Track-Bus project

[Barry S.]

This is my first post about my short bus I am building to use as a tow-rig for my Spec Miata racing hobby. It's a 2005 Ford e350 with a 6.0 Diesel. I've installed a hitch, serviced all the fluids, cut out and repaired the rust which was mostly in the door and drivers floor area. Now I'm prepping it for paint which will be metallic Dodge Granite Grey. I took an automotive paint class and I'm doing it myself. The plan is to have the outside done by March so I can start planning the inside. I just want a simple interior with a bed, coffee maker and fridge for beer and coffee creamer. I did splurge on rims which will be black Nascar style d-slots. I'll post more photos when it's back together.

[Barry S.]

Here are the rims.

[HamSkoolie]

If your 6.0 hasn't been "bullet proofed" I would suggest doing so. The engine had issues at first but after "bullet proofing" I'm told it's a good engine. Personally, I like the 7.3 PowerStroke / DT444E.

If you get on one of the Diesel truck forums they all seem to have info on just what it entails.

[Rwnielsen]

Sounds like a cool project and judging by the hood and wheels....it's going to look pretty nice as well.
I'd pay attention to Ham's advice and you should be good to go.
Good luck and have fun

[Booyah45828]

Watch your weight on the conversion, as those srw van chassis don't have much of a weight capability. It gets even worse when you add a hitch and trailer to the mix.

Also make sure the rims you have are up to the task as well. Be sure that they have a weight rating the meets or exceeds the current units.

[musigenesis]

What is with all the Miata people around here? Z3 master race!

[Barry S.]

Originally Posted by HamSkoolie

If your 6.0 hasn't been "bullet proofed" I would suggest doing so. The engine had issues at first but after "bullet proofing" I'm told it's a good engine. Personally, I like the 7.3 PowerStroke / DT444E.

If you get on one of the Diesel truck forums they all seem to have info on just what it entails.

Done - EGR was deleted by the school district. It's recently decommissioned and I serviced it. It's gone 163k so it should be good to go.

[Barry S.]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

What is with all the Miata people around here? Z3 master race!

We can all get along on the track! https://nasaspeed.news/columns/membe...t/barry-sanel/

[Barry S.]

Originally Posted by Booyah45828

Watch your weight on the conversion, as those srw van chassis don't have much of a weight capability. It gets even worse when you add a hitch and trailer to the mix.

Also make sure the rims you have are up to the task as well. Be sure that they have a weight rating the meets or exceeds the current units.

yes, these rims have a higher rate than stock.

[Rwnielsen]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

What is with all the Miata people around here? Z3 master race!

Heathens...370 Nismo Z for the win.

[Barry S.]

Just wanted to give an update on my project. I took an automotive painting class and this is about 6 weeks of weekends and evenings prepping and paint. I have a couple of runs in the hood I need to block-sand and polish. Almost done with the outside. I'm very happy with the ways it's coming out. It's now Dodge Granite Grey with all LED lighting, Crager Black D rims. All I need to do now is finish putting driving lights where the emergency lights were. Barry

[BarnYardCamp]

looks great!

[Barry S.]

Thank you very much, it was a lot of work!

[Rwnielsen]

That really looks good. It has a factory, upscale, military look to it (?)
I like it

[Barry S.]

Originally Posted by Rwnielsen

That really looks good. It has a factory, upscale, military look to it (?)
I like it

Thank you that's exactly what I was going for. (Plus a little fun with the 59 caddy tail lights) I always liked the Dodge Granite Grey color which is metallic and pearl.

[Vin1]

beautiful!