Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-13-2009, 06:33 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 27
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: Ford F700
Engine: 8.2 Detroit
Rated Cap: 66
New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

This is a great site.I have been lurking for a few weeks.My son and I ride dirt bikes fairly often,and we go camping as a family several times a year.This year the wife started complaining about camping in a tent.We had been looking for a used camper,and realized we just couldn't afford what we wanted,and the other issue was our tow vehicle(1991 Bronco)only has about a 6K lb.towing capacity.The other choice was a motorhome,and they were definitely out of our price range.I thought about a box truck or a chip/UPS style truck when my 12yr old suggested a school bus.What a great idea!
The hunt was on when I stumbled on a CL ad,4 busses a church had,$750.00 each.One was diesel,and the others were gas.I couldn't get there fast enough.I bought the 1984 Ford 66 Passenger bus on the spot.It's powered by a Detroit diesel and Allison automatic trans.Not my first choice of diesels,and it does have a oil leak(I think it's fixed),but for the price,it's great.I got 5 gallons of metallic grey paint and clear from work.I hope to paint it soon.I bought 12"X200ft of 1% tint for the windows.The MAc tool guy that comes to my job has a broken Honda 4000W generator I'll get tomorrow.And lastly,my in-laws are giving my a old camper that I'm going to get all the appliances from.
We removed all the seats last weekend.I plan on making the last 12-14ft the garage to put the dirtbikes,and the forward area the living area.Here are a few pic's of the progress so far.
Here is how we have been hauling our bikes so far.

I'm removing the lights,and filled the holes with aluminum.
[img][http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...re184.jpg/img]
Man,what a bunch of trash!

My boy helping dad clean this thing up.I hope to get more pic's up soon.

Frank ZX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2009, 08:21 PM   #2
Bus Nut
 
TygerCub's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 784
Year: 1995
Coachwork: Genesis
Engine: Detroit
Rated Cap: 14
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Great progress! Welcome aboard. Hope you enjoy the madness, mayhem and ... oh yes ... FUN
TygerCub is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2009, 09:20 AM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Key West, Florida
Posts: 56
Year: 1963
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Engine: 640 Detroit allison
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Welcome! I just love seeing those pics of buses when the seats first come out! It just marks the beginning of the beginning for each owner! that's just awesome! You'll find lots of help, suggestions and people I'm already counting as my friends here!
hmcastle55 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2009, 09:25 AM   #4
Bus Nut
 
ezbme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Datil, New Mexico
Posts: 642
Year: 1989
Coachwork: Thomas Transit Liner
Chassis: Freightliner
Engine: CAT 3208 Turbo
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Nothing better than a family adventure! Welcome to the fun & like yer new ride! Looking forward to seeing (MANY) photos of how you incorporate the garage...
ezbme is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2009, 07:07 PM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 27
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: Ford F700
Engine: 8.2 Detroit
Rated Cap: 66
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Here is my new to me Honda EVD4010 generator.Now I have to figure out how to wire it up.If anyone can guide me on how to wire my bus up,please let me know.
And the paint to paint the bus.
Frank ZX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2009, 09:00 PM   #6
Bus Nut
 
ezbme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Datil, New Mexico
Posts: 642
Year: 1989
Coachwork: Thomas Transit Liner
Chassis: Freightliner
Engine: CAT 3208 Turbo
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

SWEET! Thats alot of paint!

Check out the handy tutorials!

viewforum.php?f=8
ezbme is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2009, 06:47 AM   #7
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 27
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: Ford F700
Engine: 8.2 Detroit
Rated Cap: 66
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

I pulled the Roachman camper home from the in-laws house today.It was full of wasp nest,and soft wood in certain areas.I took the A/C unit off,and cut the hole in my bus roof,and got it mounted.
The shroud was nasty.We cleaned it up,and painted it white.

I painted the interior cover black.
Here is the unit in the hole.
And the finished insulation(except for wiring).
Frank ZX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2009, 06:41 PM   #8
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 27
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: Ford F700
Engine: 8.2 Detroit
Rated Cap: 66
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build



[img][http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...re199.jpg/img]
Frank ZX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2009, 04:00 AM   #9
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: California, Just NorthEast of San Fransisco
Posts: 539
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

You can also use the Img button, then hit ctrl + v to paste between the brackets.
Sojakai is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2009, 05:32 AM   #10
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 27
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: Ford F700
Engine: 8.2 Detroit
Rated Cap: 66
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

I removed the metal interior panels,and installed them on the exterior in place of the windows.Metal will cover all the windows,and I have a couple camper windows to install.
Frank ZX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2009, 04:15 PM   #11
Almost There
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 87
Year: 1991
Coachwork: international
Chassis: thomas
Engine: 7.3
Rated Cap: 22
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Hi ,

It's really exciting when the seats come out . Thats when you can the potencial for making it into a home away from home .

We want to sell ours because we need the money, but then again we really like the bus . I called for insurence on it yesterday [ GMAC ] and it cost $279 for 6 mom.s . Same as before we took off tag and insurence last year .

We may not sell it . I wish I could post pictures but my box won't allow for it .
shortstuff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2009, 06:25 AM   #12
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 27
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: Ford F700
Engine: 8.2 Detroit
Rated Cap: 66
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build



This side is sanded and ready for paint
Frank ZX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2009, 05:23 AM   #13
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 27
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: Ford F700
Engine: 8.2 Detroit
Rated Cap: 66
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Starting painting

Frank ZX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2009, 05:49 AM   #14
Ob1
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 187
Year: 1963
Coachwork: Grumman
Chassis: Chevrolet
Engine: Chevy 292 I-6
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Lookin' good Frank! I do some dirt dike riding {and race every once in a while!} too

Personally, I would change only one thing you have going. I would uncover the 1st passenger side window to give better viewing.

Some buddies and I lease 700 acres to ride bikes on, and there is one intersection on the way there where the roads meet at a diagonal. Every time I go through there I practically have to "turn right" to see, yet I am turning left. The lack of visibility crops up just about any time intersections arent square, like parking lots and such. Wish I had a window to uncover!
Ob1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2009, 11:36 AM   #15
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 27
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: Ford F700
Engine: 8.2 Detroit
Rated Cap: 66
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ob1
Lookin' good Frank! I do some dirt dike riding {and race every once in a while!} too

Personally, I would change only one thing you have going. I would uncover the 1st passenger side window to give better viewing.

Some buddies and I lease 700 acres to ride bikes on, and there is one intersection on the way there where the roads meet at a diagonal. Every time I go through there I practically have to "turn right" to see, yet I am turning left. The lack of visibility crops up just about any time intersections arent square, like parking lots and such. Wish I had a window to uncover!
That is a good idea.I think I'll put the 2 front windows back in.Thanks for the heads up.
Frank ZX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2009, 05:18 PM   #16
Ob1
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 187
Year: 1963
Coachwork: Grumman
Chassis: Chevrolet
Engine: Chevy 292 I-6
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

I like a window in the bathroom as well...
Ob1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2009, 05:53 PM   #17
New Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 6
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

no windows? at all? what about seeing at intersections and while manuvering or family wanting to see the road while you drive?
scivicblu83 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2009, 08:55 PM   #18
Bus Nut
 
ezbme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Datil, New Mexico
Posts: 642
Year: 1989
Coachwork: Thomas Transit Liner
Chassis: Freightliner
Engine: CAT 3208 Turbo
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Quote:
Originally Posted by scivicblu83
no windows? at all? what about seeing at intersections and while manuvering or family wanting to see the road while you drive?
DITTO... you need at least some living area glass to get rid of the tunnel feel inside! Plus just to help with driving it....
ezbme is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2009, 05:23 AM   #19
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 27
Year: 1984
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: Ford F700
Engine: 8.2 Detroit
Rated Cap: 66
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Slow down.lol,I put 2 windows back in,and I have about 4 camper windows to install.And yes,I will have a window in the bathroom.More pic's soon.
Frank ZX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2009, 07:17 AM   #20
Bus Nut
 
ezbme's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Datil, New Mexico
Posts: 642
Year: 1989
Coachwork: Thomas Transit Liner
Chassis: Freightliner
Engine: CAT 3208 Turbo
Re: New member Bus/Toy Hauler build

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank ZX
Slow down.lol,I put 2 windows back in,and I have about 4 camper windows to install.And yes,I will have a window in the bathroom.More pic's soon.
Ah...PHEW...just making sure! Was thinking you were gonna have to install flat screens on the walls with cameras outside showing the great outdoors to mimic windows!
ezbme is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Anyone looking for a toy hauler? Malkieri Classifieds | Buy, Sell, Swap 4 12-29-2013 10:51 PM
Toy Hauler Magilla Skoolie Conversion Projects 12 09-20-2013 05:48 PM
The Big Bus Build browncrown Skoolie Conversion Projects 31 01-29-2012 09:19 PM
Bus Hauler??? Tango Short-Bus Conversion Projects 1 11-05-2011 05:34 PM
Car Hauler paul iossi Skoolie Conversion Projects 1 05-15-2008 08:30 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:44 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.