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Old 11-08-2014, 09:53 PM   #1
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Join Date: Jun 2014
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Anyone here converted an ambulance?

I'm a relative newcomer here, and while intrigued with the skoolie conversion idea, I've never done one. While fairly handy, I clearly have a lot to learn skill-wise before taking something like this on (welding, metalworking, electrical, and finish carpentry in particular).

While lurking on PublicSurplus.com, I ran across several ambulances. Has anyone done an ambulance conversion? I think it might be just the thing for me. I want to do a smaller bus, like a shuttle bus or ambulance. Want to make a combo tailgate vehicle and mini-man cave, with enough stowable sleeping for 3-4 in a pinch (thinking hammocks and folding beds that won't take up much space when not in use). What I like about ambulances are all the existing built-in storage compartments, inside and out. I could use the exterior compartments for built-in grills and coolers, pavilion, food and corn hole bord storage, that kind of thing.

Would love to hear from folks who have done an ambulance or seen a good one. Prices are comparable to schoolies. Headroom looks like a potential issue, not sure?

Love this site.

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Old 11-08-2014, 10:49 PM   #2
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Re: Anyone here converted an ambulance?

Ambulances tend to be heavy in weight-and way more storage than living area. And your last line sumed up the main problem-headroom. And depending on how much stuff was removed when taken out of service, You could have a crazy wiring mess. There isn't another vehicle out there thats led as tough of a life.
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Old 02-16-2017, 01:59 PM   #3
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Can emergency lights be converted to brake/turn signals?

So, I have this crazy idea of converting a Type II ambulance (van with a high-top) into a camper/tailgater, and in thinking about what to do with the old emergency lights, has anyone converted them to rear brake, backup and or turn-signal lights? I though the side light holes could be reused for scene/porch lights and/or exterior speakers, And you could leave some of them in to hit them in the middle of the night as a "panic button" in case someone/something is threatening you or your van. Anyone know of someone who has done this? Can't be rocket science, though I am total noob. Thanks in advance.
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Old 02-16-2017, 02:09 PM   #4
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I've been tempted.
I've bid on dozens of the van-type ambulances in the last couple years. One of these days I'll win one. Would be a handy and cool weekend camper, or minimalist home.
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Old 02-16-2017, 02:38 PM   #5
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Pirate 4x4 forum has a few ambulance builds.
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Old 02-16-2017, 03:36 PM   #6
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Yep, I've seen one of two over there.
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Old 04-27-2017, 09:40 PM   #7
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Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: pa
Posts: 2,498
Year: 98
Coachwork: 1. Corbeil & 2. Thomas
Chassis: 1 ford 1998 e350 4x4 7.3 2 mercedes 2004
Engine: 7.3 powerstroke & MBE906
we still have one, 4x4 diesel . bought it with a broken tranny. we used it as camper and workvan for 3 years. Used it in long work/ vacation trip as we now do with Elfie.
Was a good learning experience and step up from a normal van but the skoolie van elfie we have now is way , way better.
If you are single it might work / with two kids and a dog it is kind of torture.

later j
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Old 05-02-2017, 12:37 PM   #8
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From what I have seen, the ambulance format is a big time sink fitting ask the space wasting interior, and most ambulances have spent a ton of time running without moving, meaning the mileage doesn't really indicate it's wear. When they do get driven​, they are driven hard.... But maybe I'm just a negative Nancy.

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Old 05-02-2017, 06:02 PM   #9
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If you can score one with all the lights and inverters,converters for electrical still and light plumbing still there and working.
Most hours are idle hours that hurts an engine.
But none the less it would be fun to play with and get used to the idea until your ready to convert over to the skoolie life.
Sorry that sounded wrong?
It would give you a great donor vehicle when/if you decide a short bus is for you?
I know most people around here think that I should have been on a short bus along time ago? The problem with that was I was home schooled where my skooling was work from sun up to sun down and never road a bus?
The only thing I am lacking is keeping up with my children and technology and wish I would have dragged them back to the Texas farms 16 years ago.
Oh well.
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Old 05-02-2017, 06:04 PM   #10
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I'd LOVE to have an ambulance. Seems like they're super handy, and if its on truck chassis vs a van chassis, its even easier to work on.
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Old 05-02-2017, 06:15 PM   #11
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I know a guy who turned a 4700 / horton ambulance into a mobile coffee shop.. he in-framed the DT-466E in it, that thing is a BEAST.
-Christopher
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Old 05-02-2017, 06:27 PM   #12
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My bus was an ambulance for Walter Army medical center. It did get me a nice big set of back doors and folding bus bench seats. Otherwise it is a pretty normal bus.

Bill
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Old 05-02-2017, 06:29 PM   #13
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A neighbor of mine has an ambulance with a stove pipe coming out the hatch. I've heard that it was a conversion, but the guy never painted it.
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Old 05-02-2017, 08:54 PM   #14
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Chassis: 35' Retired Air Force Ambulance
Engine: DT466, MT643
Rated Cap: 6 souls and a driver
Mine was an ambulance, by legal definition

Even says it on ID plate & $92,000 in 1989



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