> > nope. those jail bars were an optional accessory. and you can/could order
> > them afterward and install them. they supposedly prevent luggage from banging
> > into the glass. i've seen them on buses as far back as 1967.
> >
> > oh, and there is a set for the rearmost side windows as well.
> As an official representative of the split window population here in
> waterworld, I must say that the jail bars appeared on the Deluxe busses in the
> 50's. Good thing I know all this wonderful stuff, eh?  Actually, there's a blue
> Vanagon on my street with jail bars. Pretty crazy, I just noticed the jail bars
> yesterday, and was thinking how curious it was. Now, here's this discussion to
> set me at ease. Thanks, V@L !

One of my earliest memories is riding over the engine in our bus, holding onto
those bars.  We had a Deluxe ragtop, black over red, probably about a '54.
Lots of memories.  We had the bus until about 1961, when I was six.

I'll have to find a set for my kids, although I don't let them ride back
there like I did, lack of seat belts, etc.

malcolm