Starting 2000 Blue Bird w/ Cummins 5.9L 24V, Allison

[StacyG1971]

Hello everyone! I live in the Portland/Vancouver area and would like to exchange ideas about how to get things done. If anyone is in the same area and we could meet in person, all the better!

Just a few weeks ago I bought a mid-size bus on a full size frame. It is a:
-2000 Blue Bird, 28’ long w/ 167,000 miles
-Cummins 5.9L, 24 V
-Allison AT545 transmission
-Flat-nose w/ short wheelbase
-Rear wheelchair lift

I’m wanting to do a basic and functional build with:
-King or queen bed
-Composting toilet
-No black water tank
-40ish gallons fresh water
-Grey water tank, size TBD
-Solar w/ battery/inverter
-Inside shower and sink w/ hot/cold water
-Propane hot water
-Propane cooktop
-Refrigerator w/ freezer (110VAC only)
-A/C and heat (mini split I think)
-No existing window, ceiling, or floor removal
-Vinyl plank flooring
-Lower window halves to be blackout/mirror film and insulation
-Lower walls insulated
-Outside cameras for driving and security

Information on shops local to Portland/Vancouver that do work on the following would be much appreciated:
-Brakes/alignment
-Transmission service

I’ve included a few pics too.

[desrtdog]

My build thread is here:
https://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/t...nic-42584.html

Similar size bus w/ an WC lift, although not a flatnose. I put in many of the things you are looking to do… Would recommend you consider removing floor, windows and ceiling to make sure you don’t have any rust hiding in there and also to get better seals/insulation… my 2 cents…

Have a look and post any q’s back to the forum - plenty of experts here to come in with their opinions.

(Nice bus BTW…)