About Fun Fleet Bus #1017
Some Specs
#1017
Vin: T8H-5307A-1083
Built in March of 1973 for Southern California Rapid Transit District
Fourth generation
102 inches wide/40 feet long
8V71 Detroit/Allison VS-2-8 transmission
49 seats, bucket American seats
The Story of 1017
This bus was purchased from SCRTD. I guess you have great friends who are willing to put up with your desires. Well I had good friends at SCRTD. Bus 1017 was involved in a major accident. It was T-boned at the middle of the right-hand side at the center door. This bus was only six years old. The bus was slated to be scrapped because it was estimated to be an $80,000 repair job. The floor was buckled, and it was 2 inches shorter on the right side. I pleaded with SCRTD to let me have this bus for $500 without the power plant (actually the bus would still run).
After much consideration they agreed to let me have the bus, but I was told not to make a big deal and keep it quiet as they had never done this before.
I towed the bus to my shop in Whittier. WE backed it into the building and it sat for some time before I decided to repair it. Scott Richards was working for me at the time and he pushed me into taking on this major job.
About Fun Fleet Bus #1017
When and Where Did it Go?
Bus #1017 was sold to Frank Gonzales of All Cities Tours of Montebello, Calif. He said he was a bus fan and I figured he would preserve this precious bus. Turns out he only wanted it for movie work and not for preservation. The bus had a terrible wrap put on it and it had deteriorated. Sad to see this bus end up like that.
Some History and Inside Information on SCRTD
Goerge Powell
Brake Fires-r-Us
Goerge Powell
Now for a little history. George Powell, superintendent of Maintenance for SCRTD in Los Angeles, decided to visit the GM plant in Pontiac, MI. Now George wasn't exactly welcome at GM. He did not like GM or several reasons. He was off work for about two years and, during that time, GM was able to get awarded the production of 300 buses (#1000-1099, 3100-3299).
A Trip to GM
Brake Fires-r-Us
Goerge Powell
When George got into the plant, he immediately stopped the production line his buses were on. He wanted several changes before the line could run again. First, he demanded the installation of Torus fans on the 8V71 engines. Then there was a complete disagreement about the DD3 parking brakes.
Brake Fires-r-Us
Brake Fires-r-Us
Brake Fires-r-Us
Powell insisted they be removed, citing several instances where buses caught fire and were destroyed because of the currently used brakes not releasing. Next, SCRTD management cited they wanted the newest version of a hand brake. Powell insisted they use the original hand brake design. An agreement
More Fires
Brake Fires-r-Us
was finally made that these 5307s would have both the standard hand brakes and the DD3 system installed. Crazy as it seems, after the buses were delivered, #1088 caught fire and was destroyed. Powell immediately ordered all DD3 parking brakes disconnected. No one contested his decision.
On Marker Lights
Then Powell stuck it to GM again. According to his own words (I knew him and he told me the story), he insisted that the marker lights on these buses be the Flexible type. He told me the GM manager went into a rage and said they would never put Flexible marker lights
"I am the light"
on a GM Bus. Powell simply referred them to the Truck Division. All GM trucks were using the same marker lights that Flexible used. The manager agreed after having a tantrum, then walked off. needleless to say, they weren't happy...but all SCRTD's buses got their intended marker lights.
More On Burning Buses
When This Kept Happening
Our team at Fun Fleet Bus #1017 is made up of experienced drivers, mechanics, and support staff who are passionate about providing the best possible service to our customers. We are dedicated to ensuring your journey with us is a smooth and enjoyable one.
George Powell Did This
At Fun Fleet Bus #1017, we have a modern fleet of buses and charters, ranging from 10-seater vans to 60-seater luxury coaches. All our vehicles are regularly serviced and maintained to ensure maximum safety and comfort for our passengers.
Then, Later, This
Founded in 2005, Fun Fleet Bus #1017 began with just one bus and a dream to provide safe, reliable transportation services to our community. Today, we are proud to be one of the leading bus and charter companies in the region.