I was working on the bus this morning when I suddenly realized I could no longer feel my feet. That’s how I know it is time to call it quits for the day.
Yesterday Ali’s dad gave me a hand removing the rooftop air-conditioner. Wow did they overbuild the crap out of things fifty years ago. The unit weighed at least seventy pounds and was caulked and bolted on to survive a run-in with a low bridge. If that thing had hit a bridge it wouldn’t have sheered off, it would have stopped the bus dead in its tracks instead. It’s nice having that out of there as I can now walk throughout the bus without hitting my head on anything. No more ducking and weaving my way through.
We also popped out the rear window. The gasket had turned from rubber to hard plastic at some point in the last couple of decades and was leaking whenever the ice in Minnesota converted to water—which hasn’t actually happened, but in about six months it will. I had been thinking I might be able to re-install it myself, but have called in a pro instead.
Solar panels are ordered and on their way. With everything torn off the roof there is suddenly a lot of real-estate up there just crying out to be used for harnessing the sun’s power. Three-hundred watts is coming soon.
I’ve spent some time tracking down the 12v wiring throughout the bus. All the 12v lighting had been working before I started tearing things apart. Then one day nothing worked. I realized that every single 12v light was run in series from one end of the bus to the other. Today I followed the maze until I got to the fuse panel and discovered that they were all run to the fuse marked DOME. Of course, dome. I’ve got some wiring work to do—my least favorite of all jobs.
8 Comments on “Ice Bus”
Did you ever think of just taking the boat, adding wheels to it and making an RV out of it? Seems easier… 🙂
Here is what happens when a protruding AC unit hits a low bridge… http://www.redrif.com/2011/10/26/lloydminster-rail-bridge-collapse-5-pics/
Have you considered spray foaming the walls of the bus before putting the panels back on? Im a home builder and the stuff will keep the bus water tight, much more ridged and give you the max r value cold or hot. not sure if its recommended for vehicles but worth a little research
As our temps drop I keep thinking of you guys and how you’re probably a good 10, 15 degrees colder than our crazy cold. Hang in there! I am sure you keep picturing a finished rig parked on a beach in Costa Rica or something to get ya through (but stopping in Maryland first to say hi to us!)
Sounds like your still wearing your tried and true flip-flops, Pat, lol. Get some insulated boots, man!
Boy does it look and sound cold up there. The only time I have ever been to Minnesota was to pick up a sailboat I bought. It was in early March, and it was -4 degrees. The sun was out and there was not any wind, so it was actually kind of pleasant.
http://travcotravels.com/wp-content/gallery/sailboat-minnesota/img00059.jpg?i=849551499
I hate to even mention it , but we are leaving our 78 degree weather in Ajijic for the Pacific Coast later this week. Probably a short trip, as we have guests arriving February 17th.
Wishing you some warmer weather so you can get on with your projects. I know that you must be anxious.
Hy again,
I don’t know if you solved the tires wheels issue but I just saw the ricksontruckwheels.com. they advertise wheels for dodge travco .
hope this helps
mihai
Are you going to name it the “Busfuzzle”?