First post! International dt466 71 passenger

[BeholdAdventure]

Hey all! The cold weather has slowed my progress so I think this is a perfect moment to take the time to join the community and introduce myself and my skoolie in process!
I've got a 2004 international with a DT466 engine and a T2000 Allison transmission. It's a wisconsin bus so rust was a concern but all things considered I lucked out. However once the seats came out and the plywood came up I realized that if I wasn't careful I could put a hammer through some of the weaker spots. The weather turned cold before I could finish getting the plywood out and treat and paint the rusty floor.
And that's where I'm at at the moment. I think next I need to winterize the engine for the season somehow. If I luck out with a warm snap I can paint the floors and put in the subflooring and insulation this year still. In the mean time I've been working on a scale model of the layout and researching my options for solar and electrical.
Any feedback about my bus, my build so far, really anything in general so far is very welcome. Any help on this crazy project is a great assistance!

[Johnny Mullet]

Welcome aboard. Since it's cold outside and will be for awhile you have the time to get to working on that floor. Grinding all the rust, patching holes, etc. Get a warm enough day and then roll on some rust inhibitive primer or something similar. Good luck!

[Drew Bru]

Welcome to the craziness! You can definitely get some work done over the winter. We got a ton done last winter in Chicago. You'll find that the greenhouse effect works well on sunny days, and with a little assist from a propane or electric space heater you'll be able to work comfortably without a coat.
As far as winterizing the engine, I think you can just fill up the fuel tank and add some anti-gel to it and you'll be good to go. Don't run the engine unless you're going to drive it.

Just keep plugging away and the incremental progress will reward you and keep you inspired.....before you know it, you'll be ready to hit the road!

[EastCoastCB]

Welcome!

I've got an 04 with the same engine/trans.
Change your coolant if its not brand new looking. Keep it in top top shape and always make sure the ph and additives are 100% perfect. The coolant and its passages as well as the liner seals are THE weak link on these engines. I learned the hard way.

[BeholdAdventure]

Thanks for the warm welcome! The weather might cooperate enough to get something done soon. Either way the floors have been a thorn long enough I want to start process, not just ripping stuff out.
I really appreciate the tip about the coolant! Where do I find the specs for maintenance on the bus? Mine didn't come with a manual, unfortunately.