97 Thomas MVP Skoolie Build: Engine Choice, Storage, and Seat Plans

[MechanicGuy24]

Hello All, Excited to be here.
My name is Nick and this is my 97 Thomas MVP. Did a lot of reading on here and it sounds like I got myself a great bus thanks to all the knowledge I acquired here. I'm a generator tech and am familiar enough with engines to know I didn't want anything with a bunch of computer stuff on it. This gem came up for sale near me and I jumped on it.
Cummins 8.3L 6CTA - 250
Allison MD3060 transmission
This is going to be home base as my wife and I buy our land start building our little cabin in the woods.

 

[Bjorkinman]

That's an awesome starting point. Same engine/Transmission and storage bays as my Bluebird. Welcome to the obsession.

 

[MechanicGuy24]

That's an awesome starting point. Same engine/Transmission and storage bays as my Bluebird. Welcome to the obsession.

Aren't those storage bays awesome? Looks like you did an amazing job on your bus. I am quite excited to start working out what exactly I'm doing with this thing, but that's half the fun really.

 

[Bjorkinman]

Aren't those storage bays awesome? Looks like you did an amazing job on your bus. I am quite excited to start working out what exactly I'm doing with this thing, but that's half the fun really.

Yes they are! half the reason I bought this.

 

[Bon Voyage]

It’s a beauty. Basically the same as mine though those seats inside are pretty nice I’d almost hate to tear them out

 

[MechanicGuy24]

It’s a beauty. Basically the same as mine though those seats inside are pretty nice I’d almost hate to tear them out

Thanks! I agree the seats are cool. I'm leaving 2 rows up front for travel seats. Then I'm going to wall off behind them and put a door to separate the "cockpit/passenger" area from the livable space in back.

 

[Unpluggedone]

Let me know if you need a home for the seats. Mine is way older (1967) and the seats are overdue for an upgrade

 

[MechanicGuy24]

Let me know if you need a home for the seats. Mine is way older (1967) and the seats are overdue for an upgrade

Will do! They are suppose to be taken out from where I bought it from but if they end up not taking them out I will absolutely reach out. I would really hate to throw them away if you could use them.

 

[MountainGoats]

Wow, that looks like an awesome start to a great project!

Wishing you guys all the best, lots of fun with the build, and an amazing journey ahead!

 

[GunnyVP]

Thanks! I agree the seats are cool. I'm leaving 2 rows up front for travel seats. Then I'm going to wall off behind them and put a door to separate the "cockpit/passenger" area from the livable space in back.

Save those seats and resell them! There are plenty of people out there who want a couple of those for their build… including me!

 

[MechanicGuy24]

Wow, that looks like an awesome start to a great project!

Wishing you guys all the best, lots of fun with the build, and an amazing journey ahead!

Thanks for the kind words. I will start posting more pictures as I get working.