I've been thinking, (yes start worrying now) about something for a while and need some thoughts if it is needed. The idea came from watching the tiny house craze. There are many companies that build RV's. You can get them from 50,000 to several million, but does anyone offer doing a less option.
For example as in one of several recent posts, he has 15,000 to spend. I bought my 1993 C3 for 8,000.00 and it was a running working coach the day I bought it so mechanically was in great shape. That would leave 7,000.00 for the conversion. You can't get a million dollar coach for 7000.00 dollars but it will go a long way in arriving to it. You might not get a Magnum Hybrid inverter but a cheaper one and upgrade later.
From the tiny house thoughts, many people want to do some of the work but not take on the whole project. 7,000.00 dollars will get you a basic interior that is designed for what they want, twin beds, bunk beds, large bathroom, small bathroom etc. They will have options on what they want to do.
Another example is mine. On my first conversion, I built the cabinet boxes but it was 2 years before I put doors and drawer fronts on. I built the project to do in stages and as the money came in I added more "toys". Hurricane Bob destroyed that one in 1985. My second one was burned in a riot in 2005. A friend wrecked the 3rd one in 2010. All of these I built in stages and lived full time in each.
After 40 years in the commercial construction trades I'm thinking about what I want to do when I grow up. This sounds like it might be fun. Kind of like raising kids, get them to a point and kick them out, grown or not. (Um, maybe not the best example LOL). Bob
I've got 15 grand in my bus very plain but very usable and wouldn't want it any other way
I've got 2 jack knife sofas and a recliner in the living room a modest kitchen a nice bathroom and a queen bed in the bed room I am planning on redoing the hardwood floors with something a lil nicer but still not a half million dollars
I bought my transit for $4000. Now after changing wheels, grease to oil bearings, changing rear end axle ratio, overhauling virtually everything in the engine compartment plus turboing the engine, new air bags, changed air steering to Sheppard, plus the conversion-I have easily over $100,000 in the bus now. Good Luck, TomC
One can get a quality built older factory conversion for well under 20k - start using it right away, and personalize/ upgrade it as funds permit.
Kyle-that maybe true, but then someone else built it and you don't know how it was built, where the wiring or plumbing is, etc.
Bob I can see where you are coming from with your idea.
I think the reason you see so many partially completed buses for sale is the people that buy them and start a conversion have no idea what they are getting into.
It takes a lot of knowledge in a lot of different trades, a lot of tools and equipment as well as the ability to see the finished product long before it is finished.
I am a contractor and have most of what I needed to do my conversion. I also have a shop where I could do all my woodwork and have electricians, plumbers pipe fitters and mill wrights on my payroll.
Even with the knowledge I have gained from many years in both residential and industrial construction as well as welding and fabrication, I found myself having to go back and rethink and redo a lot of what I had done.
I have owned my bus for 10 months and have nearly completed the conversion,at least to a point that it is usable, but could not have done it in that time frame by myself and there are a lot of things I wish I had done differently!
Anyway if you have the knowledge, tools and ambition and can price your services so the average guy can afford your help it may be worth giving it a shot.IMHO
Wes
Quote from: TomC on October 17, 2015, 03:52:22 PM
Kyle-that maybe true, but then someone else built it and you don't know how it was built, where the wiring or plumbing is, etc.
The key words are "QUALITY FACTORY BUILT" -- very important to understand that not all factories build quality !
It is usually very difficult to home build better than a quality factory made unit.
My Newell is better built, is better planned, & has a better floor plan than anything I could have done. (And I have the tools & ability)
Main thing I was trying to get across was to keep as many options open as you can. You won't find a one already done to your liking if you aren't looking.
In the trades I have been for the past 35 years what's called a "road warrior". That means spending most if not all year on the road working on construction projects, most of it living in motor homes. I have had all types from class "A" Pace Arrows and other name brand top of the line coaches to smaller Class "C" types. Each time, paying high prices and still not getting exactly what I want. Also living with things like the walls of the Pace Arrows delaminating and other known issues of "Stick built" RV's. Many of the coaches in the board are over 50 years old, proving they out live any "stick" built RV.
There is a saying that the only difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys. This board proves that saying to be true. On the 3 conversions that I have had I have never finished one of them. I would build something and, (being an engineer and rethinking) after a while tear it out and do it again, that is the fun and makes it a "toy". The people on this board are all just trying to tell "Ralphie" not to stick his tongue on the flag pole and as been a great resource for me over the years.
I loved to skydive and became a certified instructor and I had students that would go through all of the ground training but their butts worked like suction cups when the door of the plane open and it was a chore getting them out the door. All of them (that lived LOL) after landing told me that it was the greatest thing they ever did. I think this board is full of people like that and all they need is a push out the door. I'm just trying to find out if I'm correct on that. The "bus" is the quality built part; the interior is just sticks and stones and should be the personal touch area.
Ah yes, but there are many doors to be pushed through - which door does one need to stand in front of ?
The one which does not make you "crash and burn" LOL
In my original post, I might not of asked the question correctly so I will ask in another way. I want to customize a bus and want to help doing some of the work, like painting and tile work but worried about cabinetry, plumbing and electrical, etc. Is there anyone out there now that will come to me and assist me in getting started and stopping at a certain spot when I feel I can take it from there?
as far as help. A lot depends on where you are. Also what time of year it is. Must realize Pro people are in the business to make $$$$. A exterior paint job could = 30 grand. As far as bus being in service when you got it. Well no guarantee it wasn't retired for a reason as business tend to milk a unit for the most profit they can make including lack of proper maintenance toward end of revenue life. Welcome to the world of busnuts. Apparently you already knew this going in . Many units running around with toilet ,camp stove and sleeping bags-- you got to decide where you fit. Ask questions.
This doesn't look bad for the money - - - -
eBay #
281831131745