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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 17:50:56 GMT -5
Post by cina on Jan 3, 2007 17:50:56 GMT -5
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 20:41:42 GMT -5
Post by akansan on Jan 3, 2007 20:41:42 GMT -5
I'd look at some old Mini-Winnies. They were about that size in length, but they packed a whole lot inside. Are you wanting a fridge and everything? First, easy, suggestion would be to go to Salvation Armys or similar stores for a used couch and table(s). Mount the couch to a wood or metal brace, bolt the brace to the floor. I'd probably bolt the couch across the back of the bus where the mattress currently is. Heck, if you purchased a hide-a-bed, you'd even have a bed for when you get stuck snow-hounding. ;D Now for the table(s). Tables in most RVs are collaspable. The top is attached to the side of the RV on one side, then propped up on the end with a metal leg. Depending on the table you get (and your kids), you can go two routes. Route 1 - attach a table to each side of the bus, so your kids can have two separate work/play spaces. You could use a 2x4 bolted to the side of the bus to attach holders of some sort. Pop the table into the holders (even something as simple as bolts pointed up with something slotted attached to the end of the table to bolt them to), then prop it up using a hinged leg. If you have enough space, you could probably store the tables under the couch while you're driving. I think instead of a fridge, I'd build a wood crate that could (again) be bolted to the base of the bus, then sprayfoam a cooler into the crate. Create a top for the crate, add a cushion, and you have extra seating for while you're stopped. Basically, as long as you bolt everything down, you could put whatever you want in there. I would look into adding seat belts of some sort to whatever seating your children will be in while driving, though! As for a toilet and stove, you're on your own there.  |
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 20:43:54 GMT -5
Post by akansan on Jan 3, 2007 20:43:54 GMT -5
Oops - I forgot route 2 on the tables. Find one of those old tables with the solid metal shafts in the middle and permanantly mount that to one side. I wouldn't want a table right in front of me while riding in it.
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beechcomber
spending too much on rocks
Summertime!
Member since March 2006
Posts: 345
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 20:48:47 GMT -5
Post by beechcomber on Jan 3, 2007 20:48:47 GMT -5
Wow!! That is an amazing and FUN looking bus!! Since you will be taking the kids on the trips too, what I suggest (for looks) is go to your childrens' or local HIGH SCHOOL and ask the art teacher if he/she wants a fun project for his GIFTED art students. I think you could possibly get the painting done for free if you make it a school based project. The school can get some cool publicity from it too!! One way of saving some cash!!
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 21:07:32 GMT -5
Post by cina on Jan 3, 2007 21:07:32 GMT -5
Wow you guys rock what good ideas keep them coming and thank you!
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 21:18:12 GMT -5
Post by ladyt on Jan 3, 2007 21:18:12 GMT -5
Hey Cina, I posted in the other thread, just to let you know. LOL Tonja  |
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 21:20:57 GMT -5
Post by cina on Jan 3, 2007 21:20:57 GMT -5
I seen that I will make sure everyones ideas get to go for a vote Thanks hun |
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 21:25:38 GMT -5
Post by cina on Jan 3, 2007 21:25:38 GMT -5
Ummm not to show my ummm unknowingness lol but what is a Mini-Winnie?
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 21:28:17 GMT -5
Post by akansan on Jan 3, 2007 21:28:17 GMT -5
Miniature Winnebago. |
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 21:30:26 GMT -5
Post by OPCRSJ on Jan 3, 2007 21:30:26 GMT -5
Hi all! Anybody here? This is George from Oasis Prospecting Company - Royal Sahara Jasper (ergo: OPC-RSJ nickname.....) |
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 22:07:29 GMT -5
Post by rockyraccoon on Jan 3, 2007 22:07:29 GMT -5
beechcomber that is a good idea. i got a super big dog house built once with a big porch by the school's vo-tech program for only the cost of materials.
kim
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The Bus
Jan 3, 2007 22:10:45 GMT -5
Post by cina on Jan 3, 2007 22:10:45 GMT -5
It is a good idea i am gona call the school in the morn |
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Post by gaetzchamp on Jan 4, 2007 0:01:59 GMT -5
Steph- That's quite the vehicle. I see lot's of cool possibilities here. One thing I do see is some great overhead room for some storage shelving by the rear door or on the sides like campers/motor homes. I wouldn't want to put too much overhead as it would be great to have some get-up-and-stretch room. I love the possibility of having a "real" bed but it's quite a sacrifice. I like the ideo of a cheap hideaway couch/bed. Another thing to consider is access into the unit. Do you plan on entering just from the back door or are you looking at putting in a side entry door??? Another thing I would definitely look into is purchasing a storage rack that fits into the hitch receiver to store some gas cans, generators, shovels, water jugs, muddy rock collecting bins etc. You don't want the inside of your unit smelling of gas fumes or getting muddy and one of these hitch racks would be ideal. If you don't know what I'm talking about, PM me and I'll send you a picture and URL. The only drawback to this is that access to the rear of the unit would be blocked but I think it would be well worth it. One other thing I would do before I jumped full-speed into the project would be to visit this website - - - www.woodalls.com/cforum/index.cfm?site=WPD beware though as this site is every bit as addicting as the RTH and you'll have to register just like every other site. There is tons of info here and I'm sure you could find a place to post these same photos and get some additional ideas that might make a big difference. Good Luck!!!! gaeter |
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Post by stoner on Jan 4, 2007 1:43:52 GMT -5
I'll have to think on this but I have a question. Are those 3 auxillary gas tanks inside the back of the van? If they are, that'd be my first suggestion-get rid of them. One good rearend collision and you'd swear you were driving a Pinto.
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KG1960
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2008
Posts: 512
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Post by KG1960 on Jan 4, 2007 8:52:16 GMT -5
When I saw the pictures of what look like fuel tanks in the back, I was about to say the same thing Stoner said, but he beat me to it.
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Post by cina on Jan 4, 2007 9:45:47 GMT -5
2 are fuel one is water and ya they are going! the water has a pump we were thinking of a rock washing station in the back under a sub floor Thanks guys for all the help yr-the-bet!! Gaeter thanks for the site on my way now to have a look-see |
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The Bus
Jan 4, 2007 10:47:46 GMT -5
Post by cina on Jan 4, 2007 10:47:46 GMT -5
Those are cool I would need a lot more tumbbled stone to pull that off but what about a mountainscape on the back with stone  |
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2005
Posts: 1,775
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The Bus
Jan 5, 2007 19:36:58 GMT -5
Post by Roger on Jan 5, 2007 19:36:58 GMT -5
yep that looks like fun all the way around.I like the gas tanks and the shotgun on the bed..ha.ha.ha Roger
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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The Bus
Jan 23, 2007 11:54:41 GMT -5
Post by stefan on Jan 23, 2007 11:54:41 GMT -5
Ok what a cool Project!! So here is what I see- Looks like a 1 ton Frame (good!) and possibly 4wd?? (seems the body sits pretty high off the ground) Now if you want to go with a sleeper mode they make couches that fold down into beds (not pullouts) called gouchos- pretty comfy but not real cheap- SOOOO here is what YOU do- Start shopping for a used camper- there are TONS of them that are in great shape- AND CHEAP!!! you could easily Gut a camper and place the couches, dinnetts, sink, furnace, fridge- or what ever into your Bus- and then (cause your good with tools) convert the camper frame into a very heavy duty utility trailer (to haul or sell- your choice!) now here is the thing- the used camper (i'm thinking a 12 to 18 ft) should only cost 1000 to 1200 bucks- the utility trailer would be worth 1800 to 2200 dollars!! Most of all have fun and bolt everything down (amazing what can fly around in a bus!)
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chinook203
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since February 2006
Posts: 849
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The Bus
Jan 24, 2007 1:44:53 GMT -5
Post by chinook203 on Jan 24, 2007 1:44:53 GMT -5
We had a 72 Chev truck awhile back that was used for all our fishing trips.
We built a set up for the bed (had camper shell), that could be used for storage, couch and bed.
Ok...basically a frame was builty with 2x4s. You had a frame on each side, like 2 couches running from front to back, but nothing in the center. This was all covered with that 4 inch foam, then covered with a thick carpet. The tops were hinged, so all of that underneath that part was for storage. The center, is open, but then we built three pieces that would fit in between to where it was a complete bed. The 3 pieces were covered in the foam/carpet, so made a really comfortable bed. The towards the front, we built a section that held cups and little extra storage spots. This would work terrificly in that van. Not sure I'm explaining it well.
Then, for some entertainment, go to wal mart, pick yourself up the Panasonic portable DVD player for under 200. They can sit it in there, lay in there and watch movies. Tons and tons of room under the 2 long sections! Really simple and cheap to make and you can get enough of that scrap carpet to cover it all and make it look nice.
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here it is oh ya we named him Rock Runner 
