Decoding bus years from headlight arrangement

[Lazorus]

I've always been a person who looks at the front end of a vehicle and can determine the year difference (say, between a 77, 78, or a 79 ford pickup).  I've looked at buses (mainly Prevost) and dont have a clue what the model year would be.  Can anyone give me some tips to help?  Thanks

[bevans6]

I don't think you can tell just from the front of the bus.  buses go for years, sometimes decades, without changing the style of the front of the bus.  Plus people are always putting aftermarket front skins on, or square headlights instead of round and stuff like that.

Brian

[RJ]

Lazorus -

The only way to tell what year model bus you're looking at is from the VIN.

You can get an approximate age based on the model and it's years of production, but, as Brian said, so many busnuts modify the appearance, only the VIN is reliable.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[robertglines1]

Bcm has a poster showing stock confriguration. Order from online store.    my 89 prevost has 4 rectangular head lights stock  my 98 prevost has 2 larger like 90's model ford truck   Bob

[scanzel]

I really think you need to go by the VIN, I have an 89 Prevost with 4 headlights but have also seen some 89's with the new style single headlights and the newer tail lights. Either a mid year update or someone changed them out to the newer style which can also be done. Use the VIN.

[Melbo]

Look at the back it's easier to tell the year by how big the tailfins are.

Melbo

[Runcutter]

Look at the back it's easier to tell the year by how big the tailfins are.

Case in point.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jackdk/3242471176/#in/photostream/

Arthur