Truck Conversion

TomC · July 12, 2009, 08:17:00 AM

Here's a picture of the conversion as of last week. They now have the floor down and about to skin the sides. But thought you'd like to see the skeleton. The floor is 2x2 steel tubing on 16" center, and the walls are 1.5x1.5 steel tubing also on 16" center-both are .120" thick metal. The outside skin will be rivetless taped with 3M high adheasive double sided tape. It is coming along really well-and the truck body company (American Truck Body, Fontana, Ca) is probably going to use this as an example to go into RV bodies. Good Luck, TomC

jackhartjr · July 12, 2009, 08:33:56 AM

Tom, I did not realize you were using that classic truck...good for you!
Is there a web page we can look at the progress on?
I always LOVED those trucks!
Jack
PS, it is looking good!

Lonnie time to go · July 12, 2009, 09:08:09 AM

Youtube video would add alot to the process. I cant wait to see the end results. Best of luck

Jeremy · July 12, 2009, 09:15:42 AM

Don't forget to install the slideouts before sticking the skins on.

Jeremy

TomC · July 12, 2009, 09:31:10 AM

Jeremy- the truck body is 102" wide-we decided not to do any slide outs because of the cost ($15,000.00 ea X 2) and wanting to keep it simple. Good Luck, TomC

jackhartjr · July 12, 2009, 10:30:14 AM

Tom, I applaud you for wanting to keep it simple!
We are going to do our interior in a 50's motif...very simple.
Jack

Sean · July 12, 2009, 11:01:43 AM

Looking good, Tom.

The last time I saw the truck, the cab was sitting sort of caddy-wumpus -- has that been straightened out?

-Sean
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com

Utahclaimjumper · July 12, 2009, 11:20:45 AM

Tom, what year is the truck cab?? I worked for freightliner Pomona as a welder lead man from 1965 to 1970, back when we produced ten trucks a day.>>>Dan

gumpy · July 12, 2009, 11:24:00 AM

A friend of mine just got his truck conversion on the road. He used a Volvo chassis, and built the box himself with some design help from the people who build Kingsley's. It's freakin huge! He used the 3M tape to put the side skins on. Put 3 slides in it. I haven't seen it up close since he put the cabinets in, but he got it out of the shop finally and took it to NM last week. Puts my bus to shame, but then again, he has more money than I do.

luvrbus · July 12, 2009, 11:39:53 AM

Here is a site that a friend of mine in Idaho Falls owns that converts trucks he uses only Volvo for the ones he converts to sale http://www.powerhousecoach.com FWIW he will deliver free of charge. good luck

usbusin · July 12, 2009, 12:41:36 PM

Tom, that is looking great! I know you'll be pleased with your conversion.

We have had ours now for over 8+ years and 107,000 miles. Also, 102" wide and no slides. Keep it as simple as possible with as few "automatic" systems and you'll have a reliable, dependable motorhome that you don't have to worry about. Keep us updated on the progress.

Here is the link to our truck conversion: http://www.ustruckin.blogspot.com/

GaryD
"USTruckin"

travelingfools · July 12, 2009, 12:42:34 PM

Anyone been on the road in one of these ? Im curious how the ride is in the "coach" section while going down the road...

luvrbus · July 12, 2009, 01:00:42 PM

TF, they ride like a dream in the coach end but a little rough up front in the drivers area in the ones I have rode in.
I would compare it to any bus with a straight axle in the front.
I never rode in one made from a cabover I would think it would be a little ruff ride in the cab sitting over the front wheel
good luck

Lin · July 12, 2009, 09:05:44 PM

Clifford,

I notice your friend does not include the prices on the for sale coaches. Is this because they are so cheap it is not worth mentioning?

TomC · July 12, 2009, 09:14:25 PM

Sean- On the left front, I took two spacers from the top of the axle and installed them in between the spring and axle straightening the truck out for the build. If it still is weird, I'll have new springs installed.

The rear suspension is 8 air bag and rides well. The front rides pretty well too since I mostly rode with my air seat exhausted (like to low ride) for the 1.2 million miles the truck has on it. If it still doesn't ride well, I'll install the Donvel air bags on the front that are controlled from the cab so you can adjust it while driving to get the best ride. Thanks all for the complements.

We're leaving Wed for Mammoth lakes, Calif gold country, and a run to the bay area for 12 days in the AMGeneral. Will keep the bus until the truck is done (I'm estimating about 2-3 years). Good Luck, TomC