Conversion - the process.
Bus Conversion -
the 1948, a work in progress.
Well, the first step is underway.
I removed all the interior ceiling and wall panels along with the cardboard insulation, nice moisture trap. Thou it helped identify roof leaks.
I removed the exterior panels a previous owner installed over three (3) windows. I now I know why they were covered, major rust and some poorly used tin snips.
Among my web searches I came across a rust prevention 3 step process(POR-15), sounds like I've got a good candidate for trying out that product.
Along with themo-paints and spray insulation.
Getting a little ahead of myself, first more elbow grease, sanding the rust is next, stay tuned.
May ' 01
Well, As I inspect the shell & frame, one finds all the repairs that have been done, some good and some not so good.
Exterior sheet metal replaced, 3 each side below window behind front wheel wells, this was done right. But someone wasn't the best bondo man, front nose and front step area will take redoing, may use fiberglass, as bondo tends to seperate from sheet metal over time, especially if you travel on Arkansas roads.
Along with body work, there is this wiring harness nightmare, can you say trace & identify. The redeeming value is I'll know what I got when I'm done.
April ' 02
Well I'm working on the interior, removing all the undercoating that was applied to the interior ceiling & walls - its (very) slow going.
The reason I'm doing this is so I can apply a new themocoat product to the interior skin, must be clean metal - so the chore continues.
Repairing drivers window, broken glass & wornout slides/felts/etc.
Repaired altenator and replaced main engine battery. Have added a solar charger to keep battery fully charged, works great - she fires up just fine now.
Body work to do - now have filler & rust preventive paints - will tackle - ASAP.
Oct. ' 02
Well I repaired the entrance floor - epoxy putty and POR-15, worked great. Added step light while I was working in that area.
I repaired the side destination marker - new sign & lights.
Went to reinstall the new drivers window/felts/track, but found more rust along with a rotten wood drivers floor - and below that more frame rust - window on hold till I get all this fixed.
Next, repaired the turn signal - amazing how many times the old system was spliced. I removed all the old wire - ran new, added fuse. One wiring mess finished.. Moved the altenator gauge from the overhead position to under the dash. Again removed tons of splices & wire that wasn't needed. Now no wire bundle running in view up the drivers windsheild support post.
Almost done with undercoating removal from inside the coach, I have the blisters to prove it as well.
I will add more photos soon - stay tuned.
Conversion ideas for the 1948.
I just want to mention - my over all goal for this classic is to maintain this Clipper's exterior as it was in 1948. So you will not see roof mounted Air conditioners, as few as possible changes.
Anyone having any recommendations - please leave your comments.
George
