This video was a treat. I rode a 1986(?) Thomas/Ford with the Brazilian Ford diesel, bus 17. I loved the sound of that engine. Quiet at idle with a slight chug to it. The next bus I rode after that one was a 2002 Blue Bird TC2000FE with a Cummins 5.9. I did NOT like the sound of that engine compared to the Brazilian Ford! I didn't know what kind of engine it was at the time, other than that it was diesel. Bus 17 was retired and for years I wondered what happened to it. Imagine my surprise when a new friend was driving me through his family farm which connects to his uncle's house and lo and behold, there's bus 17 parked just off the trail, dirty, beat up, stripped of its seats, and used as a storage shed. It was sad to see it that way, but very cool to have found it again. And I looked at the engine (the hood is gone) and realized it's the Brazilian Ford engine. So now I know why, no matter what bus I rode after bus 17 (different generations of TC2000s with ISB 5.9, Thomas EFs with Cummins 6.7, and some Internationals with T444/DT466E/365), they just didn't sound the same - because that Brazilian Ford is a unique engine! I also liked the sound of the air brake toots, and hearing similar toots from box trucks, tractor trailers, etc. still reminds me of bus 17. What I did not like about that bus was the crazily loud, constant moaning of the brakes when coming to a stop. Anyway, if you've made it this far, thanks for reading my reminiscing!
This is my all time favorite bus! I rode in these in middle school! Nice video! I'd pay you to be able to ride in that bus to relive my past and love for this bus!
Love the Allison AT545 no lock up trans; engine revving up or down depending how much load it's under. My Hino bus has one; interestingly the engine has an exhaust brake which is almost useless unless you manually change down a gear or two
I love the windshield defroster fan facing the driver. haha. As a kid, I noticed this on a bus once -- not my regular bus, but I knew the friendly bus driver -- so I mentioned this. The driver, without missing a beat, sly replied with a huge smile -- "DHPT -- Driver Have Privileges Too"
remember if youre gping with t444 e aka 7.3 powerstroke make sure you dont ever get the 6.0 litre or 6.4 i belive they were called a max force in international trucks they are junk diesels you want that 7.3 or T444e in cubic inches
piece of advice swap out the fuel pincher for a dt 466 or a t444e aka 7.3 litre power stroke they are the same engines and were made by internatipnal its just international calls it a t444e sincevits their engine design it calles a powerstroke if its in a ford truck but its still an international engine
That doesn’t look like a 2000 Thomas school bus it looks more like a 1993 Thomas school bus but it does say it’s a 2000 Thomas school bus so I can’t really complain. But the reason it looks like an early 90s Thomas school bus is by the old school rims and the old school steering wheel
1991 was the last year for those generation Chevrolet & GMC buses. 1985 was the first year for them because when the rest of the models in the lineup were redesigned in 1973, the buses were the only models that stayed unchanged & they were produced up through 1984.
Sup Tommy😊 Good To See You Again Sir You Got One Of My Most Favorite SB Of My Childhood In The 1990s In Chicago. I've Rode On A 1991 GMC Ward-Amtran C6000 (366 Gas V8 - Allison AT) 66 Pass Bus Operated By Rachel's Bus Company (Defunct) At The Time. This Bus Just Like This One Had Yellow Gold Tan Interior (Shine Good In Sunlight) Mocha Seats. I've Rode On The GMC & International 3800 Chassis Only Never Got A Chance To Ride The Ford B Series Chassis. If Only I Can Find Me A 1986 Ford Ward-Amtran Model That Would Be Gold To Me She Would Not See Snow & Paint That NYC Spec Yellow Tint The Windows & Yellow Rims Too Just Fire🔥. Anyway I Appreciate This Video With This Bus It Is Very Rare On YT. Much Love Fist Bump💙 Peace💚
Nice truck my first standard I drove was that same year truck just it was a flat bed and I was ten picking up hay wish I had it today. enjoy all your future rides
Very nice bus and a great video. I own a 2003 Thomas Freightliner FS65. It took three years to convert. What a great ride. 60107 Illinois says hi. My profile pix is my bus.
