1953 Kenworth Bus Road Trip Part 2: We Made It!

[@GameOpsDevStyle]

I laughed out loud when I saw the amount of "might come in handy" stuff Dad had stashed in the bus. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree as they say...

[@Whiterabbit124]

I absolutely love your attitude throughout the video and a little of that dry humour sprinkled all over! So much fun to watch

[@farmerjim-fat-man-do]

Check the vent on the rear axle. Pretty common for them to plug up and vent through the pinion seal. Worked on big trucks for several years and probably 80% of pinion seal leaks were solved by cleaning out the axle vent.

[@MegaDirtyberty]

I suspect that was the problem in my suv, I noticed the rear pinion seal was weeping one day and so I got some time to fix it a few weeks later and it's not weeping anymore. I love self healing vehicles ;).

[@jlucasound]

I've heard of that before. That would be awesome if it was just that! He will then have more time for getting A/C in there! 😃

[@skylerturner6908]

That pressure washer build up is calcium buildup from the water contaminants happenes to used pressure washers

[@skylerturner6908]

Roofing sealant

[@matts4290]

Thanks for saving this! There’s not a whole lot of surviving Kenworth Pacific buses left.

[@ronaldcooper7609]

Reversing the direction of the fan motor is not enough. The blades are designed to move air in one direction. If you can't flip the blades on the motor, then you need to find a fan that flows air in the direction that you need. Looking forward to seeing your progress in getting the bus ready for your parents.

[@korrennaraby5928]

😊😊

[@jhoncho4x4]

Could remount fans to other side of radiator and wire to the polarity that matches the fan blades. A belt driven mechanical fan, would fix permanently. Mechanical fans move more air and don't overload the charging system. Would need a second battery and alternator, to power enough cfm of air to cool with electric fan; might be option, if mechanical system, is not possible. HD trucks still use mechanical fans, to be able to cool, while loaded heavy. Electric fans powered by the charging system, are for cars that are lightly loaded and shut off while traveling at highway speeds.

[@LowBuckGarage]

I agree. I was going to reverse the blade to get the curve right, but the shaft was rusty enough that I thought I would break it trying to get it apart. That's why I added the puller fan on the other side, at least that one was working correctly. Right now I'm working on a completely new system replacing all the current fans and controllers. We'll see how that works...

[@HobkinBoi]

@Low-Buck Garage Hopefully you'll set the fans to be temperature controlled instead of with switches. Seems tedious to manage all of that.

[@RodBeauvex]

@@LowBuckGarage Don't forget the thermostats. A flush migth be nice and a new water pump probably wouldn't be amiss.

[@kensherwin4544]

@14:04 "A pump of some kind." I think you'll find that pump is in line with the coolant hose going to the front. It will increase the hot water flow to your dashboard heater, assuming both the pump and the heater still work. If the front heat is anemic, be sure that pump is pumping, not just locked up and pulling power. I've replaced more than one of those on buses.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Thanks for the tip! I knew that it was not for the fresh water system because I had already found that one. The front heater worked, but not as good as I expected, so that might be it.

[@rmck6830]

Very good video. You have actually recreated every home/car repair video going from fixing one thing to a dozen before you are done.

[@yoshinoyajones8924]

As a meat and fire guy my self, I have resisted change for low these many years until i got an air frier for my B-day. before you bbq try one. we had awesome ribeye last night and pork chops more than twice a week. good luck , love the bus or as I call it my dream. asta

[@mingiasi]

that flight illustration is fire

[@rick5078]

Awesome to see how this sleeping giant is waking up bit by bit as you go on your journey home. :)

[@allenbuck5589]

Man that bus was brand new in the year I was born. I’m enjoying the video. Thanks from. Sc

[@andrew5792]

What a fantastic experience for your family, memories they will have for the rest of their lives. Ref the bus, installing even basic curtains (thermal backed even better) on the windows will make a massive difference to the cooling/heating and would be worth the effort. Have to say that how your dad installed the shower to increase the head room is genius! Probable did wonders for the waterproofing as well.

[@eprohoda]

How are you?,super. very epic channel~

[@mr.iforgot3062]

Those roof cracks/seams have to be soap and a small brush inside the cracks. Then vacuum or blow them clean. Do it as many times as it takes till it's perfectly clean and no loose crap in there. Then apply RV roof sealer and it'll work. It should be good for several years. Not decades, but a few years.

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

Taking a nap that does sound like a great idea

[@rock.doctor]

i come for the entertainment and stay for the sarcasm. Just love your videos. you have hit a winning recipe.

[@roypearce6968]

Great video they make roof coating that is white that silicon in made by Henry they sale in Home Depot. Nice old bus.

[@dennishernden2264]

Fantastic job your father did on this rig, I'm sure your whole family is proud. They always did so much with such little resources, except for bringing the entire shop along just in case. hehe

[@australiantruckspotting8883]

I never knew Kenworth buses were a thing !!!

[@xozindustries7451]

You can change the bearings on Those idlers, super cheap and you can keep spares on hand

[@Roger-hq1yt]

What a cool old bus, great to see it rolling again.

[@adiamondforever7890]

Back in my youth, Highline school district still had some Pacific Kenworth school busses, ! believe they were all Hall Scott, 5 speed. Had way more power than the Gillig's with pancake diesels, some of which were turbo charged. The one I remember, had the top gear blocked, as the driver was used to the diesels, and drove it with his foot to the floor, and was doing well over the limit on 1st Ave south (I think 45 at the time). Much better than today's throw away busses. Have fun with your bus. My brother had an AC Brill, also Hall Scott powered. Problem was no storage below the floor of the bus (Riveted aluminum frame), and only about 2-1/4 miles to a gallon. A friend had a Flexible with the Buick Roadster engine, swapped it out with a Cadillac engine and transmission. Had to upgrade the torque converter, but was more power, and better economy than the Buick. As to voltage drop, check for a diode, or a dirty connection, as the voltage drop is that of a diode (plus/minus). Your engine cooling could be lack of pressure cap, or poor fan air ducting. The radiator outlet? being twisted also is a place to look. What you haven't said is the 6bt's output rating, which could be anything from 150 to well over 300. If it was replaced with limitations of the drive axle in mind, they may have put a lighter rated engine, but even at 150 you should have been able to go a lot faster on 150hp. Take care

[@The_DuMont_Network]

Man, I loved those Hall-Scotts, but the underfloor 6cyls used to eat valves like popcorn. Classic iron, though. My Crown Highway Post Offices converted to TV trucks at VTE in Los Angeles had them until I was forced to swap to Cummins due to scarcity of H/S parts. Made a fortune selling the Hall-Scotts for parts, tho.

[@timjohnson67]

Great to learn that you got home successfully, thank you for a really interesting vid and looking forward to more! Your clear commentary and dry humour are much appreciated here in the UK. Thanks again.

[@noamz1740]

At last ! a new video...😊👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@karlschreiber7231]

Yes, on the elastomeric coating products. I used Snow Roof on a luggage trailer, 25 years ago and it lasts well over the 10-year warrantee period. I wash it every couple of years. The trailer is constructed of plywood, so I used a polyester tape on the seams, embedded in the product. Took a few extra layers of product to smooth it out. Watertight and no cracking.

[@jackmehoff2961]

I`m looking forward to your bus videos .

[@mediocreman2]

Just unbolt the pulleys from the tensioners and swap them. No need to worry about replacing the tensioner, it's just a spring. As long as the metal isn't fatigued or cracked it will probably keep working for many years.

[@gsftom]

Love watching yr videos. Projects are cool, u are funny and I learn stuff. Can’t beat it. Never miss a video of yours.

[@dukenukem8381]

This is some classic roadkill vibes

[@giggitygiggitygoofg6069]

My brother's race truck RV had loads of small leaks and a few big ones all over the roof so for the big gaps I used 'Black Jack' which is a felt roof bitumen primer(same type of stuff as flex seal but ⅕ the price) then I had some 2 part white epoxy garage floor paint which I then mixed and painted the entire roof. It took 2 days to dry before you could walk on it but it looks great still and has not leaked a drop that was done 8 years ago on a budget of $65

[@MeatBattery]

Excellent video. Your camera work, naration, and editing is very, very good. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. Even though I dont know you personally, watching your videos makes me feel like you are a frienc. Keep up the great content and awesome positive attitude. Peace unto you and your family.

[@rickjohnston9113]

Your dad did a great job building the bus. It looked like you had a great time with the family

[@sunilphalakdhari3869]

Great! Whzt o don't know, doesn't bother me. Love that attitude. Whzt a cool bus and family heirloom. Served you all well, so give it the same love. Amazing beautiful machine

[@ailo4x4]

My parents built and lived in an old Greyhound "Buffalo Hump" bus for many years. It is now my mothers guest cottage at her hacienda in Yuma. It still starts on the push of a button but I doubt it will ever move again. They had many great adventures in it! It's good thast you're keeping your folks trusty steed alive.

[@darrylcampbell4411]

Your amazing Dude... I love how you tackle all you probs head on and show us how to fix them along the way. Case in point of many is the waterblaster...It doesnt work so you show us all about it. You Rock Bro. Your vids are awesome.

[@jhoncho4x4]

The spray bleach cleaner from dollar store, did great on my white roof. I tried washing with scrub brush, soap and pressure washer, but a black mold would not come off, from being stored under silver maple trees. I sprayed the wet roof surface down with a couple bottles of that bleach cleaner, you could see it working immediately. After spraying an area, went back to the beginning and rinsed off with pressure washer. Be sure to spray it all the way to the ground or it will mess up your blue paint. Can do small areas at a time, to make rinsing easier. The mold never came back and still bright white months later. Be good to have all mold removed, before resealing.

[@leonardbremner-xd1lk]

Len . Hemet Ca. You are working on a project that feels right at home to me . i am restoring a 1976 GMC motorhome and finding many of the same things you are dealing with .every thing old needs to be new and not everything is an off the shelf item . your bus project i will watch completely and enjoy your videos as for the running out of 12 volts you may find in the plethora of switches one that functions as a boost or combiner making it possible to use the house bank to help the engine bank or vice a versa . good to get you out of a low volt situation if only to get you to a point in time that a real repair can be made.Your AC or lack of AC is what you called it the old unit is not worth the fix you could look into a basement or ductless system if space can be found and keep the overall hight down and the weight off the roof , this system will use far less power and be much quitter . i look forward to the next installment trying to follow your example of having fun.

[@rockcrusher4636]

I did my rv roof with that rubbery stuff in El Cajon. We hadn't had rain in two years, guess what happened as soon as I painted the roof, rain. No problem, ha ha, the crap was running all over the street. Since I didn't want to get sued, I was in the street with a hose washing the super expensive crap into the gutter. I love Murphy, he makes my life wonderful. Cheers.

[@safeteyvalve]

Your dad’s wiper switch explains much about your channel 🤣 Love it!

[@98Kentuckian]

It's easy to see where you got your mechanical skill from. Good to see you passing on the good times to your family as well !

[@darrenhawken9766]

Great vid and bus , thanks for sharing your adventures 💨💨👍

[@davidkellogg2582]

Always a pleasure too see one of your videos and your sence of humor. Always get a chuckle. Have a gtreat day.

[@jasoncolavecchia8884]

Not sure if anyone suggested this already, but one idea to help augment cooling during steep climbs etc would be a water spray system to mist the radiator. Assuming you don’t find anything else that is the true cause of the overheating (trans oil, engine oil cooler plugged etc) you could rig up a couple windshield washer reservoirs with electric pumps, with the jets pointed strategically on the air inlet side to coat the radiator fins and tubes with plain water. The radiator will then have additional heat exhange capacity because it has to evaporate the water, which pulls more heat out of the system. I’ve seen ad hoc systems like this work on old motor homes with gas engines, particularly once on a vintage International-based one with a v392 v8 engine. On some commercial logging tractor-trailer trucks on the west coast, water spray systems are used to externally cool the drum brakes on long, steep off highway roads. These keep the drums from expanding past the ability of the shoes to keep in contact, therefore allowing longer brake applications than would normally be possible. Even if you solve the cooling problem, it would be cool to see you try this on the bus, or maybe one of your other projects.

[@daleolson3506]

That bus looks like it goes along good

[@apajohn2]

Enjoyed the ride press 😅on

[@corydriver7634]

Some questionable decisions were made here but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Awesome adventures with the family that will be remembered forever. Looking forward to more on this bus project. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@HardwayRanch]

That idler tension wheel can be replaced by itself - those wheels are kinda universal so should be easy to match up.

[@hhjones9393]

Wow! Fort Pickens! Named for Andrew Pickens, Revolutionary war Officer and my ancestor! Very cool!

[@gonehometoacadia3139]

Not long after buying our first camper hurricane Laura hit my area, Lake Charles, LA. We spent a few weeks living in that camper and it was miserable during the day until our neighbor offered us a couple of rolls of 1" thick pink insulation with foil backing. We tied that in a single layer over the roof of our camper with paracord, trimming as needed for toilet vent, etc. It was amazing how much that bit of insulation helped the AC to make that camper livable! Long story short, do everything you can to insulate your rig and keep the sun out before you spend (probably big) bucks on a new AC system. This series is shaping up to be a real treat. That bus is the cat's pajamas. Thanks for sharing!

[@frankgrant4784]

Thanks for taking us along on your trip!

[@grahamsmith6474]

Sir, I love your videos! Always so entertaining and enjoyable.

[@iamalittlepepper]

I am glad you had a great roadtrip! Have you thought of upgrading the house battery to LiFeP04 batteries? Yes you will probably need a new inverter, but it is more energy dense than your normal lead acid battery and server racks ones probably do okay in that storage area. Maybe upgrade the AC unit with a heat pump? You probably need some fans to move the air around the bus interior for the AC to work well.

[@LowBuckGarage]

Good batteries are out of my price range, but I just picked up a used set of group 31's from the trunk of a lowrider yesterday. That should help. I like the heat pump idea...

[@lohndavis3794]

To isolate a noise in or around an engine ~ get a tube as long as needed with a metal rod inserted in one end placing the other end to your ear. A homemade steps scope. Works like magic ~ amazingly !

[@nomadgical]

We LOVED Ft Pickens!! When we were there in our skoolie, a wife and husband Coast Guard pilot team showed up in their helicopter-turned-RV. Just when we thought we were the coolest folks in the campground, LOL!!

[@deepbludude4697]

Nice, Your kids are gonna remember that forever, I was just talking to my 23YO he was telling me about a trip we made when he was a kid I was shocked he remembered!

[@rich2034]

My new favorite channel.

[@BallBusta]

Enjoyed watching you tackle those issues mid trip. A lot of little projects on that house on wheels, but I have faith you're handy work will get it ship shape in no times.

[@tallonvexgaming]

I saw that wiring mess and I was like " wow... better you then me..." LOL I would be lost before the 1st connection...hehe, awesome video!!

[@andrewjoyce7789]

Well done James from an Australian perspective 80 MPH is a fast highway speed!!!! Looks like a lot of fun!

[@Freedbird]

I can watch this bus get whipped into shape with enthusiasm. Love that bumper. I'd have to foam the engine bay before going back into it. When you write your autobiography, I'm in for a copy! If you had a license plate, magic, you would have the magic bus !

[@garyjohnson4608]

Lookin forward to more about the bus !!!

[@mark3863]

Really really enjoying this project.

[@dirk4926]

I've really enjoyed travailing along on your bus trip, I've never driven all the way through Texas this quickly before

[@martentrudeau6948]

You are a good man Low-Buck. Great video and good inspiration for me.

[@dustcommander100]

That was certainly a wild success. Amazing that you got all the way home without major problems, and that your family appreciated the adventure. That is certainly a cool bus-i'd never seen one like it. Those windows on the front down low remind me of a truck featured in the movie "Real Steel". It was a COE International "Sightliner", and it had lower windows in the front. Your Dad must be quite the tinkerer, so I see where you get your ability from. If you get the chance, I'd love to see and learn more about the transmission!

[@wyattcollins6755]

I've used some roof sealant in the past on some trailer house roof seams called MULE HIDE and you can get it in 5 gallon bucket and apply by paint brush i was fairly impressed by the results i got with it and think it would work good on your roof. It is elastomeric

[@OdySlim]

thanks for sharing the nice road trip. Thank bus gets better mileage than my 04 GMC 2500hd 6.0l whicj gets 10. Thanks again & regards from Ody Slim

[@rosshannemann7772]

What a great journey with the family

[@flatworm00]

Super trip! What a great spare parts bin!

[@kesterhively8773]

That is a awesome bus i love it God bless you and yours

[@GICK117]

You got urself a mighty fine travel lodge there. For someone who enjoys fixing things, what a great way to fulfill your izzms. I can't wait for the next episode.

[@rickhaver5876]

Looks like a fun project! Oh, indoor plants always make it more homey!

[@coryrofo]

At 4:09 you were driving into my hometown of Orange, Texas! I recognized that big star immediately!

[@pickle4034]

A Herbie bus lives and it lives in the hands of a true mechanic. Hope this turns into a movie for kids one day, I want this bus to talk and move its eyes around. Eventually.

[@marshallbaldwin395]

Well my bus is middle aged it is a 1968 gm Pd4107 i am just now starting back on it i had a massive heart attack 5way bypass then lung cancer that started a little over 4 years ago Now i am starting to feel like can do something agin i am kinda jealous of it this is second kw i have seen on the road and two parts busses That is an inveter and a fairly good one it looks a 50 amp that wired correctly has 2 25 amp legs and from lights that turned on it looks only leg is working unless it badly broke it is well worth fixing it will if set up right it will all 3 stages of charging all without doing anything other than pluging the bus in to electric Out of the 4 tractors i have had before rettireing 3 were KW and one international if you have questions and can how to get ahold of i am more than willing to do it your willingness to work things out so have a new subscriber HAVE A GOOD DAY THE GRUMPY BUS

[@Rusty_ok]

What an adventure.

[@BIllMcCambridge]

I always recommend a turbo nozzle for power washers. It is an upgrade that is worth the money. I can take a lower level power washer to the next level up. Thanks for sharing your talents and adventures.

[@craigcucchiara2406]

New to your channel. I hope you and your family are well. You have such a clear way of explaining what it is you are doing. Your matter of fact delivery and hand gestures as you explain what it is you are doing or ignoring are unique and endearing. Love your videos. Can’t wait to explore more.

[@motoman005]

Love this project your Dads bus with great memories for you and your family to enjoy and after fixing whats broken and too your specs it will be better happy trails .😎😎

[@wreckclues]

Nice mancave...Looking forward to future episodes

[@wizzlefits]

Forget the list... I'm taking a nap. That's been my motto for 60 years. One that I exercise a couple times a day, at least. Really like the bus and can't wait to see you "try" to sorta fix it right. 😉

[@richardphelan8414]

Great video ,Knowing you it will be awesome what ever you do and will be practical And the best part is it will work

[@stigrunetefke2157]

Cool old Kenworth bus. :)

[@Alcorelli1]

Eternabond tape for the roof seams and Dicor self levelling for the small spots. Thanks for sharing this with us. Always an excellent video from you.

[@jerryuptmor2826]

Loved the bus trip. Needed ,maybe, a little more location description and comment on scenery. All your fixes were good instruction and appreciated. Gotta love that Cummins D that apparently didn't need any fixes. Looking forward to the next drive. Thanks.

[@charlescastle5566]

That bus will be so cool when you get everything fixed. I would almost say it would be an awesome candidate for a full restoration then you would a heck of a nice travel home. I think I would consider doing a full restoration just think how fun it would be to go clamping in.

[@lancecluster]

Nice bus. Nice trip, surprised but happy you didn't have any major issues.

[@dontblameme6328]

Looking forward to more! Definitely fun!

[@jp-um2fr]

U.K. I didn't know you existed, but I'm glad I found you. What a lovely old bus, well worth getting back on the road. I don't envy you with the wiring and gauges, etc. Maybe the radiator or pump needs sorting. Best of luck - regards.

[@franktaylor7617]

👍 I've got a long and interesting story about living in a converted bus. Won't tell it here but it's a hell of a tale. Cheers and best wishes with the adventure.

[@alangordon3283]

Been looking forward to this .

[@sthompson4049]

This was Boss enjoying time capsule

[@dogpotter]

Great video. Really enjoy watching your videos. This one especially because you drove through the area where I live along the gulf coast of Mississippi. Glad you made home. Can’t wait to see you complete this project

[@markbehr88]

Great job.

[@ProjectTrailerz]

can't wait to see what you come up with for a paint scheme.

[@jerryb1234]

That bus has gotta be super ultra rare, I hope you end-up with it after Dad-n-Mom is done,😉👍, awesome video bro, thanks for sharing.

[@JoJodeanpergl]

Henrys roof patch. I think they have a special flexible type, or is is flexible. Walmart even carries it. First time viewer. Subscribed 3 minutes in. Down to Earth and so far no "XXXXXX sent us this 5 BILLION dollar part for project we don't really need, but we have viewers that like to see tons of money and high end parts being dumped into stuff"

[@flashesofblack4128]

I just found your channel quite by accident, and the more I watched it, the more entertained I was. There was a small segment where you were attempting to restore a pressure washer. As you were pulling on the starter cord, you increased the speed on the video and you looked like you were going at Mach speed to get the thing running. I had to play that little bit over and over. I was laughing so hard I almost fell out of my chair!! Any way I want you to know that you have another satisfied viewer. You Sir are the best with your singular wit!!

[@davidbeer]

Wild success and a nap 😊

[@andreamills5852]

One thing about it, You have guts and I guess guts is enough. I would've been a nervous wreck the whole trip thinking about all those Jerry rigged fixes. Glad you guys made it safely back home.