The Crunchy’s Double Decker Bus (temporarily out of service)

A New Chapter for Our Crunchy’s Double Decker Bus

Our Crunchy’s Double Decker Bus is temporarily out of service - but certainly not forgotten.

This bus has a story that started long before Crunchy’s. Built in 1980, it has now been around for more than 46 years. Over that time, it has seen many lives, many places, many roads, many passengers, and many transformations. It has undergone several metamorphoses, each one giving it a new purpose and a new identity.

For the past 10 years, it has been part of the Crunchy’s story. It has served families, children, event visitors, and loyal customers across Queensland. It has stood proudly under the unforgiving Australian sun, travelled countless kilometres, and became much more than just a food truck. For many people, it became a landmark, a memory, and a little piece of nostalgia on wheels.

But after years of intensive use, the time has come for a major renewal.

With more than 1 million kilometres behind it, age, heat, wear, and the demands of modern food service have made a full overhaul necessary. At the same time, Crunchy’s is moving into a new chapter with new colours, new signage. To make sure this iconic bus can continue its journey, it now requires an immense investment of time, money, care, and restoration.

Scheduled work between January 2026 and 1 November 2026:

  • A full engine overhaul after more than 1 million kilometres

  • Replacement of the gearbox (overhauled)

  • Cleaning of the fuel system

  • Renewal and overhaul of kitchen and service equipment

  • Restoration of the exterior

  • Replacement and repair of outside plastic and rubber parts affected by age and sun exposure

  • Upgrade of the ordering system

  • Repair and renewal of damaged panelling

  • A full repaint in our new Crunchy’s colours

  • New signage and updated branding

  • New tyres

  • Under body work (pressured air system), suspension, steering mechanism (new bearings)

This is not simply maintenance. It is a major preservation project.

Our goal is to give the Double Decker Bus the strength, reliability, and appearance it needs to continue for many more years - hopefully even another 46 years. That requires more than a fresh coat of paint. It requires patience, specialist work, parts, planning, and a serious investment in a vehicle that has already carried so much history.

We are currently aiming to complete the overhaul by 1 November 2026. However, delays are possible. The current geopolitical situation, limited freight options, and shortages in parts and transport may affect the timing of the project.

We know many people have a soft spot for this bus, just as we do. It has been with us through busy days, long nights, hot summers, special events, and many beautiful memories.

For now, the Crunchy’s Double Decker Bus is taking a well-earned break.

We look forward to the day we can welcome it back - renewed, repainted, and ready for its next chapter.

And maybe with a new owner.

Leyland Atlantean, East Lancaster body 1217, 1979. First date of commissioning: 27 February 1980 as bus 159 Plymouth Public Transport Co, License plate ODV203W.

A vintage double-decker bus driving on a curved street in a residential neighborhood with houses and trees in the background.

Maiden journey, 27/02/1980 Plymouth UK

A double-decker bus converted into a mobile laundry service with people on the upper deck dining under umbrellas, and customers ordering from the lower level in a parking lot.
Vintage double-decker bus with red, white, and black colors in a city street, with other buses and buildings in the background.

1981 Plymouth UK

2015 Brisbane AU, License plate XB18NY

A double-decker bus parked on a city street in front of a large monument with statues, under a blue sky with some clouds.

1989 Plymouth UK

Orange question mark on orange background.

2026 ???

Bright blue double-decker bus with open top, parked at a bus stop on a sunny day, with trees and a building in the background.

1999 Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) Wales UK

Double-decker bus with a red and gray exterior, labeled 'Sherpa' and 'Padarn Bus,' parked outdoors under a blue sky with clouds.

2005 Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) Wales UK