1941 GMC CLASSIC SHORT ART DECO SCHOOL BUS: VINTAGE RAT ROD KUSTOM METRO GAS

1941 GMC SCHOOL BUS.

Super rare gmc bus. This has unique styling with the sloped back. styled fenderwell openings. and silver side trim. These old buses are really cool and make great rod/rat rod projects or classic motorhome campers. They look great chopped and/or lowered. Guys are also using them for tow rigs that you can put sleeping quarters in. Tow your car to the show. track. or salt flats with this classic. Big blocks with 700r4's work great but I've seen some buses with 5. 9 cummins swaps also that are pretty cool.   This bus has an exceptional body that is mostly rust free and straight. Many possibilities or restore it back to original. Take it to car shows and sell posters. tshirts. food or coffee truck. or? Use it for a mobile tatto parlor? Lots of room and options. Also. this bus could be shortened fairly easily. The body panels and roof panels line up perfectly and are separate pieces. It would take some work to cut the floor. frame. etc. . but no exterior bodywork would be needed.

MORE PICS IN THE PHOTOBUCKET LINK BELOW. AND PICS OF OTHER CLASSIC BUSES IN LISTING.

http://s942. photobucket. com/user/tutheck5/library/1941%20gmc%20bus?sort=3&page=1

MECHANICAL

This bus has what I believe is the original drivetrain. The engine is a six cylinder but I'm not sure on the displacement. GMC used several engines this year. and it's either a 228. 236. 248. 256. or 270. I think you could do some research easily and find out what specific engine it has. I have not tried to get it running. The clutch works and transmission holds it in gear. It rolls and steers. This bus has a two-speed rear end. Brakes don't work but parking brake may. I don't believe I checked it. These normally have driveline parking brakes that do usually work even after sitting for years. The motor could run. if not I'm sure it's rebuildable but an updated V8 or diesel engine would be the way to go.

BODY

The body is exceptional for any unrestored project this old. The only rust is in one small top at the edge of the entry steps. A very easy repair.   No other rust on the bus and the frame. roof. quarters. hood. fenders. firewall. wheelhouses. header etc. are all clean.  For the most part. the body is very very straight also. No bondo. The glass is all flat glass and easy to replace.   Some glass is either broke or missing. Windshields are not cracked or chipped. This body is nice. and will be an very easy one to restore.   Anything you see on the floor is not rust. just the floormat peeling and chipping off. This has some cool racks on the top that could be used for holding a storage box. canoe/boat. or whatever. You could build a deck up there and have a ladder going up which is what a lot of people do.

INTERIOR

Not much to say here. The pics say it all for the most part. The drivers seat looks original. Two of the original passenger seats are included. This was a camper at one point and still has the sink/cabinet. It had linoleum on the floor and the floor is in nice shape under that and solid.  

OVERALL

I go to a lot of car shows and have never seen a cool short bus fixed up from this era.   Especially a bus this old with the art deco style. This will be the talk of the car show or campground. Many other pictures are listed below of hotrod buses and one that was restored for glamping.