rustymetalgirl
Advanced Member
I am in the process of converting this bus, purchased in March of 2020. It has just under 60K miles (was used as substitute for most of its Texas school life). No rust. Starts, runs and drives great! I have been going slowly with the conversion, trying to do things "right" and with an eye toward aesthetics, flexibility and accessibility for potential future modifications.
I am having a blast with the process, but when I think about how we might actually USE the bus, I am wishing I had purchased a smaller bus. Mostly would be for weekend trips, just my husband and me. This bus is really bigger than we need and want, although it is a great bus and is in great shape. No rust. T444 engine. Tires have good tread, but are older, and I personally would replace before taking out on a long trip.
I am an amateur welder and woodworker, so mostly I am doing this for the "project" aspect of it. I'm not looking to make a profit or reimburse my time, just be able to get a smaller bus that will be more useable for us.
Here's SOME of what I've done so far:
-completed process for registration as motor home in Texas.
-complete engine maintenance and service at professional diesel shop.
-gutted seats, floor and side panels.
-all windows removed, thoroughly cleaned and resealed.
-3/4" plywood subfloor over 1/2" foam insulation and vapor barrier.
-opted to leave metal ceiling in place (rivets!!!), although this could still be removed without difficulty.
-insulated upper and lower walls, floors, front and rear bulkheads with rigid foam.
-painted metal ceiling (still may opt to do headliner)
-custom front wooden front bulkhead unit with speakers mounted and storage area
-custom wooden cabinet to replace driver's electrical box with new switches and copper anodized switch panels
-opted to leave vehicle AC and heaters in place (Texas is too hot AND too cold to drive without them) and had extensive professional service ($3800), with placement of two new compressors, all new coolant hoses and wiring.
-90% of original bus wiring has been traced and either labeled, repurposed or removed. New vehicle fuse block.
-120v ac shore power with 6 circuit breakers installed
-"house" 12v wiring started for lights, chargers, etc.
-repaired/replaced locks on front and rear doors.
-installed junkyard driver and passenger seats from a Chevrolet Uplander with new covers, proper grade 8 installation, retractable 3 point seat belts, seat heaters and custom swiveling pedestal bases
-rear view cameras (one high and one low) and monitor installed
-extensive thermal and sound insulation to driver's area, stepwell and firewall... lowered ambient noise from driver's seat from 78 dB to 66 dB
-all new LED marker lights
-flashers repurposed to additional "off road" lighting
-new custom floor mats for front area (thick rubber stall mats)
-minor exterior blemishes/holes repaired with body filler and/or epoxy resin
SO, what I'm wondering is if anyone out there has a 5-8 window short bus they would like to trade or if anyone would like to purchase my bus for a reasonable price so I can buy a short bus. Thinking I would prefer a van cutaway style, but would also consider short dog nose.
The price will vary, depending upon what options the buyer/trader would like to have vs. what I would be able to keep for my next build. I am not looking to profit, just come out "fair". I paid $4500 for the bus, plus about $1000 for maintenance and service, plus about $3800 for the AC and heater repair. I have all receipts and can provide them if anyone is seriously interested. I probably will need somewhere between $10-12k (which could be partially or completely offset by short bus). I plan to upload some new pics on my profile soon.
Thanks for reading! Sorry for being longwinded.
I am having a blast with the process, but when I think about how we might actually USE the bus, I am wishing I had purchased a smaller bus. Mostly would be for weekend trips, just my husband and me. This bus is really bigger than we need and want, although it is a great bus and is in great shape. No rust. T444 engine. Tires have good tread, but are older, and I personally would replace before taking out on a long trip.
I am an amateur welder and woodworker, so mostly I am doing this for the "project" aspect of it. I'm not looking to make a profit or reimburse my time, just be able to get a smaller bus that will be more useable for us.
Here's SOME of what I've done so far:
-completed process for registration as motor home in Texas.
-complete engine maintenance and service at professional diesel shop.
-gutted seats, floor and side panels.
-all windows removed, thoroughly cleaned and resealed.
-3/4" plywood subfloor over 1/2" foam insulation and vapor barrier.
-opted to leave metal ceiling in place (rivets!!!), although this could still be removed without difficulty.
-insulated upper and lower walls, floors, front and rear bulkheads with rigid foam.
-painted metal ceiling (still may opt to do headliner)
-custom front wooden front bulkhead unit with speakers mounted and storage area
-custom wooden cabinet to replace driver's electrical box with new switches and copper anodized switch panels
-opted to leave vehicle AC and heaters in place (Texas is too hot AND too cold to drive without them) and had extensive professional service ($3800), with placement of two new compressors, all new coolant hoses and wiring.
-90% of original bus wiring has been traced and either labeled, repurposed or removed. New vehicle fuse block.
-120v ac shore power with 6 circuit breakers installed
-"house" 12v wiring started for lights, chargers, etc.
-repaired/replaced locks on front and rear doors.
-installed junkyard driver and passenger seats from a Chevrolet Uplander with new covers, proper grade 8 installation, retractable 3 point seat belts, seat heaters and custom swiveling pedestal bases
-rear view cameras (one high and one low) and monitor installed
-extensive thermal and sound insulation to driver's area, stepwell and firewall... lowered ambient noise from driver's seat from 78 dB to 66 dB
-all new LED marker lights
-flashers repurposed to additional "off road" lighting
-new custom floor mats for front area (thick rubber stall mats)
-minor exterior blemishes/holes repaired with body filler and/or epoxy resin
SO, what I'm wondering is if anyone out there has a 5-8 window short bus they would like to trade or if anyone would like to purchase my bus for a reasonable price so I can buy a short bus. Thinking I would prefer a van cutaway style, but would also consider short dog nose.
The price will vary, depending upon what options the buyer/trader would like to have vs. what I would be able to keep for my next build. I am not looking to profit, just come out "fair". I paid $4500 for the bus, plus about $1000 for maintenance and service, plus about $3800 for the AC and heater repair. I have all receipts and can provide them if anyone is seriously interested. I probably will need somewhere between $10-12k (which could be partially or completely offset by short bus). I plan to upload some new pics on my profile soon.
Thanks for reading! Sorry for being longwinded.
