New again!

[Nomadic-SKO]

I haven't updated in a while. Life(and death) has got in the way. This weekend is going to be a busy weekend. I will have running water, independent electricity, interior paint, exterior stripping, refinishing the countertops and attaching everything so I can drive. My best friend, who made my bus build possible, passed away suddenly last month. So, the attached image of the exterior design is a tribute to him. His last name was Bellairs, and whenever you asked him how he was, he always answered with "Livin' the dream"; and he meant it. So, I am getting the bus in order to drive up to Kansas for his service on the 11th, and then on to Colorado for further celebration of his life and spreading his ashes.

 

[EastCoastCB]

My sincerest condolences. I lost one of the best friends I've ever had this year, too.
My friend Eddie helped me out BIG with my bus!

Sucks losing friends. I'm so sorrry, man.
"In the midst of life, we are in death".

Bellairs and Ed are probably having a great laugh somewhere out there in the ether of the universe.

 

[Bigdaadio]

Ditto what Eastcoastcb posted-Bellairs and Eddie will keep a close eye on ya...
Nomadic thanks for sharing the pics, I just recently purchased a Bookmobile and have similar space, your pics have given me some ideas.
I presume Bellair was either a skiier or a purvuyer of fine edibles or both, wanting his final resting place in CO. 66' whether his age or year born is way too young!
The Bookmobile going to make it's maiden voyage to a Metallica in October...

Rock on and "live the dream".

 

[Nomadic-SKO]

A lot of the bookmobiles I have seen are sitting on the exact same chasis and have the same engine/tranny. Good luck with the build. It's a really nice canvas to work with. My original plans have changed a few times, and yours will too. That's how you end up with the perfect bus!

And thanks for the words about my buddy. Steven Bellairs was his name. He was born in 1966. Yep, way too young. Steven had family and friends in Colorado and it's a beautiful state. He would ski when he went and when in Rome... do as the stoners do ;-) .

 

[Nomadic-SKO]

Shared condolences for Eddie. So we do what we do and take them with us and live the life that was taken from them.

 

[Bigdaadio]

Amen brother!
I have about 5 plans... probably will do the 6th..
Keep on... Thanks for reply.

 

[Tango-SKO]

Sorry for your loss but think the "Tribute" paint job is just an excellent idea. And yes...you gotta do the whitewalls! And can't really tell which color you are going for but know that the two closest '57 Bellaire colors were...

• Larkspur Blue
• Tropical Turquoise

Either one would be great. In '66, they were a bit more conservative.

 

[Nomadic-SKO]

The color of my bus, under the old wrap, is close to Tropical Turquoise. I went with the blue because of the existing colors. The '66 is a reference to my friend's birth year. And of course... the whitewalls are a must. The fender cutouts will be faked with the wrap. The guy who is doing the wrap said he has a few more design surprises for me. We shall see! Thanks!

 

[Tango-SKO]

Sounds pretty slick. Can't wait to see some pix!

 

[Nomadic-SKO]

It's getting there. Getting wrapped now.

So, I have most of the interior finished and functional. The rain has been insane. It is now stripped and about to get a new wrap. I am including the mockup which included the before photo.

My solar array goes up next. I have it set up at the house and 3.2 Kw of panels will be going on the roof. 6 Kw of batteries will be inside for the time being. And I am running a 24v system with a 2000 watt pure sine inverter. It is all working wonderfully at the house. I can't wait to get it on the bus.

The most recent virtual tour is below. I have done quite a bit since I did this. I will do another soon.
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=rXgmVHwY5ay&brand=0

I will be heading to Colorado and Vegas soon, but I am now in the process of starting an RV/Boondocker park with spaces for folks to work on their skoolies near Denton, Texas. I made another post about that. Check it out and give me some feedback.

 

[cadillackid]

neat bus.. and especially HAIL to the Breville!!!
-Christopher

 

[Nomadic-SKO]

Yes, Breville makes wonderful life support systems. I used the old seat belts to keep it in place during travel. I have found those to be quite handy in securing items.

 

[PNW_Steve]

I think the idea of a common place for skoolies to get together and work on their conversions. Lend each other knowledge and labor.

I have been looking at properties for sale along I-40 for the same purpose. Unfortunately I am just daydreaming at this point.

Bus is looking great !!

 

[cadillackid]

in my DEV bus i kept the floor tracks and i have the old snap in seat belt units that fit them.. they are extremely handy!!!

 

[Nomadic-SKO]

Another update

All of the old, ugly wrap is gone! A layer of silicone will be added and then the new wrap goes over it!

 

[Tango-SKO]

Sweeeeet! Lookin' bad a$$!