Finnally, some pics of the bus, Buford

[Les H]

Just a couple pics of the latest mods. There was discussion about shelves above the bed, and I put up the shallow shelf with wood that I already had, and it wasn't deep enough to hold blankets, sheets, etc, so that accounts for the new wood extension. At some point, all the wood will be stained to match the cabinets, or painted white to match the ceiling.

Next, was getting the spare out of the van. I could have put it on the roof, but man, that thing is heavy and not exactly accessible in the dark when it's raining or snowing. The winch equipment is missing under the van, so no go there. Besides, I want to put a black tank I have in that space. So I hunted at several junkyards and found a swing away tire carrier for $25. A few modifications, and a little inventing for the " dogbone " portion and this is the result. The door and tire swing in the same arc and as a bonus, the lock on the tire carrier holds the d[oor open for loading and unloading cargo when necessary.
IMG]http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx205/retselester/2386d8f3.jpg[/IMG]

 

[SirJoey]

<br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>Congrats on the kool mod for the spare! <br />2 thumbs up! <br /><br /></strong></span>

 

[Les H]

Ok, a few things I've done since last time I posted here. I finally took the space where the spare tire was and created a cabinent to hold a sink, grey tank, and my 20# propane tank. The propane feeds the stove and buddy heater for now, still waiting to get the 3 way fridge fixed and installed.

This is the cabinent closed, with a view of the sink and (tiny) tile countertop. The sink is fed via gravity out of a 6 gal walmart jug at the moment, but future plans include a on demand 12v pump hooked to a 12 gal tank under the bed.

And finally, a shot of the cubbies I built in the foreward bulkhead, where the electronics for an actual schoolbus would reside.as you can see, I also got around to staining the rest of the woodwork, a pretty close match except the one older piece of wood that was used for the shelf.

 

[4x4herb]

i really like your bus, it seems the perfect size, nice job , nice color too..<br />i noticed the valve for direct drop of gray water where possible, cool idea,<br />i know my gray water tank stunk up the van until i put a trap above it.<br />are you going to enclose the lp tank and drill a 1/2 hole in the floor to escape any leaks, for safety??<br />that is/was industry standard...

 

[Guest]

I remember in the 70's in OR, every once in a while you could buy a surplus bus from the smaller country school districts that were a short bus but with 4wd....Gawd how I wanted one then....gas was under a buck a gallon....YES! Too late now but they sure were cool!<br />Bri

 

[gypsydreamer]

<br />edited

 

[Where~the~wind~blows]

I like the&nbsp;dimensions&nbsp;you get with this type of vehicle! someday! nice "dog house"

 

[Les H]

thanks everyone, it is very much a "work in progress". I do what i can when i can ( when i have time and $$$), meanwhile it is well enjoyed as it is.
Bri, 'bout 20 years ago, i helped a guy put a cadillac strech limo on a custom streched 3/4 ton 4x4 pickup frame. It was an advertising gimik for his limo service. Even got to ride in it when it was done, and 40" in the air. 4x4 bus has come to mind, why sure!!!!

 

[ParadiseParrot]

Vent the propane locker

 

[Bodhi]

GREAT DOG HOUSE!&nbsp; I could see pickin' a fight the morning of a big game!&nbsp; Gather snacks the night before...&nbsp; all set!&nbsp; Heck, what I have right now is about 5% that size (maybe) and I sit in it and read... or just chill.... kind of afraid of what I would do with that set up!&nbsp; LOL<br /><br />Peace Out!<br />Bodhi

 

[WanderingRain]

that kitchenette is sweet! Like the simplicity of the sink and your "faucet". Was considering doing that myself. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> I already bought a jug for the purpose but I think I want a better spout like what you have... <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[swankiewheels]

Nice, Les.&nbsp; It's coming along and it looks fabulous.

 

[Simran]

Les,<br>I see you have your bus up for sale. If you were closer I'd be all over that thing. I was always under the impression that it had duals in the back! I like it even better finding out it doesn't.<br>Good luck selling it.<br><br>Gus