What Would You Do Different?

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · July 24, 2022, 06:20:30 AM

If you were to convert another bus from scratch, what would you do differently based on what you learned from your last bus conversion?

This is very helpful to people converting their first bus of course. Lets hear your ideas.

Utahclaimjumper · July 24, 2022, 07:12:38 AM

I would start with something that DID NOT HAVE A TWO STROKE !!! >>>Dan

oltrunt · July 24, 2022, 07:33:22 AM

I'd give myself a head start like beginning the build when I was 60 rather than 70 so I'd have more time to enjoy all my work. Jack

Bustle · July 24, 2022, 07:43:01 AM

Ask me in about a year... at this rate I regret not purchasing one already done, and re-doing the things I dont like.

dtcerrato · July 24, 2022, 11:00:37 AM

We did our one & only current bus 43 years ago and would do it all over again. I could say it would have been nice to have an 8V with an AT but I won't because our antique keeps us on our game as we do lots of mountain diving.

Utahclaimjumper · July 24, 2022, 11:18:10 AM

My first was a 62 GMC 4106 with the 4 speed,,, first trip out across the state of Utah and Idaho and return produced a huge blister on my shifting hand.. Within 30 days it had an automatic installed.. Start using the coach ASAP while doing the conversion,, the attention you get will boost your confidence in what you are doing..>>>Dan

richard5933 · July 24, 2022, 11:53:43 AM

What would I do differently?

Start 20 years earlier. Or more. My biggest regret was not doing the bus thing early enough before my back went on strike so I could get more years of enjoyment out of it.

lvmci · July 24, 2022, 12:07:44 PM

I had looked for a 102C3 from MCI. With either a 4 stroker or two stroke. The 4 stroke had a single big radiator and intercooler, was my preference. Found two 4 strokes. But both had rust issues. I would, with hindsight, have spent the 4 to 5 K more for the 4 strokes, that were in good shape...

windtrader · July 24, 2022, 01:07:39 PM

I would never advise anyone today to do a full conversion from scratch unless you have a bus conversion already and want unique features and know what's involved time and money. If it is a new person, buy an already converted bus x100!

This topic has been discussed so often that if you want to enjoy bus conversion life just get one done, in solid shape, then decide later if you want to DIY or maybe just modify/upgrade what you have. There are so many sad stories of conversions starting with the best intentions then life just has a way to throw off the plans. Never finished, never experienced the dream. Just don't!

silversport · July 24, 2022, 07:03:00 PM

First I need to say that in the 20 plus years of being the this crazy game I have no regrets with mine (4) 4106's. Now if I was starting from square one I would not be looking for a GM with a transverse engine, your options for engine replacement is limited. Only two cycle available (yes there is one four cycle left hand Cummings that will fit) and the way air quality is going not sure how much longer they will be legal "CA" (I hope for my life time). Parts and mechanics that know how to turn wrenches are getting harder to find.

silversport · July 24, 2022, 07:04:32 PM

First I need to say that in the 20 plus years of being the this crazy game I have no regrets with mine (4) 4106's. Now if I was starting from square one I would not be looking for a GM with a transverse engine, your options for engine replacement is limited. Only two cycle available (yes there is one four cycle left hand Cummings that will fit) and the way air quality is going not sure how much longer they will be legal "CA" (I hope for my life time). Parts and mechanics that know how to turn wrenches are getting harder to find.

Jim Blackwood · July 25, 2022, 06:40:51 AM

Being one of those crazies starting from scratch, the one thing I'd try to do differently is to be more selective in the purchase of the bus in the first place. Now don't get me wrong, if I'd spent more money (and I'm pretty sure I would have had to) to get a better bus I'm quite sure I'd have run out before getting finished. But it would be nice to have a bus that had never been high centered (evidence of damage is revealed by looking underneath) and that had flat and straight signboards. These are admittedly picky details on a low budget build and mostly cosmetic at that, but they are nigh well impossible to remedy after the fact. So I'll just have to live with it, which I can do.

Other than that everything is working out well. I'm finishing up the inside cabinets, just bought a water heater and a 50 gallon propane tank (ouch) and am on track to bolt down the water tank and then order the plastic to build the waste tanks. I was able to re-purpose an oversized pallet into a 90 degree buck for assembly and welding and I have drawings here somewhere so I think everything else is ready. Good chance that by spring I'll be driving it. I'm not sure if this means I will meet the goal of my 5 year build deadline but that really doesn't matter as much as finishing the job does.

I've cut into my reserves, and will do so again but most of the big ticket items are here now or are paid for. Still outstanding are: Plastic for the tanks (and possibly for the shower enclosure), a proper inverter, aircon compressors, and finally house batteries and new tires. I will have to be careful with my shopping but in the end, after all expenses and including the initial purchase price of the bus my cost is going to fall somewhere in the $15-20K range. Now if anyone can show me a 4 stroke conversion I can buy for that money I'd love to see it. Admittedly I'm not including the labor value. That would skew things dramatically, but it's been a project that I have enjoyed so I'm not really counting that. If the time comes when I want to sell it will I recover my expenses? I'd say there should be a fair chance of that but who knows? Probably never happen anyway.

Jim

lostagain · July 25, 2022, 07:52:42 AM

Don't build a conversion. So many for sale to choose from already done. Buy one today, go camping tonight.

windtrader · July 25, 2022, 08:12:21 AM

Hats off to you Jim. you have the spirit and drive of those OG busnuts from the 90's. Today, you are a rare breed. You are one who is enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Back to Gary's original recommendation. The vast majority will be better off financially and timewise to buy one already done and drive it today. If you buy right, you have a fixed upfront cost, allow for some maintenance and personal upgrades and you are good to go. Again, hats off to you but all others read the warning sign at the beginning of the trail.
One other perspective. If your goal is not to achieve the typical full on bus conversion but a far more modest conversion than that is a different disciussion entirely. Many today are doing the basic skoolie gut and put some basic stuff in and off they go in a few months but that is a different animal.

chessie4905 · July 25, 2022, 08:57:26 AM

would have kept the 4104 had it been an automatic. Manuals of those Era are are a pita starting out on a hill or backing up a grade, plus in traffic, or trying to get back into gear when hot, when long traffic light finally changes. Always wanted a Buffalo, but only with an automatic. Bought it already converted. They'll be enough to do over the years maintaining and alternating to keep you occupied. In the early days, used conversions were far and few between, and pretty costly to buy one when it became available. Used shells were pretty expensive too.