Tailgate Bus plan please help

Broncobus · 09-20-2013, 02:58 AM

Hello fellow skoolie fans,

Long time lurker here looking for some help. I ve been looking for a bus for about a year now to convert into a Boise State tailgate machine/camping rig. A couple weeks ago I found a guy on Craigslist looking to sell his 1962 Bluebird Wander lodge bus. He wanted 10 grand for it but he later lowered the price to 5. I jumped on it at 5,000. I hope I didn't pay too much or it, you guys can judge by the pics below. My first question is what is the most economical way to paint it. My second is do you think the current frame on the roof can support a roof deck, If so how many of my friends can I have on top at once before we have to worry about the thing caving in. lets just say 200 pounds per person on average.

I have 100 more questions but figured i would just start with paint and a roof deck for now. I want to go with a mesh floor on the deck If possible but I m looking forward to your suggestions.

JakeC · 09-20-2013, 09:08 AM

I don't think you paid too much, looks like a good deal to me! What drivetrain does it have? As for the deck, I think we would need to see more pics, and closer, to get an idea of how the supports are anchored, etc.. For paint, you can look at my thread for ideas on how to do it cheap. I just used oil based enamel and sprayed it with a cheap gun. LOTS of prep work!!

wmkbailey · 09-20-2013, 09:09 AM

Nice bus, I'm using WonderLodge as a blueprint to do my bus. As for paint, lets wait to see what JakeC says his bus paint job is nice.

JakeC · 09-20-2013, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmkbailey

Nice bus, I'm using WonderLodge as a blueprint to do my bus. As for paint, lets wait to see what JakeC says his bus paint job is nice.

Haha! Posted at the same time, it looks like

wmkbailey · 09-20-2013, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeC

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmkbailey

Nice bus, I'm using WonderLodge as a blueprint to do my bus. As for paint, lets wait to see what JakeC says his bus paint job is nice.

Haha! Posted at the same time, it looks like

syke · 09-20-2013, 10:21 AM

Bus looks great for $5000. I think you did fine.

What motor and trans?

JakeC · 09-20-2013, 10:43 AM

Ok, paid a little more attention to your post. I saw you have it as 1962. Pretty sure that is not a 1962. Not with that interior

Besides, I don't think they started production until 1966. Also, you have the engine as a 454 ford. No such thing unless it's a stroked 351. I think the seller may have had some of his facts off a little

Stu & Filo. T · 09-20-2013, 10:59 AM

Fine looking Bus for $5000.00, my personal opinion is flip it & get another Bus & start your own conversion because to do a safe deck install your going to have to take down your interior to gain access to the structure to do a proper deck install, or keep it & Install a awning & party on the ground, in my humble opinion

bansil · 09-21-2013, 07:45 AM

your dates and engine etc are way off the square lights and such are not 1962, the roof is steel and with correct supports at each rib would be as strong as a deck at your house if you build it like that...think of the bus as the ground,and the deck is built above it

it looks like a great platform for a comfy vehicle,good score

LuckyChow · 09-21-2013, 06:22 PM

That's a nice looking coach. I think it's more mid 70's. Take a look at the DOT plate. It'll give you a build date.

Broncobus · 09-22-2013, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeC

I don't think you paid too much, looks like a good deal to me! What drivetrain does it have? As for the deck, I think we would need to see more pics, and closer, to get an idea of how the supports are anchored, etc.. For paint, you can look at my thread for ideas on how to do it cheap. I just used oil based enamel and sprayed it with a cheap gun. LOTS of prep work!!

Its a gas engine unfortunately and It is definitely a Ford, I m not sure which model though. I took a video from the roof today to give you guys a better idea o the existing frame which I plan on using. Sorry the audio is real poor it was very windy in Vegas today. Thank you or the painting tip my irst goal is the roof deck and Solar and then its on to the paint!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD6z92o9EGI

Is it possible to post video on the thread without a link?

Broncobus · 09-22-2013, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allwthrrider

Fine looking Bus for $5000.00, my personal opinion is flip it & get another Bus & start your own conversion because to do a safe deck install your going to have to take down your interior to gain access to the structure to do a proper deck install, or keep it & Install a awning & party on the ground, in my humble opinion

I ve thought about flipping it but I m not much of a wheeler dealer. If I can put a fairly safe deck on the roof this will meet my tailgating needs. I need to have the party on the roof though, Boise State charges 1200 a year for RV size spaces at Bronco stadium for 6 games, which is out of my budget. If the tailgate is contained to the roof and inside the bus we can just park it on University BLVD and boon dock for free

Plus everyone at Bronco Stadium is parting on the ground "The General" will be the first 2nd level tailgate at the stadium.

Broncobus · 09-22-2013, 02:53 AM

Thank you guys for all your feedback I would be lost without you. As for the year of the bus the tittle definitely says 1961. I m going to do some more digging on some of the other specs. It looks like the bus needs new tires about how much do you think those are going to set me back?

Broncobus · 09-22-2013, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syke

Bus looks great for $5000. I think you did fine.

What motor and trans?

Not sure yet I m real green on this stuff.

Broncobus · 09-22-2013, 03:07 AM

These plates were with the paperwork maybe they ll help explain the specs.

bansil · 09-23-2013, 06:13 AM

check this out
http://www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.com/forums/

JakeC · 09-23-2013, 07:30 AM

Once upon a time, somebody had a 1987 jeep cherokee that they had lifted and put a lot of time into. The only problem was that they didn't have a title. The solution? Use the title from the junk 1991 cherokee, swap plates, and rock on!!!

Being given a title and paperwork with a vin plate and manufacture plate included as part of the paperwork is a little sketchy, not that it would have detered me, just saying that doesn't mean the bus itself is a 61 or 62

bansil · 09-23-2013, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeC

Once upon a time, somebody had a 1987 jeep cherokee that they had lifted and put a lot of time into. The only problem was that they didn't have a title. The solution? Use the title from the junk 1991 cherokee, swap plates, and rock on!!!

Being given a title and paperwork with a vin plate and manufacture plate included as part of the paperwork is a little sketchy, not that it would have detered me, just saying that doesn't mean the bus itself is a 61 or 62

and the wanderlodge wouldn't have a seated capacity...since it didn't have seats

http://www.vintagebirds.com/history.htm

the above is by year

you may want to be careful on this deal, check out the wanderlodge site and see where the vin is on the frame and go from there

also the front door is not where that vintage wanderlodges had them....mmm interesting

It looks like it has air ride front and rear, the front end is school bus(lights and markers) 1989/1990 are close

very interesting

JakeC · 09-23-2013, 07:44 AM

I saw that. The only thing I can come up with is someone had a 1962 bluebird school bus, converted it to an rv, changed the front clip, and somehow got it titled as a Wanderlodge

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