Driving through Virginia on an interstate can be a relatively boring experience. But when you see a vintage school bus and have an urge to buy it, the trip can get just a tad more interesting.

That's how Brady Smith (senior-horticulture) and his traveling companions spiced up their drive back from a Phish show last New Year's Day.

"We went up to the house, knocked on the door and this lady answered," Smith said. She told Smith and his friends that the bus belonged to her husband, who was at work, and the vehicle was not for sale.

But Smith would not take no for an answer. He got in touch with the woman's husband and offered him $800 for the vehicle. The man agreed, and Smith and his friends became the owners of a 1954 Crown Super Coach.

But, after one more call to the Virginia couple, the price suddenly increased to $1,100.

"His wife talked me up. I'm positive she just pocketed the extra $300 and never told him about it," Smith said.

The bus is the color of cheddar cheese and has a white top, but, according to its owners, will be changed to a "low-key respectable color."

When Smith and his friends purchased the bus, the inside had no passenger seats.

"I think they were using it for a hunting cabin," Smith said.

Cosmetic improvements aside, Smith has to perform a little mechanic's magic to simply get the bus's engine to start. He turns the choke on and starts it from the outside.

"But for how old it is, it's in great shape. Everything works, the safety flashers, the turn signals, the air horn and the heat all work," he said.

The part of the bus that seems to be giving Smith the most trouble is the engine.

"It's a sideways six-cylinder in the middle of the bus. It gets about two miles to the gallon.

"I found a motor in Akron, Ohio, for $1,700. And I also found a Crown bus enthusiast in California who wants my motor. If he pays the postage, I'll give it to him," Smith said.

To fill the void of the empty bus, a refrigerator, couch and chair have been installed. But Smith said the setup is only temporary.

He plans to build a loft, install a shower, bathroom and a kitchen with a wood burning stove.

The front of the bus will be furnished with couches and a three-piece table that can be adjusted to three heights, making another couch, a table or a gigantic bed.

The biggest addition will be a stage supported by a steel frame on top of the roof.

But the mobile stage won't be in State College for long.

"I have friends who are musicians and the bus is supposed to be ready after the last day of the semester so we can go on tour," Smith said. "We're going to travel to different rock and craft shows."

To pay off the trip, Smith said he and his friends will sell gyros and falafel out of the bus. "Our company's name is going to be Great North. It's from the Grateful Dead's song 'Might as Well,' " he said.

"People might say that this has been done before, but it was done before because it's a good idea," Smith said.

After traveling, Smith said the band will end up in Vancouver, Canada, where his friend is a promoter. There they will have their first "real" gig.

"I'm excited to see how many people will show up," Smith said. "I met some French kids when I was studying in Australia. I know some Dutch kids. They all said they want to come along. I think it could be really good."

After all the renovations, Smith plans to name the finished product "Rosebud II" after the sled in Citizen Kane.

"The school bus," Smith said, "is like the sled of our childhood."