Challenge #1 of converting a school bus to an RV is the fact that absolutely nothing is square, level or plumb to start with. In the case our bus, the floor is a bit wavy – using floor joists to raise the floor averages that out, but doesn’t make it perfectly level, not to mention the bus rises and falls depending on the air in the lines. Our roof raise was as close to consistent height throughout as we could make it, but there’s a wee difference front to back, and the sloped front isn’t perfectly symmetrical, although Cal did an absolutely fantastic job fabricating that. In the rear quarter on the driver’s side, there is a distinctive wave that was discovered during the roof raise where the ribs were installed under pressure. And, of course, the ceiling is curved.
And yet, the perfectionist in me wants it to at least look like walls and cabinets are square. Hmmm.
It starts with a reference point. The only floor-to-ceiling walls in the bus are the bathroom/closet. Starting with the floor, which is the most level, straight surface so far, I started building the 2×3 framing. But then the windows are slightly wonky, and at eye-level, meaning they will be most noticeable, so I have to adjust ever so slightly so it at least looks square. I end up with a 5/8″ lean from floor to ceiling. Head scratch.
And on it goes. Taking time to measure, re-measure, adjust, cut, dry-fit, etc. Ultimately, I’m the only one who will notice the little imperfections, but I’m also building my home that I hope will last for many years.
Bathroom framed, then closet. Ceiling painted, wall panels installed. Cabinet boxes for wardrobe and kitchen pre-cut and very carefully measured so that not an inch is wasted. Face frames assembled on a work table outside where everything can be squared up nicely, then the cabinets all installed in place. All the while adjusting and tweaking because nothing is square, level or plumb.
While I’ve been making sawdust, Calvin has been running wires everywhere, tracking appliance runs, plugs, lighting. It’s a complicated jigsaw puzzle, and worth taking time to get it right.
We started this bus project with the purchase of the bus over a year ago. A few months of working and the roof raise summer of 2021, moving across country, getting settled, then back to work on the bus. We’ve been at our current location nearly a year and we’re approaching the finish line. I’ve started working on drawers and am ready to install the wet bath as soon as Calvin finishes the bathroom wall wiring. Bathroom will be a separate post.
Next post will be about some of the stuff we’ve been doing outside of the bus build, but ultimately the bus is our primary focus and it’s gratifying to see quick progress at this point.
Looking foward to road-testing this beast!
JoDana