Getting started question

[Mabbel]

I just bought my bus. A 30 passenger 2000 Ford E350 diesel in great condition. Will not be using it year round and LOVE the look of the metal upper walls and ceiling. Was planning to insulate the floor and lay down vinyl flooring. Is it totally necessary to pull wall and ceiling panels to re-insulate? I won't be doing that much boondocking and will likely have access to electric for my ac and will probably use a small propane heater for heat in the fall. Considering adding insulation between 2 inch studs under the windows the length of the bus that will also provide a narrow ledge at the windows. Can one get by with not removing the old insulation and adding more to the roof and upper walls?

I hope this makes sense. Sometimes I don't explain things really well.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Mabbel

I just bought my bus. A 30 passenger 2000 Ford E350 diesel in great condition. Will not be using it year round and LOVE the look of the metal upper walls and ceiling. Was planning to insulate the floor and lay down vinyl flooring. Is it totally necessary to pull wall and ceiling panels to re-insulate? I won't be doing that much boondocking and will likely have access to electric for my ac and will probably use a small propane heater for heat in the fall. Considering adding insulation between 2 inch studs under the windows the length of the bus that will also provide a narrow ledge at the windows. Can one get by with not removing the old insulation and adding more to the roof and upper walls?

I hope this makes sense. Sometimes I don't explain things really well.

Sure- no one's gonna make ya pull out that funky stuff. I have friends that live in buses with the factory fiberglass. Just weigh the options and figure out where you wanna take your build.

[Mabbel]

Thanks for your help! I won't be living in the bus and probably won't be using it in the dead of winter. Will just make sure I have really good ac for the summer!

[karrlot]

According to the (NACOSBTRVSMOCCFSAC) North American Converters of School Buses To Recreational Vehicles Society Manual Of Converting Codes For Safety And Conveniences (re. 1942 ) you are permitted to not pull out the metal ceiling and walls if, and only if, it does not meet the conversion plans and specifications previously planned for in your plans for not pulling them out. It does list a caveat that if you do not pull them out and, upon further consideration after starting or completing your conversion, you are "kicking yourself in the butt for not doing so" (that's a direct quote) or you decide that not pulling them out was in fact the best course of action, you are required to inform other future and current school bus converters why your course of action was or was not in the best interest of you and your particular conversion.

You should note,while not a "policing agency" these codes are strictly enforced and reported to the National Organization by other converters. There are serious consequences for noncompliance.