Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 07-29-2019, 11:15 AM   #1
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
MOe the 97 international bluebird

Hello all, my wife and I bought our 97 international 6 window bus in May of 2019. We plan on using this as a weekend/ national park traveling bus. My wife came up with the name MOe which is short for Missouri explorer. We are the 3rd owners of the bus. We bought it from a church that was using it for their youth ministry. They owned it for about 10 years. The bus was already painted white so that elemited one job to start with. We will end up painting it sometime in the future but for now it will remain white.
I will try to keep this thread up to date. Which currently should not be to hard as I am doing mechanical repairs to make sure we don't have any trouble later down the road.

===Here is what has been done so far.===
New front shocks
Repaired/ replaced exhaust system
All seats removed
Floor stripped to metal
Roof and wallpanels removed
Insulation removed
Floor wire brushed to remove rust and a heavy coat of coroseal to convert rust
Rear clearance lights replaced with LEDs to help stop some leaks
Currently in the process of replacing king pins

Also when removing parts I am removing rust and painting the parts to avoid future rust
I have some pictures in my albums if you want to have a look.

Feel free to ask questions, offer advice or give constructive criticism.
Attached Thumbnails
20190427_172434.jpg  

__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2019, 12:35 PM   #2
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
We have all the rust on the floor converted and plan on cutting out some of the bigger areas this weekend and replace with new steel. I decided to use the panel epoxy. It is a bit more expensive I guess but I figure my wife can help this way as I have not taught her how to weld yet.

I am also going to be replacing the rear door seal since it has a leak. I sanded the door frame to remove some light rust from where the paint has been rubbed off over the years. I am keep the door open for a couple of days to make sure the paint is completely dry.

There are still a few small leaks mostly the neoprene seals around the upper warning lights. I might replace them with some LEDs in the back and wire them up as blinkers and break lights.
Attached Thumbnails
20190720_171033.jpg   20190720_171011.jpg   20190720_170953.jpg  
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2019, 09:01 AM   #3
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
So it has been a while since I posted here in my build thread. So this is going to be a bit long Sorry.

Here is what has been done since the last post.

We have removed 5 windows and resealed them to make sure there are no leaks around them (8 more to go). I sealed between the bus and the rear light cover, this stopped the leaks around the upper flasher lights until I decide if I will convert to LED blinker and break light.

The big project was replacing the floor support behind the wheel well. It was pretty much gone since we live in the rust belt. I used 2 1/5 square tube for the replacement.
When bolting the new support to the supports on the side skirts I found that standard were not the best choice as one snapped when I was tightening the other side so I upgraded to grade 5 bolts.

While I was underneath the bus I hit it with a wire brush to remove the loose rust and old under coating. I then sprayed it with some rustoleum rust converter and some new undercoating. I still has some more to do. It seems most of the heavy rust is behind the rear wheels, I am guessing that is from the salt spray from winter driving.

I cut out some of the rust in front of the wheel well inside and out and welded in some new metal. I plan on throwing some bondo over the outside this week before if gets much colder.

I also finally welded in the larger floor panels that had rusted through.

I started to remove the stairs to repair the bottom stair but could not figure out how to get the front part to come off. (I have a thread opened looking for ideas on what I am missing http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f10/st...lp-28992.html# )
Attached Thumbnails
20190907_153148.jpg   20190907_143305.jpg   20190928_154554.jpg   20190928_154619.jpg   20191006_151420.jpg  

20191008_182641.jpg   20191009_183415.jpg   20191013_152249.jpg  
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2019, 09:04 AM   #4
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
A few more pictures of progress
Attached Thumbnails
20191009_193949.jpg   20191009_183423.jpg   20191013_143850.jpg   20191009_194041.jpg   20191008_205150.jpg  

__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2019, 02:33 PM   #5
Almost There
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Loon Lake, NY
Posts: 81
Year: 2002
Engine: Cummins 8.3 ISC 300
Rated Cap: 36,200lbs
Looking good! Keep at it.
Neorush is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2019, 02:56 PM   #6
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
Thanks, I am hoping to get the last bit of welding done today and get ready to insulate the floor with spay foam on Sunday since it is almost the last warm day we will have in Missouri for a while. Then plywood and a drivers seat added back in.
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2019, 07:52 AM   #7
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Central missouri
Posts: 128
Chassis: 2000 Int Amtran
Engine: DT466HT
Rated Cap: 84
Sweet, another Missouri build.
MacC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2019, 08:18 AM   #8
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
@MacC What part of MO are you in?
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2019, 08:46 AM   #9
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
Last night I was able to get the other rust spot over the drivers side wheel well removed and new metal welded in. Other than a few screw holes near the firewall I think all the holes in the floor are now sealed.

I am hoping to wire brush underneath the last few feet of rust and old undercoat to make sure there are not other holes that will show up.

I am also looking in my metal scrap for a couple of pieces that I can use as a stove jack and heat shields so I can easily install/remove the stove pipe for my homemade wood burning stone I made from an old propane tank. I get some pictures when I get that project going. That will be after the floor is in.
Attached Thumbnails
20191014_173714.jpg   20191014_173510.jpg   20191014_173730.jpg   20191014_210223.jpg  
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2019, 12:13 PM   #10
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Central missouri
Posts: 128
Chassis: 2000 Int Amtran
Engine: DT466HT
Rated Cap: 84
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gorzie View Post
@MacC What part of MO are you in?
Randolph County. I am right of 63 south of Moberly.
MacC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2019, 02:17 PM   #11
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
I now have the floor framed ready for spray foam. Today is the last day in the 70s most likely till spring. After work I am going to spray the floor.

I did find one decent size hole in the back corner that was cleaned up and welded shut

Under the flooring I am trying something different, at least I have not seen anyone else do it, I am putting sill plate gasket under the 2x4s as a thermal break. It may not do anything but prevent squeaking. It is only $8 a roll and I needed just over 2 rolls for 24' bus. You can see the blue roll in the pictures. I put the plastic up to cover the windows and anything I don't want foam on. I am not insulating under the driver's seat this time. I am going over ideas in my head on insulating around/under the seat and heater.
Attached Thumbnails
20191019_151642.jpg   20191019_151705.jpg   20191019_151630.jpg   20191022_205613.jpg   20191022_205635.jpg  

20191017_182759.jpg  
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2019, 03:52 PM   #12
Bus Nut
 
farok's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 375
Year: 2003
Chassis: Chevy cut-away 6-window shortie
Engine: 6.0L Gasser
I'm trying the sill plate gasket under the 2x3s and 2x4s in my roof cavity for the same reason. I'm not sure they are going to do anything or not either, but figured it's worth a try (and helps keep the roof panels from vibrating too badly). Will be interesting to see how either of us does!

Chris
__________________
My build thread: https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f27/fi...ild-25804.html
farok is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2019, 02:04 PM   #13
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
Well on Oct 23rd the spray foam was put down on the floor and I have plywood covering it too. I used 3/4 inch tongue and groove OSB. Kind of wanted real plywood but the orange big box store did no have it in stock. I have a few screws holding it in place so it won't move. I will put more in later before putting down the nice flooring. We chose to go with sheet vinyl since it was on sale for about 67 cents/ sqft and it's waterproof/easy to clean. We have a few dogs so that was important.

I drilled new holes for the replacement driver's seat that came out of a 2004 Yukon. They have the seat belts integrated into the seat. The local pick and pull had a labor day sale 50% anything. We got both the driver and passenger seat for about $35 total.

We bought some RV seat swivel bases for the drivers and co-pilot seats and I made an adapter plate to attach the truck seats.

I have been having quite a hard time getting the 1/2" x 1.5" grade 8 flange bolts and nuts. They have plenty of different size bolts but only 1 flange nut. I will be picking up the last 7 flange nuts tonight. Then I will finish installing the drivers seat. In Missouri the commercial vehicle plates expired in December so I plan to get them renewed once before getting converted to RV plates later in 2020.

The next item is to install the 30 amp shore power plug and main lug wit a few circuits. We will have solar but shore is easy and cheap to put in and covers the seperate electrical system requirement for RV conversion in Missouri. It will also allow for 2 space heaters o keep up warm while working in the cold over the winter.
Attached Thumbnails
20191023_163551.jpg   20191109_141235.jpg   20191109_141226.jpg   20191119_192133.jpg   20191119_192123.jpg  

20191101_172646.jpg  
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2019, 02:58 PM   #14
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
I forgot about deleting the strobe light. I sanded and filled the holes with some bondo. While I was at it I also put some bondo on the back corner where there was already some old bondo that had a couple of small cracks. I guess sometime in the past someone backed into something.
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2019, 04:32 PM   #15
Bus Nut
 
ermracing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Claremont, NH
Posts: 480
Year: 2003
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DT466E (195hp, 520tq)
Nice progress there. We have been thinking about getting a pair of the Yukon seats to replace the two stock seats we have. Have you thought of getting air bases for your seats? You'll have a much smoother ride!
__________________
Dave
ermracing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2019, 07:45 PM   #16
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
Smile

Thanks Dave.

I have not looked at air ride seats because we don't have air breaks. I may be uninformed but doesn't the air for them come from the on board air compressor? The seats are fairly soft so that will hopefully make up for lack of air . I still need to run some electric to the seat this weekend so I can adjust it.
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2019, 06:48 AM   #17
Bus Nut
 
ermracing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Claremont, NH
Posts: 480
Year: 2003
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DT466E (195hp, 520tq)
Forgot a lot of the shorties have hydraulic brakes. The seats do look comfy though.
__________________
Dave
ermracing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2019, 07:03 AM   #18
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Central missouri
Posts: 128
Chassis: 2000 Int Amtran
Engine: DT466HT
Rated Cap: 84
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gorzie View Post
@MacC What part of MO are you in?
Hope the build is going well.
MacC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2019, 08:24 AM   #19
Skoolie
 
Gorzie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: St. Charles County Missouri
Posts: 181
Year: 1997
Coachwork: Bluebird International
Chassis: 3800
Engine: T444e
Rated Cap: 35
Thanks MacC. It is coming along well so far. Of course not as fast as we would like. The darn job get in the way and takes up 40 hours a week that could be put toward the build . If I get the shore power in it this weekend we are thinking of going to Babler state park for one night just because we can say we took it on an over night trip in less than 1 year. LOL. Of course it is currently a metal tent. Buy spring we hope to have a bed and some counters. I would like to get it officially titled as an RV before I have to renew my commercial insurance in may.
__________________
Michael G.
1997 Bluebird IH 3800 6 window T444e
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/m...ird-28058.html
Gorzie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2019, 11:25 AM   #20
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Central missouri
Posts: 128
Chassis: 2000 Int Amtran
Engine: DT466HT
Rated Cap: 84
What doesn't take longer than expected? lol You will get it done.
MacC is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:07 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.