Removing Fusebox and overhead wiring panel

[zachariej]

2004 Chevrolet Express cutaway 5 window bus

So we have an interior fusebox that is under the drivers seat. I disconnected it and the bus still turns and all my lights and blinkers seem to work. So I think I'm safe to remove it, I just want to know if anyone may have any experience with it and has any advice.

Also, there is an over head Wiring panel where all the interior wires run to and I want to delete that so I can use the overhead space as storage. I've removed about 90% of the wires but there are some I am on the fence with. I guess I could disconnect it and see what happens but I'm not wanting to cause issues.

 

[Danjo-SKO]

What vehicle?

Why are people compelled to do this?

 

[zachariej]

2004 Chevrolet Express cutaway 5 window bus

 

[Danjo-SKO]

I wouldn’t do it.

I wish you the best with your wiring deletion, but I’m a firm believer that it’s not a good idea and unless there’s a compelling reason to remove a wire, it’s best to leave it

 

[DeMac]

Marvin

What vehicle?

Why are people compelled to do this?

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idk, I'll be your +1, to leave them in place. Many of the experienced folks have bricked their buses. Some others have had success. The panel under the seat is usually separate.

"I'm going to blow up the planet earth. It's blocking my view."


MEP Engineers & Designers are always at odds. Often the silly fire pumps, ductwork, electrical panels (which upsets up the day-core).

 

[zachariej]

I mainly just want to remove or move the wiring panel overhead and use the space for storage. Looking for someone with experience in doing that.

 

[ewo1]

I mainly just want to remove or move the wiring panel overhead and use the space for storage. Looking for someone with experience in doing that.

So you mean to say that it is not possible to ty-wrap the overhead wires out of the way ?

Ok then, cut the red wire first, wait 3 seconds then cut the blue wire next.

If you don’t wait 3 seconds, bus will blow up !


LMAO….

Cutaway bodies will have 2 circuits. One if them is chassis and the other is body.
Asking us which one is ok to remove is not an easy task.
Best bet, leave it alone or move it all to one side.

Or

Contact the bus builder, not chevy, and see if they can get you a wiring diagram.

 

[Danjo-SKO]

So you mean to say that it is not possible to ty-wrap the overhead wires out of the way ?

Ok then, cut the red wire first, wait 3 seconds then cut the blue wire next.

If you don’t wait 3 seconds, bus will blow up !


LMAO….

Cutaway bodies will have 2 circuits. One if them is chassis and the other is body.
Asking us which one is ok to remove is not an easy task.
Best bet, leave it alone or move it all to one side.

Or

Contact the bus builder, not chevy, and see if they can get you a wiring diagram.

DO NOT CUT THE BLUE WIRE!!!

The systems in cutaways are interconnected. The bus manufacturer didn’t reinvent the turn signal circuit. They just tied into it

 

[BamaBus]

2004 Chevrolet Express cutaway 5 window bus

So we have an interior fusebox that is under the drivers seat. I disconnected it and the bus still turns and all my lights and blinkers seem to work. So I think I'm safe to remove it, I just want to know if anyone may have any experience with it and has any advice.

Also, there is an over head Wiring panel where all the interior wires run to and I want to delete that so I can use the overhead space as storage. I've removed about 90% of the wires but there are some I am on the fence with. I guess I could disconnect it and see what happens but I'm not wanting to cause issues.

I have an 02 express cutaway that has a compartment just above the driver with a lot of wiring. I removed some, but the rest I left alone since I feel like it has to go somewhere and where it is is fine. I could make a false panel with the wiring just behind it but as of yet its still factory. I really started using it for occasional business purposes, so no conversion.

See this youtube video for a better idea of what is possible, if you know what you are doing.

 

[germwerm]

Hey,

We did this on our 2009 4 window Chevy E3500 Blue Bird. The overhead compartment is a cabinet now, with some wires in a conduit along the back wall. So everything below obviously just pertains to our situation.

It was a big project, and done with the help of a friend who does residential+commercial wiring. Additionally, the bus came to us partially converted, with the stop sign, hazard lights, emergency lock systems, etc, already removed. But we did strip the inside and remove about 20 lbs of wire, and basically map the entire circuitry system of the bus. I figured it was worth it, since it’s only a short bus, and I believe that it’s good to understand as much as you can about especially the electrical system, but someone looking at a 40ft RV conversion may feel differently.

So that said, yknow, I would really just trace everything out. Use your eyes. Don’t just start cutting, be sure of what you’re doing. It’s really complicated to someone with no prior knowledge at first, but honestly a lot/most of that overhead wiring goes to the emergency/signaling system/rocker switch panel of the school bus and you won’t be needing it. Know which circuits are the turn signals, the brake lights, whatever interior lights you want to keep, etc.. And keep track of the vandal lock system, if you remove anything you’re unsure of, re connect the batteries and see if the bus will start.

It’s daunting but definitely possible. There should be wiring schematics available on the Blue Bird site, if that’s what yours is, I’m not sure about any of the other body manufacturers. Get help, go slow, be thorough, is what I would say.

 

[theodoremerritt]

dinosaur game
What vehicle?
Why are people compelled to do this?

Mood-boosting chemicals are released in our brain when we give back and help others. It's natural to want to come to the aid of a loved one who is hurting, whether they are struggling with mental health issues, behavioral problems, learning challenges, addictions, or other issues.