"Seeker" - 1989 Thomas Pusher - www.vonslatt.com - Page 2

Roasting8 · 11-24-2005, 05:22 PM

Actually, I don't remember much of TV operations (vacuum tubes were still used when I last worked on them) but, I still remember the screwups (blowing up electrolytic capacitors, smoking resistors, etc) and changing the coil leads, on the TV, was a screwup.

I, myself, am planning on finding a used 5" TV and dedicating it to just the backup camera.

You might be able to use the DPDT switch if you turn off the TV prior to switching it but, do you want to chance it.

BTW, I really think your bus looks great. You have done a lot with the bus and done it at low cost and with good taste.

Now, if I coulld only be blessed with your scrounging ability.

Robert

vonslatt · 12-30-2005, 10:03 PM

Hi Everyone,

I made a couple of updates to the website including a new page covering cabinetry and finish carpentry. Have a look:

http://www.vonslatt.com/bus-cab.shtml

Jake.

Eric von Kleist · 01-01-2006, 07:32 PM

Hey, stay outta my head!

I was thinking of something very much like that for my computer/desk. Not exactly the same, as I sit on the floor, but similar. Good job!

vonslatt · 01-25-2006, 12:27 PM

Finished the pantry this past weekend - a couple of more pics here:

http://www.vonslatt.com/bus-cab.shtml

vonslatt · 03-13-2006, 09:51 AM

Finished the bathroom wall and posted several new pics on the cabinet page:

http://www.vonslatt.com/bus-cab.shtml

SeanF · 03-13-2006, 10:39 AM

Looking good.

Eric von Kleist · 03-13-2006, 01:57 PM

Very nice! I like that counter top and those cupboards.

Griff · 03-13-2006, 05:35 PM

Man, that bus just keeps looking nicer and nicer, some very tasteful work going on in there! I really like your utilization of space with the odd angles.

vonslatt · 03-27-2006, 05:11 PM

I made some wheel chocks and installed a backup camera this weekend so I created a new "Safety" page:

http://www.vonslatt.com/bus-safety.shtml

Cheers!

Eric von Kleist · 03-29-2006, 06:49 AM

Hmmm..... Wheel chocks and a safety page....

Anything you care to tell us?

vonslatt · 03-29-2006, 08:46 AM

LOL! nothing happened I swear!

Jake.

Eric von Kleist · 03-29-2006, 05:10 PM

Okay, we'll take your word for it!

I usually think safety after a close call...like the time my thumb just barely tried to stop a table-saw blade. After that I was devoutly religious about using push-sticks and waiting for the blade to stop...

vonslatt · 03-31-2006, 12:39 PM

Mounted a receiver, a couple of more pictures here:

http://www.vonslatt.com/bus-body.shtml

Also got a new toy:

You need sharp drills when drilling 1/2" holes in the frame!

Cheers!

trentet · 03-31-2006, 02:34 PM

That was clever, I just mounted my 16000 lb putnum reciever to the back of my international dognose and I had to drill six Ã˜ 1/2 holes through the 5/16 thick steel c channel frame. It took me about 2 hours, first i clamped it in place like you did then I started drilling with the Ã˜ 1/2" drill to get a center mark. I used the center mark to drill a Ã˜.1875 hole through and then followed up with the Ã˜ 1/2. One of the machinist at work gave me a sample of this wax based drill lubes called BOELUBE developed by Boeing and told me that if I couldn't see the flutes clearly then I was turning too fast. That saved me from having to sharpen my bits, but I still want one of those nifty bit sharpeners.

vonslatt · 04-20-2006, 12:25 PM

Installed a new (re-cored) radiator this past weekend:

http://www.vonslatt.com/bus-mechlog.shtml

Jake.

wmah · 04-20-2006, 06:31 PM

I just have to say thanks for the drill press idea. I drilled 6 holes for my hitch which I had to drill straight up in less than a half hour. I used a small 6 ton bottle jack. I mounted a hitch with my dad on his van drilling straight up laying on our backs and it took forever doing it that way.

I told this idea to another guy that has seen lots of these types of ideas and he never seen it done that way either.

the_experience03 · 04-20-2006, 07:05 PM

Since when is a 6 ton jack "small?"

Sorry to hijack your thread here, Jake, but my question is related. I looked at the way you mounted your hitch and I looked at my bus and it just wouldn't work for me. I don't have that advantageous beefy rear crossmember since my bus isn't a pusher so I think I'm stuck with a receiver. It's probably better that way anyway because I'd like to flat tow my truck behind it and while a toyota isn't heavy, this one isn't light either (mounting the tires will just about give you a hernia).

So.....any ideas where a person could find a receiver that's only 32 inches or so from bolt hole center to bolt hole center? Most pickup hitches I've seen are wider. I know axle perch widths on a lot of different trucks, but that doesn't necessarily indicate frame width unfortunately.

wmah · 04-20-2006, 08:44 PM

Well I used to use a older 20 ton bottle jack all the time but the seals went out on it and you can't find the right ones anywhere for it. I had bought 2 6 ton jacks for leveling a 1978 travel trailer that had rotted out on me and I ended up stripping it down.

My floor jack is a 5 ton unit. It is one of them bigger ones that weighs over 250 pounds. I got it cause I figured bigger is better. And the brother in law won't walk away with it when I'm not looking.

Myself I got my hitch off another bus that wasn't used for towing anymore. All I had to do was cut the 6 bolts off. You might want to try some bone yards for low cost ones.

Firearm · 04-20-2006, 09:09 PM

Check L&M In Cloquet or a different farm and fleet if you have one in your area. They always have a great assortment of receivers for different vehicles.

vonslatt · 04-20-2006, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_experience03

So.....any ideas where a person could find a receiver that's only 32 inches or so from bolt hole center to bolt hole center? Most pickup hitches I've seen are wider. I know axle perch widths on a lot of different trucks, but that doesn't necessarily indicate frame width unfortunately.

I used to tow my '86 Toyota pickup behind the Town Car all the time, it was great when one or the other car needed service or I rode my bike home from work and it rained the next morning.

The frame rails on the Thomas are 48" apart in the back to make room for the engine. In front of the motor the are the standard 36".

I think in your case I'd just get a 4x4x36 section of steel box beam, cut the ends at a 45 degree angle, bolt it up to the frame and bolt the receiver to the bottom of that, like this:

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