Question for Self Converters

[Dreamscape]

If you were to do another conversion what would you do differently?

You can leave "More Money" out of the answer!

When I started our back in 03 I did not have the resources of Bus Boards available. I thought it couldn't be much different than rebuilding a house, wrong! This things moves and rolls down the road. I have learned so much that I think if I was (Not) going to do another one, it would be much better designed, and the quality of materials and workmanship would be much improved.

I've made several mistakes in doing ours along the way, and try to improve on the stuff I still need to do. I figure by the time I'm 70 in another ten years, it might be close to being finished!

Paul

[scanzel]

I am 60 and I would have tried to start one when I was 50. I run out of steam more quickly. I bought my bus in 2005 and used it a few times as is and then gutted the inside and I am no where near being able to use it even for a quick overnight camping trip. Between working full time, taking care of my house, helping my son and helping two widowed mothers who still own there own homes it leaves very little time for the bus at times. I bought the bus because I don't like the stick/staples kind, but sometimes I think that would have been easier because I could be joining our friends on weekend outings instead of making excuses as to why we can't participate. I would say that anyone wanting to do a conversion to make sure you really want to and have the time to really invest in it. Once you buy it it is very hard to get back all you have already into labor and financially. Good Luck !

[Tenor]

Well, I'd have to say flooring selection.  I bought the Pergo knock off stuff and I'm not as happy as I was.  I found that a few leaks had escaped my attention and the flooring was damaged.  It also seems to scratch easier than I expected.  This being my first flooring job, it's alright.  Truth is, this is my first electrical, plumbing, woodworking, diesel mechanical, propane experience!    I would describe my bus as a "B" grade high school shop project.  I always wanted a cabin, so I built a bus to look like a cabin. 

The other thing is water tanks.  I bought some off of the eplace and should have just gone direct to Bontragers.  I didn't know that they had them.    I would have built the water bay differently and I would have done more to make the plumbing a little nicer.  Oh well!

Glenn

[Jerry32]

I am 75 now and bought my bus in Feb 07. I did the basic conversion that spring and summer while using it to go camping with friends. By Nov I was spending the winter in it in Yuma. I like what I have and am not interested in a "show" bus. I have continually added thing to it to make it better for me. Just this year I have added a jake , one A/C unit,six solar panels,a datastorm satellite and computer work station, and rebuilt the microwave convection oven mounting. I also added another awning to the left side for window shading. meanwhile going on one or two camping trips a month.  I don't have any great tools for woodworking so took used drawers from an old mobile home for use in the bus. All in all I am happy with what I have. Jerry

[blue_goose]

I bought my bus in 1986 when they were selling for a high price.  I looked until I found one that was priced where I could afford and not have any payments.  What a bad move that was, I worked longer and harder on fixing up the bus than I did on the conversion.  Spent more money on fixing up the bus than what it cost. 
If I were to do another one which at my age that won't happen.  Buy the best bus you can find,  one that doesn't need any work to make it the way you want.  Then you can do the conversion any enjoy your work.
We keep our motorhome until the bus was compleated, but we worked on the bus two and one half years and the conversion only 6 months.
Things have changed a lot since 1986, we paid $25,000 for our 1968 Eagle.  The engine was in need of overhall, tires wore out, no power steering, manual transmission and lots of rust.  For that price now you can get a good shell ready to go down the road.
Jack 

[john9861]

I'm turning 48 in September & though I made a good buy on a unit close to home there is one area that I didn't give enough consideration. Time, time, time. In our family owned business I invest 60-70 hours per week, mostly to satisfy government & insurance related financial commitments. This commitment takes 1 1/2 weeks of pure profit to satisfy per month, lol.  This left a smaller window of opportunity to work on the bus. I originally had planned to do it all but have learned that outsourcing certain things is going to be my only hope of getting it to a usable point. I have invested a good bit of sweat equity so far & will continue this with the interior upfit. We just want to use the thing sooner rather than later. Now given the economic times we're in & I know it is different as to values of these units from even just a few years ago. But I might have been willing to take a raised roof unit ready for interior upfit & paint or even a finished unit. Use it now, remember time, time, time...
John Mellis
Bowman, SC

[JackConrad]

    I don't want to hijack this thread, but I noticed that John9861 lives in Bowman, SC.  So, john, are ya'll goona jion us at Palmetto Cove?  Jack

[TomC]

All of the equipment I used was generic motorhome type stuff.  The best was using 2-10gal electric water heaters straight from Home Depot (one feeding into the next with the final one powered through the inverter for hot water while driving)-with zero maintenance (not many with Aqua Hots can say that) except draining them once a year (if I remember).  The only maintenance I've done is replace one circuit breaker (Home Depot), one A/C outside shroud, and rebuild the toilet.  Speaking of which, the toilet is the one item I'm not pleased with.  It is a Sealand 510 (I think), the top one with custom light gray color.  Looks great, but doesn't have a steep enough bowl for consistent evacuation.  Plus it has a plastic base, which when you're over 300lbs, have to be ginger on it so not to bend the base and break the seal between the porcelain bowl and the plastic base.  Next time will use a 100% porcelain toilet.
Considering that my propane 35,000btu furnace, the 2 water heaters, propane stove, Norcold AC/DC compressor type 6.3 refer and 2.1 chest freezer, 3-Coleman A/C's, 2- Surflo silent water pumps, and other equipment (other then previously mentioned) has been 100% reliable, on my truck conversion, most all the equipment will be repeated-a hard history to argue with.  Good Luck, TomC

[Gary LaBombard]

I would not do it again, not as I have now!!  I am running out of steam now, going on  7 years and she is still on blocks.  I have tried over the past 5 years now to pass on the mistakes I made in purchasing my bus which has taken a lot of drive out of me lately.  I still recommend as mentioned by others above to purchase one after (Being Inspected) by more experienced converters & professionals if possible before laying down any $$.  Purchase a bus that is complete or nearly complete that you can use now or a great shell that is ready with no frame damage if this is possible!!  This is not easy to admit that I am running out of steam.  I have a promise now to fulfill and will keep working on our bus for someone very special in our lives, I hope I get to use our Eagle before time runs out.  Today must be one of my bad days as I really do love our Eagle and hope to be driving her en route to a destination with my family one day soon.  

The best thing that has happened to us in our bus conversion dream has been meeting all the new friends we have and looking forward to gathering with them as much as possible.  That is priceless, being over 60 is quite a challenge to keep your spirits up when so much repair has to be done at times as I have had to do.  It is very rewarding when completed but every day it gets harder and harder to have that same enthusiasm you had when you were younger.  

Well, It is time to get back on the Eagle repairs this morning before losing any more time.  Gotta hang in there, I have a promise to keep.  Gotta (git-r-done).
Gary

[muddog16]

What would I do differently?  Good question!  I started this when I was 55, I didn't expect health problems, but then no one does!  I researched stuff for about 2 years and still didn't know anything about buses....and maybe I still don't today!  I think the biggest change I would make is to build a shop and enclose the project, chasing rust isn't fun!  In the beginning I actually wanted a Eagle, but it didn't pan out! I'm not disappointed but the rebuild would have been easier!  The LeMirage has curved top sides and that can drive the cost up.........way up!  I could have cut corners during this conversion but I have intentions of keeping it for a long time......!   I'm sure there are some small things i would have changed......but you always second guess yourself doing this stuff!  Starting at 50 would have been much better..but i was busy watching my kids play sports......and several other side attractions....!  All in all I can't complain.....I am slow.......but that happens with age! 

[Singing Land Cruiser]

WOW Paul, what a great question! I may have to work on this one and "UPDATE" as I go thru the bus. NOW, converting a BUS on a 90 day time line and poor mans pocket book came with its own set of rules. Basically, You get what you get. You use what you got. You scrounge what you can. Gladhand for anything and call in all those favors and settle for work that is "OK" but not quite up to your standards. I would not have done this and work a full time job! Hence the "Time, Time, Time" quote from John Mellis. I would have loved to worked with someone on their bus conversion before my own. The unknown was the hardest thing for me. It cost me alot of time and I had very little to waste. I still don't know "Jack" about some bus systems and that weighs heavy on my mind now that we are on the road fulltime. Dam Paul! This is a great question!!! More to come. Michael

[lostagain]

I got ours 5 years ago already converted and slept in it that night. Then gradually renovated upstairs and recently overhauled and turbo ed the engine, so we have a really nice and fun bus now that we use a lot.

Our youngest boy will be gone to college in 4 years, so we may want a faster, bigger bus to go South with. We would look for one already converted and ready to go. I can't see the supply of converted buses drying up soon.

JC

[4905 doc]

If you were to do another conversion what would you do differently?

Nope. I'd do it all again just the same. that being said, however, we did a lot of research before we committed any time to our bus.  Issues forced us to sell the bus, but everyday we look for another.

[bevans6]

I bought mine 75% converted.  The actual bus was in very good shape, at least I haven't had to fix anything on it  yet, haven't found any problems.  the conversion was complete enough to use and really enjoy, and not complete in the areas of finishing where I can do some reno from time to time, replace cheesy wall paper with solid mahogany panelling, that sort of thing.  Maybe install a drawer or two...

My serious advice is do what I did.  Buy a solid foundation in terms of the bus, pass on anything that you know needs actual mechanical or structural work.  Get a conversion that is usable day one.  Then learn how to drive it, maintain it, and use it to have some fun.  At the end of the day, a bus conversion is going to cost, what - $30k to $50K?  For $30K these days you can buy a converted bus with upgraded recent mechanicals, needs nothing, go travelling that day ready.  Spend the other $20K on diesel...

Brian

[fe2_o3]

     If we do this again. I will plan more for convenience of repair and freezing weather.
     Sooner or later everything needs service, repair or replacement. I would put things where I could get at them more easily.
     I would also plan better to keep plumbing accessable and insulated from weather related problems....Cable