ZIL-158 - Soviet-style city bus

The city bus ZIL-158 was produced from 1957 to 1960 at the Likhachev plant. From 1959 until 1970, production continued at the Likino plant in Likino-Dulyovo, Moscow Region. ZIL-158 was the most popular model of the Soviet era, it received almost all bus fleets of the USSR. One plant could not fully meet the country's need, but the production rates were good. At the Moscow Likhachev plant, 9515 ZIL-158 vehicles were launched.

Change of plant

In 1957, by the day of the opening of the VI World Festival of Student Youth, 180 cars were assembled and rolled up. The annual output of buses after the transfer of production to Likino-Dulyovo was 213 cars in 1959, 5419 units in 1963, 7045 units in 1969. A total of about 50,000 buses were produced in the Likino Bus Plant in ten years. The release of the ZIL-158 (Lee AZ-158) model continued until 1971, in small batches until May 1973, when the final copy was assembled, which became an exhibit of the industry exhibition of the same year under the auspices of NAMI.

Improvement

The ZIL-158 bus was a continuation of the modernization of the ZIS-155 model. His body was longer by 770 millimeters. The passenger capacity increased to sixty seats, 32 of which were sedentary. The design of the exterior of the 158th model was also noticeably refreshed, the windows took a different shape, the front panel became more modern, the rear part got a few angular outlines that well corresponded to the fashion of that time. ZIL-158, the photo of which is posted in the article, was updated on time. Modernization touched the power plant, the engine became more powerful by 9 percent.

Autotrain

In 1960 the ZIL-158 "Aremkuz-2PN" bus train, consisting of a trailer and tractor unit ZIL-158, entered the production in a small series. The train got a somewhat strange name "nephew" and began to ply along the Moscow streets. After two years of operation from this form of passenger traffic had to be abandoned, since the truck was fully loaded only at rush hour, all the rest of the time it was empty. Nevertheless, the idea was not completely forgotten, and later it was developed in the form of a bus-accordion.

In 1960, a modernized ZIL-158 bus was launched in the Likino plant. The machine differed from the basic version by simplified grip, single-disk, dry. The clutch basket has become much lighter, and the knot itself is more reliable. On the car installed a transmission from the car ZIL-164 with a modified gear ratio.

With the updated model, the upper hatches were removed, which did not make any sense in the conditions of urban operation, since in the hot time it was possible to open the side windows.

Applications in television production

The ZIL-158 model was quite universal, and mobile stations for television were created on its basis. These complexes were successfully operated until the 1980s. In a spacious cabin, all necessary accessories, stationary equipment, a rest corner and an editorial module for operative work and live broadcasts were easily placed.

Power plant at the bus ZIL-158 is located in front, in the center. In winter, the engine cover serves to heat the cab and the front of the cabin. The middle of the passenger space and its rear part are also heated by hot air coming from the engine by forced order through special air ducts with the help of a powerful fan.

Chassis

The drive to the rear wheels transmitted rotation from the motor through the propshaft on two suspension bearings. Suspension, both rear and front, spring. All wheels were equipped with lever shock absorbers. At the end of production, some time, new hydraulic shock absorbers were installed on the machine. Outside, the body was lined with metal sheets on rivets. With a high-quality paint the sides looked quite modern.

Decommissioning and Disposal

ZIL-158 buses were operated in all regions of the Soviet Union and were considered convenient modern transport. However, the service life of the machines did not exceed 8-10 years, because the body could no longer stand. Affected metal fatigue and susceptibility to corrosion. In 1973, to replace the ZIL-158 came a new model - LiAZ-677, and the 158th gradually began to take off the flights and write off. At first the old cars had nowhere to go, the buses stood outside and rusted. But soon the managers of the enterprises realized that there was an opportunity to purchase a gift bus almost free, and began to apply for the purchase of vehicles that had served their term.

Massively obsolete buses were disposed of in the second half of the 70s of the last century. In 1976, 158 left from the streets of Moscow, in 1977 - from the streets of Minsk, in 1978 he left the routes in Leningrad. In the early 80's, practically no ZIL-158 was left on the territory of the USSR, which would be used as a passenger transport. The buses that were written off, if allowed by their technical condition, were transferred to enterprises and departments, were overhauled and continued to serve for many more years.