GMC B-Series
Encyclopedia
The Chevrolet and GMC B-Series was a Class 7 medium duty cowled chassis produced by General Motors
for the school bus
industry. The B-Series was introduced for the 1966 model year. Production of the B-Series ended in 2003; after 1992, it was exclusively bodied by the Blue Bird Corporation.
s. While the chassis underneath was of a unique design, the cab and some of the outer bodywork would be derived from the full-size pickup trucks.
The B-series, as a result, closely resembled GM's pickup trucks from the 1950s, up until the mid-1960s. In 1966, GMC introduced its own version of the B-Series, unrelated to Chevrolet.
continued to manufacture the B-Series on a medium duty design based upon their full-sized pickups, GMC
moved their B-Series chassis to the H/J series line. This design of truck was the predecessor of the 1978 GMC Brigadier and Chevrolet Bruin
. The entire front fascia
was fabricated out of steel, and featured butterfly-access panels for servicing. This generation of B-Series offered GMC's gasoline V-8, diesel V-6 (Detroit Diesel), and gasoline inline-6 engines.
GM produced a different B-Series chassis for Chevrolet and GMC until 1971. GMC's medium-duty truck had been reintroduced onto the C-Series line in 1969. However, GM bus chassis production lagged behind truck redesigns, delaying the redesigned GMC to 1971.
8.2L V8 was offered, as well as a turbocharged variant. Transmissions were almost always 4 or 5 speed manuals, although the Allison AT545 4-speed automatic transmission was also offered.
While GM replaced its medium duty trucks in 1973, the B-series continued to be based upon the previous generation of medium duty conventionals. In fact, this continued to be the case until 1984, when GM finally updated the B-Series to match; the tilt-forward cowl was added. However, the changes were limited to the outside; the steering column and dashboard were carryover. Little, if any, change occurred to the powertrain
options for this generation.
names.
Both gasoline and diesel engines were offered on this generation of B-Series. A 6.0L V8 gasoline engine was offered, allowing potential LPG (propane) or CNG conversion. Late in the 1990s, the 366 V8 was retired in favor of a 454 cubic inch (7.4L) V8; GM was the last manufacturer to offer a gasoline engine in a full-size school bus. Caterpillar
3116 turbocharged six-cylinder diesels were offered as well. Transmissions were always Allison
automatics.
When GM replaced the GMT 530 series of medium duty conventionals with the GMT 560 series in 2003, no direct replacement for the B-Series was offered. GM has, however, offered cutaway cabs on their Class 4 and Class 5 models, allowing for body builders to add bus bodies in the same manner (and design) as they would on the full-size van cutaways.
and Ford (and later, Freightliner
) chassis were available as options.
Manufacturers who used the B-Series before 1991:
Diesel
GMC (General Motors division)
GMC is a manufacturer of trucks, vans, military vehicles, and SUVs marketed in North America and the Middle East by General Motors Company. In January 2007, GMC was GM's second-largest-selling North American vehicle division after Chevrolet, ahead of Pontiac....
for the 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...
industry. The B-Series was introduced for the 1966 model year. Production of the B-Series ended in 2003; after 1992, it was exclusively bodied by the Blue Bird Corporation.
Design history
For the vast majority of the B-series' life span, GM's medium duty conventional trucks were based heavily upon the design of their full-sized pickup truckPickup truck
A pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...
s. While the chassis underneath was of a unique design, the cab and some of the outer bodywork would be derived from the full-size pickup trucks.
The B-series, as a result, closely resembled GM's pickup trucks from the 1950s, up until the mid-1960s. In 1966, GMC introduced its own version of the B-Series, unrelated to Chevrolet.
1966-1970
In 1966, while ChevroletChevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
continued to manufacture the B-Series on a medium duty design based upon their full-sized pickups, GMC
GMC (General Motors division)
GMC is a manufacturer of trucks, vans, military vehicles, and SUVs marketed in North America and the Middle East by General Motors Company. In January 2007, GMC was GM's second-largest-selling North American vehicle division after Chevrolet, ahead of Pontiac....
moved their B-Series chassis to the H/J series line. This design of truck was the predecessor of the 1978 GMC Brigadier and Chevrolet Bruin
Chevrolet Bruin
The Chevrolet Bruin were heavy-duty trucks made by General Motors between 1978 and 1988. The Bruin & Brigadier were both conventional rigs using the 9500 series cab introduced in 1966; this cab was better-finished and more stylized than a typical big-rig cab but larger than the pickup-based cab...
. The entire front fascia
Fascia (car)
Confusingly, fascia is used for several different things in the automotive world. Many of these meanings are related to the appearance of the car....
was fabricated out of steel, and featured butterfly-access panels for servicing. This generation of B-Series offered GMC's gasoline V-8, diesel V-6 (Detroit Diesel), and gasoline inline-6 engines.
GM produced a different B-Series chassis for Chevrolet and GMC until 1971. GMC's medium-duty truck had been reintroduced onto the C-Series line in 1969. However, GM bus chassis production lagged behind truck redesigns, delaying the redesigned GMC to 1971.
1971-1991
When GMC's medium duty line moved back from the H/J line to a modified variant of their full-sized pickup truck in 1969, so too did the B-Series, albeit in 1971. The only external change to the chassis was a different front clip, which also mandated a different dashboard design. Engine options consisted of the 5.7L, 6.0L, and 7.0L gasoline V8. Later, the Detroit DieselDetroit Diesel
As a corporation, Daimler Trucks North America has decided to rename the company "DETROIT".Detroit Diesel Corporation is an American-based diesel engine producer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, USA...
8.2L V8 was offered, as well as a turbocharged variant. Transmissions were almost always 4 or 5 speed manuals, although the Allison AT545 4-speed automatic transmission was also offered.
While GM replaced its medium duty trucks in 1973, the B-series continued to be based upon the previous generation of medium duty conventionals. In fact, this continued to be the case until 1984, when GM finally updated the B-Series to match; the tilt-forward cowl was added. However, the changes were limited to the outside; the steering column and dashboard were carryover. Little, if any, change occurred to the powertrain
Powertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
options for this generation.
1992-2003
In 1992, the GMT 530 chassis was adapted to become the next-generation B-Series. This chassis was introduced in 1989 under the GMC TopKick and Chevrolet KodiakChevrolet Kodiak
Beginning with the 2003 model year, US-market models moved to a new platform with a more spacious cab based on the GM full-size vans. The 4500 and 5500 trucks had the option for Four-wheel drive. These trucks featured solid front axles, on both 4x2 and 4x4, instead of independent front suspension...
names.
Both gasoline and diesel engines were offered on this generation of B-Series. A 6.0L V8 gasoline engine was offered, allowing potential LPG (propane) or CNG conversion. Late in the 1990s, the 366 V8 was retired in favor of a 454 cubic inch (7.4L) V8; GM was the last manufacturer to offer a gasoline engine in a full-size school bus. Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc. , also known as "CAT", designs, manufactures, markets and sells machinery and engines and sells financial products and insurance to customers via a worldwide dealer network. Caterpillar is the world's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas...
3116 turbocharged six-cylinder diesels were offered as well. Transmissions were always Allison
Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission is an American manufacturer of commercial duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems. Allison products are specified by over 250 of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers and are used in many market sectors including bus, refuse, fire, construction,...
automatics.
When GM replaced the GMT 530 series of medium duty conventionals with the GMT 560 series in 2003, no direct replacement for the B-Series was offered. GM has, however, offered cutaway cabs on their Class 4 and Class 5 models, allowing for body builders to add bus bodies in the same manner (and design) as they would on the full-size van cutaways.
Availability
The B-Series chassis was used by a variety of manufacturers and was popular for the availability of both gasoline and diesel engines. Until 1991, the B-Series was available to all manufacturers. However, in a move that crippled GM's marketshare of the schoolbus market, GM signed an agreement with Blue Bird Corporation for 1992. Under the terms of the agreement (which lasted 10 years), Blue Bird became the only body manufacturer allowed to build buses on the new B-Series chassis and would also be responsible for all distribution and service. The resulting model was named the CV200, and while the GM B-7 chassis was standard, Navistar InternationalNavistar International
Navistar International Corporation is a United States-based holding company that owns the manufacturer of International brand commercial trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus school and commercial buses, Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label...
and Ford (and later, Freightliner
Freightliner
Freightliner can refer to* Freightliner Trucks, a heavy vehicle manufacturer in the United States* Freightliner Group Limited, a European rail-freight operator* Freight liner , describing a cargo ship operating to a repeating schedule...
) chassis were available as options.
Manufacturers who used the B-Series before 1991:
- Blue Bird
- Carpenter Industries, Inc.
- Gillig Bros.
- New Bus Company
- Northern Coach
- Perley A. Thomas Car WorksPerley A. Thomas Car WorksPerley 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...
- Superior Coach CompanySuperior Coach CompanySuperior 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:...
- Thomas Built Buses, Inc.Thomas Built BusesThomas 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...
- Ward Body Works
- Wayne CorporationWayne CorporationWayne 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...
Powertrain
Gasoline| Engine Name | Displacement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GM Small-Block V8 | 5.7 liters (350 cubic inches) | |
| GM Big-Block V8s |
|
|
Diesel
| Engine Name | Displacement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel "Fuel Pincher" V8 | 8.2 liters | |
| Caterpillar 3116 inline-6 |
See Also
- Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKickChevrolet KodiakBeginning with the 2003 model year, US-market models moved to a new platform with a more spacious cab based on the GM full-size vans. The 4500 and 5500 trucks had the option for Four-wheel drive. These trucks featured solid front axles, on both 4x2 and 4x4, instead of independent front suspension...
- B-Series donor platform (1980-2003) - Ford B-SeriesFord B-SeriesThe Ford B-Series was a Type C bus chassis manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1948 to 1998 and was used primarily for school bus applications...
, International Harvester S-Series "Schoolmaster"International Harvester S-Series (bus chassis)The International S-Series "Schoolmaster" was a Type C bus chassis manufactured by International Harvester, which became Navistar during its production run. It was introduced in 1979 as the replacement for the Loadstar bus chassis; it was used for both school bus and commercial bus applications...
, and International 3800International 3800The International 3800 is a Type C bus chassis that was manufactured by Navistar International for school bus and commercial bus applications. It was produced from 1989 until 2004. The replacement for the S-Series "Schoolmaster", the 3800 used powertrains and components from the 4700 and 4900...
- competing school bus chassis