Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby the exterior of an older bus can be refurbished and modernized to incorporate both the design features and certain advantageous mechanical functions inherent in modern bus exteriors. The method involves the stripping away of the old monocoque exterior sheathing of the bus, together with the windows, the emergency door, and the front and rear sheathing beneath the windshield housings, then building up a framework of skin support structure between the sheathing support beams, stretching a skin across the sheathing support beams and tack welding it into place against the new framework. New style windows are inserted into place and a new, modernized emergency door is installed.