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Old 08-27-2015, 03:02 PM   #1
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Everyone in my family or circle of friends gives me this weird look when i tell them i am converting a 2001 gmc short bus into a self sustainble home. Maybe its because im a young asian girl that most people would never assume is taking on such a project by herself.
I have a boyfriend who was super excited about the idea when i first decided that it was what i wanted to do... But as soon as the idea turned into actual work... He was quit to bail on helping with the project. The original plan was for us both to work on the bus and ride out into the sunset together. But i quickly realized that this project was something i had to do on my own, regaurdless of what happens with him. I'm determined to finish this bus and travel north america with my dog Balou and a 9mm pistol by my side.
So far ive taken out all the bus seats. I had someone underneath the bus while i used a socket wrench to undo the bolts. For the ones we couldnt reach or that were too rusted to remove by hand, i used a angle grinder and grinded off the top of the bolts. Then i used a hammer and screw driver and just pushed the remainder of the bolt through to the bottom until it just fell out.
Once all the bolts were out, i used a metal caulk to caulk all the bolt holes. Then i used flex seal, a rubber sealant spray, to waterproof the bolt holes and any areas that seemed rusted or cracked.
I just went to the hardware store yesterday and bought some foamular insulation boards, plan on using those with some high grade caulk to insulate the walls. But im not sure if i should start on that quite yet because i still need my buddy who is a deisel mechanic and also does wiring to unwire all the parasitic electrical items that are draining my battery. Hes also going to help with installing solar panels on the roof so i need to purchase solar panels soon as well.
It will be a long hard journey, with alot of improvising and google-ing... But i know that all dreams need in order to become a reality... Is hard work and motivation. Im glad i found this site so i can ask others advice on how to proceed with certain projects that im not as knowledgeable about.

Wonhe

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Old 08-27-2015, 03:31 PM   #2
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Sounds like you are off to a pretty good start. Stick with it. Just remember...guys are a dime a dozen. A good bus is hard to find.
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Old 08-27-2015, 03:55 PM   #3
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Welcome and good luck, like Tango said "follow your dreams"

post pics when you get time, we all like them

see?

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Old 08-27-2015, 07:50 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Wonhe89 View Post
Everyone in my family or circle of friends gives me this weird look when i tell them i am converting a 2001 gmc short bus into a self sustainble home. Maybe its because im a young asian girl that most people would never assume is taking on such a project by herself.
I have a boyfriend who was super excited about the idea when i first decided that it was what i wanted to do... But as soon as the idea turned into actual work... He was quit to bail on helping with the project. The original plan was for us both to work on the bus and ride out into the sunset together. But i quickly realized that this project was something i had to do on my own, regaurdless of what happens with him. I'm determined to finish this bus and travel north america with my dog Balou and a 9mm pistol by my side.
So far ive taken out all the bus seats. I had someone underneath the bus while i used a socket wrench to undo the bolts. For the ones we couldnt reach or that were too rusted to remove by hand, i used a angle grinder and grinded off the top of the bolts. Then i used a hammer and screw driver and just pushed the remainder of the bolt through to the bottom until it just fell out.
Once all the bolts were out, i used a metal caulk to caulk all the bolt holes. Then i used flex seal, a rubber sealant spray, to waterproof the bolt holes and any areas that seemed rusted or cracked.
I just went to the hardware store yesterday and bought some foamular insulation boards, plan on using those with some high grade caulk to insulate the walls. But im not sure if i should start on that quite yet because i still need my buddy who is a deisel mechanic and also does wiring to unwire all the parasitic electrical items that are draining my battery. Hes also going to help with installing solar panels on the roof so i need to purchase solar panels soon as well.
It will be a long hard journey, with alot of improvising and google-ing... But i know that all dreams need in order to become a reality... Is hard work and motivation. Im glad i found this site so i can ask others advice on how to proceed with certain projects that im not as knowledgeable about.

Wonhe
Just check ahead on what states or areas allow you to be armed... Certain states are to be avoided ENTIRELY.
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Old 08-27-2015, 07:50 PM   #5
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Awesome. Good luck with the project.
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Old 08-27-2015, 07:56 PM   #6
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Nice!!
We would love to see some pictures as you go along.
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Old 08-29-2015, 05:26 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Tango View Post
Sounds like you are off to a pretty good start. Stick with it. Just remember...guys are a dime a dozen. A good bus is hard to find.
I thought the saying was " A hard man is good to find"
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