International Short Bus Conversion

[Unaesthetic Nomad]

Hello all,

I am currently converting a 2008 International Short bus 25'
I have driven across the country twice in the past year with no issues and am excited to share my current progress on the build.
First, here is my bus, as I am sure you're interested in what it looks like.



I have just recently finished up painting the exterior with TCP Global Custom Coat Bed Liner and was not too difficult to apply, the prep was just time consuming.

As for the interior I have build and fabricated all of the drawers,cabinets and other wood elements using a CNC router.

This was made using poplar bought from home depot and the joints are notched and only held together with wood glue. the toughest part was matching the ceiling curve.

The next series of photos is the process of designing and assembling the kitchen cabinet and live edge countertop.


Routing a pattern around the sink that tapers down.


mockup of the hardware and first look of the epoxy coating


pre assembling before installing in the bus


Installed

This next photo is of my storage cabinet next to the bed.


I have many videos posted of the build process on my instagram [ @unaestheticnomad ] and am currently about 50% completed this fall I will be working on my desk and office area as well as some seating that will convert into a second bed.

Also for this build, the sequence of assembly is a little off because I wanted to have the bus minimally ready to live in after a a couple months of work and I am now trying to work around the already installed parts while still living in it while I attend grad school. I am posting all my videos of the build to youtube, short form will be on Instagram and the detailed write ups will be posted here.

Lastly, here are some photos off nice places I have been in the bus.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park, Canada

Jasper National Park, Canada

Salt Flats, Utah

Colorado

Colorado

Thanks for looking and let me know what you think of the build so far.

[BarnYardCamp]

nice work...painting the exterior really makes a huge difference.

[Unaesthetic Nomad]

It completely changed the look of the bus, it went from rags to riches in 2 coats.

[Kentucky Dreaming]

Looking great!

[Wobbleszo]

I am working on a 2012 international BE 200 with the dreaded Maxxforce 7 engine. I would love to see more of your project and (if you're not opposed) I might reach out to ask how you tackled a few things. Your shortie looks amazing; thanks for sharing!

[Tejon7]

Wow, looking great!

[NWOleman]

Nice! Very Nice!

[Unaesthetic Nomad]

Yeah send me a message anytime. I get the hate with the maxxforce 7 and the emission systems can cause issues but if you don't run the vehicle too hot, in my experience, will run smooth but I've only put about 15k since I bought the bus, so I have limited experience. To preface, my dad is a mechanic and with the issues known he still recommended I get this bus, everything else was in such good condition; no rust, clean, tall ceiling, well maintained records.

I tend to drive slower and really watch the temps on hills, the DPF doesn't like climbing on hot days, the EGTs get too high and I will lose power but I'll just cool down for an hour and we are good. I have replaced my DPF filter and didn't make much of a change. I was told by an international mechanic that you should check the oil frequently, water can find its way in there and the oil level will raise, which you don't want and will have to drain to reduce the oil level and if it happens again change the oil completely. Luckily I have not had that happen but I am staying alert.

So far, it's been good and no motor issues but I am alway monitoring for changes.

[Wobbleszo]

I appreciate that! I had to put about 17k into mine to get it back home. I got it at auction and was in it all day had it running fine and then right after I paid for it and went to drive away it was like a magical catastrophic failure of the DPF, compound turbo (both failed) ERG cooler plugged and damaged, and a few electrical issues. After making 5 trips across the state (each time it was supposed to be fixed), I finally managed to drive the whole way back a year and a half later. I hope that your bus continues to run well and am grateful to be able to lean on your experience!

[Unaesthetic Nomad]

Holy moly that sounds dreadful, and I am sorry that happened to you. I have little experience, I am still new to this skoolie life as well but anything that happens with my bus I will post it in this tread.

[LisaPayton]

Wow just live the sink. We are starting our short bus conversion and love looking at pictures of what others have done in a shorty.

[Unaesthetic Nomad]

Working on the office/lounge area design. I have found a layout and material scheme I like. The first image is a digital render of what the space will look like when complete.



The second image is that of the current progress. The desk in the image is a walnut live edge electric stand-up so that when fully raised, people can sit under it, trying to make the most of the area while having a full working office space.



I have also added a t-slotted camera slider to take videos while driving, cooking, working, and gaming. The wall finish is BAUX wood acoustic felt, and my Vevor fridge sits inside the couch with a top open hinge to access.

[Unaesthetic Nomad]

https://youtu.be/SUN6FywlTSY?si=1oObJUH-mkP2QV3S

I have been documenting the process of building the overhead cabinets and the video in the link showcases much of the work I have been doing to complete the cabinets on a CNC router. This was shot to be cinematic and is one of my favorite videos I have produced thus far.

Let me know what you think and if there are any other aspects of my build you would like to see, I would love to hear your comments or criticisms.

[nikitis]

Would of liked it to show a little more substance like joining the two cuts to kind of finish off what you started rather than waiting until the next video, Left us a little wanting, however it was shot well and music and produced well, and the filmography was done well too. I wouldn't change how you are producing the videos, just consider completing the join.

I also realize that this kind of production takes hours for just a couple of minutes, but we gotta follow through to the end.

[Unaesthetic Nomad]

Originally Posted by nikitis

Would of liked it to show a little more substance like joining the two cuts to kind of finish off what you started rather than waiting until the next video, Left us a little wanting, however it was shot well and music and produced well, and the filmography was done well too. I wouldn't change how you are producing the videos, just consider completing the join.

I also realize that this kind of production takes hours for just a couple of minutes, but we gotta follow through to the end.

I totally agree. I think that the ending is a little lacking because all the pieces have not been cut yet. I do at the end show how the two cut pieces fit together with the notches but yea it should have been more in-depth.

thanks for the feedback.

[ZX12R]

That’s some real nice work with a clear vision