San Diego Transit 517

San Diego Transit Lines GM TDH4801 # 517 was as part of a 20 bus order (511-530) delivered new to San Diego Transit Lines in 1957. After its career with San Diego Transit 517 was sold to Yuma Bus Co. in Arizona and then to an individual living near Yuma where it sat for 18 years. It was then purchased by southern California bus collector, Andy Goddard, who moved 517 to the San Diego area where it was eventually bought by Chris Stauffer. The opportunity to acquire a complete and operable GM “Old Look” as a back up or reserve bus for the Niles train shuttle came in the fall of 2006 when the PBM acquired 517 from Chris in October 2006.

Specifications

Manufactured by General Motors Truck & Coach Division, Pontiac, MI

Model TDH4801, Built 1957

Power train: GM 6-71 Diesel engine w/ 2 speed Hydromatic transmission

Body: Aluminum monocoque body construction

Seating: 48 passengers - Transit seating

Length 37.9 ft. - Width 102 in.

Current Status

#517 is operable, having had a recent in-frame engine overhaul. The interior and exterior has been recently restored and painted in the colors of DC Transit (Washington D.C.) a livery similar to bus 128. A public address system has also been installed. 517 is currently is in operation carrying Niles Canyon Railway train passengers in the Niles area of Fremont, CA throughout the year.

Adopt This Bus

Support the PBM’s bus preservation efforts. Join the museum’s Adopt-A-Bus program. Adopt this bus or any PBM bus of your choice by contributing to a special fund account reserved for maintenance and or restoration of each bus. All of the PBM’s buses have their own special accounts and all funds donated to a particular account will be used only for that bus.

To donate to the Special Funds account for this bus indicate SDT #517 on your contribution.

Click here to contribute with PayPal now!

This page updated on October 20, 2010