Large Truck or Bus Repairs

[Mikedoby]

During my first several months of WSR business, I have only been involved in repairs that are associated with passenger cars and pickup trucks. I do have an opportunity to accept some repair work on school buses and larger 18 wheeler type vehicles. My question, is how is the best way to gain access to these areas? Do you crawl up onto the hoods, set on the engines, or exactly how is the best and easiest way to get the job done? I would appreciate some input from those that have experience in this area. Thanks...

[StarQuest]

Mikedoby,

Not sure how tall you are but I'm 6"1 and the only ladders I use are a 3' and a 5' . Actually, 90% of the time I only need my 3' Just open the hood and climb up on the front tire and work from there. Occassionally you'll have to find better footing on the frame or engine to reach hits top dead center on the shield. Not very often though. I guess the bigest trick is not to get grease on your clothes when your leaning over engine. I really hate when that happens! Another thing to mention....expect to be sore first week when you first start doing these repairs. Puts a lot of stress on your ankles and calfs.

Good luck!

[CPR]

I use a 3' step stool and stand on the tire, on some trucks there is just enough room between the tire and air filter to work on the stool itself. I'm 6-5 and need every bit of it to reach the center of the windshield.

[the big welshman]

I repair any thing with wheels ie trucks and coaches using a 6 foot fiber glass ladder that I bought at Sears, and I have a metal plate that I attatch to the top of the the ladder. To put my equipment on when I am repairing a coach .As stated before you can open the truck hood and repair the winsdshield in the engine area ,but this can be a bit dirty ie oily I am a 6ft-4inch so I usually repair trucks closed--Go after your coach companys the top windshields on a coach is about $1000.00 dollars.Also check with your Ryder -Penskes truck leasing companys-- Also truck companys but be carefull of payment they can take over 30 day payment---

[screenman]

Most bus companies will have a gantry system which they use in the body repair shop try them, if not a friendly helicopter pilot could lower you on a rope for the really tricky ones some coach screen in the UK are