Framing the SKOOLIE INTERIOR of my Short Bus Conversion

Framing the Skoolie Interior of my Short Bus Conversion can be really hard sometimes because you have to go from metal to wood. Framing is not as difficult as you might think. In this video, I start the process of strapping/framing the interior of the school bus getting ready for spray foam and electrical. Thank you for always supporting Navigation Nowhere
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[@brodough123]

Nice to see the build so clearly, lots of good editing. Personally I would have appreciated a little more information on what kind of wood you used for the strapping, the hardware used, etc. I personally watch videos like this for information and ideas for my build. Thanks!

[@jimtomassetti4817]

Hi Mike.....Want to tell you. Your a master of your craft! Your spot on. If I ever get a bus I'm hiring you! Be Safe!!!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, hopefully get a indoor space in a month or so ✌️

[@277kne]

My mistake. Was thinking about Luc because of the last video. You have more videos of you guys building. Thanks for the entertaining and informative videos.

[@277kne]

I just started watching and missing Luc. You guys make a great building team.

[@JT9685]

I was going to ask about wiring and when that takes place...and you answered at the end. Looking forward to the next vid. Awesome job so far brother

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, yeah I will be moving toward 12v next

[@elisabethm9655]

Your work is excellent, your descriptions thorough, and your progress is inspiring! Thanks, and I’m looking forward to the next installment 🤗

[@Taino-dreadlocks]

ELISABETH M 💵😊

[@zylnx4422]

Love the color of the bus bro! God loves you and may He guide you brother 🙏❤️😊

[@lauratibbles6598]

Love your strapping idea does make very much sense getting excited for you watching your build come together see you next time

[@Ringelsocke.]

Hi, I get more and more excited! I already imagine you and Dale and Luke all with your awesome vehicles parked at a beautiful place with a supervised campfire and a selfmade 5 stars meal watching the sun going down. 😊

[@navigationnowhere]

That would be the plan and a great day in my book !!

[@susancurrie9246]

I love you guys sense of humor. Luke without missing a beat just falls in.

[@cdh6820]

Planning everything makes the build come out beautiful. That's the difference between a good build and a great build. GREAT JOB!!!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thank you

[@anagoldstein1453]

I'm not too sure about the staying power of foam insulation in a vehicle that encounters a mini earthquake every time it's driven - my research states that "after spray foam is applied inherently entails shrinkage and hardening. Not only can such shrinkage result in pulling back from stud bays and other connections - which often leads to gaps in the insulation layer - it can lead to cracking within the foam structure itself." Enjoying the mini Navi build

[@purplewizard1]

Yes, new short bus video. Love your conversion.

[@jerrry6868]

A sign that it's another great video is when you're like "What it's over all ready?" Will Luc be vlogging when he sets out on his travels?

[@sandraNP1]

Yay... Thanks for the update.... cant wait to see the next video...

[@Kralphrn]

good video, thx for explaining clearly why you're doing things

[@Pumpy2013]

You are the best

[@greensnapper1602]

coming along good Go Dale !!

[@2AZSUN]

Wow, the supervisor had to be up and at the saw. Guess the crew needed a little more supervision on this one?? Good work Dale, show the young ones how it's done! Another great vid Michael. If someone wants to do this and has zero skill set, you're doing an incredible job showing how it can all be done. Continued appreciation for all the effort you put into do this.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thank you for supporting. I only keeps moving forward because of people like you! I hope I can continue to help people in any type of rig.

[@tracym2164]

Thank you. I love your attention to detail, your thoroughness and the fact that you don't rush into the build but instead, think it through and determine the best plan to move forward for the best possible results. Sharing your knowledge and experience certainly makes it possible for us newbies to successfully navigate our builds albeit with much more limited skills to get the job done!

[@SaturnGeminiLove]

Loved the video! Getting more and more exciting ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@yourarkangel]

Great work!

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

very cool well done buddy 🛠️🇨🇦🛠️👍

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Badge !

[@dianabrann-hazard7793]

I really want to thank you for all you do. you are such a big help, I've watched tons of your videos. You & all your faimley & friends are awesome.

[@lsavvy33]

Thanks so much, Mike... great timing for us...we’re almost there. This is just what we’ve been waiting for.

[@navigationnowhere]

Hopefully I can stay ahead of you then !! Haha

[@lsavvy33]

Navigation Nowhere Oh I’m sure you will! We’re eagerly waiting for you to show us the way! Great job, Mike...PS I too am from upstate NY...not in the Adirondacks...about 3 hours away. Such a Beautiful region.... enjoy!

[@FloridaHomesteading]

Perfect!! 😊👍

[@SaucysCreativeCrochet]

This is turning out great! You are awesome and talented! ❤️😊❤️😊

[@budthebudgetbus2711]

You're video's are so detailed, very helpful. Thank you so much!

[@brendaswann7292]

So appreciative of your explanations. Keep looking and waiting for your bus build updates. All the best.🇨🇦👏🏽🚌👏🏽🇨🇦

[@tom-ss2mn]

Very cool to see how the strapping is installed.

[@T8RTU]

Great job done guys and again some top notch tips shared. It’s definitely good to see the how and why things are done, sharing real-time build videos will help so many people, thanks 😎👍

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for watching and following along. I am trying to keep this build going around everything else and make sure every video has detail.

[@tyggy3]

This is very helpful

[@kelbyfrazier6849]

Cooool!

[@jmcguire5548]

Great video

[@lanetteprice7508]

I love your builds would love to have one

[@EastcoastdreamerNS]

Required Wednesday viewing. Great content as always :)

[@kellerj]

Once again, excellent video, excellent explanations. I wish I could be working (and learning) with you guys. Nice job and thanks for amazing content.

[@navigationnowhere]

I am planning on doing in person workshop starting this spring. keep an eye out

[@jdcooks9929]

That mini split will be awesome. Amazing video as always. You need some more help so we can get 2 videos a week, 😁 keep em coming

[@navigationnowhere]

Haha, i wish I could get two out a week every week. Unfortunately, with builds and the little bus it’s always a fun crazy day 😂

[@Brandon-it4vo]

Just got our Skoolie 96 Thomas Int 13k OG miles. So glad to have your videos we have the interior mostly gutted. I'm wanting a deck and solar and was curious if installing all roof mounted construction now would be easier than later. Videos are on point keep it up 🤙

[@MotoMarvmtb]

So sic👍

[@rainbowwarrior4995]

I love ur videos.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks ! Appreciate the support.

[@forsbergmicah]

There is a town next to me called Nowthen. Close to NowHere. Love your videos. Inspiration!!!

[@lettiecooper1952]

I just want to say these videos are so well done! You are my University KZbin masterclass in bus building, lol. However, I do have a novice question. I am building a bus with friends down in Mexico, and they ask me some great questions that I cannot answer despite searching online. Why do you frame a bus? We have stripped the bus down and have started placing foam board in. They want to take sheets of plywood and screw them directly to the ribs of the bus. Less weight, wood, time, and money. Then attach walls and whatnot directly to the plywood. I can't think of why this wouldn't work?? Anyone?

[@nayarahbany2124]

I want to make a bus like yours it is so cool I know who I am going to ask for help when I need it this dude is awesome😊

[@karenriggle5435]

Excellent on the thermal Bridge... have you ever thought of putting unlike the back bedroom windows Velcro with plexiglass like a storm window to insulate so they don't get condensation on them in your bedroom area... I believe it was Busse mcbusface in their bedroom area when they made their walls they made sliding window covers with plywood to slide shut when they're in there to insulate the windows give them privacy. This is the first bus build I've seen that did the thermal bridge on the screws to keep the condensation from coming from the outside in other than be Adventure partners they have a video out once a week I believe they are out of Canada but they did it a little different than you guys they both work. Looks great guys.

[@anthonycarter6570]

What did you use for strapping and why that? What kind of screws did you use for the strapping?

[@insidethepeace4771]

I wish I could do this myself but I just can't. waaaaaahn

[@brianmcginnis6105]

Hate to reply on a year old video but how do you remain water tight when screwing straight into the metal? Thank you!

[@zenbuilder8801]

Mike, Started to think about building out a schoolie a month ago and ran across your channel. And as others have said, first rate. Like the Collins bus also. A question. What is the distance from the back of your drivers seat to the rear? I don't think you mentioned that. Again, I can not mention enough how well thought out and produced your channel is. Safe travels . jeff

[@paully_s]

Loving the progress of the bus! Good job!

[@kenraney638]

Safety glasses!

[@lisablake4237]

Hi Mike, Ok, you drilled a screw directly into the metal? My interior frame of my RV (not a bus) is aluminum, 1 x 1 aluminum square. I want to frame it in wood for a more sturdy interior, and of course a new roof. My question: Did you do anything special to screw the wood into the metal, and what type of screws did you use?

[@moanahope8215]

would also love to know this

[@chrispickering4698]

He mentioned self-tapping screws for the wood to metal bits. You can also see him predrilling some of the holes around the back window as well for the pan head screws he's using.

[@Andy-cw3kx]

What kind of lumber are you useing?

[@thinplacefarm9836]

So if your final Screw isn’t exposed thermal break is achieved? So if I used 2x2 furring into metal then screwed my finish surface over top the furring but not into metal I would have a break because the screws holding the furring strips are covered with my finishing material. How’s that sound?

[@rainepenich6987]

Do you have a list of all the supplies you used for this part? I need to go to Home Depot and want to make sure I get everything haha

[@boomingbubblebus1470]

My biggest problem with metal is drilling throughnit or something to it. What drill and bits are you using? Looks like butter!

[@MrKnotWright]

Mike, I hear you talk about weight off and on, is there a reason you choose wood for metal for your furring strips? pretty sure I know the answer, its just easier to make the wood strips and to find the plywood.

[@TomJones0065]

So A Question, I am trying to buy myself a Bus as well. But for me I want to keep it basic. Camper For now... Is the insulation in the bus really that bad that everyone rips out ALL the panels to replace it? I mean the sealing?? Is the insulation really that crappy? I Love Your Work, and you sure know WTH your doing. I just want to keep mine pretty simple " for now!" and then Down the road do a Really Big Build on one. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR WORK! I learn alot!!!

[@fernandobelazaras7542]

Excellent video, nice solution to avoid thermal bridges. Why do you use plywood and not solid wood ? Solid wood have more strength and stiffness and dont´t need to cut a board into strips.

[@toddjohnston4788]

Did you ever figure out if you used more brushing paint out side of bus vs spraying it?? Everything is looking great.

[@kevinmccarthy7776]

Hey Mike what type of screws are you using to secure the strapping?

[@ehlersdanlossolutions1506]

Thanks for mini split 5% off code! Great work! You are crushing it! How did you ensure your penetrations (screwing wood into the bus) water tight, especially the roof penetratations

[@insidethepeace4771]

Good question

[@randylee2189]

Stop screwing around get to work 😂 good job guys 👍🏼 great job explaining what your doing and why your doing

[@navigationnowhere]

Don’t worry next video I’ll nail it 😂

[@randylee2189]

Navigation Nowhere try hammering out the details 😂

[@navigationnowhere]

I could get better at cutting the video. In order to speed up the process

[@nathangeringer9147]

What self tapping screws do you use/reccomend?

[@randyrainwater983]

👍👍

[@laurakramer396]

I would like to know how much you would charge to insulate, install & wire in 2 Maxxair fans. Is it possible to install solar later? I'm disabled and am looking at a shuttle bus or a Promaster.

[@DuckGunChronicles]

Hey man just curious what kind of wood are you using and is it pressure-treated?

[@DougOrDouglas]

did you find you ac for the rear connect to the drivers ac? we are trying to figure out if both system are connected

[@fourscarriers7551]

following the build keep it coming.....what was the cost of the engine repair.

[@navigationnowhere]

After I bought it I did about 500 in upgrades to the engine. I have already put 14k on the bus and still all good

[@kevinmccarthy7776]

Hi Mike good morning! Question? Does that mini split run off of your solar and if not can you explain to me when and how your able to run it? I know your probably busy my wife and I are a fan of yours but if you could help us out we'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

[@46tatty]

How much heavier will the bus be after remodeling? What kind of gas mph would you get too after remodeling?

[@idowanna837]

Is it easy to raise the roof on a short bus. Wld it make it top heavy since there's less weight to the bus?

[@DestinationDalmatian]

Do u have a video of the fan installation

[@navigationnowhere]

I have one that was posted 2 years ago when I first started posting on this channel

[@malazkm]

Hello, could you do a video on battery isolator setup?

[@navigationnowhere]

Yes, when we get to our battery install I will be showing the full install

[@malazkm]

@@navigationnowhere yes!!! Thank you!!! I'm wanting to do that because I will not be able to afford solar panels for a conversion. Because of that video, I had to subscribe.

[@joycejohnson1732]

When you are attaching the framing to the ribs of the bus. Would it be better to fill the ribs with spray foam to prevent thermal bridging ? Since I will not be using spray foam insulation over the wooden straps.

[@jeffroche3265]

Question. I'm desiding to remove or keep bus back ac. I will in the future put in a mini split. But my concern is air while driving. Can you run mini split while driving with inverter??

[@threeowls369]

Is it possible to frame without taking the metal walls out?

[@hannahtanner514]

Can you let me know why you framed with the plywood instead of 1×2's or somthing along those lines?

[@brittanydonaldjones3490]

Are you attaching the wood to the metal? What kind of screws did you use

[@b0daddie]

I probably missed it, but have you explained the layout that you're planning on doing for the bus?

[@navigationnowhere]

Nope not yet. I will be in the next few videos once I get it framed

[@rainbowwarrior4995]

Are u going to add sound deadening?

[@Thatoneninja22]

Is the a reason you were using 3in nailers in some spots instead of all of the smaller stuff

[@Uprise95341]

No speakers for music at the back?

[@Uprise95341]

hankashley that’s right

[@navigationnowhere]

We will have a sound system. I’ll start running the wires in the next video

[@jonshu239]

Was there a reason why you used 3/4" plywood for the strapping vs. 1" boards? Also, if on a build you can't get R21 insulation is there another way to prevent condensation issues? Great video, thanks Mike.

[@navigationnowhere]

The two pieces of wood are to stop thermal bridging from the exterior of the bus to the inside. If you were to screw straight through a single piece of wood the screw head would condensate. Also, you don’t need r-21 to stop insulation. I believe it’s 1 1/2 closed cell foam will work for condensation break.

[@acaglumac]

Hi Mike, The school bus we bought had already insulation and the plywood put on the floor. The insulation is 2 inch thick kingspan greenguard type IV XPS insulation board. It starts compressing at 25 PSI. The previous owner did not put subfloor framing. My question is, is the framing needed, or can I just screw the plywood down with long screws to reach the metal floor? I feel like the XPS insulation board will not compress because the plywood would disperse the weight and I will never have more than 25 PSI on the XPS. What do you think? Is there any other reason why I would need to frame the subfloor? I did notice in few areas the plywood is shifting and warping so i need a way to secure it down.

[@juliec9]

Ok it's 1year later...did insulation make a big difference? Kinda curious as I'm ready to start my build.

[@brunorodriguez5151]

What type of screws were used to not go through the bus

[@MidnightAmratha]

Just to be nitpicking, what is the difference between roof and ceiling? Apart from inside/outside.

[@trvlaqwst7570]

Yeah you nitpicking smh🙄

[@BrntToaster]

hello future me when i build my home o/

[@SixtiesandBeyond]

omg!! Im with rivets ugh so far I removed the sides, Im thinking of leaving the ceiling, started removing the old flooring ugh its slow going.. any suggestions would be great

[@djedeye2665]

Screw the rivets.. ;) We went with 3/4inch length 1/4 diameter bolts w button alen head and nyloc nuts..Soooo much easier and quieter.

[@seancochran9034]

Do you pay Luke and Dale for their help? Are you living on that property with them? I'm curious how you get help.

[@pegeenford6268]

Why do you put wood around the outside of the bus is it for decorations only or does it serve a purpose?

[@taede100]

Did you do a roof raise on this bus?

[@navigationnowhere]

No this is the factory height

[@not_not_daryl]

Super simple question HOW are you drilling the wood to the metal. I’m you drill before on some, but screw directly through with a screw. When do you what where? And what kind of screws are you using?

[@navigationnowhere]

The first wood is getting screwed in to the metal with wood to metal screws. They have self drilling tips and thread patterns that do well for wood to metal. The second wood is screwed only into the wood. Hope that helps

[@traviscarroll7]

Is it possible to hang a hammock inside of a short bus

[@david2284180]

Big school bus to small school bus. Will the next downsize project be a Dodge Promaster?

[@navigationnowhere]

We can do that. Should be do a Promaster next ?

[@david2284180]

Navigation Nowhere Availability of wheelchair lifts (for mom) led me to Promaster which I could use as a camper later on for myself.

[@rasmuskirkegaard7049]

What are your plans with the bus?

[@navigationnowhere]

It will be my home.

[@rasmuskirkegaard7049]

@@navigationnowhere then what are you going to do with the big green one?

[@navigationnowhere]

My family uses it for vacation right now. I might rent it out next year. 🤷‍♂️

[@danielvanmourik5247]

Why You do spray foam and not the seem as the floor

[@thewildones157]

I can’t get my screws through the metal

[@monicabrand1555]

Please HELP. Can you frame, insulate and build over inside walling? I've got little $, no help and I'm somewhat frail. I live in So. Cal, but plan on spending most of my time in the desert.

[@monicabrand1555]

Inside walling is actually sheet metal☹️