Shortie California Conversion

[RockTreeSky]

Bought this 1995 International 3800 DT466 with 49,000 miles with the intent to transport kids from our youth makerspace to a nearby ranch where we do some outdoor activities. After getting pretty far along in the process with the DOT# and the CA#, we were stopped short by the PUC motor carrier permit # which required a 3 million dollar umbrella policy above and beyond our existing liability coverage. Well, that really jerked us to a halt like a rookie bus driver and air brakes.

The teens in our program had been wanting to find their own hang out space at the ranch, and had even asked about converting a shipping container already on the property. Guess what kids, I think we can do you one better! Say hello to the mobile seminar/chill out room. Yes, we will take out the seats and make it nice. Yes, if we even make it nice enough my family and I may use it for short vacation jaunts in the summertime. Looking forward to working with our students and doing this Skoolie conversion!

Just got started on removing the seats today. The energy was high and all ages of kids on our program were totally excited. I’m thinking this conversion will be a perfect fit with the learn by doing philosophy of our makerspace.

I’m sure I’ll be lurking and reading around in here, but if anybody has any experienced advice they feel like offering, I’ll read it!

 

[Robin97396]

Welcome

If you don't find the information you need, just ask.

 

[Johnny Mullet]

Welcome aboard!

 

[jdawgsworld]

Bought this 1995 International 3800 DT466 with 49,000 miles with the intent to transport kids from our youth makerspace to a nearby ranch where we do some outdoor activities. After getting pretty far along in the process with the DOT# and the CA#, we were stopped short by the PUC motor carrier permit # which required a 3 million dollar umbrella policy above and beyond our existing liability coverage. Well, that really jerked us to a halt like a rookie bus driver and air brakes.

The teens in our program had been wanting to find their own hang out space at the ranch, and had even asked about converting a shipping container already on the property. Guess what kids, I think we can do you one better! Say hello to the mobile seminar/chill out room. Yes, we will take out the seats and make it nice. Yes, if we even make it nice enough my family and I may use it for short vacation jaunts in the summertime. Looking forward to working with our students and doing this Skoolie conversion!

Just got started on removing the seats today. The energy was high and all ages of kids on our program were totally excited. I’m thinking this conversion will be a perfect fit with the learn by doing philosophy of our makerspace.

I’m sure I’ll be lurking and reading around in here, but if anybody has any experienced advice they feel like offering, I’ll read it!

And may the adventure be grand indeed!!!!

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[Tango-SKO]

Welcome! Sounds like a great program. Too many kids today have no real world experience with anything and never get to experience the feeling that comes from actually building/making something with their own two hands.

 

[cadillackid]

Welcome! Sounds like a great program. Too many kids today have no real world experience with anything and never get to experience the feeling that comes from actually building/making something with their own two hands.

I TOTALLY love maker-space.. esp if it can be rented for individuals for art / hobby / etc.. some of it can only be rented for startup businesses.. tango has it right so many peoiple these days have no idea how to build anything.. so many times I hear people say "wow you actually *BUILT* that? "when it comes to many things.. some times things that are pretty simple..

theres something that really gives a huge drive to one's enthusiasm for Living Life and accomplishment when you Build or fabricate something tangible..

even more-so if you see someone using something you made ...
-Christopher

 

[jdawgsworld]

I TOTALLY love maker-space.. esp if it can be rented for individuals for art / hobby / etc.. some of it can only be rented for startup businesses.. tango has it right so many peoiple these days have no idea how to build anything.. so many times I hear people say "wow you actually *BUILT* that? "when it comes to many things.. some times things that are pretty simple..

theres something that really gives a huge drive to one's enthusiasm for Living Life and accomplishment when you Build or fabricate something tangible..

even more-so if you see someone using something you made ...
-Christopher

For sure...I love to watch the bus conversion videos, the ship builders...and before YT (gasp!) I'd watch This Old House and New Yankee Workshop...and I forget the quilting shows

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[Robin97396]

Oh, come on. We know you were watching "Sewing with Nancy."

 

[jdawgsworld]

Oh, come on. We know you were watching "Sewing with Nancy."

Yep...awesome show...I think her show was where I learned how to replace a zipper...I used to have a Juki...thinking about getting a Sail-Rite this tax season

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[Robin97396]

I simplified sewing. Back to a needle and waxed dental floss. It doesn't come apart.

 

[jdawgsworld]

I simplified sewing. Back to a needle and waxed dental floss. It doesn't come apart.

[emoji6]

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[joeblack5]

new or used?:hide:

 

[Robin97396]

That's a fair question. Used doesn't go through the fabric as smoothly, but it has a better color for dark clothing.

 

[RockTreeSky]

Reading around in this forum and seeing The discussion related to powertrains led me to tak a look at the transmission on the 8 window shortie. Survey says: Allison mt643. From what I read, I think I should be pretty happy about that!

We are still working on getting the seats out. Yesterday our momentum got a bit interrupted by a blacksmith who came and worked with eight of our students. You’ve got admit, that’s pretty exciting to hammer on some red hot iron. Though the way these seats are going, I’m not sure there’s much difference in the amount of force that’s going to be required. Meanwhile, a group of our teen girls are scanning Pinterest for “bohemian chic” decorating motifs. This is what happens when a skoolie goes to school!

 

[jdawgsworld]

Reading around in this forum and seeing The discussion related to powertrains led me to tak a look at the transmission on the 8 window shortie. Survey says: Allison mt643. From what I read, I think I should be pretty happy about that!

We are still working on getting the seats out. Yesterday our momentum got a bit interrupted by a blacksmith who came and worked with eight of our students. You’ve got admit, that’s pretty exciting to hammer on some red hot iron. Though the way these seats are going, I’m not sure there’s much difference in the amount of force that’s going to be required. Meanwhile, a group of our teen girls are scanning Pinterest for “bohemian chic” decorating motifs. This is what happens when a skoolie goes to school!

I think if you hold the head of the bolt, spray anti-seize on the nut, and use a driver on the nut...they should come loose or twist off...Idk

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[Thomas1985]

If they are fighting you too much use an angle grinder. Get the $17.00 wheel not the cheap ones.

 

[Tango-SKO]

My personal preference is for the $3.00, thin kerf cut-off wheels.

 

[RockTreeSky]

Got four more seats out today and a bunch of the bolts off the side rails. It was great, the kids were helping out and under the bus and loving the sense of accomplishment!

 

[dan-fox]

You should've gotten the blacksmith to help get the seats out! He would definitely have the right approach.

 

[RockTreeSky]

Thanks Christofer! We love it too! What a perfect use of a makerspace eh?!