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Old 01-04-2015, 06:12 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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The Nimbus

Hi, I am new here, but I recently purchased a 2002 Ford cutaway with 113000km on it. (Got a great deal at an auction so I couldn't pass it up). I had already had plans/ dreams of buying one to live in and travel. Luckily it was the second bus in the auction and the crazy bidding on the first bus didn't continue, and we had a new bus. Drove it home with no plates/ insurance/ or problems haha . To say the least it was a surprise for my GF but she warmed up to it pretty fast. so we started the conversion last month getting seats removed and starting the floor/ walls. Thought i would upload my story as so many of you all have. There are pics in my Album if you want to take a look. Its starting to come along!

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Old 01-05-2015, 09:20 AM   #2
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A big Skoolie Welcome Guys & Gals --- And congratulations. Don't hesitate to ask questions. There is more experience here than anywhere else on the web. Just take your time, work out a plan and do it your way. Oh yeah...and have fun!
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Old 01-05-2015, 02:13 PM   #3
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Here's a few pics
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Old 01-05-2015, 02:15 PM   #4
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floor is done, and starting the walls. -32C is pretty cold so a victory dance was in order
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Old 01-05-2015, 07:59 PM   #5
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So, I took the cover off of the buzzer off the back, and after testing there are two cords that run through the bus to power it but the buzzer and switch are able to be removed and seem like they are all one assembly. My question is will it be ok if for now i just clip the cables and tape them off or should I find where they connect to the main board? I will take a picture tomorrow but its just too damn cold to be working outside right now after a a day of working out there(-30)
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Old 01-05-2015, 09:37 PM   #6
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-30!!!??? --- I guess I will never understand why anyone ever lives that far north. But then...I'm just a child of the tropics. I'll take hurricanes over blizzards any day.

Hurricanes and Margaritas and Salty Dogs and Mojitos and Rum Punch and...
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Old 01-06-2015, 04:13 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango View Post
-30!!!??? --- I guess I will never understand why anyone ever lives that far north. But then...I'm just a child of the tropics. I'll take hurricanes over blizzards any day.

Hurricanes and Margaritas and Salty Dogs and Mojitos and Rum Punch and...
We think along the same lines.
Rum Runners, Mai Tai, and lots of beers. We just grilled out yesterday. It was a chilly 65f out.

OP- On my 92 Ward, I just unplugged the buzzers. Didn't have to cut anything.
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Old 01-06-2015, 08:40 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango View Post
-30!!!??? --- I guess I will never understand why anyone ever lives that far north. But then...I'm just a child of the tropics. I'll take hurricanes over blizzards any day.

Hurricanes and Margaritas and Salty Dogs and Mojitos and Rum Punch and...
The OP is in Canada so that's Celcius not Farenheit. I'll take a marguerita now.....
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Old 01-06-2015, 06:05 PM   #9
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That's still -22 Fahrenheit. Even for a northerner that's COLD!
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Old 01-06-2015, 06:41 PM   #10
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Careful cutting wires by the rear door. On some models, there is an engine disable switch. So you can't start the unit with the dead bolt engaged.
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Old 01-06-2015, 07:56 PM   #11
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If its two wires, its ok to cut. If its four, it has an ignition lockout.
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Old 01-18-2015, 04:14 PM   #12
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Thanks for your replies. I ended up just disconnecting the two wires for the buzzer and going over it with insulation; I was definitely over thinking it but i was aware some did have a kill switch in them. As far as the Margaritas, not my style but i would have to say without whiskey and vodka we would have far worse winters haha. I did all my travelling to the Caribbean already last year lol . Making Some progress though walls are coming along; bed frame is basically done, just waiting to put it together until I no longer need to use the back door as much. Got the wheel wells fully insulated and boxed in. I must say i wasn't sure about how effective it would all be since I do not have the ceiling covered (yet, I have a few ideas) but the insulation is making a huge difference even in weather colder than I plan on living in. The one little space heater brings the temp up fast even with the cab open. Working on planning out the rest before we get too far ahead of ourselves. Anyone know a good place to look for composting toilets?
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Old 01-18-2015, 08:31 PM   #13
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Lookin' Good Bro! --- keep up the good work as well as the pix.
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Old 01-22-2015, 07:05 PM   #14
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Little more work done this afternoon.
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Old 01-26-2015, 07:55 PM   #15
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More done now, need more supplies..
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Old 01-28-2015, 06:24 PM   #16
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I've enjoyed the pictures so far and look forward to seeing your progress. Hope you continue to take pictures each step of the way!
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Old 02-09-2015, 04:55 PM   #17
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keep the pics coming i want to convert a shuttle.
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Old 03-01-2015, 10:10 PM   #18
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Haven't posted in a while, been sick and busy with work but i got some work done this weekend.
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Old 03-02-2015, 06:49 AM   #19
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Keep going, its looking good so far.
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Old 03-18-2015, 02:11 PM   #20
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Been working on my own counter tops. Much more affordable and much nicer looking than store bought. going for a wood look without the weight. (i'd say they weigh about 50lbs at most) I used Cedar planks for the top, and screwed/glued to a 3/4 inch plywood that I cut too a larger dimension than the glue-up and i screwed in one long piece at the top and two blocks on the other side and hammered in wedges and screwed 2x4's over the top to try to level it. sorry i didn't take many pictures of the glue-up that stuff dries fasttt, and by the time it was done and screwed in I was thinking bonfire lol. Then when it was all dry I cut it to size and sanded, and sanded and sanded untill it was even and smooth. god what I would have given for a Planing machine, tablesaw and some clamps haha i'm too cheap. Just have it placed in for now to avoid (more..) dents nicks from people not being SUPER careful around cedar. I know its a terrible countertop wood, but it will have about 7 layers of diamond finish to protect it like glass, and ill be using cutting boards and pot pads for food safety. I would love some maple end grain butcher block tops treated in mineral oil but my bus would start to pull to the left I think.
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