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Old 03-19-2016, 03:39 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
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Grandma's Rolling Home

I did it. I bought a bus on Wednesday from Don Brown's Bus Sales in Johnstown, New York. I've read that they were kind and trustworthy. My experience with them has been good so far. Everyone there has been incredibly nice and helpful. The bus I chose is a 2003 IC CE with a T444E 65/43 in solid shape with ~96,000 miles on it.

I'm still getting the paperwork sorted, but I took the leap. I'm becoming a full-timer. I'm simplifying my life and moving forward. And that's a very good thing.
The plan is to get the basic infrastructure installed, and load it with all of my worldly possessions. Then Stony (my little dog) and I will move to Oregon to be near my oldest son, incredible daughter-in-law, and my two adorable baby grand daughters

Buying a bus is exciting and scary. It's a big commitment, and a big change. I love to build things, and I'm very much looking forward to converting the interior. However, there's a lot I don't know about working with metal, killing rust spots, and maintaining a bus mechanically and legally. It's been a long time since I've driven a bus. There's going to be a learning curve...

Breathing deep; seeking peace; embarking upon my next great adventure.

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Old 03-19-2016, 05:41 AM   #2
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Well alright then, it sounds like you have a game plan, and to me it sounds like a good one.
Your journey of a few thousand miles starts with turning the key. You are a very lucky
Person to have a goal in mind.
You are at the right place in this part of your adventure, the people here are great.
Please let me be the first to say welcome.
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Old 03-19-2016, 09:59 AM   #3
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Location: Spring Valley AZ
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Welcome and have fun.
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Old 03-19-2016, 10:45 AM   #4
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Congrats. You know the rule, pics or it never happened.
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Old 03-19-2016, 03:14 PM   #5
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Location: Port Townsend, WA
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Year: 1969
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Congratulations!! And yes, I agree with CrazyCal - pics or it didn't happen!!!
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Old 03-19-2016, 04:04 PM   #6
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Welcome to the madness Bishop. Congrats on taking the leap. We're all here to help so don't hesitate to ask.
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Old 03-19-2016, 05:26 PM   #7
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YAY! Another one gets their bus. We know it is a little scary when you buy a bus but what a great feeling at the same time. Please don't hesitate to ask questions. I know you will have a lot of them. There are many here who will help you. It will be a lot of work but it is so enjoyable at the same time. The main thing is to enjoy the adventure.
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Old 03-19-2016, 05:57 PM   #8
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Thank you all so much! As soon as I figure out how to post the first pictures of my bus, I'll share.
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Old 03-19-2016, 06:28 PM   #9
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As long as it doesn't have any rust it sounds like you got a really nice bus.

With it being that new it most likely has 12" windows, an OD automatic transmission, and a turbo--all really nice things to have!

As you do your conversion I would suggest you paint it a different color. It will tend to reduce hassles as you travel across the country.

Good luck and happy trails to you!
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Old 03-19-2016, 10:25 PM   #10
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Here's my new home!
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Old 03-19-2016, 10:45 PM   #11
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Stony Approves

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Old 03-19-2016, 11:33 PM   #12
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Tires & Rusty Bits

All the tires look new.


The worst of the rust is on the back door and back bumper, but there are a few other spots as well. I'll need to learn how to get rid of it and repair the back door, so it doesn't get worse.




Is it possible to rotate my pics so they're rightsideup?







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Old 03-20-2016, 12:04 AM   #13
Mini-Skoolie
 
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The interior is clean





The seats all have color coded seat belts. I'm going to keep a couple for my grand babies.



The drivers side, mid-ship emergency door will be very convenient. (I figured out how to rotate my pics. Go me!)

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Old 03-20-2016, 12:21 AM   #14
Mini-Skoolie
 
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There were a lot of buses to choose from!

This is only a small fraction of the buses available. There were hundreds. Really. Hundreds.



But Inspector Stony was on the job sniffing every inch. He was making very sure.



He deserves a cape, or maybe a sweater, with an emblem for doing such a good job.

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Old 03-20-2016, 12:48 AM   #15
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Our first picture together.

May this be the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship full of grand adventures.

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Old 03-20-2016, 05:40 AM   #16
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Congrats , you have started a most excellent adventure
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Old 03-20-2016, 06:01 AM   #17
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
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Year: 1999
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congrats on the bus.

Got any pics of the frame/undercarriage?
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Old 03-20-2016, 08:13 AM   #18
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For a New York bus the rust is very minimal.

You also got the deep skirts which will make adding skirt mounted storage compartments easier. It will also make hiding things like tanks much easier as well since the skirts hang low enough to hide just about anything under the bus.

I hope the undercarriage has minimal rust as well.
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Old 03-20-2016, 10:00 AM   #19
Almost There
 
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Location: Port Townsend, WA
Posts: 89
Year: 1969
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Ford B-750
Engine: 390 BB
Rated Cap: 2 humans, 1 cat
May I suggest double checking the tires? Ours looked just like that - when we had the shop do a DOT inspection (we're on a short time-frame before moving on to our Skoolie and taking a 2,500 mile trip) - they found dry rot on the drive tires. If the bus has been sitting for any length of time, definitely get them checked.

She looks great and I'm definitely looking forward to hearing your tales!! Yay Inspector Stony!!
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Old 03-20-2016, 10:29 AM   #20
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Location: Houston, Texas
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Year: 1946
Coachwork: Chevrolet/Wayne
Chassis: 1- 1/2 ton
Engine: Cummins 4BT
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Definitely check the DOT date stamp on those tires. Many look great but may be 10 years old and ready for the dumpster.
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