The Length Of The Iconic 1988 Ford B700 Bus

The Ford B700 is a bus chassis manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 1948 to 1998. The B700 was primarily used for school bus applications in the United States and Canada but was also exported worldwide for various uses. While I couldn't find the exact length of the 1988 model, sources reveal that the maximum length of a bus is 40 feet from bumper to bumper.

The Ford B700 was a Type C (conventional) bus chassis

The B700 was introduced in 1980 as part of the sixth generation of the B-Series, derived from the F-700, F-800, and F-8000 (diesel). This generation of the B-Series saw significant external design changes, including a narrower hoodline and separate fenders. The grille design was also updated, taking influence from the L-Series "Louisville" heavy trucks.

The sixth-generation B-Series was produced for 19 model years, making it the longest-produced version of the B-Series. During this time, the model line saw a revision in 1995, with a redesign of the hood to improve aerodynamics. The B-Series retained the same steering column and instrument panel used since 1980, but for the first time, a tilt-steering column was offered as an option.

The B700 was a cowled chassis produced without a cab, but with a revised dashboard from the previous generation. In 1984, the B-Series adopted the Ford Blue Oval emblem, replacing the "FORD" lettering in the centre of the grille. The tilt-forward hood, which was initially introduced as an option, became standard by the end of the 1980s.

The sixth-generation B-Series was offered with three engine options: a 6.1L (370) gasoline V8, a Caterpillar 3208 V8 diesel (Ford B-8000), and a Detroit Diesel four-stroke 8.2L V8. In 1982, a 7.0L gasoline engine was introduced as an additional option. Over the years, the engine offerings underwent several revisions, with new engines introduced and others discontinued.

The Ford B700, as part of the B-Series, was widely used for school bus applications in the United States and Canada. However, the chassis was also exported worldwide, allowing manufacturers to construct bus bodies for various uses.

The Ford B700 was manufactured from 1948 to 1998

The Ford B700 is a bus chassis manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was produced across six generations from 1948 to 1998. The B series was a variant of the medium-duty Ford F series.

The B series was designed as a bare chassis intended for bodywork from a second-stage manufacturer. While primarily used for school bus applications in the United States and Canada, the chassis was exported worldwide to manufacturers to construct bus bodies for various uses. The B700 was the best-known school bus, probably of all time, and the Ford base was used in many variants and generations.

The B series paralleled the medium-duty F series in its development. In 1967, the medium-duty F series departed from using the same grilles as the lighter-duty F-series trucks, and the new buses were taller and wider with a large grille. The B series was redesigned again in 1980, with significant external design changes, including a narrower hoodline and separate fenders. This sixth generation was the longest-produced version of the B-Series, spanning 19 model years.

The final B-series cowled bus chassis was produced as the sixth-generation medium-duty Ford F-Series ended its model cycle after the 1998 model year.

The Ford B700 was used primarily for school bus applications

The Ford B700 was a versatile and durable bus chassis introduced by Ford Motor Company in the mid-1980s, primarily designed and marketed for school bus applications across the United States. This chassis played a crucial role in student transportation, ensuring safe and reliable journeys for children to and from school.

With a sturdy construction and a focus on functionality, the Ford B700 became a popular choice for school districts and bus contractors alike. Its robust design and reliable performance made it a trusted option for the demanding and critical task of transporting students. This chassis formed the basis for a range of school bus body configurations, accommodating different seating capacities and regional requirements.

The B700 typically featured a long wheelbase, providing ample room for accommodating students. The average length of a 1988 Ford B700 bus is around 35-38 feet, with some variation depending on the body style and specifications chosen by the customer. This length allowed for efficient passenger loading and unloading, ensuring timely school transportation without compromising student comfort or safety.

The chassis was often fitted with a range of body styles, including the conventional bus style, which is easily recognizable with its forward-controlled design, where the driver's seat is positioned ahead of the front axle. This layout maximizes passenger capacity, making it ideal for school bus routes. Additionally, the Ford B700 could be adapted for other applications, such as activity buses for sports teams or field trips, or even converted for use as a commercial bus for specialized purposes.

The Ford B700's engine options varied, but they were typically powered by robust gasoline or diesel engines, offering sufficient torque and power to handle the demands of regular school bus routes. Their mechanical specifications were tailored to meet the needs of frequent stops, idling, and the weight of carrying multiple passengers, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.

In summary, the Ford B700 chassis played a vital role in student transportation, primarily serving the school bus market. Its durable construction, flexible body configurations, and reliable performance made it a trusted choice for ensuring the safe and timely transportation of students across the country.

The B700 was derived from the medium-duty versions of the Ford F-Series

The Ford B700 is a bus chassis manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. The B700 was derived from the medium-duty versions of the Ford F-Series, specifically the F-700, F-800, and F-8000 (diesel) models. This sixth generation of the B-Series was produced from 1980 to 1998 and shared model commonality with the medium-duty F-Series.

The B700, introduced in 1980, featured a narrower hoodline and separate fenders, marking a departure from the previous full-width hood design. The grille design was influenced by the L-Series "Louisville" heavy trucks, further distinguishing it from the lighter-duty F-Series trucks. This generation of the B-Series also saw the introduction of a tilt-forward hood option, which became standard by the end of the 1980s.

Throughout its production run, the B700 was offered with various engine options. Initially, it was available with a 6.1L (370) gasoline V8, a Caterpillar 3208 V8 diesel, and an 8.2L Detroit Diesel four-stroke V8. Later, a 7.0L gasoline engine and diesel engines from Cummins and Ford-New Holland were added to the lineup.

The B700 was widely used as a school bus and was known for its durability and versatility. It had a long production run, spanning nearly two decades, and was a popular choice for bus manufacturers due to its robust design and customizable features.

In summary, the Ford B700, derived from the medium-duty Ford F-Series, represented a significant step in the evolution of bus chassis design. Its long-lasting impact on the industry underscores the importance of this generation of the B-Series in the history of Ford's commercial vehicle offerings.

The B700 had a Detroit Diesel 8.2L engine

The B700 series buses from Ford Motor Company were introduced in the mid-1980s and remained in production until the early 1990s. These buses were built on a sturdy chassis and were designed for a range of applications, including school bus service, public transportation, and even luxury motor coaches. One of the key features that made the B700 a reliable and powerful workhorse was its engine.

Producing around 210 horsepower and a substantial amount of torque, the 8.2L Detroit Diesel provided the B700 with ample power and pulling capacity. While not exceptionally high-powered by modern standards, at the time, this engine offered a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, an important consideration for vehicles that would be in frequent use. The engine was mated to a heavy-duty manual transmission, typically a 4- or 5-speed unit, designed to handle the high torque output and provide smooth gear changes.

Maintenance and reliability were key strengths of the Detroit Diesel 8.2L engine. With a simple and robust design, these engines were known for their longevity and relatively low maintenance requirements. The naturally aspirated configuration also contributed to their reliability, as it reduced the complexity of the engine and potential issues associated with forced induction. This made the B700 bus a cost-effective choice for fleet operators, who could count on the vehicle's dependability and keep maintenance expenses manageable.

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