Eagle Front end reinforcement for safety, for me!

[Darkspeed]

Looks great Gary!!!!


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A raised rail frame is tough to beat for safety in a head on crash and that is missing from hiway buses  

Like this?  >  

[lostagain]

I know everyone of us is the best driver there ever was, but we all need to slow down, look way ahead, and relax and be super diligent. The professional drivers who have accident free careers are ones that practice defensive driving at all times and sit way back in traffic, so they can deal with any situation.  And they have easy going personalities that don't get frustrated in traffic. It takes patience. When driving your bus behind a car, count 4 seconds following distance. That might be farther back than you thought. And that is a  minimum. Some company policies specify 5 and 6 seconds...

JC

[windtrader]

With the weight behind you, those extra square tube reinforcements might help a bit, but trying to stop 12-20 tons quickly-something is going to have to give.
This is why all big rig trucks are of conventional hood design. The engine is in the way first. On my cabover Kenworth, I'm sitting at 9ft up.
The best is to not get in an accident in the first place. Non of us are in a big hurry. Slower cruise speeds (under 65) and stopping often for breaks. Also stop and take a nap when your drowsy. Don't drive in inclement weather and only during the day (these were my way when I was cross country truck driving). Good Luck, TomC

Wise words and wisdom! Stay safe and alive.

[Jon]

The existing braking standards from 60 MPH are about 280 feet to a full stop and from 70 MPH about 450 feet.

Does anyone see the relationship between speed and safety and stopping distances?

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Yep, as they taught us in driving school. Exponential. That is why I never drive my bus over 1 MPH because 1 squared is still 1. 

[sixtyseven]

Gary,   When I was reskinning the front of mine I had thoughts of reinforcement in my head that looked like your coach does now, only I was on a deadline to get mine back together at that time.   So I decided I would just have to compensate by driving more careful.    You will be able to have the best of both worlds.    Hope you get that machine on the road soon and start enjoying it. 
Joe

[Gary LaBombard]

Thanks Joe, I hope to get her going soon too, I am tired of just working on it and after all this time not enjoying it as yet.  We may not be the most beautiful bus on the road but we will be the proudest as we sure worked hard and long on her with minimal funds available.  I am just so glad I was able to weld and fabricate, do mechanical work, (engine, brake system, new power steering system, full water system and way too much more to bore you with here).  I am the proudest of the frame restoration and reinforcing and especially the front end reinforcement.  I hope it is never needed but psychologically I will feel secure now compared to what you will see in photos I send to BCM Magazine soon.  It was just unreal how rotted the front end of my bus was after de-skinning.  I hate in a way to cover it all up, only kidding. Hope to see you on the road in spring or summer Joe and everyone who has shared our conversion journey over the years. 
Gary

[sixtyseven]

Gary,  When I have to cover up work that's to good to cover, I just take pictures and move on, that's all you can do.  I bought mine as a seated coach and did everything myself so I feel your pain.   Along with all that misery of doing it yourself there's a lot of satisfaction, and less chance of having troubles on the road somewhere, plus if you ever have a problem the fix is easier because you know your coach inside and out.    All that work will pay off,  last year we took a trip around the U.S.  Drove over 12,000 miles.  Had a blast.   Getting ready to go again.   See ya somewhere on the road !

[dtcerrato]

How about an ejection seat? :-)

[Gary LaBombard]

Funny you would mention that Dan.  Don't be surprised!

[PP]

That is such a beautiful job I would leave the skin off just to show it off. Plus it looks kinda cool exposed