TDL Electronics Bus Page

In November, 1998, while browsing the 'Net , we found this bus at the Web site:
http://www.i-44bussales.com/ for sale.. It was clean and attractive.
This bus is a 1972 GMC model PD-4905A, serial #120. It is a "buffalo bus", so named
because of the hump on her back. The photo below was about all we knew about her so we called
and got some more information. Wayne St. Onge at I-44 was very helpful.

Tom flew down to Springfield, MO and was picked up at the airport. The bad news was that the bus would not start.
OK, an electrical problem. We can handle that. Tom found a bad ground wire on the starter, and after paying for the bus
and a tank of fuel, it was back to Wisconsin. No problems on the trip... Back home, there was a lot of work to do.

There were wooden bunks inside on both sides, and ceiling lights. These were removed and in this photo
you can see the new Suburban 42,000 BTU furnace and 4" ducts on the driver's side.
In Wisconsin, the first thing you do is put in heat.

Some mechanical repairs were in order. This is when you find out how devoted you are to a project like this.
Several times the original cost of the bus went into new air bags (the suspension), tires, brakes, engine
and transmission work, and a little body work. Racine Truck did most of the work, and probably will
build a new wing with the cash. OK so now it's safe and road-worthy. We took her out on several service calls.

Our customers loved the idea. We can carry many parts and tools in one trip. There is room for workbenches,
shelving, and office on the main floor, and three huge cargo bays below. The front one holds some batteries,
a 5000-watt AC power inverter, 2 large LP gas tanks, and other mechanicals with room to spare!

The bus got an excellent relettering job on August 31, 1999 by Sign-Craft of Franksville

Gone is the Aspen Limousine Service sign , and the Oklahoma Transport Company sign before that.
Now it is officially ours. Thank you, Sign-Craft!

Model: P8M-4905A	Wheelbase: 318.5"
Serial # 120	Height: 131.5" (+3" for Solar Panels)
Year Built: 1972	Width Inside: 91"
Gross Vehicle Weight Total: 24,280 lbs. Front Axle: 8,900 lbs. Back Axle: 15,380 lbs.	Electrical System: 24 Volts 300 Amps
Width Outside: 95.5"	Diesel Fuel Tank: 165 U.S. Gallons
Overall Length: 39' 11"	Miles per Gallon: 8 (if the wind is right)
Transmission: 4-speed Spicer manual	Suspension: 8 Air Bag Bellows
Steering: Hydraulic Power	Odometer: 212,000
Turning Radius: 49'	Cost of Conversion: Time will tell