Looking for folks & resources in Chicago

[plexus_nexus]

Hi all,

I am hoping to start a bus conversion within the next month if I secure a place to park and work on one. I have not started bidding on anything. I'd like to work on a barebones conversion from this April through early July. My goal for the next few months will likely not include plumbing or electrical, but I still intend to travel full time out of the bus starting in July.

Does anyone know anyone who may rent out a space for a school bus conversion for a few months? I am hoping to not have to go further than 45 minutes from the Wicker, Logan, Bucktown, West Town area, so ideally not far south or north.

Also, does anyone have any contacts for skilled labor to work on the bus? I will be working on the bus full time, but also need assistance to meet my goal of leaving this summer.

Finally, does anyone who lives in the area want to give me a tour of what they've done on their own skoolies? I'd be happy to bring you a six pack or bottle of wine or food or something! It'd be great to see and hear from others first-hand who are also currently in Chicago.

You can also message me here or contact me on Instagram at _plexus_nexus

Thanks everyone!

[Rucker]

What state is this?

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by Rucker

What state is this?

High as a kite?

[TheHubbardBus]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

High as a kite?

ROFLMOA

[plexus_nexus]

For a second I thought I left the location out, lol. Chicago is in the great state of Illinois: land of soybeans, corn, and swine.


I'm still looking, so... bump. I'm getting the impression after talking to people on Facebook marketplace and Craigslist that it won't be too difficult to find a location to work on it, especially if I opt for a shorter bus.

[Rucker]

Originally Posted by plexus_nexus

For a second I thought I left the location out, lol. Chicago is in the great state of Illinois: land of soybeans, corn, and swine.


I'm still looking, so... bump. I'm getting the impression after talking to people on Facebook marketplace and Craigslist that it won't be too difficult to find a location to work on it, especially if I opt for a shorter bus.

We're from all over, literally. I live not far from five points.

If you don't know where five points is, that is literally why adding your state (or country) is helpful.

The marketplace for buses and labor is completely distributed, so it may take time to identify a bus, and/or identify help with the conversion.

What are you budgeting for a bus and conversion?

[plexus_nexus]

Originally Posted by Rucker

We're from all over, literally. I live not far from five points.

If you don't know where five points is, that is literally why adding your state (or country) is helpful.

The marketplace for buses and labor is completely distributed, so it may take time to identify a bus, and/or identify help with the conversion.

What are you budgeting for a bus and conversion?

Of course; I'll be sure to add the state next time. I used to live in "the Bay Area", i.e., San Francisco, CA Bay Area, but "the Bay Area" might mean something completely different to someone I talk to in Chicago who might be from Tampa Bay, FL.

I'm open to purchasing a partially-converted bus to save some time (especially if it's already titled as a motorhome), but that possibility opens up so many more questions that it's hard to know if it's an option worth pursuing. Right now I'm monitoring Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, GovDeals, and Public Surplus. I will hire a local mechanic familiar with whatever engine I look at once I start seeing buses.

My budget should not go over a total $30k at 80-90% complete, is probably the best way to say it. Ideally I spend under $10k on the actual bus for something reliable and with low levels of use, if possible, especially if it's on a van chassis, which is what I'm leaning towards right now. It's just for me. I sat on a couple rear-engine city buses that were probably around 35 ft and they felt way too big for my needs. Hopefully a shorter bus will reduce some of the time it'll take to convert, but I'm sure shorter chassis conversions have their own issues that are time intensive.

[pkd1]

Originally Posted by plexus_nexus

Hi all,
...
You can also message me here or contact me on Instagram at _plexus_nexus

Thanks everyone!

I sent you a message.

[Rucker]

Originally Posted by plexus_nexus

My budget should not go over a total $30k at 80-90% complete, is probably the best way to say it. Ideally I spend under $10k on the actual bus for something reliable and with low levels of use, if possible, especially if it's on a van chassis, which is what I'm leaning towards right now. It's just for me. I sat on a couple rear-engine city buses that were probably around 35 ft and they felt way too big for my needs. Hopefully a shorter bus will reduce some of the time it'll take to convert, but I'm sure shorter chassis conversions have their own issues that are time intensive.

That seems doable. Do you plan to boondock, or pretty much keep to campgrounds that take buses?