The Busted Flush

[plfking]

Got my cap window openings cut out and framed....the windows themselves ended up too thick for my liking, so I'll re-do those frames this week.

Inside my bus it's usually 10-12 degrees hotter than the ambient temperature.....as soon as I cut my second opening, I could feel a new draft.....and 30 minutes later the bus and ambient temps were within 5 degrees of each other, so it's looking good. Can't wait to get it out on the road this weekend and see what a difference this makes.

[Mark_In_MA]

Sooo. . .You're not putting in an electronic destination sign?

I'm kinda surprised no one has.
(I'm not even sure I've seen an analog rollsign before.)

That's one thing I want to be a feature of my bus - a changeable destination sign of some sort. IDK if that's just a window for an oversized computer printout, a whiteboard, or some sort of electronic sign (depending on how cheap I could acquire one.)

[plfking]

Originally Posted by Mark_In_MA

Sooo. . .You're not putting in an electronic destination sign?

That's one thing I want to be a feature of my bus - a changeable destination sign of some sort. IDK if that's just a window for an oversized computer printout, a whiteboard, or some sort of electronic sign (depending on how cheap I could acquire one.)

An electronic sign would be pretty neat....especially if you could program it with whatever you wanted it to say. I have no idea on how to go about that. Christopher could probably grab 4 tablets and in 10 minutes make one that would have a fireworks display on it.

Having vents in the front and rear caps has been on my mind since day one....I think it was actually the first question I asked on this site oh so many moons ago.

[plfking]

Got my end-cap windows built and installed.....still need to putty, sand, and varnish the frames, and weatherstrip the opening, and decide on a latching system, but was too eager to get it out on the highway and test it.

Very happy with the results, and well worth the time spent on this little side-project. At 55 mph the wind felt about the same as sticking your hand out of a car window doing 25-30 or so (I'm sure the screen is restricting the air flow somewhat). And was surprised that I actually felt a little positive in-flow from my driver's slider, which wasn't there before. But the cherry-on-top was when I wedged the window at about a 45 degree angle and the breeze deflected straight down to the driver's area, and it felt wonderful.....I don't think I'll even reinstall my 2 small metal fans after I do my ceiling.

[Tango]

Nifty! First time I've seen a transom window on a Skoolie.

[plfking]

Originally Posted by Tango

Nifty! First time I've seen a transom window on a Skoolie.

I'll see your nifty and raise you a keen.

Yeah.....some trepidation going in because I couldn't find any that had been done before. My biggest worry was the cap skin flexing my window frame to pieces, but it wasn't an issue. And now I've got a 25 ft convertible, airflow-wise.

[plfking]

Maybe it's just me, but I find it to be a hassle when opening/closing windows.....have to use both hands, have to stand directly in front of it to raise evenly on both sides, all while stepping on/over loose boards, parts, tools, etc.

So I tried something different.....removed the latches, and added a knob and a bungee cord assembly.

One hand operation rules! Total cost around $4.00 (less if you choose the lower-priced pulls).

Cycled it about 50-60 times over the afternoon with no issues. Will have to see how the bungee cord holds up, and if I have to go to a stouter one or not.......this was the smallest diameter available at Lowes.

[BlackJohn]

Hi Don. Have the same issue and used silicone spray down the sides where the windows slide. It helped a lot but am still sick of opening windows so don't. turn on my ac or leave the doors open.


John

[plfking]

Got the majority of my wood trim installed....still a handful of pieces left to do, but getting there.

I didn't like the contrast of the vertical vs. horizontal wood, so I camouflaged all my doors. I generally hate covering up wood grain with paint, but I like it a lot better this way. Still need to do a little shading so it all matches.

[plfking]

Got an early start this morning to beat the rain......the exterior is more-or-less complete. After trying 3 different hood scoop prototypes, and not liking any of them, I'll put that on the back burner in my mind and take another swing at it in a couple of months. May also make my painted arrows a little skinnier. And need to do some more shading of the wood.....but all in all, I'm happy with it. It's definitely different.

Especially like how the 466 badges and the thicker, wider step turned out.

[EastCoastCB]

Dude! Keep it up man its looking NICE!

[Mark_In_MA]

That looks awesome! I love the wood trim and the hood details.

I love that it's a bus, but at the same time, its clearly not your average yellow bus anymore.

[plfking]

Thanks guys.

On to the interior. Now I have to teach myself the dark magic that is called 'electricity', whether I really want to or not.

[plfking]

Reworked my hood stripes.......much better.

Can any of you artist-types paint some faux ribs for me?

[BlackJohn]

Looks awesome! What's left to do?


John

[alpine44]

Originally Posted by plfking

Thanks guys.

On to the interior. Now I have to teach myself the dark magic that is called 'electricity', whether I really want to or not.

Awesome work.

I may be able to help you making electrons flow the right way. Where do you live? I am close to Old Fort, NC.

[plfking]

Originally Posted by BlackJohn

Looks awesome! What's left to do?


John

Just the hood scoop........and the deck......and the entire interior.

If I get back on schedule, I'll be done by early summer '19.

[plfking]

Originally Posted by alpine44

Awesome work.

I may be able to help you making electrons flow the right way. Where do you live? I am close to Old Fort, NC.

That would be welcomed more than you can know. I'm in High Point, about 150 miles away. Would love to drive over and pick your brains for a couple of hours.....I'd even bring a cooler of refreshments.

Can I PM you in a couple of weeks? Have a couple more items to button up first.

[plfking]

Knocked out a few small chores yesterday. Installed grab handles at the top of the front cap for safety reasons, along with some non-skid tape. Also taped my new step. Fashioned a tie-back for my door (still looking for 'crimp-able' ferrules for a more finished look). And a temporary latching system for my transom windows (thanks for naming those, Tango ). Was planning on latching with barrel bolts, but can't find any slim enough to mount on my window frames (they're 1" wide). If I end up using the pegs, I'll pull that assembly out and install a prettier version.

[EastCoastCB]

I love your shorty build, Don.
You've got me wanting to paint my bus now.