a middle sized bus

[Valkyrie_2]

Today i had a look at a bus. The back 4 tyres need replacing, badly. There's an oil leak and a lot of work to be done but the basic bus seems sound. I'd post more but im on my phone now and won't be back to my computer for a few days. Meanwhile i blogged about it here... http://schoolbushome.blogspot.com/2014/ ... t.html?m=1 i hope nobody objects to my non commercial link.

 

[DaveLind]

That sure is a large platform in the rear. I'd be tempted to put another set of signal lights on it.

 

[Valkyrie_2]

That platform is vanishing with the aid of an angle grinder if i buy the bus. It has metal fatigue. My bigger worry is the tyres. Theyre 10R22.5. The wheels have split rims so i assume it should be easy to change the tyres with just a spanner. This is all new to me.

 

[jazty]

Are you sure you have split-rim wheels? If you have 10r22.5 tires you probably don't. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think split rims are only for tubed tires. 10r22.5 would be tubeless, no? You do, however, have Dayton style rims instead of Budd style.

If it does turn out that you have split-rims DON'T DO THE TIRE CHANGE YOURSELF!! Take the bus to a professional. Those things have killed people.

 

[Valkyrie_2]

The rims have two sets of nuts. One in the very centre and one at the end of some apparent spokes, just before the rim. I suspect this is where the wheel comes apart.

They are 10R 22.5. The 4 back tyres seem to be worn on one edge indicating poor toeing. The outer tyres have cracks where they have rotted. Good job the front tyres look in better shape!

If I can get low cost part-worn replacements, this should at $4k be an acceptible bus. I kinda like this one - the engine sounds good. There's a lot of work to be done - ripping out somebody else's conversion etc but the body and chassis are solid.

 

[bansil]

those are dayton wheels, NOT split rims

Read up on removing them and re installing BEFORE you loosen anything

split rims have a ring around bead area that can and has killed many a person over the years

 

[Valkyrie_2]

They look kinda like the Dayton wheel but with a set of nuts around a central hub also (two sets of nuts).

 

[Valkyrie_2]

Well, the bus now has some quite worn but serviceable tyres. I drove her home from Georgia on Saturday.

 

[Valkyrie_2]

Progress so far

 

[EastCoastCB]

So do you now have two buses?

 

[Valkyrie_2]

So do you now have two buses?

No... took the shelf off the back, mostly painted the bus. Still have some painting to do. Gutted it inside. Got to finishe the painting and bodywork fixes then its all interior work.

 

[Valkyrie_2]

There.... several days work and an almost completed kitchenette.

 

[EastCoastCB]

nice. Keep it up! Feels good to get stuff done.
I'm saving up the pieces to start assembling the interior.

 

[Valkyrie_2]

Don't save up stuff.... Just start. Do a bathroom or a bedroom or a kitchen. Saving just delays the start.

 

[EastCoastCB]

I'm working on the bus every day. But my income is $0.
Been laid off for two years. Thankfully I own my home and had some savings.
So- Until I actually have wood and materials, I'll just continue doing bodywork, mechanical repairs, and tinkering.
I'm about to be patching the holes left in the roof from removing the leaking and broken Emergency hatches. I have some 14ga plate cut, and am trying to borrow a welder. Then I'm paneling in the windows. I get the steel for free for the most part so thats great especially at this stage.
My bus is a true low budget build, but I'm not going to skimp on anything either.

 

[Valkyrie_2]

Habitat for humanity may be able to help with materials.

My story is similar http://schoolbushome.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-truth-about-motorhome.html

 

[EastCoastCB]

I just checked out your blog. You and I seem to share some views of the jobs market, for sure. We are in very similar situations, Zephod. Luckily we both know- Don't Panic, and to know where your towel is.

 

[Valkyrie_2]

The basics of my in bus toilet!

The in bus toilet cubicle!

 

[Valkyrie_2]

I paid for a years insurance on my motorhome conversion with state farm. 3 months down the road, they welsh on the deal and say they're not going to insure my motorhome any more. Wait for it - because I don't have an oven cook top combo. ****, I don't use that in my normal house. I cook solely with a steamer, crock pot and microwave. Have you ever heard anything so ludicrous? Needless to say I'm looking at other insurers and will transfer all my policies awsu from those buffoons

 

[Valkyrie_2]

Problem solved. I changed insurance companies. No idea why the guy at mine was being such an idiot. Check my blog for exact details but I had two letters... One dated 12-23 saying I had until 13-1 and one on 26-12 saying here's a refund. My insurance guy was urging me on to do stuff that didnt need doing yet right up til yesterday! Something fishy there