Where can I find windshields for 1972 GM Fishbowl please ?

bcbusman · August 27, 2014, 08:28:09 PM

About to buy a fishbowl but all the 4 windshields are pretty bad. Is there any place who would still have them ? Thank you in advance.

akroyaleagle · August 28, 2014, 12:21:21 AM

type this in your search window.

windshields for busses

If that doesn't work let us know and we'll try something else.

I suspect those may be hard to find for a bus that old.

treeplanter · August 28, 2014, 07:00:04 AM

Call Luke from US COACH

Scott Crosby · August 28, 2014, 07:17:59 AM

There was a guy on the Facebook page for new look bus fans that has new and used fishbowl windshields. Post on there that you are looking and someone will give you his name.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GMCnewlookBUSES

TomC · August 28, 2014, 08:18:26 AM

Hopefully the fishbowl has at least an 8V-71, or 6V-92TA with a V730. If it has the 6V-71 with VS2 (2 speed transmission) walk away. They are dogs to drive and quite possibly will get stuck without sufficient power. I thought my AMGeneral with 8V-71 and V730 was enough. Being in California, we have some serious hills. I had my 8V-71 turbo'ed-now it has enough power. So the best would be the 6V-92TA so you wouldn't have to fool with it, except maybe increasing the injector size. Good Luck, TomC

bcbusman · August 28, 2014, 09:46:32 AM

It has the 6V71 with the HT 747 or that's what the current owner says. Still a dog ?

akroyaleagle · August 28, 2014, 10:46:08 AM

It's a litter of dogs!

It may be governed to 55mph or so. If so, it will only do that downhill with a tailwind.
When it hits a hill of any size, You may be able to walk beside it.

Look a little more.

bcbusman · August 28, 2014, 11:57:04 AM

I never get use to that since right now I have a good 8V92TA and I think that this engine is a little slow but still goes 90 MPH

I just like the old fishbowls and always wanted one but I will drive it before buying and will take it up a good hill. I had a 1957 MCI Courrier 96 with the 4-71 and that was a real dog and don't wanna go back to that

luvrbus · August 28, 2014, 01:23:09 PM

LOL the 6v71 and 6v92 are about the only engine you will not find in the US military some higher up just didn't like the V6 in the 71 or 92 series then they have a ton of 6v53's ?

Purplewillie · August 28, 2014, 03:18:46 PM

If you feel your 8v92 is slow a normally aspirated v71 will make you think you're stopped!
JMO
Mark

Charles in SC · August 28, 2014, 05:00:35 PM

I replaced one of my windshields with one from Dean's Coach in Durham, NC. Keep in mind that the Transit is wider that the Suburban so the windshield is wider.

Runcutter · August 28, 2014, 05:37:55 PM

Charles makes a good point. Fishbowls came in two widths -- 96, and 102 inches. I'm pretty sure the windshields are different.

The model number of the bus will tell the story. TDH-4519 would be a 35-foot, (T)ransit (D)iesel (H)ydraulic (automatic transmission). 45 passengers, thus 35 foot -- 53 passengers would be a 40 footer. 4517, 4519, 4521, 4523 are 96 inch wide buses -- 4516, 4518, (I never heard of a 4520,22, or 24) would be a 102 incher. Similar numbering pattern (even, odd) for the 40 footers.

I ran a lot of fishbowls when I was managing properties -- I'm at a total loss on your (supposed) transmission. VH-9, VS-2, V-730 are all I'm familiar with.

Now, Fishbowls also came in Suburban (single door) styles. Generally highway gearing. Several decades ago, I remember driving a little 35-foot Suburban Fishbowl, Stickshift (SDM-4501) that would keep up with anything on the road. Had a route that was 30-minutes in each direction, but should have been 35. The only bus that could manage the schedule was that little Fishbowl.

Golden Gate Transit ran a fleet of Suburban Fishbowls in and out of San Francisco -- highway gearing. I think they were mostly 40 footers, 8V71's.

So, if you're able to post the model number of the bus, we might be able to help a little more. I'm particularly curious what transmission it really has. Further, if the owner's statment about the transmission isn't quite right, is he sure what engine it has?

Arthur

treeplanter · August 28, 2014, 06:17:23 PM

My fishbowl has the 8V-71 with the Allison VS2-8 transmission, the tranny has been modified with two skinner valves and the redo of the transmission fluid return line per Allison's recommendation, It climbs hills like a slug but will do 75 mph before you know it. For now that is what makes it go, Do not like the push button F.N.R. feature due to possible failure on the road, We live on a dirt road the steepest road in our county and it made the climb at 20 mph in 1st gear, Was not sure if she would make!!!

luvrbus · August 28, 2014, 06:44:42 PM

Like Arthur the HT747 is not right because it right handed for a T drive in the GM you would have 4 reverses and 1 forward gear if you could fit to the V drive

bcbusman · August 28, 2014, 09:48:52 PM

That's where it gets interesting , its a 1972 Flyer fishbowl with a T Drive , most definitely has a 6V 71 , its a 4 speed automatic . I have to go back and look up the model number again but it had 2 entry doors for sure. The guy who owned it before worked for transit before so even the engine and tranny have less then 10 000 miles on it plus it comes with ton of spare parts so its very tempting.