Although the demo process of the previous conversion was long, arduous, and mostly gross, the fact that we bought a bus that was already converted did give us one big advantage. We were able to really get a feel for what would work and what wouldn’t work for our
Wiring for Overhead Lights
We finished the first part of the insulation (Ceratex) and the furring strips. Before we could move onto the rest of the insulation (Roxul) or putting up any structure, we had to get the wiring in place for all of the overhead lighting.
When we last shared our progress with
Framing the Windows
After we finished installing furring strips on the ceiling, we finished cutting and installing the furring strips on the lower part of the bus under the windows. Again, we made the 1/4" plywood pieces 6" wide, attaching them to the ribs. The extra width will allow us to tuck
Installing CeraTex and Furring Strips
After finally deciding on a plan for insulation, we got to work. We were ready to start with the first layer of insulation, Ceratex. This ⅛” ceramic fiber paper insulation is extremely easy to work with. Since the giant roll of the Ceratex comes on a cardboard tube (like a huge
Should We Add More Insulation? - Testing EHP vs Ceratex
A year and a half ago, we still were figuring out the complete scope of this renovation. We originally thought that we would leave the original bus ceiling with its insulation and simply clad over the top of that as the previous owner had done (we had already ripped out
Installing a Window A/C Unit (but not in a window)
Climate control is one of the biggest issues in building a comfortable living space. While there is only so much you can do when you’re living in a metal tube, we are going to do what we can to maximize the comfort level inside. The most important factor in
Interior Layout Plans
We are so excited to finally get back to work inside the bus. This time, however, we are actually building it back up instead of tearing it all down. In today’s video, we share our plans for the interior layout. The goal is to make it as functional as
Replacing Side Windows on a Vintage Bus
We are so, so close to sharing what we are starting on the inside of the bus. Before we were able to finally get started in there, we had two last projects outside we had to wrap up. Windows! This week we are talking about side windows; next week we
Installing New LED Tail Lights
We never really loved the old tail lights that the previous owner had built. However, we hadn’t really thought about redoing the entire rear light setup. Last year, we had even simply switched out the old bulbs in all of those lights for LEDs. That definitely helped some. Unfortunately
¡Hola, México! ¡Adiós, pintura fea!
After our first experience attempting to cross the bus into Mexico to get to our painter was a bust, we were a little gun-shy to try again. But, what was the worst that could happen? We would have to turn around and come home again...for the second time? We
Toyota Sienna Seats in an RV - Part 1: The Passenger Seat
When we first bought the bus, we knew right away we needed to do something about the driver’s and passenger’s chairs. First off, cosmetically they were in really bad shape. We looked into recovering them, but the more we sat in them, the more we realized it wasn’
Building Walls {for Mexico}
After being denied border crossing into Mexico when they said the empty bus (though it is registered, titled, insured as an RV) was too much bus and not enough RV to enter, we knew we needed to throw together a temporary interior. We had a couch that we could put
Mexico or Bust! Getting Our Bus Painted in Mexico
We have known that our bus would need to be painted since we bought her about a year and a half ago. What we didn't realize was how expensive it would be. If you have been following along with the build, you know that we are a "DIY" type of