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Old 10-24-2013, 04:19 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 57
The Urban Lighthouse Project

Pre-Project Discussion Thread

Discussion Topics:
Biodiesel, Yes or No?
At this point, Biodiesel is looking like more trouble than it's worth. I may come back to it after all other conversion has taken place.
Is a double-decker a viable option?
Nope. Already got the bus (a 1991 Thomas)


To Do List:

Aquaponics @ Home
I have a system at home, but it's currently inactive.
Bus Procurement
DONE! Paid $3k for a '91 Thomas in good condition.
Conversion
In progress.
Aquaponics Integration
Cancelled
Bio-Diesel?
Not likely.

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Old 02-10-2017, 08:48 PM   #2
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 57
Original Pictures:
Original Outside

Original Inside

First Round of Work Images:
Graffiti Removed

Original Flooring Removed


Current Time Sunk: 3 Months
Current Money Sunk:
- Bus: ~$3,000
- Labor: ~$400
- Materials: ~$200
- Total: $3,600
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Old 02-11-2017, 12:38 AM   #3
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Winlcok, WA
Posts: 2,233
It would appear as if you have found a great bus and it also appears as if you are proceeding ahead very well.

I don't really know much about aquaponics but I would think it would need a more stable platform than a bus that can move down the road.

As far as biodiesel or WVO, the biggest problem with both is sourcing enough of it to get anywhere. Once you have gone past the point of no return on what you have with you, where are you going to get more?

It is one thing to keep a VW Rabbit full of fuel. It is a whole different kettle of used fry oil to keep a bus that gets 7-10 MPG full of fuel.

Keep up the hard work and happy trails to you!
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Old 02-21-2017, 09:35 AM   #4
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 57
First test usage: DunDraCon Weekend Excursion. 45 Minutes each way, with an extra hour of detours through a nearby mountain pass for some carpooling. Slept in for 2 nights.

The built-in wall insulation is WAY better than I expected it to be. The floor just had stacked plywood sitting on it, no actual covering for the rust holes or anything. I was fine with 2 blankets, despite the rain and wind.

New priority fix: replacing the door or getting an internal lock for the existing door. Having the padlock on the outside means locking up for the night is an obscenely difficult procedure of going in and out of the emergency exit on the side, which is ~5ft off the ground.

I also purchased some more materials for the floor work.

+$200
Total: $3,800
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Old 02-21-2017, 12:20 PM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
mdeese's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 45
Year: 1993
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: GMC Vandura 3500
Engine: 5.7L
Congrats on the purchase, looks like it is coming along nicely. I'm a bit jealous you already have got to put yours to use, I have to wait until spring break.
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https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/l...-ii-16801.html
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