Hello again

[bp3.0]

hello again everyone. I'm not new to the site, been a registered user since 2008 according to the information on my first account, but I just do not have the information required to try to recover that account.

I have worked on 2 bus conversions for myself over the years. I also hosted a skoolie member for a bit of time while they looked for their own property and assisted some with their bus. The most recent bus I worked on, I sold to a friend and he and his wife are now living in it full time.

I am still working on a conversion for myself, however this time, I decided to start with a box truck. I hope that the purists will forgive a non-bus build here. The skoolie community is where I feel most at home amongst all the conversion world.

This is a 2004 E350 6.0L Diesel. Yes, I am aware of the known issues with those engines. The vehicle was formerly a furniture company vehicle, so it has a non-functional lift gate on the back, and a passthrough into the cab, as well as an over-cab portion.

The main box is 16' in length, with another approximately 4' over the cab.

Having contemplated roof raises on previous bus builds, I have to say it is a relief to have a vehicle I can stand up in and stretch without hitting the ceiling. The square corners are nothing to complain about either. LOL

Jim

[Robski]

Looking forward to following your build. Good Luck!!

[bp3.0]

Thank you, Robski.

I have been too busy to start the build thread, but intend to get to that soon.

[Rucker]

Sounds like the right kind of box truck-space over the cab and most importantly pass through.

Too bad about the lift. Might be worth looking into repairing it, even just for the build-it's good security when up, and will be handy during the build.

[bp3.0]

Thank you Rucker.

I spent a lot of time debating what to do about that lift. This isn't the kind that blocks the rear door, but is instead tucked up under the rear end, which I consider to be prime real estate for storage purposes.

This truck came out of northern Kentucky, so has some significant rust concerns. I was careful to make sure nothing critical was impacted (been there, done that), and I am confident the truck will be adequate to my need in the short to medium term.

Someone cut out all the wiring for the lift gate. The plates are badly rusted, as is much of the mechanism. I believe I can get it off the truck with two well placed cuts, after loosening the clamp that holds it up at the moment.

Long story short, I feel that removing the lift gate for any scrap value it might have, and replacing it with some welded framework storage, and a trailer hitch, will be of far more benefit to me.

This is not intended to be my final conversion, but more of a "good enough" conversion for my needs. I need a basic shelter that I can depend on for 3-8 years while I deal with some other of life's goals. Assuming those goal go well, I would be getting a much larger platform to work with and take my time picking it from a place with no rust!

I'll be starting the build thread here soon. I appreciate being welcomed back!

Jim

[Rucker]

Sure thing. I'd also echo advice from others here-use the principle 'time to first campout' and just get something in there you can use.

That way you can use it and gain valuable living experience, and not go deep down a rabbit hole on something that turns out not to be of big value.