Figured I would start a build thread before I get too into it.
Sir Walter is an '86 International S1753 with the 6.9 and Allison 545 and around 106k. Yes he's very very slow. Bought with a motorhome title already which helped with registration as well as all but two of the seats out.
The overall plan is to redo the inside, get a few mechanical things fixed and a rotted cab mount area rebuilt and live in it full time come November.
I'm a freelance web designer and marketing consultant and so long as I have internet a few days a week I can work from anywhere. Also calling the bus home will be my two pups.
I've gotten this far:
- found a place to build the bus
- found a ASE certified diesel tech to help with mechanical stuff
- possibly found an auto body shop for rust related items
- started tearing out the interior
Turns out an old friend of mine works for International and was able to look up my VIN and will be helpful for any future parts needs.
Some things I've decided: I won't be using LP for several reasons, but found one of those diesel heaters for inside along with an electric space heater should suffice. I will have AC in it for the pups, and originally looked at a mini split but now I'm thinking about a standard wall AC?
I want to run solar, of course, and be off grid when possible. I know the AC won't be able to run long on solar, but I do have a Ryobi generator for backup if needed. I'm very wary of putting together my own solar system so was looking into something like beprepared or goalzero.
I'll also have a washer/dryer but don't ever expect to run it off grid. Once every two weeks for laundry works for me.
Cooking: I like the idea of an oven...but I rarely use mine now. Instead my convection toaster oven would probably make due along with an electric cooktop.
Uhh that's all I can think of at the moment.