[v1kram]

Now the bus body is completely done and delivered.

[teamveevee]

Originally Posted by v1kram

Now the bus body is completely done and delivered.

Overall the bus Looks excellent..(livery can be better though). Looking forward to the owners review.

[v1kram]

Got another chance to visit a body building unit, this time a more professional company based in Coimbatore district.

Pictures showing first stage.
1) An AL Viking
2) TATA LPO 1512 with rear air suspension
3) TATA LPO 1612 - 12M
4) AL Viking

[v1kram]

Few AL Viking's getting their body shell.

[v1kram]

Final set of pictures
1) AL LYNX
2) AL Viking 210"
4) Eicher bus (6 of them were built)

[v1kram]

Yet another visit to a BBU at Karur, TN.
The first two pictures are of a Eicher bus chassis, which is a rarity to see (period!). Rest of the chassis are all of Ashok Leyland Viking series getting ready for TN, KA and KL regions.

[aaggoswami]

Just out of curiosity, is there any specification available from Ashok Leyland, Tata or Eicher or any chassis+engine manufacturer about the airflow to hit the Intercooler and radiator ?

The body build around the chassis seem to allow for little passage and if take in the velocity these CV's are likely to hit, it seems that airflow to Intercooler+Radiator might be less.
Any specifications for this OEM's would certainly provide a bit of guidance on these body fabrication+assembly projects. Lack of information can lead to instances where the so-called radiator grille is left open in CV's plying on roads.

That open grille itself is not very smart thing to do. Any flying debris of reasonable mass can puncture Intercooler and/or radiator.

[audioholic]

I have a query. How are the frames for mounting the front windshield designed and fabricated? I see very huge windshields on these buses and wonder how these shops get the fabrication right. Do they use CAD?

And also, arent those paintjobs expensive? They get a lot of artwork on the paint. Isnt this an unnecessary expenditure?

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by audioholic

Wonder how these shops get the fabrication right. Do they use CAD?

And also, arent those paintjobs expensive? They get a lot of artwork on the paint. Isnt this an unnecessary expenditure?

No answer to the first question.

The paintjob is pure customization and the wish of the customer who likes to spice up his 'ride' and keep it distinctive.

Don't we do the same with our cars (cloth hangers, vnyl on doors, roof, boot, stickers etc etc)?

Anurag.

[audioholic]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

.

Don't we do the same with our cars (cloth hangers, vnyl on doors, roof, boot, stickers etc etc)?
.

Firstly, vinyl will be a cheaper option. Either stickering or even printing a custom design will be a matter of around 40 per sqft. This kind of painting is labour intensive. Hence I believe it will cost a lot. Secondly, personal cars are customised as per the owners like, and per their liking. Here, investment costs matter right? Every lakh extra will take the break even point farther away. That's why I asked why is this necessary.

[v1kram]

Originally Posted by aaggoswami

Just out of curiosity, is there any specification available from Ashok Leyland, Tata or Eicher or any chassis+engine manufacturer about the airflow to hit the Intercooler and radiator ?

The body build around the chassis seem to allow for little passage and if take in the velocity these CV's are likely to hit, it seems that airflow to Intercooler+Radiator might be less.
Any specifications for this OEM's would certainly provide a bit of guidance on these body fabrication+assembly projects. Lack of information can lead to instances where the so-called radiator grille is left open in CV's plying on roads.

That open grille itself is not very smart thing to do. Any flying debris of reasonable mass can puncture Intercooler and/or radiator.

As far as these BBU's are concerned, it's upto the operator to select the front cowl (show set) as per his liking. Specifications are not provided by the chassis manufacturer. Small units will buy the moulds from bigger and better equipped units. The radiator grill left open instance is mainly for better air flow (as per them) especially during summer and heavy loads.

Originally Posted by audioholic

I have a query. How are the frames for mounting the front windshield designed and fabricated? I see very huge windshields on these buses and wonder how these shops get the fabrication right. Do they use CAD?
And also, arent those paintjobs expensive? They get a lot of artwork on the paint. Isnt this an unnecessary expenditure?

Not all the BBU's have CAD system. For any complicated design, they buy out the die/sample from units (better equipped) and copy the same.
Art work is mainly for eye catching purpose and it's very common in the South. Though time consumption depends on the amount of work required, it is not so expensive (especially considering the amount being spent on procuring a chassis and body building). Again, it's up to the owner's preference.