two floor panels front and rear allow mechanical access through the floor.   Basement access is excellent via six hinged, locking doors.   Two factory installed floor heaters work just fine.   Driver's map light, passenger dome lights all work.   Propane refrigerator works okay, also works on 110v; and is framed in to prevent movement, however not vented.   Tape deck and speakers work okay, nothing fancy.   Electrical box wired for an inverter, battery charger, AC circuit box, DC fuse box, and future solar controllers (not included).   All 110v wiring is grounded; all 12v wiring is grounded separate.   Privacy curtains in back are light blocking and very adjustable.   With the engine in back the noise and heat are also in the back.   Access for maintenance is excellent; the rear panel hinges up and is fully sprung.   In front there's a small panel incorporating the driver's side headlight that allow you access to the electrical panel.   

Insurance -- I have insurance on it through GMAC for $400 a year. They knew it was an old school bus.   GMAC insurance: 800-325-1190

Why selling?   I no longer have a free (and legal) place to park it long-term.   Even if I did, I'm ready for something else a little smaller.  

This bus is currently in Sumas, WA! I have moved it down to the states on March 3rd, 2006!!!   Test drivers welcome by appointment.   

Extensive photos available upon request. For more info contact Dennis at bronnz@seanet.com.   She has approximately a third tank 50 gallons of fuel.

Full payment at pickup.   No delivery except possibly Seattle (no farther).

I make and have no warranty, stated or implied, including merchantability or fitness for a particular use.   Sold "AS-IS and WHERE-IS".  

See the ad on Craigslist here

More photos & etc may be found here
email for more…bronnz@seanet.com