Leaks.. do I leave this bus behind?

[WoodenYouKnowIt]

This is the reason that we forum members should read ALL posts if possible. ...even if they are about buses that are different than the ones we're working on. Even though my bus is completely different than your bus, I would not have learned about these rust products if I had not cruised over here and read this thread. THANKS GUYS!

[StuartBenbow]

Mine leaked like crazy at first. Before I did anything else, I grabbed several tubes of caulking, and resealed every exterior seem where the metal panels meet, every rivet, and all around both roof hatches, as well as around the windows that leaked.

I haven’t had a problem since. Keep in mind, water can enter in one spot, and travel before dropping through the inner skin. It can make you think your leak is in one area, when it’s really somewhere else.

[Seriousracer]

Back there it will be the upper signal lights

[Dirtdoctor]

My 1998 Amtrans leaked, The school depot super told me he removed the front panel abouve the windshield. Sprayed that black water proofing they advertise on tv, then painted the two surfaces where it bolts up together with the same stuff and fastened it while still damp. He said it’s a issue with the rounded cap piece that the water gets past the rivets and from the gap by the rubber windshield gasket- keep it soft and pliable not hard and cracked. Good luck finding the entrance. Two people - one on the outside with a nozzle on the garden hose and one on the inside with a marker should get you squared away.
Cheers

[Bernie]

A lot of buses will leak where the cowling behind the hood is bolted to the bus body. This will also give lots of rattles as the bolts work loose.

[Mekanic]

When I started my conversion (box truck). I found a lot of roof leaks. It had rivers spaced at every inch on the sides. Mine was fixed with an elasomeric roof coating.
I think the name was Kool Seal??
I’m not 100% sure about the name. Mine was last sealed in 2013 if I remember right.

[reedy]

Water in wall is almost sure to be coming around windows.The windshield is probably where the front leak is coming from. If not look in the overhead at the top lights.

[ThemadTurk]

Its a lot like finding a leak in house roof. you see the damage or stain on the ceiling inside but the actual leak can be from any area higher than the stain. Rain will run down rafters and roofing braces before seeping through to the ceiling inside. The leak could actually be from several feet away from where you are seeing stain (rust).
Look close at all possible entry points and methodically seal each one and use tarps when you're not working on it.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by ThemadTurk

Its a lot like finding a leak in house roof. you see the damage or stain on the ceiling inside but the actual leak can be from any area higher than the stain. Rain will run down rafters and roofing braces before seeping through to the ceiling inside. The leak could actually be from several feet away from where you are seeing stain (rust).
Look close at all possible entry points and methodically seal each one and use tarps when you're not working on it.

Speaking of tarps, I saw these RV covers, thinking about one for my bus.

[MarkyDee]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Speaking of tarps, I saw these RV covers, thinking about one for my bus.

Where did you see them?

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by MarkyDee

Where did you see them?

Just Google "RV Covers" There are several. This one is $290, worth it to protect the bus.


https://www.nationalrvcovers.com/exp...CABEgI1ZPD_BwE

Budge $200
https://www.budgecovers.com/detail.aspx?p=RVRB

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Speaking of tarps, I saw these RV covers, thinking about one for my bus.

I wonder I I could fool the city and park a bus under that "RV cover".

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Just Google "RV Covers" There are several. This one is $290, worth it to protect the bus.


https://www.nationalrvcovers.com/exp...CABEgI1ZPD_BwE

I've always wondered what geographic areas car covers work in.
Here in FL as long as you don't live on the coast there isn't any real concern about rust and we rarely ever see any rusty cars.
But everyone who uses a car cover sure seem to have corrosion issues. Must be the hot humid air getting trapped under the cover.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I wonder I I could fool the city and park a bus under that "RV cover".

Get a can of paint and write WINNEBAGO on the side of the cover. I believe you would have much less concern of it being a bus if it's covered, out of sight, out of mind.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I've always wondered what geographic areas car covers work in.
Here in FL as long as you don't live on the coast there isn't any real concern about rust and we rarely ever see any rusty cars.
But everyone who uses a car cover sure seem to have corrosion issues. Must be the hot humid air getting trapped under the cover.

You definitely want a cover that breathes or you will have condensation issues.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Get a can of paint and write WINNEBAGO on the side of the cover. I believe you would have much less concern of it being a bus if it's covered, out of sight, out of mind.

I could almost make it look legit with a stencil made by my buddy who does logos.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I could almost make it look legit with a stencil made by my buddy who does logos.

What is their aversion to buses over RV'S?

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by o1marc

What is their aversion to buses over RV'S?

A skoolie parked parallel in town and lived there for quite some time. Apparently the city had to really fight to get them out so after it was done they made an ordinance against ANY school buses being parked for more than an hour anywhere in town.

[o1marc]

I just realized the $290 cover I posted is actually a $643 cover on 55% off sale, think I need to jump on it now.

[MarkyDee]

AAHHH!


That cover is only 30' long! I need a 45' long, with a cutout for an exhaust stack....


Bummer....