1963 FORD SHORT VINTAGE RV MOTORHOME CAMPER SCHOOL BUS! METRO WAGON VAN TRUCK

1963 FORD B500 CIVIL AIR DEFENSE FORD SHORT BUS

This is a clean bus that is rust free, very straight, and runs excellent. This is a high-top bus, special ordered for the military. Most school buses did not have the high top, but it was needed for adults. This bus has the cool small windows along the top similar to the vintage Volkswagen 21 and 23 window buses. The nomenclature (military) tag is still on the dash and the civil air defense signs are still on the side. They were painted over at some point, but the white paint has faded and you can see the lettering. These old short buses are really cool and make great rod projects. They also look great chopped and/or lowered. Many people make them into nice vintage motorhomes/tinyhouses. The ford has a partial rv conversion with pretty nice cabinets and shelves, and a stainless sink. It also has functioning 110v wiring. Guys are also using old buses for tow rigs that you can put sleeping quarters in. Tow your race or show car in style. They are also used for food vending, ice cream truck, coffee shop, or? I've seen people use them for vending at car shows or to haul show bikes or race bikes. Clear title. Thanks and happy bidding. Feel free to ask questions. Many more pics available and video.

MECHANICAL

This bus runs excellent. It has the 223 ford inline six cylinder and manual transmission. The engine runs excellent. Does not smoke, tick, or knock. The choke and fast idle cables work properly. The transmission and clutch work great. All gears work properly. Power brakes work fine and were bled. Tires are older but usable. I'm sure most people would prefer to go with new tires though. It depends on how far and fast you want to drive I guess. All lights work. This includes the headlights, markers, turn signals, beacon, emergency, interior, and backup lights. Also the heater, horn, parking brake and wipers work. Interior 12v lights and 110v lights work. The lights for the destination sign work too! I'm sure it would be good to change the fluids and maybe new plugs/wires, but the motor runs great and is super smooth and quiet. I would personally not be afraid to drive it anywhere with the addition of new tires.

BODY

The body is VERY nice for a bus this old. No rust. I've been all over the bus and it is as dry as you will find. No rust in floors, floor supports, roof, quarters, fenders, hood, etc. etc. The body is exceptionally straight also. Only one dent in the front roof corner that you can see in pics. The interior ceiling panels come out and then you could pop that dent out easily. The roof does not leak. No mildew smell in it and I cleaned the interior and saw no mold. Doors operate as they should. Nice fold down steps in the back for access. These buses also make great vehicles for use for people in wheelchairs. They make many wheelchair lifts that fit the rear door. I would drive the bus as-is, but it would be easy to paint. The civil air defense signs are still visible and the paint would probably clean of them to show them better or have reproductions made, if your into keeping it original. Overall the body is exceptionally nice and tight for a 53 year old vehicle. Many more pics available

INTERIOR

OVERALL

I go to a lot of car shows andit's rare to seea cool short bus fixed up. It is also difficult to find an older short bus this clean. When there is a custom or restored one, there is a crowd around it.

THIS VEHICLE IS SOLD AS-IS