GuaGua Short Bus Project

[GuaGua]

This is our short-bus named GuaGua. I bought this bus along with my brother in-law. We use it mostly for nights out including casino runs. It's run great the last year plus we've owned it. So far we haven't done too much to it. There was some brake work done, but they are still far from perfect. The windows were tinted. A nice stereo was installed. Next project is going to be turning the seats and installing some kind of floor. The air conditioning is also on the list. Hopefully that is just a matter of reconnecting the lines and charging it, but I'm sure there will be more to it than that. I will be consulting this forum for all work. I really have enjoyed this site! I will try to keep the progress posted.

[GuaGua]

I was taking an adult ed spanish class when the teacher gave us the word for bus in spanish (autobus). She then told us that people actually call the busses they use for cheap transportation guagua's. If you google it you can see pictures of a guagua. It was right after we had bought the bus, so I thought what a perfect name.

[busdriver_phil]

Welcome! Whereabouts in CT are you from, and if you don't mind my asking, where'd you buy the bus from? The company I used to work for had a bunch of GMC/Thomas minis that looked like that (yellow of course). Great name, we had used bus exporters showing up there all the time looking to buy "guaguas" and ship em down to South America.

[GuaGua]

I am from Wethersfield. I found the bus on craigslist and bought it in Manchester. I think the bus originally was used at Eastern CT Univ judging by some of the decals that were on it and some of the paperwork left behind. The person I bought it from worked at some sort of bus service/repair facility. He owned the bus with a group of friends, but found they couldn't afford to insure it. Does the company you worked for sell any parts? I would be interested possibly in buying a new set of bifold doors since ours is rusting out pretty bad. Thanks.

[busdriver_phil]

I don't work for that company anymore, and they're no longer in business (bought out by another company). If you want new OEM style doors, look up New England Transit Sales in MA, they're the dealer for southern New England for Thomas buses. You might also have good luck with Dattco's body shop in Middletown, they might know where you could find a used door. (Also, your bus has an outward door - "bifold" is often used to describe the inward "jacknife" doors and might lead to a misunderstanding about what you're looking for.)

[sdwarf36]

Welcome from another Ct short bus owner! Moodus here.

[GuaGua]

Thanks Phil, you are absolutely correct. Now that I think about it the door doesn't fold at all! When we're ready I will check out those leads. Thanks again. Thanks sdwarf! I am kind of surprised at the amount of CT people on here. I am also kind of surprised that CT people have a relatively easy time with registration compared to other states. If you asked me ahead of time I would have figured CT to be the worst!