how to remove sidepanels ????

[swinada]

I think I am starting to figure out why this bus was cheap, moister whereever I look and of course the rust to go with it.
Tried to remove the sidepanels under the windows today to see how it looks. Found moister and rust underneath. Which means I will be removing all of them and try to do something to prevent it from happening again.
What is the easiest way to remove these panels? Do the windows have to come out to get them out? Or should a guy just cut them off at the top?
How in the world can I properly seal the windows that no more water enters the seams?

of course I took pictures


how do I get the top of the panel out, does it fold around to the outside and is screwed there again?


moister under the yellow insulation


rust on the window brackets, as seen from below

[Coma]

Remove a window and you will see how it all goes together. Just make sure you seal the right and left lower corners well. Especially where it meets the outer pillar cover. There is a big hole there.

[boojiewoojie]

Well, I think you're doing the right thing to get rid of moisture because of the mold issue. Not necessarily a big deal for an unconverted bus, but I would imagine an insulated, fairly air tight converted bus could grow some. Maybe not, but I would sleep better knowing I had addressed the issue. I do like the logic of not getting bogged down on small issues (especially since I'm a perfectionist), and the books I've read on conversions all say to enjoy what you have and not waiting to travel until everything is "perfect".

Have you looked at Les' "1982 Thomas Safe-T-Liner "Illusion"" thread? There's several pictures where he took the windows and side panels out on page 3 or so. Since yours is the newer Freightliner chassis I don't know if it's identical but it may help.

[swinada]

Thanks for the tips. Looked at Les's Safe-T-Liner and it does look fairly similar to what I have. I just have such a hard time getting any screws out from the outside that I'm not sure if i really want to fight around with them to get the windows out.
I was thinking I could just cut the panels inside with a cut off blade on the angle grinder.

I do not consider moister a small thing, moister for me is a big thing. I could just ignore it but I'm sure it would make itself present in a few years as ugly brown spots or soft spots in the floor.
I am not planning on tossing the bus in 2-3 years, I want it to last at least an other 10-15. So I'll do it right from the beginning, or at least try to do it right.

[AraS]

See this video from the manufacturer

https://youtu.be/LtP9wtYHauY

to help new converters like us. They also have videos on maintenance.