Removing raised floors is work!

[buddydawg]

I must say they built these things to last.  Lots of bolts and screws most of which have long been seized.  I have been using Liquid wrench and a Bosch Impactor to get them loose which works on all but the last one that holds everthing together.  Thats where I break another screw bit or strip it.  Other than that it is steady as she goes.  Patience gets most of them out and man the scrap pile is getting big quick.

[Slow Rider]

Hint Hint, now would be a great time for a few photos......

Frank

[buddydawg]

I was working down the side. (left in photo) The previous owner had sawed the middle of the platforms out and tried to remove the support beam along the aisle then gave up.  About every six inches down the outside is a bolt that attaches the floor to a support on the frame of the outer wall.  These suckers have not moved in 35 years so you can imagine what it takes to break them loose.  I went halfway down the side today only having two that are going to have to be extracted in a different manner. 

Other than that I worked on a few electrical issues.  The brake and rear running lights were not working.  I checked the bulbs and sure enough one was missing.  I replaced it and it was lit like the brakes were pressed all the time.  I couldn't get it working correctly but I assume the switch may be stuck "on".  The left side brake light is not operating due to a faulty light bulb socket which needs replacing.

[Jerry32]

Hey it keeps you off the streets!!!

[TomC]

Buddy- now you're at the point I can describe my insulation.  I took 1x2 fir strips and screwed them into the uprights of the wall-running horizontally-about a foot apart.  This does two things-one it extends out the wall so you can spray (or have it sprayed-its nasty stuff) in insulation to the outer level of the 1x2's.  Makes for 2.25" of insulation.  Then with the horizontal 1x2's, you'll have something to easily attach the plywood inner wall, then to the plywood your outer covering.  I also did this on the ceiling.  All my cabinets and walls are screwed together so to make future changes much easier-just unscrew the panel, etc.  Good Luck, TomC

[cody]

A hundred years from now I wonder what the therapists would say about all this lol, are we having fun yet? lol

[Hartley]

BTW,

It doesn't take a hundred years.... Oh about 3 months after you covered it all back up is usually long enough. Then it's on to something else....worse!!!

Jobs like that should be under the title "Dirty Jobs"...and get a TV special !!!

Just think about cleaning the underside and engine compartment next....

Dave....." What was I thinking " that is usually what happens later.....

[Dreamscape]

Hello Brandon,

I remember when I gutted out our Eagle from an older conversion. I went nuts and stripped the interior down to the frame. I had piles of crap all over the place. Made several trips to the dump. Not fun at all! I can relate to what you are going through, just with a differant coach.

Have fun and have lots of band-aids on hand!

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

[buddydawg]

It does feel good to make a little progress.  I will be delighted when I get it back to the bare minimum.  I have renovated a c1873 house and c1905 building in the past and the teardown is an important necessity as it shows what you have to build on and can uncover extensive repairs.  Which if you have to make it is better now than later. 

As far as the band-aids go, none so far...which is unusual     

[NJT5047]

I have a dumb question...could those seat rails be considered a "structural" component?   Looks like they offer a good bit of floor reinforcement. 
JR

[buddydawg]

Not in this case.  They may add some type of reinforcement but they are not a structural component of the bus.