836 is a 1975
ECW bodied Daimler Fleetline with a Gardner 6LXB engine. It is the sole
survivor of a batch of 56. This is an interesting bus in many ways. It was
ordered by Sheffield Transport featuring a blue interior and destined to
be delivered in cream and blue but was actually delivered to the SYPTE in May
1975 in brown & cream with no branding. It had a very different appearance
to contemporary ECW bodies (think Bristol VR) at the PTE’s request with flat
windscreens and a peaked dome only used elsewhere on 6 Colchester
Atlanteans. The flat windscreens caused a blind spot and reflection problems,
miti- gated by adding pillar windows and removing interior lights. It operated
from East Bank Rd garage for its whole 12 years service in Sheffield.
After service
in Sheffield it was operated by Ribble in Bolton from 1986-1990 then by Darwen
Morris Dancers from 1990-1998. Rescued by Darren Sentance in 1998 for preservation,
supplying the morris dancers with a replacement ex-SYPTE Atlantean. The bus was
owned by Jason Thurston from 1998-2005, remaining as withdrawn, then bought by
Richard Gregory in 2005 in a complete but very tired state.
The
restoration started in June 2006 and has been very extensive. Like most
Fleetlines, the chassis has had to be repaired. An overhauled engine has been
refitted along with the gearbox. Much work has been done on the body and
interior. It is safe to say that this vehicle has been done to a very high
standard.
Some of the jobs include:
Chassis flitch panels replaced from engine bulkhead to the centre doors
Engine bulkhead and rear crossmember replaced
Rear lower deck stress panels replaced & new formica fitted
All wooden fillets in the body replaced
Body re-panelled and fibre glass skirt panels repaired
Centre door bulkheads replaced
Lower deck floor and all supports replaced
VIDEMAT machine carrier reinstated
Cab restored and electrics re-commissioned
Most lower saloon seats re-upholstered
Brakes and suspension overhauled
Engine serviced, fuel pump overhauled and new injectors fitted
Correct split rim wheels sourced and new tyres fitted
Doors stripped and overhauled
Fuel tank repaired and new air tanks sourced
In 2022, the engine and gearbox were mounted back in the bus. The first time they've been in for a number of years.
Owner - Private
