The Last Day of Preparing the Short Bus for Conversion

Part 4 of the Short Bus Conversion. In this video we finish gutting the school bus and begin heading toward building. It tends to take a lot of time to prep the structure for conversion but, pretty soon all the welding will be gone and carpentry begins.
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[@johnbergholm]

Over this series of videos I’ve been impressed with Luke's work ethic. He's a good little worker and you are lucky to have him.

[@wendybrooks6393]

We are converting a 2005 Ford e450 Collins bus in New Hampshire, and we're just a couple of weeks behind you. We're learning a ton from your videos! Your videos are super helpful!

[@cansfloatbottlesdont857]

Sweet! Getting our bus today!!!🎶🎵✌🏼. Thx to you, Dean, Jax, Number Juan, Beadventure partners, badge, Kels and jay, and backroads purpose for the inspiration and all the help! Can’t wait🙏🏼

[@SaturnGeminiLove]

I really love seeing the big smiles on your face during this build series. It just shows how excited and how happy this little bus is making you. Love the video and learned a lot as always. Thank you for everything you do. Much love ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@stephentrujillo7555]

The things that are made with love are always the best!!

[@travelwithnou]

Love watching you guys. You worked great together and had a lot of fun for sure. Luke is a good helper and hard working guy.

[@BricksofHappiness]

This thing is going to be spotless! Are you making a show bus haha? Quite trying to make us all look bad lol. Hope you guys are doing great! Hurry up and come visit!

[@lauratibbles6598]

Love the video it’s been great so far I’m 69 a widow and not sure if a bus is best thing for me but I know several folks that have busses or van conversions along with trailer conversion the cargo trailer conversions I think these are all great thank you for sharing and it is going to be a great bus build be safe have fun all is good ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🌈🌈🌈🌈🚌🚌🚌🚌

[@TheGreenNewSteal2025]

Twelve minutes of inspiration. Thanks for showing all the detail work. The extra effort will sure make the end result beautiful. I’m excited for you on this bus.

[@Wyldyflower]

I really enjoy the videos like this. It’s so nice to see the tedious things because it really shows how much work you put into something you love doing. It’s inspiring and your videos are beautiful so thank you for putting work into them too for us.

[@scdobserver835]

Everyone needs a friend like Luke...

[@navigationnowhere]

Totally agree

[@jonathancullari9612]

i had the same problem :/ welded up on the roof and completely scarred my windshield. awesome video!

[@ShannonMoody]

Awesome video..moving right along

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks. Trying to keep it going !

[@brigettekillion7994]

This video could not have been more timely. I just tried to cover up those light unit holes on my bus by cutting metal pieces and trying to use a Steel Stick from JB Weld to adhere it. Did not work! I just ordered the fiberglass cloth and resin using your links - should be here Monday. Can't wait to try something that will work!!! Thank you so much for all this info -- super generous of you!

[@navigationnowhere]

Awesome, the front light holes on my bus are fiberglass the rear ones are metal.

[@someguy6369]

Oh snap, you're working fast on this.

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Just A 100% Inspiration Always! Thank-You!

[@JasmineRich23]

nice work btw. great video / editing

[@Magnetis0101]

My only wish is for the video's to be 10 minutes longer, get to see more that way.

[@mr.c6383]

I would really like to see a very in-depth description/explanation of the side metal work for blocking the windows.

[@navigationnowhere]

Next video, just put them in ✌️

[@MrKnotWright]

You need to get yourself and Luke a respirator mask for when he's sanding, You ONLY get one set of lungs, gotta take care of em please!

[@acanarynamedrobyn4543]

MrKnotWright yes please. for the painting, sanding, and even spreading the bondo. after years of over exposure to chemicals I am now permanently sick. not lungs. brain damage, like a concussion from chemical exposure. now smelling chemicals (soaps, laundry products, perfumes and colognes, air fresheners, gasoline, plastic... mostly petroleum based products) gives me headaches, hives, welts, brain fog, vision impairment, exhaustion, muscle spasms. a whole host of symptoms.

[@cdh6820]

MrKnotWright is right!! I pray this good advice doesn't fall on deaf ears and I hope it is not too late. (I assume you both have been doing this type of work several times without any kind of protection) If you do it or not is your decision.

[@larryowens4074]

When taking something apart like that an old mechanics trick is get you a box of baggies but the screws and bolts and what have you in the bag and then label them that way you don't have to screw the bolts in and then take the bolts back out to put your stuff back on

[@sandraclover7235]

Also protect your eyes and ears. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.

[@denisse37921]

Agree

[@penguinchick6563]

After seeing the front end bumper and grill off...I want to build a "mad Max" bus! LOL 👍

[@beka19743]

When I get my shorty, I'm going to have to borrow you and your dad to help me pull all that electrical, lol.

[@cdh6820]

I like the fact that you are not leaving very much to chance. What are you going to do with the area where the AC unit was located?( the unit behind the driver's door)

[@brianvillar]

Anyone wanna help me with my bus I’m in NJ as well.

[@michaelfrench6197]

Guess you are not using a radio on the bus... u covered the antenna hole up.

[@navigationnowhere]

We will not be using the original radio I will be putting in a separate unit. The unit I will be installing will run off the solar system

[@scottfaulds2645]

Why don't u put sunlight in the emergency exit

[@navigationnowhere]

The emergency hatches are already the wrong size to directly install a skylight but it can be adjusted to include one later.

[@iznogudsurfer5911]

good work but very annoying music

[@navigationnowhere]

Sorry I always try to switch it up every video haha

[@Kiwifella]

Rude comment

[@SteampunkSteve]

It's all about the prep if you want a great look in the end. I too have pits in my glass from grinding. Won't make that mistake again

[@navigationnowhere]

Right! Scaring the glass is the worst. I agree though all this prep work will make it so much easier once we start building

[@cnjgp7]

Another great video! While on your roof, double-check the seam between the left and right sides. I had to add more rivets and seam sealer to help hold it together, as Collins doesn't put a whole lot of rivets on, and mine was leaking pretty bad in some of the gaps between the factory rivets. Can't wait for the next video!

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

awesome job looking very good 🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦🛠️

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Badge

[@a04mar]

I want more of Luke.... Keep up the great work.

[@tom-ss2mn]

Welding in a short sleeve t shirt. You have tough skin my friend

[@CharlieandMeOurCampingVlog]

Greetings from Ireland well done guys its looking great :)

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks !

[@suzanneknollinger5533]

Getting excited to see what color it is going to be!!

[@bearborg9986]

I love seeing everything that goes into the bus build even if it is tedious and time consuming. Keep up the great work.

[@sophiemarcaurele]

I’m also voting for the detailed videos and explanations to keep coming. Thank you for sharing it all - with that smile! 🚌🤗👌

[@cassandraeverett6684]

Did someone teach you guys how to do all of this stuff or are you guys both self-taught?

[@briandavis9975]

Buddy you were talking about removal of the grill and twice you said we're going paint prime and prep I just thought well that's a strange order of a way to do it And then you said it again with the bumper cracked me up but I got it. Lol

[@cameronbenson7687]

I just wanted to say its pretty awesome watching your videos I really enjoy conversion builds. That being said it would have been pretty awesome for you to install some high beam/ spotlights up above the drivers seat, where you sealed the holes for the old lights. Seeing how you will probably be driving the bus on allot of dirt roads and stuff. It would help you see when it gets dark.

[@aronhethcox]

I Love that you used the GVM box for you window. There motion slider awesome.

[@MotoMarvmtb]

Love all the details your including. Watching your videos is like me going to school, I have my pen and note pad writing down all the Gems you give us. Thanks again!

[@navigationnowhere]

Glad to hear you find it helpful.

[@choppersvantravels107]

hi from scotland i watched your other build ,the bus your father has now,im really enjoying this build as well keep it going bro luving it

[@kimberlytrent5443]

This was very helpful !! Thank you

[@navigationnowhere]

Glad to hear it. Thanks

[@wild13hawk]

I appreciate your videos, especially the effort that goes into them. I finally bought a bus, a 1987 Wayne/GMC that only has 45,000 miles on it! It was a camp bus. I'm only posting pictures to a FB page, though, because I decided to not do the video route (so far). It's an extra slow process for me because I'm a truck driver, and I only get back to the bus every 3-4 weeks. The page and bus name is Walking Turtle Hermitage.

[@navigationnowhere]

That’s awesome congratulations in getting a bus. That’s always the most exciting part. Also now when you get off of work you got something to look forward to

[@2AZSUN]

This one does a great job of showing all the small, time consuming, not that much fun stuff that it really takes to put a bus back together. It's not always all fun. Good work once again!

[@JM-mn2gs]

Where do you find a Luke?

[@triplebbb2862]

Mike is there anything that you can put together like a step-by-step checklist of the bus building I’m stumped on what I need to do next and I don’t wanna mess up

[@navigationnowhere]

I can starting putting something like that together. Would be a fun idea !

[@Skips1964]

Another awesome video!! Already looking forward to the next one!

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Mike, you, Luke and your dad are all doing a great job on the short bus build! As for the tedious nature of the work at this point, know that it's what most don't do. With that said, the painstaking preparation you're doing is an investment that will pay massive dividends in the quality of the end result. A house is only as good as the foundation upon which it's built. And your foundation is solid.

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks John

[@peterdebad1]

Two words guys. Apocolypse build. Grill. We don't need no stinking grill! Thanks guys. Always enjoy your work! Have a great weekend. Peace!

[@timamyett9679]

Great video and music. Please spray paint your bus with automotive paint ....make it pretty! So many dowdy conversions, it wouldn't take much to make yours stand out. Nice to be able to listen.and not have to put up with profanity! Also, disconnect the battery when welding in your bus you could do some major damage to the electrical system! Also good to see young men with good work ethic and no stinking tats! Instead of welding or fiberglass patches I use Power Grab by Locktite x8 glue patches from the back side and it will NEVER come off.

[@gardenboots7464]

WOW. That is one good friend, to help you with all that painstakingly tedious prep work. AND to do such excellent work. You two make a good team. Keep posting videos of your entire process please (and thank you :) !

[@pamcolechadwell1302]

I would paint it 1960s and 70s mussel car, I call the paint color candy apple green. We had a 1968 Camaro that color. WD 40 works great when you spray it on those tight screws bolts and such, let them sit overnight is the best but you gotta do whatcha gotta do.

[@d.wayneotto1094]

Really liking the Mad Max look without front grill and bumper! You might want to consider going with that!! Mad Mike (?)

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

Great videos as always. While you have the front end apart, make sure you power wash the radiator well. In between the radiator and your AC condenser, you build up a lot of dirt, and that prevents airflow through the radiator. Just a GM fyi.

[@davidreedy7597]

Looks great, keep up the great work, in front of the camera and behind it. Thanks for sharing this with us. David and Tammy from Florida.

[@Taximan90]

Keep em coming Mike, enjoying watching the build.. as I have told you before, I am working on a shuttle conversion but not going as deep as you are on yours. Maybe on the next one I will.

[@Ringelsocke.]

Hi! Now that the yellow disappears, ist's even more exiting!! It's so wonderful to see you two working so well together. But if you want to enjoy time with each other until you are old and grey, you should use some security gear! I don't want a video to pop up on this channel that says, that you (or Luke) had an emergency and been hurt seriously. 😳 So good that you have the space to do all of this (your parents), we have to park our car on the street and it's not allowed to work on it there or even wash it.

[@sweettee3647]

I hope you sanded or took the shine off the whole side before primering. It wont stick if the paint under the primer is shinny. Not yelling at ya. Just trying to give useful info

[@ajavealalo2680]

Are you considering raising the roof?...but good job on the progress..

[@malimish]

You can always tell when someone is using a canon DSLR with the side flip out screen. 👀

[@navigationnowhere]

What if I said it wasn’t a DSLR but a Mirrorless !! 👁 haha.

[@malimish]

You got me!

[@lorrainedeveau7706]

I love seeing the detail work! Helps me to know what I am getting into.

[@jaydelorion8640]

Thank you for making these videos:)

[@abzdeman92]

is youtube your job, or is this your side hustle and for fun?

[@iangates]

I think this is what people want to see.

[@dylanmeisner9606]

Great vid, can't wait to see it start getting put back together

[@navigationnowhere]

Thanks Dylan

[@danielvanmourik5247]

You can putt light in the wall front and back

[@thethunderroad4588]

What spray primer did you use?

[@pablorivera6879]

Luke is such a great friend

[@dianep3071]

Are you putting any fans or ac in

[@cfh4201969]

Cant believe you dont have a pneumatic rivet gun. They are awesome. And instead of welding the holes on that thin sheet metal you may want to try JB Weld. It actually works very well. And who's that guy always to your right you keep looking at when you talk to us?? 😂😂

[@navigationnowhere]

I know. I need to get a pneumatic rivet gun haha.

[@mcooper5929]

Can I be a intern with you all?

[@brendailalio2877]

Where you removed the emergency hatchet why didn't you replace it with fan vents?

[@navigationnowhere]

It will be replaced with skylights and fans in future video.

[@alenjames3584]

Good job guys

[@davidowen888]

some day

[@worldfamouspopcorn19]

Great job. Are you planning on installing solar and if so how much?

[@navigationnowhere]

I am planning on installing a solar system I have not determine the size of the system yet

[@orlymicholdampog8097]

Keep it going 🤙🤙🤙

[@joejaber276]

Mike do you have a link to southern buses with air conditioning pusher style.

[@navigationnowhere]

I don’t have a link. But, I am sure you could find some in general used sale sites

[@ATLJonathanH]

You realize that the way these videos are edited, it appears that Luke does most of the work.

[@navigationnowhere]

That’s fine with me. He deserves the credit. He is a hard worker.

[@nw7696]

😊👍🏻

[@frederickharron5217]

👍

[@JasmineRich23]

so what kind of spray paint is it actually? is it automotive or tractor industrial enamel or ????? what’s best

[@Kamo-king]

Solar is the most interesting and intimidating to me that’s the big thing holding me back from doing this kinda thing

[@hriattearalte]

waiting for the next video... :)

[@stevecrosby3678]

Can you do a short more in depth video of welding?

[@277kne]

Enjoying watching you and Luke working on the bus. Was wondering if you would put in a RV door. And put tint on that side window near the door.

[@navigationnowhere]

You can use RV doors to replace the front door you will have to frame it out to fit the rough opening of an RV door. It can be done

[@bbylv26]

How many days in total did it take for the gutting and prepping?

[@navigationnowhere]

It would be hard to say because we are also filming and building at the same time so most tasks take longer than normal.