Flat nose w/ manual trans

[BusPhilosopher]

I'm looking around on the web at the different makes and packages of school buses over the last 20 years or so.

I'm looking for a school bus that's forward-control (flatnose) rear-engine diesel that has a manual transmission. Does anyone know if this exists? Did anyone ever make this for the U.S. market? If so, who?

Or, have any of you taken a rear-engine flatnose and put a manual in it?

Thanks for your input.

[PNW_Steve]

I have never seen an RE with a manual transmission. Except Crown.

There are lots of older RE coaches with anything from a 4 speed to a 10 speed transmission. They typically are Eagle, MCI, Prevost and GMC.

There was a nice converted Crown sold here recently.

[Sleddgracer]

Originally Posted by BusPhilosopher

I'm looking around on the web at the different makes and packages of school buses over the last 20 years or so.

I'm looking for a school bus that's forward-control (flatnose) rear-engine diesel that has a manual transmission. Does anyone know if this exists? Did anyone ever make this for the U.S. market? If so, who?

Or, have any of you taken a rear-engine flatnose and put a manual in it?

Thanks for your input.

I can only picture the troubles a driver would have with 30' of linkage for a manual transmission in a 20 year old bus

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by Sleddgracer

I can only picture the troubles a driver would have with 30' of linkage for a manual transmission in a 20 year old bus

My Eagle came from the factory with a Spicer 4 speed and a bellcrank and rod throttle. The prior owner ditched the Spicer for an HT-740.

After 2-3 years on the road the throttle gradually got harder and harder to push down. We tinkered and lubed where we could but had no success. Finally installed an air throttle. It was sooooo nice.

[Sleddgracer]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

My Eagle came from the factory with a Spicer 4 speed and a bellcrank and rod throttle. The prior owner ditched the Spicer for an HT-740.

After 2-3 years on the road the throttle gradually got harder and harder to push down. We tinkered and lubed where we could but had no success. Finally installed an air throttle. It was sooooo nice.

...................

[CHEESE_WAGON]

Only ones I'm aware of are 60+ years old and column shift. A link was posted for a 1948 Silverside recently with a column-shift 4-speed manual. Beautiful bus. The OP was asking advice, but decided not to buy it. Thread is still active on this site...

"1948 gmc pd3751"