Just spending time in the bus, listening to music, sanding sometimes and sitting in the back with a glass of water and a smoldering rolled paper has been really nice. With the curtains in and the windows open the bus takes a very nice nomadic tent feel, with a nice breeze even at the hottest part of the day. The pop-top really gives a good breathe to it.
I'm typing this from the passenger-seat of the bus, which turns a full 180 to face the back part of the bus. Its a nice feature that I just discovered today.
Now I am inside my house. while the primer dries on the floor pan. Finished sanding the floor today, so now I can start shopping for flooring. I want to find a nice blonde wood, or bamboo to put down inside. I figure a lighter wood will give the bus a homier feel and make the space feel bigger.
My next task is to sand down the cabinetry and prime it to be painted. No decision yet on a color for the cabinets, but I'm thinking something light with either a yellow, blue or beige tint to it.
I have been approaching work on the bus in terms of the various systems in the bus and the value that I place on getting those systems up to snuff. The systems in need of attention to my reckoning thus far are:
Engine
Transmission
Brakes
Electrical
Amenities
Interior Surfaces
Exterior Surfaces
The engine is of special importance, as it drives the car, [with my help hopefully(herbert the love bus?)] and my next step in that direction is to change the oil to a heavier weight (30 SAE), but overall the engine seems to be running pretty well, so after I change the oil I am probably going take the bus around the block a couple times to check out the transmission and breaks. All tests on the brakes and transmission have come up roses, but a road test is necessary to cross them off the list of immediate repairs.
The electrical system appears to be in working order when it comes to driving, but I do plan to put in a new battery anyways. All the necessary lights inside and out work including blinkers and all. The only other impediment between my bus and street legality is the front end. There is not a bumper on the bus and the body has a bit of a busted lip along the area where the bumper attaches. I am now on the lookout for a bumper. I also need to get a new rim for the front right tire.
The rest of the body is in decent shape, some parts look new, others have some surface rust or dings. Its water-tight and not rusting out so that is a big plus. Redoing the exterior is far down on the list at this point, except for where the bumper is concerned.
The aspect of the electrical system that I do want to work on is the ability for the bus to use a second battery to power items such as my laptop or a fan, without draining the main battery. It will take some work to get it wired up, but I found the relay wiring, and since this bus was originally designed to be able to have a second battery, the job is a pretty straightforward one.
The interior surfaces on the bus are in need of some love and care. I plan to get that bus very comfortable and livable, even if that means taking out the cabinets and making a new interior.
My next step for the interior is to get the gas stove and sink working. If I can get them working, then the bus will be officially livable.
All in all, I am very much in the process of this bus renovation, and its not especially easy, and it really takes my focus and time like a semester of school. It is similar actually. Each system is like a different class. I am doing well in Introduction to Air-Cooled Engines, but the first test wasn't very hard. The upper-division Interior Design class I am taking is very challenging. It is all about the proper use of space and color in a small room. Wish me luck.
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