Deleting the Flashers to Keep You STREET LEGAL (Skoolie Conversion Guide #6)

As we wrap up the roof raise, there are a few odds and ends to attend to, including patching over the old school bus warning flashers.
My name's Chuck, I've been professionally converting buses for the last 7 years and was director of operations for a charter bus company before that but it's time for a change.....
IN THIS SERIES, follow along as I build a skoolie for myself, sharing my knowledge of buses and off-grid bus conversions along the way.
IN THIS VIDEO, I'll share with you how we delete the flashers with sheetmetal and rivets.
Follow me on instagram for more info
/ chuck.cassady
For paid consults, skoolie advice, solar help, and more, email
[e-mail]
Check out my shop
www.chromeyell...
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#skoolie #offgridliving #busconversion

[@JP-ir2eq]

Ever heard of Cleco clamps? We use them at Boeing all day. Good work!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I got some! They’re very handy

[@2AZSUN]

This is cool. Thanks for deciding to do these vids. It's a boatload of work and slows progress down a lot, but they're appreciated. It'd been fun following along and looking forward to next steps til the final reveal.

[@withQandZ]

I recommend. Removing them. Of course first. And then adding 4x 5 3/4 spot lights. Its great for the extra lighting on dark lonely back roads and highways. I have 3k a piece spot lights front and back. And it is awesome!

[@matts1166]

Yeah, when this started I was thinking that converting to either spotlights, turn signals, or both would be cool and keep the stock bus look.

[@withQandZ]

@matts1166 extra light is the way to go. Trust me. @thebrinkofreality_skoolie

[@jimross7648]

As always you explain it, then do it, and show why doing it correctly gives you a great outcome. One could say it jazzes up how your build looks.,

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Haha I agree!

[@Warp9pnt9]

This whole series is like a crash course training video. Nicely done.

[@jayknight850]

Excellent series, thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Clecos are a temporary sheet metal “rivets” would be a big help on hanging the panels. Used all over the aviation industry.

[@MagentaRV]

I'm repurposing mine as brake lights and directionals. I've seen it on multiple semi trailers and pickup trucks and just love the way it looks.

[@brianb9578]

I am getting ready to remove my flashers, but will be putting in LEDs for extra lighting.

[@rickybobby1611]

We need more content like this. Would love to know how to insulate the inside of a schoolie

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

stay tuned! we will get there

[@craigbell5200]

Those old flasher light locations would be a perfect spot for KC Lights up front and utility work lights in the rear.

[@spindoodlestudios7276]

Our thoughts EXACTLY!!

[@redpandabus-adventuresinlife]

Like you... l just assume it's the only way to do things. Then l have to remind myself that we have both worked in the same industry for years. That is is directed towards people who have not. And that is good because you make it sound simple and easy with clear directions. Your doing a awesome job with your channel.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

thank you!

[@WillMenesesHikes]

Nice job Charlie. Love that air powered rivet gun. " Is it over kill?...Yes it is!" 👍 😂 Great since of humor!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hahaha thank you!

[@beexsmith1]

Oh my goodness! This Charlie fella Is beyond Gifted! He's a teacher of teachers. This Schoolies Mentor is beyond antiquity edu that's 150 years old. Lets Roll!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hahaha thank you so much

[@rodneyaiken1742]

Really enjoying the videos. I'd love to do this one day. You should try a hand full of drill point framing screws, 7/16th screws, to hold the patches in place while you drill and pop rivet. You might even be able to skip a step by caulking the patches first, hold the patches in place with a couple of screws, drill and pop rivet, then remove the screws and poop rivet those holds. If you go to a place that sells sells commercial drywall supplies and ask them for hex head framing screw to go through 2 sheets of 18 gauge steel. You'll want something with a long enough drill the the first sheet wouldn't start threading before you get through the second sheet.

[@FMX8100]

Hey Chuck, the URL for your shop in the video description leads to a funky website!

[@heathermachala7623]

It's coming along so nicely Charlie!!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

it will get better!

[@drewbradford7608]

Those shoulder patches look good, thanks for the video!

[@mariemedina257]

Hey Charlie, from Denver!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hi!

[@biandandridgematthews]

I’m in Cali. If we have a bus, would we be able to bring it to you? Also, do you help families search for a skoolie if they don’t have one? Love your builds. My family and I are starting the process to move full time on the skoolie

[@mariemedina257]

Very nice Charlie. !

[@kd6844]

Very well done. So many little details in a build. Especially a school bus.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

thank you so much!

[@rray3630]

Seems like those holes would be a great place for some extra headlights .....like the trucks I see in Scandinavia

[@edwardables3406]

excellent video chuck understood everything you said and why you did it that way keep up the good work c u nxt vdo

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks Edward!

[@promethia246]

Hi ! where do you buy the sheet metal you use for deletes?

[@MrPhil1969]

Nice job. "Overkill? Yes!" You rivet supplier must give you a pretty big bottle around Christmas time. 😆

[@tlejsu1996]

Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge. #inspiring

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

it will only get better, i promise

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Thanks Charlie

[@Mickelson225]

I know you are moving I have a 2000 bluebird midsize bus. This old marine would love to do a roof raise by chuck the magnificent. So please save all those special tools you fabricated to do your roof raise I seen in your prior videos. I’m in Texas by the way

[@evamargareta6792]

You are so skilled and filled with incredible information- I hope you consider getting an ally to write about your information- say bus repairs for newbies type guidebook- your knowledge rocks🎸

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you!

[@rhondawalker6732]

I seen a fairly popular skoolie builder, Remove the Lights as you did. Clean up the surrounding metal. He primed the metal and used round Metal Plates to cover the hole from the INSIDE. Cutting them slightly larger than the hole. He used some sort of Adhesive and only two small rivets to hold them in pace. His next step was to use Bondo to cover the Metal deletes from the outside. It looked ok, but seemed like a lot of work. Do you think over time the bondo method will fail? TBH, I like the rivet look better, it matches the whole Bus.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I've done that method before, I'm not a body repair expert but both times the bondo inevitably cracked but I'm sure my technique was mediocre

[@rhondawalker6732]

@@ChuckCassadyYTThanks for your reply But I really can't see you doing mediocre work! Our Neighbor gave the same advice. When using Bondo, you have to have it on thick, then sand it down smooth.(Multiple layers to insure it doesn't crack) * I will show my Husband your reply :)

[@mznix1971]

Plan to do the same, but use thin layers of Kitty hair with a poly top coat 👌 Did you go ahead with this approach? How'd it work out?

[@RichardBronosky]

If I were to cover holes, I'd weld and grind so that they look like they were never there. However, I'd rather put useful lights in the holes (flood lights for outer and spot lights for inner).

[@christopherdobbinsrealtor]

I am pretty sure you can legally make them into brake light and turn signals as well. I think in some states you can leave them as long as you don't use them on roads.

[@matts1166]

Worst case scenario you could leave them, and just disconnect them. They'd just be vestigial, but not legally "flashers". At least that was the ruling here in Iowa for surplus police cruisers that got sold with the light bars intact.

[@fellcos9433]

Thanks for this video. I’m working on converting a Collin mini - Do I really need to drill out that many holes? And does that replace kit cover all 4 sets (front-back, left & right sides)?

[@backroadadventures]

Another awesome video, thanks Chuck. Instead of patches, I am looking to install some round LED lights in those locations instead that would be set up on independent switches for extra lighting at night. Have you ever done this, and if so, what lights did you use?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Just about any 7” light will work up there. Done it a few times

[@backroadadventures]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Thanks Chuck, I appreciate your feedback.

[@rodladd5231]

looks good 👍

[@robertlucas7974]

Curious why you seal the patches but none of the seams for the roof raise?

[@polo123182]

Have been binge watching some of your videos. At some point I plan to build a bus so thanks for taking the time to share. . 👌 It looks like your team doesn't use clecos for your sheet metal projects. I was planning to buy nice set for my project but it seems like you guys do just fine without them. Any thoughts on if it's worth the purchase for one build? I am leaning towards yes as I won't always have a 2nd set of hands to help out.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

We don't use them, but we do have more hands available than most! It's up to you, we hardly ever use ours

[@sf3486]

Great videos. Thank you. Perhaps "This Old Bus" is an apt title. :)

[@marchalpeck470]

I did not delete mine, I converted the outside to turn signals and the inner to backup lights. The front four I converted to flood lights.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I'll be adding something to the front to make up for removing them for sure!

[@RichardBronosky]

I came here to say this. Flood and spot lights for the win!

[@фредерикмиз]

A little bit Frankenstein?? Your work is top notch,!'👍 But I'm getting Frankensien..🤔

[@carolinafarmer6186]

Can you not turn the red light on the back into brake light and deletes the front red light and turn the amber light on both front and back into turn signals is that allowed

[@matts1166]

I was thinking of turning the front red lights into flood lights.

[@Budginut]

Always wondered why you can't replace them with spot lights/driving lights?

[@IhabFahmy]

_Can you just replace the flashers with white LEDs and call it a day?_

[@Ninelivesmetalworks]

Hey Chuck, Saw you were at Jazz Fest. I'm here in New Orleans doing a roof raise now. Where is your shop located?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

NICE im based in denver

[@killerkm4200]

How come you use rivets for the patches instead of welding? For small areas like that it seems welding would be better and look cleaner.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

nothing wrong with welding, but thats a lot more work. im a rivet guy ;)

[@killerkm4200]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Ah ok, I like welding myself.

[@BroadwayLTDProductions]

I am gonna replace my flashers with led flood lights!

[@allanmoulton3745]

Wouldn’t steel rivets be better, in that they won’t cause any galvanic corrosion when you are in a salty environment?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

These are steel rivets

[@samuelavalos1528]

If you wanted to keep the look of the school bus couldn’t you just switch them to amber and run then as your turn signal?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

No, that is illegal in every state I know of

[@samuelavalos1528]

@@ChuckCassadyYT because of the height? Or because they are to much alike? I thought you just couldn’t have red strobes. I have a trucking company and we have a bunch of lights they are all ok as long as they don’t strobe. But they are allowed to work with turn signals.

[@jesse15000]

Couldn't you just swap them with regular lights/break lights? Or is that not legal too?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

brake lights cant be that high up. i dont like those lights personally but you do you. lots of people have asked me this exact question on this video many times

[@jesse15000]

Ahh. Thanks man!

[@joeblocker6666]

What brand of rivets do you use?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

These are avdel I believe

[@justindavis1546]

Flashback from in the days I was an aircraft mechanic.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That is bad ass

[@benjaminmorgan75]

Couldn't you convert them into an extra set of highbeams?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Not street legal,but for off road, definitely

[@alvisjenkins1305]

Then they would be too high for high beams.

[@jpeterd92]

Instead of bolts to temporarily hold the patches on why not use self tapping screws and just drill the 2 last holes out when you done the other holes?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You can do it however you want

[@joannesinspirations]

Why not just put a different light in? Or put a clear reflector plastic in it, to let some more light in?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

not what i wanted but you should go for it

[@alvisjenkins1305]

Covering up those flasher light holes with a permanent patch plate, you will not be able to see bus wiring and when you might have a wiring issue that runs behind these holes.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Buddy, there are no wires there. I rewired my whole bus

[@alvisjenkins1305]

@@ChuckCassadyYT ok, your bus had no wiring there but my 2002 International does have wiring there. It is evident then that not all buses have wiring there besides the two wires going to the flashers.

[@cameroncook975]

I still dont understand why we're not welding everything? So many rivets

[@warrendaniels3501]

Why not change the red lenses to amber and utilize them as hazards?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Go for it! May be illegal in some areas

[@petejoy6328]

Why not make the red a brake light,and the yellow turn signal?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

there are laws about height of brake lights and turn signals unfortunately

[@Austinp91]

👍👍

[@sergiocarmona9639]

Hey brother I really like to work that you do I've been following you for a while ever since you did regretless LOL are you still taking on jobs I know you're going to retire

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

thank you! just consults, and solar/systems work

[@moustachemike7128]

Shoot i missed it..out cutting grass...ah lawn...

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

my goal is to have a lawn this year.... we will see!

[@moustachemike7128]

@@ChuckCassadyYT why. Lawns a pain in back side to keep up...besides you don't have time for a new hobby ...wait till ya get old ..that way ya can hire a kid to cut it for ya..wait ? Never mind..hire a kid...lol...

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

@@moustachemike7128 hahahahah

[@deastover898]

Lmao overkill for sure. But you can do so do it. 🤣

[@blazeholt7079]

But the flashers are the best thing to use

[@foodstamp6952]

Yo. I love you and all. Great work. But stop drilling so many god damn holes in a patch. Jesus. also just leave a weep hole on the bottom of a patch sealing like that.. good work.. but eh... longevity/no water intrusion.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

A weep hole! Lol what the heck?

[@foodstamp6952]

@@ChuckCassadyYT So the two layers of RTV, instead of so many holes, do inner layer rtv SOLID, then on the outer ring, leave a weep hole. then you can get away with far less drilling potential problem holes and if water did get it, it would run out of the weep.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

@@foodstamp6952 the entire bus is covered with rivets. literally thousands of them, hundreds set far closer than these, under immense clamping power. im not worried about saving 20 rivets when there are 200+ all around it. i can tell i upset you though, so I apologize, but there is no way to create a channel and weep under them to drain. do you have experience with these kind of structural rivets, set by pneumatic machines? we are talking thousands of pounds of clamping force per. i like my method. sounds like you'll do something different on your rig. best of luck

[@foodstamp6952]

@@ChuckCassadyYT wait.... upset me? am your age, and in our age, very little upsets us... you know this, mayneeeee.. So i offer a logical solution. saving time/manpower etc.... and you think im upset? Golly gee bud, only thing even remotely upsetting at this point is the idea that you think you upset me... I really didn't take you for a condescending turd, still don't but buddy, is close.... is close.

[@foodstamp6952]

@@ChuckCassadyYT And ya i might do something different on mine if i go the bus route, which seems the way to go vs a motorhome.

[@Doc1855]

Take off the word SCHOOL and replace it with SKOOLIE

[@scooter1748]

why not replace them with round 7" led "headlights"? not super useful on the road, but could be nice to have. at the very least the halos would look nice.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Not the look I want, but go for it on yours!

[@fellcos9433]

Scooter, tell me more about your round 7” LED idea please. I’ve got a mini bus I’m working on for a camper. This sounds like something I’d like to consider rather than sheet metal covering. Thanks!