My bus, Wayward Son

[Rwnielsen]

I think it may be time to share some of the trials and tribulations so far on this ambitious project I've subjected myself to. My name is Richard and I just turned 69. I've been reading posts and asking questions for a couple years now. My background is electrical, industrial for about 15 years and the last 28 have been commercial...ironically no residential. In addition, I love all things mechanical. So, here we go. This is the bus as I got it, 1998 Blue Bird 64k original miles:

[Rwnielsen]

This may take some time on my part so please bear with me.
This is the start of the demo. They bonded the neutral at the panel and at both generators. The generators yes but in this case not the panel.

[Rwnielsen]

This bus was used for trade shows and has been sitting in a warehouse for about 16 years. Everything is dated. It had a 13" TV/VCR up front, a cassette Panasonic stereo, black and white back up camera, this unknown to me shore power connection.

more to follow

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by Rwnielsen

I just turned 69.

Nice! Carry on ...

[Tejon7]

Looking forward to watch this story unfold!

[ewo1]

Originally Posted by Rwnielsen

I think it may be time to share some of the trials and tribulations so far on this ambitious project I've subjected myself to. My name is Richard and I just turned 69. I've been reading posts and asking questions for a couple years now. My background is electrical, industrial for about 15 years and the last 28 have been commercial...ironically no residential. In addition, I love all things mechanical. So, here we go. This is the bus as I got it, 1998 Blue Bird 64k original miles:

Really super nice bus!
Front and rear entry doors plus the wheel chair lift door too!
Nice paint scheme!

You scored big time with that one!

( I’ll be turning 31 for the second time !)

[Dbacks2k4]

I'll bet that bus looks great on the Kansas turnpike!

[rossvtaylor]

Wow, Richard, you've provided so much valuable input over the years that I didn't even realize that you didn't share your build. Thanks for sharing...I'm looking forward to seeing more.

[Rwnielsen]

Originally Posted by rossvtaylor

Wow, Richard, you've provided so much valuable input over the years that I didn't even realize that you didn't share your build. Thanks for sharing...I'm looking forward to seeing more.

You know, I have so many different areas that need attention I can't walk from the front to the back without getting sidetracked. I have a few cameras on board plus my phone but, it's hard to remember to photograph stuff. It takes time to post them as they all have to be resized.

[ermracing]

Cool rig and nice to see something that has had a relatively easy life. Add me to the list of 60+ skoolie owners too.

Dave

[Rwnielsen]

Here's something I stared at for over a year. I pulled off the padded cover and was left with this.

The boys at the coach company obviously did this after lunch. At first I was going to cut it and use it as framework for a nice console.

[Rwnielsen]

Yesterday as I was heading home I decided to see what was needed to start work on it. I stuck my head inside to look for framing and wires. It seems it was just held on by about 10 screws and some incredibly strong adhesive. No match for a stubborn halfwit with power tools and a hammer

[Rwnielsen]

Here's a little alteration of the back of the bus, it's all fiberglass. The steel plates were fairly heavy.

[Rwnielsen]

PVC headliner held on with screws and 14 of these, legacy, fluorescents. A pain to insulate the framework. I'm using 1" foam boards and I guess canned foam to fill the gaps

[Corbi]

If there us such a list, sign me up too!

[Rwnielsen]

Today I started to tackle the wiring at the front console area. The three clearance lights had a few issues. I don't much care for insulated crimp connectors even though I have the right tool for them. Closed barrel connectors and shrink tubing take a little longer but make a far better connection (IMO) and they look better. Most of this wiring will not be readily accessible after insulation and a headliner.
I'm also going to make a temporary platform that fits in the stairwell so I can work near the door. I probably should have worked on this console area before I put the seat in too.

[Rwnielsen]

I did a little cleanup on the outside electrical enclosure. I'm not entirely sure what some of these wires are for, most were either tagged in with no fuse or were just dangling. The buzzer in the upper right was under the armrest inside and I'm thinking it has something to do with the handicap door. Either way, I'll be able to hear it (I think).

[Rwnielsen]

There is, what looks to be, a diode on the left side of the panel. It is unfused and connects to ground at the other end.
Also....what is this round thing in the upper right of the panel?