Hello from Maryland!

[slaughridge85]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

be sure your VIN is correct... somertimes sellers / auctioneers typo the VIN on a title and it makes for a mess when trying to get it titled / registered in your home state... so definitely verify the 2 before you leave with your new bus..
-Christopher

Yeah, no kidding. Try to register a vehicle that was made before vin numbers, that will stump almost any dmv employee or vehicle inspector... They just look at the 6 digit frame number and blink...

[Stuntmanmitch]

Random Update:

I got it home, a nice little adventure. Pop off valve was stuck open 5 mins after leaving so I pulled over cause of the low air warning. Glad it happened when it did. Nice guys (who all looked like ex wrestlers for some odd reason...I mean that in a good way) at the shop came and got me going again despite it technically not being their responsibility. I was very appreciative. Then the dash kept falling off and shutting it down. I had some clamps and was able to Mc Guyver it. Six hours later she's in the driveway with 1.5 ft to spare in front and back.

Weather is not the best so not sure when I'll start converting. I'm ahead of schedule anyway. Put tags on it yesterday. Inspection is next so I can drive worry free so to speak.

Wanted to play with the wheelchair lift, turned it on up front then my friend pressed the fold down button. It started moving but stopped. An orange light on the panel lit up when this happened so I'm not sure what we did wrong there. I'm trying to find an answer to that currently. It still works manually though but where's the fun in that?

I am happy with whatever top speed it was hitting, maybe sixties on the flat? Big hills slowed me way down (40) but some of that is driving style. Watched the gauges and nothing moved after that air leak was fixed. I wont be messing with the rear end. MPGs were great; 6hrs (some idling), 250miles, 5/8 of a tank. I could be off with some of those figures. I put about half a tank before pulling off and it took 11gallons. I'm guessing this is a 20 gallon tank.

Lots of things left to research specific to the my bus I suppose. I have manuals to read!

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Brewerbob

Why? Where are the threads that compare one to the other and explain why A is better than B? Do those thread also include the (what's the proper term) commercial tour buses?

I just spent a little time on the internets, looking at what others were running and what folks were saying about bus mechanical stuff.
School bus fleet forum - School Bus Fleet Magazine Forums this was a very valuable resource for finding out what real world bus operators had to say. Not a very active forum, but PLENTY of info there that's easily found via google.
Theres not gonna be one do-all thread of what bus YOU should get. There are folks that like Cummins, some who will buy Cats, I am a pretty big fan of Internationals. At least the ones before mega-emissions-standards. That's why a mechanical DT is so awesome to someone like me. Its a GREAT engine and as simple as it gets.

[cadillackid]

then theres those like me that do love the emchanical DT I have... but also like playing computers... so that T-444E is intruiging... esp knowing that all I have to do is load the right software code into it and Bam 25 more horespower....

210 HP in a little 6 window bus ought to make a nice ride..

-Christopher

[SpecialAgentAce]

I'm down in Leesburg Virginia which is a short hop from Point of Rocks and Frederick. I'm glad to see so many people relatively local. My biggest dilemma right now is where to park a bus so I can work on it. I see you solved that by having a driveway to put it in. Unfortunately I live in an HOA neighborhood - but I'm hoping that weekend-warrioring it and putting it in storage during the week won't ruffle too many feathers.

I'm looking forward to following your conversion as this is the size bus I'm looking at getting into - I'm eager to see what you're going to do with it.

[Stuntmanmitch]

Not so fast says the zoning department 3 weeks later. landlord forwarded me a letter they received. Said I have 30 days to move it (11/26 to 12/6 is 30 days were they're from). I asked my relator about it prior to purchasing and he said he didn't see anything but we obviously overlooked something. Apparently my recreational vehicle can't be visible from the street. So I'll have to play the moving game next week when they come to inspect, then follow up with zoning office later for clarification. The letter stated I could park behind a building not visible from the street or in an enclosure and not visible from the street. The back yard has room but it wouldn't be completely hidden from the street. Maybe a tarp would be ok. I wouldn't mind building a deck like structure open on the sides and top for access and a couple 20x40 tarp to enclose when I'm not working on it. In my world there are no problems just solutions. Neighbors haven't complained, and random people riding by wave, blow the horn and spool salutations.

I'm going with "The Action Bus". I have been and am still gathering materials and tools for spring or an unseasonably warm day or seven. Wasted 30mins at Home Depot waiting for someone to cut two lengths of pipe. Ended up hacking it myself. This is my attempt at a telescoping extension for the bike to fit on the lift. Its definitely going to add some weight, maybe 50lbs but I'm not too concerned as the bike weighs under 400lbs. I got two 3' lengths of 1 1/4" steel pipe to bolt to the ramp. 2 1x36 steel pipe threaded into 2 tees threaded into 2 1x12 threaded to 2 90* elbows with 1x12 connecting the elbows and tees. I'll find out tomorrow if it will work I might even get away with not having to remove the folding lip on the end of the ramp. Someone Let me know if I took the long way on this one so I can return that stuff or reuse. Other telescoping ramps were like $$$ and I can't weld so...I'm too lazy to bolt and unbolt a board every time.

Last post the lift wasn't working. I disconnected and reconnected some electrical connections and now it works. Weird but I'll take it. Some punk stole the SD card out of my phone (who does that?) so I will have to take some new pics.

[Brewerbob]

Originally Posted by Stuntmanmitch

Apparently my recreational vehicle can't be visible from the street. So I'll have to play the moving game next week when they come to inspect, then follow up with zoning office later for clarification. The letter stated I could park behind a building not visible from the street or in an enclosure and not visible from the street. The back yard has room but it wouldn't be completely hidden from the street. Maybe a tarp would be ok. I wouldn't mind building a deck like structure open on the sides and top for access and a couple 20x40 tarp to enclose when I'm not working on it. In my world there are no problems just solutions. Neighbors haven't complained, and random people riding by wave, blow the horn and spool salutations.

My brother did the same thing with a junker car. Bought a cheapy steel pipe "carport" (more of a rigid square tent) over the car. The neighbors that called zoning hated it more than the sight of the car. That'll learn them!!!

[Stuntmanmitch]

Is this how you add a picture...I'm such a square sometimes...

[Phatman]

Originally Posted by Stuntmanmitch

I waited for the novelty of this project to wear off and I'm still in. Just came up with more reasons to do it.

What I want; A TC2000 (or similar) shorter (42+3) front engine, rear wheelchair lift with DT466 and mt643 or 3060. Does this exist? Wikipedia says yes. Is it super rare or something?

I want it to eventually pull a car or mid sized SUV on a trailer. The lift only has to lift a bike w no rider which is <500lbs wet, I read most are rated for 600lbs max. I don't plan on living in it full time but hoping to squeeze as many amenities as I can afford/have space for.

What I'd settle for; The TC2000 with a 5.9 Cummings and mt643 or 3060.

Closest I've seen; 97? International 3800 DT 466, mt643, rear lift, 20 pass for 3000$ in the classifieds on here. If I was ready to purchase I probably would have pursued. I still have to find a place to park/store/convert. Oh yeah I also need more money.

Most often seeing and don't think I want; Cat3126 with Allison 2000? although Public surplus bid on one is at 500$....in Arizona and it needs tlc already. One on craigslist in VA for 6500?!?! One at National Bus sales claims to have DT466 but trans is just Allison auto. I'm ok with paying more for something running, I haven't been to the garage in Rockville/Bethesda MD yet either.

I guess what I'm looking for is the availability of the powertrain combos mentioned on these handy busses.

My wheel chair lift was rated at 800 lbs

[Stuntmanmitch]

Finally figured out the pictures...Pisture#2; where will the bare metal floor be? on top of the "watch your step" step or just below. Haven't been doing anything demo wise yet but the anticipation is killing me.

[Stuntmanmitch]

Got this done this past weekend.
Still looks like I have to build an enclosure. I have to get permits for that smh.
Truck shop can't inspect me till wed next week, tags will be dead by then *sigh*

[Tango]

Nice crotch rocket!

[DoubleO7]

For big tarps, you might consider obsolete billboards.
The vinyl that they use now-a-days is reinforced, has edges that allow you to slide at least 1-1/4" pvc pipe into, and you tie off with ropes around the pipe where you need to.
And they are made for a five year lifespan which is longer than the blue tarps.

Around here you can get the old (expired contract) ones for free if you talk nice to the billboard company.
I got four for free last summer.

Now if you were to plant some vertical posts around your bus, you could then suspend those billboard tarps all around the bus.
No longer visible! it is an "enclosure", meets code right?

And if your lucky, you get the ones advertising Hooters or the local gentleman's club, LOL.

[Azuleslight]

welcome! i am currently residing on my incomplete skoolie. its an interesting life, but so far so good. welcome!

[Stuntmanmitch]

Update: No enclosure, took seats out in like 45 mins, they unbolted easy, lil bit of oil helped the bolts turn gooder. Taped off rear, scuffed w 400 grit, wiped with thinner and sprayed. Looked ok once coats started building up. It started raining, then snowing and 48 hours later I was sweating in the sun taking off stickers on the side. More taping, got to the driver window, maybe tape the front and other side tomorrow between coats on driver side. Sunday wrap it up and paint the rest, clear coat. Roof stays white no refresh, you won't see it 90% of the time, bumpers and rails will have to get some fresh black another time, she's got a date on monday. Got a ticket this morning, zoning folks, 100$, officer was cool (well as cool as an officer can be when giving a ticket), suggested to come to court after finding a spot to park. My paint is primer cause I like the color and it gives good coverage. I'm being cheap, I know it won't last but I'm clear coating over it anyway, however it ends up looking will be fine, as long as not school bus yellow. Please comment on this as I would not mind doing this again later (well the taping part sucks but...) Maybe do a proper job next time. ....I need wipers....and a shift indicator. Ceiling, walls and floor out next month, I feel accomplished like things are flying, hope to keep that momentum as much as possible once demo is complete.

[Stuntmanmitch]

http://http://www.skoolie.net/forums...cture15154.jpg



https://www.skoolie.net/forums/membe...cture15158.jpg

[Phatman]

If you plan on painting primer and then clear coat , make sure you cover it wth clear coat pretty quick. Primer is porous and you will trap any moisture that gets in the primer.

[05FrieghtlinerThomas]

give BGA School buses in Florida a look, bought mine from them and am VERY satisfied. call GregSr at 727-457-1491, they deliver as well for reasonable price which avoids insurance and CDL issues various States have.

Used School Buses For Sale - Better Buses @ Better Prices - We deliver school buses nation wide

[Gonce4]

Hey there from Ellicott City. My new bus (2001 blue bird) is located on my lot on eastern shore. getting ready to convert her and live in her during the summer months. My focus has been learning the off grid necessities. stationary journey for me...

[05FrieghtlinerThomas]

Originally Posted by Gonce4

Hey there from Ellicott City. My new bus (2001 blue bird) is located on my lot on eastern shore. getting ready to convert her and live in her during the summer months. My focus has been learning the off grid necessities. stationary journey for me...

Lived in ECity 2002-2009, nice place but gettin way too crowded, that'll make the EShore all the more sweeter!!