Introducing my first bus

[Seeria]

Thought about doing that myself but state patrol says No Way, have to have those flashing lights totally removed, nothing can go in place of them. darn it.

[Stopbit]

Ordered some parts for the fresh water and power systems. Also picked up a compact fridge that had a lock for the door and a 700w microwave as well. I should be able to pick up all the other needed parts at Home Depot to complete the build out of my water and power systems. I'm still on the fence about getting a RV ac unit or a portable unit. The RV unit will take up less space but the portable unit is cheaper and can use it in my house when I'm not using the bus. As for hot water will either go without or pick up a 2.5 gallon electric point-of-use one. For grey water plan to use a portable tank if camp ground does not have sewer or just direct hook-up if they do. Will have a porti potty on board as well.

Barker Fresh Water Polyethylene Tank 12 Gal. w/ connection kit = $86.99
SHURflo 2088-422-444 Classic 2.8 GPM Pump=$65.99
SHURflo 340-001 In-Line Check Valve=$14.50
SHURflo 182-200 24 oz. Nylon Accumulator Tank=$39.14
SHURflo 255-313 Classic Series Twist-On Strainer=$10.34
Park Power 301ELRV 30 Amp 125V Standard RV Inlet=$52.22
ParkPower by Marinco 25PCMRV RV PowerCord Electrical Power Cordset (30-Amp, 125-Volt, 25-Feet, Yellow)=$62.99
Progressive Dynamics 4045: 45 Amp Converter + AC/DC Distribution Panel=$184.99
Twin Circuit Breaker - 15A/15A=$9.99
Twin Circuit Breaker - 20A/15A=$11.20
Twin Circuit Breaker - 30A/20A=$11.20
Frigidaire 2.5 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator=$94.00
Oster - 0.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Microwave - Stainless-Steel/Black=$39.99

[Stopbit]

So talked to a place that will install a 13.5k BTU AC in the bus for me for between $800 and $900 including the new unit. Will be getting that done on 9/6 and it should only take a day or two. Hopefully I will be able to get the ac/dc power center installed and wired the weekend of 9/4 and 9/5. Tried to get a quote on installing a propane tank and lines but both RV service centers I went to wanted to charge me $150 just to give me an estimate. Since I didn't like the idea of paying someone that much to even tell me if they could/would do it I'm going to go another way. Since most of my cooking will be outside on a grill and my 30amp hookup will already be close to cap with 13.5btu AC, 1500w electric water, rrefrigerator, 45amp dc converter, and other misc going with CookMate Double Burner Non-Pressurized Recessed Stove. It uses Denatured Alcohol as fuel and produces 6800btu per burner. I will also have my small 700w microwave as well.





I'm also thinking of picking up the SunRunner RV100-22B System from AM Solar. Will probably add another 100w panel to the package which would bring the total to $1333. For batteries will probably go with 3 Lifeline GPL-27T @$250 each which will give me a 300amp battery bank. Will also get a 400w - 800w inverter to power the fridge when driving/dry camping.

http://www.amsolar.com/sunrunnerRV100-22B.html

[Stopbit]

Got some framing done, parking brake adjusted, and fuel cut off relay replaced. As always more pics on my blog.

[opus]

Where did you come up with the brackets for the above shelves??

[Stopbit]

Originally Posted by opus

Where did you come up with the brackets for the above shelves??

Got all the metal brackets and strapes at home depot. The jury is still out on how good of an idea the metal strapes are.

[Stopbit]

Cut my first hole in the bus for the fresh water gravity fill and installed the clear lens on the rear lights today.

[Stopbit]

Have not got alot done due to work. Did get the countertop and plywood for bed installed. The metal shop guy should have my 2 foot rear deck and 3 foot under bus storge box done next week. Had a starting issue which turned out to be a bad fuel cutoff solenoid and had to have parking park adjusted since it wasn't holding the bus anymore. Still have not got the A/C unit due to cash flow issues but figure that can wait until Spring.

[Diesel Dan]

Good progress! One thing I'm thinking about doing is blacking out, or darkening any lower windows that will have a counter or something in front of it. Or perhaps putting some sort of black skirt on the back of the counter. That way, when you are looking at the bus from the outside, you are not seeing the ugly unfinished back side of a counter or cabinet or whatever.

[dirtygoat]

I'm diggin' the counter top... Looking at the Home Depot one...

[Stopbit]

Originally Posted by dirtygoat

I'm diggin' the counter top... Looking at the Home Depot one...

Thats where I got mine.

[Stopbit]

Originally Posted by Leonidas

where did you find those clear lenses? do you know if they will fit a thomas body?

I ordered them from Kansas Truck Equipment (800-365-0217) . As to whether they will fit a thomas body not sure, but they should be able to tell you.

[putterspitt]

Originally Posted by Leonidas

where did you find those clear lenses? do you know if they will fit a thomas body?

I called the number provided below, and was told they dont have any in stock and werent going to get anymore. She did give me numbers to call around and see id they had some. North Carolina and a couple other spots. Anyway, Google ambulance parts, Its the same clear lens that are on some of them. I know this because someone here turned me onto it. I will see if i CAN FIND IT AND POST AGAIN.......I have 4 and need to get 4 more.....Found them at the ambulance company locally in the ambulance junkyard...

[putterspitt]

http://selecttechambulances.com/onetest ... rent_id=56
thats the link for the lenses

and yes they do fit a thomas body. I believe the lights are Weldons brand

[dirtygoat]

Ambulance was a really good call...

Thanks...

[putterspitt]

Installed them on the front today, worked great. pics will follow after the rain gets out of here on my section...

[Stopbit]

Got the bus back from http://www.bluedragonmetalworks.com/ where I had a rear deck and storage box made for my bus. I gave the rear deck a couple coats of paint and also installed the clear lenses for the front lights today as well.

[dirtygoat]

Looks good... I'm still toying with the idea of a fold down deck...

[Stopbit]

Come next year looks like the bus has a few high cost upgrades coming so I can make the trip to CA and back in April. Going to need fresh tires all around which will be $1200 - $1600 depending if I go with retreads on the rear tires. Also think I need to change the rear end gear ratio since currently can only get 65MPH @2700 RPM and my Cat 3116(185HP) lists 2600RPM as full load RPM. Figure if I can get it changed to get 75-80MPH @2600RPM I can get good highway speeds (65-70MPH) with out maxing out the engine RPM plus get a little better MPG. Think that will set me back between $2k - $3k but since I plan on keeping the bus for a while will be worth it. Also have to still buy a rooftop A/C unit, 3500w generator, captains chair, and jack-knife sofa. Guess I know where my bonus and tax money are going

[Stopbit]

So looks like I have a Eaton 19050S differential/rear-end with a ratio of 4.63. I have seen some 3.70 and 4.33 used ones for sale but was hoping for a 3.90 or 4.11.