2009 Bluebird Coach conversion/Build

[wtd]

Originally Posted by Accordion

Thanks for the info. I am looking at the Wanderlodge pics.

I have a question. What are those things on the roof in the front on most Wanderlodges? It looks like a small radiator.

Road A/C condenser - google "Wanderlodge roof condenser" - get you some pics and forums talking about it.

Tom

[morefire]

Originally Posted by Motobus

YOU WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where do I claim my prize?

[morefire]

So once the Engine tranplant is complete, I have to put the finishing touches on the interior.

The floors will be a combination of Hardwood, and carpet. I already have it sitting here.....it's just a matter of putting it down.

[morefire]

I recently grabbed a deal on 4 matching Tan Captains chairs, with built in seat belts. I'll have to make a custom mount for them.

It will be, Driver, Passenger, and 2 across from the main sofa couch, all on swivel bases.

[morefire]

This is the ceiling/Roof carpet or covering or what ever you want to call it.
The entire coach is Tan/brown and earthy colors.





And this is what the ceiling looks like right now, before the material goes up. (That square is for the DuoTherm Penguin AC unit)

[morefire]

Here was my Battery/Inverter system being wired, tested and charged up, just prior to install.

[morefire]

Here is my Onan Quiet Diesel that I found a great deal on, that came from a burnt 2009 RV, and had less than 200 hours on it.

It was a little dirty, so I cleaned it all up, repainted it with OEM Onan paint, changed the oil, and all the filters before installing it into my Coach

[morefire]

So while the engine was out, this was the best time to run the PEX lines which will hook up the Aquahot system to the engine. This will allow me to fully heat up the engine to operating temprature in 45 minutes before even starting it(using the aquahot), and while the engine is running and im going down the road, it will keep the aquahot system "hot" and allow us to have free heat, and hot water. A Really amazing unit.





Also for the Cummins engine swap............. It will be a complete OEM type fit, since I got all the mounting parts from one of the "Wanderlodges" that had the same engine installed. (the Wanderlodge and my coach is the same chassis).
So other than a custom Alternator bracket, The cummins will drop right in, and everything will fit using the correct OEM piping etc....

[mightybus]

I worry about your idler pulley between the alternators on your new engine being too small, the deflection being too great and the rotational speed being too great causing premature bearing failure, belt failure and a power robbing condition. Perhaps the idler could be eliminated completely like on your old engine if no slippage can be discerned because of the belt approach and departure angle of your new setup.

[dgorila1]

Dang, you got all the money. New coach, new engine....this coach is too rich for this forum Nice workmanship!

[morefire]

Originally Posted by dgorila1

Dang, you got all the money. New coach, new engine....this coach is too rich for this forum Nice workmanship!

HAD

[Accordion]

Gee, You sure know how to do all that mechanic stuff. Wanna come here and help me put a DT466 in my bus? OH WAIT! I would actually have to have the engine. HA HA. Besides, I really don't think it would fit. I would have to build a new doghouse, re-position the transmission, shorten the driveshaft. Oh well, nevermind.

Keep up the good work. Thanks for all the pics.

[morefire]

The Cummins is in...

[opus]

So what was the skinny with the Cat? What didnt you like about it? You gotta dislike something an awful lot to go and do what you did.

[morefire]

Originally Posted by opus

So what was the skinny with the Cat? What didnt you like about it? You gotta dislike something an awful lot to go and do what you did.

Wasn't enough power for this much weight, for my taste. I didnt like the DPF/EGR system on it, they are known to be problematic on this CAT, and it would have cost almost $6000 to have it deleted.
When i looked at the big picture........ I was Way better off just pulling it out, selling it, and doing a complete swap.

I traded 410HP @ 1450lbs for 675HP @ 2150LBS



Here is the weight slip for this coach...... it's a big boy

[opus]

I haven't been a Cat fan since the 3406B. I am not a fan of any electronic engine but you dont have much of a choice on newer rigs. Good choice on just pulling it and swapping it out. Did you give the 60 Series any thought?

Cant wait to hear what your fuel milage is.

[morefire]

Originally Posted by opus

I haven't been a Cat fan since the 3406B. I am not a fan of any electronic engine but you dont have much of a choice on newer rigs. Good choice on just pulling it and swapping it out. Did you give the 60 Series any thought?

Cant wait to hear what your fuel milage is.

Nahh, the Series 60 wasn't an option for me......found all kinds of them for pennies too, and a fraction of what the Cummins cost me.
The Cummins is THE engine to have. I did A LOT of research, even went for some drives in some Big Rig's (tractor trailers) with a friend of mine who owns a trucking company, and we compared all the engines. (ISX, S60, C15). The C15 would have been my second choice.

I found that there is a reason they put this exact Cummins engine in all the high end trucks, and the most expensive coachs in the world, such as the 1.5 Mil$$ Newells.

[morefire]

[morefire]

Custom extended cooling fan drive shaft. The short one was for the CAT C13, the long one is for the ISX

[dirtygoat]

Great build...

Love the chairs, where did you find them???