1972 Ford B-500 for sale by owner - Bozeman, MT - craigslist (2024)

Up for sale is a unique, ~24 foot 1972 Ford B-500, Superior Coach body school bus RV! 153 square feet! Rust free (no rust rot) originally from Madison County school district, Montana. Please see attached photos. More photos upon request. It was inspected summer, 2022 mechanically, including a compression test, and as an RV, and is ready for sale. Clean title and most every receipt of everything that went into it, PLUS the original owner's manual. It plugs in to regular voltage and there are electrical outlets within, besides having marine battery and propane options. The engine is a 361.

This bus handles well as it has a short wheel base (that of a grain truck) and is easy to turn and park. It has a split shift manual transmission. The front tires ("steer tires") are NEW. The other four tires will need replaced. The Holley carb was rebuilt in December 2022, and a new air filter installed. There are new spark plugs, a new starter battery and new marine battery, the fuel pump is new. The propane tank that has been used is a portable, 5 gallon, refillable tank; it may have aged out and needs replaced. There is a mount underneath if you wish to purchase and mount an exterior propane tank. There is another place on the dashboard for switch button for a second fuel tank, too, I believe. There is a canoe rack on the top of the bus.

The interior is efficiently built as a cabin on wheels:
• AC/DC/propane dorm size refrigerator
• Coleman 2 burner propane stove
• 2 Coleman propane lanterns
• Stainless steel bar sink
• Wall mount propane heater
• Cord wood length (18") cast iron wood stove
• Wall to wall carpet, and a NEW wool carpet runner, bound at Pierce Flooring
• NEW Mattress Mill camping foam mattress pad for two
• Storage includes an original bus rack, under counter, and under bench storage
• Two bucket seats that swivel
• AM/FM/Cassette stereo with wiring for two regular stereo speakers
• Portable camping toilet; no bathroom

When I lived in it I plugged in and parked at a residence where I could use the bathroom. I have driven it to Seattle and back. The original owners that did the conversion went annually to the tip of Baja! NOTE: It has only been driven around town and moved a block or two, since 2006.

It's has been a great rig and served well. I'm happy to pass it on to the next party! I have done basic cleaning (car wash, dusting, wiping surfaces, vacuuming); it could be detailed even more. Wiring could be gone through for accessories.

FAQs:

What kind of mileage does it get? ~7 mpg
What is the "top" highway speed? I drove it ~65 mph. It is geared low for picking up school children in rural areas.
What is the interior standing height? Around 5'8".
Why hasn't it sold yet? Several parties have been too tall. Twice I agreed on a price with a buying party then they either were a no show or, the other party argued they didn't want my bank to go through the (cash) bills.

As with all vehicles, sold as is with no guarantees, no returns. I have done due diligence to have it inspected and have no more information than that. Please contact me for the inspections to review. You are welcome to have your own inspection done by your own mechanic where the vehicle is parked. It was said the Superior Coach body is a collector's item. The process is to present in person for a viewing and drive, then make an offer. Thanks!

Please ask any and all questions prior to bidding. Home furnishings (quilt, pillow, vase, book, etc.) are not included.

Please note: This is a title transfer to take place in person with a notary at a bank to sign off on Department of Motor Vehicles paperwork (submitted to the State). I think this goes without saying but please don't contact me if you don't have the ability to pay. No trades. Thank you!