New Skoolie

Moby_Bus · 03-14-2018, 07:23 AM

Hello everyone Bill and Gwen here. We are located out in Central Ohio.

We are picking up a 1990 Thomas Built International Bus DT466 mechanical Diesel (not computerized 👍) w/Allison 4-speed automatic transmission this Saturday. With 39002 miles total. With a pro white paint job on the outside.

The plan is to spend the next 12 months building out the bus for full time living.

Currently saving money for when we hit the road full time.

WanderWoman · 03-14-2018, 08:48 AM

Welcome, Bill and Gwen!
Sandi
Full-time Skoolie
www.thismidwifetravels.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby_Bus

Hello everyone Bill and Gwen here. We are located out in Central Ohio.

We are picking up a 1990 Thomas Built International Bus DT466 mechanical Diesel (not computerized 👍) w/Allison 4-speed automatic transmission this Saturday. With 39002 miles total. With a pro white paint job on the outside.

The plan is to spend the next 12 months building out the bus for full time living.

Currently saving money for when we hit the road full time.

CH777 · 03-14-2018, 09:04 PM

Hi ya......
I'm in southern Ohio by the river. Sounds like a nice bus. Solid motor choice.
39002 miles total?
WOW! Low miles. Must have sat a lot.
Ex-Church bus?

oredigger · 03-15-2018, 05:12 AM

Welcome to the club. We may have to have an Ohio Skoolie gathering.

jonb8 · 03-15-2018, 05:40 AM

Congrats, sounds like a great bus, Good luck with the build

Johnny Mullet · 03-15-2018, 06:24 AM

Welcome to the site. Seems to be a lot of Ohio skoolie owners.

Moby_Bus · 03-15-2018, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH777

Hi ya......
I'm in southern Ohio by the river. Sounds like a nice bus. Solid motor choice.
39002 miles total?
WOW! Low miles. Must have sat a lot.
Ex-Church bus?

It was county owned, and used to shuttle ppl around for litter clean up and the like I think. Either way it's a blessing as the year is just on the top end of being old.

And we are super stoked to start this process.

Moby_Bus · 03-15-2018, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oredigger

Welcome to the club. We may have to have an Ohio Skoolie gathering.

I'm all for an Ohio skoolie get together. Of

CH777 · 03-15-2018, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby_Bus

It was county owned, and used to shuttle ppl around for litter clean up and the like I think. Either way it's a blessing as the year is just on the top end of being old.

And we are super stoked to start this process.

90 is a good year for that type bus. & you have the best diesel engine IMHO.

I strongly suggest you pull rubber off floors........ clean, repair and rust treat & paint...then put down insulation and plywood as a good base.

Also insulate walls and ceiling.

Use Kool Seal or similar coating on outside roof. ( it will make it amazingly cooler in summer and also warmer in cold weather. EASY AS PIE TO DO. Just make sure to clean roof first so it sticks good.

These things will mean everything in the end.

A good foundation is everything.

OH............and have fun!!

Moby_Bus · 03-15-2018, 02:02 PM

That's good news to hear. The body is very rust free. The under has been sprayed with a ring liner type of stuff. So I'm hoping there isn't much hidden under the floor boards. But he's getting fully gutted and close cell spray foamed

CH777 · 03-15-2018, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby_Bus

That's good news to hear. The body is very rust free. The under has been sprayed with a ring liner type of stuff. So I'm hoping there isn't much hidden under the floor boards. But he's getting fully gutted and close cell spray foamed

Be a good way to go with the foam. Pricey but worth it if you have the money.

Paint before you spray the foam.. extra protection...seal it all up nice.

Spray foam won't do for the floors though. I'd use that 1/2 inch steel roof stuff under the plywood. high efficiency, moisture proof, thin to save space. I like the blue stuff. Can't remember the brand.

Hope you do a build thread. Always great seeing pics of the progress.

cadillackid · 03-15-2018, 05:21 PM

welcome!! fellow central Ohioan here too.. i travel all over lots..

I dont know much about converting a bus as far as the Living part but I can help a little with questions and concerns about your Navistar Drivetrain.

im totally up for an all ohio skoolie get together.. heck if i could find a driver id bring Both of my busses!!
-Christopher

Moby_Bus · 03-17-2018, 04:43 PM

Just picked her up today, here's a few pictures

CH777 · 03-17-2018, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby_Bus

Just picked her up today, here's a few pictures

Nice..... pretty clean looking.

Have fun taking the seats out. Not hard...just time consuming.

Get a grinder, sockets, wrenches, a pry bar and a gullible helper who you can talk into climbing underneath....... lol.

PNW_Steve · 03-17-2018, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CH777

Nice..... pretty clean looking.

Have fun taking the seats out. Not hard...just time consuming.

Get a grinder, sockets, wrenches, a pry bar and a gullible helper who you can talk into climbing underneath....... lol.

Doooh!!

I did it wrong. My helper was not properly qualified (gullible) and I wound up being the one under the bus.

CH777 · 03-17-2018, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

Doooh!!

I did it wrong. My helper was not properly qualified (gullible) and I wound up being the one under the bus.

live & learn.

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