ACT Bus Forum

Discussion => History => Topic started by: Buzz Killington on March 17, 2010, 08:47:14 PM

Title: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on March 17, 2010, 08:47:14 PM
Hi All,

Well, we didn't manage to get 674 (yet) but two members of the ACT Bus Team, Busn00b and Sir Pompously, have reached an agreement to purchase ex ACTION Bus 661, a Mercedes O.305. At this stage they will take ownership of this vehicle early next week.

The plan is to restore the bus to its former ACTION glory. This is no small task and therefore we are putting the call out to our members who may be able to assist.

I'll leave it to Busn00b and Sir Pompously to further appraise you of what assistance they're after, but in the meantime here's a few photos of how she's looking:

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc3%2Fhs421.snc3%2F24361_369174374106_685654106_3605420_660447_n.jpg&hash=7ac431b1269822a46a80c94033286344964c84e3)

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash1%2Fhs441.ash1%2F24361_369178379106_685654106_3605446_1474051_n.jpg&hash=dc64f3a7dfe1e0ef7cf3279cb89b56c006340941)

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc3%2Fhs401.snc3%2F24361_369176684106_685654106_3605434_7257552_n.jpg&hash=a970d221a600a5c1c822f33b5036fb4a2cb486e7)
Title: Re: Restoration of ex BUS 661
Post by: blackdragon on March 17, 2010, 10:06:11 PM
She looks in good condition for an almost 30 year old bus, whether the mechanical side of things is just as good is another story.
Title: Re: Restoration of ex BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on March 17, 2010, 10:39:48 PM
The bus will be checked out mechanically (It seemed fine by glance, just needed a belt, had oil), then should be good to go. This was the better of the two there. Executive decision has been made to paint this into the refurbished livery, so the MkII Livery orange over blue. Reason for this is the interior is the refurbished interior, the desto roll I have is a 1994 roll, and we thought that any other Merc 0305 being preserved will most likely end up in Z Stripe. So it is good to cover both sides. Also, we can then keep the brushes on the wheel arch, they look cool.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on March 18, 2010, 10:57:31 AM
Here is a few pictures we took yesterday

Note: Attachment has expired.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on March 18, 2010, 10:58:13 AM
cont...

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Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on March 18, 2010, 10:59:05 AM
and the last few...

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Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Barry Drive on March 18, 2010, 11:36:01 AM
661 had a trial livery when it was refurbished by ACTION. These pictures can also be seen in the gallery.

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.fotopic.net%2Fydbnnb.jpg&hash=4c5746e61bd28acff0fd6ff4d8b0317b8e5398ff)

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.fotopic.net%2Fydbnna.jpg&hash=cdae7d45342563a765935c4452b5e7b3c8a99c72)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on March 18, 2010, 09:09:59 PM
I would be interested in playing a part in this bus thanks :D
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: particleman on March 19, 2010, 03:17:06 PM
Well done on this brilliant purchase!! I have a secret appreciation for O305s (Maybe it's because I'm from WA) Can't wait to see the progress!!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on March 21, 2010, 12:00:35 AM
Update - whilst I wait for monday to roll around I have already managed to source a cab door, replacement seats and chin guards, a rear seat mirror, a front box for the desto, todd will be supplying his action desto roll, numbers should be in the box itself already.

Might replace two windows which have scratchiti on them as well with another bus. Um...what else have we found, oh yes should be able to fix the air con up with some elbow grease, also should be able to replace the cracked indicator lense on the front and replace the tail lights with round ones at some point too.

So we're going to be busy over the next while! But I will keep act bus posted with photos and reports of the progress :)

I thanks zac too for taking a few dollars off people on the tour for the project, every bit helps, money will probably go towards buying paint as we basically have all the parts required to fix it up already.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on March 21, 2010, 01:27:59 PM
were will the bus be located because I do have a small property however my parents would not allow a bus to be kept there.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on March 21, 2010, 01:40:47 PM
Your post is pointless by saying that you have a small property, but it would not be allowed to be kept there. Its not exactly like you were high on the list of people to ask as to if we could store the bus at theirs. All you needed to ask is 'Where will the bus be housed?' and in answer to that question, Sydney.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on March 21, 2010, 01:41:23 PM
Quote from: CNG on March 21, 2010, 01:27:59 PM
were will the bus be located

Sydney.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on March 23, 2010, 05:46:34 AM
Quote from: Sir Pompously on March 21, 2010, 01:40:47 PM
Your post is pointless by saying that you have a small property, but it would not be allowed to be kept there. Its not exactly like you were high on the list of people to ask as to if we could store the bus at theirs. All you needed to ask is 'Where will the bus be housed?' and in answer to that question, Sydney.
I meant if I was alowed I would have kept it there for you, no need to be ignorant ++++++++++ >:(
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on March 23, 2010, 12:43:40 PM
Poor darling, go grab a kleenex.

BUS 661 has arrived at its new home and has been cleaned up a little on the inside. Mat will go into details, and I will try and organise with Buzz a page that we could have either on here, or on a blog site to highlight the progress with photos. Sadly being in Canberra and woirking Shiftwork myself gettin up there to do work will be difficult, but I will certainly try my darndest at every possible turn to work on it. Have picked up a Heavy Vehicle Handbook and Load Restraint guide from the shopfront today to prepare for my Learner MR.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on March 23, 2010, 02:59:20 PM
Good work todd, let us know once you do the test and we'll have to take you out for some lessons!

Hi guys, I will hopefully get around to posting a progress report on here today if time permits! Working nightshift at the moment so it's a bit of a bitch.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on March 23, 2010, 07:34:21 PM
Day 1

After a quick visit to Carnes Hill ANZ to withdraw the remaining $3000 needed to buy our bus we headed to Metro Link via Hungry Jacks for an alfresco whopper. We arrived and walked over to the idling merc which was building up its air bags for the first time in months which took some time to get the auxiliary air supply going but eventually it got there.

We then got in the bus, had another look over it before taking it for a quick drive around the block to see what it was like. We took it for a short cruise down the road and all seemed fine, so back to the depot we went to hand over the cash...after all was complete and the bus was ours we headed over to the scrapped mercs to begin getting parts out of them such as the grey frontrunner seats to replace the vinyl with, chinguards, spare windows and door glass and rubbers etc.

After about an hour and a half of getting parts we set off for it's new home at parkerland in oakville.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg517.imageshack.us%2Fimg517%2F9617%2F15307125119412910715071.jpg&hash=499c3c59b363e45e2f1225f871d6440ead17426b) (http://img517.imageshack.us/i/15307125119412910715071.jpg/)

There was a little bit of smoke coming out of the engine at first but this soon subsided.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg213.imageshack.us%2Fimg213%2F7969%2F15307125119420910915071.jpg&hash=e553b11d86b756dca1bb3577fdb0416082f916e3) (http://img213.imageshack.us/i/15307125119420910915071.jpg/)
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg144.imageshack.us%2Fimg144%2F9553%2F15307125119424911015071.jpg&hash=50a2cc1268df674fbe196e201a5de5cd887f8a0c) (http://img144.imageshack.us/i/15307125119424911015071.jpg/)

We arrived and got to work straight away, i changed all the seats over to the fabric ones, except for the base of the pensioner seat as we cannot source a red seat bottom so I've left the red vinyl on it. We have started to put chin guards on the seats but they are a pain in the bottom...i managed the grab a yellow one though, however we only have enough for half the bus.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg299.imageshack.us%2Fimg299%2F8383%2Fimg0580q.jpg&hash=3339976cc2b91f34bd5d8147fd6610ccfea87a01) (http://img299.imageshack.us/i/img0580q.jpg/)

I then removed all the stickers put on by NSW operators, and revealing older things underneath
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg714.imageshack.us%2Fimg714%2F3527%2Fimg0581rr.jpg&hash=646392e7ace8aa014ee6453f236ff3408dbed67a) (http://img714.imageshack.us/i/img0581rr.jpg/)

The front header is now free of all but action stickers...looks pretty bare now
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg232.imageshack.us%2Fimg232%2F1430%2Fimg0582b.jpg&hash=16f27edecaa0d13f149774861da721112c60425e) (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/img0582b.jpg/)

Here is the back end, i will remove the oliveries ticket guide, the non action no smoking sign, the when lights flash sticker and properly install the rear seat mirror and put the non damaged rear seat in.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg7.imageshack.us%2Fimg7%2F6250%2Fimg0583pt.jpg&hash=4c449f25d62aa407f0490439606070900968526e) (http://img7.imageshack.us/i/img0583pt.jpg/)

I managed to find a no eating no drinking etc. sticker and put it there, although we might try and get new ones made up.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg260.imageshack.us%2Fimg260%2F897%2Fimg0584u.jpg&hash=04e4fed285c095140f9f89d29b992d0d1504064b) (http://img260.imageshack.us/i/img0584u.jpg/)

Things to do next are, replace a bulb in the next stop light.
Put the cab door back on
install the side and front desto boxes
finish installing the chinguards

That should take me a few hours there :)

Ill post another update next time I get to work on it
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on March 23, 2010, 07:41:25 PM
Let me know when you need some help with it. It is a good excuse for a trip to Sydney in the holidays
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on March 23, 2010, 07:48:06 PM
I think I may have found a source for the red seat base, http://www.office-furniture.com.au/Fabric-Options/Fabric-Options/Front-Runner-Fabric-Range.html (http://www.office-furniture.com.au/Fabric-Options/Fabric-Options/Front-Runner-Fabric-Range.html)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on March 23, 2010, 08:41:32 PM
Quote from: Martin on March 18, 2010, 11:36:01 AM
661 had a trial livery when it was refurbished by ACTION. These pictures can also be seen in the gallery.

Do we know when it was repainted into the "orange over blue" livery - I have a photo of it in this livery which would have been taken in the late 90's, just before disposal.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: ajw373 on April 12, 2010, 02:09:30 AM
Quote from: Buzz Killington on March 17, 2010, 08:47:14 PM


The plan is to restore the bus to its former ACTION glory. This is no small task and therefore we are putting the call out to our members who may be able to assist.

How do you define former glory? Even in ACTION life it would have 2 or 3 different appearances.

Good to see that someone is attempting to preserve our bus history.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on April 12, 2010, 09:42:57 AM
how much was the bus all together, because Iam interested in purchasing a second hand STA or Action Merc for my own enjoyment of driving a bus around a farm, a barn basher to furfill my dream of being a bus driver.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on April 12, 2010, 09:53:10 AM
I am pretty sure that these buses go for around $4000
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on April 12, 2010, 08:13:32 PM
Anywhere from $2000 plus, if you buy a really crappy one or $4000 like ours are usually just fixer uppers with some work required but not much
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on April 22, 2010, 03:38:02 PM
Hey all,

First time I've dropped by and I thought I'd give a public "good stuff" to those who secured #661, it's in pretty damn good nick compared to my rust bucket shed (it's whats under the shed that interests me oh and a place to keep stuff as I do up my Sydney mercs) ironically they're both next to each other now too!

Quote from: Busn00b on April 12, 2010, 08:13:32 PM
Anywhere from $2000 plus, if you buy a really crappy one or $4000 like ours are usually just fixer uppers with some work required but not much
I really reckon they'll come back down to that once the STA start releasing more O305's onto the market, now there seems to be oddities at both extremes, there's not a plethora of blue and white ones - but no one is buying either, they're waiting for mark 4's.....so there's no supply but then there's not alot of demand either
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on April 22, 2010, 05:06:49 PM
Thanks to all for the help yesterday with the bus.

For those who werent there, we took some of the logos off the side and front, have removed the oliveris desto and put the canberra box in, we havent secured it yet cause we're waiting for todds desto roll first and then we'll give them a clean beforehand.

The side desto will be installed soon as well, and we are now trying to track down two more rolls of numbers for it.

Also thanks to Zac for adding some accident damage to the bus after hitting a tree stump in it yesterday, so we now have to replace the metal sheet under the fuel cap and buff out some scratches...

next time zac look in your mirror!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on April 22, 2010, 08:00:23 PM
You said "Keep it at full lock until I tell you to straighten out"

You never told me to and that tree stump was not easy to see. When getting the bus away from it Ed struggled to see it...
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on April 23, 2010, 01:45:07 AM
What transpired was

me: keep it at full lock
zac: i wont make it
me: you will, once you clear the bus STOP
zac: ok
me: just remember once the mirror is clear stop as we need to turn the other way to clear the back
zac: *hits tree stump and laughs*

ed: *mouth drops open reminiscent of 389 hitting the platofrm 5 sign on the tour*
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on April 23, 2010, 07:22:07 AM
I did not laugh as son as I hit it, lol.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: The Love Guru on April 23, 2010, 10:06:06 AM
You're all fucked, you should have had a professional at the wheel of such an awesome piece of mechanical history.

Zac (Stack, Stacka, Crash Bandicoot, Zac the Stack, etc etc ), EPIC FAIL! If you are steering it is your responsability to ensure you don't hit anything. NO ifs, buts, maybes. Hard way to get your first driving lesson though. At least it gives you an understanding of how things can go wrong very easily in heavy vehicles.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on April 23, 2010, 10:24:37 AM
Quote from: Busn00b on April 22, 2010, 05:06:49 PM
.

Also thanks to Zac for adding some accident damage to the bus after hitting a tree stump in it yesterday, so we now have to replace the metal sheet under the fuel cap and buff out some scratches...



Take the one off the shed if it's in good nick
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on April 23, 2010, 11:01:25 AM
I think they already have...
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on April 23, 2010, 03:32:58 PM
No its behind too much grass didnt wanna get bitten by more biting ants, but thats the plan!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on April 23, 2010, 11:06:54 PM
lol
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on April 24, 2010, 08:10:27 AM
Gee if I got a chance to drive a bus I would savour the moment and not crash the thing. Lucky you any way, Iam jealous
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on April 24, 2010, 11:15:28 AM
Believe me it's not as easy as it looks, especially when you Are in a yard with about 50 other buses that you are trying to avoid hitting as well as many other obstacles.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on April 24, 2010, 12:32:53 PM
You still did pretty good zac for having never driven before, if there wasnt shit everywhere like todds first drive in the flat paddock it would have been better haha, lucky we had ed around for his humerous expressions everytime you nearly hit something or sent him through the windscreen :P
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: The Love Guru on April 24, 2010, 12:40:41 PM
Quote from: Busn00b on April 24, 2010, 12:32:53 PM
You still did pretty good zac for having never driven before, if there wasnt shit everywhere like todds first drive in the flat paddock it would have been better haha, lucky we had ed around for his humerous expressions everytime you nearly hit something or sent him through the windscreen :P

Sounds like he has been trained at the STA!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on April 25, 2010, 12:56:16 PM
Quote from: Busn00b on April 23, 2010, 03:32:58 PM
No its behind too much grass didnt wanna get bitten by more biting ants, but thats the plan!
Thanks for asking! :P Lucky the batteries are flat then
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on April 29, 2010, 05:40:50 PM
when 661 comes to canberra can I have a drive in it please?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on April 29, 2010, 08:37:52 PM
No.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on April 29, 2010, 08:57:20 PM
But you let Zac have a drive, don't you trust me, not like I will crash it into a tree stump as previous members have done!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: smitho on April 29, 2010, 09:09:26 PM
Fun and games!
Seriously though, its great to read of the progress with 661.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on April 29, 2010, 09:49:18 PM
Quote from: CNG on April 29, 2010, 08:57:20 PM
But you let Zac have a drive, don't you trust me, not like I will crash it into a tree stump as previous members have done!
To put it simply, I am their friend, you on the other hand are not
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: The Love Guru on April 29, 2010, 11:48:53 PM
Quote from: Stacka on April 29, 2010, 09:49:18 PM
To put it simply, I am their friend, you on the other hand are not

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Other thing is that you were driving on private property Zac, where as when/if it gets to Canberra it will be on public roads. Wonder if i can have a drive.............

If you guys do get it down here i have a suitable air compressor for painting it, as long as you can get a hold of a suitable paint.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on April 30, 2010, 01:00:21 AM
Quote from: CNG on April 29, 2010, 05:40:50 PM
when 661 comes to canberra can I have a drive in it please?
Ahhh the joys of bus owning
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on April 30, 2010, 07:23:27 AM
I was only fooling around any way, but their was no need to get nasty lemon and chris guru it is not like you are the only people who have friends in the world. That is just rude and you will both lose friends if you act like that. Boo hoo I can't drive your bus so what, Iam buying one any how.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: The Love Guru on April 30, 2010, 09:54:36 AM
Quote from: CNG on April 30, 2010, 07:23:27 AM
I was only fooling around any way, but their was no need to get nasty lemon and chris guru it is not like you are the only people who have friends in the world. That is just rude and you will both lose friends if you act like that. Boo hoo I can't drive your bus so what, Iam buying one any how.

I fail to see where i was rude to you CNG, however my gramatical skills are not up to Red Hill standards so you will have to forgive me on that count. It's a real shame that we can't be friends, I always feel bad when people of your social stature don't like me. I just can't figure out what i'm doing wrong. Could possibly be that i live in the real world and call it as i see it, something that is not tollerated in the Liberal heartlands of Snobville.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on April 30, 2010, 04:35:02 PM
Let's try to stick to the topic please..
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on April 30, 2010, 09:44:00 PM
Quote from: Chris_Guru on April 30, 2010, 09:54:36 AM
I fail to see where i was rude to you CNG, however my gramatical skills are not up to Red Hill standards so you will have to forgive me on that count. It's a real shame that we can't be friends, I always feel bad when people of your social stature don't like me. I just can't figure out what i'm doing wrong. Could possibly be that i live in the real world and call it as i see it, something that is not tollerated in the Liberal heartlands of Snobville.
Sorry for the misunderstanding mate and I have no problem with you what so ever, I just did not read the facts correctly.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on May 01, 2010, 03:21:13 PM
Please keep that sort of things to Personal Messaging please. The rest of the forum doesn't need to see it.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on May 09, 2010, 08:20:54 PM
Managed to get a couple of things done on the bus tonight...


Desto roll is now in the bus, however we will need to rewire the light as the big one that was in there was a retrofit oliveri's light tube which doesnt fit with the action box in there.


Also god all the signwriting off the back and all but Metro off the offside, working on those bits on the front but it's a bit of a pain...


and thanks to stacka's accident, the area under the metal fuel cover is completely rusted so i guess lucky he ripped it off so that we can repair it.

Note: Attachment has expired.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on May 10, 2010, 04:46:12 PM
Thanks for the update.. good thing Sir P had the desto roll!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on May 10, 2010, 06:29:53 PM
Desto looks very nice! She should scrub up well in Blue and Orange. Good to see the Matrolink vehicle coming together, and since when did our bus become part of MyZone?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on May 10, 2010, 07:11:42 PM
Quote from: Sir Pompously on May 10, 2010, 06:29:53 PM
Desto looks very nice! She should scrub up well in Blue and Orange. Good to see the Matrolink vehicle coming together, and since when did our bus become part of MyZone?
Out of curiosity how are you going to get the old number plates?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Bus 400 on May 10, 2010, 07:13:08 PM
I am wondring if you are going to try to acquire & fit an old ACTION ticketing system or not?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on May 10, 2010, 07:17:33 PM
Dependant on costs of registration and insurance etc. but we will try and get BUS 661 Nsw personalised yellow plates, I think they are $400 a year
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: p_stampy on May 11, 2010, 06:31:00 AM
Quote from: Bus 400 on May 10, 2010, 07:13:08 PM
I am wondring if you are going to try to acquire & fit an old ACTION ticketing system or not?

Where you drop the orange bits of paper in?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on May 11, 2010, 10:47:15 AM
Quote from: Bus 400 on May 10, 2010, 07:13:08 PM
I am wondring if you are going to try to acquire & fit an old ACTION ticketing system or not?

One of these? http://ratec.actbus.net/Memorabilia/album/slides/Fare-box%20red.html (http://ratec.actbus.net/Memorabilia/album/slides/Fare-box%20red.html)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on May 11, 2010, 12:30:11 PM
we have access to one of those red ones seen above, however I personally am unsure if that is the correct box for the era we are refurbing it too, perhaps todd can shed some light...
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on May 11, 2010, 01:26:24 PM
The picture is very similar to the one we have access to. The box shown has a larger red box below the smaller box onthe top. We will have a fare-go box on the cab door. If we cannot track one down we will fashion one ourselves.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Barry Drive on May 11, 2010, 05:17:55 PM
The original rego was ZIB 661 (C of A plates). When I next use a computer, I'll let you know if the fare box is correct.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on May 11, 2010, 05:39:43 PM
Yes but we are putting in refurb livery so it would have had BUS plates in that time
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Barry Drive on May 13, 2010, 11:45:03 AM
The fare box in that photo was used at Interchanges. This photo (from RATEC) shows a PR100.2 with an original fare box and fare go ticket box.

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fratec.actbus.net%2FBus%2520Depot%2520Mishaps%2Falbum%2Fslides%2FDepot%2520Accident%2520bus%2520852%2520Tugg-05.JPG&hash=1e7256cb57b4559689d5637cee4117fa5bdfcdf5)

If you want more detail, Belco depot have these in the memorabilia display. I might be able to get close-up photos if you need them.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Barry Drive on May 14, 2010, 12:08:47 PM
I was led to believe (by Stacka) that 661 no longer had its original speedo and had something from a Volvo. Looking at the photo of the dash that does appear to be the original item (based on what I can remember). Contrary to what I might have said previously (off board) the Mercs didn't come with the same VDO speedo that is used in the Renaults.

It does look as though someone has fitted a replacement sun guard for the dash lights.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on May 18, 2010, 07:00:38 PM
It doesnt have to be 100% exact, yes it has a speedo with VOLVO written on it...but it works well and will stay...

I think that is the correct fare box we have access too, not sure how we can get a fare go box or a cash tray though :(
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on May 18, 2010, 07:53:39 PM
A Fare go box can easily be created if we do not have one. Remember my dad is a panel beater and good with metal and wood work, so he is happy to do one if we can't track one down that we can use (Aslong as we grab crucial dimensions and angles from the one at Belconnen Depot)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on May 19, 2010, 02:26:25 AM
For no reason at all except that we can, we will be installing an interior ad for sydney buses metro bus 10 and 20 :P
Title: Bus 661
Post by: Barry Drive on May 19, 2010, 11:44:39 AM
There is an ACTION bus which still has a ticket box fitted. Can anyone remember which one. (Just to get photos :-) )
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Irisbus Rider on May 19, 2010, 12:09:16 PM
It used to be 842, not sure if it still has it. Othewrwise, I think it's eithr an 83*, 84* or 85* bus.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on May 19, 2010, 09:10:24 PM
I thought one of the 700 series had it, try 78* or 79*
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on May 20, 2010, 02:48:24 AM
I also was sure it was 842 - definately a belco mk1 around that number somewhere, anything from 836 - 838 and 841 - 849 would be in that range there...

aaah i just remembered the good old days where we used to get two belco buses a day on our route, it was so exciting seeing things like 848 drive past, it was just like 856 or something normal to them but so interesting to us...

We often thought there were bus enthusiests n belconnen who would be excited at getting one tuggy bus a day like 823 or something and bein obsessed.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on May 20, 2010, 07:23:14 AM
what depot was 661 originally from, was it belco?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Barry Drive on May 20, 2010, 11:23:28 AM
Quote from: CNG on May 20, 2010, 07:23:14 AM
what depot was 661 originally from, was it belco?
Define 'originally' - which depot was it first located at or which depot was it last located at? And why does it matter?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on May 20, 2010, 09:04:07 PM
all the depots
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on May 20, 2010, 09:04:56 PM
Belconnen for the majority of its life I believe.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Bus 400 on May 20, 2010, 09:56:48 PM
What are these cash boxes you speak of? & Where would this cash box sit in the bus?
Title: Bus 661
Post by: Barry Drive on May 21, 2010, 02:09:45 PM
Ticket bin is not in 842, 824 or 852. Will have to keep looking - but it might be a Tuggy bus.

661 started at Kingston depot (1983 ?) and would have moved to Belco when Kingston closed (1987 ?).
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on May 22, 2010, 02:26:16 AM
It is DEFINATELY in a belco bus, perhaps 846? im very sure it was somewhere within the 830 - 850 range, a belco bus too
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: King of Buses on June 02, 2010, 05:29:22 PM
I was wondering where Sir P got the Desto?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on June 02, 2010, 05:57:22 PM
I was given the desto when I completed my Work Experience at ACTION in Year 10.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Irisbus Rider on June 02, 2010, 06:46:07 PM
Quote from: Busn00b on May 22, 2010, 02:26:16 AM
It is DEFINATELY in a belco bus, perhaps 846? im very sure it was somewhere within the 830 - 850 range, a belco bus too
IIRC, it was definately 842. I have photographic proof of this. But recently (12-18 months ago), 842 got a new drivers door, and/or the ticket bin was removed.

Unfortunately, the photo is now on my 'dead' portable hard drive, and is yet to be recovered.

Edit: Which I just tried to connect to my computer, and low and behold, it connected! YAY! There's thousands of old photos on there, hopefully, I'll get around to sharing some of them with you.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on June 02, 2010, 06:51:16 PM
Hope you're copying all those photos to a more reliable device!!

Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on June 02, 2010, 06:56:37 PM
A dedicated Gallery album to document the process is now available - http://actbus.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=28142 (http://actbus.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=28142)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Irisbus Rider on June 02, 2010, 10:13:22 PM
Quote from: Buzz Killington on June 02, 2010, 06:51:16 PM
Hope you're copying all those photos to a more reliable device!!
Nah, it'll be right.........

The ticket disposal receptical in 842;
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh175%2FRJT-RR-GR%2FIMGP5340.jpg&hash=9b6fbaaea52d23bd6bb8de0892d80f9a8a391466)
You'll just have to take my word that it's 842 ;)

Even though it's no longer in 842, I'm 100% positive that it's in another bus, as I've seen it, and if IIRC, it is a Tuggies bus.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: p_stampy on June 03, 2010, 08:14:22 AM
Oh, I remember the day it went up to $3. People are such whingers...
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on June 22, 2010, 04:25:56 PM
Quote from: p_stampy on June 03, 2010, 08:14:22 AM
Oh, I remember the day it went up to $3. People are such whingers...

well that is quite a bit of money for just a single bus fare, so people had a right to be outraged and they weren't "such whingers"
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: p_stampy on June 22, 2010, 07:43:34 PM
Quote from: CNG on June 22, 2010, 04:25:56 PM
well that is quite a bit of money for just a single bus fare, so people had a right to be outraged and they weren't "such whingers"

Honestly, I dont think it is.

If you're other options are driving & paying for parking, it is in fact much cheaper.

If it's a distance thing (as in $4 to go 2km), well I suggest people walk instead if its not worth the soon to be $4.

Of course if you're unable to walk for some substantial time, I assume you would be on a concession fare instead.

Nothing in life is free.

Again, correct me if you think I am wrong CNG.
Title: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Bus 400 on June 26, 2010, 02:14:02 PM
Bus 883 has screw holes set up like it had a ticket box thingy.
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi611.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt193%2FBus400%2FMiscellaneous%2F_DSC1234.jpg&hash=0840961978cc6be841cab64ab3bae9d9672cebe7)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Bidgee on July 07, 2010, 01:17:58 AM
Quote from: p_stampy on June 22, 2010, 07:43:34 PM
Honestly, I dont think it is.

If you're other options are driving & paying for parking, it is in fact much cheaper.

If it's a distance thing (as in $4 to go 2km), well I suggest people walk instead if its not worth the soon to be $4.

Of course if you're unable to walk for some substantial time, I assume you would be on a concession fare instead.

Nothing in life is free.
Totally agree with you! Sounds like those whiners need to visit Wagga! 5km costs $4.40 (which is what I happily pay) but for those who live at Lake Albert (13.5km from Baylis to Lake Albert via Tatton but 9km from Lake Albert to Baylis St) pay $6+ (Have to look at the zone price) but still cheaper then a car or taxi.

How is the bus going? Any June photos?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: p_stampy on July 07, 2010, 06:45:09 AM
Quote from: Bidgee on July 07, 2010, 01:17:58 AM

How is the bus going? Any June photos?

I believe about $8 was raised the other day to go towards the bus  :P
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on July 07, 2010, 10:44:12 AM
Mathew is going to procure a list of parts, and we will then move forward to purchase what we need. The main thing that needs to be completed at this stage is rust removal, which is a team effort as neither Mat nor I have done this before. We need number rolls, side desto box needs to be installed (An wires re-attached), cab door is proving difficult to get on, and rear lights need to be changed over to the original style (We have a set from a condemned bus). I have not been available to head up there, and Mat has been working hard so he has not been there either for a little bit. After rust removal and patching up the holes, lights in etc, hopefully we will have it painted asap.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on July 07, 2010, 12:17:27 PM
Yes has been quite a pain with so much work lately that I haven't had a free minute but hopefully we can start some work on it again soon
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on July 15, 2010, 01:42:11 AM
More than happy to assist - just as long as the shed's not immobilised in any way
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on July 15, 2010, 11:56:14 PM
Might head up there tomorrow
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on July 16, 2010, 09:18:26 PM

Went up there today and got started on the rust removal...sanded back a few little rust bubbles and sprayed a bit of primer over them...its going to be a huge job to do all of it once we start taking rubbers and seals and windows out to do the rust around those but at least we know what is involved...


We finished getting off the Metro decals as well. As a suggestion to Todd perhaps we can sell the oliveri's desto roll on ebay to make some money for the bus!?



Note: Attachment has expired.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on July 17, 2010, 08:08:58 AM
Even parts from the bus that you are not using, they sell for good money. However that really depends if there are any ;)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on July 17, 2010, 08:10:49 AM
also how do you donate money to the project?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: p_stampy on July 17, 2010, 12:46:16 PM
Quote from: CNG on July 17, 2010, 08:10:49 AM
also how do you donate money to the project?

Why would you want to donate to something you may not even touch?

It's not like cancer, where it may affect you one day.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on July 17, 2010, 05:35:31 PM
it is something called being nice and I thought the guys might need some help.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on July 17, 2010, 09:35:53 PM
People will be able to touch it once we finish the bus and bring it down to Canberra for a tour, in the meantime any money you want to donate is appreciated, we aren't demanding anyone donate but you can contact an admin for details, basically I have an account in my name (since the bus is in my name) for the bus.

The account was at $109 which included the remaining tour money (about $70) and about $35 I had in the account already. I spent about $30 at bunnings yesterday buying sandpaper and primer for the bus etc.

Todd will probably be funding the painting as it will cost about $1000 to paint the bus. We are also planning on selling the desto roll in the bus, we might even be able to get a few bucks for the fuel cover that zac broke as scrap metal...

At the moment im a bit nervous about the condition of the gearbox...I will see how it is after we service the engine (about $100 to service it) it may need a new gearbox soon which would be maybe $1500

However in the meantime we should be ok as the main project I am working on now is taking off panels etc. to fix the rust and sand back some of the bus as I am waiting until someone can service the bus for me
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on July 17, 2010, 11:06:26 PM
To clarify one point, those wishing to donate should contact Busn00b rather than myself and he can provide the info.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on July 31, 2010, 05:09:17 PM
Well, busn00b and myself, aswell as a small team of others got to removing stripping on the side of the bus, aswell as cleaning up the areas where we had removed the hard wearing Oliveri's Metro Link stickering on the side, front and rear. Apparently more will be done tomorrow, however I will be busy in Sydney and will not get a chance to attend. Plan is to get everything stripped and sanded, prepared on the outside ready for it to be painted into ACTION livery before we start on the inside. Busn00b and myself sat down and talked about what we would need to do on the inside, when the outside is finished. Basically we are looking at removing seat padding, repainting bases, poles, cleaning the current seats, re-screwing the seats back into position. A future interior possibility is replacing the fabric, which is dirty from much wear. We will need to look at replacing some window frames (Swapping them from condemned vehicles), some interior side panels need to also be replaced/cleaned (Depending on condition) and re-fitted back into position. The side desto box still needs to be fitted (We need a set of numbers, anyone?), aswell as the removal and replacement of the cab door into position. The rear door button is non-operational, however the doors work fine, it is just the button that is the problem (We think it is not connected). I think that is a list of what we really need to do, it is a fairly big job but with some help from more experienced people, we can get it done. I do have some photos I will post up at a later date, however I am currently on the go as I write this!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on July 31, 2010, 06:39:30 PM
I just want to say this is a great job you two are doing and I can not wait to see the finished product. I take my hat off to all the hard work you are. Look forward to seeing more pics. Also had an idea in relation to the numbers in the side desto box. It is abit taky however you could print some numbers of the computer with a black background and white numbers. This is just an idea if you became real desperate.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on July 31, 2010, 07:33:52 PM
On the topic of numbers, what were the desto signs made out of that we used for the artic tour? Maybe (if it is the right material) you could look at getting some made up. Possibly see if you can get one out of an ex STA bus (one they are selling) if they are the same. And if all else fails surely there would be a bus at the Parker's you could steal a roll out of
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on July 31, 2010, 09:27:30 PM
STA Numbers are Yellow and thin. Telfords have some but it is just waiting for them to get rid of them. Making up the numbers are hard, as there are two different fonts they used. And no, there are none at the Parker's we can get any rolls out of.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on July 31, 2010, 10:00:35 PM
damn
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on July 31, 2010, 10:48:21 PM
Thanks for the update Sir P. Sounds like some real progress is being made!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on August 01, 2010, 12:54:45 AM

Quote from: Sir Pompously on July 31, 2010, 05:09:17 PMA future interior possibility is replacing the fabric, which is dirty from much wear.
The seat backs I ripped out of "the shed" were at Terrey Hills - I was going to pop em in another bus coming over but got side tracked, they may still be there, they were still the fabric - I have a sneaking suspicion my "granny seat" is red too

Quote from: Sir Pompously on July 31, 2010, 05:09:17 PMWe will need to look at replacing some window frames (Swapping them from condemned vehicles),

Hmmmmm do I see a "please Simon" conversation coming up hehehehe or are there other candidates at Oakville?

Quote from: Sir Pompously on July 31, 2010, 05:09:17 PMThe side desto box still needs to be fitted (We need a set of numbers, anyone?),
Were the same size and font rolls put into the Renaults? I recall a side desto box (complete) being in one of those that ended up with Veolia (via Baxters and Transit First)


Quote from: Sir Pompously on July 31, 2010, 05:09:17 PMaswell as the removal and replacement of the cab door into position.
Let me sort the shed out, then I'll remove it's one (or again, another candidate?)
 
Quote from: Sir Pompously on July 31, 2010, 05:09:17 PMThe rear door button is non-operational, however the doors work fine, it is just the button that is the problem (We think it is not connected).
Easyish job, did "the shed" get a jump today and it's centre door fiddled with? I seem to recall it was disconnected also - since the emergency works - might involve taking out the drivers seat just so you can get under the dash...

Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 01, 2010, 09:37:44 AM
Quote from: Simes on August 01, 2010, 12:54:45 AM
Were the same size and font rolls put into the Renaults?

Pretty sure they are the same.

That said, some Renaults do have a slightly newer version (the give-away is the 7 - the older ones have a piece that comes down from the left side of the horizontal section of the seven)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Barry Drive on August 01, 2010, 09:53:31 AM
It is the same equipment. The supplier of the rolls may have changed over time. There were two distinct 'fonts' which originally went into the Mercs but number rolls get changed often due to damage.

ACTION's current number rolls AFAIK are supplied by Arrow Alpha. If all else fails, you might be able to buy some new ones directly from them.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on August 01, 2010, 10:55:20 AM
Yes Arrow Alpha made the old ones too I believe, might be worth emailing them to see how much two side number rolls would be, as we already have the three front and one side ones.

Todd took some photos yesterday and should upload them when he gets a chance.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on August 01, 2010, 01:16:26 PM
Ok well considering one of the three Renaults with veolia has been withdrawn for parts I could set some wheels in motion to have that checked out for you - have you asked about any at Telfords? ;)

Oh mr noob, I believe this post over at the ATDB might be of interest to you ;)
http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=53163 (http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=53163)

(just trying to find pics of the Transit First farewell tour - if anyone has em, the Renault used then had a side box in it still)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on August 01, 2010, 05:03:24 PM
Quote from: Simes on August 01, 2010, 12:54:45 AM
The seat backs I ripped out of "the shed" were at Terrey Hills - I was going to pop em in another bus coming over but got side tracked, they may still be there, they were still the fabric - I have a sneaking suspicion my "granny seat" is red too

Hmmmmm do I see a "please Simon" conversation coming up hehehehe or are there other candidates at Oakville?

Were the same size and font rolls put into the Renaults? I recall a side desto box (complete) being in one of those that ended up with Veolia (via Baxters and Transit First)


Let me sort the shed out, then I'll remove it's one (or again, another candidate?)
  Easyish job, did "the shed" get a jump today and it's centre door fiddled with? I seem to recall it was disconnected also - since the emergency works - might involve taking out the drivers seat just so you can get under the dash...



I Think a Please Simon is going to be said in regards to the window frames. Cab door will also be from yours, I will let your more capable hands sort that one out.

The future re-fabrication will probably be new fabric. There are quite a few suppliers of that material around.

We did not jump 'The shed', I was looking for some cleaning supplies in there and something has leaked all over your floor.

While I was there I also looked in the Kiama Coachlines MAN SG192 and the Surfside one, I will post some photos of those aswell.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on August 02, 2010, 12:49:20 AM
Quote from: Sir Pompously on August 01, 2010, 05:03:24 PM
I Think a Please Simon is going to be said in regards to the window frames. Cab door will also be from yours, I will let your more capable hands sort that one out.
That's for the three of us to discuss, however at the moment the young girl (she's the youngest one I own lol) is still water tight and still at Oakville, and the window frames would come out when I was scrapping her
Quote from: Sir Pompously on August 01, 2010, 05:03:24 PM
The future re-fabrication will probably be new fabric. There are quite a few suppliers of that material around.
Really? I was under the impression that it was discontinued
Quote from: Sir Pompously on August 01, 2010, 05:03:24 PM
We did not jump 'The shed', I was looking for some cleaning supplies in there and something has leaked all over your floor.
Yeah ironic you were looking for cleaning products then, coz that's a mix of windex and that armour all green car wash (truck wash is much better, but I got that shit when I didn't know what I do now ;) ) that spilt either during the Terrey Hills - Oakville run or when the yard was shunted
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on August 02, 2010, 01:48:18 PM
Hey guys just an update, have been doing a few small jobs.

The back seat has been removed and i will be replacing it with a better quality rear seat we have.

I have cleaned the bus out and am starting to try and clean all the dust out of everything and have commenced respraying the front panels inside the bus in black spray paint. I have done a couple of panels so far and they look fantastic!

I am going to head up shortly and start removing all the seats so a) we have better access to the windows and walls to check for and fix rust, b) paint the seat frames and c) buy some new screws for the seats and perhaps clean the seats also.

Anyway I hope todd uploads the photos he took the other day so we can all see the progress.

Also we sold the Oliveri's desto roll for $164 so hopefully the payment goes through and our kitty for 661 will stand at about $235!! so that's good news, we will also be sourcing fanbelts soon to replace the ageing ones installed.

We need some help from you guys, anyone who has any info on where we can source some more chinguards for the seat tops, where we can buy the stop bells from (probably in a bus magazine there will be an ad) and thats it for the moment.

In other news, I spoke to Dean last night and there is a chance I might be able to buy 675 from Premier. This would be a good one to get as its the first one! It still has two doors and all premier did to it was repaint it and add school lights and remove the side desto. So it would be an easy job and I would love to get this bus! to bring back to its former glory and preserve it along with 661!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on August 02, 2010, 03:09:20 PM
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4078%2F4851663213_185c159011_z.jpg&hash=51c13a915aee21ba735deb7a3b4db35d47c1b668)

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4101%2F4851663459_b59eb32356_z.jpg&hash=35a2f47ad1d6b3982532dc13b2243983af17eb76)

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4135%2F4852281776_40840794ca_z.jpg&hash=96f7b9defca3f24dcb634e35120a75dbfaa0fb72)

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4122%2F4851663879_2b6101cbd5_z.jpg&hash=e6bf70765a37c116ee884673d536738e6de7471d)

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4138%2F4852283710_ab1144be86_z.jpg&hash=86cd1dcf0c3a5336709eb6d56414c1bccac517cb)
Title: 675
Post by: lukeo25 on August 02, 2010, 04:26:26 PM
If you obtain 675 i would love to help when i'm free that is :)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 02, 2010, 04:49:44 PM
Thanks for the update and photos, guys. Would be great if you can also acquire 675!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: King of Buses on August 02, 2010, 05:16:26 PM
Quote from: lukeo25 on August 02, 2010, 04:26:26 PM
If you obtain 675 i would love to help when i'm free that is :)
Same here.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on August 02, 2010, 06:01:57 PM
nice to see the progress is happening
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on August 02, 2010, 08:55:20 PM
Went up there again thisafternoon.


took a few panels off the dash gave them a quick spray, pretty dodgy job but at least it doesnt have scratch marks all over it now. I also took off all the seat cushions in the rear of the bus, so we can check for and more easily fix the rust, take all the chewing gum off the seat frames and floor and also respray the frames and clean the seat cushions.


I went to bunnings and got new sets of screws for the seats so that they can all be attache properly, I also spoke to them about painting the poles and seat frames and they suggested an glossy mission brown spray paint, we sprayed a bar and once it has properly dried i will see how close it looks to the original, it so far looks a little lighter but it may have to do and would be the closest we get.


I did have a photo to post but its taking its time to go to my email so ill post it later.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on August 02, 2010, 09:40:12 PM
Here is that photo



Note: Attachment has expired.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on August 03, 2010, 01:53:19 AM
Looking good - IMHO save the better "original" screws for the seat backs and new for the bottoms (no one sees them), if you need any, I kept a few from when I ripped out all the seats of the shed

Good news with Renault (production) number one :) - if it's got I'd gladly speak to someone about the possibility of getting ex 807 from Veolia before they drag it off to scrap for body bits etc (a friend tells me they're busily making room at the depots)
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on August 03, 2010, 07:39:37 PM
Apparently we're going to Nowra on the weekend, we can talk to them about 675 when we're there...

The screws are bought as replacements and to fill the voids of the old screws, these ones are better quality and dont have ruined threads and heads etc. so will be easier to remove things in the future if required.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on August 03, 2010, 07:53:24 PM
May as well just replace the screws. As you mentioned, the ruined threads on the older ones make hard work for the times when you need to unscrew them
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on September 24, 2010, 12:21:33 AM
Just sold an overhead projector on Ebay for $36, so that will go into the 661 Fund.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on September 25, 2010, 12:43:52 AM
....Who the hell has their own personal overhead projector?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on September 25, 2010, 12:54:21 AM
Dean is quite annoyed that you did not keep the overhead projector as he wanted it.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on September 25, 2010, 11:33:30 AM
Well, Dean could've put in a bid on Ebay for it :P

It was an old one from the Qantas Club that they did not want, so I bought it for $2.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on October 02, 2010, 12:33:58 AM
"Hi All"

Have done a few little bits on the bus over the last couple of days.

*My biggest task today was removing the WHEN LIGHTS FLASH sticker which took me about and hour or so to complete, and next time I will take off the
40 sign as well which is started on today.
*Put a winder handle on my side desto box and the route numbers are now in the bus ready to be put in the box before it is mounted
*drivers cab door parts are now sitting in the bus and when time permits we will start to put that together
*loose front door partially fixed, put in a new runner (it was missing) and another bolt was put in (was also missing) so the door has less play now
*school lights rust spots primed to prevent spread of rust
*roof rust patches primed to prevent spreading until we treat it properly
*fuel filters all changed and the bus sounds so much happier now! the filters were jet black with gunk
*new speedo fitted (non volvo one)
*more dash labels now in place and have removed the dymo tags

more things I am in progress are
*installing a fluro tube for the front number box and rezising the light fittings for the route destination light since i dont have that part
*oil change once correct oil has been sourced, est cost is about $90 - $120 for the oil, filters are being supplied to me for free
*engine degrease
*replacing the broken pully and all fanbelts
*steam/spray the engine block free of all dirt
those arent really all in progress but merely what i will be doing next. Doing the above i sustained three cuts today, one on my finger on a rivett,
one on a bit of metal trimming inside the bus and hit my head on the mirror when fixing the doors :P

So thats about all for now that has been done, have also found an original fan and will see about installing that and the original taillights also when i can!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on October 02, 2010, 04:31:34 PM
Can anyone find a company that sells the fabric for the seats? Part of my contribution will be paying for the seats to be recovered where needed (unless the fabric is ridiculously cheap in which case I will pay for both to be re done completely). The rest of my contribution will be through helping out.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on October 02, 2010, 10:22:47 PM
Fabric is Frontrunner. http://www.office-furniture.com.au/Fabric-Options/Fabric-Options/Front-Runner-Fabric-Range.html (http://www.office-furniture.com.au/Fabric-Options/Fabric-Options/Front-Runner-Fabric-Range.html) is a site I found with Frontrunner as a line. Am unsure if it is exactly the same, though, but it must still be around as ACTION are recovering in new blue (They probably have a big stock, but the blue is darker).
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on October 03, 2010, 07:11:00 PM
Well perhaps if someone can make enquiries and find out more info I might get mine done too
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on October 03, 2010, 09:48:07 PM
Quote from: Metrobus on October 02, 2010, 04:31:34 PM
Part of my contribution will be paying for the seats to be recovered where needed (unless the fabric is ridiculously cheap in which case I will pay for both to be re done completely). The rest of my contribution will be through helping out.
Should have worded it better, I will be paying for both buses to be done
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on October 20, 2010, 03:33:25 AM
Quote from: Metrobus on October 03, 2010, 09:48:07 PM
I will be paying for both buses to be done

And we are all still waiting...obviously after realising it costs about $1500 to recover all the seats in each bus, someone is a bit less forthcoming in moolah now :P
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on October 20, 2010, 10:50:10 AM
I am happy for a McDonald's based employee to give us all his dosh, would save us around $1500 for the bus! :P
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on October 21, 2010, 12:05:45 AM

Started pulling the interior panel off the bus today to see how bad the rust was, in the process I uncovered these artifacts...
(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg696.imageshack.us%2Fimg696%2F4638%2Fimg0499v.jpg&hash=07ae5166f5aab6cc44f11124ca92ade8f856b61b)
By actbus (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/actbus) at 2010-10-20


The following images are of the state of the body up the back nearside, probably the worst affected area in the bus, the rest of the bus should be ok and we will probably leave it as is.



(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg842.imageshack.us%2Fimg842%2F39%2Fimg0494l.jpg&hash=da64d474a7e9adcf1288747dce8b023f7b4514ae)
By actbus (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/actbus) at 2010-10-20



(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg257.imageshack.us%2Fimg257%2F5660%2Fimg0493ca.jpg&hash=45f440d3390155b187f4ad3b8f51e355083dbf6e)
By actbus (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/actbus) at 2010-10-20



(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg139.imageshack.us%2Fimg139%2F9161%2Fimg0492ae.jpg&hash=02d2b3d13621f81b99fe5663ee4af9dc8faa1af6)
By actbus (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/actbus) at 2010-10-20



(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg139.imageshack.us%2Fimg139%2F9161%2Fimg0492ae.jpg&hash=02d2b3d13621f81b99fe5663ee4af9dc8faa1af6)
By actbus (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/actbus) at 2010-10-20


Also $108 of Todds money went to these decals for the bus :P

(https://www.actbus.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg709.imageshack.us%2Fimg709%2F1121%2Fimg0509vf.jpg&hash=f24e12d301ce7a0d4cea129bdfadd2456009e9ea)
By actbus (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/actbus) at 2010-10-20


Also found some house number stickers the other day at bunnings, i bought four 6's but they had no one's...from memory and photos the mercs only had two fleet numbers anyway.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on October 21, 2010, 03:22:36 AM
Yay, go old MiniFareGo's!! And damn that rusted she devil, a little worse for wear but these things are rust havens. And I also only remember the mercs with a set of numbers each side on the rear, unless there was another elsewhere.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Buzz Killington on October 21, 2010, 06:07:40 PM
Quote from: Sir Pompously on October 21, 2010, 03:22:36 AM
I also only remember the mercs with a set of numbers each side on the rear, unless there was another elsewhere.

On the original livery there was one on the front of the bus on the blue band, but in the refurb livery it was just the two at the rear.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on October 21, 2010, 06:46:28 PM
excellent, in that case I only need to buy two 1's then
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on October 21, 2010, 06:49:38 PM
FYI, I plan to finish the front exterior next week, as it seems simple enough, but knowing ansair it will end up taking twice as long.

-I need to take off one school light
-Put a less rusted vent on the front
-sand back and prime the rust under the windscreen
-put the other vent back on after it's sanded
-briefly sand the entire front to ready the area to be painted
(The area just needs to be 'loosened' or 'roughed' up so that the paint stays on it better

That is all that is required for the front of the bus, if that is finished in time, I might take off the guttering on the nearisde and start sanding the nearside parts of the bus that don't require rust treatment.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Barry Drive on October 22, 2010, 10:46:31 AM
Quote from: Buzz Killington on October 21, 2010, 06:07:40 PM
On the original livery there was one on the front of the bus on the blue band, but in the refurb livery it was just the two at the rear.
If you have a look in the Gallery, you will see that there was a fleet number above the front doors (e.g. 597 (http://www.actbus.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=3782) ) but nothing on the driver's side as there is on the Renualts (e.g. 603 (http://www.actbus.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=17492) ).
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on January 17, 2011, 05:49:05 PM
I was interested how is 661's process going?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on January 17, 2011, 06:13:03 PM
At this stage we are waiting for a Sydney Buses MkII Merc to be completed to get those working on it to help work on ours. We are at a stage where we cannot go any further without help from others, so shouldn't be too long before work is started again.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on January 17, 2011, 10:28:45 PM
Not just that but it has been a very busy time for a lot of us lately and we just haven't had the time amongst everything else we are doing.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: CNG on January 18, 2011, 08:18:24 AM
ok, I was just woundering how 661 was going. Thanks look forward to hearing on new process when you get around to it.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on January 24, 2011, 10:14:32 AM
Got a chance to do a little bit of work on the bus yesterday.

We have to decided to attempt the Z stripe livery, so in that case we have removed the wheel brushes.

We also finished taking off most of the roof guttering, now only the rear one remains.

We took off all the panels between the windows on the outside and found a few more rust holes, perfect for sitting your screwdriver in so you dont have to bend down to pick it up lol.

It is looking very naked at the moment, now that these are off we can see what the damage is underneath and it's not too severe, so now I will be seeking advice on how to approach it, whether or not to bog it or get some new metal made up, im not sure. I also looked at an old ACTION MAN bendy to see what the rust does given a bit longer, lets just say you can grab the beam off the frame and pull it off and snap it in half, its quite amazing!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on January 24, 2011, 02:17:50 PM
Of which we certainly want to avoid that eventual fate with this vehicle! We also cleaned up the bus a little on the outside, as sitting out at Parkerville it gets a little dirty from the trees. It looks a little cleaner now, stranger without the brushes on the wheels, and a little unloved with all the rust holes showing. I also gave the sander a go on the Zac Damage to smooth it out before a replacement cover gets put on there.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Snorzac on January 24, 2011, 08:32:42 PM
I would be happy to help fix my damage, only problem is I am apparently banned from Oakville for damaging the bus....
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on January 28, 2011, 11:34:51 PM
Damage looks a bit worse now that I look at it, but personally I CBF fixing that...it needs authentic body damage if its going to be an ACTION bus again :)

I am currently seeking advice on the best method for the holes around the windows, whether we bog them or put some new steel in, I am unsure at the moment and would like to take the time to do it properly.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: The Love Guru on January 30, 2011, 05:50:41 PM
Bogging it is visually no different to replacing it. Depends on how rusted out the old frame underneath is. If you are going to replace try and use a heavier duty steel than the mild steel that was used by Ansair. Personally, for the number of kms the bus will do, you are better off to chemically treat the rust then bog over it. This stops the rust in its tracks and the bog ensures that it can no longer be affected by air/water.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on January 31, 2011, 02:59:40 PM
I've had a good look - some of the rust can be treated, HOWEVER the stuff down towards the back of the bus should be cut out and replaced with some box galvanised steel, since there are a few bits that were once box and are no longer.

Given the bus will probably remain outdoors rather than live undercover, going a bit further and replacing rather than bogging would be the better solution in my opinion. Best to spot the water ingress too, otherwise the bog will just keep on expanding - I could post piccys of the bog at the base of the windows in my shed to prove that point
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: The Love Guru on January 31, 2011, 04:45:10 PM
All depends on the type of bog used. I have used a polyester based bog, which is both water and rust proof. However, if the structural integrity of the metal being bogged is questionable it should be replaced. If chemically treated, the rust will not reappear in that are as it forms a seal on the surface of the metal. I have done this the roof of 670 and it has worked a treat so far, no sign of any rust reappearing as yet.

I have seen the rust at the back left of 661 and agree it is in much too poorer condition to be bogged up. All of the tube steel will need to be replaced in that corner and the source of the contamination found. The use of a galvanised steel and rust kill etch primer should solve the problem for good.
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on January 31, 2011, 05:10:04 PM
Yeah I'm not knocking the use of bog, my mk2 will have some in it I'm sure, but yeah when it's rust and it's structural, best to go a little over the top than doing "just enough"
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on February 03, 2011, 09:15:44 PM
We are planning to repanel the back nearside panel with a new one. We are also looking at new box steel as simes said for the inside of that same panel. We did discuss what to do with the sections between the windows but I forgot what they said but it's gonna be a mix of bogging and maybe some new metal but as I said I forgot what we decided to do!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: King of Buses on July 30, 2011, 05:34:29 PM
I was just wondering (if at all) what has been done to her in the past few months?
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on July 31, 2011, 12:25:59 PM
Not a lot! I have since been up to see her and have had more talks about action plans. There will be some work done, I am waiting for Dean to finish his sydney merc (just needs to change a panel and paint) and he said he will help with mine. Also the parkers plan to help me replace those rusted bits of frame when they finish other projects theyre working on. We will get it done but it will take a while, due to work and other committments. but we will update you when something happens!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: King of Buses on August 01, 2011, 04:57:20 PM
Thanks. Hopefully she can come for a tour sometime soon! ;D
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on December 05, 2011, 08:46:13 AM
Went up and saw her yesterday. Charged the batteries up...but they'll probably be flat the next time I get to it. Swept out all the rubbish that had built up inside and took all the junk out of it and left it in an empty batter tray of a stupid Leopard. Cleaned the stickers off what will be the cab door at some point and was also given about 10 rollover/seat tops that were going to be otherwise thrown out, so we now have enough for the whole bus and then some! There is also four spare windows I will be moving into the bus when I get the chance, its good to have spare parts!

Kurt has discussed with me yesterday that we should set the target to have the bus ready to show off at a Mercedes Benz club show next November. Apparently they will be enthused with the VOV front. So we have set that as the target to get the bus operational. Kurt has offered his assistance to help me in rust removal and bogging whenever i have some free weekends so it is good that someone is showing interest and is willing to help. I have been told a new steering wheel costs around $300+ so that is good to know the cost of that as we will need a new one before it would be registered! Also i have been advised the paint we need won't be TOO expensive and should only be a few hundred dollars. That said we will need blue, orange and arctic green!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on December 31, 2011, 12:19:32 AM
When I start ripping into 646, hopefully I'll unearth some spots that will be good for paint samples
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on September 01, 2012, 09:55:47 PM
A fair few goodies that I have no use for on a Sydney O305 have been placed into 661 for further use (big one being air rams for the doors, I suspect they might also have been used in the Renaults?), along with a spare engine hatch, rub rails and spare back windows too

Oh and the remains went to scrap
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Sir Pompously on September 01, 2012, 11:21:00 PM
Thanks Simes, you are legendary!!! We will have to update 646 to Scrapped.

Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on September 03, 2012, 02:25:48 PM
Quote from: Sir Pompously on September 01, 2012, 11:21:00 PM
Thanks Simes, you are legendary!!! We will have to update 646 to Scrapped.

It's just up to you and your partner in crime to come sort it out/put it away - space can be provided for in a mk2 shed if needbe, but some stuff is out in the weather at the moment (which won't be good for it)

Oh yeah and the little piece of stainless under the fuel filler - I think there are one or two more canberra mercs to go so it would be in both your interests to come and have a pick!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on September 03, 2012, 11:16:41 PM
Still need a little section of flooring and bag rack mesh!
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Simes on September 07, 2012, 10:17:02 PM
Quote from: Busnerd on September 03, 2012, 11:16:41 PM
and bag rack mesh!
I got that off 646 seems it went with it rather than got out of it! Sorry :(
Title: Re: Restoration of BUS 661
Post by: Busnerd on September 09, 2012, 10:39:13 AM
Dang! Oh well I'll have to try and get some later from god knows where, unless we buy some other wrecked renault for $500 down the track??

Good news! whilst looking at the next 0305 to be scrapped last night I discovered it had not only the front square amber light fittings i need but also the red side bullet lights i need! so hopefully i can get them on the renault today, as well as installation of 6 of our new 8 round tail lights and hopefully with the batteries properly charged we might get it to turn over!