In 1998, after deciding that a highway bus would best suit our travel needs, the challenge of finding the right unit for us began. Locating a certain type of bus that is affordable(used) and in good overall condition is not always an easy task. Considering that these MCI-5's haven't been made since the 80's makes for an even more difficult hunt. As well as finding a quality bus, we also wanted one that we could start the conversion from scratch.
Finally in Aug 1999 we located this bus and purchased it in Sept 99. This MCI-5B is a 1976. We felt that it's overall condition would serve us well. The 8-71 had just had a major overall (by Harper Diesel$$$$) and all air bags and pedestals had been replaced. After the rebuild the task fell on our hands of trying to rack as many miles on the engine as possible before winter storage. Driving around in a completely empty bus isn't easy but we managed about 200 miles or so!
Then it came time to strip out the rest of the bus! This job can be very tedious and time consuming work! The factory linolium was almost welded down; the original plywood floors had 9 MILLION fasteners in place that had to be removed and the mess of wood, tar, and insulation was incedible. I think that this is a phase that every bus owner should have to endure to truly appreciate their bus.
After the total removal of all wood flooring, ceiling,and interior walls the new 3/4 inch flooring was installed. Finally somewhere to stand and put tools! Next we removed all windows and frames. This required drilling out another 1500 rivets along the top of stainless and along the roof gutter line. The factory windows were definitely letting water in so we were not sad to see them go. Besides, with that much single pane glass used in a conversion, it would have been impossible to keep the bus warm or cool as needed.
After the window removal we noticed a few structural supports were in need of repair. These had to be cut out and replaced with new material. Nothing too difficult just a welder and a few hours of time and the rework was complete. A panel of stainless at the front right corner behind the door had to be removed to complete this repair and this has now been re-installed.
The next phase was to re-skin the sides with aluminum where the original windows were. This was a very exciting stage because the whole bus started to take on a new shape! Base paint, windows, and interior... the WORKS until the project is complete!
From what we have learned over the last few years, is a bus conversion can take up a lot of time, especially starting from scratch. This is a long term project and also a distant goal which is excellent to have. In our particular case we both maintain very busy lives. When we both manage some free time and can devote some to our conversion it has been more than enjoyable for both of us. We are finally through the difficult stages and see some positive results from our hard work (now that we are past the tear-out and on to the rebuilding stage! ) Floor plans are now under way and even though completion is still to come in the nearer future the proud feeling of doing it all ourslves seems to carry us along!
- The Dangers (Derek & Amanda)
