I've been meaning to post here for a long time - it's been a couple of years since we purchased a 1999 Chevy diesel mini Bluebird (handicapped transport model) and we've been enjoying it (except for replacing the transmission!). Still a few things to finish but have spent a week in the Magdalen Islands of Quèbec, a few folk festival stays (we are musicians) and miscellaneous short trips. We love this bus - just wish mileage was a bit better but hey...
Some interesting conversion notes -
Because this was a handicapped model with a lift and side door, we can access the back from three sides (inside, rear, outside side door), which is nice. Plus, we didn't have to remove any seats!
We supported the bed by framing around the edges so there is nothing below it, leaving lots of space to store instruments and other gear. The mattress is on 3 sections of plywood (horizontally placed) which can be removed for moving stuff (like kids furniture when moving to new apartments, and 2 pianos!).
We plan to remove the (cool but space-wasting) door opener handle thingy (very popular with kids) and repurpose the glass into a regular door that can be locked. We'd also like to add an awning over the side door (foot of bed).
Very reliable vehicule; starts on first turn of the key after a long, cold Québec winter!
You can view all of the photos during the conversion here on Pinterest :
https://www.pinterest.ca/vizou/tradmobile/