Bus Trip/Progress

buddydawg · August 21, 2012, 05:49:34 PM

I took a trip on the bus this past weekend to Stone Mountain. It was a successful trip and everything went smoothly bus wise and trip wise. Especially since we had eight people on board Saturday night, the extra four being my in-laws and other members of my wife's family. That aside I had a chance to reflect on just how far the bus project has come. It seems more and more I can list the few things I need to do that will "complete" the project. I bought it in 2007 and looking back it was really a junker, I only paid $2000 for it. I built it as I had funds available and I've paid cash for everything. Now I'm thinking that it may actually get finished and it is a good feeling. The attached pic is at the Stone Mountain RV Park, it was a little pricey at $57 per night plus $10 to get into the park. It is a nice place to visit so I paid up.

buddydawg · August 21, 2012, 05:51:16 PM

Here is an interior shot from front to back

buddydawg · August 21, 2012, 05:53:03 PM

Here is one of the galley

buddydawg · August 21, 2012, 05:54:11 PM

**

buddydawg · August 21, 2012, 06:04:29 PM

One last exterior shot

Oonrahnjay · August 21, 2012, 06:12:52 PM

Nice work, Brandon. I really like your open, clean look living room/galley space. But can i ask a few questions? How did you accommodate 8 people? Without multiple "entertainer - type" bunks, it would seem just about impossible. And the same issues for cooking/dining; how did you provide for space at the table? Also, what's your floor, how long has it been down, what kind of installation difficulties did you have and how has it been working out for you -- it looks *really* good.

It's good inspiration. Thanks for the post and photos. BH, NC USA

Seangie · August 21, 2012, 06:18:38 PM

Brandon,

Looks Awesome. Love the simplicity of it. We have a 40' and are looking to go a similar layout with additional set of bunks and a washer and dryer added in. I cannot wait to see where we are at in 5 years from now on our project.

Thanks for posting the pics. Greatly appreciated.

-Sean

PS - Off topic but I asked my wife to marry me at stone mountain. Beautiful Park.

CrabbyMilton · August 21, 2012, 06:30:40 PM

Very nice looking NEW LOOK sir. How about the powertrain? Is it original, new or rebuilt?

buddydawg · August 21, 2012, 06:39:49 PM

Quote from: Oonrahnjay on August 21, 2012, 06:12:52 PM
Nice work, Brandon. I really like your open, clean look living room/galley space. But can i ask a few questions? How did you accommodate 8 people? Without multiple "entertainer - type" bunks, it would seem just about impossible. And the same issues for cooking/dining; how did you provide for space at the table? Also, what's your floor, how long has it been down, what kind of installation difficulties did you have and how has it been working out for you -- it looks *really* good.

It's good inspiration. Thanks for the post and photos. BH, NC USA

We Slept 3 in the rear bed (me, wife, baby) one adult in each bunk (30 x 80), one adult on each couch (30 x 76) and the 6 year old on the floor. Tight but no complaints.

For dining we just sit where we can. Dinette, couches, end tables and some ate out side. We actually had 13 people in the overall group.

The floor is tile and has been down for 3 years. I added a layer of 3/4 and backer board over the original plywood bus floor laid the tile with a modified thinset and have had no issues to date.

Oonrahnjay · August 21, 2012, 10:58:50 PM

Thanks for that info, Brandon. Your bus obviously works as good as it looks. Congrats, and keep up the info and inspiration coming.

buddydawg · August 22, 2012, 03:11:41 AM

Quote from: CrabbyMilton on August 21, 2012, 06:30:40 PM
Very nice looking NEW LOOK sir. How about the powertrain? Is it original, new or rebuilt?

The 6v71 and VH9 is the original set-up but I don't have any information on the last rebuild etc.. What I do know is that it runs good, has a few oil leaks but doesn't use much oil. Transmission is solid, top speed is 65.. wish I had a little more there but I am satisfied. It does need new exhaust which is coming up on my next short list.

buddydawg · August 22, 2012, 03:14:40 AM

Quote from: Seangie on August 21, 2012, 06:18:38 PM
Brandon,

Looks Awesome. Love the simplicity of it. We have a 40' and are looking to go a similar layout with additional set of bunks and a washer and dryer added in. I cannot wait to see where we are at in 5 years from now on our project.

Thanks for posting the pics. Greatly appreciated.

-Sean

PS - Off topic but I asked my wife to marry me at stone mountain. Beautiful Park.

Thanks, just keep pushing and it will get done.

CrabbyMilton · August 22, 2012, 04:13:18 AM

Those buses were well known to be solid all around and they changed very little until they were discontinued in the late 1970's though production continued for the Canadian market well into the 1980's. So I doubt you will have too much trouble finding parts for it when you need them.

bevans6 · August 22, 2012, 04:43:48 AM

TTC in Toronto retired their last New Look from regular service in March 2012, it was in use on Toronto Island. They have kept two around, and they go into service for special events from time to time.

Brian

garhawk · August 22, 2012, 07:15:05 AM

Hey Brandon,

That's some nice looking work. Take pride!