The Journey Visvi 1999 Thomas MVP ER

[porkchopsandwiches]

Originally Posted by Redbear

I was kidding, of course. I expect they paid for a lot more for your troubles.

I used to be a "Chrysler guy" back in the slant six days when there were "GM guys" and "Ford guys." Each line had its own weaknesses. If I recall correctly, with Chrysler Corp. it was failing alternators and rust on the torsion bar front suspensions. I think the quality is down in the last 20 years. My brand-new '96 work van did not seem to have the quality I remembered from past eras.

Chrysler has had issues with quality ever since the mid 80's. They have had known design flaws that they refuse to fix (minivan transmissions, neutral safety switch, seat belt buckles, ball joints, tie rod ends, 2.7L v6 sludge issues) and have a history of not honoring valid warranty claims. We had a 1996 Dodge minivan; the trans went in 1999, numerous electrical issues with locks and lights, and it is the only vehicle me or my parents have bought in the last 22 years that has broken down; it was literally and figuratively falling apart by 120k miles. We have 4 cars now (Chevy, Hondas and BMWs) with 150k+ miles on them now with no breakdowns and just regular maintenance (except mine cause its 27 years old). Not trying to rag on American stuff but damn if the quality isn't disappointing. I hope it is better today what with the post-bailout "recovery" mentality but time will tell.

Every automaker has its problems but it seems like Chrysler LLC has more than others.

[Stu & Filo. T]

Going back over your build did you use 16ga to skin over your window? if so now that it's done are you satisfied that you went that heavy or if you were to do it again would you go lighter?
Stuart

[wmkbailey]

Originally Posted by allwthrrider

Going back over your build did you use 16ga to skin over your window? if so now that it's done are you satisfied that you went that heavy or if you were to do it again would you go lighter?
Stuart

Hey Stuart,

Sorry for the delay, I have been away for a while. I used the same gauge that the bus used 18GA on the sides, 16GA on the roof.

So far so good, we will see how it does in the summer heat.

[wmkbailey]

I was out last weekend. Went to RI with a friend to help him pick up his new $80.000 RV. It is a Big Foot, nice RV, found a few things I might use in my bus and a few I won’t do.

I finally got back to the bus yesterday only to discover that I had left the light on for the past week. The batteries are way dead. I have a Sure Power 1314 battery separator; it will sense if the bus battery is below 12 VDC and connect the house battery to help when you turn on the start key. Problem is you need at least 5 VDC for it to work.

You can put in a bypass switch. I will need to do this and hook it up to the house batteries.

So I had to jumper that signal from the start key switch to the house battery to get the battery separator to connect the house battery in and the bus started right up. I drove it home and plugged the bus in and let the batteries charge over night. I disconnected the bus and let it set for two hours as I got ready and the bus batteries still were able to start the bus.

[wmkbailey]

This past month I have been working to finish the insulation. I had to pull up the floor to add 2 x4 cut down to 2" and screwed to the steel floor. Then re-cut the 2" of foam board to fit between.



Then lay another 1" of fowm board down and screw the sub floor into the cut down 2 x 4's.



Then slowly worked my way to the front of the bus.



I got it all done but the last 2 ft. Then I started cutting down 2 x4's to 1". I used these to run the lenght of the bus, screwing into the steel support with self-tapping #10 screws. Anything I attach to the walls or ceiling will be sturdy. I will sray foam up to them and attach the 1/4 plywood for the walls and ceiling to them.



I have more photo's I need to get off my camera. I'm almost done, only have 5 boards left to go. I ordered the spray foam kits and have a three day weekend to get'er done.

This will give me R-18 on the floor and R-20 on the walls and ceiling.

[proconsul100]

your bus looks very well insulated, i like it

[Diesel Dan]

Impressive insulation job there! I suppose that is the way to go, especially if you are full-timing off-grid. Rock on!

[wmkbailey]

Here is a better photo of the ceiling and walls.



I have the 1" strips setup so I can put one full size 4 x 8 1/4" plywood down the center and from the floor up. That leaves a 46" 4 x 8 on each side where the curve is.

I drilled and counter sunk the holes for the #10 1.5" self tapping screws.


I screwed them in at each support.



When I screw the plywood to them, anything I attach, I hope, should hold.

[eyedeal.ink]

Way to go, that's gonna be a cozy home.

[porkchopsandwiches]

This is pretty much how I did the plywood walls in mine, you should be good. I did 1" (actual) thick 1x3s horizontally across the walls every 18" and used the same self-tapping #10 screws. Once ply was on it it feels sturdy as a brick wall.

Looks real good. Mine is a bit more slapped together because I had a deadline / no money, but yours should be top-notch when done!

Also I still have your riveter. Let me know when you want it back