New member, new project

[pipsqueek]

Hi Guys,
just bought a 1989 Chevy Van 30 Short Bus as a project for myself and my teenage lads here in Vancouver, BC.
The idea is to convert to an RV/touring bus as they are both in a band.
I stumbled across this site and can see I will need to utilize the experience and mistakes of the members.
I do not have any firm ideas yet as I have not taken possession and measured up the floor for a plan but I do have access to 3d solid modelling CAD software as I am a design engineer. This unfortunately make me a bit anal when I do repairs or mods.
I noticed that some guys removed the wood floor, is this necessary?
If the floor is solid I would like to keep it as it would be excellent for screwing in cabinet and storage area attachment hardware.
I am also considering not building in beds and bunks but using fold up beds as used by our kids for sleepovers, they are certainly comfortable enough and can be stored in a rear compartment.
This will also save some space in a fairly small floor area.

Hope to utilize you guys in the future.

Cheers.

[lornaschinske]

Originally Posted by timmylc

...plus it -could- help with resale value/along with documented conversion"

WHAT resale value??????

[Diesel Dan]

Welcome! The purpose of pulling up the original floor is to see how much rust is lurking under there and treat it accordingly. Then you can put a new wood floor back in and many people also add a little insulation under the floor.

[pharmboi]

My philosopphy is if it isn't broken don't fix it. My 98 Ford/Collins has a good solid floor and the steel beneath is in good shape with minimal rust. At the age of yours it might need a new floor but check it closely from beneath and above. Use an awl or ice pick to check for rot.

One thing I didn't do on mine, and wish I had, was remove the inner sheet metal and re-insulate the walls and ceiling with foam board. Removing the inner skin enables you to weld to the structural elements where you make openings or close in windows.