Bookmobile Conversion

[BookMobile]

I have been working on a 1974 International LoadStar 1600 Bookmobile. Currently, the interior is coming together, It is equipped with Onan generator, fridge, microwave, freezer, instant hot water, A/C, TV, DVD, 2 burner stove clear & black water tanks & toilet. I'm debating designing a wet bath. mounting a solar charging system.
Currently it has old school Dayton "Suicide" wheels. I recently found an International NavStar(54,000GRVW) in a scrap yard with similar axle widths & amazingly hydraulic disk brakes, front & rear & 10 lug semi 22.5 budd wheels. Those will soon be in use under this beauty.
Currently, the original engine is a gas International 345, mated to an Allison HT740. Its a crazy weird set up, but I want to change it. I'm looking for a 6BT 12V Cummins to repower for longevity & efficiency.
I've still got a bit of work to do. The skylights have been sealed, but I would like to figure out a way to reseal the weatherstripping so they could be opened & my ceiling fans could direct the breeze. I have a complete front clip from a B-Series Mack truck, debating on sprucing the exterior up a bit with that. I have no idea what I want to do with the exterior paint.
Its been a fun project so far & I'm confident it will no doubt be a head turner. Any tips or recommendations are greatly appreciated!

[milkmania]

Cool build!!!

You could name her "Whooked on Fonics!"

[Tango]

Sweeeeet old find. I would stick with the original front clip, but then, I am a sucker for classics. Please do keep the pix coming.

And if you are looking at a 6BT...I would definitely recommend finding an all mechanical. There are some small benefits that come with the electronic versions, but they are far outweighed by the complexities that come along with them. Just trying to get the engine to talk to the tranny can be...daunting. And, just for the record...if you can locate a used 5th generation Allison, they will work with just about any engine without any programming or special wiring harness. All they need is a simple TPS (throttle position sensor) to function. The older Allies can be a nightmare to try and get working with just about any engine they didn't come already mated to.

[BookMobile]

Tango,
I like the IH, but something about the Mack is just cool. Once I find my donor engine & pull the clip I will finally decide which way to go.

[Tango]

This is gonna be fun to watch!

[BookMobile]

As for the engine, I am looking at a forward engine intercooled 1994 P7100 pump 12V in a 40' BlueBird with an Allison MT643 with 200k on the clock. I've done a similar conversion on my little dumptruck, with a 1997 12v adapted to a ZF5. Hopefully its similar enough & fairly straight forward.

[Tango]

Nice pick. And the P Pumps are a breeze to turn up without really sacrificing much mpg. And you should have plenty of room under that front end.

Me...I'm still trying to figure out where I can stuff all the necessary cooling devices in my narrow, Art Deco nose (rad, CAC, tranny cooler, A/C, etc.).

[milkmania]

Originally Posted by Tango

Me...I'm still trying to figure out where I can stuff all the necessary cooling devices in my narrow, Art Deco nose (rad, CAC, tranny cooler, A/C, etc.).

Never really thought about it, but I can only imagine the challenges you must face! I bet the inner fenders even hug tight to the motor... There 's no telling where they located your battery!

[Tango]

Battery? No room for a battery. Figured I would just hand crank it.

[BookMobile]

It's a 4bt, can't have much compression, lmao!

[milkmania]

Originally Posted by Tango

Battery? No room for a battery. Figured I would just hand crank it.

I could see the school district's handbook for bus drivers...

Rule #1) park on a hill
Rule #2) if you forgot to park on a hill, tell the students to push.

[Dapplecreek]

Originally Posted by milkmania

I could see the school district's handbook for bus drivers...

Rule #1) park on a hill
Rule #2) if you forgot to park on a hill, tell the students to push.

I helped push a RE bus back in '76 or so. Surprisingly, it worked. 'Course, we had 20 people on it...

[jwrens1100]

Ive been searching this forum for any crazy old international buses or anything different u made my search with this truck

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[Tootalltechie]

Originally Posted by BookMobile

Currently it has old school Dayton "Suicide" wheels. I recently found an International NavStar(54,000GRVW) in a scrap yard with similar axle widths & amazingly hydraulic disk brakes, front & rear & 10 lug semi 22.5 budd wheels. Those will soon be in use under this beauty.

Cool find on the axle and wheels. I looked locally and did not find anything. Scared to think of the shipping.
Great bill BTW
Gordon


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[BookMobile]

I was amazed to find those axles, with non-air brakes. It was literally 2nd in line for the excavator to snatch it & break it down. I struck a deal with the guys for both complete axles, 6 steel wheels & tires, driveshaft & break booster, along with 20min use of a cutting torch. Best $400 ever spent on a bus conversation.

[turf]

cool build! it will be fun to follow another bookie! keep them pictures coming.

[BookMobile]

The powerplant is purchased! I'm going to shed a tear taking from my donor though.. 190hp 12v P Pump & allison AT545. Runs & drives plus good rubber all around!