Where can I find windshields for 1972 GM Fishbowl please ?

[thekid745]

I have a guy I think might have some of these windows. I will ask him and get back to you.

[luvrbus]

Ok but your header says 1972 GM Fishbowl

[bcbusman]

I figure they're the same bus anyway just different name  

[Runcutter]

I'm not very familiar with Western Flyers, but with a little searching, it looks like a Western Flyer D-700. 
Here's a link to an information page.  http://transit.toronto.on.ca/bus/8514.shtml  The page deals with Toronto Transit, and discusses deficiencies that led to a redesigned bus -- the D-800 that had a "restyled" front. So, the D-700 may have had a small production run (Toronto and Boston, maybe others like Edmondton used that bus body as an electric Trolley Coach, so between the D-700 and E-700 the body production was somewhat larger than for the diesel alone). 

A property I was assigned to in the late 1970's had a fleet of AM Generals (35 foot, but 102 inches if I recall).  Western Flyer and AM General had a licensing deal.  The front end in BC's picture looks like the AM Generals, the sides don't.  Now, however, the transmission makes sense.

AM Generals weren't popular with properties -- but the place I was assigned had 74 of them -- and made them work well.  So, it's entirely possible that Toronto didn't have success with the D-700 (per the web page), but that other properties did. 

Now, then, back to the original question -- windshield availability.  We're now talking about a bus that didn't have 1000's produced (like GM did).  However, looking at the picture, is it possible that they used the same windshield?  Would AM General windshields fit?  I'd suggest a phone call to New Flyer in Winnipeg.  Despite the corporate changes over the years, they may still have some old timers (my comtemporaries) who would know.  Again, the width of the bus would make a difference.

I'm sure Flyer will be at the American Public Transportation Association EXPO in Houston, and I could stop by their display to try and get you contacts.  But, that isn't until Mid-October.  If you don't have any luck with phone calls, please remind me then, and I'll see if I can find some names while I'm in Houston.

Arthur 

     

[bcbusman]

Thank you so much for all the info which puts much more clarity into this bus.

[chessie4905]

http://busexplorer.com/NABus/FlyerNewFlyer-Text.html
  and

http://www.coachglass.com/inventory/motor_coach_transit_school_buses/transit_bus_windshields.php

[luvrbus]

The 747 makes no sense in a 1972 bus that was long before the ATEC 747 was even born why would you have a electronic transmission behind a 6v71 mechanical engine ?

[Purplewillie]

I saw the ad for that bus a couple of weeks back....
Shook my head and thought to myself, not enough time in my life as it is,  keep moving , just keep moving.
Mark

[bcbusman]

I think you're right , its always nice to upgrade not to downgrade , im still gonna find out exactly what tranny is there knowing its a 4 speed

[qayqayt]

The posts have gone all over the place, so I'm a little confused (not hard to do at my age..).  Did you buy the GM Fishbowl?  Where are you located?  If you're in BC as in British Columbia I can help with glass.

Bryan
Vancouver BC

[bcbusman]

I'm in Vancouver BC, that would be awesome. Thank you

[qayqayt]

Click on my qayqayt profile and my e-mail address is there.  Would be nice to compare notes.

Bryan

[Runcutter]

Bryan, not to stick my nose in -- but just in case you're still thinking GM and know of a glass source.  The pictures pretty much establish that it's a Flyer, probably a D-700, rather than a GM.  However, it would be interesting to compare/cross reference windshield part numbers just in case a GM windshield might fit.  Still uncertain on width of bus -- 96 or 102. 

Arthur

[bcbusman]

I know the bus is 40ft and had 2 doors so now I have to go see if its 96 or 102"

[qayqayt]

No, I don't think the GM Fishbowl windows will fit.  We have a few Flyer D-800 windshield pieces but I doubt if they'll fit either.