1948 Beck Bus
This is my dear old green and white Beck motor coach which i bought at an auction sale about fifteen years ago It was converted to a camper then, but the skylights had been allowed to leak and the mahogany panelling had been damaged. I partially gutted it and used it as a place to sleep occasionally. It runs but needs a good restoration.
I finally got around to snapping a few pics of the old Beck. Next time I'm there I'll get a shot of the plaque that has the serial number, and maybe the instrument panel.
I bought the old girl at an auction sale around 1990. The old fellow that was moving to Florida had camperized it years before with very nice varnished mahogany panelling. The panelling had to be ripped out unfortunately as the roof vents had been allowed to leak. I made up a rigid tow bar and steered it home behind my friend's tractor. FUN!
It took very little to get the engine to run... just tune up stuff and some work on the starter. Much to my surprise the air brakes came right up to pressure and unloaded properly. Curious to see just what was still working, I began checking the lights, amazingly all worked! Even the brake lights! The air motor for the windshield wiper even works, though there is
no wiper arm. If memory serves, it likely has an International frame and Black Diamond engine.
At this point the Beck coach is at my ex's place and not getting the proper care. Paint is peeling and the body work is rusted out in a small area around the lower right front. The engine will still run, but on an auxiliary gas tank mind. A few months ago I drove it from the back yard (under it's own steam) to the front yard via the parking lot at the legion... Couldn't resist a slight joyride, the old girl sounded great and seemed so happy to be running. The engine sounds very tight and I noticed no blue smoke. The ex wants the Beck coach gone so anyone who thinks they can give her a good home (the coach that is)...
All the best. Pete Mack
foghorn (1)
on Nov 24, 08 | 1:01 pm
Reader Comments
I hbope to talk to you soon.
Thnx
F.D. Elliott
call 702-884-7329
http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm-desmo/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/imlsmohai&CISOPTR=860&CISOBOX=1&REC=9
Seattle, 1948.
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