I finally got my bus! wait till you see it.... but what do i do about this A/C?

[caleylemieux]

There she is! 2002 CSFE (possibly C1FE, can't figure it out) 121,000 miles - original color! Came from California

I finally got my bus, after 2 years of searching. I had just about given up and put it on the backburner, when this beauty fell in my lap. I own a horse tack business that specializes in embroidery, and I wanted something to be able to take on the road, as a mobile business at horse shows. I originally thought I wanted a short school bus, but quickly realized it would be too small. I set my sights on a mid size school bus with handicap door, but I was overwhelmed at all the different types and styles. I knew I wanted Cummings Diesel, Allison trans, flat nose, handicap doors and low miles. Living in Michigan, I didn't want anything local, due to rust issues. I moved to Arizona last October and continued my search here, but found nothing of interest. Until i found HER! just 10 minutes from my house! It also happens to be my favorite color, and what is also my business color. anyway, im rambling.... This is my first conversion, and I have a few questions.

*The back AC unit works well, not super super cold, but works
*The side unit blows hot air
*The driver unit is either broken, or I haven't found that switch yet

I would really prefer to just remove the side air unit, as it is big and in the way, and I dont really need it since I have the back unit for driving, and I plan on getting something more portable while parked. (can't run the engine at the shows). Is there a manual, tutorial or something of the like that I can use to take this out? My boyfriend who is helping me is nervous that it could be too big of a job, and once we start taking it out, there is no turning back.

*Flooring - Im definitely not worried about cold, and noise shouldn't be a problem since I am only driving to and from, not with any customers. Do I have to take up the original floor or can I put something directly on top? What are the best options for materials?

*Where is a good place to sell these benches and stripper pole? It would be perfect for someone converting to a party bus, and I dont want to just trash them. We will keep the back corner seat, as it fits nicely.


Thanks for reading! I will update progress as we get more work done.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Don't turn on a black light in that bus!!!

LOL I'd put on some gloves, clean that thing out a few times over and give the stripper pole to whoever wanted it.

Cool looking little bus. I like the color!

 

[caleylemieux]

THANKS! I have only had it for half a day, already found two pieces of chewed gum, and one big rhinestone haha

 

[o1marc]

The purpose of pulling the plywood floor is not just to add insulation, but to inspect for any rust issues from leaky windows leaking water down below the plywood and rusting the flooring out, they all leak. Now is the time to find. correct, seal and move forward. This way all the work you put into it doesn't fall to the ground in 2 years.

 

[brokedown-SKO]

If I was you, I'd get all the AC working if possible. Arizona is no joke with heat and even with tons of insulation you're still inside a solar oven. I can testify that driving with dual air behind you doesn't stop you from sweating in the seat in hot weather, even though everyone behind you is putting on jackets and gloves!

 

[caleylemieux]

The purpose of pulling the plywood floor is not just to add insulation, but to inspect for any rust issues from leaky windows leaking water down below the plywood and rusting the flooring out, they all leak. Now is the time to find. correct, seal and move forward. This way all the work you put into it doesn't fall to the ground in 2 years.

after i do that, what do i put over it? im guessing plywood, but how thick? what options do i have to put over the plywood?

 

[caleylemieux]

If I was you, I'd get all the AC working if possible. Arizona is no joke with heat and even with tons of insulation you're still inside a solar oven. I can testify that driving with dual air behind you doesn't stop you from sweating in the seat in hot weather, even though everyone behind you is putting on jackets and gloves!

I will most likely try to fix the driver air, but i am certainly not keeping the side unit as it will be in the way for my retail space

 

[brokedown-SKO]

That driver air is something I honestly haven't seen before. If your bus actually has three compressors in it that would be pretty amazing!

 

[o1marc]

after i do that, what do i put over it? im guessing plywood, but how thick? what options do i have to put over the plywood?

Standard subfloor will be 5/8" or 3/4" plywood. You can go thinner if you like. As long as you have the subfloor up now would be a good time to consider insulation (bridge freezes before roadway) , you can start with 1/2" or 1" rigid foam insulation and then the plywood. The options for floor thickness is dependent on headroom loss.
Bench seats in most cases are worth nothing more than what you can get for the steel frames at salvage.

 

[JDOnTheGo]

... and give the stripper pole to whoever wanted it.

Hmm... that gives me some ideas...

I'LL TAKE THE POLE!!!

:wink1:

 

[golfersmurf57]

I'm going thicker insulation 2" R10 factor surround sound and I live in hot and humid SC. Also will help if I travel up country. If I can ever get back on it. Got more stuff to do than a one legged butt kickin contender.

 

[golfersmurf57]

Oops not fond of the color, but you picked it![emoji16]

 

[golfersmurf57]

Does the pole cone with a stripper attached?

 

[Paschini]

There she is! 2002 CSFE (possibly C1FE, can't figure it out) 121,000 miles - original color! Came from California

I finally got my bus, after 2 years of searching. I had just about given up and put it on the backburner, when this beauty fell in my lap. I own a horse tack business that specializes in embroidery, and I wanted something to be able to take on the road, as a mobile business at horse shows. I originally thought I wanted a short school bus, but quickly realized it would be too small. I set my sights on a mid size school bus with handicap door, but I was overwhelmed at all the different types and styles. I knew I wanted Cummings Diesel, Allison trans, flat nose, handicap doors and low miles. Living in Michigan, I didn't want anything local, due to rust issues. I moved to Arizona last October and continued my search here, but found nothing of interest. Until i found HER! just 10 minutes from my house! It also happens to be my favorite color, and what is also my business color. anyway, im rambling.... This is my first conversion, and I have a few questions.

*The back AC unit works well, not super super cold, but works
*The side unit blows hot air
*The driver unit is either broken, or I haven't found that switch yet

I would really prefer to just remove the side air unit, as it is big and in the way, and I dont really need it since I have the back unit for driving, and I plan on getting something more portable while parked. (can't run the engine at the shows). Is there a manual, tutorial or something of the like that I can use to take this out? My boyfriend who is helping me is nervous that it could be too big of a job, and once we start taking it out, there is no turning back.

*Flooring - Im definitely not worried about cold, and noise shouldn't be a problem since I am only driving to and from, not with any customers. Do I have to take up the original floor or can I put something directly on top? What are the best options for materials?

*Where is a good place to sell these benches and stripper pole? It would be perfect for someone converting to a party bus, and I dont want to just trash them. We will keep the back corner seat, as it fits nicely.


Thanks for reading! I will update progress as we get more work done.

Looks like just the right unite for your needs. Have fun with your build. I like the color to

 

[Dead pirate]

Ill take that stripper pole for sure

 

[Mark_In_MA]

I would pull up the floor. Insulating the floor is fairly easy, and fairly cheap. Also, any one of the inexpensive faux-wood floor finishes from Home Depot will REALLY make your business stand out. People see the rubber, and just think "bus."

Climate control will be an issue too - you might have a mobile studio, but it's also a tin can soaking up the sun. The vendors with a tent over their head might not have a solid roof, but they get much better airflow.

 

[vintageracer]

Re-color the roof of the bus white to help reduce temperature in the bus.

Tint the windows with GOOD solar reflecting tint film.

Always be aware of the direction you park your bus in relation to the sun to get the least amount of direct sunlight over the course of a day at shows

Make/Fabricate bubble wrap type of silver aluminum material inserts for the side and front windows for use on the sunny side of your bus away from your customer vending side when at shows to reflect the solar heat/rays.

Check the sub-floor as suggested above for damage and upgrade, insulate as suggested and install you favorite flooring material. There are many laminate flooring options that look great, provide water resistance and are dimensionally stable.

ALWAYS keep a clean and fresh fuel filter in the Cummins engine.

Install stripper pole sideways for a clothes/embroidery hanger.

Check to see how many separate A/C compressor's/systems are installed on this bus BEFORE any A/C changes/work. It "appears" at this point you do not know if you have 1 complete system, 2 systems or 3 separate systems. You just might be stuck with that center A/C unit.

Most of all have fun and give serious consideration to hiring professional help when needed for things you cannot do yourself or complete with the help of others to keep this bus project moving forward to completion.

You don't want to be the next person with an unfinished bus project for sale!

 

[802trees]

I am so happy for you! Go for it! I can't help with the AC but I have been trying to figure out a layout myself. I just worked a horse show in Lake Placid NY. I was thinking the embroidery thing! I would have to learn the new machines. I don't have a partner and was trying to figure out if I could do something like that on my own. In a short bus. A sewing thing. Habit and costume alterations. Maybe small leather cleaning and repair PM me if you want.
Look forward to seeing it evolve.
I still have not found my bus but will look hard again.
Congratulations!

 

[CaptSquid]

R-22 Insulation

 

[BigPaul367]

A/C Removal!

There she is! 2002 CSFE (possibly C1FE, can't figure it out) 121,000 miles - original color! Came from California

I finally got my bus, after 2 years of searching. I had just about given up and put it on the backburner, when this beauty fell in my lap. I own a horse tack business that specializes in embroidery, and I wanted something to be able to take on the road, as a mobile business at horse shows. I originally thought I wanted a short school bus, but quickly realized it would be too small. I set my sights on a mid size school bus with handicap door, but I was overwhelmed at all the different types and styles. I knew I wanted Cummings Diesel, Allison trans, flat nose, handicap doors and low miles. Living in Michigan, I didn't want anything local, due to rust issues. I moved to Arizona last October and continued my search here, but found nothing of interest. Until i found HER! just 10 minutes from my house! It also happens to be my favorite color, and what is also my business color. anyway, im rambling.... This is my first conversion, and I have a few questions.

*The back AC unit works well, not super super cold, but works
*The side unit blows hot air
*The driver unit is either broken, or I haven't found that switch yet

I would really prefer to just remove the side air unit, as it is big and in the way, and I dont really need it since I have the back unit for driving, and I plan on getting something more portable while parked. (can't run the engine at the shows). Is there a manual, tutorial or something of the like that I can use to take this out? My boyfriend who is helping me is nervous that it could be too big of a job, and once we start taking it out, there is no turning back.

*Flooring - Im definitely not worried about cold, and noise shouldn't be a problem since I am only driving to and from, not with any customers. Do I have to take up the original floor or can I put something directly on top? What are the best options for materials?

*Where is a good place to sell these benches and stripper pole? It would be perfect for someone converting to a party bus, and I dont want to just trash them. We will keep the back corner seat, as it fits nicely.


Thanks for reading! I will update progress as we get more work done.

Hello Caley!!

THE AIR CONDITIONING!!

Here is the best advice I can give you. First, have the Freon Gas extracted and stored by an A/C Technician, Once the pressure, no pun intended, is off. Remove the unit, you plan to not use, one piece at a time. (Put a piece of 3/4 plywood underneath so if something heavy does fall, it does NOT damage your floor.) If you plan to sell the recyclable materials and not reuse any of it, what difference does it make whether it is in one piece?? After you have removed the unit and the ceiling is to your liking. Then take it back to the A/C Technician and have him recharge the system. (He can seal off the bits where the old unit was removed.) He can pre-pressurise the system to check for leaks (He should anyway!) then fill/pressurize the system and make the Driver's Unit blow cold. The Drivers Unit may only need a FUSE which would prevent it from blowing at all!!

THE FLOOR.

If you plan to do business only (NO COOKING, CLEANING, SLEEPING, BATHING OR RUNNING MACHINERY) the original floor is fine. If you plan to also reside in the Bus, on the road, PLEASE, tear out the floor to make sure nothing BAD is hidden from view. Piece of mind is a very strong motivator. (IF you later decide to sell the Bus, being able to show the prospective buyer the condition under the flooring [With pictures!] will help to fetch a good price!!)

BENCHES AND STRIPPER POLE!

You will probably have no trouble selling the Stripper Pole. The Benches?? That would prove a rarity to find ANYONE who wants them for anything more than FREE!!