Hi all! This project has been a long time coming.
I have been looking for a type b shorty since about the first of the year. Originally I was looking at getting a M35A2 and building an off the grid tiny home on the back. Realized I needed I more sqft and easier parts access so I turned to the skoolie approach and realized a 6 window type b was what I was needing/wanting.
Plan on having a minimum of 4 100w solar panels tied to a battery bank for my electricity. Ive seen a few slick ways of making rain gutters on vehicles for a rain collection system. Going to find the best idea that fits my bus and run it into a 100 gal water tank. I also bought a cubic mini wood stove for my heat.
Now for the actual bus. I found as close as I could to my unicorn. Well actually I lied. Brad from the forum on here found them in WV and brought the information to me. Thank goodness because I was having no luck finding what I was looking for. I ended up purchasing the 2001 International Blue Bird T444E with 216K miles off Public Surplus last week for $2500. Her name is Margo and she purrs like a newborn kitten.
I drove it back home last Friday night and have been working nonstop on gutting this thing so i can build some momentum. (btw I hate rivets)
I would like to have this completed in a couple months. I have absolutely no idea how long this project is going to take realistically but I am working full time on this bus until it is completed so we will see how quickly I can learn on the fly. I just keep my head down and go from one task to the next. Every step of this build will be a learning experience. I am not an mechanic, electrician nor am I a carpenter but I know my way around a machine shop and tools and I enjoy getting my hands dirty. I intend to head out west once it is finished and begin chasing good snow as winter settles in.
As usual, with every build, I began with cutting the seats. The bolts and nuts were not going to come apart so I just saved myself the headache and began cutting and grinding right away.
Next came the walls. I went to the passenger side first and then went after the driver side panels. I just want to say I hate rivets and so do my hands. I am glad I do not have a bus any bigger because I have gotten myself into enough work as it is. Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, there were several sections under the windows that had no insulation at all. Some panels did and some did not. Not sure where they thought a random piece of insulation here and there might do some justice. Haha what do I know.
Then came the ceiling. I grinded, hammered, and chiseled so many rivets that I was seeing them in my sleep! I am a one man band currently so taking everything a part took a bit longer than I wanted but I am coming along at it. Those ceiling panels are heavier than they look! I was smart about leaving one rivet on each side until the very end but being by myself those panels usually came down right on top of me after gave it a slight tug to pull away from the remainder of the rivets. Insulation fell down on top of me as well. Fun times! Did I mention I hate rivets!
Definitely enjoying this process thus far but it is only going to be up hill battle from here on out. I am now to the point where I am taking apart the dash, driver seat, and pulling up the floor. Tomorrow I go and begin learning about these rat nests of wires. Probably going to pull it all out and put everything fresh in. By no means will I be able to tackle this in a single day but I plan to make good head way this weekend. I am OCD so this cluster **** stresses me out. Not to mention half of these wires are bad when they disabled all the gizmos and gadgets.
I am beginning this topic now because I am far enough along where I can ask for some help and put it to action right away. I am curious about the heater on the left side of the driver seat. I want to pull that thing out completely...(i think) I am putting in a mini cubic wood stove for my primary source of heat and carrying around a small electric one if need be.
Now my question is two parts....Is it that difficult to take out that heater? Im pretty sure the engine coolant runs through those hose lines but other than that, what kind of issues will I face and can I install a small unit just for defrosting my windshield?
Another issue I currently have on my plate is my driver seat. I was able to unbolt the actual seat no problem but it sat on this metal frame that has an air ride bag in the center and it also allows for height adjustment. Issue is the frame is bolted down and I have no good way of accessing those bolts to be able to grind off and I had no luck on breaking the nuts loose. I will take a picture tomorrow to better explain what I am trying to say. The smallest things can be so defeating!
Tomorrow brings a new day!
Any pointers, critiques, and thoughts are welcome. I am very green to this skoolie world but I have the enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. All I ask is you guys be gentle and patient with me as I grow into skoolie masters such as yourselves.
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