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Old 04-26-2009, 06:48 AM   #1
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Year: 1991
Coachwork: Bluebird
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1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

Hi everyone, i have been reading this site now for about 2 months just trying to get as much information together.

Me and 3 of my friends have purchased a 1991 Chevy? Bluebird body. There is my first question, from the pics can you tell me exactly what model this is? Im afraid my paper work only says BlueBird 91. http://shortbussunday.com/codys%20pi...9/dscf0036.jpg Sorry about the large pic size, we are not done building the site yet but the main page is up and running if you wish to check it out.

It is also a propane conversion, it has a 90L tank. We purchased it from a bus company out here and it has been taken care of extremely well. new engine 20K ago, new tranny 50K ago.

We are basically converting it into a people moving, camping party bus. We have re-classified the bus to a pleasure use vehicle, and reduced the seating capacity to 10 so that following our drivers license's, anyone of us can drive it. (A basic license for us is car, truck, van blah blah but max 10 passengers ;))

At this point we have already done a full tear down on it. Seats are out, floor is out, removed rear heating system, and generally stripped the interior.

As soon as we finish prepping the floor we are going to start painting the inside, and then the wonderful task of wiring and plumbing. We will be installing a sink and one faucet, no toilet, water tank & pump (obviously), battery box, extra propane tank under the chassis, regular night time lighting as well as party mode lighting, LED sign board in the front, Bus-Puter, 3 LCD's, and a pretty massive stereo.

We are all pretty mechanically and electronically inclined and as such doing this work poses no trouble what so ever for us. I am already in the process of calculating power requirements for AC and DC. We will be running an inverter as well.

My next question is about the alternator, i would like something around the 200 amp range for output. If that means an additional alternator that is fine. I would actually prefer to run 2 100 amp alternators instead of one 200 amp, for fail safe reasons. The ability to lose an alternator and keep on bussin sounds like a great idea ;). At this point i don't know what bus model it is exactly nor do i know what alternator it is running, what alternator can be put in its place, or what bolt on alternator replacements will work. That's pretty much whats stumping me at this point. And i hope that is something that this wonderful site can help me with.

I have most of the other systems designed and ready for pricing/ordering/building. Right now im just left with the alternator situation. Then my specs for the electrical requirements will be ready.

My final question pertains to running a generator instead of running the engine to charge the battery box. We have had no problem finding used generators for fairly low cost. However i am not sure how to connect it to the battery box yet. I am thinking that i can just make an extra connection to the alternator post of the isolator, and then run some type of connector plug to the outside of the bus where the generator will sit. As long as we get the right type of generator (from what i have seen) it should then switch on and off depending on its "sensed" voltage level of the batteries. During the day time there will be minimal use but it will increase at night for lighting and such. Please correct me if i am wrong in any of my above assumptions.

I have seen that some people want to run either Genny, or Batt box, however our electrical requirements demand both systems. I am afraid we are just to techy and we want all of our toys to work.

Thanks for reading and check back often for updates on our progress.

P.S. I know that a lot of you guys are American, so excuse my Canadian lingo lol, K's and L's

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Old 04-26-2009, 10:55 AM   #2
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

Based on the picture showing the logo of "Chevy Van" over the number 30, I would say you have a Chevy G30 chassis (van conversion) with a bluebird body.

This is basically a "1 ton" class van chassis with the body built by bluebird and married to the van cab.

It should get decent fuel economy.

Good luck with your conversion,
jim
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Old 04-26-2009, 01:07 PM   #3
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

Thanks for the replys guys.

40 gallons sounds about right, and we will be using it to go to the Nevada desert from here this year. Mine is also an automatic (3 speed unfortunately) and I find it gets pretty decent gas millage, around 200miles to the tank.

PS. I will be figuring our the engine size and stuff today. But so far i can only find the stock 105amp alternators. so i think i might need to buy a new one and run 2. anyone know whats the easiest way to accomplish this?
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Old 04-29-2009, 01:20 AM   #4
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

Anyone have any ideas on the alternator yet?

Also i still dont know what size the engine is. There are no identifiable markings on the engine itself or in the engine bay from what i can see. Here is a picture of the engine, if some one could identify it that would be great. http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o...r262009016.jpg

thanks.
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Old 04-29-2009, 07:44 AM   #5
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

It's a small block chevy, probably a 350/5.7L, read the sticker on the air cleaner it looks like it has tune-up info and basic engine info on it.

you should be able to get a direct replacement 150 or 200 amp alternater, go to your local 'auto electric' shop and talk the people up, they will know exactly what you have and what will fit and work with minimal or no modification.
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Old 04-29-2009, 10:42 AM   #6
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

Great, thanks guys. I will keep this thread updated on our progress
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Old 05-12-2009, 12:10 AM   #7
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

UPDATE

Hey everyone, just a quick note, our website is finally up and running. We have all our up to date pictures in the photo gallery. We are still adding to the site but it is fully operational at this point.

http://www.shortbussunday.com/
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Old 05-18-2009, 03:38 PM   #8
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

UPDATE!!

We have finally painted the interior. Pictures have been uploaded to the photo gallery under May 17th. All the dash pieces have been painted as well but in a flat black instead of glossy.

http://www.shortbussunday.com
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Old 05-19-2009, 02:23 AM   #9
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

Thanks Smitty,

The chrome is a nice touch, but that unit is a little pricey for what you get.

Luckily your link gave me a kick in the butt to start sourcing the alternator again. Best i can tell (since im not at or near the bus to go look) is that the G30 uses a CS130 style alternator. A good thing too as this appears to be a pretty common alternator and i have been able to find a couple 200AMP high output alternators for well under $200

So i will verify next time i go to shorty and check the alternator out. It can only be 2 options, a delco, or the GM CS130. I also need to check it for 1 wire hookup or other, and weather its V-style or serpentine.
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Old 05-19-2009, 09:08 AM   #10
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

www.lmctruck.com is another decent source of chevy truck chassis parts. They sadly neglect the 1 ton chassis, but much of the 3/4 ton chassis stuff works just fine. You just have to be aware of when they won't.

good luck,
jim
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Old 05-20-2009, 01:03 AM   #11
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Re: 1991 Chevy - New Shorty project. Few questions

Thanks for the great sites guys. Best i can tell i can get like a powermaster or alike name brand for about 250 plus shipping.

Or i can go for this one.. i think, for 200 INC shipping
http://<br /> <a href="http://cgi.eb...240%3A1318</a>

What do you guys think?
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