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?

[@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!

[@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

[@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 ❤️‍🔥

[@lj6278]

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

[@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

[@pacificrider08]

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

[@JavierHernandez-ji3ol]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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!!

[@dlagrua]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@timcarlisle9598]

That bus deserves a great paint job

[@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.

[@SteveGrubb-j4x]

You and your dad are magic ! .

[@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!

[@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!

[@michaelpetrichs6682]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@leonardcooper2680]

That old 305 is as tough as toe nails 💯

[@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.

[@rickkempsell5076]

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

[@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.

[@Shmee149]

My fav channel. Huge respect to your dad

[@JohnLudwick]

I really appreciate that!

[@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!

[@aisrael13]

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

[@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.

[@kennyc388]

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

[@Todd-go2lw]

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

[@donniceblakely1075]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@marcmohr4105]

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

[@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 .

[@Bradsroad]

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

[@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.

[@lunastrat]

Can't wait to see it restored.

[@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!

[@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 🦘🦘🦘❤️🇦🇺

[@jefferypitts343]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@jeffreybanks9642]

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

[@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.

[@frankkirby5763]

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

[@mathiasnkristensen]

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

[@AxisPaintworks]

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

[@johndwyer3357]

Spectacular Bus ... but I would paint it.

[@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

[@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.

[@spoon8682]

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!

[@Baldskul]

My dad bought one of these that was used to drive a loop from Chicago to Midway airport in 1963. I had a Continental engine. He replaced it with a GMC engine. With a 5 speed trans, he could do 85 without a problem. Loved sucking VW's off the road.

[@outersketcher]

We used to build such beautiful things. That bus is graceful and has curves and delicate lines. Compare that old bus to the ugly box of a motorhome you just bought. BIG DIFFERENCE. What happened to us?

[@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 :)

[@jpisme9082]

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

[@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

[@TheSpoon369]

Here in phoenix AZ along grand avenue is a Flxible bus, I hope one day it gets restored

[@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.

[@RolandHitchens-i3w]

I drove a School bus. I would love to see you keep it original.

[@joell439]

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

[@JohnLudwick]

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

[@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.

[@TheSavageRepairman]

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

[@donfrick4209]

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

[@Waltsworkshop]

The GMC 305 V6 engine was introduced in 1960 and was specifically designed for use in pickups and other heavy-duty vehicles1. It replaced the 301.6-cubic-inch inline-six engine2. The 305A was standard in GMC trucks from 1960 to 1961, while the 305D became standard in 19623. The 305 was part of General Motors' transition from V8 to V6 engines. I drove single axle refrigerated trucks with the 305 V6 and a school bus with a 351 V6. GM also made a 702 V12 for semis.

[@Waltsworkshop]

We owned a Clipper with the Buick Straight 8. That was a great engine!

[@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)

[@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

[@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. 👍

[@paulmaul2186]

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

[@jamessmith7691]

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

[@saucerss]

papa ludwick is the man!

[@serenitynomore]

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

[@rogerb5615]

Lincoln Coach Lines in Pittsburgh, PA ran Flxible coaches daily on routes from the Braddock valley up thru the eastern suburbs, thru Wilkinsburg and Point Breeze and Oakland, to downtown Pittsburgh - I rode them many a time in the late 1950s - early 1960s. These Flxibles struggled to climb the long hill out of Braddock thru Forest Hills on US Route 30. That long pull-handle to close the front door was a favorite detail. Oh, and the fare from Braddock to "dahntahn" was 25 cents.

[@pearlguy6351]

One of the coolest things I’ve seen in awhile

[@KyushaStyleTuning]

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

[@Vic-j9p]

Nice old bus love to see it when it's done 😊😊😊😊

[@Bradsgarage]

The merch van part is neat, but im really here to see this thing on its nuts towing the 700/1000

[@JohnLudwick]

Me too! I’m not ready 😂

[@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.

[@karensavarese5684]

That bus would of originaly had a straight eight Buick. GMC V6 didn't even enter production until early 1960s (ish) Super nice bus. Love, DUBS,,,,

[@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.

[@phillipdickens1836]

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

[@pclayton5063]

With all the work you intend to put into it I'd be second guessing the choice of leaving the patina. It would look just AWESOME with a proper, authentic style, paint job. Even the current paint scheme but just refreshed. I'd think you'd want to invite/attract visitors into the vehicle and not introduce them with the something you would need to get a tetanus shot first before entering. Still, it's a great project. Can't wait to see the chassis swap.

[@LOWBIMMER323i]

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

[@bildillamagasin]

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

[@quekapital]

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

[@wallysworkin823]

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

[@crosleyfiver8686]

Enjoyed seeing the old bus run;)

[@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!

[@TOWNCARBUBBA87]

I had a 305 V-6 in a 67 GMC and I’ll say that motor ran like a champ

[@snowblindburd]

This is so unbelievably awesome!

[@DeanofMachines]

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