Greetings Skoolie.net community!
I'm really stoked to be here and share our projects, advice, and mishaps (hopefully not too many of those!)
We recently purchased a 1989 GMC Lifeguard. It has a Chevy 454, Allison transmission, and a Wayne body. I think the model is called B6000.
First, I ordered the service/shop manual--something I would suggest to anyone with any vehicle, be it car, bus, boat, etc! The detailed images and step-by-step instructions are a life-saver, and certainly a stress-reducer.
This bus had been previously modified into a hunting rig. When we got it, it had been gutted again, but some of the RV hardware was still there.
Our plan with this bus is to park it on some land and live out of it. There is limited solar power available (another project when money comes in), some rain-collected water (massive filtration needed, but dang is it tasty!), and good, understanding neighbors. Oh yes, and a composting toilet on-site. (These are REALLY awesome... no, they don't smell!)
We are doing all of these modifications ourselves, and no, we are not mechanics! I have a little experience in construction--mostly electrical--but given enough planning and hard work, I am fully confident we can achieve our goals!
If you'd like to see updates on the project, we will periodically update on our blog here:
https://splittingelm.wordpress.com/
The first bus post is from March 13, 2015.
We will be starting with some demolition, bringing it down to the bare shell inside. The intent is to use "Naval Jelly" on the rust to 'kill it,' and then, after cleaning and sealing holes and gaps, to paint Rustoleum Professional in gloss white. (The only other color available at our local hardware store was a dark hunter green. I figure white is a good start anyhow.)
The flooring and base-level of the interior is one of our first concerns. The other concern is the busted power steering line, which I was able to order from an online auto warehouse dealer. Not as expensive as I thought, but not cheap either. The service manual so far has been the most expensive "part" for mechanical stuff.
Okay, everyone. I'm glad to share and open for ideas and tips!
Thank goodness its the summer... gives me time to figure out how I want to insulate and heat this thing!
After the painting, I am considering some kind of epoxy as the flooring, because it will be seamless. There's still a lot of research to be done on that part, however.
Good luck.
Starting with a shell.
Linear Mode
