The CROWN Bus Chronicles    <Back   Next>

The first big job was to remove all the seats. There are three types from different time periods starting with organic fiber padding and carpet tacks to glued foam and staples. Another set featured inner springs and metal backs. Some were bolted down through the floor and required a wrench from under the bus in very tight spaces.

Many of the seats had plywood bases and backs, which once they are stripped of the padding and vinyl, will be recycled into the benches and walls. The aluminum outer back will be used in the wall paneling and facings.

Two seats were remounted facing each other for a temporary work bench

Moved to "The Farm" where all the work will take place, the Crown Bus is cleaned of the "Scrap" signs.

Wow! Major cleaning job. The hard rubber floor has withstood nearly 50 years of passenger traffic with very little wear. However, it did sport decades of gum and bubble gum in various stages of prettification. Took about 16 hours to clean it all.

Real 2x2's of some kind of hardwood from a local wood shop. Ali prepares to measure the first board for the interior structure.

Notice the aluminum wall paneling. No rust! The ceiling and exterior is almost all aluminum. A 50 year old steel vehicle would be rusted away, so this is an amazing find.