First Day on the Short Bus Conversion

[@trudyhalstead3662]

Just worked a 16hr shift gotta work 12hr tonight but cant sleep till I watch this start of a great adventure!!!!!! SOOOOO EXCITED

[@navigationnowhere]

I hope you enjoy it in between your work !

[@TophOpossum]

Hooray for every step of the process! I'm trying, but holy moley is documenting and working at the same time roughly two jobs worth of work.

[@navigationnowhere]

Totally agree haha. It takes a lot but it is so fun to look back over

[@anish.bhutani]

I've been waiting so long for this build to begin LOL. Finally!

[@navigationnowhere]

It’s in full swing now !!

[@mr.c6383]

it is probably completed and Mike is just starting to show the build.... Mike was back from the Colorado build over 2 months ago

[@monablueeyes1729]

MeToo!! LOL

[@navigationnowhere]

In real time we are 2 videos ahead. I try to stay ahead so I can put more work into the edits than throwing them together quick.

[@georgecurtis6463]

Back in the late 60s, my friend got an old short school bus. Shorter than yours. Our modifications were stripping the seats out and installing a fold out couch and a arm chair. Also installed tractor muffler. Got it passed and licensed. Then after graduation we drove it from northern ca to los angeles. We got stopped by a motorcycle cop. He did a safety check and congratulated us on passing and told us to have a nice day. Then they dropped me off at the airport for my trip to saipan to see my parents before going to tech school in los angeles. Just before school I was out for a walk and I saw the bus drive by me. I ran after them and actually caught up to them. Great visit till school started days later. No idea what happened to them afterwards. Oh, yea, cop told us we had to add some more black paint or whatever so the bus would no longer be mistaken for a school bus. Hope this turns out well for you. Oh, back then the speed limit was 55 so we had no problem keeping up with traffic. Now, probably not.

[@Fieldtrip-rj8cc]

Its been a minute . Now the fun begins. We have had 5 days of rain. This weekend I finally get back on mine

[@blessed885]

And this is exactly were I be . With looks like my 02 Thomas having few solo issues but you should be gold 🤞🤞🤞🤞so I'm taking a break watching so I do totally fulk it up. Be blessed thank you 🌬️💨⛵🙏🏻

[@philmickey7247]

Finally someone using a SAW to dice up the plywood floor ...little bites instead of the whole sheet ! Thanks for the good video!

[@navigationnowhere]

I am not trying to kill my back 😂

[@Ringelsocke.]

Hi, Only the busses that are used for school should be yellow. You have experience with the Navi green and if that was perfect for any occasion, go again with it. In fact you did it all before and you just have to do it again. Leave out the mistakes and the things (that you know by now) you don't need. And add, what you would have enjoyed with Navi. I just sit back and watch! 😎👍🏻😂

[@kellydclear]

I had to laugh when the caption said "Links below", and it was pointing at the toilet. :D

[@JANDLWOODWORKING]

you have to paint it!!! make it look like a mini me of your old bus!!

[@navigationnowhere]

I was thinking about designing it after the big bus and adjusting a few things

[@AloishiusAbercrombie]

Excited to see how this develops - been looking forward to this!

[@navigationnowhere]

Me too. All plans are coming together and parts are on the way

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Let the fun begin awesome job boys looking good 🛠🛠🛠🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Badge! Hope I can figure out how to put it back together.

[@kiza4178]

It's like Mervyn's OPEN,OPEN, OPEN!

[@jameswynd3713]

The fun begins, wish I was there!!!

[@navigationnowhere]

We wish you were too!! We miss you Jimmy

[@AloishiusAbercrombie]

What’s keeping you away Jimmy? What’re you up to?

[@WanderlustPickers]

Just came across these videos... super rad! You got another follower and soon to be bus-lifer!

[@bfd83emt]

Definitely paint it.

[@NumberJuanBus]

Yesss let the Short Bus begin!!

[@overlandtowater]

Yep I am removing the rub rails on mine. that looks awesome.

[@Aaron-P]

Oh man, it would be awesome to see Dean show up! Please tell him KZbin says hi, misses him, and hopes he is doing great. 😎👍

[@UncoolDean]

Aaron P you just told me yourself. 😁 I’ll be back, I promise

[@mbusch76]

Definitely paint it!

[@J-Williams]

I vote for painting the bus. (You guys are so talented and awesome!)

[@maryweaver5048]

started the video, saw it lasted 17 minutes, realized the video was over whenever he did his outro and thought "NO WAY it's been 17 mins already 😯😢" content is always amazing haha i need more ! can't wait for the next upload!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thank you for that comment. I spend a lot of time working on these videos trying to make every minute count. Thanks 👍

[@maryweaver5048]

Navigation Nowhere, you do amazing work! thank you so much for sharing your journey. i wish you all of the luck on this project 🍀

[@TheRealLadyAlex]

*YAY!!!* *HOW EXCITING!!!* Been waiting for this for some time, as I hope to do much the same. I'm a disabled gal who hopes to be getting to the business of my conversion as soon as I find my mini school bus with a wheelchair ramp. I'll be traveling with a couple of cats and possibly a service dog. Anxious & excited! #LETTHECONVERSIONBEGIN

[@navigationnowhere]

That’s awesome your looking for a bus! I hope you find the right one. Wheel chair accessible buses are all over that one nice thing about buses !!

[@nheinrich834]

Same girl! except I have a service dog, and two other big dogs, no kitties!

[@TheRealLadyAlex]

Thanks so much for the info! I may know who you're talking about in Ohio, not sure, but I have some info about an Ohio dealer. Plus I have some family in the area and I can see if they might ask around. But thanks again!

[@TheRealLadyAlex]

@@nheinrich834 Hey that's really awesome! Keep in touch and maybe we can compare notes sometime! 🚌🚌

[@2AZSUN]

The excitement for this one is written all over your face. That's pretty fun to watch. You didn't tell us Luc was gonna be involved in this one as well. Good to see him back at work with you. We know where Jimmy is, but where's Dean?? This project definitely needs some Dean in it!! It's almost like he doesn't like us anymore. Really looking forward to how this all comes together for you!

[@navigationnowhere]

Dean loves you all. He is just getting set up for his next adventures!

[@2AZSUN]

Navigation Nowhere that feels like something you get told right before dad walks out the door for the last time. 😖

[@UncoolDean]

I went out for cigarettes, but the stores have been closed for months

[@2AZSUN]

Uncool Dean 😢😢😢 And this is why you are missed. Your wit and humor, and wicked cinematography skills are unbeatable. Are you going to be uploading anything any time soon?

[@Fieldtrip-rj8cc]

Congrats Michael

[@jennydugan2620]

LOVE THIS - you are working on the exact same bus i JUST BOUGHT!

[@drumhead120]

Hoping to get my mini in a couple weeks and try to keep up with you while following your instruction. Thanks!

[@cg60msc]

Wow! Great start... Looking forward to all the build videos...

[@theresachannell3607]

So glad you are starting this project... Watching intently since I am in the process of converting a shuttle bus. I like the idea of a smooth-sided, solid colored bus. Rustic is quicker, but ugly.

[@redsky8509]

I have been waiting for this. I had a short bus, 14 ft. behind the drivers seat, years ago. looking forward to seeing what you do.

[@sampostma2512]

That picture of Navi😍

[@someoneelsemothermother8259]

Very informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Chefsantatravels]

LOL now I know what that plumbing valve in front of my bus under the steering wheel is for thanks stay safe stay strong stay healthy god bless and enjoy life✌❤👨‍🍳🎅🚌's

[@cnjgp7]

Awesome! Another Collins conversion in New Jersey!! I've been waiting for this!

[@cnjgp7]

Save that back piece of sheet metal to have an easy template for the roof curvature if you think you'll need it. Also, if you rip the floor out, be careful, as that floor steel is really thin stuff. Oh wait - you already figured it out. I wish I had seen this before I demo-ed my floor. Can't wait to see the rest of the build!

[@navigationnowhere]

Bus builds!!!

[@lynmeehan7665]

Please paint. It won’t be rustic. It will be ugly. Granted, this is the world according to me 😀. I love watching your videos.

[@cosc137]

Definitely NO to the rustic!!! Some really artistic painting would be awesome!!!

[@jacobbarton7093]

So stoked to watch this build series because I'm literally building the same exact one! I'm so confused about the electrical so I'm going to wait for your video on how to do that. Best wishes from Maine!

[@navigationnowhere]

In real time I just completed the electrical gutting yesterday. It’s coming up !

[@jacobbarton7093]

That’s awesome I’m excited to see it so I can possibly do the same, haha!

[@Nia70Ghana24]

Hooray it’s about time your finally starting your new short bus conversion!

[@BohemianRedhead]

Yes! I have your bus's twin and I can't wait to see all of the things that I am doing wrong as I watch this.

[@MotoMarv-Micahboy]

This is the best! it was worth the wait. 👍👍👍

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks !!

[@lorirugato6463]

You guys do such great work. Bring on part 2 !! Wish I could have you build me a skoolie.

[@lonwhitt]

this is going to be interesting. and i would go rustic on it.

[@jenniferwhite746]

So fun! You two are making it look so easy. Get yourselves some knee pads. 😊 Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@kateackerly6559]

Well. I'm jealous. Those screws holding up your ceiling rather than forty gazillion rivets. You have one more window (on each side). You didn't have evidence of blackmold in the insulation. That floor was even in better shape. And... An extra pair of hands. My build is solo. I was going to go to the nearest homeless shelter and hire an extra pair of hands to help me remove the seats and floor, but the Covid19 hit just as I got to that point. And here in Southern Missouri, it's been freaking soggy for a long time, interfering with the windows and getting up on the roof to recaulk the seams and seal the rivets before I paint it with Elastomeric white. I am going to trek up to the KC area where a couple friends have offered to help with the fun stuff (now that I have done all the stripping). 😂

[@samrooney6905]

Now this is what I signed up for! Good content.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for the support!

[@MayhemRv]

I’ve wanted to do a project like this for years. 👍

[@Jamief-xj9mb]

I’ve been waiting for this video!!!

[@mdemarzi19]

Living vicariously through you! So fun! Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[@elisabethm9655]

That insulation and metal looked really clean! The floor is the cleanest (rust free) I’ve ever seen on a conversion video! I wonder what the original R value was? That shabby yellow aesthetic is just not you! Really looking forward to seeing the rest of this series! Thanks for taking us along😁

[@jamesb.492]

Which makes me wonder > why take it apart just to redo it with a different type of insulation. The insulation looked just fine. No mold.

[@ThinkSimply]

@@jamesb.492 thats what im wondering? lol

[@SaturnGeminiLove]

Love love love this series so far!! So freaking excited to see more. I really enjoy your commentary, time-lapses, and just y’all having fun. You are amazing! Much love to you ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for the support and coming back !

[@SaturnGeminiLove]

Navigation Nowhere I wouldn’t miss an episode. Love what you do and the person you are.

[@gardenboots7464]

Nice work guys!

[@BricksofHappiness]

It's looking GREAT! and by great I mean bare lol. Hurry up and get to the fun stuff haha! Chat soon!

[@navigationnowhere]

Haha, it’s kind of funny to be so excited about an empty bus haha

[@rhemmie2825]

Yes, where is Dean? Haven't seen hide nor hair of him lately. Uncool Dean, Uncool. He should be heel kicking in the yard! Looks like a great project. You always give the best detailed descriptions.

[@navigationnowhere]

Dean’s famous heel kicks !!! Thanks for the support !

[@UncoolDean]

I’ve been away at heal clicking school. I’ll be better than ever!

[@rhemmie2825]

@@UncoolDean well I'm looking forward to that.

[@davidowen888]

Great job Guys !

[@theadventuresofturtle]

Hey, im just going back in time to tell you to drill the holes for the mini split and diesel heater. 😅

[@navigationnowhere]

I appreciate this level of effort

[@larryl4881]

Super Excited!

[@DeterminedDIYer]

@7:05 fire extinguisher. ;) lol. I'm happy for you and hope you have many adventures.

[@navigationnowhere]

I noticed that in editing but, figured 🤷‍♂️ haha

[@tinamarie9047]

Can't wait!

[@suzanneknollinger5533]

Yes!!! Finally!! Im so excited!!!

[@ramiromatias2928]

Love your videos not sure why but KZbin is holding you back. You should have way more than 37K subs.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for that. ✌️

[@shanna8321]

Excited to watch your build from the beginning! About to buy our bus and your videos are always really informative:) Thanks!

[@treychoice6332]

Thanks for the tool list super helpful!!

[@toddjohnston4788]

Really going to enjoy watching the build👍

[@rickfarrar4998]

I've been waiting for you to start i love watching you videos

[@Mori_Wish]

Strap in boys. The adventure starts here.

[@navigationnowhere]

Sure does !! Super excited to keep this build moving !

[@TheWarrrenator]

Oh I’m strapped!

[@ShannonMoody]

Yay!!!! Conversion day!!!!

[@OldSkoolieSimple]

This is so exciting. I can't wait.

[@navigationnowhere]

Could not be making the next episode happen with out you helping 👍

[@callingyouout3954]

Hi. Long, long time follower of your adventures, but first time commenter here. Would you be so kind as to explain to us newbies that are planning the same sort of project, what the pros and cons are of removing the bus floor? I'd planned to just put down a 1 by or 2 by grid down, slap rigid insulation in the voids and maybe foam insulation to seal any missed spaces, put plywood on top and decorative flooring on top of that and call it a day (or week most likely). Besides the "old bus smell" I've heard mentioned on several videos, and the possible loss of two inches or so of head room, what is bad about building and insulating on top of the old floor? Thanks a bunch. I really look forward to the rest of your videos. It's great that you are taking the time to film this. Take care and stay safe.

[@navigationnowhere]

Hey, putting out a video on 6/9 with an answer to that question

[@TalkingWithBob]

Just found your channel I am in a van myself 😁♥️

[@NYTROeast]

You can always do the wood grain paint technique

[@pablorivera6879]

Luke is doing all the work lol

[@navigationnowhere]

Luc is a hard worker and I appreciate his help through the build. 👊

[@Carla486674]

Paint it!!!!!

[@UncoolDean]

You need team Jimmy-Dean!

[@navigationnowhere]

Let’s do a build off. Jimmy/Dean vs. Mike/Luc?

[@jameswynd3713]

Yes!!!

[@billblecher9215]

I think it would look good if look like I know wood panel bus

[@curtismajor8751]

Luke for president.

[@navigationnowhere]

Haha, yes!

[@burlybair]

Are you aware that the rub guards serve a purpose for the rescuing firemen. The lower one indicates where the floor is and the upper one indicates where the seat cushions are. So if the firemen have to cut in to rescue students, they can make proper cuts.

[@shawntims3817]

I would paint it like the magic school bus maybe even get someone to airbrush Ms frizzle and that little lizard guy in the side... Just a thought if you wanna keep it yellow

[@brs6794]

Cool man !!

[@NumberJuanBus]

11:30 😎🚎

[@navigationnowhere]

Haha, 😂

[@danapeckham4754]

Looking forward to more episodes. I was wondering if your in NJ or NE.

[@kristen_roxy_adventures8452]

Im currently looking for the right bus to convert myself.

[@david2284180]

how about something different like rain collection system to top off water supply?

[@navigationnowhere]

That’s a good idea. I would not need to collect a lot of water to refill the tanks.

[@cenedraleaheldra5275]

masks guys to get that insulation out. eeek ... looks amazing going fast. good luck. Wow the yellow paint has faded. What colour will you paint it

[@stephengauntt574]

Yess I'm looking at a bus just like this rn. This will be soon much help please keep doing it. Do you know how often these will come out ?

[@MrRazor2009]

was there a shut off valve for the rear heater?

[@hydra3279]

Omg so excited 🖤🖤🖤

[@abou8963]

LUKE IS THE HERO!!!

[@samkirk8961]

Mike! I’ve been watching your videos for awhile now as my girlfriend and i are working on our first bus. I usually come back and rewatch for some reference. I’m currently removing the heater in the rear and was wondering if you had a picture or something to show how you reconnected the lines underneath. Is there actually a “U” joint for reconnecting them that i’m just not finding or how did you you do it? I have 1” coolant lines and I’m having trouble with them kinking as i try to make the bend. Any recommendations or pictures as to how you did it? Thank you

[@canuckyank82]

Hooray!!!

[@heather6828]

I have a question my floor is just like yours do I have to take up all the wood since yours looked so good underneath? My bus has no rust under and I’ve seen none inside while taking out screws? Thanks

[@277kne]

Mike and Luke you are doing a great job at deconstructing the bus. I read a short article on the Sprinter vs a Transit for a van build. The person had a 2011 Sprinter and had a $8000 repair. He didn't say what it was. That made me re think about getting a Sprinter. I know your bus is a different diesel engine. Do you expect any high cost repairs? What are your thoughts on the Sprinter and the high cost of repairs?

[@navigationnowhere]

I have already fixed all the engine issues. Cost around $600 with complete fluid changes. Also, This bus has 70k miles on it so it’s in pretty good shape

[@kamikazekunze]

Next....4x4 conversion!!!

[@kb3mpx]

I have one question for you. The most important part for any sloolie that I would build would be to incorporate a lazboy recliner. Is the rear emergency door large enough to allow me to put a disassembled lazboy recliner through the rear emergency door ?

[@navigationnowhere]

I have seen people have lazyboy recliners in their bus. So I guess it would be possible. I personally have not.

[@kb3mpx]

@@navigationnowhere Thanks for getting back to me. I am looking to have both a bed and a recliner. I would like to be able to have a recliner with a tv. Many times I have issues falling asleep. I want to use the recliner so that I can fall asleep on it while watching tv

[@joeyhoward1099]

ITS ABOUT TIME 😂

[@tmber01]

How about repainting it in rustic colors; maybe muted earthtones.

[@melwallace1255]

So excited to come along on this build!! Welcome back! Missed your videos!! I cannot wait to see how you design the inside of this much smaller bus. Do you ever miss Navi??? Will you be adding a roof deck, like what you had on Navi?

[@navigationnowhere]

I miss Navi but excited about the new project. The little bus will have everything Navi has and more. Haha

[@melwallace1255]

@@navigationnowhere Now that will be interesting to see Navi Jr with everything and more, that Navi has!!! Lol. I'm excited for you and this build too!! I cannot wait to see how you do this build.

[@showpro1178]

So, Mike: Was there, in fact, a shut-off valve to isolate the lines going to/ returning from the rear heater? If so, where was it located? Thanks.

[@navigationnowhere]

Yes, it was up under the front steps but, it was so tight I could not get a camera on it. If you have a big bus typically they have a booster pump in the engine compartment. You can find the shut off around that area.

[@naturallydope247]

Where was the shut off valve and what does it look like?

[@mdemarzi19]

Hey I’m loving the song you have overlaid on the time lapses. What is it? I seen the link for where you get your music in the description, but wondering more on the specific song.

[@d.vargasm]

I absolutely love this series and your channel. Keep innovating and keep kicking ass!