I was looking around to day at shuttle builds, and most people take all the mats / rubber out and everything. One person showed all the holes in the wood both top and bottom (i was shocked at) I was glad he showed us because he sealed them all with foam (which of course gets super hard). Just a heads up you may want to consider that in the future. Little work but it sure paid off in the long run (after all who want holes for snakes or mice to be able to get in your bus) camping out. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your build out :)
@Prophetic End Times Hi, this bus has a very nice floor with no holes or damage from rot and the waterproof rubber floor is in very good shape. Not all buses are built the same, this bus has a all fiberglass shell inside and outside and the plywood floor is undercoated and waterproofed from the manufacturer Thor Industries. It would be a shame to tear up a perfectly good low mileage bus and replace the floor for no reason. I can see your concern though, I've watched a few of those bus builds myself and they can get a little messy. The good news about this bus is it has lived it's whole life in sunny,dry,southern Ca. preserving it's body very nicely. Thanks for the heads up though! I have over 75 videos on this build out on a playlist, check out the channel if you haven't already. Thanks for watching! : )
@@robertbraden3889 Oh ok cool. I am fairly new to this ..we want to do a shuttle bus conversion and so I am looking at all the videos. You have some very nice videos on this bus I am up to #9 :) My husband is retiring in April and wants to go on the rd full time soooooo I guess we are headed into another adventure lol. Just when I was going to relax and grow old and lazy hahahaha. I am really enjoying your videos by the way Robert. Your cat is beautiful (I have four of my own and 3 dogs ) I am really enjoying your calm slow steady pace and teaching it is very helpful and not stressdul at all, Thank you so much for sharing your videos with us all! We are out here in Tn and really have no one to help us(most of our friends and family are on the other side now). I am glad you told me that there is a difference is shuttle buses because I had no idea. Wish I had someone help us purchase one..sure would be helpful. If you have any advice on make model and year I would sure appreciate it . Have a blessed evening. P.S have you finished and sold this one yet(just curious). Robin
@@GospelTruth37059Hi Robin, I am just finishing up the bus and should have a final walk thru video in the next week or so. I should have a price by then. Be selective on your bus and get one with decent mileage and service records. Try to stay away from the rusty ones even if you have to travel a little to find a good one. I bet TN. is beautiful right now with all the leaves turning color. If you are planning to get a diesel shuttle bus get a Chevy 6.6 Duramax or a Ford 7.3 Power Stroke all the other ones can get a little iffy on being reliable. Shop smart and don't get hurt. I like the all fiberglass bus bodies the best. If you need advice I'm here. Thanks again for watching my videos. : )
@@robertbraden3889 Hi Robert, Thank you so much for the advice. I am looking forward to the final walk around on this bus your working on. You really seem to enjoy working with your hands. I went to marine mechanics school years ago and like to work with wood, so hopefully that will come in handy on our conversion. project. How many buses have you done so far ..is it just 2 so far? I wasn't sure. Very enjoyable to watch especially when your cat shows up lol. Have a good night and thank you again for the advice .
I am so excited to find these videos. We have been living in our 2001 E450 for the last year and we finally have to ability to start building. Thank you for posting, we really had no idea where to start!
You lived in it for a year without converting? What was your set up like? Did you take the seats out and throw an air mattress on the floor? Seriously would like to know, not trying to clown you. 😀
We used a futon for a bed, which I wouldn't really recommend because your spine will hate you. We got closet organizers from walmart and totally skipped the directions, opting to use them sorta like Legos to build a "kitchen" with a Colman stove and bucket to wash dishes. Everything was held to the walls with zip ties. The wire racks were kinda cool because we used florest type wire to make "s" hooks to hang utensils so that freed up space. Also used more closet pieces to build a sort of closet and shoe shelf. Hung a cargo net over the back door for chairs and other equipment. Bathroom was just a simple portable 5 gallon cassette type, again wouldn't recommend as it was terribly uncomfortable and difficult to empty. It was a nightmare but it was also a blast. It really gave us the opportunity to design and plan and really work out what we were going to need in the long-term.
Robert, I really enjoyed your video...ty sir for making it. You are the only one I have found that is doing a shower build in a shuttle. 🙏 I've just discovered your page today, and I didn't look at the date.. But, I've subscribed and will stay in touch.
I like your videos so much I just bought a 2007 ford E450 shuttle bus today Going to make a boondock rv out of it I watch almost all your videos to get me started thanks keep up the good work
Last 4 months been researching different types of shuttle buses like ford 350 450 how much room also the price I'm 37yrs old and wanna build my own or hire someone to help me build it if you know anyone who does it professionally please lmk in just outside Manhattan NY
Thank u for the video. I’m considering a shuttle bus conversion than a minibus. I’m still up in the air about it. I like the minibus aspect cause there are local shops that could still work on them (Chevy savanna body) but the shuttle I like cause of the options it has already like the wire you mentioned, ac , and ITS SQUARE! Unlike the sprinters which are tougher because they’re oval and narrower on the width. Keep posting your vids for me. Maybe I’ll buy it off you when your done.
@Javier Lopez I have a playlist of 75 videos on this bus build,check it out. I am almost finished and will be doing a final walk through video and putting a price on it soon! Thanks for watching : )
I'm about to purchase the exact same bus in Minnesota. Some rust issues with mine. That's most older vehicles in this state. Due to salt on roads in winter months. I'm excited to get started on the build of my new home !
@DIVORCE THE HORSE That's is exciting! Make sure it's not too rusty because that can cause you to have trouble down the road. Have fun with your new adventure
@@robertbraden3889 Basically, I need to have the bottom step cut out out and a new one welded in. There is some rust on the body near the rear bumper, which there's not much metal left. Bumper and frame seem to be ok though. If I can get 8 years out of her, I'll be happy..
@@divorcethehorse-gettingoff7702 You seem to know what you want,I've fixed a lot of rusty vehicles over the years, cut out all the rust you can, and use a good rust treatment. I always used undercoating on the backside of my repairs to keep it dry and sealed. You could locate a rust free bus from a state that doesn't salt the roads and take a little trip to buy it. I have 30 years of body shop experience and I hate severe rust, it never sleeps,you can slow it down but never stop it. If you need any body repair advise, I will do my best to answer.
So glad to have come across your video. I recently purchased a similar shuttle and removed the chair lift (what a project!). I didn't know how to disconnect that "12 volt line" you mentioned, so I simply cut it off just inside the bus, using a dremel. It's just about an inch of wire left inside the bus, and all the rest of it is under the bus. So....I didn't realize what it was until you mentioned it. I'd like to make use of it. Any suggestions? I know nothing about wiring! Maybe I could pull it up a little closer to the front of the cabin to get a little extra wire in the bus. I have no clue about wiring, but will be having someone help me with all my solar stuff. I'd love to hear you suggestions for how we can make use of this cable/wire that sent power to the wheelchair lift. Thank you for your ideas :) Best wishes to you!
@Shannon Nybakken Hi Shannon Please check out my playlist on building this bus into a rv. Parts 29, 30, and 31 has the information you need on wiring and use of the 12v line. Subscribe and go to playlists on my channel, currently you will find 43 videos. Make sure you are careful not to short out that 12v line it usually is hot all the time and goes directly to the house battery, a wire of that size can short out and cause a fire!!! Disconnect your lift/house battery before working on it, or get qualified help. Thanks for watching
@JB91710 The rear a/c and heater only work when the bus is running, most RVs have a roof top a/c that works from a on board gas generator when they are parked. I have a portable room a/c that I am going to try to modify to use in the bus. Heaters are no problem, there are several options of propane and diesel units available. : )
@Whoomp Womp The camera was on Amazon, AUTO VOX Digital Wireless Back up Camera CS-2 $119.00 I used this wireless system because the other ones feed wires were to short for a bus. Works great!
How would you go about customizing the back door by converting to a swing door. No need to remove ac unit. I wish our bus had a handicap lift. We want to load our big harley for inside the party bus.
Hey I have 2 lifts that I removed from other buses. Yours for free take them both, they are on a pallet and I can load them for you with my forklift! They would make a great motorcycle lift. : )
@MEATEATER BULLIES If your bus is like mine there are metal structural beams between each window you would have to cut the body between them. This is not a job for someone that is inexperienced in body work. A door frame would have to be made and a door. The lifts are located at my shop in Crescent City CA. : )
Hey Robert good-looking bus . I'm going to be purchasing the same size bus that you have in a couple months. In the meantime I've been doing some prep work as far as figuring out what appliances I'm going to use size of my water storage tanks' shower enclosure' and so forth. I was just wondering if you could give me an accurate measurement from the back of the driver seat to the back of your bus and the width. Inside dimensions of course. That would help me out a lot because then I could tentatively put together my layout on paper thank you.
I am watching the intro for the third time. I just heard you talk about prior buses you sold. Are you the same person who built the convertible potty? The one that folds down and sides slide up. Folded down it makes a seat. If you are, could you make a video that shows how you did it. I liked that video where you selling that bus.
@Sharee Thornberry Yes I built a 2011 Chevy Diesel bus that had a cabinet that converted to a shower with pull up sides. You should be able to find it on my channel. That was my first video,kinda long with lots of flaws,focus issues. 50k+ views though(I think) : )
@Cathy Brawner Hi, the 1995 mercury cougar xr7 is way out here in the very northern part of California, I still have it in my inside storage area. I live in Crescent City Ca, and I have lots of relatives in NE Oklahoma near a little town called Locust Grove. I haven't used the car, or tried to sell , it's just sitting here taking up space.
@chillinjim No issues, I went to Ca. DMV and got a one way permit so I could drive it home from the L.A. area, you need to go in to DMV and find out if it is valid out of state. When I bought the second bus in Oregon I purchased a temp. 21 day permit from Oregon and drove it back to California, I'm not sure if that was proper for Ca. since I am a resident of this state. Good luck on your new bus!
@Shelby Horton All that is required by California is a regular class C drivers license, the same as used for driving a passenger car or a pick up truck. No special requirements for driving this shuttle bus at all. : )
I love it! Perfect size for one maybe 2? And I absolutely love all the windows. I'm not sure why everyone covers up all the bus windows when they buy them for conversion? I could see a couple where a wall needs to be but not all of them but a couple. Anyways, I'm looking forward to seeing the finale. 😊 What price range does this bus run for at auction? What's the max I should pay when I go to buy mine? Thank you for sharing your build adventure lol! Take care, Michelle💖
Price on this year diesel bus varies greatly on miles, condition, and location. I would find a bus with lower miles that has not been used in a city route because of all the stop and go,heavy use with lots of idle time. Mine was a special event bus from the city of Placentia in So. Cal and was used to transport senior activities, little league,ect. When purchased it only had 55,000 miles, also try to find one that has been well taken care of and has full service records. My bus sat outside in the city corp. yard when not in use and was not garaged but I got partial service records with it. The second bus build was a 2011 20 ft Chevy shuttle bus and was cleaned and garaged every night, had detailed service records, 190,000 miles on a duramax diesel engine, I was't afraid to buy this bus because of the care this bus was given and it was driven on a route that was mostly freeway miles.
@@robertbraden3889 Awe! Thank you for all the great advice 😊 I also was hoping you could give me a price range that I should stay in. I know nothing about buying a bus but you've helped me be able to atleast narrow down what I do not want. Would it be too much of a bother if i asked how much i need to have to be able to get one with good service records and minimal if any rust? This would help me greatly and narrow down my search even more. Thank you for your time I know your busy 😊 Any help you can give me should be wonderful Thanks again. Michelle 💖
@@madeinmichigan6773 Hi Michelle, I've been sitting here pondering your question about price range for a diesel bus about the same year as the one I am building. I had been actively searching for a Ford shuttle bus with a 7.3 powerstroke diesel engine for almost 6 months before locating this one. I would suggest looking for a 1995 to early 2003 that has under 200,000 on the odometer. The price range would be between $4500 to $20,000 depending on year,condition,mileage and location. If you are in the rust belt area where they salt the roads you may get one considerably cheaper, but expect rust issues. I would look in areas that dont salt the roads for a good rust free bus, Its better to travel a little and get a good body than deal with the rust issues, I was a body shop owner for 26 yrs., rust never sleeps it will be a problem forever. Check for Government auctions, Craigslist, and sometimes bus dealers have some good units that they are willing to make a deal on. You may also consider a retired school bus, a lot of people buy short buses because the can be purchased for less money, they usually have a little less headroom inside and you have to deal with it being yellow. You could also get a shuttle bus with a gas motor just try to get one with less than 100,000 miles and try for any newer make of Ford or Chevrolet,well cared for and service records. Aim high, be selective, and smart, you will find one in your price range eventually, then the real fun begins. I hope this helps you.
@@robertbraden3889 You have been a great help and I appreciate it very much 😊 Thank you. I look forward to seeing your tour when your build is complete. Best of luck to you and thanks again. 😊 Michelle 💖
@Rebekah Babb Hello, I get asked this question a lot. Some shuttle buses have a aluminium body that requires insulation, my bus has a dual wall fiberglass construction and has a 1 inch honeycomb insulation built in between. The bus has so many large windows it would be a waste to build in more walls and insulation, because most thermal transfer will be at the windows. The windows that I do remove in the bath and bed area will be patched with 1 inch sheet foam. Over insulation will cause the bus to trap heat in the summer and condensation in the winter. In my opinion it would be better money spent on a good dry heat source like a wood burner or diesel heater. I have made over 65 videos on this bus build I hope you take the time to enjoy them. Thank you : )
Hi J J , 6.8L V10 gas engines are being used in a lot of motor homes and have a decent track record for reliability. If you are going to buy one get service records and reasonable amount of miles if you can. : )
Olivia Krieg Hi there,I'm not sure what you mean by certify, The bus is licensed in the state of California as a motor home. M H on the title (pink slip) the state of California requires no cetifications on this size of bus without air brakes and can be driven with a class c driver license. The bus was inspected to see if it met the requirements of a motor home, see CA DMV website for that info., the buses' vehicle identification sticker says its a motor home chassis right next to the v.i.n. numbers, thats a plus. I've built and licensed 3 of these shuttle buses as motor homes and each one was a different experience with the DMV. The first 2 buses had sinks with 12v pumps,solar power, beds, and porti potties. Bus 1 had a outside solar shower, bus 2 had a inside shower with hot water heater. They required a inspection at the DMV office and passed.
@@robertbraden3889 Oops! Licencing it as a motor home is what i meant. I have looked up the California DMV requirements, however they are a little confusing for me to understand. Could you explain the minimum requirements that need to be met to license a bus as a motor home and given than you've experienced licensing the buses more than once, could you also explain how you did it?
@@00pipirose Hi again, I went to the DMV and requested the bus to be licensed as a Motor Home, that was the starting point, to change from commercial license to a motor home license. I recieved new titles marked as MH in the vehicle type. The inspections were required and both times were different, you will have to take your chances there. Some inspections require a power source like a battery or solar, but my fist one didn't. I believe you are going to need a bed, sink,water source,and some type of toilet system as a minimum requirement. They may require a way to keep food cool and a way to cook depends who is interpreting the rules. Remember your bus will need to meet/pass all California smog laws and get a certificate, that can be a problem and expense. I hope this helps
@Bus Life 247 I hear if you keep your bus vented well it will help with condensation, also propane heaters cause a lot of condensation. A wood stove is always an option, they make a few that are mini and work great at heating and drying the air in the bus. There are diesel heaters that do a pretty good job also, and they are very economical to run. My bus is 24 feet long, 7.3 power stroke diesel Ford E450. Another thought is to get some dehydrator canisters and place them in your bus,maybe that would help.
