I have been back to work on our 1948 Silversides and I thought you might like to see what I have been up to. (Besides 5'8")
I don't have lots of money, so I try to find successful ways of doing things that don't cost a bunch. I know there are better, stronger, shineier materials to use out there but I try to do the best with what I have. I think it's more enjoyable that way.
Below is a link to the Working on the interior section of my website. I hope this is how you post it?? Just copy and paste. Feel free to look at the rest of the website too. There's a ton of pictures in there.
http://www.cruiser-magazine.com/interior.html
Dave Siegel, 1948 Silversides
Oppps, I just checked it out and you can't get to the index page to see the entire site. Try this link and to get to my scrap book click on the picture of our Green Silversides, then on the next page click on the picture of our bus again. That will take you to my entire scrapbook.
www.cruiser-magazine.com
There are lots of pictures there. enjoy.
Dave
Hi Dave,
Thanks for sharing. I really like what you've done. Looks classy, yet usable. I also like your latches for the cabinets. They are exactly what I want to use for mine. What are they called and where did you get them?
Also, the "miscellaneous" link doesn't have any of the pictures on it. -- Or it didn't work for me....
Thanks for sharing!
-Brian
Brian,
I got them through a very large cabinet supply company. But due to the fact that I am suffering from CRS the name slips me right now I will look in the file and get back with you. They are available in brushed stainless, brown, and shiney gold. A nice combination is the shiney gold outer trim rings and the stainless knob in the center.
I'll try and get the part numbers for you as well.
Dave
Hey, Thanks Dave! I really appreciate your help on the door handle/latches!
Dave-Looks great-doing a great job and is not overly built both for the year it was made and the size of the bus. It is good that you are 5'8" for that bus-I'm 6'3"-one of the main reasons I did a transit with 6'10" headroom. Hope to see your bus in person somtime when I come from the left coast to the right coast. Good Luck, TomC
Very slick Dave. You have excellent taste & it looks GREAT. If mine turns out half as nice, I'll be on top of the world.
Hi Dave and Jan,
You have done a very nice job. Very Clean looking, and roomy....
Almost time to head out on your adventures. Remember that you have a place to hook up here when you need too....
Nick and Michelle-
Not sure where Dave got his latches, but I get the same style latches from Rockler Woodworking & Hardware www.rockler.com
The ones I get are brass ans the Rockler # is 64477. Jack
Dave that's awesome! I only hope to someday retire my Setra from charter service and build a conversion! But I know I'll never be able to make one look that nice! You show great craftmanship in your fine work! BK ;D
The more I see the old buses the more I like them. What a great job! Where does everyone find the time and the talent to do such wonderful work? I feel that I am lucky just to get the grass mowed, much less get something done with the bus. Thanks for sharing.
Dave, That's the most beautiful bus I've ever seen. The inside looks good too.
Keep it up.
Jerry
Dave, I checked out your project bus and it looks like your doing a great job!
One question I have is I have been searching for a source for these same latches. Can you please inform me as to where to get them and how much they were?
Also, I filled out the form on your web site to join the cruisers. I was chatting with Jack conroad this weekend and mentioned to him that I would like to join and he jokingly said there isn't any initiation, though I had Susan convinced there was so when I got home I filled out the form. Is there anything else I need to do regarding that?
Thanks
Ace
For Ace:
By filling in the form on the Help Assist Page you simply make yourself available to help whomever may call. It's that simple. You state your skill level and resources so there is no surprise for the caller, and in return you are not required to do anything that you are not comfortable with. There is no dues required and no other attention required by you. If the "Bus Gods" are with us you may never get a phone call, and that's a good thing. Thank you for signing up.
I will try and get the part numbers today for those latches. I'll post a reply tonight. ((6:30 PM est).
Dave
Dave,
Great job as usual, We look forward to touring your bus again at Arcadia. Best to you and Jan.
Gary
Dave you mis-understood! I filled out the help form a long time ago. The form I was questioning was to join the Cruisers!
Thanks
Ace
Ace,
Do you belong to FMCA? The SE Cruisers is a chapter of FMCA and therefore FMCA membership is a requirement. The SE Cruisers are having a rally September 15-17 in North Ft. Myers. Let me know if you are interested in attending. Even if you do not join the chapter, ya'll are welcome to come as our guest. I will need to know if you want to attend so the rally host can plan food, campsites, etc. Jack
That was a nice invite, Jack. Ace, I hope you can find time to come out that weekend. The campground where the rally is being held is one of the nicer ones in South Florida, and Bernie told me that the buses will be parked in the new section with the 100 foot pull thru's. Of course there are all the hook-ups you could imagine.
Maybe we'll see you there.
Dave
Dave,
Awesome job on your interior. Great inspiration.
That sliding draw insert is probably the most innovative thing I've seen in a couple years. And it's so simple! That one ranks right up there with Torquester's use of plastic tubs on slideout trays for easy packing inside the house. I will definitely be incorporating that idea when I get to building cabinets and drawers.
Thanks for the photos.
craig
Hey Dave, a great coach, job well done and thanks for posting the pictures. I found a 1949 MCI Courier and I'm trying to locate the owner. It's abandoned in a long-term parking lot. I found this website and the gentlemen here helped to determine the brand, year and model. http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=1738.msg14713#msg14713 Then I started reading the wrong websites ;) and thinking about raising the roof and things like that, you showed me that a perfect coach doesn't need it ;D Thanks, I'll be snooping your website(s) today
Hey there, Dave-
Man! I am so impressed!
I did a lot more looking than just the interior shots....(and will be studying it more and more.)
You did have the proverbial "Sow's ear" when starting off, didn't you?
I can totally relate, with my project being of similar caliber.
But, being a chicken coop, mouse house, snake den and bat cave, may not be the same as having a homeless person living in it—but the difference--well, that could be debatable, but I think personally, you were much better off. ;)
You did an extremely fine job in re-doing her!
And created a much nicer history and collaboration of the process than I- which is just a bunch of pics. :)
You tell a story....
I have a couple of questions:
How did you remove the windows? I can't seem to find any brackets or bolts that hold mine in place?
Also, how did you replace the glass in the slider windows?
Again, no clues from mine-
Was your dash (behind it) trashed or mostly in good shape?
Was most of the wiring in place or cut/removed? Did you have a manual, wiring diagram or schematics?
Were their leaks when it rained- and if so what did you use to patch them?
These queries all pertain to what I'm facing with my coach-
If I can get to half of what you've accomplished, I would be ecstatic! :o
You did a brilliant job and, as it has already been mentioned—your album should be required reading for all. A great achievement!
This is total proof that if you have such a deep love and respect for something as you did (and do) anything can be done to succeed in the goal-
Also, it's a great inspiration and motivator for anyone that falls into a slump from the tasks ahead they may face with their bus project (including myself). :)
Thank you so much for sharing the adventure! :)
Cheers..
These old buses have so much more style than their modern counterparts; I really do love them, but I've always assumed that they would be difficult to live with on a day-to-day basis - ie. cramped, noisy, slow, uncomfortable to drive, poor brakes etc - is that the case, or are they no worse than a modern coach?
I've never liked the metal 'siding' found on the sides of so many American buses, although with the excellent choice of paint colour you have used yours looks very good. I do really like the chrome trim and embellishments used on commercial vehicles of this era, as well as the general curvy body shapes - it seems these machines were a real source of pride to their owners and builders, not just tools to do a job as today. The British coaches of the same age are generally quite similar in appearance and style, though mostly a bit smaller in size I would guess - and when you see them on the road they are usually crawling along at 45mph, with a big queue of cars behind them (hence my original question).
Also, out of interest, how long has your project taken thus far from collecting the bus to now?
Jeremy
Jack and Dave, I have been a member of FMCA for two or so years now. I have the bigg plate to prove it! Number? I would have to look it up but yes Susan and I are members thru and thru!
As for the next rally? I appreciate the invite but I am popping corn that weekend so it looks like I will have to pass.Now if I get a cancellation which doesn't happen much if any, I'll let you know!
Ace
Looks good Dave, are those latches the same as rocklers? I did not see the brushed SS on their site.
Bill
Here's my reply to Brill-o and Jeremy:
(Answer to Brill-o)
How did you remove the windows? I can’t seem to find any brackets or bolts that hold mine in place?
Each window was an escape hatch with two hinges on the bottom and a pressure latch on the top center. When in trouble the passengers could hit the top of the window and it would roll open, allowing an escape route. I opened the windows and removed them from the hinges by sliding them off in the obvious direction. (Remember; if they were put on, you should be able to take them off.)
Also, how did you replace the glass in the slider windows?
Again, no clues from mine-
The glass was in an insert inside of that frame you just took off. I have to pry the frame out because it was glued in with weather seal. I then thouroughly cleaned the frame with stripped and laquer thinner and when it was good and clean I made a cardboard template to fit inside that outer frame. I have a local glass company cut the glass for me to the size of the template. When I got it home I glued it in with rope style windshield adhesive. I then caulked all around the edges with black silicone caulk.
Was your dash (behind it) trashed or mostly in good shape?
Was most of the wiring in place or cut/removed? Did you have a manual, wiring diagram or schematics?
Nothing and I mean nothing was useable. I stripped the coach of every inch of wiring and did it all over again. In those days they used cloth cover insulation for the wiring. Rodents and pests love to eat into that stuff. I did not want to EVER take a chance on a fire, so I removed even the good looking stuff. I then re-wired everything, from tail lights to markers.
Were their leaks when it rained- and if so what did you use to patch them?
These queries all pertain to what I’m facing with my coach-
I used every kind of patch material I could find that would work in the area I was working in. There are no leaks now. Once I had the leaks sealed up I then started installed the wall and ceiling material.
If I can get to half of what you’ve accomplished, I would be ecstatic!
If I can do it anyone can do it, you just have to stick to your commitment.
Cheers.. Brill-o
(Answer to Jeremy)
These old buses have so much more style than their modern counterparts; I really do love them, but I've always assumed that they would be difficult to live with on a day-to-day basis - ie. cramped, noisy, slow, uncomfortable to drive, poor brakes etc - is that the case, or are they no worse than a modern coach?
Our coach is very small inside compared to MCI standards, We have about 72" of headroom in the center and there is quite a curve to the outside walls. I have tried to use those curves as a design positive rather than have it work against me. I guess it's kinda slow, probably peaks out at 65 mph, but honestly I wouldn't want to go much faster in something this big anyhow. The brakes are all brand new and are great. As far as noise goes, there is some wind noise from the front door (I'm working on that) but I can barely hear the engine and I depend on the tach to shift. Our living space is for the two of us, Jan and me. I we have guests we try to sit outside, or in inclement weather we sit on the sofas and don't move around much. There is plenty of head room if you are not too tall.
I've never liked the metal 'siding' found on the sides of so many American buses, although with the excellent choice of paint colour you have used yours looks very good. I do really like the chrome trim and embellishments used on commercial vehicles of this era, as well as the general curvy body shapes - it seems these machines were a real source of pride to their owners and builders, not just tools to do a job as today. The British coaches of the same age are generally quite similar in appearance and style, though mostly a bit smaller in size I would guess - and when you see them on the road they are usually crawling along at 45mph, with a big queue of cars behind them (hence my original question).
Our coach is all aluminum (even the frame). So there is no rust anywhere, ever. The original siding was anodized and therefore became known as "Silversides". We wanted to keep that look, but not be married to keeping the aluminum shine up so I painted the sides with a silver metallic paint from a 1980 GMC pick-up. It has very small metallic particles and looks most like polished aluminum. The Silversides were a product of the after war engeneering that GMC had at it's disposal. They are highly over-engineered for their time (as the new Corvettes are) GMC had engineers on contract, lots of aluminum and large building facilities but no war. Now what do we do? Let's build expensive buses.
Also, out of interest, how long has your project taken thus far from collecting the bus to now?
I have been at this project for 9 years. As I have stated before (many times) I don't have a lot of money, so I have to save to buy a part, I have to work and I only get some weekends to work on the bus. My wife insists that I spend some time with her, and working on house maintenance. Our running joke is, the bus will be complete in two more years, we started that joke 8 years ago.
That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.
Dave
Hello Dave-
Thank you very much for answering my questions in such a timely manner. :)
I've been working on mine today and checked out the windows again.
They have brackets that hold them in the bus, but that's it.
From wht I can tell the frames are riveted together I may be wrong).
Thanks once more- :)
Cheers..
Response to Brill-o,
E-mail me off line at: davesiegeldesignsATgmail.com and I will carry this conversation on without boring the rest of the bus nuts. I will send you a picture of what I did. Or for that matter help you how I can.
(Of course change the AT to the correct @ to send the e-mail.)
Dave
Very nice work Dave. Very impressive.
C
Dave,
Beautiful Job!....Something you and Jan should be very proud of.........
I am glad to know you only have "two more years" until your finished, we should be done at the same time ;)
Cliff
Hi Dave,
I'm wondering if you were able to track down the information about the cabinet latches you used?
-Brian
Yes I did, and I apologize I thought I had posted that info. I guess I must have just sent an e-mail to Ace.
I bought the latches from Hafele. They are on line at: www.hafele.com select the country and the entire catalog will open for yo
The latches are thre piece assembly. 1: the latch itself (screws in behind the door or lid and secures the door or lid in place.) 2: the ring (Dresses the surface around the exposed hole and provides a sliding surface for the button. 3: the button (depresses to latch the door or lid closed and push again to unlatch the door or lid.
The latch is brown in color and the ring and button are available in: Chrome, Polished Stainless (that's what I have), gold and white. Since you order all of the parts seperately it is possible to mix and match colors for a designer look. i.e. gold trim ring with a polished steel buttom. Polished steel trim ring with a gold button, etc.
Each assembly is about $7.00 complete. You will need someone in the cabinet business that has an account with Hafele to order them for you. I don't think they sell retail. But maybe.
Good luck,
Dave
Thanks Dave,
Went looking at the site and they have a lot of links to choose from. Do you remember what section in the catalog the catches are located in?
Cabinet Hardware, I believe
Dave,
I've tried, but can't find the latches. Could you give me a little more exact directions on how to find the latch in their catalog?
Thank you very much!
-Brian
I think you are going to need a hard copy of the catalog. They are on about page 600-640 lower right of page, as I remember. I don't have a catalog anymore, I'm sorry and I am doing this by memory. Hafele gives a listing of local reps in your area, try calling him and see if he will help you. Other then that looking page by page where the hinges and pulls are is the only thing I can think off. I tried looking for my receipt but I can't find it, or I would have had parts numbers for you. Sorry, I know that's not what you wanted to hear. I do remember that the components are of two seperate back to back pages, though.
Dave
Great Dave!
Exact page it starts on is 665!
Thank you so much.
Brian go to the web site Dave gave and click on furniture/cabinetry hardware.
Once you do that click on LOCKS. It is part of the catalog and you will have to download it as it will come up as PDF file.
Once you do that click on the set of pages that says:
Push-button Locks, Strike Plates, Electronic Furniture Locking Systems, Combination Locks
Espagnolette Locks, Automatic Door Bolt
pages: 661-676, 677-692, 693-699
The page that is on is: http://www.hafele.com/us/services/7037.asp IF YOU GET LOST
The information for the lock/latches is there under PUSH BUTTON KNOBS AND ROSETTES
Hope this helps!
Ace
Thank you Ace!
Thanks you, also Ace. Man you pulled that out of the bag. I owe you a beer at Jacks Rally.
Dave
Dave,
That bus is AWESOME! Very classy! I love to see someone with your talents get their hands on a piece of Americana!
Keep up the good work.
Jimmy
UH, that's ok Dave. The last time someone said they owed me a beer, the guy brought 12 cases of Corona's and I'm still feeling the results from it!
Besides this board is for JUST that type of help and should be done so without wanting or expecting something in return!
By the way, the guy that was so generous was NCbob who has since become a very good friend and NOT because of the Beers! LOL
Ace
A very well done job! I only hope mine will look so nice. I got a couple of ideas from you to use in mine. Do you charge anything? LOL.
There is nothing like the beauty of an older coach!
Paul
1968 Eagle 01