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Old 01-22-2015, 01:35 AM   #1
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looking for a good body work mechanic?

I am still in the early phases of planning for my skoolie but I do know that I am WAY too tall for a stock bus. That leaves me having to do a roof raise and I am just not comfortable with that level of body work. Does anyone know any companies that will do this kind of work? I can bring the bus in stripped and ready to roll but I don't like the idea of chopping a roof off when i can barely lay down a bead on a stick welder .

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Old 01-22-2015, 04:05 AM   #2
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Try placing a craigslist ad explaining what you are looking for. I'm considering trading a motorcycle I have sitting around for some fab work. but I have a good friend who is a great welder/fabricator. Where are you located?
I wouldnt just take it to a shop, that would be expensive.
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Old 01-22-2015, 11:08 AM   #3
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I am in central Texas the Waco area. I have full shop that we worked on tractors in but all of my family skilled in Fab have moved off somewhere. Really just someone with skills to do it professionally the plan that i have is rather extensive on body work. When I finish drafting the floor plan I will post it.
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Old 01-24-2015, 07:40 PM   #4
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I have never done any kind of fab work like that myself, I just read thru a few other projects here & jumped in, it really wasn't that hard, plan, read, plan then read again,sit in your bus for awile just looking & picturing, find the journey vista link & study that. He did a Very good job of documenting
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Old 01-24-2015, 07:42 PM   #5
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Here's my link


http://www.skoolie.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8798

Journey Visva link

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8598
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Old 01-27-2015, 08:22 PM   #6
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Wow it took me a really long time to read all that but I finished every page! I loved both of the builds and especially love the Crown. If I go through with this I will be very radical and want to install a deck covering around the first half of the bus. I know school buses can handle that weight but I'm worried a roof raise will make it horribly unstable.
This is a good example into what I plan on doing plus about 12-18in of roof raise.
http://www.schoolbushomestead.com/Bu...otos/i-VghLGWV
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Old 01-27-2015, 10:21 PM   #7
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I wouldnt be too worried about the raise and stability. I did 20" on mine and honestly, I dont notice it. Look at moving trucks--same chassis as school buses and 11-12 ft tall. You got this ;)
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Old 01-28-2015, 09:14 PM   #8
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I looked at it and said - at home I'm either bending over the kitchen sink, sitting on the throne, in bed or at my desk or the table. I don't actually do much standing so... I decided not to raise the roof but rather just to mind my head when I'm not in the center of the bus
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Old 01-28-2015, 11:12 PM   #9
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Im 6'4 haha no way could I handle a weekend in one of these much less an extended stay that cramped. I have no issue putting work and $ into this but about the third time I hit my head on a light I'd drive the thing off a cliff haha. I don't have a temper but minor annoyances drive me NUTS.
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Old 01-28-2015, 11:19 PM   #10
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Lol. I am lucky. I am only 6 foot 1
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Old 02-01-2015, 01:45 PM   #11
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Makes me glad I'm 5'7".....to play off of what CB said, as just an idea. You could post a craigslist ad and say someone can use your shop to do the work. Given how many people are out of work these days, I have no doubt that there is someone in Texas skilled in fab work who is currently out of work and would be willing to work on your bus for a decent price.
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Old 02-02-2015, 12:04 PM   #12
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I would love to be ideally about 5'4 and thus be able to put lots of insulation in.
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Old 02-02-2015, 12:10 PM   #13
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I'm right at the borderline at 5'10". Any more and I'd HAVE to raise it. I'm definitely pushing it if I don't.
If anyone in FL wants the job, I'm looking for help.
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Old 02-02-2015, 12:31 PM   #14
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I'm 6 foot and the roof at the center is barely an inch above my noggin. At the sides, its not. I'm rather glad I don't wear heels [emoji14]
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