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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 06:13:59 PM

Title: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 06:13:59 PM
Ok I have recently purchased a 84 eagle model 10. The only thing that we have done so far is pulling most of the seats out.

I have a few questions as to how I should plan my budget.

My wife and I had planned on just running two roof top ac units in the place of the two factory roof vents. Is this a good idea? Or would I be better off making new holes and leaving the vents?

Anybody ever got the units that have heat built in them as well? Do they work very well?

Does the factory restroom in the bus have a fresh water supply somewhere or it just like a porta pot with just a big ol tank of nasty?

I have alot more questions but I will wait til these are answered. Thanks for all of the info that I have already recieved from the site! I dont think that I would tackle this project without the internet lol
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: happycamperbrat on April 24, 2011, 06:26:26 PM
Quote from: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 06:13:59 PM

I have a few questions as to how I should plan my budget.



Hi! Congratulations on your purchase and hard job of removing the seats! Welcome and be sure to add your birthday to your profile as Im the birthday girl here  ;D

I cant answer your questions about the Eagle as I dont own one. As for the air cond, it would help if people knew where you plan on taking it (like to the desert in 110* or something more hospitable?)

As far as the "budget" lol....... whatever you decide, multiply it by at least 4!
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: buswarrior on April 24, 2011, 06:30:19 PM
Yes, welcome, and put your general where-abouts in your profile or your signature.

I'd be inclined to keep the existing holes in the roof and add some new ones for the AC. There are many days/nights that those open holes with a screen attached is really nice and quiet compared to droning AC's.

As for heat strips, depends where you are. Just fine for taking the chill off, but they won't heat it in the snow.

happy coaching!
buswarrior
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: luvrbus on April 24, 2011, 06:37:18 PM
Eagles have fresh water for the toilet a small door at the rear on passengers side with a quick connect fitting toss all the factory toilet stuff not going to be much good for you and on the Eagle it easy to remove it is going to be rotten and rusted under there anyway
.Leave the roof hatches or a least 1 those are nice for ventilation I removed mine and didn't even use roof airs worse mistake I made.
Did you ever find out what transmission you have yet, not trying to tell you what to do but I would get all the mechanical done first the 13 speed is not going to do much good with only 1/3 working.
Don't rush into the conversion and plan the floor plan around all the floor hatches you are going to need those sooner or later trust me LOL
Freedom took good care of his Eagles but other previous owners and a church owning it I would check it real close before starting the conversion myself

good luck
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 06:50:59 PM
No I havent found out what transmission it has for sure yet. Some pictures have been posted on the other site. I am pertty sure that its not a 13 spd tho. Its a 5 spd with lo intermediate and high. The math dont add up to 13. Maybe Im missing something there.  I have a appointment with a shop to give it a overall inspection next weekend. the owner of the shop is a detriot nut and knows alot more about bus mechanics then I do.

As for the toilet: We plan on using the bus to go to a fund raiser for Rileys Children Hospital in Southern IN next month. If I could get away with using it for this trip it would make it more plesant of a stay. The church that I bought it off of had been using it last summer when they took the bus to canada. We are NOT planning on using it as a permanent fixture.

As for the AC: We plan on using the bus mostly to travel to southern arkansas to visit family.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on April 24, 2011, 07:01:52 PM
I live in Evansville Ind. Where you going for fund raiser? Mci8 tin tent is here also he is a hvac guy....   Bob
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on April 24, 2011, 07:04:18 PM
Rosie up around Munci is a eagle guy.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: luvrbus on April 24, 2011, 07:11:32 PM
It is not the math Eric 5 in low 5 in the middle range and 3 on the high side I am still betting it is a older 13 speed let us know

good luck
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: luvrbus on April 24, 2011, 07:31:08 PM
Bob, he has one of Mike Sodrel's Eagle's the congressman from Clarksville,man I wanted one of his model 15's when he sold those they looked new

good luck
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 07:36:06 PM
Quote from: robertglines1 on April 24, 2011, 07:01:52 PM
I live in Evansville Ind. Where you going for fund raiser? Mci8 tin tent is here also he is a hvac guy....   Bob

The fund raiser is in Evansville. We are putting on a demilition derby. My wife and I are building a raffle car. The winner of the raffle will get to drive our derby car in the feature with a fresh car. You should come out and check it out. I believe its on the 15th next month at the fair grounds. Im hoping to have my eagle done enough to use it to pull the raffle car down.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 07:38:03 PM
Quote from: robertglines1 on April 24, 2011, 07:04:18 PM
Rosie up around Munci is a eagle guy.

I some what know Rosie if its the same guy. I cant imagine theres to many Rosies around muncie. The one that I know is from my home town in Gaston.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on April 24, 2011, 07:39:34 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on April 24, 2011, 07:31:08 PM
Bob, he has one of Mike Sodrel's Eagle's the congressman from Clarksville,man I wanted one of his model 15's when he sold those they looked new

good luck

Yes Clifford Sodrell's "Free Enterprise" company takes or at least took very good care of those Eagles! I used to run into them all the time and was amazed at how well they were maintained!
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 07:41:00 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on April 24, 2011, 07:11:32 PM
It is not the math Eric 5 in low 5 in the middle range and 3 on the high side I am still betting it is a older 13 speed let us know

good luck

Thats the part that I was missing. I will try to do some research and see if I can find some pics of the 13 spd trannys. I have drove mine about 100 miles so far like a 5 spd and it does pertty good like that but I know it cant be good on it and I have to be loosing some mpg.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on April 24, 2011, 07:45:51 PM
We do allot of work at 4-h center. Rosie drives for ups.  My cell is 812 449 8263.  Bob
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on April 24, 2011, 07:55:34 PM
Very nice full hook up camp ground at 4-h center at Evansville   Bob
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 07:57:21 PM
It most not be the same Rosie then. The one I know has alot of heavy equipment and I couldnt see him working anywhere that requires a uniform lol.

Its a small world, isnt it? You never know who you might meet on a website lol.

Im going to try to post some pictures of my trans on here maybe you guys can help id it. No promises that the pics will work tho.

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi363.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo78%2FDreamscape_Eagle%2FErics%2520Eagle%2F4.jpg&hash=6b53785c2b05dcf315eefbf6ff2f394243b6ec88)

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi363.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo78%2FDreamscape_Eagle%2FErics%2520Eagle%2F3.jpg&hash=b8a59e1a89e66f72e40239609681daa0fb7f7feb)

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi363.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo78%2FDreamscape_Eagle%2FErics%2520Eagle%2F2.jpg&hash=27cf41cc2ddfb256da36b792248d37bea13944ab)

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi363.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo78%2FDreamscape_Eagle%2FErics%2520Eagle%2F1.jpg&hash=3f0c2dc19dcd16e38da4281480412436c16cd5f2)[/quote]


hope that works!
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: wal1809 on April 24, 2011, 07:59:00 PM
I have an 84 model 10 as well.  Listen to Clifford because he isn't bs ing about the floor acces hatches.  I don't know who the rocket scientist was that converted my coach be he covered them with a harwood floor.  I don't look forward to the day I have to get in there.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 08:30:37 PM
Yes I have full intentions of leaving them accessable. My wife and I were discussing this today while we where removing the seats.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on April 25, 2011, 09:07:03 AM
Yes be sure to leave access were the floor panels are!

We have a very well loved and experienced wood working busnut that used to be on this site that bought and built a nice Eagle. But when he bought it there was no floor in it at all! Just the cross members and even no floors in the luggage bays. (when arrived home with it he backed it in the driveway and his wife stepped in the steps and looked down and said "you could have at least bought one with a floor in it!")

Well he did a great job converting it, but he did not know about the access panels since he was starting with a blank canvas (or actually chassis!) and didn't know about this site at the time.
Well he did a superb job of building it and even put in a well insulated solid floor like 3/4" Marine plywood, 1/2 insulation, & another 3/4" flooring plywood all cris-crossed for strength and sealing purposes!

Well guess what first time he stopped by my place and needed a transmission hose replaced he looked at me like I had 3 eyes when I asked him how hard it was to get to the access panels under the bed.

His eyes glossed over and he asked "Access panels? What access panels?"
I explained to him that they all had access panels to get to the engine/trans and other service areas from the factory.
He again got a glossy look and said "AH, ain't got none!"
I asked are you sure. and he said "YES I sure as I'm the one who put the floor in there is nothing close to an access panel in it!"

Well it made the job difficult at the least but we were able to get a small wiry mechanic to climb in on the curb side and go through and over things until he was able to get on top of the transmission and take said hose off! The next evening he returned to my shop and put the new hose we had made up back on!

After that he promised the next time I saw the bus it would have access to he engine/trans and other things needed for future service!

Well next time he was at our place it didn't and this time he had a cracked exhaust manifold on the street side and there had to be access for the available mechanics to be able to work on it!

So out came the bedroom, and the circular saw and a sawzaw! (he now has a huge access panel! ;)
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: wal1809 on April 25, 2011, 11:16:33 AM
Thank you Bk, now I know what is in store. :o  It really should not be that bad because when I put the bed back in it will hide the monster hole in the floor.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 25, 2011, 01:05:11 PM
My neighbor bought a S&S today for the 454 out of it today. He said if I helped pull the motor I could have all of the stuff out of it I wanted. I plan on getting the tanks, water pump, converter and some other things.  Cant beat the price of free!  O and it has two newer roof top ac units in it as well!
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on April 25, 2011, 04:32:15 PM
Quote from: wal
Thank you Bk, now I know what is in store. :o  It really should not be that bad because when I put the bed back in it will hide the monster hole in the floor.

Oh you too? Cody is the one I was referring to! LOL! (his eyes got so glossy I thought he'd gone back to his days as a cop hang'n at the Dunkin Donut shop!)

Quote from: demodriver
My neighbor bought a S&S today for the 454 out of it today. He said if I helped pull the motor I could have all of the stuff out of it I wanted. I plan on getting the tanks, water pump, converter and some other things.  Cant beat the price of free!  O and it has two newer roof top ac units in it as well!

Shoot can't beat that price by a long shot! Shoot get ALL ya can even interior parts! Who knows you might be able to trade things you don't need/want for things you do!
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 25, 2011, 07:28:08 PM
Well the s&s turned into a great donor. I got the stove w/oven, 3 way fridge (roughly apartment size), shower insert/tub, toilet, fresh water tank, and the electronics for all the tank guages.

The toilet,stove, and fridge had been updated at some point and dont appear to have ever been used much at all if any.

I am going back tomorrow to get the converter, hot water heater, furnace, grey and black water tanks.

It turns out that I will be out of town on the day that he wants to pull the engine so he just asked that I buy a piece of rubber roofing for his shead instead. So I should only have about $150 in all of it!
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: 5B Steve on April 25, 2011, 07:51:04 PM

   Welcome, Glad to hear there is another "NUT" in Indiana. From what it sounds like we got the state covered

  lol! Bob in the SW, Chaz in the SE , I'm here in the Indianapolis area (Mooresville) few others up north.

Does it have OTR  AC.  If it does, and maybe others' will chime in and it's in good condition I would keep it.

Clifford would be good on that question.  Hey, good luck!

  Steve 5B.......
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 25, 2011, 08:17:16 PM
do you mean over the road ac? Im not hip on the lingo lol. It has duct work in the floor and in the bottom of the over head shelfs. There is also a large coil at the back of the bus with a blower on it. The drivers air dont work very well.

I did find a reciept in the bus for $2600 for ac repair on the bus. The church that owned the bus said that the ac didnt work. Its on a toggle switch and they had ALL of the vents closed off. I dont think they ever opened them and probably never figured the toggles out since they arent labelled.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: TedsBUSted on April 25, 2011, 09:30:22 PM
Quote from: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 07:57:21 PM
. . .Im going to try to post some pictures of my trans on here maybe you guys can help id it.

Demodriver - The trans is a Fuller twin-countershaft 5-speed, I can't ID a specific model from here. It's basically a Roadranger transmission without the rear "splitter" section.

The shift knob was probably installed as a joke. It's the control for an old Eaton 3-speed tandem truck axle, which was actually two 2-speed axles, shifted separately to achieve a third speed.

Ted
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: luvrbus on April 25, 2011, 10:08:27 PM
I'll be glad when someone does figure what transmission he has I all know for sure it is not what came in a Eagle

good luck
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 26, 2011, 06:37:59 AM
Quote from: TedsBUSted on April 25, 2011, 09:30:22 PM
Quote from: demodriver on April 24, 2011, 07:57:21 PM
. . .Im going to try to post some pictures of my trans on here maybe you guys can help id it.

Demodriver - The trans is a Fuller twin-countershaft 5-speed, I can't ID a specific model from here. It's basically a Roadranger transmission without the rear "splitter" section.

The shift knob was probably installed as a joke. It's the control for an old Eaton 3-speed tandem truck axle, which was actually two 2-speed axles, shifted separately to achieve a third speed.

Ted
Thanks! Some ones joke sure has made me wonder. I have spent alot of time trying to find out what in the world I have. I think I will look at replacing the shifter nob now lol.


What other info would be needed to id what model it is?
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: TedsBUSted on April 26, 2011, 06:54:48 AM
It would take an ID tag to get closer.
For now, a close enough guess would be that it's an RT905
The case could be loaded with many different ratio combinations.
I suppose you could paddle it over while counting shaft turns to at least see if 5th is 1:1.

Ted
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 26, 2011, 07:20:17 AM
I have looked all over it to find a id tag and couldnt find anything. The only place that I couldnt see was on the very top. I will pull the floor up and see if I can find anything. thanks again! Eric
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 26, 2011, 08:05:24 PM
ok I have a few new questions about my s&s appliances I got.

The water heater is propane and has a door (roughly 1'x1' that was on the outside of the rv. How can I use this and make it safe in my bus? Am I better off to just get a electric one?

The furnace has two vents on it as well. I assume one is exhaust and one is intake. Its propane also. Where are you guys venting these? Could I mount this in the basement and vent it towards the tag axle? It can have up to three duct runs on each side so I should be able to run them where I need them pertty easy.

The third question. The S&S has two roof top ac units. One of them works but not real well and the other wont do anything. It acts like there isnt any power. Are these worth taking the time to remove? I could get them recharged if need be for the price of the freon.  My other concern is the hole that I have to cut in the roof.  Do they usually use the same size hole in the roof from one brand to the next?

thanks ahead of time

Eric
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: luvrbus on April 26, 2011, 08:14:45 PM
Eric, you see a lot of buses with the hot water heater vent to the side same with the furnace you can install in the bays just vent through the door,if you are going to have a propane fridge it will need vents on top and the side and about the S&S ac if it is 30 amp service there will be a switch most are inside the closet to change the AC from front to rear

good luck 
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: happycamperbrat on April 27, 2011, 12:56:45 AM
If I wanted to put a 3way refer in the center of the bus with a wall behind it, cant I just vent to the roof? The wall could have an access panel, but the venting would all be in the roof..... no?
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: artvonne on April 27, 2011, 08:56:37 AM
  Roof AC's generally use the same size opening as a standard crank up roof vent, 14 inch IIRC.

  Evaporation (ammonia) refrigerators need good venting to lose heat, even without running on gas. If its a gas fridge, the cabinet needs to be completely air tight to the inside of the living space and well vented to the outside. Make sure to seal all gas lines and wires coming into the back of the cabinet so nothing can enter the living space.

  Im not sure I explained that properly. The perimeter of the front of the fridge mounts to the face of the cabinet. It should be sealed air tight around that perimeter, and the backside of the cabinet should be open and well vented to the outside and sealed all around to any possible leaks into the livable space.

  As there have been many reports of RV refrigerator fires, you may want to take that into consideration in the construction of the cabinet.

   
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: babell2 on April 27, 2011, 10:16:36 AM
Quote from: happycamperbrat on April 27, 2011, 12:56:45 AM
If I wanted to put a 3way refer in the center of the bus with a wall behind it, cant I just vent to the roof? The wall could have an access panel, but the venting would all be in the roof..... no?

Yes from the bottom or side up through the roof.  Need to get that heat out.

Brice
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: bevans6 on April 27, 2011, 10:20:08 AM
The idea with venting a typical RV propane fridge is air flow from the bottom to the top over the coils.  There is a specific size and type of plenum that is created by the back of the cabinet you install into, and the air flow from the lower vent to the roof vent.  I don't have a side access, the PO installed it with a vent through the bay and floor.  It works fine, but I think a side vent would be a lot handier for maintenance purposes.  One reason i will go to an electric fridge next one I buy.

Propane water heater, I would personally cut the side and  install the vent to outside if I were going to use propane.  You could install it in a bay but I would be a little worried about that, not quite sure why.  They do throw off an awful lot of heat when they are running, and that is probably my concern - how to shed that heat inside a closed bay.


Brian
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: artvonne on April 27, 2011, 10:56:46 AM
Quote from: bevans6 on April 27, 2011, 10:20:08 AM
 One reason i will go to an electric fridge next one I buy
Brian

  I dont know what ill do either. I dont have any hope in any of the new absorbtion refigerators, and I wont buy Chinese junk. Doesnt leave many options.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Rosie on April 27, 2011, 11:51:42 AM
   Demodriver I was the guy that talked to you at sale,Ressler did the work on the bus when Sunnycrest had it.   I live in Gas City my cell is 765-206-0390,give me a call if you want to talk. Some body changed the windsheilds to 20s
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 27, 2011, 12:03:27 PM
^^ Gotcha! Im sure we will run into each other sooner or later! thanks for leading me to these sites!

Resslers serviced the tri axle dump trucks that I used to drive. Im not impressed with them at the least.


I have another question for you guys who have did a conversion in IN.  What is the best way to go about getting the title switched over to a rv? I havnet did anything yet other then look up a little on the bmvs website.

thanks Eric
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on April 27, 2011, 01:48:07 PM
Easy change of use form from dmv get officer to inspect to see toilet etc and ck serial # change title to Rv If it's over 10 yrs old cost 50$ my 98 prevost cost 50$ a year plus 12.50 for plates. only bargin in Indiana. Bob.  Will walk you thru it when I see ya in two weeks or Rosie can help also if you need it sooner. or just jump in. A conservation officer did mine.  Bob
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: chev49 on April 27, 2011, 05:18:34 PM
just slightly less than the oregon rip off dmv prices...
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 27, 2011, 06:18:14 PM
Thanks for the replys guys.

It looks like I will be getting a different fridge then the 3 way one. I dont like the idea of holes in my roof.

I think that I can figure out a way to do the hot water heater in the rear bay with the rest of the plumbing.

I am going to go to the dmv tomorrow and start the process of the title transfer.
Robert I am hoping to have the bus titled as a rv and plated before I make the trip down. Its the only way that I will be able to use it for the trip.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on April 27, 2011, 06:24:23 PM
Set toilet in corner and cooler  and maybe coleman stove and sleeping bag and your a rv. Get change of use form and go. Any Questions call.  Bob
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 27, 2011, 07:17:58 PM
Thats pertty much what its going to consist of. For now its going to be a real fancy tent with wheels lol
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 28, 2011, 12:24:33 PM
well I got the paper work from the bmv and the local cop is being a pain. Said he dont have time to mess with it for a day or two!  I started to do the "redneck remodel" today to make the bus useable for a short trip or two. I will post pics later.


Is there any value to the shelfs, tvs, and seats in these things? Its goign to go in the dumpster pertty soon if not.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 29, 2011, 08:08:00 PM
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi756.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx203%2F2xdemo%2Fbusguts.jpg&hash=e368706c625742537d15fe2dcea04d3bd420ea6c)

Well heres what the redneck remodel ended up as. I was in a hurry to make it into a rv for the inspection for the title type transfer.  (NONE OF THIS IS PERMINANT) Well after it was all said and done I wouldnt of had to do anything to the bus to get it transfered to a rv.

I was finally able to get it titled and plated in my name today so I took the bus in for a inspection. Said it all passed with flying colors except I had two break shoes that showed signs of seperation from the metal. It also needs the tag axle tires replaced but I already knew that. They are pertty dry rotted.

It was nice to be able to put a few miles on it today. Probably put around 150 miles on it.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on April 30, 2011, 03:43:57 AM
Believe me Eric It depends on the officer and the mood he is in!  What size tires you running? Might have a deal.  Bud wheel?   Bob
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: eagle10 on April 30, 2011, 04:56:33 AM
We had a 1984 Eagle 10 that we converted over 14 years ago. We took out the two excape hatches and put on a piece of side window glass that created  two nice sky lights.
We cut new holes for the A/C's. We kept our over the road heater motors as we need heat up here in the North. We just sold the Eagle and bought a different coach.
Good luck!
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 30, 2011, 06:13:14 AM
Quote from: robertglines1 on April 30, 2011, 03:43:57 AM
Believe me Eric It depends on the officer and the mood he is in!  What size tires you running? Might have a deal.  Bud wheel?   Bob


Our local cop usually makes everything as difficult for me as possible so thats what I expected.  He was to lazy to leave his office tho this time.


I will check out the tire size and get back with you.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: luvrbus on April 30, 2011, 07:18:38 AM
What transmission Eric ,the standard tire size for the 10 was a 11rx 24.4 found out a little more about the bus Caldwell Bros did the front end conversion with the big windshields those are tough to find came from the MOL built Eagle Intercontineal model bus and are not the same windshields as the model 15 or 20 which have the same windshields. Caldwell Bros owned the bus for a while it was going to be a entertainers bus and that is were I lost track.Those windshields are a Caldwell trademark fwiw

good luck
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 30, 2011, 11:12:22 AM
Quote from: luvrbus on April 30, 2011, 07:18:38 AM
What transmission Eric ,the standard tire size for the 10 was a 11rx 24.4 found out a little more about the bus Caldwell Bros did the front end conversion with the big windshields those are tough to find came from the MOL built Eagle Intercontineal model bus and are not the same windshields as the model 15 or 20 which have the same windshields. Caldwell Bros owned the bus for a while it was going to be a entertainers bus and that is were I lost track.Those windshields are a Caldwell trademark fwiw

good luck

The shop owner said it was a 13 spd but the tag was gone so he wasnt 100% sure. I still havent tried to drive it any differently.


Is the caldwell brothers a bus shop or something? And what does the mol stand for?

When you say it was going to be a entertainer bus, do you mean that it was going to be a rental type bus for sports teams and that kind of thing?

Thanks for the info!
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on April 30, 2011, 02:40:19 PM
Caldwell Brothers is a pair of brothers from Nashville that build coaches & lease buses to "entertainers" (musicains, etc) they have an awesome shop and set up off I-24 exit 40 on the North West side of Nashville, TN
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on April 30, 2011, 02:47:17 PM
OK before someone else does I will correct my last incorrect post!
It seems I confused the Caldwell Brothers with the Hemphill Bros. and the Caldwell's are from VA!
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on April 30, 2011, 03:15:14 PM
Eric Have some good 11 r 22.5 don't guess they will do you any good. Bob
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on April 30, 2011, 09:06:54 PM
The tires are 11 r 24.4s.  Once again thanks for the info guys!
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on May 01, 2011, 07:27:56 AM
Quote from: robertglines1 on April 30, 2011, 03:15:14 PM
Eric Have some good 11 r 22.5 don't guess they will do you any good. Bob

Bob those won't do him any good but don't you have a buddy that owns a trucking company that may have some good take offs?
(or what about the ones from the auction last yr?)
;D  BK  'D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on May 01, 2011, 04:50:52 PM
ok guys I am going to be stuck using a portable style generator for a little while on my bus.

Is this a big "NO NO" or is there a good way to go about this?

I am open to ideas and suggestions.

My thoughts are to mount it in one of the rear bays and make its own enclosure inside the bay.  And to make a ram air style cooling system either in the door or in the bottom since its air cooled.

I may run the generator going down the road and while staying over nite while on the road at rest stops.

My concerns are all the normal ones, heat, fire retardant insulation, exhaust leaking into the living area, and of course noise.

I have read on here about the lead sheeting and lead backed drywall. At this time I dont want to spend the money on the lead because its not a permenant fixture but I still dont want to cut any corners on safety.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on May 01, 2011, 05:10:21 PM
Do you already have gen set? If so major safety consideration is carbonmonoxide exhaust sealed to well outside bus. next fire& noise.
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Lonnie time to go on May 01, 2011, 05:12:19 PM
Maybe it would help to post new questions on separate thread. I stopped following this thread awhile ago. Just by chance I noticed the new questions.  Bad part is I still can't help because of lack of experience on my part.

Lonnie
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on May 01, 2011, 05:35:28 PM
Quote from: robertglines1 on May 01, 2011, 05:10:21 PM
Do you already have gen set? If so major safety consideration is carbonmonoxide exhaust sealed to well outside bus. next fire& noise.

I have a Generac 5500 watt portable generator.

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi756.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx203%2F2xdemo%2Fgenerator.jpg&hash=18c6fc97560e382e87177f198d88d2413fe125bb)
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: robertglines1 on May 01, 2011, 05:49:09 PM
If you are going to be pulling a trailer all the time bolt it to it and run cord to bus. # 2 put on bracket on rear bumper and secure from theft. # 3 in bay with door open while in use or lots lots and more fresh air and exhaust outside coach body. Others that have done this need to chime in with their solutions maybe start thread using generac 5500 in bus.   Bob
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on May 01, 2011, 05:52:19 PM
Cody used a Honda generator in the right rear engine compartment.
Worked good had plenty of airflow and was not noisy at all!
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on May 01, 2011, 05:54:17 PM
All of my pics on photobucket are the "X" I dunno whats going on.

I figured I would just keep on with the same thread to keep the clutter down but you guys are right. I will start a new one if I dont get much response.

The trailer idea will work for the first trip. Its redneck but so is hauling a derby car with a bus  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on May 01, 2011, 05:56:09 PM
BK what did he do with the exhaust to get it away from the bus?
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on May 01, 2011, 06:04:55 PM
Quote from: demodriver on May 01, 2011, 05:56:09 PM
BK what did he do with the exhaust to get it away from the bus?

He took a box fan and mounted it on the door of the compartment facing outward and plugged it into an outlet on the gen. Anytime the gen was running the fan was blowing the exhaust away from the bus works great! Too bad he's no longer here on the board with us to provide details & pics! Might try him over on BNO or I have him on my face book if you'd like to get in touch with him PM me and I'll hook the two of you up!
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: demodriver on May 01, 2011, 06:24:49 PM
I have been lurking around the bno a little but havent joined yet.

It sounds like its just crazy enough to work.   ;D I sitll have the ac in there for now.

I am just trying to get the bus done enough to use it this summer and then I will tear into it next winter when I can get it indoors. 
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: mugsytrpt on May 01, 2011, 06:55:22 PM
I agree with one of Bob's suggestions.  If it is not too heavy, put it on a rack on the back of your bus using your hitch reciever if you have one.  I had to do this last year.  My gen quit and we had a trip planned.  I put a gen on the back on one of those mesh style trays you can put in the hitch reciever.  I ran my wire on the outside of the bus and attached with clips using the the screws on the trim of the bus.  I also put a lock on my gen to keep everyone honest.  It looked like the redneck came to town....but it worked.  We had a great time!  Good luck and stay safe.

James
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: babell2 on May 01, 2011, 07:19:57 PM
Quote from: demodriver on May 01, 2011, 06:24:49 PM
I have been lurking around the bno a little but haven't joined yet.

Ive been lurking and joined but haven't been accepted yet!
Still waiting on the Chief bus nut to let me in.

Brice
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: rampeyboy on May 01, 2011, 07:33:26 PM
yeah I been lurkin over there too and can't seem to get them to let me in! Just about gave up on it. More activity here anyway!

Boyce
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on May 02, 2011, 06:50:53 AM
Fella's trust me it's nothing personal over @ BNO about not letting you in. It's just the Bossnut over there is a very busy man and sometimes gets behind.
Trust me if it was about being picky about who is allowed and who ain't Cody, Ace, Dallas & myself would've never been allowed! (hmmm, maybe it's because we were allowed they are more careful now? Jes' Kidd'n!)
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: babell2 on May 02, 2011, 07:02:47 AM
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on May 02, 2011, 06:50:53 AM
Fella's trust me it's nothing personal over @ BNO about not letting you in. It's just the Bossnut over there is a very busy man and sometimes gets behind.
Trust me if it was about being picky about who is allowed and who ain't Cody, Ace, Dallas & myself would've never been allowed! (hmmm, maybe it's because we were allowed they are more careful now? Jes' Kidd'n!)
;D  BK  ;D


UPS shipping must be booming in Canada eh  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: luvrbus on May 02, 2011, 07:07:47 AM
I have a friend in Phoenix that has been trying to get here for 3 months now LOL and I know he is not a spammer   

good luck
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Busted Knuckle on May 02, 2011, 09:35:04 AM
Quote from: luvrbus on May 02, 2011, 07:07:47 AM
I have a friend in Phoenix that has been trying to get here for 3 months now LOL and I know he is not a spammer   

good luck

Clifford it took Cody over a year and getting banned from here before he was allowed on BNO! LOL!
;D  BK  ;D
Title: Re: New guy looking for a little input on my conversion! Ongoing questions!
Post by: Lonnie time to go on May 02, 2011, 09:55:12 AM
For those trying to join BNO  please check your  spam email.
Most any emails I receive from BNO go straight to my spam.

Lonnie