Bus conversion update #1

[mike802]

This weekend I was able to strip the old ceiling out of the bus.  The original insulation is in good shape and it is 1 3/4" thick.  I am unsure if I want to use it, or replace it with something else.  Pink, or blue board has a little higher R value, but not much.  Anyway, if I just attach the new ceiling material to the metal frame frost and moisture will be transferred into the cabin through the screws used to hold up the new ceiling.  To try and avoid this, I started applying 1/2" plywood strips to the roof frame work.  The tight curves will have to be cut from something different, probably solid wood.  These strips will lower the ceiling some, but will give additional room for more insulation, will insulate the screws used to hold up the new ceiling and will be easy to drill holes in for running wires.  



I also removed some of the rivets holding on one of the inner panels.  There is also insulation behind this panel.  It appears to be fiberglass wrapped in a bag.   I am thinking of leaving this insulation and adding a 1/2" of celotex insulation over the panels.



I will post more updates as I go.

[hdflame]

Mike,

Can't wait to see it finished!......maybe next week?? ;D

I think leaving the insulation that's there and adding more is a good idea.  You don't want to have to worry about condensation.

Keep us posted with progress pics!

[mike802]

Can't wait to see it finished!......maybe next week?? Grin

Don't I wish!  It is exciting to finally be at the point where I can start building instead of tearing things out.  I have been thinking over the problem of condensation a lot lately.  In a house ventilation is provided above the insulation usually in the form of attic ventilation in the soffits and the gable ends, or a ridge vent.  Don't know how I am going to provide that in the bus?  Many conversions do not address this, that I have seen.  I am going to post some questions about it at a bus conversion forum that I have joined and see what they have to say about it.

[Mojo]

Awesome. This is going to be fun watching the progress of your bus conversion. Thanks for posting updates.

BTW, with the ceiling and walls exposed now is the time to plan out your wiring, receptacles, lighting, plumbing, etc. :)

Keep the pictures coming Mike. :)

Chris

[mike802]

The guys over at the bus conversion forum all agree to get the old fiberglass insulation out of there.  They recommend installing spray in expanding foam, the best solution and also the most expensive.  The second alternative is blue or pink board, harder to install with less R value, but half the price.  They also said that the bus roof is not air tight enough to worry about adding ventilation.   This is that stage of the project where going back and changing things later is not an option, so it looks like the old fiberglass is going to have to come out. 

[walterharris]

well anyway its a crappy game.

Why dont they make a real bus driving simulator of brisbane that is acctually precise? One of the SE busway would be good...

[walterharris]

widget wrote:well anyway its a crappy game.

Why dont they make a real bus driving simulator of brisbane that is acctually precise? One of the SE busway would be good...