WTF did I just do?

[DeMac]

The Experience Is The Journey

Well hello everyone, I just purchased a school bus because I wanted to do a skoolie conversion and I kind of regret it already. Just purchased a 2002 Thomas Saf T Liner. Drove it home 3 hours from Dayton Ohio to Cleveland area, no problems, thing ran like a champ. It had more miles on it than people suggest but a diesel engine with 250k didnt scare me because diesel engine last 500k miles easily. After two days of owning it , my thoughts have changed and i want to get it out of my driveway. I really liked driving it, although 70mph top speed was infuriating when you know the allison has a 6th speed but you arent allowed to access it, I dont necessarily want to go that much faster, but if the engine could turn a few hundred less RPMs that would have been great. I always had a dream of building out a skoolie, but Im at that point where im just tired of projects and would rather just enjoy things, stressed out right now. The bus came from Georgia so it has no rust on it, but just thinking of getting it out of driveway even willing to take a loss on it. Sad but thats where it stands right now.

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I plant, hunt & harvest food because I enjoy these activities.

I refurbish, repair, restore old things because I'm gratified at each step.

I do not play with small model jets, boats in bottles or tiny doll furniture. They aggravate me, so I don't buy them.

What sort of joy & relaxation do you intend to experience, while performing the conversion processes?

Some owners enjoy drivetrain activities, making performance modifications & installing mechanical upgrades.

Many builders are excited about photovoltaic, energy storage, propane & propane accessories.

Others have no intention of going camping or living on a bus, just using it as an air-conditioned workshop on the other side of the farm.

What is your mission?

 

[Chaesop]

If the minor inconveniences and hiccups you're describing at the initial stages of your project, while stationary nonetheless, are already making you wish to part/scrap the vehicle... you should definitely do whatever it takes to get out of it sooner rather than later. Might also be worth considering a different potential lifestyle altogether. There's nothing worse than completing a build, setting off in the vehicle and then experiencing an issue, small or large, while traveling. It's not for everyone and that's okay.

 

[craigify]

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I plant, hunt & harvest food because I enjoy these activities.

I refurbish, repair, restore old things because I'm gratified at each step.

I do not play with small model jets, boats in bottles or tiny doll furniture. They aggravate me, so I don't buy them.

What sort of joy & relaxation do you intend to experience, while performing the conversion processes?

Some owners enjoy drivetrain activities, making performance modifications & installing mechanical upgrades.

Many builders are excited about photovoltaic, energy storage, propane & propane accessories.

Others have no intention of going camping or living on a bus, just using it as an air-conditioned workshop on the other side of the farm.

What is your mission?

I hope OP reads this! I think this is the best advice in here. I do have to say DAMN OP might need some thick skin making a post like this, and sometimes advice given COULD be worded a little better, but overall good message folks. This is really hard work, no doubt! Decide if you want to do it or not. The stuff breaking will not stop now.

 

[witchywoman]

I bought my bus with zero clue how to do anything and still needing to work a full time job. I made a list of everything I needed to do at each stage. I had no knowledge on power tools so every time I need to buy one I watched videos on how to use them. Whenever I needed to fix something mechanical, wiring, or alarm related I asked for help. I took my time to think things through during the construction process and worked it out slowly. Did I make tons of mistakes? Yes. Did I want to quit at times? Yes. Would people judge my construction abilities harshly? 100%. haha! But screw them. It's MY bus. I put the blood, sweat and tears into it myself. I asked for advice on here, asked friends what things were or looked stuff up. It took me 3 years to finish and I loved and hated every minute of it.

 

[Hooker-SKO]

If the minor inconveniences and hiccups you're describing at the initial stages of your project, while stationary nonetheless, are already making you wish to part/scrap the vehicle... you should definitely do whatever it takes to get out of it sooner rather than later. Might also be worth considering a different potential lifestyle altogether. There's nothing worse than completing a build, setting off in the vehicle and then experiencing an issue, small or large, while traveling. It's not for everyone and that's okay.

Well Said. I totally agree.

 

[Hooker-SKO]

I bought my bus with zero clue how to do anything and still needing to work a full time job. I made a list of everything I needed to do at each stage. I had no knowledge on power tools so every time I need to buy one I watched videos on how to use them. Whenever I needed to fix something mechanical, wiring, or alarm related I asked for help. I took my time to think things through during the construction process and worked it out slowly. Did I make tons of mistakes? Yes. Did I want to quit at times? Yes. Would people judge my construction abilities harshly? 100%. haha! But screw them. It's MY bus. I put the blood, sweat and tears into it myself. I asked for advice on here, asked friends what things were or looked stuff up. It took me 3 years to finish and I loved and hated every minute of it.

But you're a witchywoman soo... Probably just waved a wand and Presto !!!

Cool story. It's a fact, we're not all created equal and some are thicker skinned than others. And with all that, building it is just the very first step. I see some where they do get it built and after a month living that lifestyle, they're ready to sell it. Or worse, a major breakdown and they don't have a choice but to to throw in the towel. It's true, I've seen many broken dreams on You Tube.

 

[Tin Roadtube Vagrant]

I bought my bus with zero clue how to do anything and still needing to work a full time job. I made a list of everything I needed to do at each stage. I had no knowledge on power tools so every time I need to buy one I watched videos on how to use them. Whenever I needed to fix something mechanical, wiring, or alarm related I asked for help. I took my time to think things through during the construction process and worked it out slowly. Did I make tons of mistakes? Yes. Did I want to quit at times? Yes. Would people judge my construction abilities harshly? 100%. haha! But screw them. It's MY bus. I put the blood, sweat and tears into it myself. I asked for advice on here, asked friends what things were or looked stuff up. It took me 3 years to finish and I loved and hated every minute of it.

Hell Yeah!!!:Thanx: (used the little blue dude to match your hairdo Witchy)