Gillig low floor bus

[Video45]

I have been researching low floor busses. concerned about cutting into the Stainless steel floor.I think I can, but concerned that the steel wont like it. It does have a an aluminum rail chassis but I wonder if  one doesnt depend on the other. Dont want to cruise down the road bulging out somewhere.   

marty

[buswarrior]

Ask Gillig?

They know where and where not, is a problem.

Likely some tech type will be fascinated with what you are doing.

You just have to wade through the peasants to find that smart one...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[Runcutter]

Marty, I happen to know that they take pictures of the "chassis" on the assembly floor, for their customers.  One of my clients sent me shop photos of their new buses under construction, that Gillig sent them.  I'd thought about posting one here, but don't want to get my client (a transit system) in trouble with any copyright issue. 

The photo is fascinating, in that they have a come-along stretched from the back to the front, with essentially a kingpost in the middle, holding the ends up from sagging before the body is attached to stabilize the structure.  So, my surmise is that it's not fully monocoque, but partially monocoque.  Separate frame & body, that become one supportive structure when mated.   

But, that brings up the question.  If you call the plant in Livermore, explain what you're doing, might you be able to request photos of the chassis/underframe of something on the assembly line?  If you can get photos from above & below, you might get all questions answered. 

I don't know if there have been any significant structural changes to Gillig low floors over the years, or with the move to a new manufacturing plant.  So, current models may, or may not vary.

Arthur

[Video45]

I have seen the video of building of one on youtube, and it looks like a big bowl sitting on the frame, I had in mind cutting into the stainless for water heater ,furnace, and water tank holes not cutting across the whole thing sideways. I was concerned the shifting of the bus might be to much for the mountings of the appliance. But upon thinking more, this would be a mighty big shift to cause concern. Oh well I am going to find out. I may end up mounting these in the rear part of the bus that is not all stainless.
Thanks
Marty