vehicle body definition
vehicle body means a structural chassis (or ‘framework’) to which the other components of the vehicle are at least indirectly connected.”
vehicle body. The Exterior skin must be FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic)Composite skin Laminated to a moisture resistant substrate (less than 1% absorption) attached to the steel cage with urethane adhesive. No Luan is permitted in the sidewalls or rear end wall of the bus. Laminated constructions with Luan or other wood materials are not allowed as they can lead to corrosion of the skin due to the wicking of moisture into the wood material. The steel cage must be Electro-coated (Cathodic E-coating to 1500 hour salt spray test) after fabrication, prior to final assembly. The steel structure of the walls must extend below the floor level and continue to the lowest part of the bus. Separate skirting that only serves a decorative purpose is not allowed; every part of the sidewall must have the steel cage structure behind the exterior skin. The overall width, excluding mirrors, of the bus must be a nominal 96” wide as narrower buses do not allow sufficient space for wheelchair maneuverability. The vehicle must comply with the requirements of school bus rollover protection of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 220 as applicable. The vehicle must also have passed all applicable FMVSS testing including FMVSS 214 and FMVSS 301. Proof of testing must accompany bid. Front Axle: To be equipped with heavy-duty axle and springs adequate for vehicle's gross vehicle weight. Rear Axle: To be equipped with heavy-duty axle and springs adequate for vehicle's gross vehicle weight. Shock Absorbers: Shall be load rated and of the heaviest duty available, capable of controlling the ride in the vehicle when empty, as well as when loaded to the GVW. They shall be a heavy-duty type to give maximum trouble free life in transit operations.