What would I pay? 1960 GM SDM-5301 (Episode 5)

[@thomasfreeman7770]

Rode plenty of this type when I was a kid in north New Jersey. Red and tan and public service transport ( now nj transit) were 2 major commuter lines into NYC. All the buses had manual transmissions. They all had the cash register fare systems. Could even pay with paper money and get change. These busses were loaded to the maximum with seated passengers and standees. The gate by the driver would swing around to the aisle to help standing passengers stay clear of the driver area.

[@Unit2345]

Awesome info! Thanks for sharing!

[@etpslick100]

Wow! A REAL classic!😌👍🏾

[@mikemcdonald4566]

The "second speedometer " was called a "Tachograph". As a previous comment stated, you put in a circular piece of heavy paper or "card" and there was a needle in the unit that graphed on the card the speed and r.p.m., so it tracked how fast the bus was operated, how long the driver idled, etc. On interstate use, state police could check to make sure the driver's log book was correct. First version of today's electronic log. However, they used to suffer from coffee spills, which would ruin the card😂

[@Unit2345]

That's fascinating! Thanks for sharing.

[@jiggatone7]

I knew the 3rd owner of that bus it was in great shape then, but I know he did not sell it for that price. 10,000 is not worth the money for this bus. Pictures, look nice but for 10,000 it better have a new suspension, fresh fluids, and the interior done. I know the last time I seen this bus like 10 years ago, it needed an interior. This bus is nice tho. Its a 6V71. But I wouldn't pay more than 4000 for it.

[@Unit2345]

What would giving it a new suspension cost? By new interior so you mean a fully restored seated coach or RV conversion? Those new items plus the cost of the bus is only $10k? I guess I'm a surprised what people want for the only a few thousand $$. If the glass is in good condition it has value equal or more than that price.

[@ralstonmathews3543]

Through my experience the new look fishbowls I rode back in the day always had Air Condition issues...I've seen some antique Blitz's install ceilng a/c's

[@charlesseaton6199]

New Jersey crowd gate, tachometer, fare register. This bus was saved by my friend, who maintained a collection. It was then sold on to a picture car company. But under my friend's ownership it was in Forrest Gump. NO THE CURRENT OWNER DID NOT PURCHASE FROM RED AND TAN.

[@Unit2345]

Interesting. Do you remember what scene it is in Forrest Gump? I couldn't find it on the IMCDb.org website. www.imcdb.org/movie.php?id=109830

[@charlesseaton6199]

@@Unit2345 send me your email, I will send you some screen grabs. It is the scene were Forrest visits D.C. and gets off the black and white fishbowl and buses line both side of the street.

[@charlesseaton6199]

I have just been reminded that current owner is actually the fourth owner of this coach,

[@Unit2345]

@@charlesseaton6199 Great info. Thanks

[@charlesseaton6199]

@@Unit2345 There is a scene with a group of buses Tom Hanks steps off of a black and white new look 0 whicj I now own.

[@glenntroyan5359]

iN 1991 i Started working for COTA in Columbus, OH they were auctioning off 1960 era Fishbowl buses for $800. 00 plus they would give the buyer some used tires to get it home . Now these were transits not Suburbans which make them higher, but not that much. These were in good condition. Even now used transits only go for about $2600. Transit authorties don't care how much they get for these units. The feds buy their new buses, but they have to get rid of the older ones before they wlll approve funds for the new ones. Current buses from RTS on can make freeway speeds, but these fishbowls couild not.. COTA opERATES ON TWO sales tax levies so they keep their buses in excellent condition as theyf normally carry a fairly large surplus of funds

[@mondonproductions4088]

The speedometer was for the company to keep track of how fast the driver was going.. They put in a circular paper that had a marker like a lie detector.

[@Unit2345]

Drivers rarely like a tattletale

[@rosstaylor9969]

Yup... a Tachograph

[@mondonproductions4088]

I know Red and Tan.. From my area,,, new jersey and upstate NY