The Journey Visvi 1999 Thomas MVP ER - Page 17

wmkbailey · 09-29-2013, 05:12 PM

Today was stressful. I decided to make one more adjustment to the cardboard template to get a better fit. Then I laid it out on the 16 GA steel sheet I had and marked it for cutting.

The first cut was as stressful as the first cut on the bus.

I clamped it up with 2x4's to prevent the steel from vibrating.

Making the final cut. I hope it works.

I marked a line down the center and scored it with the grinder. I used the cut off wheel and let the weight of the grinder do the work as I moved it down the line. It cut about half way through.

Made for easy bending.

The shadow is miss leading the gap is only about 1/4". Close enough, I still have the piece the was cut from the bottom. after it is welded in place I will use tracing paper to trace the gap and cut a new piece and weld in.

crazycal · 09-29-2013, 05:18 PM

Two thumbs up. Looks great.

wmkbailey · 09-29-2013, 05:23 PM

I marked the top of the front piece and cut it about 1/4" from the line. I will do a finish cut when the top strap is riveted in place.

Now that the front piece is close to the finished size I'm able to trace out the top strap. The Thomas roof it in three pieces, and since I do not have a piece of steel long enough. I'm going to do my top strap in three pieces also.

This is the middle top strap, the hardest one to do. The rest are straight.

This lines up nice. I was hoping to start welding today but after spending time looking at it all and deciding how to proceed. I figured I should rivet the top strap down first. Then do the finish cut on the front and weld in place. Then cut the side pieces to fit and weld. The problem is my tape does not come in until Wednesday.

Almost there.

Man that 1/4" gap sticks out even from here. I hope no one makes fun of my bus.

Edit: I forgot to add the the windows fit nice and flush to the front piece.

Redbear · 09-29-2013, 07:59 PM

If they make fun of your bus, tell them: "I did it myself. I'd like to see you try it . . . . . "
Great job. Carry on . . . .

ol trunt · 09-29-2013, 08:35 PM

You think the last first cut was stressful---just wait 'till you start to cut out for the windows! Its fun to watch your ideas come into fruition you do nice work. Jack

JakeC · 09-30-2013, 08:05 AM

I love the steady progress, looks awesome. Great solution to the slope! And I agree with Jack, the cut for the windows will be worse

wmkbailey · 10-01-2013, 08:44 AM

I have a lot to do this week. My new dual pane windows came in and the rub rail to cover the old emergency door. I have to make a list of things I need to get done over the next two weeks. I wanted to take her out camping when I finish the roof, but with the government shut down the state parks are closed.

JakeC · 10-01-2013, 09:23 AM

Yeah... I'm a little concerned about my upcoming trip. We were planning to drive through the Tetons and Yellowstone on the way home :/

nat_ster · 10-01-2013, 09:37 AM

You have serious drive to get this done. I feel for you having to cut that with a jig saw.

Keep at it, your doing great.

And F$CK the US Government. Find a way to enjoy your time without them dictating where and when you can go.

Nat

inkblots84 · 10-01-2013, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nat_ster

You have serious drive to get this done. I feel for you having to cut that with a jig saw.

Keep at it, your doing great.

And F$CK the US Government. Find a way to enjoy your time without them dictating where and when you can go.

Nat

This.

William your bus is amazing to me. Love seeing all the progress! I am driving up to Massachusetts in two weeks, i wonder if you are on the way? Would love to see it in real life!

wmkbailey · 10-01-2013, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkblots84

William your bus is amazing to me. Love seeing all the progress! I am driving up to Massachusetts in two weeks, i wonder if you are on the way? Would love to see it in real life!

If you bypass DC using 81 or 15 you would be close. Even if you go through DC, I'm about 30 minute’s west in Frederick MD. I would recommend using 15; you would go through Gettysburg PA and only be 2 minutes from me, on your way by.

wmkbailey · 10-01-2013, 09:17 PM

Sorry everyone, I didn't get any work done on the bus the past two days.

I traded this.

For this on Monday.

I was in an accident a year and a half ago that almost totaled the bike. It has never been the same since.

bansil · 10-02-2013, 05:25 AM

It's pretty, I haven't been on a bike in 14/15 years...got run off the road by a drunk
.
.
.
now get back to the bus!

JakeC · 10-02-2013, 08:13 AM

Very nice!! I love the blue! I have a CB750 sitting in pieces in my garage. It was going to be a fun cafe racer project but has ended up funding some of the latest bus work, lol!

Diesel Dan · 10-02-2013, 08:43 AM

I've had a few bikes over the years, including a CB900 custom and a CB650 Silverwing. But traffic is just too scary around here these days, and I've got a family to support. After getting rear-ended many years back by a distracted teenager, I lost my enthusiasm for riding. I'm amazed at how many people exercise such poor judgement when driving.

That is a beautiful bike you've got there though. Don't let me rain on your parade - enjoy! I have actually considered getting an on/off road bike to zip around on when traveling in the bus, like a KLR 650 or something like that. Wheeee!

wmkbailey · 10-02-2013, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel Dan

That is a beautiful bike you've got there though. Don't let me rain on your parade - enjoy! I have actually considered getting an on/off road bike to zip around on when traveling in the bus, like a KLR 650 or something like that. Wheeee!

After the accident a year and a half ago, everyone keeps asking my why I still ride. I was once told; it is not if you get into an accident on a bike, it is when. After three good ones, I should be in the clear now.

wmkbailey · 10-04-2013, 06:54 PM

I had to work late this week so I was able to take most of today off and work on the bus. Since the drivers side was in the shade, I worked on removing all the rivets that are in the way for the front piece of steel. I do not have a photo of the drivers side , but it is like this side.

After looking from the inside where the top strap meets the front piece of the roof. I decided that it would fit better if the top piece was 1/4" wider. So back to cutting steel.

I also measured and cut the side straps.

Now marking to pre-drill for the rivets was hard. I put the top strap on the roof and marked as many of the old rivet holes as I could. The sides were not riveted, so I had to transfer and measure from the top piece. It took several tries because the top piece is marked from the bottom and the side from the top. I kept getting thing backwards. It pays to check and recheck.

I got the passenger side and top piece drilled.

The side piece will come down over the gutter.

So I cut it out and tack welded it to the side strap.

A little Butyl tape and 34 rivets and the first side piece is on.

Little by little I'm getting there. Tomorrow I will pre-drill the drivers side piece and rivet it and the top piece on. Then I can mark the top of the front piece for the final cut and start welding. Once the front piece is welded, I will use cardboard to make templates for the front side pieces. I can't wait to see it all together.

somewhereinusa · 10-05-2013, 08:02 AM

Looking good.

wmkbailey · 10-07-2013, 03:50 PM

The heat did me in. I had an issue with the new bike that took most of Saturday to resolve. I spent Sunday morning cleaning up around the bus and by 10:30 it was already 84 and humid. I just did not have it in me to work on top of the bus in the direct sun.

So I spent the rest of the day enjoying a ride on the new bike in the mountains of PA.

It looks like the bus will still be there for me to finish when I get back to it.

Accordion · 10-07-2013, 07:35 PM

I love your roof raise idea. I am anxiously awaiting to see the end product.

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