Will The Bus Start Now? | Gutting School Bus Electrical System

[@ralphbarth3946]

Your dad is priceless when it comes to taking the electrical out that you dont need. Especially the safety switches on the emergency doors which I will be addressing soon

[@shellyskye527]

Electrical is like magic to me. I wouldn’t have the slightest idea what to do. Lucky your dad is all in.

[@lindamj9]

Your dad is awesome....you too! I'm learning so much!

[@brendariley8982]

What a fantastic Dad! I am never building a tiny Bus house but I sure do enjoy watching you. This is the true meaning of "Labor of Love" Blessings.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks! I am always happy to have my dad on the build !

[@JarrenHorton]

this is the best bus build series on youtube, this is great and very informational, thank you Mike for sharing this with us

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks !

[@RoadsideJourney]

Dads are the best! My dad is helping with my bus build, couldn't do it without him! We took out all the junk too (wires, insulation, etc.) and started with a metal skeleton.

[@jakespur6094]

You’re very lucky to have a dad like that. My dad didn’t have the friggin time a day to drive me anywhere let alone give me a day.

[@marshacary5161]

Seriously; There’s nothing better, & truly key, that glow that you have working on something that inspires.... YOU inspire!... beautifully!! God Bless you in all your endeavors! Love that your Awesome Dad was able to help ya out! What a blessing!! You’ve inspired this ‘lil dirt road gal. Way to go!! 🤗😎🤙🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@aprilek6003]

you are so lucky to have your Pop helping you. What a gift of his time and talents. I'm enjoying watching the progress

[@Native-Kitty]

Your dad is a national treasure in my opinion. In today’s computer age, it’s so refreshing to see a person doing things the classic way.

[@Freetalkfm]

Good timing for father's day

[@ferraritrip]

Your Dad is a saint!

[@mpeters7044]

Big kudos to guys like ur dad!!! Sure miss mine...

[@Kralphrn]

You've got a great Dad, bet he really enjoys helping you. You're very lucky to have him

[@navigationnowhere]

I think he might like building buses more than I do. haha

[@robertvalentine7623]

You are so lucky to have such a good and smart dad that can help you.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Everybody, pay attention to what Mike's dad is doing starting at 14:36. He's coiling the wire loom using the "over/under" method. Do this when coiling anything from extension cords to rope and you'll never have a tangled line ever again! Save the fuses and relays from that overhead panel! More savings. The rear lights have a low (illuminiation) and high (brakes). With dedicated directional signals (which I believe all buses have), rear lights have a low/high/flash. Great work Mike. Huge kudos to your father.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks John. I learn something new from my Dad everyday. I think I actually learned a few things watching him when I was editing. haha

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

@@navigationnowhere Mike, as a father myself, and someone who didn't benefit from a relationship with his father as it's apparent you do with yours, it gives me great joy to observe what is all too rare. It's obvious that you're "a good son" who's grateful for the gift of his father. While it's heartwarming to see you working with your dad on the build, it's humbling to observe a man support and participate in the life of his children to the extent your father does. He truly is "a good man."

[@navigationnowhere]

I am who I am today because of him. Thanks John.

[@brianjohnson2662]

You got a great father

[@SaturnGeminiLove]

I’ve never seen so many wires! Wow! Since y’all took out all the unnecessary wires, the bus looks like a super clean slate to start bringing your vision to life. Thank you Mike’s dad for helping Mike take all the wires out and figure out where they go and what they do safely. Much love to y’all and hope y’all are staying safe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@triplebbb2862]

Dad's are awesome. Wish my dad was still around. He was engineer as well

[@navigationnowhere]

Sorry to hear that. I know that I am lucky to have my Dad still around and working on the project with me.

[@deborahanderson5508]

You have a wonderful dad!!

[@brianwade8649]

2:15 the trusses in the sofa shows a high priority on quality. Love that.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, We really try to take the extra effort!

[@kellydclear]

I like how your dad waited until you were done with the whole "bolt" speech to remind you that it's actually "nuts".

[@navigationnowhere]

Haha, he like a good joke and poking fun with me when he can. 😂

[@kellydclear]

@@navigationnowhere it has stood you in good stead. You both have great senses of humor

[@frankwolf389]

It's really great that you have your father working along side you! Cherish it. You seem to get along well together. I look forward to watching all the videos of the build.

[@rodneyprimm2526]

Your Dad is awesome! I am enjoying your build.very informative. Thanks for sharing!

[@brownbunny2513]

I love seeing you with your Dad. One of the best things in the world, Father & Son, working together. ❤ We all see the love. Great video, Mike.

[@277kne]

Thank you Michael for this informative video. Remains of a partially built van I was seriously considering to buy. An elderly guy bought a 2006 Ford E250 with the camper top on. He had many parts but didn't have time to finish. The van had 36,000 mile. A lot of wiring like your bus. I didn't know who could have helped me in R I. Could have made a good camper van. I'm glad you have your dad helping.

[@NumberJuanBus]

Gotta love the electrical!! Me and my dad did the same and its one heck of a process😬

[@navigationnowhere]

It takes a long time but, so satisfying when it’s done!! Plus now I have a lot of extra wire to use.

[@brendaswann7292]

So lovely to see a good relationship between you and your dad. You are a lucky person. This was both scary and fun to watch. Thank you for all the breakdowns and explanations. 🇨🇦🚌🇨🇦

[@aaronyoungs4870]

I just heard in another video you said that youre in upstate, NY - me too! Your videos have been so helpful and i'm currently at this stage of my bus build. My plan for the next week is to remove unnecessary or redundant wiring and relocate necessary panels to a tidy new panel box behind the driver's seat where the wiring originates. Wish me luck! XD

[@Mori_Wish]

A beautiful day to be under a bus. Have a wonderful day Mike!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks. Getting thrown under the bus was never this fun!

[@Mary-yu3sn]

Your Dad Rocks!!!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks. He does.

[@ginabrytowski3564]

The volt meter falling over repeatedly had me laughing hysterically. Because honestly I thought that irritating crap ONLY happened to me haha

[@stevewicker984]

Great video! Looks like a great father and son project,!

[@kg7tuo999]

OMG I could have saved you guys so much time. I used to work on those "short buses" (though they were transit versions). That whole overhead circuit board is garbage from the upbuilder. If you're dumping all the upbuilder stuff, you can chop it out. In the case of a bus I'd go one wire at a time to make sure something like the rear door safety interlock wasn't in there but yeah, all upbuilder stuff. Then rip out all that nasty wire down the sides and use the same individual wires to run your required lights....left turn and tail, right turn and tail, brakes, backups, and toss in a couple extras for later use. And that circuit board, those things are hundreds of dollars in some cases. Definitely call around and see if you can get a couple bucks for it. We had one bus go down due to that circuit board and we couldn't get one for some reason. I put the bus back on the road by building an interlock system with 6 plain old solenoids and a bit of wire. It was still on the road when I left that place. Anyway, love the vids, looking at a 40 foot pusher for the GF and I and just starting out in the intel gathering stage.

[@meatballsub7176]

WoW, i can just cut it out?! However, don’t some essential circuits pass through that board? The green wires that say “start” and the red ones that say “ignition” are particularly discouraging

[@kg7tuo999]

@@meatballsub7176 Without looking at the specific board I can't say for sure but every bus I worked on the boards were added into the basic chassis and were just interlock safeties related to doors, wheel chair lifts, and and such. Yours probably contains some school bus specific stuff as well like lights, engine kill if there's a contact bar in front, stuff like that. I just looked at your vid again and it sure looks like you could pull the whole board. Just go one circuit at a time and test that the bus starts. Down the road that thing could become a nightmare AND you're losing space. We now have our bus. A 40 foot AmTran pusher. I pulled hundreds of feet of wire out including rolls of extra cables that were just rolled up and stuffed into the corners of the electrical box because the installer didn't know how or didn't want to spend the time to cut them to length. Good luck with your build. Ours is on KZbin under the channel HamSkoolie

[@hamskoolie9706]

@@meatballsub7176 And here we are on the Skoolie account. KG7TUO here.

[@meatballsub7176]

I have the same bus as Mike, I think. But a Ford E 450 / Collins body. I was nervous to chop out all the bus electrics, I went slow and had success. A couple things which ran through the circuit board which i needed to do are re-route the clearance lights, which illuminated when the drivers door opened, re-route the power mirrors which ran through the instrument panel above the door handle, and i think i interupted the drivers heater blower when i took out the rear heater and wiring. Other than that it was somewhat clearly marked, though definitely seemed insurmountable. Although it seemed like previous fleet disabled some of the alarms and tracking machinery.

[@hamskoolie9706]

@@meatballsub7176 The trick is just go slow, remove ONE circuit at a time and before removing anything disconnect and verify that all needed circuits still work. It helps to know some tricks with a multimeter, test light, and jumper wires but basic meter and test light use will suffice.

[@nw7696]

Awesome as usual! Cherish every moment with your family, that's what is most important.

[@i.m.i.7310]

Love schoolie. Tyme. Thx

[@justinburke5797]

love watching you and your dad work together. #feels.

[@Ringelsocke.]

Dads are a nearly endless source of knowledge! 👍🏻 My dad passed a month ago and it feels like I only learned a tiny bit from him and all his knowledge is gone. Less wires means a failure can be found much easier and quicker! I'm sure it feels good to know, that no ominous wire somewhere in the walls might catch fire or something like that. Will you redo the driver seat? That fabric is done.

[@navigationnowhere]

I know. It is nice to know its all good to go now. As for the driver seat, I will be redoing it in the same fabric I chose for the couch.

[@ThinkSimply]

Im sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad recently too.

[@tonywhitley6929]

I am so amazed, jealous, and irritated at the same time. My bus did NOT get this kind of careful treatment. The time you are taking on the "foundational" work is impressive and will result in a far superior bus than most.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, I really like to take my time and go through every system and part of the bus. That way when I build back I know it will be in good shape.

[@tonywhitley6929]

@@navigationnowhere I am currently working out a short in a recessed ceiling light. I am certain it's a simply loose connection, but how many ceiling boards will have to come down? Who knows....but if I was smart like MIKE......I wouldn't have this problem now would I? Seriously impressed with your patience and persistence. Details pay off! Keep it up.

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

I love watching you build out this bus.....but it makes me so intimidated about EVER doing a bus. I have a very amature minivan camper I live in full time. And while I know you can gain a TON of space by gutting it more then I did. I was far too afraid of tampering with things I couldn't fix if I broke it....wish I had an electrically knowledgeable friend or family member.

[@cg60msc]

What a great Dad, loved the info... k.i.s.s. is always the way to go...

[@CharlieandMeOurCampingVlog]

Greetings from Ireland well done DAD !

[@icedogsbustonowhere7178]

I think when we buy a bus, essentially We are the one that Throws ourself under the bus...we have no one else to blame but ourselves lol

[@SteampunkSteve]

Wire tear out day is always fun. Get some Sawyer's Time Release DEET for those black flies. I've hiked in the ADK in May and June and never got bit. Lasts all day

[@navigationnowhere]

I have to find something because they will be biting for a few more weeks

[@SteampunkSteve]

@@navigationnowhere this stuff is amazing. Put it on like sunblock. The DEET is in protein bubbles that break down over time but keeps it from soaking into your skin. Works on all biting insects including no see ems. Won't stop them flying around you but they won't land and bite A friend invented it and I swear by it They also make a spray for clothes using the same tech but with permithian. That lasts 2 weeks and a few washes

[@davidowen888]

Weight reduction and space for a cabinet 👍✌

[@missjessiejane1]

your dad is awesome!

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, he sure is

[@Nivasi]

I watched you do Navi . this one might put a spin on you . The builds are interesting to watch, as much as I would love one.. am completely clueless- glad y'all figured out that birds nest of wires - looking forward to the next 'steps'

[@ilikequiet6474]

Thanks Dad

[@benbrown5124]

This is seriously life saving information! Totally amazing, thank you so much for sharing

[@marshacary5161]

PS... don’t lose your nuts while saving the bolts.. I’m dying 😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🙌

[@MidnightAmratha]

you have an awesome dad, godspeed on navvie :)

[@elschumi]

Thanks dad! ;)

[@guywpacot754]

Those flies are crazy, put some plastic over those windows and take care of your dad!

[@navigationnowhere]

That would have been a good idea. We were having such a good time regardless and laughing the way through the bugs haha Black Flies 😂

[@christinachabak8014]

Love your videos! Thanks for sharing all of this information! The fuse box in your description is no longer available through that link. Do you have another link or any other suggestions? Thanks!

[@kenbutera3530]

Dads awesome

[@rickeagle]

I saw you welding on the exterior skin last video and wondered if you were using a copper block behind the weld as backing when welding the holes. I know they make filling holes really easy and clean. Really enjoy watching.

[@navigationnowhere]

No I did not but, I will start researching that! Thanks for the tip.

[@jimc5624]

Take the larger gauge wire and use them for the 12v system in your bus

[@JesseMcLanahan]

Loving this series. I plan on starting a build in a few months myself.

[@fabiowarner7796]

Finally something to watch again

[@Tremors-wp6fo]

Hey man, been watching your builds for a while, like and subscribed for sure. Idk if you are capable but we are at the point of our short bus breakdown and are stuck on the AC unit in the back. The unit and side condensor are out, freon is out and we have the rubber pipes cut up close to the engine but now we are unsure how to proceed. We aren't clear if we have 2 separate compressors under the hood, one for the dash and one for the unit. Should we just U-connect the "to and from" pipes underneath or do we need a pro to remove the stuff under the hood completely? One mechanic we went to hadn't done anything like this so told us he wasn't comfortable touching the thing, but we are now concerned the entire bus has no AC now and how to close the circuit with these two cut pipes under the bus. Thanks so much for any help you can offer.

[@bearborg9986]

The electrical is probably my biggest worry when I start my bus build.

[@navigationnowhere]

I will be planning a live stream on Patreon when we are doing the 12v wiring. Hope that way you can get some questions answered and help get you on your way !

[@dianep3071]

If the black flys are like nats wear vanilla. Put some in a spray bottle of water. Spray on you.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

wow very good job thanks video shows them how to awesome video. thanks Chris you saved me a trip lol. awesome awesome 🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦🛠️

[@cnjgp7]

Any reason why not to just leave the wires disconnected, rather than pull them all out? That was my plan, since the vandalock system was busted anyway when I got it. Too late for me now anyway, but just sayin' if that helps alleviate some stress.

[@navigationnowhere]

Technically you could leave a good bit of the wires and just hide them behind molding or a wall. But, I prefer to start with a fresh bases that we know is solid and build from there.

[@angeltrogi6871]

Im at this portion of my build and Removing the wiring is intimidating any more tips of what your dad is doing specifically

[@i.m.i.7310]

I use plumbers glad hand valve on the long coolant line....

[@kyled8276]

Did you guys move that fuse panel from that corner box over the driver to the center above the windshield? Mine is in the corner box such tight wiring all wrapped behind where you can barely reach id love to relocate the panel to where you have it which is where my ac evaporator was.

[@georgeflatley7011]

Is it possible to have a well running short bus camper with using the original electric wiring

[@marshacary5161]

Can I just inherit your Dad? If there is room for another sibling just lemme know! 🙆‍♀️ 😆😁 Teasing, but seriously you have the best DAD!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ztesch12]

Where did you end up reconnecting your backup lights, turn, reverse wires to?

[@Nia70Ghana24]

Well I need help with my electrical on my short bus conversion how can I obtain your services?

[@Whitshobbyhomestead]

Love you dad. Whit

[@kabot4878]

Thumbs up dad

[@jameswynd3713]

I love how the civic is in almost every shot... #longlivethecivic

[@navigationnowhere]

Long live the civic !!

[@sonofthedesert3132]

don’t throw the wires out. recycling yards pay more then a dollar per pound. if you wait until copper gets more expensive, recycling pays more too :-)

[@treychoice6332]

Were jumping right into our build project. Were on a tight deadline our lease with a short bus. I don't have a background in carpentry and I'm preparing our tools and space. What tools in your experience did you need for a build?

[@rickfarrar4998]

Love these videos

[@bullzeyez3236]

Dad - " nuts son" " NUTS" lol

[@Fieldtrip-rj8cc]

Another great vid.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for the support !!

[@ptrkmr]

Is it possible to re use the switch panel for your solar system?

[@moustachemike7128]

12:36 dang pops watch your thumb with that cutter,,,been there/ done that..

[@buff10751]

What do you use for power aka solar or generator? What heating do you use or winter months?

[@dylanmeisner9606]

Great vid, wiring looked like a lot of fun 😂

[@navigationnowhere]

I really enjoy the process of cleaning up the wires it’s so satisfying in the end haha. I’ll get you on a build one day

[@dylanmeisner9606]

@@navigationnowhere Alright one day, I'll be down to

[@sandraartistabellestri]

I think you're totally scaring me out of doing a bus conversion

[@JustYourEverydayVesha]

LMFAOO me too!

[@ThinkSimply]

seriously

[@MrFlavadave]

The more I watch the more I see that your father has completely 💯 percent saved your butt and should be given the title of Sainthood

[@navigationnowhere]

I would not know what I do today. If he didn’t take the time to teach me over the years.

[@MrFlavadave]

@@@navigationnowhere it is a gift to have an interactive father for sure

[@jessemongia9730]

And now Bob's your uncle .😁

[@anagoldstein1453]

I'm guilty of just framing around all the wires. I noticed you got rid of the AC - what will you use for when you're driving? Another informative video

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks, we will be installing a mini split system for when the bus is parked. I re-ran the lines for the ac so that the dash would still function.

[@anagoldstein1453]

Navigation Nowhere looking forward to the vid on mini split- I was thinking of putting a window unit in the bus but I will wait to see your install. I kept the rear AC because driving in the summer heat is brutal

[@siaorihara]

I’m trying to find where the rear lights ground cause the ones on my bus don’t work rn. I only cut the wires to the inner lights and the wheelchair lift light. My brother(who doesn’t want to help me knowing I don’t know anything) thinks a grounding wire was cut. But I didn’t cut any near it.

[@flbeachinggirl]

I wonder if Apple Cider Vinegar will help. Put some in cups and cover with plastic. Poke big enough holes for flies to crawl in.

[@vincentrvlife2393]

Mike, I've said it before in a previous video that your Dad rocks! You should treat him to a special day like around June 21st. 🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌

[@dianep3071]

Is your dad an electrician ? Hes very smart. And A huge help. Need to do something Special for him.

[@navigationnowhere]

He is an engineer for a electrical utility. So he has been around this stuff for a while. Everything I know if because of him.

[@ashleyholston]

Hey Mike! Did you ever figure out what was draining the battery?

[@navigationnowhere]

It was a open wire below the driver seat apart of the emergency child system.

[@mikebuteyn2552]

Where are you parked while doing this build?

[@TripleXclown]

I know these were filmed ahead of time but you can order new skins for factory gm seats.. easy to install.. just a few hog rings.. ok more then a few.. but not to many..

[@GigglingKat]

If nothing else, you now have room to put in a destination roll or sign if you cut out that front bump in.

[@86rustbucket]

Great build, but I’m Curious, why not start with a box van with a pass through between the cab and the box than a bus? Seems like you are basically stripping the bus down to a box van anyways. Is there something more desirable about the bus body? Also, your dad was freaking me out when he was cutting that wire loom with the utility knife towards his thumb, I would have sliced my thumb open for sure doing that.

[@flowrob6861]

After watching this , I'm gladly staying with Econoline for next decade .

[@kg7tuo999]

It's not that bad. They're just wires. Then again, I used to work on the bomb and missile delivery systems and wiring on the F4 and later the F18...... that bus wiring looks super simple. LOL

[@DeterminedDIYer]

@1:00 you missed the perfect opportunity to say people throw you there! ;)

[@navigationnowhere]

Haha, totally a missed opportunity

[@mcoffey56]

well...if I've learned anything, it's don't even think about converting a School Bus into a RV. It's a Pro job for sure if you have to go to all these lengths.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

A question from someone who is decidedly non-technical: if you were to do another bus conversion would you consider taking out all cables and connections and start from zero?

[@navigationnowhere]

Every bus I have worked on after my first I have taken out all unnecessary wires and re-run the wires that need to stay. Pretty much what we did in this video.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

@@navigationnowhere OK, thx! Very much in awe of your conversion work, looking at the quality of the vids you put out I wouldn't be surprised if you hit 100K subscribers soon.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks for the support. 👍

[@cherylreich5528]

Have you tried spraying peppermint oil and water around the bus? Maybe that would keep away the flys.

[@navigationnowhere]

I have not tried that yet but, good idea thanks!

[@elaineg4921]

Wow wow wow!! Watching this video, just scared the heck out of me. There's no way i could do that with the wiring. I'd have to pay someone to do it. Which I'm sure won't be cheap. Did realize u had to do all that..So there goes that idea about getting a short bus 🙁. Back to motorhome shopping. Bummer

[@navigationnowhere]

This would be an example of what you can do on a school bus. People leave these wires in all the time and hide them behind the walls. I just prefer not too and wanted to show how to get rid of them.

[@sofaism]

I figured out where I'd give up at on a bus conversion... electrical