She's BIG and she's LOUD, say hello to our new build a 1986 International Short Bus!
No this is not a "Bus Life" build, we have no intentions to live out of it, just travel and camping much like my previous 4x4 Manual Trans E-350 Van build wasn't a "van-life" van. And don't worry about Ellie the E-350, not getting rid of her anytime soon.
Main reasons for this purchase is similar to the move from a Jeep Wagoneer to a Van; family size, we just need more space/seats. Secondarily she was massively cheaper than a Uhaul and we're probably moving soon, so in the short term I was able to convince my lovely wife we needed the bus ;)
Short term plans are already mostly complete, she's been serviced by a certified diesel mechanic (I do not trust state government maintenance), and all the seats I don't want are removed. Next on the list is redoing the front brakes and if I can find the right axle in time before the move do a rear axle swap.
Reason for the axle swap is fairly simple, the old girl has a tired 6.9l naturally aspirated diesel and a TALL 5.57 gear ratio; I'd like to go 55 mph without going full WOT. Second, her front and rear GVWR ratings are the same as the GAW rating of axles found in F-450/550s and Dodge 5500s, of which the Dana S110 or S111 in those can be found with a Detroit TrueTrack style LSD (which, if you've seen my van build I'm a fan of). If I can find a 4x4 F-550 or something also at public auction, perfect parts vehicle for me (though this will likely still be after she's done her duty as a moving vehicle).
Long term plans, 4x4 swap obviously! I can't leave well enough alone and building is fun :)
As mentioned earlier the GAW of a D60 out of a F-450/550 matches the bus, so that'll likely be our route as they're easy to find. An NP205 divorced case should work nicely in place of the carrier bearing.
That and we're considering either turbo-ing the old 6.9l IDI or doing a swap to a Cummins 6BT or International DT360, something that is still mechanical but will provide better power/fuel economy (And if I can convince my wife, a MT swap!). The engine upgrade or swap is still in the air depending on which is better bang for the buck, she's got 170k miles on her but unknown service history so it may be better to invest in a swap than turbo a turd.
Once the mechanical mods are done, that's when we'll build out the interior. I'm thinking something bunkhouse cabin style. One of the main reasons we didn't just buy an overland trailer or 4x4 RV (besides $$$) is they typically seem to be built for retirees or just couples, not large families. Also, where's the fun in not building it? We'd like to get at least 4 bunks in there and seating at least for 6 (besides the driver) but preferably 8. Wife and kiddos have asked for a small bathroom and a kitchenette would be nice but not necessary (luckily, we already managed to get her titled as a Motorhome). Below is kinda what we're thinking:
Should be a fun and unique build, don't see many 4x4 buses anyway and I feel the need to fix that societal problem :)
No this is not a "Bus Life" build, we have no intentions to live out of it, just travel and camping much like my previous 4x4 Manual Trans E-350 Van build wasn't a "van-life" van. And don't worry about Ellie the E-350, not getting rid of her anytime soon.
Main reasons for this purchase is similar to the move from a Jeep Wagoneer to a Van; family size, we just need more space/seats. Secondarily she was massively cheaper than a Uhaul and we're probably moving soon, so in the short term I was able to convince my lovely wife we needed the bus ;)
Short term plans are already mostly complete, she's been serviced by a certified diesel mechanic (I do not trust state government maintenance), and all the seats I don't want are removed. Next on the list is redoing the front brakes and if I can find the right axle in time before the move do a rear axle swap.
Reason for the axle swap is fairly simple, the old girl has a tired 6.9l naturally aspirated diesel and a TALL 5.57 gear ratio; I'd like to go 55 mph without going full WOT. Second, her front and rear GVWR ratings are the same as the GAW rating of axles found in F-450/550s and Dodge 5500s, of which the Dana S110 or S111 in those can be found with a Detroit TrueTrack style LSD (which, if you've seen my van build I'm a fan of). If I can find a 4x4 F-550 or something also at public auction, perfect parts vehicle for me (though this will likely still be after she's done her duty as a moving vehicle).
Long term plans, 4x4 swap obviously! I can't leave well enough alone and building is fun :)
As mentioned earlier the GAW of a D60 out of a F-450/550 matches the bus, so that'll likely be our route as they're easy to find. An NP205 divorced case should work nicely in place of the carrier bearing.
That and we're considering either turbo-ing the old 6.9l IDI or doing a swap to a Cummins 6BT or International DT360, something that is still mechanical but will provide better power/fuel economy (And if I can convince my wife, a MT swap!). The engine upgrade or swap is still in the air depending on which is better bang for the buck, she's got 170k miles on her but unknown service history so it may be better to invest in a swap than turbo a turd.
Once the mechanical mods are done, that's when we'll build out the interior. I'm thinking something bunkhouse cabin style. One of the main reasons we didn't just buy an overland trailer or 4x4 RV (besides $$$) is they typically seem to be built for retirees or just couples, not large families. Also, where's the fun in not building it? We'd like to get at least 4 bunks in there and seating at least for 6 (besides the driver) but preferably 8. Wife and kiddos have asked for a small bathroom and a kitchenette would be nice but not necessary (luckily, we already managed to get her titled as a Motorhome). Below is kinda what we're thinking:
Should be a fun and unique build, don't see many 4x4 buses anyway and I feel the need to fix that societal problem :)
