The Aggies Gear Up Their '64 GMC School Bus
Friday, March 6, 2009
The 12th Man Tailgaters from Texas A&M have turned their tailgate bus conversion project into their own version of 'Monster Garage.' They started off by buying a vintage 1964 GMC School Bus, which was acquired all the way in Springfield, Illinois. The soon-to-be tailgate machine, was hauled over 1000 miles to get it back to its new home in College Station, Texas. Some may think that this was a bit of an overkill, but as one of the owners simply explains, "We wanted an old bus...something different."
After swapping engines and getting the bus running on its own power, they decided to take it for a spin around town. Little did they know that it would lead to their first great story with their vintage bus. So great a story it was that it was turned into a ballad, which they proudly posted on their website.
The 12th Man Tailgaters' ride was completely painted inside and out. This came after a good portion of the mechanical systems of the bus were overhauled. The engine wasn't the only item being replaced. The gas tank was also changed, and a new transmission mount had to be custom made. This, of course, was all the done for the love of the Aggies and tailgating!
In 2008, the tailgate bus saw the additions of a giant 27' x 18' canopy to provide shade on those hot Texas Saturdays, twin beer pong tables serving up everyone's favorite tailgate beverage, and a bloody mary bar to keep things interesting.
However, as great as this bus is, we are reminded that it is still a work in progress. The picture to the right shows the original concept, and the ultimate goal of The 12th Man Tailgaters. The 2009 additions will most likely include a cut out for drive up game watching and music. One of the owners even speculates that it might even be possible to throw in the air bag (suspension) setup seen in the concept rendering.
Below is a video of the christening with a bottle of Thunderbird in 2007
(The best bottle $1.29 could buy!)
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