Overview of My Bus Conversion

Bus conversion series on how my bus conversion was designed. Be sure to watch all 8 parts.
Link to playlist: • MCI8 Bus Conversion
Links to individual videos:
Overview: • Overview of My Bus Con...
Part 1: Bays and Utilities: • Bus Conversion Design ...
Part 2: Driver’s Cockpit: • Bus Conversion Design:...
Part 3: Interior: • Bus Conversion Design ...
Part 4: How to start the bus: • Bus Conversion Design ...
Part 5: Air Leveling: • Bus Conversion Design ...
Part 6: Winterizing: • Bus Conversion Design ...
Part 7: Paint: • Bus Conversion Design ...
Part 8: Bus for Sale: • Video
SOATMON Blog page: www.Soatmon.com
SOATMON Amazon Page: www.amazon.com/shop/soatmon

[@1armedguy4]

Great job ! I've seen many bus conversions and I'd have to say your's has to be one of more functional well put together, on a budget conversions I've seen. Very well done folks and thank you for allowing us to see the stages of work. !!

[@SoatMon]

Your welcome, thank you for your kind comment!

[@joell439]

I’m speechless. Amazing work. You are a true renaissance man. Thanks for sharing. Joel....

[@SoatMon]

Your welcome. Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to send them!

[@seeyou1812]

You guys should be proud as a family ,what a great job .Thanks for sharing

[@SoatMon]

Your welcome, thank you for your kind words!

[@russpottenger4674]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your project with us. I had a census you are undertaking this as in most projects it's a learn as you go experience. Since it was a hands-on family type project i'm sure it made it that much more special. Just subscribed. God bless

[@AutumnButterfly]

I am in awe of what you accomplished here. Beautiful, beautiful work!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@wabberjackle]

"Has the aerodynamics of a brick." My favorite part of the video!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@pablomaxim3172]

Pro trick : you can watch series at flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching a lot of movies lately.

[@kalebtheodore7700]

@Pablo Maxim Definitely, have been using flixzone} for months myself :)

[@BOARDMAN16456]

What a mamouth task yous took on there. And GREAT to see the finished job. Respect. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@SoatMon]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@calvindickey4597]

Great job on your bus. Love the paint scheme, interior layout, upholstery by your wife and the electronics. Kids will always remember vacation trips.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks Calvin!

[@GameOver-ei8ui]

I rarely watch long videos like this, but in this case, it was like a good book, I couldn't stop watching! I don't think Ive seen a better bus conversion than this! Your children will cherish the rebuild memories forever. Absolutely amazing rebuild! I'm curious who did all the cabinetry? Hats off to your wife for the beautiful sewing work throughout the RV!

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for your kind comments! All the work was done by my son and me, cabinets included. I will pass on your praise of the sewing to my wife.

[@joanhazelgrove9444]

What an awesome renovation! You are really a smart guy. And your wife did a great job on the upholstery.

[@susanbennett5636]

Joan Hazelgrove Yes I agree. The upholstering has been done to the upmost high level of skill, especially the captains and co-drivers seats. Awesome job

[@SoatMon]

You made my wife's day! Thanks for the comment!!

[@SoatMon]

You made my wife's day, thanks for the comment!!

[@Anderson1992]

Man... I’m in true awe at this beautiful masterpiece work. I’m subscribing just because of your describing “the bus assembling photos”. I’ll ❤️ seeing more videos of you guys touring around in your “BUS”. Thank you 🙏.

[@SoatMon]

You're welcome, thanks for your kind words!

[@kathkwilts]

That’s not just good sewing, that is expert upholstering - the best I’ve ever seen, in fact... I can’t believe what an expert job your wife did! Amazing!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks for the comment, You made my wife's day!

[@bambiajkorakim9416]

What a fantastic job you have done!! I can appreciate all the hard work you have put into. The design/engineering, plan and execution, commendable job.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to comment!

[@gloriaa5861]

Absolutely amazing! The outside is stunning! I was awestruck with the amount of work involved, but the finished product is an eye catching work of art. And, I must give many kudos to your wife. She did an exquisite job on the front seats. I sew, so naturally I honed in on them with my eye searching for any sloppy work!! I didn't find any. She is a perfectionist! 😊

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for your kind comments! I read your comment to my wife, you made her day.

[@iCaribsailor]

Love the paint scheme! Thanks for the video. Very useful information.... Cheers

[@DrMott]

Such amazing content!!!!! I wish more folks would do slides like you have.

[@monoskier2112]

Dude that was amazing you did a fantastic job converting that bus over. That looks so professional I am very impressed. P.S. great paint scheme.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks for your king words!

[@ronmack1767]

You did a great job on everything. It really looks nice. Enjoy seeing start to finish pictures. My wife and i just bought a mini bus to convert first before we convert a coach. Thanks for Sharing. Take care and God bless.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for your kind words. Good luck on your conversion! God bless you too.

[@claytonsimon4412]

Best conversion explained yet that I’ve watched. Thanks. I’m trying to find one to make into a sleeper coach.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks! Good luck with your search.

[@annic7995]

An aktual step by step video for a bus konversion to a RV! Thank you I did enjoy the video! HAPPY TRAILS! 😇

[@SoatMon]

Your welcome!

[@JamesEDennison]

Very nice, it's great when a family can build something like this and then enjoy it together, I'm sure you and your kids all have great memories of the time spent together on this, glad you still have it, I am in the process of installing electric wipers in the conversion I am doing, they are from a later model D series MCI and bolt right into the openings that the air motors come out of, only complication I've encountered so far is the factory defroster ducting from the factory heater system has to be removed and modified, I have a plan for mine but may not work for everyone

[@SoatMon]

Thanks for the information on the wipers, I will eventually have to do something, the air motors are not reliable. Wish I could find a cheaper option. Thanks for your input that might be a good option for me as well. We have taken some great trips. Many times the kids don't really care where we go, they just love spending time in the bus.

[@2MasterBuilder2]

Using extension cord to wire the coach is genius. I'm definitely borrowing this idea ;)

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@maranlou2542]

EXTRA NICE!! GOOD LUCK, SAFE JOURNEYS, DRIVE SAFELY

[@markhogan77]

WOW... Great Job.. Man, I would have run a mile just looking at the dashboard all exposed! .. LOVE your dedication..LOVE your work ! .. motor home looks Classy and video compulation was great.!

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for your kind words. It was a definite learning experience. We had to just take it one day and one problem at a time until we got it done. Thanks again for your comment!

[@barbibutton9619]

Good job on the manifold system. I like that u can individually turn off each appliance

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@donnieooo]

outstanding, very nice, my hats off to you and your family your son especially for a young man i bet it was really something for him to see come together

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@bamkablam]

Your implementation of a three part water closet is extremely well thought out. I like this approach much better for a narrrow space like your bus than a 'head' style bathroom

[@SoatMon]

Thanks, I agree. We've been very happy with it!

[@raymondj8768]

wow she came out so good and the paint job is really great !!!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@MichaelsMustang]

Amazing job you did, you are all truly gifted with you skills. The bed configeration you refer to was called , the Pullman Open Section.

[@SoatMon]

Pullman Open- thanks for that!

[@markdicker2732]

Lovely Video, and a superb job you have made of the conversion the paint works awesome to

[@SoatMon]

Thank you!!

[@jhatchit]

Nice slide show and narration. So many folks don't narrate their slide shows and I quite enjoyed yours.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@ronaldwilson1653]

I just came up on your channel and I was really really impressed with the restoration job that you done with this bus I mean you were very detailed and I greatly appreciate that I don't sit down and watch a lot of these but you made this one very interesting I just want you to know and you have a new subscriber now so keep up the great work

[@SoatMon]

Thanks Ronald, I appreciate you taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it. Glad to have you here! Welcome.

[@HimmelbergerBus]

Nice work.. Crazy that we both arrived at near identical layouts with 4 kids as well.

[@gordondewald8267]

Did enjoy the tour. Thanks. Enjoy your travels.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@monicalifornia_]

Absolutely amazing!! What a craftsman.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you!

[@BeginningfromthisMorning]

Wow! Great video - thanks for sharing it and walking us through the conversion. We are right in the middle of our conversion - I hope ours comes out as well as yours.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for your kind comment. I'm sure your conversion will go great! Good luck with it!

[@ventureelect]

You should be proud of it. great job. your wife did a beautiful job on that captains chair.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you!

[@shanejones2323]

Hello my friend, I ran into your mom the other day. She told me about the video and I am so glad. I remember you doing this and getting to see the finished product in person was awesome. I have had the fever ever since. Hope to see you soon.

[@SoatMon]

Hey Shane! Good to hear from you!

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

What a beautiful job on this bus. I don't have building experience so I don't reckon mine will be half as beautiful as this. But I am inspired to give it a try because having a real home on wheels is something that not everyone gets the chance to experience and I am absolutely hooked on the idea of having a bus. I think yours is gorgeous.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you. I wish you good luck in building your dream! :)

[@CaptRich-bi3gp]

Fantastic! And I love the paint job seems timeless (an interesting story on that as well), not dated like some of the factory ones!!!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@cynthiaphillips2882]

Very nice indeed !!! Beautiful inside in out !!! Nice video👍

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@cardifilm]

Great Job on the bus and the video about it. Enjoyed it very much.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for taking them time to let me know!

[@TheVegasbud]

Nice conversion , I love the ribbed stainless sides !

[@SoatMon]

They come with an MCI bus. Thanks for the comment!

[@klouism1]

What a beautiful job you have done.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@mackmcgibbon1848]

Really nice job, looks like a huge amount of work

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@bobgunner3086]

Love the paint job on the exterior. Not your typical white RV with swoosh marks. I actually really liked the black and yellow color scheme on the original too .. gives me some ideas.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@metaspencer]

Awesome to see this overview ... 26k views in just a few days! I'm not surprised, as it's a great project

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@duanesmith1622]

metaspencer sve

[@n4pwx]

Your bus looks really great. Nice job.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@billtimmons7071]

You're very clever. You deserve all the family vacations you'll be taking in this rig.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@garysipes8516]

Love your bus. Very nice and great paint job

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@Brian-pk9hc]

Great Job! I have been entertaining the idea of doing a project like this. This is really inspirational

[@SoatMon]

Thanks. It took a lot longer than I thought but I learned a lot.

[@luckyfinds1]

AWESOME VIDEO, AWESOME JOB.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@davidkolarik7760]

Nice job on the coach,looks badass

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@susanbennett5636]

Very informative. Great job on the bus

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@marcpersonalvideos]

Really well produced and narrated video! : )

[@SoatMon]

Thank you!

[@pcmiller2710]

I am so impressed with your bus conversion! I am an industrial electrician, and I think the advice given to you on the wiring was spot on. S/O cable would be another choice, but still you came out a winner on your wiring! replacing all that steel substrate must have been hell, but you and your son did an awesome frame up restoration 👍

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for your comments, it's nice to hear that from someone with your experience. Thanks again for your kind words!

[@tomcoryell]

Road Dog I think it is dangerous to pass through anything conductive without a bushing. Wire chafe is real. An industrial electrician should know this. Hope the pass through holes are deburred.

[@richardraesr3482]

Great job, fantastic looking bus

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@shamrockgirl2075]

LOT of WORK. Terrific job!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@badapple65]

Nice. Nowadays there are the nice stacking washers and dryers so to add a washer not too hard to do. That’s all I’d change. Beautiful bus!

[@SoatMon]

We looked at the stacking ones but could not find one that would fit, they were a couple of inches too tall. Thanks for your comment!

[@johnellis1952]

Personally, I think your selection of 'dryer-only' is a very practical one...but, I don't have kids. Did you consider a combo washer/dryer unit (LG makes one that will fit where the washer is now if you eventually want to change)?

[@rwashman]

Nice job. That is something you can be proud of.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@jefflittle7983]

Thank you, excellent how to make it happen on a budget video.

[@SoatMon]

Your welcome!

[@danieltigges8590]

Sweet!!! I wish me and my dad could have done a project together. Well I guess it's not too late,. Love the paint job by the way.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you. I hope you and your Dad find a great project to do together!

[@richsargent7113]

I've learned quite a bit from your video. Thanks!!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@semiretired6033]

Wow!! Amazing work.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@punamagarwal3254]

It is the neatest layout that i have seen.plenty of storage .It would have been lovely if we could meet the family also.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@louisaloi9178]

Awesome work👍never being a hound made a good coach even better.Found on ours IMRON paint professionally applied in a paint booth on non stainless areas worked out best for long term durability from paint fade.Is expensive yes,but don't want to have to paint a 40 ft.coach again.🚌 Enjoy your nice coach my friend.Well done😀

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for your kind words. I also appreciate hearing about your experience on the paint. As you said I don't want to have to do it again. I will have to do it one more time but hopefully, the next one will hold up better. Thanks again for taking the time to comment!

[@louisaloi9178]

Soat Mon+Your welcome,BTW recommend replacing air actuated windshield wipers with electric did that with ours eliminated an ongoing headache.Hang onto and cherish your restomod coach that pre EPA mandate Detroit Diesel equipped grandfathered coach was a wise investment.Had same in our older Prevost Le Mirage properly maintained older Detroit diesels have stellar reliability👍and you have a non leaker ☺ OMG that's awesome.Thanks for the reply👌Happy Travels.Hope I see your coach @ FMCA rally.🏆

[@charlesbynum1841]

Wow a beautiful bus you got there.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you!

[@Jumpingoffthecliff]

Nice job! I wondered one day when the emergency kills went away? I haven't seen those in quite awhile. I was jockeying a Detroit powered semi around on a drilling location and I climbed the berm on the edge and killed the engine and the truck rolled backwards and it started again, but was running backwards!. The throttle did nothing, and then I noticed exhaust coming out the air cleaner! I pulled the kill and we had to reset it. It was just a spring loaded flapper. Anyway, the engine seemed no worse for the wear.

[@SoatMon]

Mine is the same, just a flap that falls across the intake. Simple but very effective. Thanks for the comment!

[@MsJinkerson]

fantastic work

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@marcie4771]

Wow--what a task 4 any1 2 take on but U & son did awesome--yur wife is a great sewer 2--hats off 2 ALL of U--

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@travis1816]

Very informative, great job.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@michaelvolentine9203]

Outstanding job!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@outsidescrewball]

Great build...thanks for sharing

[@SoatMon]

Your welcome, thanks for watching it!

[@jeepinjohnny2898]

hey - neat !!! sure enjoy your program. wish you had elaborated on the carpet ceiling. (type, glue, etc).

[@SoatMon]

The ceilings were covered with Ozite wall covering, we glued it in place with contact adhesive like you use for plastic laminate. Worked great. Thanks for the comment!

[@jeremyfaint5291]

excellent video and a great job !

[@SoatMon]

Thank you!

[@judithmaurer7622]

Just watched this video and loved it. Do you have any photos of the rest of the under storage area showing your plumbing and storage tanks? We have 2 huge bays under our bus and having trouble configuring our tanks and are looking at options. Thanks. Love your bus.

[@SoatMon]

I don't have a picture of the other side and I can't get one where it's currently parked... that side is right against the wall. I feel your pain. I was determined to get it all in one bay. We do, of course, have some pipes running forward but almost all the utilities are in the back bay. The middle bay has the propane on one side, isolated from the other side and vented to the outside in case of a leak. The other side of the middle bay holds a slide out deep freeze, tools, maintenance supplies, sewer pipe, water hoses, leveling stuff. The front bay is entirely empty so we can haul whatever we want. We moved things around in that bay until we got a configuration that would work. I will try to explain. Directly under the toilet is the black tank, under the black tank is the grey tank, under that is the fresh water. Having the fresh water under the sewer was not my first choice but the only workable option, it is isolated from the other two by plywood used to hold up the tanks. I would have preferred to have them stand side by side instead of on top of each other but could not find tanks that made that possible. Pretty much all my components were surplus items, I could not afford custom made parts. Good luck with your build!!

[@judithmaurer7622]

Thank you for that info Soat. I think we will have a puzzle to figure out too but hopefully will work out when we get to that stage. Out of curiosity what size tanks do you have and do you have a macerating toilet? If so are you happy with it? Thanks for your comments.

[@kmcwhq]

It's amazing how badly the structure rusted given that it's not down where the road salt can get to it. Whole lotta work! Nice end result. Would you do it again??

[@SoatMon]

That's a good question. I'm over 50 now and don't have my son to help me so probably not. I don't, however, have any regrets having done it when I did. It took a lot longer than I thought but by the time I was finished I was working at a whole new level which has served me well ever since. I had not done that much work in metal, most environments I worked in were square and level where the bus forced you to think outside the box and come up with ways around things. Thanks for your comment.

[@threeque]

That looks like a TON of work. Well worth it I'm sure. Fun paint job too. Do you know if anyone incorporates any of the storage compartments into the living area? Like a sunken living room or something?

[@SoatMon]

I don't know if anyone has used the bays for living space or not. I haven't researched that area in quite a while. Thanks for watching my video and commenting!

I've wondered about that, but there is some framing that would get in the way. I think the best we could do is create under-floor storage compartments accessible with removable (perhaps hinged) floor sections.

[@frankmooney7282]

I saw one in Arizona in the 90's They made a sunken kids bed and play area with access under fold down dining table

[@natesnacks7829]

Looks fantastic.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@Duececoupe]

Fantastic work! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻😍😎

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@boat6868]

Nice job...You've got skills.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@charlesx4399]

A masterpiece you should take pride in

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@jasonstacey517]

This just brings me back. In the 1990's my aunt and uncle own this very same bus (the Greyhound version) and it was done the same way. When we were on the road I slept so hard to the engine noise. Does this one have power steering, or double clutch transmission? I remember some of the turns were challenging.

[@SoatMon]

It does have power steering and an automatic transmission. It floats down the road, a real pleasure to drive. I'm with you, there is nothing like sleeping to the hum of the engine and the gentle rocking of the bus. Glad it brought back good memories. Thanks for the comment!

[@TheFamilyOffice]

pretty cool colured bus!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks for watching!

[@valeriegriner5644]

This was a wonderful video...thank-you! It's one of the best bus conversions I've ever seen. I'm guessing that YOU must be some type of engineer...to be able to figure out the wiring/electrical/plumbing systems. What a great family project. I'm sure that your family had many happy adventures in this awesome bus! (Love your outside paint colors AND your wife's sewing is so professional! Do you mind revealing where you found a bus like this? I'm just beginning my search and hope to do a conversion very soon. Thanks, again!

[@SoatMon]

I got it from a used bus dealer in West Memphis, I don't remember the name. BTW I just put this one up for sale if you are interested check out these other videos about the bus: kzbin.info/aero/PLJ1qhd_JixA1w6MZj2-2KDBeVcb28LexS Thanks for the comment!

[@dianeandersen150]

Nice job be proud to call that home

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Epic awesome , great share man , Thumbs up !

[@SoatMon]

Thanks Shawn!

[@bmc81]

WOW!!! You did a great job of taking pics all the way thru on your journey. You came up with a great lay out. Looks like you can change it over pretty easy if you don't need the bunks anymore. How many outlets did you put in to run off your inverter?

[@SoatMon]

Thanks. I think there we only about 4 outlets on the inverter but I only intended to use it for laptop charging, etc. For any high current needs, I would just start up the generator while on the road. Thanks for the comment!

[@ScottyP5947]

Outstanding! Thanks for sharing!

[@SoatMon]

You're welcome!

[@ClaudeConkrite]

Great Bus! I own a 75 mc8 conversion 90 percent complete.. I sure could use some tips on that dashboard wiring.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks. You're going to need the wiring diagram to trace all the wires and be sure to tag everything when you remove it. I replaced all the gauges and switches. Good luck with your build!

[@garycampbell8663]

Great job you all done there,ive been a semi truck tech for 42 yrs and you all did dealership work,proud to see excellent work done.i have a question, do you have 3 units because of the heat that transfers down from the ceiling,thanks GW.

[@SoatMon]

Thank you for your kind words! I was not sure how much AC we would need, I could probably have gotten by with 2 units but 3 have worked out great. There is one in the master bedroom, one with the bunk beds and one up front. Going down the road we only run the front unit (on the generator) and it keeps the whole bus cool as long as it's not a REALLY hot day. At night 3 units allow each section to control their preferred temp, also if we lose one unit on a trip we can still get by. Thanks again for your comments!

[@daverayasr.6287]

Well done, you should be proud!

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@AridersLifeYT]

very intensive, informative video. thankyou

[@SoatMon]

You're welcome!

[@michaelch5060]

Really nice! Thanks for sharing

[@SoatMon]

Your welcome!

[@carlstout4546]

good going god be with you !

[@SoatMon]

Thanks! God Bless you as well.

[@davefox8948]

Awesome job! I paint commercial aircraft for a living and I can tell you that even car makers don’t skimp on paint. If you want it to last and remain looking new, find a paint supplier that will cut you deal on a quality auto paint.

[@SoatMon]

That's a good point. Thanks!

[@terryglenweaver]

I like it and good job. I have a short bus with wheel chair that Ihope to convert. I am unsure if I will keep the chair lift or not.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks. Good luck with your build!

[@JasonSmith-fr3gz]

Great video, awesome conversion!!!!! Question, do you still have those bus seats you removed? I'm in need of good quality seats.

[@SoatMon]

Sorry all the seats are gone.

[@seanseanseanseansean]

I like your paint scheme.

[@SoatMon]

Thanks!

[@johnra1269]

There is a market for those chairs, a hoarder somewhere needs them and will stack them along with other collections at the house or storage space.