I have been stalled out due to some unavoidable circumstances but need to be out of AZ before the heat beats me down. I have all the supplies I need for my build (more or less) but ended up deciding I couldn't have the bus I wanted long term without the roof raise (14 inches). I did buy a rivet shaver and in general have all the tools known to man. But with that said, which of the three options do I choose and do any of them actually save any time?
One thing to keep in mind, I have a roof rack I'm building the full size of the 84 passenger bus either way for my 5,000 watts of solar.
1) Full roof raise.
I don't love the super tall front, seems like the most work and in my build I'll have a door right behind the drivers seat so I view the higher front as a liability for heat and I can't think of an upside for my build.
2) Instead of removing the rivets around the front I cut the roof just behind the drivers seat. Then I continue with the rest as normal.
I like this, fair compromise, allows me to finish the front differently and better suited for just being a driving area. Looks wise, meh, horse apiece, I think I like this more than the super call front.
3) Do the same with the back as the front in option #2, cut front and rear across the roof, raise, and have only the middle be raised.
In reality, being a pusher there is zero upside to the rear being raised since there's nothing back there but the deck. I'm going with a different layout (front bedroom, rear kitchen) so that's just seating there anyway. Also, this allows me to add a vent (or two) in that area since the solar will be up 14" above the roof. This seems easiest, most functional, and goofiest looking.
I would really value thoughts and ideas or anything I'm missing or overlooking. I'll put in the work needed I just see positives and negatives to each with the only negative of option #3 being appearance which may be addressed with a full length roof rack.
One thing to keep in mind, I have a roof rack I'm building the full size of the 84 passenger bus either way for my 5,000 watts of solar.
1) Full roof raise.
I don't love the super tall front, seems like the most work and in my build I'll have a door right behind the drivers seat so I view the higher front as a liability for heat and I can't think of an upside for my build.
2) Instead of removing the rivets around the front I cut the roof just behind the drivers seat. Then I continue with the rest as normal.
I like this, fair compromise, allows me to finish the front differently and better suited for just being a driving area. Looks wise, meh, horse apiece, I think I like this more than the super call front.
3) Do the same with the back as the front in option #2, cut front and rear across the roof, raise, and have only the middle be raised.
In reality, being a pusher there is zero upside to the rear being raised since there's nothing back there but the deck. I'm going with a different layout (front bedroom, rear kitchen) so that's just seating there anyway. Also, this allows me to add a vent (or two) in that area since the solar will be up 14" above the roof. This seems easiest, most functional, and goofiest looking.
I would really value thoughts and ideas or anything I'm missing or overlooking. I'll put in the work needed I just see positives and negatives to each with the only negative of option #3 being appearance which may be addressed with a full length roof rack.
