Newbie looking for bus recommendations

[Hartley]

Some of the things that are often off the to be considered list
are tools and workspace. Place to Park without hassles and place to make a huge mess
and maybe a trailer to toss stuff on to haul to the dump and haul materials from point A to point B...

To do your own conversion usually means buying a lot of tools
that you may not now own. Everything from mechanics tools to air tools and many various
versions of carpentry tools. Cordless drills, drill bits, hammers and lots of unusual or odd sized
wrenches. A shop vac, Air compressor and all of that stuff. A pressure cleaner is an almost
necessity.

A Bus conversion will train you or sharpen your skills in Mechanicals, Electrical, Plumbing, Woodworking,
painting, decorating and the Art of Frustration.

Things like Air/Hydraulic jacks, Wood blocks to hold stuff, Lifts and hoists at times. Lots of gloves,Rags
and many torn up or filthy clothes. This is the life.....

It is fun and healthy even if a dirty job.. Just remember once you start there is no quitting allowed.
It becomes a genetic affliction that you can't cure....

Dave.....

[Dreamscape]

You forgot one important thing.....A BIG BOX OF BANDAIDS....

Paul

[Dallas]

My recommendation for anyone considering a bus conversion is to immediately seek professional help.

Dr. Phil,
The friendly guys that have the nice coat with the arms that tie in back,
crayons,
A room with walls made of soft material,
Remove all sharp objects.

♪♫ These are a few of my Favorite things! ♪♫

[Hartley]

You forgot one important thing.....A BIG BOX OF BANDAIDS....

Paul

Did I ever mention Kevlar Sleeves?

[busnut_texas]

Dave - Thanks for the heads up. Here is what I already have experience and tools for: electronics, woodworking, plumbing, and some automotive experience. I am actually hoping to tap my neighbor's knowledge in the automotive department as he is very experienced with buses and dragsters (what a combo). He already taps my computer knowledge on a daily basis, so he I am sure he is up to returning the favor. I have 5 acres of land to park/work on whatever beast finds me. I am also pretty adept at learning what I need to know for DIY projects. I have built homemade projectors, an electric car, my own cabinets, chairs, table, a house from the ground up (not mine), and various electronic projects. I love doing this stuff, otherwise I definitely wouldn't have chosen to start with my own conversion.

Dallas - Yeh, I have been told to seek professional help before on many projects, mostly by my wife, but somehow I keep convincing the doctors to let me out long enough to finish them. The white coat with the arms in the back is just for fun.

I have now added band aids to my list of necessary items.

Thanks,
Jeremy

[NewbeeMC9]

Another option is to by one already converted,  lots of good deals out there, check the mag.  Its a better deal because of the total spent will be less than the parts purchased separately.  I went that route because i wanted to start out with a useable bus and time would not allow me to do a conversion while the kids are young. and i found a decent deal.

-I was able to get a 12 year loan from the credit union,
- tax deduct works like house morgatge, 
- 100% so no cash out up front
- still plenty to do to fulfill mech/carpenter needs,  fix, repair, change , improve.
- usable
-  not a S&S

whatever it is,  get it checked out by a mechanic

just m $.02, 

good luck and welcome

[rdbishop]

busnut__texas,                                                                                                            give me a call 1-830-625-1696 . I'm in New Braunfels, Texas.                                                                                                                          Richard