2002 Chevy short preschool bus

[Tstege]

So I found and decided on pine T & G for walls and ceiling. Boaght all of the boards form Lowe’s here in I Indiana. Had to go to 2 stores and bought 46 boards total at $9 a piece. They are all 12ft grade 2 select and are really nice looking. Also using my uncles router to get around the windows. Looks very finished.

Also order my fridge from truck fridge. It was $550 delivered and I got it in 2 days. After speaking with them it’s the exact same technology as the more expensive ones on the market. With my 2 150 amp batteries charging from the engine and the 315 watt solar panel we should be able to run it. I’m going to keep as much on DC power as possible.

[Tstege]

Walls and windows

[Beachvbguy]

Looks great. I can't help but notice how overwhelmingly people seem to choose wood for ceilings, counter-tops and walls, even floors in some cases. I'm thinking this is an aesthetic choice, but, to me, it's both not my sensibility and also seems to present tons of issues regarding durability, scratching, and moisture damage, and maintenance. Am I missing something? Weight? My current musings are to come up with an industrial design, and use more durable materials for my construction. Thoughts?

[Tstege]

It was a tough choice. For me it came down to the aesthetic, R-value, ease of install, feeling of it when cold, easy to fix if scratched (sandpaper) and I can attach cabinets and stuff directly. I looked at birch plywood, but they scratch and knock. I also was thinking about shower board (plastic type 4x8 sheets), but i don’t love the look.

The floors are water proof click type stuff with sound deadening rubber stuff on the back. They are essentially seem less, so easy to clean.

[Tstege]

Sorry for the delay and lack of photos. Finished the walls and ceiling. Working on a trim pice for around the sailboat hatch still. Left about 3-4 inches open between walls and ceiling boards. The plan is to do wiring then trim it out. One side will have lights the other behind the drivers seat will have upper cabinets with lights under them and some charging stations in them. The front are will also get a cabinet and I’m thinking electrical will go above the drivers seat.

[Tstege]

Finished the bumper deck finally. Basically took my two tool boxes(free) got some underbelly truck box mounts and a bunch of grade 8 bolts. Mounted them facing rear with a space between them 28” apart. Used red cedar decking and carriage bolts to finish it. Plan is to do most cooking and outdoor kitchen stuff on it. Also between the boxes will be wire mesh for storing wet suits, random stuff and firewood.

[Frochevy]

That is a great idea! I love it. Extra storage... I'm always needing extra storage as well. Looks great too!!

[BlackJohn]

Nice setup of a nice idea..well done!


John

[Tstege]

Thanks. It took about 8 hours but is well worth it. I’ve been driving it everyday and it is really not a bad daily driver. Still short enough for a parking spot. Here are a few more pictures. I am starting upper cabinets tomorrow and installing the base cabinets, fridge, and some other things. My uncle has a bunch of really nice poplar, and ash we are going to plane down and make the upper cabinets out of. I got a few solid wood base cabinets for super cheap locally so I’m going to integrate them accordingly.

It was sunny today so I painted my rub rails black. I also added some stretched steel between the boxes for wet suits, and firewood.

[Frochevy]

How far is the bottom of your boxes off of the ground? I'm wondering if I can do something similar with my back platform. I worry about dips and bottoming out if I get too low...

[Tstege]

I can measure tomorrow and post some close ups. It is still higher than my exhaust if that helps and the pumpkin. I was a little worried about the departure angle but it’s not an issue. It sticks out 20” which is perfect for 2 bicycles and the bike trailer for the dogs. When we get to camp the plan is to unload and use it to cook on.

[Doktari]

That’s a useful and nice looking addition. I assume you were able to leave the original bumper in place. I’m getting inspired to build mine next year. Thanks

[Tstege]

Yep left the original bumper. Originally had big plans to extend the bumper and weld....... real life I bought brackets mounted everything and didn’t need fabricated parts. Works great and is super functional so far.

[Tstege]

Built and installed a 11ft upper cabinet that will provide a ton of storage for us. Instead of building a bunch of contours I used 12ft 2 1/2 inch pieces of poplar as anchors on the ceiling and wall. Then just built a big face plate with support legs. My uncle has all the proper cabinet tools, so it wasn’t super difficult. Took about 10 hours total though. Used solid 1” aspen for the doors.

[o1marc]

Nice work. I'm at the upper cabinet stage and have the birch boards for the face.

[HappyInTN]

Originally Posted by Tstege

Built and installed a 11ft upper cabinet that will provide a ton of storage for us. Instead of building a bunch of contours I used 12ft 2 1/2 inch pieces of poplar as anchors on the ceiling and wall. Then just built a big face plate with support legs. My uncle has all the proper cabinet tools, so it wasn’t super difficult. Took about 10 hours total though. Used solid 1” aspen for the doors.

Love the woodwork!

[Frochevy]

That looks great and very functional!! I'm hoping to build something like that over my dinette area...

[Tstege]

Definitely worth it. Spent about $120 in materials but thats because I used 1” polar and didn’t need a back or front. Looking at it I can say for sure I would do it again. Panel the interior first and then hide it with the upper cabinet. I plan on all my wiring being hidden but accessible. I have another 11ft 6” trim piece for the other side that I angle cut at 52 degrees on both sides. It will hide the wall roof seem as well as house 4 lights and wires.

[Tstege]

I have the cabinets, fridge and sink ready to install. Just have to make some face plates for the fridge. The idea is all the wiring and batteries will be right behind the drivers seat at the end of the kitchen. I’ll post pictures when installed.

Does anyone have links on what people do to finish the area above the windshield and drivers seat?

[Tstege]

Finished the bed platform today. It’s 76x61 we have a queen short mattress so it fits in there perfect. The water tank I have will fit between the wheel wells to carry that weight better.