doing research

[Lawrence_Brown]

Hey all, I'm Lawrence. I recently started looking into a bus conversion, im still doing research to make sure I can get everything I want. So far it seems that given a few dollars and a welder I can get just about anything I could ever imagine. So I suppose mostly I'm just working through the logistics of certain things still.

I'm looking towards a front engine style, medium size bus I think.

I've seen lots of great ideas here so far.

[nat_ster]

Welcome.

Buses are built with rivets, not welders.

Welding galvanized metal should be left to the pro's. It's easy to make a bad weld and never know.

Rivets are more DIY.

I used 1/4 bolts vs using rivets.

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/th...ime-10138.html

Nat

[EastCoastCB]

I'd have to disagree. Welding is a VERY important tool/skill to have when bus building.
And galvanizing doesn't make welding any harder. It just makes it more unhealthy to do. Wear a respirator or use proper ventilation and this is not an issue.

Not trying to start an argument here, but respectfully disagreeing with you on welding.

[Lawrence_Brown]

I had assumed welding for structure and rivets for skin? Is that wrong?

[Lawrence_Brown]

And by welding all I really mean is fabricating. I just meant if you have tools you can basically do whatever you want with the bus

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Lawrence_Brown

I had assumed welding for structure and rivets for skin? Is that wrong?

That is how I'm doing mine.

[nat_ster]

Most buses only weld a few points where the steel is thicker than 1/8th.

Welds break when flexed. Rivets take the movement, and stay strong.

Just look at the way your bus is built, and go from there. Every weld on my two buses are broken from fatigue. The rivets are still holding.

If the galvanized coating is not properly removed before welding, it becomes a contaminant in the weld, causing a weak weld. Much the same as rust.

Originally Posted by Lawrence_Brown

And by welding all I really mean is fabricating. I just meant if you have tools you can basically do whatever you want with the bus

You bet, that's the spirit.

Nat

[taskswap]

Rivets are also gas-tight bonds (when properly set).

[nat_ster]

Originally Posted by taskswap

Rivets are also gas-tight bonds (when properly set).

Yup.

And welds leak like a window screen unless your a B pressure welder.

Nat