1957 Chevrolet 4500 / Superior Bus

Seller's Description

I have had my 1957 Chevrolet 4500 / Superior bus for over 10 years ago now. It is the most unique, special vehicle I have ever owned and always brings smiles. I simply don’t have the time to dedicate to it right now. It needs a new owner that can give it all the love it deserves. The bus came to me out of Montana. It had been converted to a camper in the 60s to the best of my knowledge. It had several faded Canada National Park stickers from the late sixties into the seventies and it looked like it was well loved and travelled. It was set up with some smaller bunks for children and larger ones for the adults. It had a gas water heater, a large pressurized steel water tank, gas range/oven, LP gas heater, mini cooler, and an upright closet. The rear bumper was modified to fit a small moped or dirt bike along with the propane tank. 1957 was the first year that this bus came with a V8 as opposed to straight six. The original 283 was replaced at some point with a newer 350 which still runs great. It had an electric distributor, so it is probably late 70s or 80s 350. The original Muncie SM420 4 speed manual transmission remains. Shifts without issue. The motor received a new Holley carb and Pertronix electronic distributor and 12V Flamethrower coil. I fixed the original radiator which had a small leak. For safety sake, I replaced all six tires on the truck shortly after I bought it, even though the ones from 60s were still all holding air. The 4500 Chevys came with either 19" or 22" wheels. This one has the original 22” 10 lug and are NOT split rim. The spare wheel and tire were left untouched. The spare is a 19" 10 lug split rim with an old tire. I replaced some of the tie rod ends, but never got to the king pins, which would probably help steering play (I do have new ones). On the inside, I took down the ceiling panels, removed the old batt insulation, and did spray insulation on the roof and sides and replaced the ceiling panels. The interior was rearranged to have a fullsize bed and a bench that could also sleep a third adult. The rusty water tank was replaced with a new 33 gallon plastic water tank, 12 volt pump, new sink, and faucet that can double as an outdoor shower. Water is not heated currently. I have having trouble with the water pump at the moment, but will try to fix as time allows. The range/oven was replaced with simply a gas cooktop (working order). The cooler was replaced with a used 110/gas fridge. It is used and works as good as a cooler last I tried it. The cooling is minimal on the older unit. The gas heater from the original build still remains and still works. The rooftop vent was replaced with a fan/vent (working - reversible and multiple speed). The only art that was on the inside of the bus when I got it was a small sunshine above the kid’s bunks. This still remains and my family and friends did all the new interior art. The floor tiles are gettting bad and cracking. I have new replacements that are uninstalled. It has two cracked windows. Again, it hasn’t had much use in recents years with everything on my plate. In the beginning, I hit a few local shows and small trips. I would do the northside of Chicago to Milwaukee and back which was always an adventure. It is an old, big vehicle. I’ve not done any cross country trips in it and anyone looking to do that should have a good bit of old car trips under their belt, or be ready to upgrade the vehicle into the 21st century. It still has 4 wheel drum brakes with single master cylinder. I am used to driving old cars, so I am comfortable with it on shorter trips and moderate speed. The rear axle is a two speed unit with 8.72-6.40 gears. I tested the low range and vacuum unit when I got the truck originally (just to see if it still worked and it did). I've never needed that low gear since and it has always been in the high range since. Truck is very solid for its age. I never intended on a full exterior paint as I like the patina. I think the pictures will speak for themselves, but let me know if you'd like to see anything specific. Message me with a phone number and I can call or text you back. I have restored many vehicles over the years and this one could be a show stopper if you chose to take it that direction. The lines on the '57 make it one of the coolest ever in my humble opinion. The bus is approximately 22' long (with the custom moped and propane mount) and will fit on a flatbed trailer or flatbed tow vehicle. Wheelbase is approximately 13'. It has so much potential and could be transformed into a camper again (which was always my intention), but could also be an incredible mobile business platform or even an off grid tiny home. This vehicle is sold "as-is." It is a project. Current registration, plates and clear Illinois title in my name. beyondbroncos is my gmail if you want to reach me there too. Vehicle is currently on Ebay, but can end auction if locally sold.