Upgrading and refitting the car hauler bus. changing it all

Upgrading and refitting my 1989 Eagle model 20 Bus that's been converted into an RV that a car goes in the back of! All in one tow rig.
You can buy some merch and help support the channel! - garagebuiltco.com
Tools Used
Milwaukee Bandsaw - amzn.to/2Zqn4OU With This Stand - amzn.to/3d5bqNv
Cheap Plasma Cutter - amzn.to/3hJdbS7
Milwauke Tool Die Grinder - amzn.to/2MoAQu9
Milwaukee Tool Headlamp - amzn.to/2xUWthH
Small Milwaukee Flood Light - amzn.to/2Sf39Ox
Milwaukee Tool Underhood Light - amzn.to/3f5K6jw
Milwaukee Tool Mid Torque 1/2" Impact(2861-20) amzn.to/3b1bqwG
Milwaukee Tool Stubby 3/8" Impact (Small Most Used Tool)- amzn.to/2Jdirid
Milwauke Tool 3/8" Ratchet (Life Changing) - amzn.to/2JcpQhy
Milwaukee Tool 1/4" Ratchet - amzn.to/35VZM41
Milwaukee Tool Ratchet Wrenches - amzn.to/2CYRFKz
M12 Drill/Driver - amzn.to/35QVZoR
M18 Drill/Driver - amzn.to/2p6WuKJ
Gearwrench 3/8 Socket Set Mid Length (Very Nice Sockets) - amzn.to/2VnbMHm
Gearwrench 3/8 Socket Set Deep - amzn.to/3b1pFBH
Multiprocess Welder - amzn.to/3g6y5dK
Drill Bits - amzn.to/3fc4DkZ
Thanks to all who support me on Patreon! - www.patreon.com/taylordrifts?alert=2
IG - taylordrifts
Twitter - taylordrifts
Email For business Inquires - [e-mail]

[@rickmcmahon1193]

Love these bus and shop upgrade videos more than drifting content. Scratches me where I itch

[@theyoung.dankaroma7551]

Genuinely made me laugh have a good day g 😂

[@legoMan104]

Felt, for some reason the set up to build cars is more fun the building the cars… 😅

[@colton7410]

I wanna see new seats and flooring on the bus more interior upgrades!

[@f0rr3stgump]

I was like number 69 😎

[@OlderthanIlookyoungerthanIfeel]

I would appreciate the drifting more if it was more outside shots of the car and less driver view . That's probably why I prefer the shop videos .

[@mikeybee4358]

Finally got my old TV mounted in the garage and was able to watch for the first time while I was working on my garage projects

[@Taylordrifts]

Heck yeah! Major win!

[@stoop4666]

@@TaylordriftsAny chance of some new stickers on the shop? Wanted some for my new toolbox bc US General sticker kinda lame, something nice and metallic looking? Loved the content for years now, would love to support in some way

[@tracekipp2045]

Could probably rivet a little drip edge above the bay doors to help deflect some water as well

[@ianm1470]

Yes I was thinking along the same lines ~ it would be beneficial and an inexpensive fix 👍🏻

[@wobblysauce]

Just run a foam door seal.

[@ronjones-6977]

Taylor Ray on a Sunday is always a good time.

[@Cat-wx5si]

Facts

[@BMai303]

I guess he only uploads once a week now?

[@Chattsteezy]

@@BMai303 Quality over quantity my guy

[@BobWiersema]

Made my Sunday a lot better. 😃

[@JC-zo3gu]

100% 👌👌

[@BrettGuffey]

This is one of those channels with a random assortment of content, and I'm watching all of it

[@frazeysburgelites3490]

This bus is the ultimate tinkering project. Every man’s dream

[@hillbillywes100]

I was losing it watching you under there, and then at the end, relief, when I saw you take the wheel chocks out.

[@while-loop]

Sameeeeeee

[@joec9680]

At bare minimum that bus needs greased and the slack adjusters adjusted. Really just needs to go to bus grease monkey since he is tooled to fix everything that I’m sure is wrong with the suspension and brakes. It really would make such a good collaboration.

[@00xYamahaRacer]

The chuckle that lead into a semi dramatic cry when the self tapper broke .. I felt that.

[@andrewbrinton1531]

As far as that CB goes, back in high school my buddies and i all put CBs in our trucks for when we were out 4 wheeling. I also put a PA speaker in which was kinda cool. BUT my buddies dad was all about ham radios and CBs and all that. He tuned all of our CB antennas and it made a world of difference. Didn't know that was a thing till then.

[@masonthibodeaux4060]

Old body guy trick for the battery compartment. Go get a basketball and deflate it about 3/4 of the way, stick it in the bottom of the door and pinch it in place then apply pressure to the top, more than you would probably be comfortable with. Keep in mind that you are bending the hinges back into place. Rinse and repeat on both sides of the door until you are sitting right. You can also play with the pressure in the ball to get more leverage. Did this daily in bodyshops to GM panels that were shipped flat instead of upright. Hope this helps! Love the content, especially the bus videos.

[@DELirious97]

I love the bus it's so cool. Definitely the coolest tow rig I seen on a while.

[@d.w.5551]

You need to go to a National Race Event. This old bus is bottom rung of professional tow/haul rigs.

[@tryptaminer]

@@d.w.5551 they said “coolest” not “most expensive”

[@DELirious97]

@@d.w.5551 the bus is far cooler than any wagon for a professional race team. The bus is a blast from the past proper nostalgia vibe to the bus. Super cool and different. Yes people have spent ungodly amount of money on a tow rig. Instead of doing something different.

[@nnglenn]

You need a spring roll pin for the knob.

[@aaronhall7740]

Roll pin for the win!!!

[@aaronhall7740]

Or an r clip or split pin if you're not fussy

[@jpnbrad]

Hey Mr Ray. Love your videos. Word of advice from an heavy duty mech. Cut off switch should be on the ground side of the batt. You get the same effect. But on the positive side you get arcing inside the switch.

[@markjohnson8448]

With the switch on the positive side you still have an exposed hot leg.

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

You shouldn't get arcing, arcing means there's something draining power. You're unable to disconnect alternator ground so usually disconnected are on the positive cable. Always fuse the wire for the wire, not the load!

[@zburkst2928]

Taylor, originally a roll pin or a solid pin will secure the knob to the parkbrake valve, any truck parts shop should have that come with a standard bendix release knob for cheap

[@jefffowlerr]

The extra battery tray looks like it could be a nice spot for a floor jack

[@jardyparty]

I'm officially hooked on this building! Hanging for more bus refit episodes!

[@pimpedpga]

You should put split heater hose on any hard edges so it doesn't chafe

[@kylebryan1]

A fold down, aluminum workbench in the back under that short set of upper cabinets would be nice. Gives you an excuse to do a fab project too!

[@deerhunter972]

Hey Taylor, I have to confess I am not a fan of drifting, I am mostly into road coarse racing. But, I REALLY appreciate the way you do things. Very planned out, orderly and clean. I watch your channel more for the working on cars, shop setup, truck/trailer & bus setups than the racing. I will always encourage anyone that is into any type of auto/motorcycle hobby or profession. Keep up the good work!

[@Epsonblade]

TAYLOR< I totally think you should add a couple thousand watts of solar into your power system. Even though you have the generator, keeping all those new cells you finished putting in there, I think it would be a great addition to a self sufficient power system. Add to the fact it would take a load off the charging system... Also, it would just be another cool project to make your party bus more partyful.

[@teamgmotorsports]

BRO!!! The wood blocks to raise the bus up high enough are a good idea, except: You should have some sort of Jack stand incase a tire blows while your under there. And you should have every tire on both rear axles on the same hieght blocks. Better support and a lot safe, even without Jack stands. Don’t want to see or here about getting crushed;)

[@wobblysauce]

This is why buses love pits.

[@rhadiem]

Yeah tossing in some mini-jackstands/blocks under the second axle back there would probably be a good safety measure.

[@timothycarey3883]

Get some railroad ties boards and cut into ramps to get more height and they wont fail.

[@bradleythethomasfan1]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@andypresland]

Shame the drift videos aren’t more popular, bus videos are epic though and looking forward to the loft project!

[@mx5_enigma308]

Would love to see a big garage built / Taylor Ray wrap on the bus

[@ThatTurboZoh]

Taylor builds, remodels and projects are ASMR for men. Godbless Taylor!

[@JessyU13]

I've definitely had to tie up and route cables in tight places like that, and one time I almost trapped myself by getting my arm wedged in a weird way...I just had to calm myself down and twist myself arm in a specific way to get untrapped. 😅 Love the drift outro 😊

[@shortstroke8712]

Looking good Taylor. Order a set of antennas, one for each mirror and stop into a cab shop and have them mounted and the resistance set on them. You might want to add a 100watt or so amp to the system to get your signal out there further.

[@StormChaserZim]

Love this series, as always! WE NEED A BUS SHIRT

[@gwbuilder5779]

Updating the bus is a very wise move Taylor! The best part is, as you continue to adapt to more efficient upgrades, the entire unit becomes so much more efficient and comfortable to be in and operate.👌 Besides, the whole point is to be able to enjoy the whole experience.😉🤙

[@Taylordrifts]

Yes exactly! And long run it’s something I can keep going forever. Vs these newer trucks that will be unusable in 20-30 years because of all the electronics.

[@gwbuilder5779]

@@Taylordrifts 💯% As a guy who has been working on diesels for over 40 years, the Detroit may not be the most power engine, but they run as long as they are taken care of, the same goes for Cummins. Cats are my personal favorite, but they are expensive and no longer the same engines as pre 2000s. As you are finding out, the bus may be big, but not really so difficult to work on. Yes, there are many things on your rig that can definitely be refined and simified. Just be careful with the loads you put on those batteries and partially the alternator, they may be fine right now, but that alternator was not designed to operate with the new lithium cells. I don't know if you will develop problems, but you might want to research what the optimum flow rate, charge and so on are so you prevent any potential issues in the future.🤙

[@Disneymkvii]

Love the bus! I know it would take a ton of time and effort, but I'd want to map out every bit of this 12v system and really clean up the wiring. That 3rd wheel battery and wiring looks like a rolling fire hazard.

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

The super capacitor bank will take quick work of any wire that may arc!

[@vestalo]

some of my favorite videos to watch on your channel!

[@PhoenixPhell]

Found this channel just a little over a year ago when I was looking up stuff about sim cockpits, moved on not knowing about the rest of his stuff. Then I was recommended the shop rebuild videos cause I watch those kinda things, and now I've stayed for all the car/mechanic stuff. Love the channel, you do great work man.

[@Fackler91]

Go to a cb shop and have them set up your radio. It'll make a huge difference.

[@steveonator67]

I watched this while mounting my roof rack and roof top tent on my Landcruiser. Love your content Taylor its always a highlight!

[@thomascampbell6517]

Being under that big bus would make me nervous without stands or something.

[@Gavin-qh7li]

Your comment reminds me of my X wife

[@Nikkoz33]

It’s still on the ground though 😂

[@folst.3331]

The trusr tou have on those wood blocks is insane i know that irs fine but my head doesnt allow me to think is fine lol

[@jamiehancock9357]

I've been a truck driver for 25 years and if you're spending anytime on the cb you'll need to get a gear keeper! Love this Rig and all your videos!

[@Taylordrifts]

What is a gear keeper? Lol

[@jamiehancock9357]

@@Taylordrifts you hook it to your microphone and it retracts it to keep it out of your way

[@andychapman6646]

U can order the replacement seals like the original ones that came on it.

[@kalebk0422]

The turbo flutter on the shop vac shut down is wild

[@MegamanEXEv2]

Flat panel Starlink install is necessary! Gotta have that internet and phone service wherever you're gonna be. If the bus breaks down in the middle of nowhere with no cell service, youll be glad you have it to make emergency calls.

[@richardfarmer6570]

I give you a lot of credit, you have tackled a lot of issues that haven't been fun to do but really improve the usability of the bus.

[@umbraelegios4130]

There are retracting cord hangers for CB Radio mikes, a lot of truckers use them. Pull down the Mike, let go and it zips back out of the way.

[@cba_94]

Reference the super glue, lookup Super glue drip nozzles, game changer, controls the flow & keeps it neat !

[@kafisher44]

Really enjoy seeing you update the bus. Keep up the great work!

[@bobbyslayz]

the bus is a really cool project. its fun watching it improveand come together the way you want.

[@pastaalalamborghini]

The bus is awesome. So many opportunities for projects and then redoing projects after living with stuff and making it even better

[@magblevins]

Would greatly recommend wire ferrules on those large gauge wires tightened down with set screws. Will make sure you have better connection for longer

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

I'd lug them as they are exposed to the elements! Tinned closed end lugs and adhesive lined heat shrink!

[@W.H.Slater-49Fordlightning]

The only thing I would add is a battery isolator, especially from the starting batteries, seperating from the lift batteries. From my personal experience it just makes it nice when you can keep your primary starting batteries so they can't be drawn upon from auxiliary power demands.

[@e.lan.s]

In my experience super glue only sticks if you get your figers sticked too. 😂 No glued fingers no glued parts, this is the rule! hahahaha Love the bus and garage tinkering too!

[@kevinhamling1963]

I love upgrade videos, especially of the shop and bus. Thanks for sharing ✌️ Peace from Melbourne Australia.

[@robertkudla6677]

Been waiting on that generator fix for months!

[@staggerinstanton56]

Making your bus function properly is so fantastic.

[@coloncat6638]

super glue, i've got a couple different viscosities in the 2oz bottle from zap, great success not getting on hands. I'd have used the thicker stuff for the ruby. Also storing in the garage fridge vastly improves shelf life

[@ThomasEllis]

I love the bus refurb content. Two thumbs up 👍 👍.

[@coreybair9426]

I envy your drive to get things done. Looking good 👍

[@EastSlideKillah]

Tech tip isolate and secure positive wire from chafing and shorting causes a lot of fires at my work. Also would recommend hydraulic electric motor removed and cleaned annually is what I do.

[@adamcorey2811]

I’ve been a mechanic for two bus fleets and they all used a roll pin to hold the parking brake knob to the valve. They should be recessed a little bit or flush with the knob so you get full movement and don’t catch your fingers on it.

[@Trippy_Mane23]

Dude my claustrophobia is off the charts with you under the bus haha

[@alanbothwell3254]

Taylor if you want to enjoy the CB it’s more than just fixing a fuse You must check that there is a compatible antenna attached And the antenna is properly grounded and (SWR ed) You might enjoy getting this totally right as I’ve watched your skill in understanding Electric/ electronics this could be and interesting route for fun just for s**ts and giggles A bad ground on a car can cause problems Same with a CB It’s all about learning

[@frontball2754]

CB's, VHF, UHF, etc. all have special considerations for antenna lengths, cord lengths, etc. It's kind of mind boggling. I looked into getting a HAM radio license a while ago and finally realized why my VHF radio's range crapped the bed after I shortened the antenna. Ask a reputable radio shop about hooking you up!

[@JordanAhughes]

Something I do in the bodyshop when I’m checking weatherstrip seal is to spray the weatherstrip with foaming glass cleaner then shut the door. When you open the door there should be an even transfer line in the doorshell from the weatherstrip. If you see a break in the transfer then it’s not sealing at that part.

[@derekwatkins5979]

This series with the bus brought me back to this channel. Don't really know why but I love watching.

[@ThatGuyWhoGame5]

Taylor looked like one of those caving guys when he was under the bus lol

[@Dante_S550_Turbo]

I saw 1 of these for sale in Daytona Beach same model/ year. Man some of these busses are rough. Looks like roadkill on wheels. You got a solid beaut.

[@jimw3799]

I have heard of installing a soft start kit to an AC unit and being able to run off of battery, but I really doubt it would be a good long term solution. However, you should be able to install an inverter/charger that would convert 12v to 120v so that you could run lights and wall outlets. Really surprised that you don't have one of those??? Anyway as the owner of a 20 year old motor home, I understand your interest and desire to work on and upgrade your coach. It is so fun to work on!!! Love your vids. Thanks for sharing.

[@stephenfink4695]

I’m seeing the floor as an issue in the battery compartment or whatever you call it. I saw gaps that will let moisture in to that space. I’m hoping that you get it solved soon. It’s been fun to watch the progress!

[@culbyjr]

For when your bending metal if your trying to be precise with it I just have a small thing to remember. If you’re bending 1/8 inch.. you material will grow 1/16 each direction. So for like your battery mount. Each bend will make it grow 1/16 and in between the bends it will add up to 1/8 inch wider than you were shooting for.

[@iondat]

Loving the bus upgrades!!

[@DonFielder-pf7np]

Be sure to contact the battery supplier about the compatibility of the new AGM batteries to you charging system. In the marine environment the charges have a selector switch for flooded batteries vs. AGM’s.

[@ryanzhang4897]

arguably the coolest vehicle on the channel

[@eyebrowless8741]

yea, definitely not the race cars but the NJ transit bus

[@RSD_Music2]

All the RV content. Love it!

[@-RyN-23]

For A/C on solar i run a inverter mini splits. Best tip i can give for Running any heavy loads on batteries and solar is if it has a inverter technology option then use it. It cost more but like with ac the inverter unit is about 25-35% (depending on settings an outaide weather) more efficient, uses less power when running but it also doesn't hit super jard are start up. Not to mention the inverter stuff tends to run quieter. Then if it doeant already have it built in you can add a soft start which keeps startup amp draw around around 30-60% less depending on the system. Another tip is to run dc power appliances where possible to save on needing a big ac dc power inverter plus it extends battery life thats lost during the conversion from dc to ac. We try to set up out hunting rigs so that they can run on dc for almost everything then we save power by not having the inverter running unless we need it for cooking because we have solar why not cook eoth the sun given we have the capacity . Theres lots of ways to make that bus super quiet and have the power capability of your home. With enough lithium batterys and the right solar set up you can ditch the generator an maybe keep a small quiet 1400 watt gen for emergencies but will probably never need it unless somthing breaks. Not to mention if done right the bus can be used as a home backup (power the home to save food etc in fridge an be comfortable) if weather take out the power for a long time

[@-RyN-23]

Honestly the eco flow home rv kit would be a great option an be a easy job to add to the bus. Check out the one Jerry rig everything put in his buddy's camper last year. Alot of people use that system to live in campers or off grid. And it's super easy to install an extend with all the output capabilities you would ever need. Batterys would be the only thing you would ever maybe ad more of

[@aaronb7990]

🤘😎🤙 Man that thing is one heck of a unit! Super cool you have embraced fixing it up. I really like the 'Restoring XYZ' type series.

[@HabitableRex7]

literally checked an hour ago to see you had uploaded and i missed it. Made the soul happy to see this video pop up

[@kennydidntdie6370]

If you have to get under the bus again when you put it on the blocks you can unhook the leveling valve and lift the rear a little more with the airbags

[@6MILLZ9]

Always a pleasure to watch man, Im glad you do what you do 🙌🏼

[@GuillermoGomezGG1959]

Great work Taylor!! Love the video

[@BlackLambda]

Cant wait to see what you cook up for the bus!!

[@Zepynius]

LOVE BUS IMPROVEMENTS GOOD STUFF

[@Donovan.Creamer]

The seal hell….you can see the ground through the floor. 🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@jairo.cabello]

Loving this series! Living the dream

[@midnightstorm2681]

Holy shit Bus MEGA episode 😮😇. Love it, thank you Taylor! 🚌

[@charlestremblay3024]

Love the way you work ❤

[@EvilDeadFan11]

I'm always so stoked to see the bus and the projects.

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

Any wire termination exposed to the elements should be a crimped on lug with adhesive lined heatshrink. Ill Customz, Jim's Machineworx, Tool Maker Metal Workz and a few more make bolt on battery terminals for bolt on lugs (last i looked XS does not, but you can put a bolt in place of the set screw.) Get tire covers to prevent dry rot from direct sunlight!

[@dquad99]

I love the bus. Once you get it, all fixed up. You need to put a new wrap on it.

[@johnluburic8886]

good to see. go all out i cant wait to see what you do to it. well done

[@jordanthomas2210]

Good work!

[@frijoli9579]

Semi-flat is the best black. Love your channel.

[@aerialimagesbydoug5733]

Really like the bus!!

[@dbohler]

The bus videos are the best!

[@BayhillBruiser]

Love that you're going all in on this. Degrease the engine bay and clean underneath. I would also love to the the interior redone a bit red seats are yuck and entertainment system is outdate.

[@jimmytanner1126]

Continued greatness Taylor!

[@p_hoff_man_gaming]

Every time another bus video comes along, I think about pulling my Silver Eagle out of storage and actually doing something with it...

[@Adrellias]

Thanks for another awesome video bud 😁 we appreciate you, the guys and the content 🤘

[@SourBogBubble]

Thanks for the efforts man!

[@StuartBreland]

For a seal I used a magnetic seal kind of like a fridge has. You put a seal on the door and frame and when they get to each other they stick with the magnets that way if there is any gaps it seals itself. Also I still think you should look into Edison Motors for a conversion key to hybrid electric.

[@dirtbikerjer]

As a person who works on coach buses all day I recommend to get yourself a really good set of ramps it’s makes everything much easier I suggest OTC TR2016 a bit pricey but that’s a brand I can trust

[@packpower21]

The way the doors open, you could very easily put a drip cap/flashing over them and probably do the lions share of the water mitigation

[@bagelbandit6076]

“I’ll post some drifting…if you’re into that.” Ha ha.

[@jtcrowder49]

You should add ferrules to the wires before going into the terminal block. In the long run they will stay tighter and wont leave you with intermittent or no connectivity out on the road.