Introducing my first bus

[Stuff]

mmmm cat power. ya front breaks are easy to swap calipers and shoes. i would have done it for my bus but was 1000 miles from home and no tools.

[Stopbit]

Hoping to find something at the hardware store tomorrow to loop the coolant lines to the rear heaters so I can get them out and get the rest of the plywood out. Was hoping to get the drivers seat out as well but the nuts for it are under the gas tank and have no desire to drop that. Guess I will just cut the plywood around it. Then pull all the nails out and sand off all the rust and clean everything in the bus. Also will have to do something with all the wiring for the heaters and pump.

[Stopbit]

Anyone know where I can get a replacement door lock like this? I was not given a key for this but would like to keep using it. I'm going to take it to a locksmith Monday and see if they can help but have a feeling will need to find a replacement.

[jkindt]

What's the other side look like? Can the lock cylinder be replaced?

[Stopbit]

Does not look like it can be replaced.

[Stuff]

ya that can be changed out. heck probably can even key it alike to other locks on the bus if needed.


and Smitty, ya i keep getting pads/shoes mixed up lol

[Stopbit]

Thought about taking the lock off the fuel door which I don't have a key for either. It has "025" stamped on the face of the lock.

[Stopbit]

Got the rest of the plywood out and drained the coolant from the rear heater. Also picked up some copper fitings that I need to weld together to loop the coolant lines. Also posted a few more pictures on my blog.

[Stopbit]

So I am wondering if using a power washer to clean out the back of the bus would be a good idea or not?

[Stuff]

id think on a hot day it would be okay. just open her up to get all the moisture out.

[putterspitt]

I just pressure washed mine, let it dry out, plywooded the floors and have put down laminate flooring.
after it dried it was good to go.
hit walls,windows and ceilings.
how much room do you have behind the drivers seat, just wondering?

[Stopbit]

Originally Posted by putterspitt

I just pressure washed mine, let it dry out, plywooded the floors and have put down laminate flooring.
after it dried it was good to go.
hit walls,windows and ceilings.
how much room do you have behind the drivers seat, just wondering?

I have 15 feet behind the driver and of course the standard of a little over 7.5 feet width. Not alot of room but should work fine for my plans of a weekend camper.

[putterspitt]

then our buses are the same size.
I am gonna go with the Cockabus layout.
no water or sewer or toilet. just a little party bus.

[Stopbit]

Originally Posted by putterspitt

then our buses are the same size.
I am gonna go with the Cockabus layout.
no water or sewer or toilet. just a little party bus.

I was planing on using a shower/toilet combo but may just go with a porta potty, small fresh and grey water tanks and outside shower.

[busdriver_phil]

Originally Posted by emberglow

Figured it would be too easy for you and I to have the same key code. Guess only the S&S RVs are all keyed alike then..

Let me guess...CH545? That's what most Thomas bodies use. Blue Birds usually use the LL25. I'm not positive, but you should be able to use the key from any newer Blue Bird on those. Try a dealer, or even try asking a school district or bus company that has some Blue Birds, they might have some extras laying around.

[Stopbit]

Had to order a new lock($102) for entrance door from http://www.kansastruck.net since the old one come to find out had super glue in it. Used my angle grider with wire brush to break off the loose rust and then power washed the inside. Some guy showed up and asked to take all the metal from my dumpster which made my mother happy because that meant there was more room for her to get rid of more junk. Started to try and get those reflective strips off but the heat gun didn't seem to help much. Really glad most of the dirty work is done. Also posted a few more pics on my blog.

[Stopbit]

Even if I could get the super glue out still wouldn't have a key and locksmith was not much help. I'm guessing the lock was super glued a long time ago before I got the bus. Next weekend plan to paint the floor with rusty metal primer and if it dries by Sunday seal all the holes with silicone caulk , lay down red rosin paper,1x3 framing with 3/4"rigid foam insulation, and 3/4" plywood. I do have one question should I thin out the Rustoleum rusty metal primer for the metal floor or just use it full strength?

[Stopbit]

Thanks for the answer Smitty and plan on rolling and/or brushing it on. Don't have a paint sprayer or air compressor big enough anyway

[Stopbit]

Got the floor painted with rusty metal primer but it started raining so couldn't work on those stupid reflective tape/stickers today like I had hoped, maybe tomorrow.

[jkindt]

Looks great. That should help seal up the floor and keep the rust away.