Resurrecting Dallas and Cat Farnworth's PD-4103

[pd4501-771]

Here's what I have for PD4103-1219: S/N 1214-1225  04-05/52 New England Greyhound Lines E8180-E8191 (Boston MA)

[Numbskulls]

Hi Tom;

I appreciate you jumping in!  I guess what you mean by being a Trailways Livery is if I apply to be an actual part of the Trailways system? I didn't know that was an option.  I wasn't planning on going that route, but I am a commercial venture, so you are saying as long as I don't have the Trailways name on the bus or in my company information I will be alright correct? I love your bus!

I am curious if in your register you show all the previous owners?  When I bought this bus Dallas gave me maintenance paperwork that showed PD4103-1219, and then when I was working yesterday I found a plaque in the bus that had a different number on it, PD4103-1085, and when I went back and looked at his posts on BNO, he did have the 1085 # under his handle.  Where is the actual V.I.N. #? I am getting all my paperwork together and I need to make sure I have the correct information.  Maybe he actually had 2 different ones at 2 different times.. that I don't know. 

Thanks for the red info.  I will try to find it. I have looked extensively for Trailways red, but not Texaco.  If I don't find it, I will probably hit you up again for the info!  Thanks Again!  And I think I know of at least 1 Scenic Cruiser here that is sitting un-used.  I will go check again in the next couple of days.  There is a guy in town that specializes in vintage buses and he keeps trying to get me to sell mine!  He said he can get me a newer "better" one!  His are older, but I think at most he goes back to the 70's.  He has the bus that was in "Almost Famous" .Irregardless he is always a wealth of information for me.  I will check his place.

[richard5933]

The plaque is one place to check for the VIN. The other, more permanent place, is in the compartment under the driver which is accessed from the outside. If you look at the hatch/cover over the horizontal section of the steering shaft you should see the numbers embossed on the aluminum vertical section just above the cover. Here's a photo of mine for reference:

[Numbskulls]

Nice! 
Thank-you, I will check it and let you know what the heck....

[richard5933]

Wouldn't be unheard of for a plaque inside the bus to be replaced at some point. I've read that at one time it was possible to obtain blank plaques from GM which companies could stamp to replace a missing/damaged one.

[pd4501-771]

Yes, as Richard referenced, check your "tool compartment" stamped S/N. That number should match your title. Once you get me the serial from the title, we can get you original owner info. I do not have any secondary owner info for 4103, beyond first owner. Yes, any use of the Trailways or Greyhound, etc. name or logo for hire is a no go. Permission has to be granted from companies to use a historical bus in movies. Basically anything that may generate revenue by use of their trade marks.

[Numbskulls]

I'm glad to know that.. I don't have it on the bus but I do in my marketing.. So I cringe as I say this.. But the seller (Dallas) didn't have a title.. I'm going to be applying for a replacement.. Nothing is easy I guess

[pd4501-771]

I would strongly recommend getting the title work straightened out before you go an y further. That should be job one. Each state is different obviously. Do you have a bill of sale? A few states, do not require titles for vehicles of a certain age. In Georgia, (and few others I assume) antique vehicles can be sold on bill-of-sale. Here is one option, if you hit dead end with your DMV: https://broadwaytitle.com/

Good luck

Tom

[Numbskulls]

Thanks Tom, l do have a bill of sale so am going to work on title today..

[Numbskulls]

Hi Tom,

I did find a Scenic Cruiser today.. I suspected that I knew where at least one is, maybe 2.  This is the first one!  There were other amazing buses there that I will post pictures of.

[pd4501-771]

Close, but not a Scenicruiser. That's what we call a Buffalo. Later GM model.  Notice the roof hump is clear forward on the bus. Where it reads "type" on the builders plate (if it were Scenicruiser), it would read PD4501-XXX. To further confuse you, they made several "buffalo" versions PD-4107, PD-4903, PD-4905, PD4108, H8H649, P8M4905A. Buffalos were made from 1966 to 1980. Scenicruisers were made from 1954-1956. Do not feel bad in the least. 99% of the time someone that is new to old buses makes that mistake. I have chased soooo many Buffalos reported as Scenics. In the photo below; see how far back the hump is on a Scenicruiser vs. Buffalo.  I appreciate you looking. Please keep it up. Take care.

Tom

[luvrbus]

Tom is such a nice guy the Buffalo people would be on you like white on rice calling a 4905 a 4501.lol I got into trouble calling a H8H-649 a 4905
 

[Numbskulls]

Aw dang! Yep I definitely see it! Won't make that mistake again... I saw two other cool buses.... I'm posting.. The yellow one I was able to get into.. It has a new engine and transmission, Inside is a total redo but I love it..

[pd4501-771]

Very cool. Both post-war 1947-1948 PD-3751 or PD-4151 GM "Silversides". I have a soft-spot for those too! Mine still has all the seats. It runs, but needs much attention. I have plans for it, if I get around to it.

[pd4501-771]

Awe shucks Clifford. I'm blushing.  Buffalo, Eagles, Greyhounds....we love all the animals eh!