Roof Raising Questions

[belfert]

I don't quite follow Gene's process as listed on the website.  It appears he jacked up the whole roof without having it attached in any way to the rest of the bus.  I thought most people use threaded rod or similar to keep the roof connected to the rest of the bus during the process?

I'm seriously thinking about raising my roof in 2010 depending on the schedule of my bus trips.  I would love to find a building to do the work in over the winter, but I don't think that will happen.  I'm probably not using the bus this year until end of September, but no money to do the work this summer.  I am guessing at a total cost of around $3,500 to $4,000 by the time I buy steel, alcuobond for the sides, fiberglassing supplies for the caps, and new low profile air conditioners.  The amount of raise I would ideally like to do would push  my standard roof A/C units above 13' 6".

I didn't think the Dina was a good candidate for a roof raise, but the couple would had their Dina roof raised has inspired me.  I would really like to lift mine enough to have a totally flat ceiling inside, but that may not be practical.  A 10" to 12" raise might alter the aerodynamics enough to killl my MPG so I may have to go for something more like 8".

[buswarrior]

8" or 10" or 12"...

never mind about fuel economy, you won't be measuring the difference between these three options with a gas station hose and your odometer. You already have a 12 foot by 8.5 foot brick. If you're worried about it, lay the giant forehead back by a bit of an angle, or round it off, have a look at the new style D model MCI for inspiration... maybe that roof cap can be had for price....

Raise the roof the height that makes sense for the space you want, positioned against the fear you desire trying to stuff it under trees, bridges and garage doors.

happy coaching!
buswarrior