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Old 04-03-2016, 11:39 AM   #1
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: chicago, il
Posts: 220
Year: 2003
Chassis: IC CE
Engine: T444
Tools needed to start?

So i have a few tools already and i was wondering what other tools i might need for the initial breakdown phase.

Currently owned:

Impact Gun
Impact driver
Drill/driver
angle grinder with sander attachment
ratchet set (small and larger 1/2)
and a few other tools for working on normal cars.

I think ill need a scraper or prybar for the floor other than that i do not know what i'd need for tear down. (seat, floor, side walls, ceiling removal, painting)

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Old 04-03-2016, 12:48 PM   #2
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Location: South Dakota
Posts: 217
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freightliner HDX
Engine: CAT 3126B250
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I went through quite a few phillips bits on my impact screwdriver, so be sure to get impact rated, and maybe 10 or more #2, and a couple #3. I also blew through a 10 pack of generic metal cutting discs on my grinder. I used a really large prybar and a cats paw mini prybar to pull up the floor. It really helped out having one hold the plywood up while I slipped the the larger bar under for better leverage. I would recommend some kind of plate to put under the prybar since I dented my floor in a few places due to stubborn plywood attachment. A mini sledge was helpful as well. For the windows, a box cutter or similar razor blade knife to cut the seal around them if you're going to be taking them out. Check for a couple screws holding them to the body that are in the actual channel of the windows.

Safety stuff of course, like breathing masks, full surround eye protection, ear plugs and gloves.
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Old 04-03-2016, 01:14 PM   #3
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Chassis: 3800 International
Engine: T444E
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band aids, ice for head you will need it when bash your head, some one to take you to the hospital, and beer
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Old 04-03-2016, 01:39 PM   #4
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Beer, air hammer with chisel bit set. Beer, bud, some more beer.

Air compressor is really handy. Not sure you'll need sanding discs for the angle, I've not needed mine yet. Just the abrasive disc and wire wheel attachments.
Haven't needed my impact yet but its there. Get a BIG one if you're gonna get one. A good cordless drill AND a good cheap one WITH a cord.
Beer. gotta have that, or I guess wine... If that's your thing!
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Old 04-03-2016, 01:40 PM   #5
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I found a 1/2 breaker invaluable for attacking the seat bolts on the chair rail, as well as driver extensions (the Pittsburg wobble set from HFT worked quite well, although I probably should have gotten the impact-rated). A Jobtool-Ryobi, Rigid, or whoever- I also found invaluable with both a 90* impact driver head and saw head with scraper for the decals
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Old 04-03-2016, 02:48 PM   #6
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Chassis: TC 2000
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In my opinion a must have is an air chisel and compressor. It is the only way to go for removing rivets. Another would be a big hammer. Also grinding and cutting discs. Depending on what you are going to do you may need a welder. Vice grips and C-clamps. Goggles, dust mask. Jigsaw for cutting rigid insulation. Great stuff foam insulation. Measuring tape and Sharpie marker. Speed square. Good set of drill bits. Razor knife. Sawzall. Solder, soldering gun, shrink tubing or tape. 12v test light. Work table. Latex gloves if using foam insulation. Chalk line. Good extension cord. Heater? Tarps if taking windows out? Plumbing supplies. 110v and 12v fuses, breakers, boxes etc. A well thought out floor plan and as much help as you can get. That is all I can think of off the top of my head.
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Old 04-03-2016, 03:18 PM   #7
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Q: What tools are needed to build a Skoolie/RV conversion?

A: All of them.
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Old 04-03-2016, 03:47 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango View Post
Q: What tools are needed to build a Skoolie/RV conversion?

A: All of them.
yup!
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Old 04-03-2016, 06:46 PM   #9
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Engine: T444
lol i can understand the beer and band aids. There are no rivets in the interior, looked to be all screws. I have the safety equipment as i use to work on cars. Will my impact gun i used on axels not be enough?

Side note all my tools are milwaukee brand if that makes a difference. the m18 series.
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Old 04-03-2016, 06:51 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Azuleslight View Post
There are no rivets in the interior, looked to be all screws.
If your bus is an International like mine, #2 Square driver bits, lots of them. And whatever they can't pull out, grind the heads off.
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Old 04-03-2016, 07:04 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scooternj View Post
If your bus is an International like mine, #2 Square driver bits, lots of them. And whatever they can't pull out, grind the heads off.

My Thomas had the exact same thing inside. I used my Ridgid 18V micro impact, and it paid for itself like 4 X over!!!


Robot Check

I used this on the floor, it worked wonders!
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Old 04-03-2016, 08:06 PM   #12
Skoolie
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsgsxr View Post
My Thomas had the exact same thing inside. I used my Ridgid 18V micro impact, and it paid for itself like 4 X over!!!


Robot Check

I used this on the floor, it worked wonders!
that isnt to bad at all and the mini one as well right?
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Old 04-03-2016, 08:46 PM   #13
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Chassis: Freight-shaker (Freightliner)
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Rated Cap: Only 1 seat
I have the 36" one. I think any if them would work nicely. The longer the handle, the less work you have to do!
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Old 04-03-2016, 09:01 PM   #14
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
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Engine: T444
Quote:
Originally Posted by Docsgsxr View Post
I have the 36" one. I think any if them would work nicely. The longer the handle, the less work you have to do!

okies, i think ill buy a big one for now.
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Old 04-03-2016, 10:44 PM   #15
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One of the handiest tools you will ever acquire for dealing with old, rusty screws is an old fashioned manual impact driver. My bus has zero rivets (except for what I have installed) and the mongo, Phillips sheetmetal screws that hold it all together are over 70 years old. I would STILL be wrestling them years later except for my handy-dandy impact driver.
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Old 04-03-2016, 11:05 PM   #16
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: chicago, il
Posts: 220
Year: 2003
Chassis: IC CE
Engine: T444
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango View Post
One of the handiest tools you will ever acquire for dealing with old, rusty screws is an old fashioned manual impact driver. My bus has zero rivets (except for what I have installed) and the mongo, Phillips sheetmetal screws that hold it all together are over 70 years old. I would STILL be wrestling them years later except for my handy-dandy impact driver.
i have one , and now i am even glader(is this a word?) that i own one.
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Old 11-13-2020, 12:18 PM   #17
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Denver, co
Posts: 58
Year: 1999
Coachwork: International
Chassis: International (I think)
Engine: Dt466e w/ Allison md3060
Rated Cap: 84, 35000 gvwr
Can someone let me know how to start a new thread about Tools in Denver. I am about to finish my build and would like to pay it forward to someone who already has their bus in the denver area. I would like to sell a group of my tools very inexpensively to help someone else complete their bus project. And then have them pay it forward when they are done.

Any advice helps.
Thanks
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