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Old 11-11-2018, 08:40 PM   #1
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Join Date: Sep 2018
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1999 Thomas RE for family of 5

I bought our bus at auction from the Seattle area, drove it home to Walla Walla and now have started to strip it apart inside. My wife and I have 3 kids and are planning to use the bus around the northwest.

It is a 1999 Thomas with rear engine cat and md3060 transmission. It runs good and cruises 65-70mph easily with cruise control. We have stripped the seats out and removed the rubber and plywood flooring. There is minimal rust in a spot or two, no holes though. Also, a couple of windows need to be recalked.

We are not sure yet how we will proceed from this point. We are thinking about flooring options and the floor plan is not decided yet.
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Old 11-11-2018, 08:48 PM   #2
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Kalispell, MT
Posts: 290
Year: 1993
Coachwork: Amtran Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466
Rated Cap: 84
Welcome to the site! I am from Walla Walla also but will be finalizing a move to Montana at the end of the year.
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Old 11-11-2018, 09:38 PM   #3
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Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Kingston, WA
Posts: 111
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: MVP
Engine: 8.3L Cummins Turbo
Welcome to the group. Mine is a 1995 Thomas Rear Engine with a Cummins Diesel engine and the Allison Tranny.

If you want, you can take a look at my build thread to see what I've done so far..

I also removed the ceiling and the related insulation as one of my first steps.
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Old 11-12-2018, 01:01 PM   #4
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Join Date: May 2017
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 1,413
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Thomas
Engine: CAT 3126
Welcome! I have same basic bus with a long build thread. Hope it goes well!
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https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/4-...ner-18205.html
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Old 11-13-2018, 02:54 PM   #5
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Join Date: May 2016
Location: Eastern WA
Posts: 6,401
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
Welcome Caleb,

I am out in Dayton. Not too far away.

We are working on a 2002 Bluebird A3RE roof raise at the moment. If you ever get out this way stop by and we can compare notes & have a pint.
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Old 11-20-2018, 07:16 PM   #6
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Working on bunk beds

I’ve been working on a triple bunk bed, using the floor as a bed also.
Not done yet but starting to take shape. Using a newly acquired
Smudge pot to heat with used motor oil. Work nicely. Very warm inside
With the door open and a couple windows open some too vented through an emergency hatch. It was 28 degrees or so outside.
I’m having a hard time figuring out how to post pics upright. They are saved on my phone upright.
Pnw_steve, it would be fun to come see your project sometime.
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Old 11-24-2018, 03:36 PM   #7
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: San Juan Island, WA
Posts: 7
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Safe-t-Liner
Engine: Catepillar
Rated Cap: 78 students
Bed on the floor?

Hi-We have a 97 Thomas, not a pusher. We were warned not to store anything on the floor as it will mildew. We like our design because it lets in lots of light, we found fancy RVers were jealous of our 180 degree view. We had to spend a lot of time and money on curtains but they work really well. We use blockout fabric, steel cables, clips and magnets. The whole bus turns into a private shangri-la very easily. Good luck and have fun!
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Old 11-24-2018, 08:25 PM   #8
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Massachusetts.
Posts: 196
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-t-liner
Engine: Cat 3126 - MD 3060
Rated Cap: 72
I have the same bus. Go over all the existing electrical. It’s all junk. Everywire. Thomas didn’t really put in any thought it seems that year.
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Old 11-25-2018, 11:30 AM   #9
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Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 25
More details on the window coverings pleased

Quote:
Originally Posted by Thomas97 View Post
Hi-We have a 97 Thomas, not a pusher. We were warned not to store anything on the floor as it will mildew. We like our design because it lets in lots of light, we found fancy RVers were jealous of our 180 degree view. We had to spend a lot of time and money on curtains but they work really well. We use blockout fabric, steel cables, clips and magnets. The whole bus turns into a private shangri-la very easily. Good luck and have fun!
Interested in how you used blackout fabric, steel cables, clips & magnets on window coverings. Can you share more details & perhaps pics? Did you use reflexit too?
I can sew & have had this question for awhile now, regarding coverings for windiws that help keep out cold/ heat depending on weather ( winter/summer) & look okay. Thx
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Old 11-27-2018, 07:26 PM   #10
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: San Juan Island, WA
Posts: 7
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Safe-t-Liner
Engine: Catepillar
Rated Cap: 78 students
Curtains

I replied once but I don't see it. I did post 3 new pictures under my album"work in progress". Here are the various products that worked for us.
Super Z Outlet Heavy Duty Satin Nickel Curtain Clips w/Hook
Dritz Home 6-Yard Clip Ring Header Tape, 3-7/8-Inch
Powerful Disc Neodymium Magnets (20 Pack) - 1.26"D x 0.08"H 3 packs
X-bet MAGNET ™ 50 pcs Craft Magnets 1 pack
ThermalWindowCurtains.com Fabric by the Yard: Insulated Polyester Crosby Style Fabric 84" wide, 10 yards at $21.50 a yard.
This is for a 40 ft bus and seems to be enough fabric including the front window excluding the last 6 ft which is our "garage". We used magnets to prevent air leaks, expensive magnets on corners and the craft magnets in other places. Polarity is crucial so you can fold or "pleat" the curtains neatly. It was a time consuming and expensive project but it works like a charm.
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