The MOST PAINFUL Skoolie Mistakes (Skoolie Conversion Guide #7)

Converting a bus can feel like walking a tight rope between and in this video I share with you what I think are the biggest and most common mistakes folks make when getting into bus life.
My name's Chuck, I've been professionally converting buses for the last 7 years and was director of operations for a charter bus company before that but it's time for a change.....
IN THIS SERIES, follow along as I build a skoolie for myself, sharing my knowledge of buses and off-grid bus conversions along the way.
Follow me on instagram for more info
/ chuck.cassady
For paid consults, skoolie advice, solar help, and more, email
[e-mail]
Check out my shop
www.chromeyellowcorp.com
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#skoolie #offgridliving #busconversion

[@BibiaBus]

How this guy pulls of monologues with pace and rhymes without jumpcuts is just 😍

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I feel seen🙃 I just hate editing lol

[@L.I.B.]

He had Billy Walsh write them for him. They won't be as good in the furture because I quite writing for him because he never paid me.

[@Sasha8pancakes]

​@@L.I.B. prove it

[@meder07]

@@Sasha8pancakes LOL. Maybe those that are able to look into the "furture" should "quite writing" altogether and just read more!

[@Sasha8pancakes]

@@meder07 if true it's starting to make sense why he never got paid...

[@crownofhair]

Honestly Charlie it's amazing that you're sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience with us! Your humor, wit and energy are so fun to watch 🤗 you seem like a genuinely good man 💕

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That is so flattering. I'm nothing but flaws stitched together with good intentions and a laugh but I appreciate you!

[@allrounderbicycle7193]

I keep coming back to this video to remind me how fickle my brain is. How easy to forget the basics when searching for a bus and overdosing on social media accounts. That last Seal quote sure sounds better than, "We're never gonna survive unless we stay quite rational."

[@mmsmits2868]

This is exactly what so many people need to see. There's absolutely nothing wrong with dreaming or even planning to make those dreams come true, but we live in an Instagram world and a lot of the time people only see the glitz and glamour and and they don't see the mushrooms growing out of the wall. Thank you for being positive but realistic!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

It's crazy! And if we're easy, everyone would do it

[@MTKRAILROAD]

I've been binging all sorts of bus building/ living videos and never heard about the mushrooms????

[@michaelussher8876]

Where was you 17 years ago ? You nailed it in this video , Oh the mistakes I've made on my first bus, But plenty of miles and thumbs up.

[@ThunderKats97]

I bought my bus for 8k and blew the engine! Now I’ve rebuilt the engine, now I’m 16k into my project and I’ve never even camped in it !!!! Not to mention I only got to demo it and haven’t even gotten to the build out part yet!! Grrrrrrrr. Persistence is key!

[@MadSceintist]

I'm glad you put it out there to people about the original windows...

[@changingground]

That, was one of the best KZbin videos I have ever watched. Nice work.

[@Reality_TV]

This guy is absolutely HILARIOUS, but telling the truth! I love his delivery!

[@rhondalovelady5138]

CHUCK!!!! This video broke my heart! The windows are what I love most about a skoolie. So what is your opinion of shuttle busses and their windows?? Also... LOVE Seal. 😊 RHONDA

[@warrengage9536]

I'm really glad this video popped up. I've been immersed in all the other schoolie/nomad videos that skirt all the negative issues for the most part. Although I have no vehicle, they're stupidly expensive in South Africa, I was having delusions of grandeur about vanlife. Thanks for bringing me back to earth!!

[@billmaerling4046]

I can't imagine building one out without watching tons of your videos. Charlie, the Bob Vila of Skoolies!!

[@azurebapiaries6730]

An invaluable video,must see for all newbies getting into the game,thanks Chuck!

[@GuitarNoob82]

Just found your channel! Love how in depth you go with your videos. For someone like me In the planning phase your videos are some of the best I've found! Keep em coming

[@d.henderson1347]

No really dude same for me on just finding the channel and in early stages of conversion planning and his videos are gold man. The In depth knowledge he’s handing off to us is more than enough and makes it so easy to comprehend what he’s talking about plus it ties in to other things I’ve also learned from him and just in general about builds. Can’t imagine not finding this channel and just aimlessly searching and finding information on everything I hear about from others because they don’t explain anything they just mention so many important things but not why or how or alternatives set aside from what he feels is best for whatever situation. Just very thankful to have found this and excited about thinking how I’m going to actually be able to get what I want out of my build and it’ll be the right way even if it’s cutting some cost or making things easier for me it’s still the most efficient and the proper way to do it because of this man.👏💪✌️

[@joannewolfe5688]

Classic. Excellent. EVERYONE who is thinking about going on the road in a converted vehicle should watch this video. It's completely right on. From a woman who has converted, lived in, and traveled in numerous vehicles over 4 decades.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You've got a real take on it! Thank you!

[@chefdougsworld4964]

Thank you for this Frank up front and hilarious video. It was an eye-opener. Although I'm not trying to live in a bus. I want to convert one to a food truck and I'm sure that has its own series of concerns and issues to deal with. But the information you shared was good for somebody who has no clue about buses or conversions. I'd like to have a more information pertaining to food truck conversion

[@seek.life.elsewhere]

I definitely asked you about windows a few weeks ago and here I am still sealing them up. 🙃 No time or money for the skins & RV windows now, but planning on it for bus #2 down the road. [trims back the mushrooms]

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hahahahah

[@miked9104]

Probably the best niche is if you’re a capable mechanic. Engine, trans, brakes, axles, steering gear. Everything else is secondary if you intend on driving it. Paying for the mechanical services vice performing them yourself is a HUGE cost difference.

[@DeborahLong7777]

Love y'all 😂❤ The smell of the tires is what I love about Nascar, I believe you are correct on the RUST YOU CAN TRUST! The price of food, grow your own shrooms. Deal 😘

[@drgranger2648]

Love your videos, Charlie! Information you give is priceless. Thank you.

[@caseycox8301]

Brother, you have the best skoolie videos!! Thanks!!!

[@karylm23]

I can't wait to see how you complete this build!

[@hmcfadin]

Lots of sage advice from a true professional with a bit of bonus humor! Rust to dust…so true! Thanks for sharing, Charlie!

[@edwardables3406]

excellent video cant believe there are so many things tha can go wrong with a bus and a build-out; good advice I enjoyed it

[@praetorprime]

As someone who just purchased a somewhat rusty short bluebird for far less than $10k to live out a winter in, well... wish me luck folks. I've got a couple months to convert (see: haphazardly MacGuyver) this leap of faith into a mixed sleeping and fabrication space. I have a house to umbilical with, so worst case, I can sleep in a closet. But I've got hope. These videos are a godsend and I only wish I'd found them earlier in the journey.

[@wordslinger277]

Great job, Charlie. You're a natural.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

When you gonna let me do a tour of your bus!!

[@welderman1221]

Very comprehensive, informative video, from a man that knows this shhhhtuff!!!

[@onwardbound]

Thanks Charlie, have learned so much from watching all your videos and the build you did with Alyssa. I have a shuttle, but have been following your advice as closely as possible. Have ripped out absolutely everything down to the bare frame (I currently do not a floor at all), but glad I did. Old insulation was in decent shape but dirty and ineffective. Spray foam in floor pockets was disintegrating, and was able to find some hidden surface rust that I will hopefully be able to slow the growth of through grinding, sanding and painting. Next stop - windows. Wish me luck!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Good luck!

[@streettruckin785]

I have been tossing around ideas about what to do with my windows. Thank you for the insight on the topic.

[@moustachemike7128]

the sound track reminds me of this old school bus.."House"...with bob vila..lol

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That's the idea my brother!

[@zoochdjz]

Thanks for the video! Really brought me down to earth with my plans I appreciate the knowledge you dropped. I’ll continue my plans with this is mind thank you!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Great! Hope it is useful

[@motleydesign]

Charlie you have a good heart.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you!

[@mariemedina257]

Hey Charlie, from Denver. Glad yo see you agaon!

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

This was your best Video Todate. Nice job

[@2AZSUN]

Charlie, you're such a natural at doing these vids. Plus the info you share is invaluable. Thanks again for another great vid!!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That's the perfect comment. Thank you!

[@2AZSUN]

@@ChuckCassadyYT You're welcome.

[@laurenvandiepen4356]

You're the BEST!!! This is hilarious + terrifying. You have both scared me stupid, but have given me a lot to think about. I still would love to buy and reno a bus. Thanks Chuck!

[@chriss2127]

Dammit Charlie. Now I gotta pull my old floor. But seriously I'm going to because of what you've said. Thank you.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Haha you're welcome....I think🙃

[@chriss2127]

@@ChuckCassadyYT it's a Shepard Michigan School Bus. But the mechanic at Hoekstra (Bus) Transportation said he tried to find something wrong and couldn't. He said the Head of the Bus Garage for Shepard School systems was like a Safety and Maintenance Nazi. I can build or fabricate just about anything. But I trust your opinion and videos as opposed to many others I've seen. I will now be gluing my floor with no strips like you do. Thanks again. Chris

[@kenknaell1290]

Chuck - love listening to you - never considered buying a bus though - maybe its the lifes lessons part - all the best

[@jake8882]

Super cool vids. Thank you!

[@deastover898]

Thank you for this! Best informational vid ever! Your so good at this! Love watching you 💞 The outakes at the end are hilarious 😂 and you have a pretty good singing voice!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hahah Dea thank you but don't encourage me ;)

[@davidkendrick9339]

Thanks for the information, gives a person lots to think about, but thats the point of your video. Must appreciate from this Canadian.👍

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fredfeldmeier8228]

Wonderful soul.. keep on.. keep it on..👍

[@arthurwhitehouse1199]

Great advice!

[@ovaload0019]

Thank you very much for taking your time your energy and your kindness and sharing this information it's definitely given me a lot to think about I will help you adjust my planning to incorporate that all of it and try to work out I guess a cost analysis spreadsheet cuz I'm looking to move out of my parents house this is I'm planning on this being my only transportation for at least a couple months I so I I greatly appreciate this info

[@redpandabus-adventuresinlife]

I'm gonna post this in a few FB build groups. It's solid gold Chuck!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you!

[@joehughes7962]

I always been a big fan of the Gmc

[@GiselleTrujillo]

I love your channel!

[@davideldridge9205]

I could really use ur idea's on my issue thks

[@BlueYiperoo]

I really like the International to your right. Hey, I lived in an older little blue Bluebird bus for well over a year that was not all fixed up on the inside, however, I had my two bedroom dressers, my queen size bed, my full size desk, and other. I didn't go anywhere at all so the bus never moved.

[@willswitchcraft]

Your videos are so excellent...........clear, concise, detailed & informed information.........honest........so insightful...........seen so many of your vids......Always a pleasure........(years ago I worked with Neil Young....he has a little plaque in his studio that reads: "Rust is my Favourite Colour")

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you so much! I'd love to hear about Neil, I'm a big fan. Rust is my favorite color, too 👌

[@willswitchcraft]

Great to get your (quick) response. Love your sense of humour......Your videos are so entertaining to watch.....My wife and I just watched this together.......starting to educate ourselves as we're thinking of taking the plunge (we've both done some bus conversion projects in the past, and also have recently built a Gypsy Wagon...) Here's my most interesting Neil Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XGaqWbgtyAirs

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Yes! Thanks for sharing this. I'll watch it when I get home tonight. Glad you like the videos, I want to only get better

[@willswitchcraft]

Instant Sub........Hope you enjoy my Neil vid......some other rock history on my channel as well, is you check out a Playlist called 'Evidence of Noise'

[@markrenfrow9873]

Good video. I looked at short schoolies and box trucks for 3 years before I found "Serenity", our '09 chevy 3500 shuttle bus, which came from Polk county Florida. Had the Duramax/Allison combo I wanted. Has no rust. Happy so far. Trip last year to Seattle (from Kentucky, almost 12K miles, with meandering) cost $2000 in fuel. at 2.99 to 3.89 per gallon. No long trip planned this year.

[@phmiii]

Excellent Advice!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@edwardbrennan9964]

YOUR CRUSHING MY DREAMS BEFORE THEY EVEN START!!!!!!!!!!LOL awesome and very insightful commentary..was going to purchase the exactly $3000 bus!! (where did he get that number?????) and start the conversion myself..I can do the carpentry and plumbing and get help with the electric... but wasnt going to take out the windows, or take down the ceiling!! or rip up the floor!!! or close up the light holes!!! etc...and I know it has a Maxxforce diesle engine but not sure on the tranny yet...making me rethink lifes choices!!!!!!! Keep up with the awesome videos, Im watching every one!!!!

[@greenghost6416]

Welp thank you for this video. Brought me back to reality.

[@brianludlow9104]

Hey Charlie, this has got to be one of your best videos.........down to the last ....... I really enjoy the taste of reality and truth. If I could somehow afford a Good bus and the conversion you would most certainly be my first choice of people to coordinate the conversion. It would be fun getting my hands dirty under your direction.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

thanks for watching!

[@brianludlow9104]

@@ChuckCassadyYT thank you for getting your feet wet and being a relatively new KZbin content maker. I guess you can add that to your resume.

[@raycharleson4167]

Rust never sleeps one of my favorite songs 💯😎

[@karylm23]

Charlie, you're a wealth of info! I'm not scared away. I'd be really interested to know how much to budget for a complete build, and what are some ways we can save on what we hire out to others more capable? Where do you save $ vs. Where do you invest more?

[@clintonstapleton161]

The Seal lyrics at the end cracked me up.

[@darangemaster1]

very valuable info

[@kaspar_1982]

i've been watching a 73 GMC 305v6 drop from 25 to 5, it's now basically the price of a set of rear tires that it needs. incidentally there are now many schoolies for sale with wild asking prices and i'm sure these people have at least that much into them but i can't imagine a bunch of cash buyers magically appearing at this time. a great time to buy a finished bus with cash, better than i've ever seen it.

[@SeanGettingsActorComedian]

Thanks for the tips and confirmation. Most I knew but I will never make those mistakes. I always tell my friends that as we get closer to buying our first bus I would rather throw another 20k into and get it done to last. Quality isn’t cheap but well worth it in the long run.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Exactly!!! Being cheap is expensive!

[@2AZSUN]

@@ChuckCassadyYT That's such a true story!

[@rutabega2039]

"You're not going to get out of a heavy-duty diesel mechanic's shop for less than a thousand dollars." LOL I'd love to have a bill be ONLY a thousand dollars. My first trip was $2200. Second would have made it at $950 (for a new starter) except the tow there was another $250 - and they even DISCOUNTED that. Third trip was ten grand. The only thing that cost less than a grand was my visit from a remote mechanic to replace the auto-purge valve on my air tank - $750. And this was all on a bus with a flawless transmission and an engine with just 40K miles on it after a rebuild. If you can't afford huge repair bills like this without blinking, skoolie life ain't for you.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Ooooooofta! That hurts but it sure is true

[@DoctorHayduke]

Ouch! My bus is a house that just happens to have wheels!

[@Gnorde]

what was 10k? Like honestly what on a bus besides a motor or trans would cost 10,000 bucks?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Yes both of those things easily. New Michelin tires and Alcoa rims are gonna be about 7500....

[@rutabega2039]

@@Gnorde All new exhaust, new HEUI pump, brake job, and other things my soul was too broken to remember.

[@eugenioaraya7705]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I am planning to convert a school bus in Costa Rica and I will for sure keep your comments in mind.

[@allrounderbicycle7193]

We were planning to drive to Costa Rica in our bus and live out of it too but after seeing mushrooms grow in this video I’m wondering if the climate in Costa Rica would make for a moldy living space.

[@sergiocarmona9639]

Bro you had me cracking up on how much you love those bus windows LOL

[@Selnavi]

I was given a bus nearly two years ago for free while I was living in my scamp on some property I just bought. I'm nearly done with the build and it's basically going to be standing still until I start/finish my full on house build/get the title stuff figured out. I think that'll give me an opportunity to do a full tune up on the old girl, even though she runs pretty good as it is. Though I do have to say, I do regret not putting metal paneling on the exterior right away, though I do think I figured out away to still rip out the old windows, slap in some foam and make it work regardless. Also, I've came across your videos recently and appreciate your insight. 🙏 keep up the good work.

[@khtractors]

Great information! I had planned to buy the bus I have for years, I was just waiting on it to be retired. I paid $1650 for it, I knew the bus well and had no worries investing that money into it. My unexpected events were with getting insurance and learning in order to tag it in Virginia I had to first paint the bus something besides yellow. I have good tread on my tires but they are older, before taking any long trips I do need new tires. I don’t have any plans for huge investments inside the bus, just wanting a weekend camper. Better then a tent I hope 😂! The information you presented was something anyone thinking of buying a bus needs to know! Thanks for sharing!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That's awesome! Some of my favorite bus memories had nothing but a rug and a couch inside

[@kota7789]

Just got a Chevy g30 handicap accessible short bus, with a Chevy 350 and the th400 trans and boy… I can confirm it doesn’t get more than 5 miles to the gallon. It’s a great deal I got. Unfortunately, it does have one bad spot of rust. But…it runs pretty good, and parts are pretty cheap. But… He hit the nail on the head. I’ll need to swap the transmission mount and cut out the old brace attached to the frame and weld a new one back in. Good thing is that the frame itself only has minor surface rust. I’ll need to do something soon though. Or else the rust will get worse and I’ll be even deep into shit’s creak. Brakes have an issue too because the old 350 isn’t running at 100% so it has random drivers side brake lock up from the hydro assist system. Transmission leaks a fair bit too. Got a stupid good deal on it. Luckily, I welded professionally for about a decade and I’m rather mechanically inclined. For now… I can limp it by. Sheesh at the amount of money I’m about to have to put out to get it “rock solid”. No one (including the person I bought the bus from) understands why I wanna do that. They all keep telling me to do the most idiotic and cheapest things and I’m just not going to do that. If I’m going to fix things… I’m going to fix them right and not have to worry about them again. The skoolie life is a rough life but if it’s for you, it’s for you.

[@allenh7835]

Wise advice. They seem great to live in. Travel, not so much.

[@gayemarianesfox2405]

You’re amazing at what you do with all of your institutional knowledge. I’ll never own a bus or a motorhome but these videos intrigue me. Ewww, mushrooms!

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Thank you Charlie, it's very good information. I love the windows too, but I never would have thought they would leak again and grow mushrooms. Very scary, now I understand your reasons for the way you build a bus. Sound advice as much as I'd love to live in a bus, I can't afford to. Thank you again 💓

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks for watching!!

[@driver1652]

Words of wisdom

[@DylanBegazo]

You’ve earned yourself a subscriber

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! Enjoy the ride

[@MrJeep75]

That GMC is like my jr. High bus

[@lawrenberghanson4401]

Good video. It sounds like every form of living has a potential problem like buying a house only to find out the previous owner did shortcuts that can burn down the house or you need to replace the entire roof all of which couldn't have been uncovered during inspection; building a house on land you thought you bought and owned only to find out that several other people on the same land or there's something weird about the land; or renting an apartment only to discover the landlord and super are unresponsive to making repairs or performing minimal repair work that barely holds a week. No matter how you choose to live, there are always drawbacks. What matters is which one you are willing to handle if a problem arises.

[@tkevinmclaughlin7031]

Love the "This Old House Theme". Really smart to advise the head over heart approach. A little light on some details like tire date codes. Also noted that on previous broadcasts you didn't install any adhesive under the new sheet metal installed during roof raise. Would have deadened some of the noise I suspect.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

It wouldn't have deadenedany noisebecause the sheets were so securely attached by the rivets, they couldn't have resonated anyway. BUT you can always do as you see fit, by no means am I the only opinion whose matters! You do you and report back!

[@tkevinmclaughlin7031]

I'd like to add that I admire and respect Chuck Cassady for his contribution here. I am depressed over the news of his leaving the business. If there was no sealant used in original skin assembly then that's a detail I missed. I think Chuck can still contribute his valuable advice with an ebook or articles on Bus Conversion Magazine.

[@spiritualwarrior1084]

So good

[@devinrogers6877]

Great video , another point on the wheels , is the 9.00-20 tires on the split "ring" wheels on the old busses are made of unabtanium..they are available but special order for restoring old grain trucks and fire trucks and stuff.. so super pricey .

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Definitely! I've played that game before

[@FB-111A]

Thanks for sharing

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@Warp9pnt9]

Not great news for me, but oh well. The video is helpful.

[@idowanna837]

I have a feeling you made this video for me. I'm the one that emailed you the rusty 64 in Pennsylvania. I knew it probably wouldn't be roadworthy, although he said it ran two yrs ago when it got parked, but I thought it would be great for an Airbnb, but I don't have space for it cuz I rent. Also thought it wld make a cool "add-on" towed on a trailer behind a skoolie as bathhouse or kitchen or more sleeping area. Bathhouse is my favorite . . or the Airbnb if I had somewhere to put it 😕

[@ericdebord]

Gas prices have ruined skoolies.

[@rockford5016]

I think you speak the truth. When it cost $600.00 to get 400 miles down the road it's like you need to install a boat anchor on the bus and stay put. Buses are going to start going for cheaper in auctions now because of the uncertainty of fuel prices.

[@artjunkeeperga5392]

@@rockford5016 Sweet…buy on the dip! I lived, as did many, through the Jimmy Carter years. Lol…Threaten to buy a moped (a new thing at the time) if gas went to $.80. Imagine that. And it did, so I did. Rode it to work too. It was great. Also had to buy a house at 11.75% 😵‍💫. Carter sucked big time. Reagan wiped the floor with him. Don’t be too concerned. This too will pass.

[@WillMenesesHikes]

Ahh...the rust bucket restoration woes! Great info Chuck. Where were You 40 years ago when I bought my 66 Chevelle rot bomb with the Fred Flintstone no floor pans, rusty brown light blue surface look...😂

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

sounds like a fabulous money pit!

[@jasonbuker76]

ok, I'll bite. I'm feeling a bit scared and overwhelmed after watching this video. 😂

[@timdupont3227]

Been considering a skoolie for years. Had a shorty handicap that I sold for huge profit before even touching it. Now, a chance to get a sweet deal on a 2001 International 3800 T444E. There are 11 windows behind the driver. 64 passenger perhaps? Best things going for it, 🤞🤞, it is not, and may never have been yellow. Secondly, I have really good reason to believe there is an original 58,000 original miles on it. Will know within a week if it's mine or not. I plan on 3 years to get it liveable and exactly how I want it. And have most abilities to do it myself. Rear 5 or 6 feet will be shop/storage/mechanical room. Full length upper deck. Not raising, but will insulate it for coldest weather it may find in say, the North Dakota Prairies in mid-winter. Wish me luck 😆

[@kindadumbkindastrong4429]

Working on my first short school bus right now that I just grabbed off a public auction because I have a job coming up that should last about six months and I want a better place to stay than the bunk beds provided by the job so for a bigger bed and small kitchen I'm coughing up a few grand to work it out, gonna probably work on it as im living in it so i hope itll be functional over aesthetic

[@no_worries_van]

I shared your video in some bus groups for the newbies. I wish I saw this video before I got my bus cuz just because it’s named Hakuna Matata, it still worries me, I live in it full time, I still have ALL of my windows cuz I can’t afford to delete them and get RV windows, I still have my original ceiling and wonder what’s in there…I paid $5,000 for the bus but fuel pump went out on my way from Florida when I bought it and it cost me $4,000 to get it replaced. Great video by the way!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Awww I know that story! Good luck and thanks for sharing!

[@mzgjai]

i need your help with my school bus, bud =) been following you since you built out the regretlyss bus 💜

[@jeannep320]

Thank you so much! I’m getting a van now lol.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Knowledge is power!

[@bloodybonescomic]

I have been trying to find the right sized bus for 4 years. Most auction houses are hard to get straight answers from. And then there's tons of newer models with problematic Cat engines. Being dumped early due to excessive downtimes. But I finally got what I've been seeking. A 1998 Bluebird 26 footer (non sped) rust free with a good running 466. Very clean and solid. $4500.00. Happy to get it that cheap.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That sounds ideal!!!

[@DrDredge]

Dude only 4 minutes in and i agree with everything you said so far.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Me too haha

[@foodstamp6952]

It's not hard to Agree when he's right. I think the take away from this for me is, refreshing the mind of a builder who is entering new territory to them. Thanks again Chuck. Reminding me of what I need to focus on, a platform. I was gonna scout for 5-6 k busses but even before I watched. I've done found out about cost of alot of things, and also how It could be something a person could step in, but not step out of. I've too seen this happen to many people who just get 10 k and go "yeah, im done, im out. lets go"...

[@tammytroche1624]

My partner and I are struggling right now with our bus, she’s great! Runs great, perfect length, the whole nine yards. But her vin number didn’t match the titles by 2 digits, and we’ve been having a horrible time trying to replace the title. I hope we can get around it, but we’re definitely getting nervous

[@jimross7648]

I was on the road and could not make it to this live. Thank God this video remains. So Chapter One of the Gospel of the Bus by Chuck Cassady is here for viewing. "Let There Be A Bus", is a cautionary tale on what one needs to know and consider before the uninitiated attempt to embark on a fantasy of bus life, without a reality check from the voice of experience. Information that the flock need to know has been imparted so don't let temptation lead you into the nine circles of hell on your build. You have been warned. Follow the words of the shepherd, and you may reach the promised land.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hahaha thanks for the laugh and support Jim!

[@glenncourtney4876]

And after the VT365 you got the Maxxforce 7, best engine ever. I'm the mobile mechanic for the International dealer in Spokane WA and do a lot of school districts. I work on all makes and models of buses. I have my own short bus project, a 1972 International Loadstar 4x4 that is ex Air Force with a 345 that has a spun bearing. The replacement engine I got for it is a 1997 DT466 NGD P pump, like yours. It helps to have first crack at any trade ins as I bought a complete bus to get it, but I got it cheap with my employee discount. Also military buses usually have higher roofs than a regular school bus but they are harder to find.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That is a an awesome bus! I love that Era of internationals, my last bus was a 1982 S1853 with the rotary pumped DT466. My Scout has the 304, but the one I had before it had the 345. I do love the old international gas motors

[@glenncourtney4876]

@@ChuckCassadyYT If you're ever in the Spokane area the Just Internationals club has a monthly meeting the second Friday of the month and a yearly show The Binder Bash on the Saturday of Father's Day weekend. The dealership also has a few of us into old Internationals and skoolies.

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

Forgot to mention. Did you buy a rusty bus, or bus with any rust? Check that fuel tank, try $1500+ for a new tank, labor not included. **Need a tow. $500 for truck to show, $150 to drop driveshaft, $150 to hookup, $8.50 a mile. Yep

[@autumnlove5231]

LOL! Thanks for quoting one of my fav songs cuz in a world full of ppl only some want to fly isn't that crazy? .....Glad I watched ur vid before I decide how to proceed with my schoolie. It's a full-size bus with only 9 n a half k miles on it. It says Thomas Built but idk what type of engine it has in it. It looks very nice n clean n in good shape for its age which is 2001.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That's awesome! Sounds like a good bus

[@autumnlove5231]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Yeah, too bad it won't be doing anything but parking. It's on my property n Ima make it an Air BnB. I know it seems like a waste for an engine with such low mileage. Maybe I'll take it camping a few times first. We have gorgeous springs n state parks in the N. Fl area I'm in. We also have Paynes Prarie which has herds of wild bison n mustangs. It's a deff must-see when visiting north Fl.

[@autumnlove5231]

@@ChuckCassadyYT I'm going to be following your channel religiously while we build. Great content! Thanks!

[@seanym67]

I just bought a bus that I think you guys did a little work on. 40' white activity bus, no rust you added an RV style door, and 2 underbody storage cabinets. The fellow I bought it from also rehabbed the floor, insulated it and laid a new sub floor. Bus had 60k miles, paid 25k. As you said it's worth so much to get a good platform to start with. I think it's money well spent.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I remember that bus! It was a really nice one! Stainless steel stairs, if I recall?

[@seanym67]

@@ChuckCassadyYT Thats the one, its in Maine now. Can't wait to get started.

[@doctorteatime8204]

Whoa, I love my windows... yeah, they're crummy... I know, I know... I removed half of 'em, but still, kept the ones in the back for my art studio... I designed my build so we can replace them with RV windows later if these don't work out. You'd be happy to know that we have followed your advice otherwise. 😅 Paid twelve and a half at auction for her, she had 45000 miles on her and TONS of mechanical problems, which was why the district never drove her. We would NOT have bought this bus if we didn't have the ability to fix her ourselves (most people do not) and we're STILL sorting things out in the cab! We could have EASILY spent $50,000 sorting all the millions of issues this bus had if we went to a shop. But we didn't, and she's juuuuust about bulletproofed. Almost. It was not easy. We had to go over just about every nut and bolt on a 40 foot activity bus getting it ready for the buildout. It's the exact opposite of Instagram. It SUCKS. We have had so many disasters, but thank goodness we've been able to handle them all. Holy shizznit none of this crap is cheap. Who said it was cheap? You get into skoolies because you hate money and like to light it on fire a lot.

[@schurgetheindomitable7638]

A sudden $20,000 bill to keep your house is quite sobering... Especially when you make $30-$40k a year to begin with. I came to researching Skoolies because I was looking at full time mostly stationary RV living where I still work forty hours... Skoolies have none of the trade offs of RVs and in the end /are/ cheaper. Of course I started getting sucked into the "nomad" idea that I could travel year 'round and only need to work for others sporadically. I think a Skoolie is still for me... but the "nomad" lifestyle would be better had in my truck with a homemade camper on the bed then in a bus. Been watching your conversion playlist, I don't know if you have it planned but it would be neat to see a guide on adding storage compartments beneath the bus so you can bring your tools with you. Thanks for the videos!

[@mrmotofy]

Could consider a cargo trailer conversion

[@schurgetheindomitable7638]

@@mrmotofy I'm considering a lot of different options... and in the end I may just do a travel trailer in the short term. The problem with something I need to pull is I drive an old Ford Ranger. I would need a serious upgrade before I could pull anything short of a teardrop so that's just more money I have to spend. Still... Converting an actual trailer may very well be the cheapest of these kinds of options so finding an old dually might not be such a huge added expense.

[@JB-js9vm]

@@schurgetheindomitable7638 I and several other family members have full-timed in RVs. If you are stationary for long stretches you don't need a tow vehicle. We borrowed a 3/4 ton truck for the 2x per year move and my GMIL hires a driver for her quarterly moves. There are mobile RV repair shops if there are issues. You wouldn't leave your home at a shop anyway.

[@jimmyfavereau]

holy peyote batman! wow, those factory windows are a NO go! maybe a clear 'Redguard' membrane would be the only way to seal them at the base, (if they made such a product), probably wouldnt be so pretty though.. :P def need some kind of thin liquid to fill the leaks but like you say, skin it! if riggin' aint gonna cut it.. appreciate the vid of the leak results..

[@rhondawalker6732]

Thanks, very informative Video. We purchased our Bus back in Oct. only thing done is we removed all the seats. and waited for warmer weather. We are not Living in our's full time. And Was considering NOT removing the Floor. When you say strip up the Rubber , and remove the wood subfloor, then treat with rust preventive Paint. What about the Undercarriage? Are you supposed to treat the outside part of the Metal Floor? Doesn't Rust come into the Bus from the Rain, Snow and other Elements, from underneath?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I was only referring to interior sources of moisture contributing to rust, like wet boots tracking in moisture. Of course, undercarriage protection is important too!