My "Assigned" Bus

N5tavniec · 11-20-2023, 07:30 PM

Hello everyone!!! I've been stalking this site longer than I'd like to admit.

I bought a 2009 IC Maxxforce 7.3L 13 window, air brakes. Here is a pic of when I picked it up and did some de-lettering. She hasn't been named yet.

N5tavniec · 11-20-2023, 08:06 PM

N5tavniec · 11-20-2023, 08:15 PM

The bus has some damage to the upper end cap where drivers have backed into things. In an attempt to pound out some of the damage I only removed enough seats to have room to pull panels down to get to it.

Clearly I wasn't able to pound out ANY damage. I was wailing with a hammer. It's a bit of a bummer but I'll live. I made sure that any holes were sealed up (only 2 extremetly small holes).

N5tavniec · 11-20-2023, 08:26 PM

I'm doing things a little backwards. Usually everyone starts with pulling the seats. I want to be able to work on this bus during the winter and need it water/weatherproof. Started on to the roof. Pulled the rusted out 8-ways, sanded, sealed everything with Vulkem116, 2 coats of Rustoleum.

Also got the pesky and extremely sticky School Bus signage off the front and rear.

N5tavniec · 11-20-2023, 08:34 PM

Taped off the windows to paint. That yellow roof was HOT! It was burning my feet. Once I had the first coat on the roof was immediately cooler.

N5tavniec · 11-20-2023, 08:44 PM

Pics of the painted roof. The white makes the damage stand out in the back stand out a bit more. But it does feel really good to be able to walk barefoot on the roof in the direct sun without hearing any sizzling or smelling burning.

N5tavniec · 11-20-2023, 08:53 PM

Now that the roof is fully done including removing and sealing the passive roof vent, and the badly damaged roof antenna. I jumped in the bus and didn't delay with any BS. Pulled out the wrench to unbolt from the chair rail and angle grinder to remove all the aisle bolts. Then started in on the ceiling panels. Removed all ceiling panels, I got in the groove and before I realized it was 11pm. Time to call it quits.

Cleaned up all the mess and got ready for everyone's favorite task of pulling out the old insulation.

N5tavniec · 11-20-2023, 09:02 PM

So I decided to procrastinate on the insulation. Instead I dismantled the seats and loaded up the scrap metal from the ceiling panels, seats and anything metal to take for some $$.

Went into work, and my boss was going to burn this really nice wooden crate so I kidnapped it and dismantled it so now I have my countertop when the time comes.

musigenesis · 11-21-2023, 05:52 AM

Congratulations, that is the most well-organized seat removal I've ever seen. Mine were just in a random pile behind my bus and they were eventually all stolen.

I also removed my passive vent and riveted a patch over the hole, but then I took the vent apart to see how it worked and that made me regret removing it. It's actually a very clever design that allows substantial airflow while preventing water from coming in. I wouldn't want one as part of my living space since it would allow substantial heat loss, but I have an insulated bulkhead wall behind my driver's seat, so had I left the vent in place it would have been a part of the cab and outside of my living space.

Diverdude0075 · 11-21-2023, 01:49 PM

Nice start! Are you gonna pull up the flooring?

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musigenesis

Congratulations, that is the most well-organized seat removal I've ever seen. Mine were just in a random pile behind my bus and they were eventually all stolen.

I also removed my passive vent and riveted a patch over the hole, but then I took the vent apart to see how it worked and that made me regret removing it. It's actually a very clever design that allows substantial airflow while preventing water from coming in. I wouldn't want one as part of my living space since it would allow substantial heat loss, but I have an insulated bulkhead wall behind my driver's seat, so had I left the vent in place it would have been a part of the cab and outside of my living space.

Thanks Musigenesis! It was more organized chaos than anything. I had them all piled up in a heap. It was only after I went through and separated everything did it look so nice. As for the passive vent it is in my living space so adios!

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diverdude0075

Nice start! Are you gonna pull up the flooring?

Funny you should ask. I did pull out the floor and I was actually installing insulation and the new subfloor today. Pics to come soon.

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 07:40 PM

SOOOO in case you didn't realize I have pictures and lots of them.

I finally get around to pulling the insulation and wire wheeling it off the ceiling. WHAT A MESS!!!!!! Glad that crap is done and out of the way. Bagged up and to the curb for the garbage.

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 07:48 PM

After insulation it was time to pull the heaters. Cut it right behind the driver seat and looped it back. There is a kink in the hose so a 90 degree bend hose will be in the works. Put the coolant in a 5 gal bucket, there is some debris that will get sifted out before I put it back in.

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 07:58 PM

Windows were next on the list. I should have only pulled a few windows period. I also should have only pulled 4 or 5 windows at a time. What fun would that be??? Every window came out at once. Cleaned up the butyl tape and whatever else was sealing them. I have metal brackets holding the windows in. I wire wheeled the rust off them, rust treated with Ospho, Rustoleum primer and Rustoleum spray paint.

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 08:13 PM

I couldn't find some good closed cell foam to put in the cavity above the window. I started with 3/4in Sika backer rod and used 3 stuffed in there. Didn't like it at all then I realized pool noodles are closed cell foam. I immediately ordered a handful of them along with Butyl tape against my better judgement. I cut the pool noodles in half down the center and stuffed them in the cavity. Tight fit but know no air or bugs or whatever are getting in there. Butyl tape around the edges and Vulkem 116 next to the butyl of the outside to ensure a weather tight seal. Also rearranged the emergency exit windows. I wanted to keep the original windows even though they aren't very efficient.

This warning label on the noodle cracks me up. Aren't we all just grown up children with money?? And yes, I left the sticker on it.

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 08:18 PM

Windows are in, I ordered some LED's to put where the 8-ways go. I found some arrow LED's for the turns. Still need to wire them up.

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 08:25 PM

Picked up 1.5inch XPS rigid foam, and installed in the ceiling. Roof hatches will be replaced so holding off of insulation around them currently.

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 08:36 PM

Removed everything unnecessary so flooring can get demoed out. There is some rot and rust in the back corner.

Behind the wheel well

Front of the wheel well, found a hole that will need to be repaired.

Flooring out on once side.

Cut around the fuel filter access hatch. Was going to reuse it. I have an idea for a new access hatch.

Pretty rusty floor but doesn't look too bad considering.

N5tavniec · 11-21-2023, 08:43 PM

Either I'm being gaslit by a hole or it gets larger every time I look at it.

See bigger.....

Even more so....

Just don't look at it. Flooring is out up to the driver seat and step well.

Wire wheeled the rust out.

Look at all the rust dust....

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