Greetings!! Need some advice on the start of my journey.

[Patbus]

First off thank you for having this community. I have been creeping around reading all about everyones conversions and getting excited about mine for some time.

I have been negotiating with a gentlemen to purchase the following bus:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/4424777434.html

It looks pretty good to me and fairly low mileage. Claims no rust and runs great. I have talked him down to $3750 and that seems like an ok price.

Just wanted to check with all of you great minds and see if I was making a good or bad decision on my first step into Schooliedom.

He will also deliver for $350, which I am considering so I don't have to deal with driving 3 hrs their and back + insurance until I get it re-titled.

Thanks,

Patrick

[PDBreske]

Welcome! I'm sorry you didn't get any replies to your inquiry, but I just noticed the craigslist ad has been deleted. Did you buy the bus?

[Patbus]

Yes. I did end up getting the bus. Damn these draconian posting rules!!!!

Just kidding. I have a problem though. Got it to the house and was backing into my drive way and it dumped all the power steering fluid. No problems on the 175 mile trip...just my luck to run into this when I am 10 feet from parking it for several months.

[dburt]

Probably just had a hose break, or split. Keep us posted on how it goes, and get some pics on this thread so we can see what you have!

[mrtravelingman2]

Patbus - May I also offer my welcome to you. I see from your last post that you have been christen into the schoolie fold. (If it can go wrong IT will) It keeps us on our toes. When you get the time we would all like to see your bus. (please post pictures) Best of luck on your build the old man Richard

[Patbus]

Ok I am way slow to replying. I have been a little busy.

Current state of bus: Floors out up to cabin area...planning on finishing that section today.

Here are some pictures: http://www.becausewelive.net/skoolie/

Will be trying to keep that blog updated. Next big task is properly removing the back heater and pipes without spilling fluid everywhere.

I do have a question: Should I power wash the entire bus? Also should I powerwash the underside (a lot of built up gunk) and engine?

-Found the power steering tube that busted out (short tube between what looks like the power steering pump? for the other wheel). Just have to figure out how to repair it now.

[Tango]

Personally, I would scrub that sucker inside & out, top to bottom. At some point you'll have to deal with every square inch of it and working on clean metal is a lot more fun than having to chip dried caliche clay off as you go. Plus...mud can easily hide rust & holes that will need to be addressed. I just wish my unit had been mobile enough to have done that before I began.

[pictureLOVE]

Originally Posted by Patbus

Yes. I did end up getting the bus. Damn these draconian posting rules!!!!

Just kidding. I have a problem though. Got it to the house and was backing into my drive way and it dumped all the power steering fluid. No problems on the 175 mile trip...just my luck to run into this when I am 10 feet from parking it for several months.

Clementine died in our alley as we were backing her in. Part of the adventure, no? I'm off to creep your blog now

[Patbus]

Thanks. Now I have to keep up with it.

Anyone know where to get a good repair manual for a Cummins 5.9?

[Patbus]

Getting ready to powerwash and corroseal the bus. Trying to determine how much corroseal I should buy. Roughly 70 of the floor has some rust to seal plus random places around the bus inside/out. Should I get a 5 gallon bucket? or does 1 gallon go pretty far?

Thanks

[Tango]

Go to Cummins for proper service manuals...or keep an eye on Ebay, they sometimes show up there at a discount. Either way, worth their weight in gold.