The Conversion of Hannah (A School Bus)
- Thread starter ainley53
- Start date
Help Support Van Living Forum:
masterplumber
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2013
- Messages
- 1,277
- Reaction score
- 0
Ha, my jobs haven't started unless I'm bleeding. Floor looks great!
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2010
- Messages
- 7,706
- Reaction score
- 55
It looks terrific and horrible at the same time!
Bob
Bob
ainley53
Well-known member
LoupGarou;
I don't have a good answer to your question. I realize I would have used considerably less flooring if I put it down after the build out; but since I had the 'free' material, I decided to go ahead and do all of it. The up side is the floor of the storage areas will look great when I open a closet or storage compartment. LOL. But it's usually be better to do the flooring last, or at least later in the build out.
David
I don't have a good answer to your question. I realize I would have used considerably less flooring if I put it down after the build out; but since I had the 'free' material, I decided to go ahead and do all of it. The up side is the floor of the storage areas will look great when I open a closet or storage compartment. LOL. But it's usually be better to do the flooring last, or at least later in the build out.
David
ainley53
Well-known member
Thursday, April 21, 2016
To catch up; When the weather has been unpleasant, I've spent my time cleaning and repainting items. I got 2 Fan-Tastic powered roof fans from an RV salvage yard called Hudson's on Hwy 71 in Paris TN. He sells at 50% of retail and has a LOT of stuff. One fan was almost brand new the other not so new but works fine. I repurposed the crank handle for a casement window for the missing crank knob. It took all day to clean off all the old putty and silicon sealer. The older fan had to be dismantled to clean the blades and all the other parts. The screen had a hole in it so I put a layer of No-Seum mosquito netting on it.
To catch up; When the weather has been unpleasant, I've spent my time cleaning and repainting items. I got 2 Fan-Tastic powered roof fans from an RV salvage yard called Hudson's on Hwy 71 in Paris TN. He sells at 50% of retail and has a LOT of stuff. One fan was almost brand new the other not so new but works fine. I repurposed the crank handle for a casement window for the missing crank knob. It took all day to clean off all the old putty and silicon sealer. The older fan had to be dismantled to clean the blades and all the other parts. The screen had a hole in it so I put a layer of No-Seum mosquito netting on it.
Attachments
Almost There
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2014
- Messages
- 5,130
- Reaction score
- 6
ainley53 said:
Yes and no!
If I had it to do again, I would do it before all the furniture components went in. I did it after and it was a PITA!
Yes, it was cheaper but for me the savings weren't worth the aggravation.
To protect it while you're finishing the build, maybe take a look at the stick down protector stuff that contractors use when doing renovations...check at Home Depot. The stuff I've seen has a blueish tint to it and is sticky on one side.
ainley53
Well-known member
Thursday, April 21, 2016 (continued)
I cleaned and repainted all the covers for the heater, control panel, transmission cover and right side heater vents. Then reinstalled them. It's great to finally have the control panel back in place. I had one of my Uncle's friends rebuild the driver seat. Four or five inches of new foam, recovered it and used some pieces of sheepskin my uncle had. It should be considerably more comfy now.
A word of caution here to all you DIY types: Be very careful when dealing with driver seat bases which have a large spring that raises said seat when the lever is pulled, that you don't be on your knees bending over said seat while marking the mounting holes and accidently hit said release leaver. This will result in said seat accelerating rapidly in an upward direction and coming to a sudden and VERY painful stop against your mouth. Two loose teeth and a busted lip. Several people have asked me if I've started wearing purple lipstick on just my upper lip. HaHa. Not so funny. And let's not forget those ball peen hammers; very useful tool but sometimes dangerous.
Got the seat and seat belt reinstalled. Hannah is now officially DRIVABLE!!! YAHOOOO!! Time for a test run.
I cleaned and repainted all the covers for the heater, control panel, transmission cover and right side heater vents. Then reinstalled them. It's great to finally have the control panel back in place. I had one of my Uncle's friends rebuild the driver seat. Four or five inches of new foam, recovered it and used some pieces of sheepskin my uncle had. It should be considerably more comfy now.
A word of caution here to all you DIY types: Be very careful when dealing with driver seat bases which have a large spring that raises said seat when the lever is pulled, that you don't be on your knees bending over said seat while marking the mounting holes and accidently hit said release leaver. This will result in said seat accelerating rapidly in an upward direction and coming to a sudden and VERY painful stop against your mouth. Two loose teeth and a busted lip. Several people have asked me if I've started wearing purple lipstick on just my upper lip. HaHa. Not so funny. And let's not forget those ball peen hammers; very useful tool but sometimes dangerous.
Got the seat and seat belt reinstalled. Hannah is now officially DRIVABLE!!! YAHOOOO!! Time for a test run.
Attachments
The flooring does indeed look good and I can understand your reasoning for putting it down first. It's amazing how much dirt and gravel will be tracked in on the soles of your shoes as you carry materials and tools in and out of the work space.
What's hard about conversions is thinking of the design and build as a whole and not as a collection of discrete tasks. For example, you can let the interior layout define your electrical and plumbing runs or you can let the electrical and plumbing runs define the interior layout. The next step forward in the effort needs to be the right one, but in the right direction as well. On the other hand its easy to over think things too. I'm sure you spent some time just sitting inside, taking it all in, trying to envisioning the completed build in your mind's eye.
Using blue painters tape on the floor to layout the placement of your cabinets and framing will give you a great sense of spacial awareness as you move about the interior space.
[video=youtube]
What's hard about conversions is thinking of the design and build as a whole and not as a collection of discrete tasks. For example, you can let the interior layout define your electrical and plumbing runs or you can let the electrical and plumbing runs define the interior layout. The next step forward in the effort needs to be the right one, but in the right direction as well. On the other hand its easy to over think things too. I'm sure you spent some time just sitting inside, taking it all in, trying to envisioning the completed build in your mind's eye.
Using blue painters tape on the floor to layout the placement of your cabinets and framing will give you a great sense of spacial awareness as you move about the interior space.
[video=youtube]
rvpopeye
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2015
- Messages
- 5,239
- Reaction score
- 5
When I used to build houses the floor always went in right after the walls.
Cardboard was the protector of choice for the rest of the build.
Walk on the parts that will end up being covered ?
In your case , MUCH easier doing the floor first than fitting around the rest of your stuff .
The seat looks great , two more thumbs up !
I like the way you warn about injury by using your body as a test dummy , errr injury detection specialist !
Cardboard was the protector of choice for the rest of the build.
Walk on the parts that will end up being covered ?
In your case , MUCH easier doing the floor first than fitting around the rest of your stuff .
The seat looks great , two more thumbs up !
I like the way you warn about injury by using your body as a test dummy , errr injury detection specialist !
sassypickins
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2013
- Messages
- 477
- Reaction score
- 0
Congrats, David. I know from what I saw of your creativity using every space in your car that this is going to turn out great.
Another "Don't Do This Tip": Watch a pool game from behind the rack in a small space. Getting smacked in the kisser with the butt of the cue wasn't the most fun I've ever had. Besides that, it ruined his break.
Sassy
Another "Don't Do This Tip": Watch a pool game from behind the rack in a small space. Getting smacked in the kisser with the butt of the cue wasn't the most fun I've ever had. Besides that, it ruined his break.
Sassy
flying kurbmaster
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2012
- Messages
- 1,677
- Reaction score
- 48
nice job so far, you might consider wearing gloves, I feel naked when I am not working with gloves, they make these nice tight stretchy gloves nowadays that you are able to hold screws, nails etc for a few dollars at any hardware store, they would have saved that gouge on your thumb, keeps splinters out, scrapes etc..are grippy, they really are excellent, even if most tradesman are reluctant to wear them.
sassypickins
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2013
- Messages
- 477
- Reaction score
- 0
^^^ what kurbmaster said. I used them for the first time ever recently and marveled.
ainley53
Well-known member
flying kurbmaster said:
Fortunately for me, I always wear heavy work gloves and had them on when I hammered my hand/thumb; otherwize the damage would have been MUCH worse. Gee, Ain't I the lucky one. LOL.
highdesertranger
R.I.P HDR
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2012
- Messages
- 22,892
- Reaction score
- 87
maybe you need one of those OSHA approved safety hammers. http://www.amazon.com/ALPI-Hammer-S...F8&qid=1462025229&sr=8-6&keywords=nerf+hammer . lol. highdesertranger
ainley53
Well-known member
April 25-28, 2016
This week I installed mud flaps, replaced the rubber covers on the wheel wells and painted them white. I'm going to use that small wheel well area for storing things I don't use very often and are odd sizes like crowbars, hand saws, sawzall, etc... I painted all the windows from the wheel wells to, and including, the rear of the buss as they will have walls from the floor to to top of the windows. Installed Reflectix on said windows and glued on 1" of Polyiso to all the walls. Going to Lowe's for the plywood. Next week we do the walls.
This week I installed mud flaps, replaced the rubber covers on the wheel wells and painted them white. I'm going to use that small wheel well area for storing things I don't use very often and are odd sizes like crowbars, hand saws, sawzall, etc... I painted all the windows from the wheel wells to, and including, the rear of the buss as they will have walls from the floor to to top of the windows. Installed Reflectix on said windows and glued on 1" of Polyiso to all the walls. Going to Lowe's for the plywood. Next week we do the walls.
Attachments
masterplumber
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2013
- Messages
- 1,277
- Reaction score
- 0
Hey Ainley, I was thinking of you and hadn't seen an update in a while. How's life treating you? I know life can get in the way of our projects sometimes. Any progress on Hannah?
ainley53
Well-known member
Monday, Sep. 10, 2016 update
WOW!!! Sorry folks, didn't realize it has been so long since I last posted. Life has been busy. No pics this time, just updating.
I left Tennessee on Aug 06 and went to Greer, SC (between Greenville and Spartanburg) to help my cousin. Her husband had open heart surgery on Aug, 09. He's recovering very well. They have a son who has Muscular Dystrophy and requires physical help which she is not able to provide due to her own health issues. Since I'm now retired and have no pressing schedule, I decided to come on over and lend a hand for 2-3 months while her husband recuperates.
What I got done prior to Aug 07:
Covered the walls with 1" polyiso and 3/4" plywood.
Installed power outlets in the panels above the windows. I used 15 amp 120v AC outlets with 2 built in USB jacks, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019SPHRMG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
12v DC cigarette power plugs
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U4ZZPK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and 12v DC USB power ports with 2 jacks each.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YX7AQOQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I installed one each of these near the front door; another set over the front side window near the driver's seat and one set on each wall just forward of the rear wheel wells. That gives me plenty of power sources in the living area.
I installed a cig power plug and USB power power plug in the driver's control panel and another set in the dash near the ignition switch.
In the rear passenger area where my kitchen will be I installed three 20 amp GFCI 120v AC outlets
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X725XMI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and three 12v DC power plugs. On the floor at the rear door I installed another 20 amp 120v AC GFCI outlet, a 12v DC cig power plug and a pair of wires (+ & -) with female insulated connectors for future expansion. This gives me power for outside use (an extension cord) if needed.
Set the cabinets in so I can see how everything will fit. Decided to put my fridge/freezer forward of the cabinets over the wheel well instead of at the back wall to maximize my kitchen counter space.
I'm installing the same laminated flooring on the walls forward of the wheel wells as it looks much better than plain plywood walls.
Installed velcro around the windows and black No-See-Um netting so I can have the windows open and keep out the unwanted fling guests. Also installed velcro around the back door and cut some No-See-Um netting to fit there as well.
Installed six Renogy 100 watt solar panels on the roof and ran the wiring inside the bus. I have not yet connected it to the charge controller. I'll do that when I get back.
Mounted my 4 AGM Lifeline batteries (6 volt, 220aH each), Solar charge controller, 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter, both AC and DC disconnects and all the other electrical stuff in my electrical closet over the driver side wheel well. All the devices and wiring is in place but not yet hooked up.
Installed a 30 amp 120v AC plug for shore service in the driver's side of the bus where the stop sign used to be.
Installed spotlights on the front of the bus where the red emergency flasher lights used to be (for off road use only)
Installed LED fog lights in the front bumper
Installed the same LED type fog lights on the rear of the bus over the emergency flasher lights for backup lighting
Installed a rear view camera over the rear door
Bought a portable propane tankless water heater. Having a hot shower anytime I want has proven to be worth every penny it cost to buy it. I highly recommend this product. I enjoyed a hot shower every night for over a month an still have not used up a tank of propane.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JLSH5S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Well, duty calls. I'll post again as soon as I can.
WOW!!! Sorry folks, didn't realize it has been so long since I last posted. Life has been busy. No pics this time, just updating.
I left Tennessee on Aug 06 and went to Greer, SC (between Greenville and Spartanburg) to help my cousin. Her husband had open heart surgery on Aug, 09. He's recovering very well. They have a son who has Muscular Dystrophy and requires physical help which she is not able to provide due to her own health issues. Since I'm now retired and have no pressing schedule, I decided to come on over and lend a hand for 2-3 months while her husband recuperates.
What I got done prior to Aug 07:
Covered the walls with 1" polyiso and 3/4" plywood.
Installed power outlets in the panels above the windows. I used 15 amp 120v AC outlets with 2 built in USB jacks, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019SPHRMG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
12v DC cigarette power plugs
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U4ZZPK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and 12v DC USB power ports with 2 jacks each.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YX7AQOQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I installed one each of these near the front door; another set over the front side window near the driver's seat and one set on each wall just forward of the rear wheel wells. That gives me plenty of power sources in the living area.
I installed a cig power plug and USB power power plug in the driver's control panel and another set in the dash near the ignition switch.
In the rear passenger area where my kitchen will be I installed three 20 amp GFCI 120v AC outlets
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X725XMI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and three 12v DC power plugs. On the floor at the rear door I installed another 20 amp 120v AC GFCI outlet, a 12v DC cig power plug and a pair of wires (+ & -) with female insulated connectors for future expansion. This gives me power for outside use (an extension cord) if needed.
Set the cabinets in so I can see how everything will fit. Decided to put my fridge/freezer forward of the cabinets over the wheel well instead of at the back wall to maximize my kitchen counter space.
I'm installing the same laminated flooring on the walls forward of the wheel wells as it looks much better than plain plywood walls.
Installed velcro around the windows and black No-See-Um netting so I can have the windows open and keep out the unwanted fling guests. Also installed velcro around the back door and cut some No-See-Um netting to fit there as well.
Installed six Renogy 100 watt solar panels on the roof and ran the wiring inside the bus. I have not yet connected it to the charge controller. I'll do that when I get back.
Mounted my 4 AGM Lifeline batteries (6 volt, 220aH each), Solar charge controller, 3000 watt pure sine wave inverter, both AC and DC disconnects and all the other electrical stuff in my electrical closet over the driver side wheel well. All the devices and wiring is in place but not yet hooked up.
Installed a 30 amp 120v AC plug for shore service in the driver's side of the bus where the stop sign used to be.
Installed spotlights on the front of the bus where the red emergency flasher lights used to be (for off road use only)
Installed LED fog lights in the front bumper
Installed the same LED type fog lights on the rear of the bus over the emergency flasher lights for backup lighting
Installed a rear view camera over the rear door
Bought a portable propane tankless water heater. Having a hot shower anytime I want has proven to be worth every penny it cost to buy it. I highly recommend this product. I enjoyed a hot shower every night for over a month an still have not used up a tank of propane.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JLSH5S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Well, duty calls. I'll post again as soon as I can.
