Ford B-Series
Encyclopedia
The Ford B-Series was a Type C (conventional) bus chassis manufactured by Ford Motor Company
from 1948 to 1998 and was used primarily for school bus
applications. Although the B-Series was derived from the medium-duty versions of the Ford F-Series
and shared their front fascia, the B-Series was a bare chassis and cowl only; everything from the windshield back was supplied by the bus manufacturer
. Until 1968, the B-Series was badged and sold as a Mercury in Canada in both Ford and Mercury dealerships. This was a result of rural Canadian communities often having either a Ford dealership or a Mercury dealership, but not both.
Engines Rouge I6 Rouge I6 Flathead V8
Engines OHV I6 (1953) Flathead V8 (1953) OHV "Mileage Maker" I6 (1954–1956) Y-Block
OHV V8 (1954–1955) Y-Block OHV V8(1956)
Engines Ford "Mileage Maker" I6 (1958–1960) Y-Block V8 (1957) Y-Block V8 (1958–1960)
Engines Ford I6 (1961–1964) Y-Block V8 (1961–1963) Ford FT V8 (1964–1966) Ford FT V8 (1964–1966) Ford FT V8 (1964–1966) Ford 240 I6 (1965–1966) Ford 300 I6 (1965–1966)
Ford completely redesigned both the B-Series and medium-duty F-Series and departed from using the same grilles as the lighter duty F-Series trucks. The new buses were taller and wider with a large grille utilizing much of the space of the front fascia. The new grille was rectangular with the single headlights being placed very near the far ends of the grille. The fenders were even more flared than before to allow for a wider track and larger wheels and tires needed to make the necessary gain in GVW to remain competitive. This generation was also the first to receive the option of a diesel engine in place of the strictly gasoline lineup in the past. An extra "0" was added to the series notation on diesel models. After 1968, the Mercury-branded version of the B-Series was discontinued in the Canadian market. For 1973, the grille was updated with longer teardrops around the headlights and F O R D block lettering appeared on the front of the hood just above the grille.
Engines
Gasoline Ford FT V8 (1967–1977) Ford FT V8 (1967–1977) Ford FT V8 (1967–1977) 385
V8 (1978–1979)
Diesel
line of trucks. Although the medium duty F-Series had the revised interior from the lighter duty trucks, the B-Series carried over the dashboard from the previous generation. To complement the new design there was a new set of gasoline and diesel engines that became available starting in 1980 and more in 1983. In 1985, Ford took out the "F-O-R-D" lettering in the center of the grille and replaced it with a larger version of the blue-oval logo being phased in on most Ford vehicles starting in 1982. For the most part during the 1980s the B-Series saw minimal changes in design. This version of the B-Series is available with two different hood designs: a rear-hinged hood and a tilt-forward hood. During the mid-1980s, the rear-hinged hood was discontinued as the tilt-forward hood improved engine access and it was a design that had been adopted by Ford's competitors.
Engines
Gasoline Ford 385 V8 Engine (1980–1991) Ford 385 V8 Engine (1982–1994)
Diesel
By the end of the 1990s, the number of major school bus manufacturers had dwindled from five to three; faced with potential closure, the remaining manufacturers entered into business agreements with chassis suppliers. This made it increasingly difficult for Ford to find buyers for the B-Series chassis. This prompted Ford to take a serious look at a possible elimination of the B-Series platform or the purchase of their own body manufacturer to guarantee a demand. The answer came as a bombshell in 1998 with the sale of the heavy-duty "Louisville"
truck division to Freightliner, less than a year after the line had been completely redesigned; the final result was the now-defunct Sterling
brand of trucks. A condition of the sale required an absence of Ford from competing directly against Freightliner for ten years after the contract was signed. As a result, after 50 years, the production run of the B-Series came to an end.
Engines
Gasoline Ford 385 V8 Engine (1994–1998)
Diesel
by Navistar and the purchase of Thomas Built Buses
by Freightliner in 1998, the situation left Ford with only one option, Blue Bird Corporation. In 2002, the General Motors
chassis contract with Blue Bird expired and Blue Bird sought out a new chassis supplier before efforts were to begin designing one in-house. Ford and Blue Bird built a few prototypes based on the all-new F-650 Super Duty
, but it did not lead to a supply agreement. With Fords sale of their heavy duty truck line to Freightliner in 1998, their contract required an ending of the production of the B-Series chassis as it was in direct competition with the chassis Freightliner developed
for Thomas Built Buses. Ford could not sign a supply contract with Blue Bird without being in breach of contract with Freightliner. This stipulated an absence in the market for ten years after the sale was completed. As a result, Blue Bird was forced to design the Type C Vision
chassis in-house and once again Ford was left without potential customers for any chassis orders after the required ten year absence had expired. Thus, Ford's only entries in the bus market are currently all based on the E-Series
; unlike the B-Series, the E-Series bus chassis is a cutaway chassis
that is used not only for school buses, but for shuttle buses, paratransit, and other commercial uses.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
from 1948 to 1998 and was used primarily for school bus
School bus
A school bus is a type of bus designed and manufactured for student transport: carrying children and teenagers to and from school and school events...
applications. Although the B-Series was derived from the medium-duty versions of the Ford F-Series
Ford F-Series
The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company which has been sold continuously for over six decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150...
and shared their front fascia, the B-Series was a bare chassis and cowl only; everything from the windshield back was supplied by the bus manufacturer
Second stage manufacturer
A second stage manufacturer, known in the industry as "bodybuilder," builds such products as bus and truck bodies, ambulances, motor homes, and other specialized vehicles....
. Until 1968, the B-Series was badged and sold as a Mercury in Canada in both Ford and Mercury dealerships. This was a result of rural Canadian communities often having either a Ford dealership or a Mercury dealership, but not both.
Design History
The B-Series was introduced in 1948 as the school bus variants of the Ford F-5 and F-6 (1 ½ and 2-ton) medium-duty conventionals. In 1953, the F-Series and B-Series adopted the 3-digit model nomenclature still in use today and the B-Series effectively became the B-600, B-700, and B-800 models. Diesels were badged similarly with an extra "0" at the end of the model notation. From beginning to end the B-Series paralleled the Medium Duty F-Series in its development. Both F and B Series were identical to their light duty brothers in appearance until 1967 when they received a front end design of their own. This trend continued until discontinuation in 1998.1948-1952
The B-Series made its debut in 1948 along with Fords first post war design of their newly named F-Series trucks. The new design implemented a flat, single piece winshield and headlights that were integrated into the front fenders giving them a more modern look. The front fenders were squared off at the fascia that touted a new, horizontal bar grille. The dash was redesigned but still had a very plain, utilitarian look. The trucks remained much the same until 1951 when a new, single bar horizontal grille was fitted to the front along with different hood trim.Engines Rouge I6 Rouge I6 Flathead V8
1953-1956
In 1953, Ford celebrated their 50th anniversary and the B-Series saw a redesign with new B-"00" designations added to the name. The redesign implemented a set back front axle that made the front look nose heavy, but allowed for a tighter turning radius. The hood was also longer and flowed into the fenders. The grille was still horizontal, but was two bars as opposed to the one large one in the previous model. 1954 buses received a refreshed grille and a new OHV V8 engine option to replace the old 239 Flathead V8. The 1956 buses got a new wraparound windshield and restyled dashboards as well as a new grille that was similar to the 1953 model year.Engines OHV I6 (1953) Flathead V8 (1953) OHV "Mileage Maker" I6 (1954–1956) Y-Block
Ford Y-block engine
The Y-block engine is a family of overhead valve V8 automobile piston engines from Ford Motor Company. It was introduced in 1952 on Ford trucks and in 1954 on Ford cars to replace the side-valved Ford Flathead engine and was replaced by the Ford FE engine and the Ford Windsor engine in 1962, and...
OHV V8 (1954–1955) Y-Block OHV V8(1956)
1957-1960
In 1957 the B-Series got a redesigned front end and a new dash area. The front hood was now flush with the fenders creating a more boxy look. The 1958 models saw a new grille and quad headlamps along with new circular gages.Engines Ford "Mileage Maker" I6 (1958–1960) Y-Block V8 (1957) Y-Block V8 (1958–1960)
1961-1966
The B-Series was redesigned for 1961 offering a new horizontal grille and fenders that were flared just above the front wheel to allow for larger wheels. The new chassis and front fascia made the truck look lower and wider than previous years. The quad head lamps were replaced with single lights integrated into the grille. The frame and suspension were also redesigned to be tougher than before. This generation of B-Series would be the last to utilize the same front fascia as light duty Ford trucks. Both the B-Series and medium duty F-Series were to gain their own look.Engines Ford I6 (1961–1964) Y-Block V8 (1961–1963) Ford FT V8 (1964–1966) Ford FT V8 (1964–1966) Ford FT V8 (1964–1966) Ford 240 I6 (1965–1966) Ford 300 I6 (1965–1966)
1967-1979
Engines
Gasoline Ford FT V8 (1967–1977) Ford FT V8 (1967–1977) Ford FT V8 (1967–1977) 385
Ford 385 engine
The Ford 385 engine family was the Ford Motor Company's final big block V8 engine design, replacing the Ford MEL engine and gradually superseding the Ford FE engine family...
V8 (1978–1979)
Diesel
- Caterpillar 1140 V8 (1968–1974) B-6000 Only
- Caterpillar 1145 V8 (1968–1974) B-6000 and B-7000
- Caterpillar 3208 V8 (1975–1978) B-7000 Only
1980-1994
In 1980, Ford redesigned the F-Series medium-duty trucks and B-Series to look more like their heavy duty siblings. They were an all new design implementing styling cues from the LouisvilleFord L-Series Trucks
Ford L-Series trucks was a long running series of heavy-duty trucks built by Ford Motor Company between 1970 and 1998. It was distinctively styled with a bold hexagonal grille at its introduction...
line of trucks. Although the medium duty F-Series had the revised interior from the lighter duty trucks, the B-Series carried over the dashboard from the previous generation. To complement the new design there was a new set of gasoline and diesel engines that became available starting in 1980 and more in 1983. In 1985, Ford took out the "F-O-R-D" lettering in the center of the grille and replaced it with a larger version of the blue-oval logo being phased in on most Ford vehicles starting in 1982. For the most part during the 1980s the B-Series saw minimal changes in design. This version of the B-Series is available with two different hood designs: a rear-hinged hood and a tilt-forward hood. During the mid-1980s, the rear-hinged hood was discontinued as the tilt-forward hood improved engine access and it was a design that had been adopted by Ford's competitors.
Engines
Gasoline Ford 385 V8 Engine (1980–1991) Ford 385 V8 Engine (1982–1994)
Diesel
- 8.2 L Detroit Diesel "Fuel Pincher" V8 (1980–1990)
- 6.6 L and 7.8 L Ford-New Holland I6 (1985–1991)
- 5.9 L Cummins 5.9 6BT I6 (1992–1994)
- 10.4 L Caterpillar "3208" V8 (1983-1990)
1994-1998
In 1994, Ford updated the hood on the medium-duty F-Series to a more aerodynamic design. For the B-Series swan song, the chassis stayed the same but the new aerodynamic cowl was applied. Inside, the 1980s instrument panel and steering column were retained, although a tilt steering wheel became an option. Buses with this option are distinguished by their Navistar-sourced steering wheels. This generation became the first of the B-Series to be powered exclusively by diesel engines; their increasing popularity in conventional school buses led to their standardization in 1990, following suit with International (Navistar).By the end of the 1990s, the number of major school bus manufacturers had dwindled from five to three; faced with potential closure, the remaining manufacturers entered into business agreements with chassis suppliers. This made it increasingly difficult for Ford to find buyers for the B-Series chassis. This prompted Ford to take a serious look at a possible elimination of the B-Series platform or the purchase of their own body manufacturer to guarantee a demand. The answer came as a bombshell in 1998 with the sale of the heavy-duty "Louisville"
Ford L-Series Trucks
Ford L-Series trucks was a long running series of heavy-duty trucks built by Ford Motor Company between 1970 and 1998. It was distinctively styled with a bold hexagonal grille at its introduction...
truck division to Freightliner, less than a year after the line had been completely redesigned; the final result was the now-defunct Sterling
Sterling Trucks
Sterling Trucks, a manufacturer of heavy duty trucks, was a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America, based in Portland, Oregon, United States, a member of the Daimler AG Truck Group. It was originally the heavy truck division of Ford Motor Company, but was purchased and rebranded in 1997....
brand of trucks. A condition of the sale required an absence of Ford from competing directly against Freightliner for ten years after the contract was signed. As a result, after 50 years, the production run of the B-Series came to an end.
Engines
Gasoline Ford 385 V8 Engine (1994–1998)
Diesel
- 7.2 L Caterpillar 3126 I6 diesel (1994–1998)
- 5.9 L Cummins 5.9 6BT/ISB I6 diesel (1994–1998)
Discontinuation
In years previous, it was becoming quite difficult for Ford to find buyers as the top-selling body manufacturers either contracted with chassis suppliers from competing manufacturers or began concentrating on transit-style school buses only. With the 1995 acquisition of AmTranAmTran
American Transportation Corporation was a builder of school buses in the United States. Founded in 1980, the company traces its roots back to Ward Body Works, which was established in 1933. AmTran was acquired by Navistar International in 1994-1995, a move that would begin a series of alignment...
by Navistar and the purchase of Thomas Built Buses
Thomas Built Buses
Thomas Built Buses, Inc. is a bus manufacturer based in High Point, North Carolina, United States and a subsidiary of the German Daimler AG. Thomas produces school buses, activity buses/MFSAB , and commercial buses; both small and full-size buses are produced.Thomas traces its roots to 1916, when...
by Freightliner in 1998, the situation left Ford with only one option, Blue Bird Corporation. In 2002, the General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
chassis contract with Blue Bird expired and Blue Bird sought out a new chassis supplier before efforts were to begin designing one in-house. Ford and Blue Bird built a few prototypes based on the all-new F-650 Super Duty
Ford F-650
The Ford F-650/F-750 Super Duty are medium-duty commercial trucks produced by Ford Motor Company. They were introduced by Ford in 2000, replacing the previous-generation F-600, F-700, and F-800 trucks introduced in 1980. They are made mainly for use as utilitarian trucks for towing, heavy hauling,...
, but it did not lead to a supply agreement. With Fords sale of their heavy duty truck line to Freightliner in 1998, their contract required an ending of the production of the B-Series chassis as it was in direct competition with the chassis Freightliner developed
Freightliner FS-65
The Freightliner FS-65 is a Type C conventional bus chassis manufactured by Freightliner, used for school bus and commercial bus applications. It was introduced for the 1997 model year for Thomas Built Buses...
for Thomas Built Buses. Ford could not sign a supply contract with Blue Bird without being in breach of contract with Freightliner. This stipulated an absence in the market for ten years after the sale was completed. As a result, Blue Bird was forced to design the Type C Vision
Blue Bird Vision
The Blue Bird Vision, first introduced in 2003, is a Type C "conventional" school bus manufactured by Blue Bird Corporation. It is built on a chassis designed and supplied in-house by Blue Bird...
chassis in-house and once again Ford was left without potential customers for any chassis orders after the required ten year absence had expired. Thus, Ford's only entries in the bus market are currently all based on the E-Series
Ford E-Series
The Ford E-Series, formerly known as the Econoline or Club Wagon, is a line of full-size vans and truck chassis from the Ford Motor Company. The E-Series is related to the Ford F-Series line of pickup trucks. The line was introduced in 1961 as a compact van and its descendants are still produced...
; unlike the B-Series, the E-Series bus chassis is a cutaway chassis
Cutaway van chassis
Cutaway van chassis are used by second stage manufacturers for a wide range of completed motor vehicles. Especially popular in the United States, they are usually based upon incomplete vans made by manufacturers such as Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors which are...
that is used not only for school buses, but for shuttle buses, paratransit, and other commercial uses.
Body Manufacturers
The B-Series was widely available and was used by many manufacturers throughout its production run.| Body Manufacturer | Model Name | Years Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Transportation Corporation AmTran American Transportation Corporation was a builder of school buses in the United States. Founded in 1980, the company traces its roots back to Ward Body Works, which was established in 1933. AmTran was acquired by Navistar International in 1994-1995, a move that would begin a series of alignment... |
Volunteer (1992–1996) CS (1997–1998) |
1992–1998 | Ford was the only non-International chassis to be bodied by AmTran |
| Blue Bird Corporation | Conventional | to 1998 | |
| Carpenter Carpenter Body Company Carpenter Body Company, also known over the years as the Ralph H. Carpenter Body Company, Carpenter Body Works, Inc., Carpenter Manufacturing Company, Carpenter Industries, Inc., and Crown By Carpenter, was a bus body manufacturer based in Mitchell, Indiana, United States... Crown By Carpenter |
Classic | to 1998 | From 1996 to 1999, Carpenter used the Crown by Carpenter brand name on their buses. |
| Les Enterprises Michel Corbeil | 1990–1998 | Sold only in Canada. | |
| Superior Coach Company Superior Coach Company Superior Coach was once a school bus body and professional car manufacturer, but today it focuses on building hearses and is located in Lima in Allen County, Ohio.-History:-Garford Motor Truck Company:... |
Pioneer | to 1982 | |
| Perley A. Thomas Car Works Perley A. Thomas Car Works Perley A. Thomas Car Works, Inc. was a 20th century builder of wooden and steel streetcars, based in High Point, North Carolina in the United States.It was named for its founder, Perley A. Thomas... Thomas Built Buses, Inc. |
Conventional | 1972–1998 | replaced by Freightliner-based buses (FS-65) |
| Ward Body Works Ward Body Works Ward Body Works was a manufacturer specializing in school buses based in Conway, Arkansas. Ward filed for bankruptcy in 1980, and its successor, AmTran continued the use of the Ward brand on its school buses until 1992.-History:D. H... |
Master Deluxe Volunteer |
to 1992 | |
| Wayne Corporation Wayne Corporation Wayne Corporation was a large manufacturer of buses and other vehicles branded with the trade name "Wayne." The corporate headquarters were in Richmond, Indiana, in Wayne County, Indiana, in the United States... Wayne Wheeled Vehicles Wayne Wheeled Vehicles Wayne Wheeled Vehicles was a tradename of a division of a vehicle manufacturer that specialized primarily in the production of school buses... |
Lifeguard Wayne Lifeguard The Wayne Lifeguard is a type C school bus built by Wayne Corporation, introduced in 1973. Produced until Wayne Corporation declared bankruptcy and was liquidated in late 1992, the Lifeguard was also produced by successor Wayne Wheeled Vehicles until their closure in 1995... |
1973–1995 |
See also
- Ford F-SeriesFord F-SeriesThe F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company which has been sold continuously for over six decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150...
- School BusSchool busA school bus is a type of bus designed and manufactured for student transport: carrying children and teenagers to and from school and school events...