MegaBus project

[Josef]

Hi all, I’m going to try take more pictures and post more here … anyhow, probably will change my name to megabus after my daughter Megan … I don’t think that’s been used here yet.

Below are some pictures added to Picasa I will add comments to them soon.

http://picasaweb.google.com/11571894521 ... usProject#


Some of the photos are of:

Removed/Skinned windows
Removed old floor
Resealed emergency hatches
Installed Vantech floor
Removed rear heater
120 volt / 12 volt wiring
Some over all pics / engine pics

My bus is a 1997 Thomas DT466E 65 pass / dog nose.

Thanks!

Joe!

[Josef]

Thanks Smitty!

I'll be using for weekend camping trips, hunting, etc ...

Here are some Sketchup models (added more to the albumn), I can upload the actual sketchup file if anyone is interested ... if there is room for it. I think it's about 8MB. I think this is about all the more detailed I am going to get on my model/plans. I might draw the the table/chair/soffa component though. Who knows!

Thanks again!

[Josef]

Yes, to the right (toward front) of the bathroom will be 22x48 rv window, sink, and burner. Opposite side will be another matching window and a pop-up camper style table and bench seats that convert to another bed. Under the AC will be a drip pan, under that will be LP suburban furnace and an electric water heater. To the right of AC will be the coverter/city svc.

I have a Subruban water 5 gal LP/120V water heater, but the place where the anode rod goes in is super duper rusted out, I was blowing it out, and got a bunch of blue glass fragments coming out with dirt and other stuff. Seems in pretty rough shape, so I dont think it's worth cutting a hole in the wall to mount it. I think a 5 gal electric would be fine for weekend trips anyhow.

Planning to put in an external shower access somewhere in that general area too.

Thanks!

[Josef]

On another note ... A couple times I have hit the ignition key and I just get a single click noise (maybe 1 in every 20 start attempts) then I try again and it cranks as expected and starts right up. Should I be overly concerned the starter is going out? I doubt that is normal.

Yet another question.... I took the fuse out for the buzzer for when the door or something is open, but now I'm wondering is that the same buzzer that sounds of when something fails .. like a brake sensor or something else? or are they typically different buzzers?

[busdriver_phil]

Originally Posted by Josef

Yet another question.... I took the fuse out for the buzzer for when the door or something is open, but now I'm wondering is that the same buzzer that sounds of when something fails .. like a brake sensor or something else? or are they typically different buzzers?

They're different buzzers. I assume you removed the one behind the switch panel under the driver's window. That's part of the body wiring, which is separate from the chassis wiring (all behind the front dashboard). The buzzer for chassis stuff (engine warning, brakes, etc) is behind your gauges.

[Josef]

Yes, it was the buzzer to the left of the driver seat under the switch plate. Thank you both! Great info!

[Josef]

Got a couple sheets of luan up!


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That's Jake, he is such an awesome helper!

I've got the windows and more luan to go up this weekend if the rain will hold off a little bit!

There are some more pics uploaded at the link in my signature as well!

Thanks!

[BUSBOZO]

Congrats! Nice bus! And its got the 466! Great engine!

The intermittent starting issue is probably the shifter. Whenever it does not want to start, wiggle the gear shift a little. It has to be in neutral to start. And those can be very finicky.

[Josef]

Thanks! I'll pay attention to that next time it happens!

[Josef]

Hi everyone, been a while since I posted, keeping busy with work, bus, life, and everything else ...

Some photos of progress since the last post ...

Electric and Ext Shower


Master bunk, and Megan's bunk below ...


Me and my Megalope ....


Wife & half a bunk wall ...


AC # 1 framed in and 55 amp power converter & electric panel 30 amp svc


Driver side Window cut out ...


Framed and insulated


Paneled


Installed


Outside view of passenger side window


More walls and paneling


Top bunk bed


Bottom bunk with Lid opened



There are quite a few more pics added. They are in the same album .... in my signature ....
I have been slacking on the photo-taking.

We have completed two camping trips without incident ... one to Clearwater Lake and another to Sam A Baker state park, both in Missouri, at just under 200 miles each, One trip I averaged 7.4 mpg, the next I averaged 9.5 mpg. I averaged 10 mpg from kansas city to Festus (45 min south of St. Louis) when I bought the bus.

[Josef]

Hi Everyone ....

Just wanted to add a few photos for now. I had Sam Drinnin and Matt Shearer of Drinnin's Services
install my door, do a little body work and paint my bus. I'll probbably go back and add some color eventually ...

They are in Desoto Mo, and can be reached at 636-586-4283 if you are interested in getting any work done.

There are more photos on my online album whic is listed in my signature.

Thanks for looking!

[bus-bro]

L K'in G D!

[MikeyBskunk]

Wow! Coming along FAST keep up the work and keep posting pics!!!
Thanks!!

Mike

[browncrown]

Wow, that is one beautiful bus

[Diesel Dan]

Nice paint job! It looks a lot like my bus, except the quality of your paint job is far superior. Mine looks okay from 10ft, but up close mine looks pretty mottled. I just didn't get a good spray pattern.

[gbstewart]

nice bus, great paint, was wandering about the flashing lights on the top, is it ok for you to leave them red and amber lens on?

keep up the good work

gbstewart

[Josef]

Thank you all for your kind notes. I am considering using the clear covers that I have heard folks here talk about on the front.
Maybe move all the reds to the back and rewire for high brakelights.
I am open to suggestions. I'm not sure what is legal or not here in Missouri.

Joe

[CAMO-MONSTER]

Originally Posted by Josef

Hi everyone, been a while since I posted, keeping busy with work, bus, life, and everything else ...

Some photos of progress since the last post ...

Electric and Ext Shower

Master bunk, and Megan's bunk below ...

and what are you doing for a matres? i lowered my bed and added a little bit to go from a queen to a king and i'm glad i did cause it was way to tall! i'm 6'2" and sitting on my bed it is about right for me now. i did now have enuff room it sit on the bed and sit up straight and now hit my head on the roof and i have the 6'3" roof.

[CAMO-MONSTER]

Originally Posted by CAMO-MONSTER

what are you doing for a matres? i lowered my bed and added a little bit to go from a queen to a king and the top of my matres sits at the bottom of the widows now in my bus and i'm glad i did cause it was way to tall! i'm 6'2" and sitting on my bed it is about right for me now. i did now have enough room it sit on the bed and sit up straight and now hit my head on the roof and i have the 6'3" roof.

[Josef]

@CAMO-MONSTER


For the two bunk beds I ordered 2 foam mattresses of them see below:

Foam Factory Inc.
22800 Hall Rd
Clinton Twp., MI 48036

PHONE: 586-627-3626
FAX: 586-627-5830
EMAIL: info@foambymail.com
WEBSITE: http://www.thefoamfactory.com

Code Name Quantity Price/Ea. Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CM Cushion or Mattress, HD36 Foam - Reg (M) 2 $65.39 $130.78
Dimensions: A3.00 x B35.00 x C76.00


Then I had an upholsterer make a slip cover for each $25 each.


The master bunk is a new mattress that goes in a foldup couch that I got new on CraigsList for $30 ... it pretty much sucks but better than nothing .... I'll probbably order a new one at some point like the others and have a slip cover made for it too. Probbably do correct dimensions for a King @ 4" thick

The 2 foam mattresses I ordered are awesome, super duper!

Thanks!