So Ali and I went back and forth with what to do to the walls. Currently they have a sort of blue wood-grain paper glued to them, which I quickly realized would take three to four years to remove. I then tried to convince her that keeping it would be our “retro” touch to the bus. She then pointed out the couple of small places where the paper had torn away a bit. And I pointed out that not everything could be perfect. And she sighed and said, “Whatever you want to do.”
Well, we all know exactly what that means don’t we?
So the past couple of days I said to hell with it and tore every damn wall (it’s just 1/8″ ply with that paper) down. I took my time and removed them without destroying them so I can use them as templates for the new pieces. It’s going to look nice when it’s all said and done, but it is a crap ton of work. And I’ve hardly given any thought to all of the trim work that is going to be involved to finish it properly.
Also got to work on the rooftop a bit today. Took off the big television antennae, the fuzz buster, and started on the air conditioner. Pulled about 40 screws in total out of the roof. In ten years we’ve hardly ever used air conditioning, so this roof unit is definitely coming off. There is another unit inside that we can use if it is unbearable somewhere, but I doubt that it’ll get much use either. Best part about losing this roof unit is that there won’t be anything for me to crack my head open on any longer. And yes, that’s a space heater on the roof. That’s what it took to finally be able to work on this thing.
33 Comments on “No Walls, No Ceiling, No Floor”
I spy a boat in that last photo-any thoughts of hooking up a trailer to the back of the bus and dragging it with you? 🙂
I am enjoying watching the refit. Refit- is that what it’s called on an RV too-or is that just a boat term? Anyway, enjoying it.
Deborah
I can’t wait to see it all finished and parked in Central America somewhere. Stay warm!
1/8″ thick hardboard (the stuff pegboard is made from), available at any home store, 4×8 sheets, cuts easily, takes a nice paint finish, bends easily for reinstallation.
Or, many versions of patterned tile wallboard
Just try to keep it in dry locations.
Bear in mind that you’ve never used AC in 10 years ON THE COAST
Inland in BFE arkansas or whatever in a metal box you might think differently 🙂
I have owned two Dodge/Travco motorhomes, and lived in BFE Arkansas for over forty years, and have very much needed the Air Conditioning many times. Just one example, returning from Mexico in July, I-35 south of Austin, TX shut down because of an accident for a couple of hours, 110 degrees outside. Cadillac Escalades and Hummers overheating, windows open, makeup running down faces. Our generator and roof air running. (Sound of generator not bothering one soul.) Cold drinks from the fridge, etc.
We had a 1970 Roll-Along, class C motorhome for sometime, which had a similar engine bay cover to the one in the Travco. That thing radiates so much heat from the overworked engine that it is unbearable inside the unit with outside temps in the nineties. When you’ve driven all day and finally park the thing somewhere, it is much hotter inside with the roof top AC running full tilt than it is outside. It takes a good 24 hours until things are cooled down sufficiently to have a modicum of comfort. This phenomenon never manifests itself on a cold day. The elimination of the roof top air will be regretted.
Making mistakes so you don’t have to!
You remind me of my husband Bill – you just have to have a project!
You know what would be sweet in there? Teak flooring and cabinetry with a clear satin finish, a white painted bead-board ceiling, and brass trim around the windows. Oh, also a wood steering wheel with hand throttle and shift levers mounted on the doghouse and red plastic car secured to a hitch mounted rack. Oh yeah…
If you’d like to replicate (somewhat) the interior of your Spindrift, you could replace the “walls” you removed with 1/8″ luan doorskin material. Luan is Philippine mahogany and stains beautifully. Then, when you get to the floor, you can even put down a vinyl plank floor that would complement the mahogany, looks absolutely like real hardwood, is waterproof, wears like iron and is very easy to keep clean.
Many RVers opt for the Allure Ultra vinyl planks from Home Depot when they happily tear out their disgusting carpets, but Lumber Liquidators offers a virtually identical product in the $2-2.25/sq.ft. range (compared to HD’s price of about $3-3.25/sq.ft.) It’s a floating floor, so you don’t glue it down . . . makes installation pretty easy.
Allowing about a 1/4″ expansion gap around the perimeter that will be covered with quarter-round is the only fairly critical installation detail, but it’s easy to cut to fit by scoring with a razor knife two or three times, then snapping as you do with drywall.
Spray foam insulation between the outer skin and the inner wall liner will be much better than fiberglass insulation. It insulates better, is impervious to moisture, deadens outside noise well and is fairly easy to use. If you go that route, think about adding some strategically-placed PVC piping to use as wiring chases before the insulation and wall liner material is installed.
If you’ll mostly be boondocking, you’ll probably want to think about adding solar panels rather than running a generator. Almost everyone who uses a generator while boondocking is resented by those who are quietly producing power with solar panels and enjoying the off-the-grid experience without listening to the throbbing drone of someone’s generator.
Adding solar during an extensive refit like you’re doing is much easier than doing so after the fact. About 250-300 watts of panels, correctly installed (read HandyBob’s blog: http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/ ), would provide all the power you’d ever need, I’d guess. With 400-500 watts of panels, you’d be the Power King – or Power Bum, I suppose. 😉
Brings back some memories. We went through the same thing with Nacho’s walls, and ended up removing the old panels and using them as templates. I also did most of our remodeling out in the snow (no garage) by pointing a space heater at myself at all times. Have fun!
All I can say is WOW. I thought you brought a “good” one in great shape..paid a little more..so you wouldn’t have to do a ground up restoration. Seems like you could have purchased another for less than $5,000 and had more cash to rebuild it..am I missing something? I sure hope the motor is perfect!!!
I guess we were very lucky, big time. Bought the 1975 Travco on E-Bay for $5,995.00 Previous owners from Minnesota delivered it to us at a Wal-Mart in Clinton, Arkansas. (Just for the cost of the gas, and one last trip for them.) In beautiful shape, and totally stocked and ready to roll. Pictures at my website will show the condition. They are out there. The M-500 chassis is a strong chassis. The mid 60’s models are built on a M-375 chassis, I believe. Watch out for tires and rims on the M-375. Split lock ring wheels, 16 inch, six bolt. Also, the 318 engine is the “A” polysphere 318. The more common 318 is the “LA” 318.
WOW…those are really nice motor homes, George.
Thanks, Susie.
The 1967 was a little bit visually “rough” but totally usable. (now that I think about it, it may have been a
P-375 chassis.
The 1975 is a very nice coach (bus).
They were all very well built. Most everything still works on all of them.
Yes, it does seems to redefine project…lots of work involved. The bums might want to check out the apparent black mastic. There’s a way good chance that most of it is heavily impregnated with asbestos…not good at all, particularly for the kiddos. Not really an issue though provided there no attempt to sand it; just encapsulate and cover.
I’ve tore out old asbestos kitchen tiles by watering down the floor and scraping them and the glue off.
Way back in the day when you could put that stuff out at the curb with no issues.
We didn’t have to do a ground up restoration. We could have driven off in it the day we bought it. If you’ve followed us for some time you probably know that we like things a certain way. We like to make these things our own. Sure you could buy an RV that somebody else restored and then you could lay around on their carpet staring up at the walls they decorated. Or you could do some work yourself, like we are, and design your own home that you actually want to live in. Not to mention, we just really like the looks of our 66 Travco versus the later models, and that counts for a lot in our book.
Having had some experience with having other people living in our home, all I can say is that Ali’s parents must truly be saints. Best of luck on your project, enjoy your site.
Paul Thomas
Just the thought of not having AC on our Tayana 52 makes me sweat. The upper Gulf coast get very hot…miserably so.
Is that plywood for the flooring???? WOW!!! You don’t need me to tell you but when you are done it is going to be awesome…….!
Just keep in mind that you have hardly used AC because you are on the coast with super breezes. If you are inland, that is another story. Just think about it.;
Mike and I are doing a reno of our kitchen in our manufactured house in FL, and we’re going through some of the same projects–except (thankfully) we’re not doing so in freezing weather! You sure are a trooper. I know that the bus will look wonderful when you’re done. I vote for keeping the AC unit, too. May never use it; but it will be there if needed. Sweaty kids (and wife) make for cranky travel companions! Much luck. Lorraine
Keep in mind folks, there is another A/C unit inside as he said. It’s not like he’s running without one, just removed the roof unit.
“There is another unit inside that we can use if it is unbearable somewhere, but I doubt that it’ll get much use either.”
“Well, we all know exactly what that means don’t we?” Oh yeah…
Be afraid, be very afraid! :-))
You are an infinitely wise man for making the decision to jump in “whole hog” and strip out the ply and laminate. In matters of relational dynamics a friend once related to me that the question that needs to be asked in every disagreement with one’s spouse is, “Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy?” I’ve chosen happy for most of my 32 years of a great marriage.
Can’t wait to see what you do with the interior.
Are you interested in trading Bumfuzzle for a Beneteau 331 on Kentucky Lake? (My wife’s request before going to work the other day; right after, “I’m quitting so sell the boat and buy Bumfuzzle!”
Wow, you guys crack me up. Such an uproar over us removing a second air-conditioner. You all worry way the hell too much about our comfort.
What about the Captain’s Chairs…
http://www.pacificmarine.net/marine-deck/marine-seats/dolphin-compact.htm
Nice!
See…… I told you so….they just want to climb on board to just be close! Good God you people! Do you really think for a minute they don’ t think things through!
Bobby boy, don’t you realize that they want people to make comments? It is what the blog is all about. Pat enjoys producing an uproar and always has.
Hey Trim,
I think saying this blog is all about me wanting people to make comments is a bit of a stretch don’t you? For nine years we didn’t even have the ability to leave comments on our blog. And if you think I expect there to be thirty comments on a post about me removing an air conditioner, well, you’re wrong there too. People can comment all they want to, but if nobody said a word I would still go right on writing.
for $90.00 they could buy a 110v window unit and stick it in a door window….and then donate it to a worthy cause come winter. IF the need ever arose…or they ever find winter again…:)
I’m guessing that changing or removing an econ unit on an RV would get the same reaction from the RV community as changing a main sail to furling from full batten in the sailing community.