1946 FLXIBLE CLIPPER HASN'T RUN IN DECADES. WILL IT START AND DRIVE?

[@JohnLudwick]

Editor's Note: I was misinformed about the production years of the GMC 305 V6, the article I previously read was about a 305 V6 mounting kit that Flxible offered for these Clippers later when the motor was in production. This 46 Clipper most likely came from the factory with the Buick Straight 8 in it! I've seen the comments, and understand the 305 wasn't in production when the bus was built in 1946! Thanks for all of the info, guys!

[@kick1574]

Thank you for being respectful enough to admit your mistakes most KZbinrs won’t do that love you, bro. Can’t wait to see the finished product. Definitely following.

[@tommurphy116]

Your 46 has the louvered wiper pivot covers. Those are pretty rare to see. Don't lose them when you convert the wipers.

[@Daegal55]

I had a 49 back in the 70's, it had the Buick straight 8. Still needed ether though, Ha!

[@bassic1967]

I have seen these early flxibles with Detroit Diesel 471 engines

[@tannerjones9687]

Speaking of Buick straight 8s my pops is selling his 49 Buick Super with the Fireball 8 if interested.. I’m located in northern Indiana. It’s original and has great patina and runs.!! New to the channel this is the first episode I’ve watched and already I like the authenticity. Your dad and your relationship is golden !! Cherish these moments my friend. ❤

[@michaelbare5380]

In 1964 at the ages of 6 and 3 my brother and I took a 46 GMC from the Continental Trailways terminal in Springfield Missouri to Shell Knob Missouri to spend some time with my grand parents. No other passengers on the bus. We road in the front seats and talked to the driver the whole way. I will never forget it.😊

[@JohnLudwick]

Wow, that is amazing!

[@bellytripper-nh8ox]

Replying to @michaelbare5380: I AM VERY SORRY TO READ ABOUT YOUR TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE!! **I WOULD NOT WISH YOUR TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE ON THE ALL THE LEADERS OF THE TEARURISTSS ORGANIZATIONS IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW!!**

[@charlesreid3482]

Rode

[@BrandonSimmons-do6jq]

I would love to hear more of this story!

[@RoseFBN]

​@@bellytripper-nh8ox what the fuck?

[@cshevlin]

Things that are rad in this video.. 1- old bus running.. 2- making an old bus run with your dad... Awesome! Cant wait for this build to start!

[@13699111]

Thank you and your father for bringing the old bus back into service. I'm 72 years old spending more time reading all the great comments than it took to watch the video

[@lj6278]

That's amazing, John. It was meant to be. Cherish your time with your father. He's a cool guy.

[@Papa-Bogey]

If this doesn’t get you to 100K I don’t know what will … absolutely rad. You can pay for the build by putting seats in it and giving people rides. And your dad is awesome.

[@66skate]

I think keeping it with the original platform will go further to 100k than cobbling this beautiful old bus up. Not my bus though.

[@JohnLudwick]

Thanks man!

[@jimmycricket5366]

This video and the channel is so well done. Beautiful bus, such a cool project!!!

[@trainnerd3029]

It got me to subscribe!

[@rogercoffin7252]

I’m 73 now and watching reminds me of my life in the 60’s when my dad towed his 8 window flex home in Minnesota we put in a 401 we rebuilt together an I pulled all the seats out after school we made a motorhome out of it and became chapter president of Family Motor Home FMCA

[@rogercoffin7252]

❤

[@Baldskul]

I'm 74, your story is just about a match to what my Dad did. We went to Minn from Michigan for a FMCA rally in 1965.

[@Stovepipe274]

I'm 70, when I was a kid I'd take a similar Bus from RI to CT & back, I remember the driver double clutching & grinding gears!

[@13699111]

I'm 72 years old and enjoying all the great comments. As a kid I'd take a bus if it was to far away to ride my Schwinn bicycle. You had to have a license plate on your bicycle obey traffic laws. I took the bus to the ballpark, parks and recreation activities, the zoo , Detroit to Windsor Canada, by myself.

[@Ford4life885]

I’m 19 and I used to live by the flexible factory it’s so nice to see people finding these busses and restoring them loudonville Ohio is a amazing place to bring the bus too ❤️‍🔥

[@pacificrider08]

I can see where your curiosity and drive comes from. Your dad is awesome.

[@scottcallahan-z2x]

the smiles you guys had on your faces reminded me of my father and me when we would be succesful 50 years ago sure miss him

[@MsWhovian1]

We in Loudonville Ohio didn't make junk. My whole family worked in that factory. I knew it would start. Good for you to find her .

[@dlagrua]

An amazing part of bus history. Hope to see it restored and back on the road.

[@galaxieman1964]

Me and a buddy of mine stopped in Goodland Kansas and looked at this bus while we were on a trip to Colby. It is very cool. I'm glad to see it went to someone with some excitement and an actual plan besides lawn art or scrap. Good luck with your project.

[@JohnLudwick]

That’s crazy you stopped and saw it there!!

[@ansairoddbod]

That grin doesn’t go away. And you’ll find that everyone you drive past grins and smiles too. Clippers just make people happy. Great to see it moving !

[@JavierHernandez-ji3ol]

DAD AND SON TEAM...............JUST BEAUTIFUL..........GREAT JOB. God Bless

[@tbrod2031]

“Suns out” 🤷🏻‍♂️ haha dad is so cool What an awesome moment to share together! One of my favorite videos of yours so far, can’t wait to see this come together!

[@josenoway9541]

Not a Flxible owner, I have a Crown, but BE ADVISED the Flxible is a unibody and has no traditional framerails running lengthwise, as you can see with the floor panels out. It will need bracing end-to-end as you cut the floor away to add the MH frame and drivelie into the mix. I don't doubt your skills, just wanted to point this out to you and anyone wanting to build on these cool classics. Most (like about everyone except John) keeps the unibody and builds on that if rust isn't an issue.

[@hundybenggong9503]

In 1970's this kind of bus was means of transports in several cities of central Java Indonesia. Thanks a lot John for awakening my owesome memories travelling by this kind of bus.

[@Stauner95]

As a bus driver who has followed you on instagram for what feels like forever, this is so cool to see. I want to buy a bus now haha

[@JohnLudwick]

Thanks man!!

[@barnhartpinball]

I was not surprised it ran. Those engines are just beasts. If you see my profile picture, that's my 50k miles 64 gmc with a 305v6. Insanely heavy engines with the torque to pull a house off the foundations and down the street. I love the sound. Video made me smile. Oh and 60psi oil pressure...no surprise.

[@JohnLudwick]

That’s awesome! Yea they sound great, and total tanks 😂

[@JayLampang]

Loved the bus John, boy it sure has many characters in it, your Dad is the best, can't wait to see the final result down the road. Thank you again for inspired me to work on my old father's Peugeot cars. Oh when the bus start rolling, I can see a big smile and excitement on your face, congrats on the awesome bus.

[@hawaiian_judge5113]

This is honestly my favorite YT auto channel right now (sorry Jimmy). Thank you for the content, sir!!

[@JohnLudwick]

I really appreciate that man! Thank you!

[@locotrucker46]

I'm as happy as you guys are to see this bus running and moving under its own power. Awesome video!

[@bennetfox]

I love this bus! This thing is so awesome! I'm still 50/50 about the patina on the outside, although I would love to see the bus painted! I hope you fix all of the rust on the inside and underside and paint everything to make it look nice!!

[@gnatsflyd]

I searched for a clipper for 5 years in early 2000's. They were scarce and if you could find one that wasn't a garage queen they were way way rough. I settled for a 1975 Crown Supercoach. 671 Detroit. Did a sweet conversion and have enjoyed it for 14 years. Busses are big projects and I hope you have an epic adventure with the build.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

In San Francisco, my hometown, there were still a few on the road in the early 2000s.

[@RobertBOUSKILL]

I wish I wasn't almost eighty. I love your bus. Kind of sad you want to swap the chassis but it is - your bus.

[@ashleytidd-w9i]

Built about 100 in Australia under license from about 1950/59 in RHD.King of the road in there day.Rode in one as late as 1971,still a few restored one's on the road down here.

[@ZIPCORD]

Luddy, that was so cool to see the bus move. 45 years ago my brother had an early 60's GMC 3/4 ton Pick Up with that same 305 V-6. Even with the 1bbl. carb it only got 8 MPG. I can hardly believe the engine even moves the bus - which probably gets all of 4-5 MPG with that engine and loaded with passengers. The best part of that engine I remember was the V-6 created a large gap between the radiator. 4 bolts to remove the fan, 4 bolts to remove the water pump. No hoses to remove and I don't think I even loosened the fan belt. A complete water pump change in 5 minutes!

[@rickkempsell5076]

Hands down the Clippers are the coolest buses ever built. What a find! Looking forward to watching your build.

[@Des-kh-41]

As a kid I travelled on a clipper with a Buick straight 8 when I was about 12-13 and I.’m now 83. Great to see one preserved.

[@Shmee149]

My fav channel. Huge respect to your dad

[@JohnLudwick]

I really appreciate that!

[@HattedMan]

I’m super happy you found this bus, you’re obviously very excited to get to work on it. Have fun!

[@speedfiend74]

First vid of yours that I've seen, just the fact that you and your father wrench together earned you me subbing to your channel. I lost my father and wife last year, to stay busy and distracted I plan on finishing his and my last father/son project, a 74' Stingray convertible. It will be a labor of love and a tribute to both my parent who have passed. As I'm in a wheelchair, it will be a slow process, but the completion will feel like an absolute victory. Can't wait to explore your channel more. Hello from KY.

[@donniceblakely1075]

I think it's pretty cool to see people that are willing to put the work in to save these old relics.

[@budward75]

I have no idea how I landed on this video - but man I'm so jealous that you and your dad get to work together on a fun project. You guys seem awesome.

[@eddiea1213]

Brought me joy to see it's resurrection! Used to see one back in the 70's running commuters into San Francisco from the Peninsula, privately owned. We changed those tires in Vietnam 1968, no cage, Put the split rim down in the dirt and pray.

[@AxisPaintworks]

@20:37 The gearhead laugh when it actually comes to life! haha good stuff, John!

[@marcmohr4105]

How cool is that bus and being able to share the experience with your Dad. Great video!

[@Cristofre]

This makes me wistful. About 20 something years ago, a good friend of mine bought one of these in broken-down condition and he and his family lived in it out at the edge of a field. I'm not a bus fanatic or anything like that, but when I saw it the first time, I thought it was one of the coolest machines I had ever seen. The lines, the shapes, the weird name, everything. I don't think they ever got it running, and I thought it was a horrible shame. I hope someone got it and enjoying it.

[@kennyc388]

Born in 1946 and definitely loving the old bus ! Thank you !

[@MrCaprinut]

That engine sounded GREAT! Love those art deco buses. Only thing to come close is the Greyhound buses of the 60s. My late father took a trip of one of those Greyhound ones when he visited USA when he was a sailor (steward) in 50s and 60s. We had stylish buses here in Norway too, but not that nice. I still have a postcard my father bought with one Greyhound bus on it. Your dad is great btw! My dad was the same, he could get everything running or fixed. Only thing he did not do was welding.

[@stevenjohannesen88]

Awesome video, in Australia we have a Flexible Clipper club, with about 15 buses who travel around together , some are RVs and others are all original, cheers from Downunder 🦘🦘🦘❤️🇦🇺

[@Steve-ct4jn]

Just found your channel and I love those old busses. I think they take you back to a different time in a way that cars just can’t. Don’t get me wrong I love old cars too but this is on a whole different level of nostalgia kinda like old tractors. Really looking forward to more episodes and glad to hear you’re not going to mess with the sheet metal. Make it modern and safe underneath but keep the original look. 👍

[@michaelbressette2599]

I haven't heard one of these in Decades. It sounds amazing & reminds me of the old CCF Brill Buses here in Canada. As a KID, keep this in mind, I was in love with the Brill busses & attempted to drive one out of the HSR bus yard because I thought I could drive one. I was about 7 at the time but what disturbs me about that experience is NO ONE from the yard came to see what was going on or why there was so much black smoke coming from that section of the yard I Was in, so no one paid attention to what me & my brother who was in the bus behind me was doing LOL Anyway I got the bus started but couldn't find the gears & That's likely a blessing cause if I did manage to find DRIVE I would have tried to drive it out onto the street. That's how much I loved these old buses. I really enjoyed watching this video & your experience with this bus, it brought back some fond memories & when you drove it I was as surprised as you where & it sounded so good to the ears. I really upset at the fact you will be changing out motors cause this will take away from that beautiful sound.

[@joell439]

John, you're killing it - most under appreciated automotive life channel on YT.

[@JohnLudwick]

I really appreciate that, man! It means a lot!

[@jesscneal]

Makes me so happy to see these things getting saved and put back on the road. Awesome that it ran and drove after that long :)

[@pollyanna147]

Thanks for these videos. I'm on the road most of the year and seeing busses like this on the highway make it worth it.

[@davidadkison4702]

My high school activity bus was just like yours. It had the Tiger painted down the side of it as that animal was our mascot and still is today.

[@wallysworkin823]

What a great project! I just started a 55 COE motorhome chassis swap myself so I will be following along with this.

[@steveheiser7111]

Very cool video guys....as a former bus owner myself, 1951 gm bus 4103 with detroit diesel 671...i had the detroit rebuilt and converted into a 35ft rv that ne anily used for 12yrs .....ill be watching....Steve from fla

[@bluedog373]

Had a 56 with a 471 Detroit in it. Original motor was the Buick straight 8. They were mounted in tray so they could be slid out and changed quickly. Mine was one of two made in 56 with experimental (at the time) torsilastic suspension. A modified version of that suspension was used on later coaches. Had a lot fun with coach. Sold it to a band and they drove it to Branson to make a record.

[@michaelpetrichs6682]

Schöner Bus da steckt noch viel Arbeit drin aber wenn er fertig Restauriert ist ein Tolles Fahrzeug 💕👏🏻👍🏻 Lieben Gruß aus Old Germany

[@piasprojects]

Awesome job! It is so cool to see the bus running and driving! Making fantastic memories with your dad on old cool stuff!! Keep it up John! Also i see you busted out some new Vans!

[@jamessmith7691]

My first time top your channel. Good content, I never got to work with my dad much so enjoy it, make good memories.

[@KyushaStyleTuning]

Mobile merch store is such a cool idea! Glad you are saving this beautiful piece of mobile art. 😎👍🛠

[@markfortin421]

Heck...that bus is 2 years older than me! And runs better too... Nice find, can't believe how rust free it is, that alone is gonna make life alot easier. Can't wait for the next episode....( I subscribed)

[@dougbeer2697]

The gospel group that my parents worked for in the late 60's called The Gospel Chords out of Youngstown, Ohio had this as their first bus. I still have pictures of it and even bought a diecast of it and painted it to look like their bus and gave it to the manager of the group. It was red and white and we called it the Red Weiner. I think it is one of the coolest designs in a bus. Can't wait to see it when it is done.

[@lostinbossiercity]

She’s alive! My first thought has been geez how slow that thing must have been in its day and now I guess. Couldn’t imagine in 1946 riding in that thing across the mountains.

[@CorineRodenburg]

mee too

[@George-zq2sk]

This is absolutely the coolest build and channel on YT! Amazing work John!

[@danball2060]

i live just 30 miles from where you got the bus i had seen it several times i am so glad it is going to get saved

[@WindsEternal]

You were like a kid in a candy store. I have always loved buses like this one and especially from the early-to-mid-1960's. I am subbing because I want to see your progress on this cool project.

[@phillipdickens1836]

Wow ! I see this driving into Riverside and airing out, Amazing! Crazy road you've started down, epic !

[@trappedinkalifornee]

I applaud your ‘keep it original’ -- I always thought doing a greyhound senicrusier like that would be worthy of the effort👍🏼

[@jimmace6148]

Patina isn't original

[@TheSavageRepairman]

This has to be one of the coolest busses I have ever seen!! The lines on her are just amazing~!

[@aisrael13]

Man, it's a thing of beauty. Please save and restore it!

[@DeanofMachines]

That thing is so dang cool. 🎉🎉🎉 congrats!!

[@tsf5-productions]

This "classic bus" from the 1940's reminds me in, first, the looks; then, second, the sound of many of that era's good movies. Gosh! I would love to see it totally restored to its glory days...with a series if updates in modification.

[@SpoonMK3]

Shit you had me grinning ear to ear seeing that thing drive up the driveway with your pops in the passenger "seat" lol! so pumped for you dude!

[@donfrick4209]

The look on your face when that thing started to drive was awesome. I am envious of you.

[@SLOW_N_LOW_63BUG]

You and your dad are an awesome team! Enjoy these times! Great work guys!

[@serenitynomore]

It's soooo awesome that you get to do this with your old man. Great bus too!

[@thomastest8824]

An absolutely beautiful piece of American historical rolling iron. I love that you plan to keep its appearance as a preservation of a survivor. A complete restoration to showroom quality would be an injustice. I have a 1950 canned ham travel trailer that I gutted and restored interior to original beauty. I am cleaning up the outside, but letting her show her age with pride.

[@ricoolivier]

You know what is crazy? How comfortable you look driving that old a bus and your Dad fixing it!!!🎉😂

[@nekbiodieselworks]

My first time watching one of your videos. I really appreciate how you do things. That bus is amazing. I wouldnt change its chassis though. That is a monumental amount of work. I would simply fix and upgrade what you have there. Subscribed.

[@Todd-go2lw]

I can't wait to see it when it's finished

[@OldCrow3V]

So fun to watch this guys!!! I can picture it slammed and decked out with your merch!!! Hurry up!! lol 😂

[@jamesmonty2003]

As good as that thing runs it would be a shame to swap that motor out. Keep the 305, sell the cummings to fund the project.

[@thesneak281]

Buddy... For 8mpg and no torque... Lol

[@andreamills5852]

@@thesneak281 More like 13 mpg and that's what these big block GMC V6's were known for was their torque. LOL GMC even made a 8 and 12 cylinder even a diesel toroflow version in the same engine family . All were awesome engines and plenty of torque . LOL.

[@jpisme9082]

That thing is awesome!!! Happy to see it being saved.

[@paulmaul2186]

These are great. I used to pass by one like this at a rural crossroads in Manitoba. Probably still there.

[@bildillamagasin]

Pure happiness on wheels! Very charming bus! May you enjoy it a LOT! 🤩

[@leonardcooper2680]

That old 305 is as tough as toe nails 💯

[@Bradsroad]

Loved when the engine came back to life....such a great sign!

[@mathiasnkristensen]

What a cool looking bus! I wish busses still looked like this rather than the rectangular bricks rolling around today.

[@jefferypitts343]

I can't believe this thing is powered by the 305 6 cylinder, cool!

[@jeffreybanks9642]

Yes sir you and your Pops make it look so easy…

[@alanclark9471]

Just found your channel and subscribed. That bus is way cool! But, there is a shed load of work to be done. I wish you and yours the best of luck, but you know you are raving mad to take it on!

[@otanica]

Great video. To fit the new engine can you split the body between the rear side door and the wheel arch and add what ever you need there.

[@penguinbrand]

That bus is way too cool. Love the smiles too! Subscribed and anxious for the next chapter.

[@macaboo312]

This is just insane. I can’t believe this bus came with a V6?! Love the content. Stoked to see more.

[@andreamills5852]

The bus didn't come with the V6 although these big block GMC V6's are known for toughness and torque.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

It originally had a Buick Straight 8.

[@johnjenson5738]

That's so cool I will be keeping up with the build on that bus.

[@GrafsGarage3]

This was an exciting episode! Enjoyed it while sitting in the airport! Love the style of this piece of Americana!

[@lunastrat]

Can't wait to see it restored.

[@DIGITALGENERATION1-b1l]

sick bus john looking forward to seeing it completed..... and please take care of yourself !!!!

[@normanwyatt8761]

My neighbors had one in their driveway in the 1990's. The outside was finished and newly painted. He was an older guy and was now working on the inside, even late at nite in his driveway. I think it had single headlamps rather than double like yours. Anyhow it was gorgeous in its dark blue and silver paint job. I think that he was retired AIR FORCE.

[@frankkirby5763]

There used to be a Flexible Bus parade in Loudenville, Ohio. A big celebration for these buses.

[@humppanen9130]

As an European it's kinda cool to see you pull that bus with your daily! We don't have fifth wheeler's in small trucks here. Also, definitely but the Cummins in it. I know gas is cheap there, but it's not that cheap!

[@quekapital]

Your dad's such a dad. He never forgot the oil guage. 😂

[@texasranger7262]

In the daytime I drive a 40' transit bus in a large metropolitan city. Can not image driving this without all the extra stuff, like air brakes, power steering, we have today. Love the throaty V8 sound.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

It has air brakes.

[@1pbean]

Cool project. Maybe some year soon you can drive it to "Cruisin The Coast" here in Mississippi. You have a cool dad too!

[@troycollins4300]

My father used to work for the flexible bus company. In Loudonville, Ohio, in the 60s, he liked his job. Then left there and started working for Jeffrey, Mining and machinery.