Which Bus To Convert For Your Skoolie?

[@BeckyHollandFuller]

Wanted to come back to this video and comment a couple years later. I watched this video on the day it came out and started building my bus platform wishlist. I refined it a little over the years since, but all of it was essentially based on this video. After years of searching, I just found my unicorn bus... an international CE300 27'10" with a DT466 and an Allison 2500 transmission that runs and drives like an absolute dream. I came back here to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything before I made my purchase. Thanks for creating a great reference library of video information we can keep coming back to again and again. I couldn't be happier with my future home.

[@amysmith3247]

What year?

[@PeaceJourney...]

Same 😊

[@9-5Adventures]

You should make a spreadsheet about the different engines. It would be super helpful

[@autumnkay1877]

A year late but one does exist! docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nrpO2wwjlolOdh3i9GUweiVKseLAff6p/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107021383414430224657&rtpof=true&sd=true

[@sheaross3124]

Yes it would in fact I'm planning on buying a bus and I'd like to know more about engine specs.

[@autumnkay1877]

@@sheaross3124 there's a Google doc if you can find it. I tried to share the link but of course it won't let me

[@ThinkBeforeYouSheep]

Stick with a cummins, a detroit, or a caterpillar, those are the good ones and parts are plentiful.

[@ericolson8708]

Run from any Maxforce

[@1sheinz]

One of the MOST Important decisions for a front engine is that if you drive gravel or dirt roads your intake and radiator is in the front getting clean fresh air , rather than the dust cloud that envelopes the last 1/3 of the bus . Keeping the rad dust free and clean air into the intake goes a long way to the life of your engine. Considering that the reasoning to build a Scoolie is to boondock , that means that likley these areas are off the pavement and may be 5-75 miles out in the woods. THANK YOU for all of these wonderful vids , very much appreciated. CHEERS AND SAFE TRAVELS Steve h.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Awesome point! Thank you for watching

[@Ben-nl9vv]

I've been looking for a bus well I started thinking about buying a bus for a couple of months now for my wife and I to convert it to a home and I never thought about tires so thank you no matter what my brother says I'm not wasting time watching KZbin I just learned something

[@mavietresbelle1310]

You are doing great by watching videos to convert a bus. Before starting a project its best to have knowledge on it first.

[@NicholasWinecoff]

Learning is never a waste of time.

[@PeaceJourney...]

Worth the time😊

[@diputs84]

Thank you for going over some of the common issues of the different sizes or styles of buses. Without going into it too far you’ve given more information than most of the videos on KZbin.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! I could make a 30 minute video about each little section on here!

[@liquidbagel4570]

Chuck you’re the only source I not only 100% trust, but enjoy watching. I found your videos a few years ago, and finally at 19 years old I stumbled across a bus and drove 6 hours to pick it up a couple weeks ago. This channel will be my bible for the project!

[@mobilemechanic2304]

As a gasoline mechanic I can tell you explain so clear everything to anyone to understand.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Man Victor, thank you so much! Hope those wrenches are turnin easy for ya

[@olbird7647]

Good to see someone talking intelligently and very informatively about engines, tyres and rust 👍👏😁

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Three pillars of my life

[@annette934]

Thanks Chuck! Super informative. I worked in a school department for 15 years, drove a school bus and was responsible for the fleet upkeep! You have pointed out some really solid logic as to why and what to look for. I am now a travel nurse looking to live in my first ever skoolie! I will be purchasing soon and this will certainly help. I've sent an email to chrome yellow in hopes I can have you all at least do a "rough in" so she is solid! Found you through Regrestlyss!

[@wibbles9712]

Dude as an army diesel mechanic, the drive train looks a lot like our LMTVs, only we got CAT engines. I’m just starting out researching Skoolies (cheap alt to living out in southern TX while I save up for a home for 5 - 10 years) this is VERY reassuring. I don’t live that far for NM too! Thanks dude ! I know for sure I can do personal preventive maintenance for sure now. You got a new watcher / subscriber.

[@jasonweeden677]

found you thru Regretlyss. Glad I did. you are a wealth of information for someone just starting out and wanting to do it right. Looking forward to your next video.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Vans are great, too! Obviously Im partial to buses :)

[@wm.davidmeade5593]

My new friend I am so happy that you and, Alysaa were friends. Watching you and, your team take that bare compartment of that schoolie and, transforming it in too the most amazing living space I have since yet. With your vlogs and, the wealth of knowledge you are sharing with your followers. This is going to be a fun and, very helpful for myself. Thank you for that also, do not want to hurt Alysaa's feeling by not saying: yes Alysaa's you were the one whom striped the bus bare and, worked really hard on the build. Now I think I am safe with Alyssa thanks again Chuck...

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! And yes, alyssa worked very hard right along side us for that build!

[@khtractors]

Just recently discovered your channel. In January we purchased two buses from our school district. Mine is a 1995 Thomas IH3800 with a DT466 Dad bought a 1994 T444E version. Both are manual transmissions. My bus is the one I rode a good part of my school career and Dad was the driver. It only has 144,000 miles. I’m in the process of slowly converting it into a weekend camper. My first objective was to get it painted and mechanically ready to drive. Love the 3800 chassis buses. I’ve got a few videos if your interested in checking the buses out. Great video and information here! Take care!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Love that story! Sounds like you got some great buses. A manual would be the only way to make me love my bus more. I'll follow you!

[@jamiereedy5094]

Keep putting out detailed informative videos like this and word is gonna spread and your channel is going to explode . Thank you

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

I appreciate that! going to do my best!

[@soving]

So like your video style..so packed with info. This makes me pretty excited to see your series unfold. Thank you for providing massive value in information and tips

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You are so welcome!

[@b-rok7174]

Dude... Best informational video on school busses period! You sir, are a true expert and give the best advice. Keep the videos coming! I can tell you without a doubt I will get all of my skoolie learning right here on this channel.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

So glad to hear that, it is EXACTLY why I started this! Hope it continues to help

[@b-rok7174]

@@ChuckCassadyYT You're an interesting guy. I feel like you could have your own TV show. I hope somebody in the industry discovers you and gets you a gig!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

@@b-rok7174 I've been on TV many times! Even had my own pilot. They got cold feet haha

[@b-rok7174]

No shit! That's pretty cool. I guess my feeling was spot on. #BringChuckBack

[@timamyett]

Your advice was well taken. My rust free Mesa Az., bus is a 2001 International 3000 , 24 foot, 6 window truck chassis. Though not my favorite it has a relative low mileage dt444e. It was a special needs bus and has air bag suspension on the rear. A major plus for a comfortable ride. I checked with a school bus transmission specialist and confirmed before progressing ...with changing tire and wheel size from 19.5 to 22.5 and putting on all new tires and used Alcoa alum, wheels(made a world of difference in looks). Also having the same effect as changing the differential. Engine went from 64 mph @ 2700 rpm to 70 mph @ 2200 rpm.

[@brianwofford3831]

Wow, I have been driving buses for twenty year, you gave the best explaination I have heard.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you so much!

[@seanym67]

Totally bang on when it comes to lane position. I just bought a RE Bluebird and drove from Denver to mid coast Maine. I ran the pass side tires over the rumble strips hundreds of times. After about 1000 miles I had the hang of it. Having the motor 35 feet behind you is pretty great too from a noise perspective

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

love RE buses.... love mid engines even more!

[@colleenbalch328]

stretching out on the couch waiting for some good soap box wisdom

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Coming right up!

[@bloodybonescomic]

Yep. Here you go.

[@Kevin-fy8ly]

You are the most informative that feels like straight talk. Appreciate!

[@thecoywolftravels]

As someone coming from the van world into the bus world, this video is exactly what I was looking for, thank you! Excellent video.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TJNC1976]

The nice thing about a DT466 engine is that you usually can do an in frame rebuild on those. The cylinders have sleeves in them can be replaced if damaged without replacing the block

[@TheDeadbolt0804]

I like the soap box segment has continued on. I've been watching since you announced your debut on Regretlyss. I'm excited to see an expert work on nearly the exact same Thomas bus as I'm converting.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Nice! You're in for a treat

[@heathcole3761]

this has to be the most comprehensive, information-laden youtube vid i've ever found on this subject! ~so~ informative! thanks for taking the time to share this info!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! Stick around, there is plenty more to come!

[@dmwi1549]

Also found you thru Regretlyss. So far: THE MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE BUS GUY ON THE INTERNET. What a value filled episode. Subscribed!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank so so much! Welcome aboard!

[@nodak81]

I've never seen anyone else not like Cat engines. They're usually the holy grail going by the other channels I watch. Most of those were working on semi trucks and heavy equipment though.

[@deastover898]

So happy I picked this video. Want a skoolie and am searching for all the information I can get. Can handle the full size so this is the best option for me and my daughter 💝 Edit: a man who talks.my language. I wanna know what is under the hood first. Thank you for sharing all this!! No one has done this. Keep going this way. . great video ❤️

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@elusiveeskimo3013]

So much great info. Like many, I learned most of what I know about buses After buying my bus. Still have that first one, a 34ft shuttle on a F550 chassis, that I converted the inside of. And the biggest thing I would change if I could, is the engine. Mine having the computer controlled 7.3 diesel. Wish it was a non computer straight six. My 7.3 started to run rough, hard start. I took it to a shop that replaced all the injectors and she was running great again. Till I was Two States Away from that shop. Started having No Start issues, which eventually got traced back to the shop that changed the injectors allowing some oil to get onto the contacts of the Internal Wiring Harness, That oil burnt, breaking the electrical connection, and all injectors on that side of the engine stopped working. The tows, diagnostic troubleshooting and repairs, plus hotel cost while my Home was in the shop, was a major hit to my budget and planned travels timeline. A straight six has all the injectors, glow plugs, wiring, on the outside of the engine where it belongs, is easy to get at. Having these buried inside the engine and a computer controlling everything, makes it impossible for me to find and repair issues myself on the road. And this is what most videos won't talk about. Yes the 7.3 is great when it's running well. But when something goes wrong, it becomes a major pain in the A$$. Towing a bus is very expensive and many shops won't allow you to live in it while it's in their shop. Plus supply chain issues are causing longer delays in getting the parts needed to repair our buses once the problems are found, keeping us out of our Homes even longer when something breaks. During which complete strangers have access to All our stuff. Welcome to The Dark Side of bus life, the reality that's often left unsaid. And if you are not staying in one general area but actually traveling cross country like with my situation. Then having the shop that did the original work tow it back in and correct the followup issues, is not a realistic option. You will be hit with all the upfront costs of all followup issues. Plan and follow through, as best you can from the very start, to avoid problems on the road. Then plan ways to survive if/when life gives you an unplanned something you're not able to avoid, which will happen sooner or later. So such an event doesn't end your journey, chosen way of life.

[@jimross7648]

So much information. Well presented and very enjoyable to watch. Thanks Charlie.

[@josebigbird1939]

Hello, many years ago I was looking to convert a small school bus for myself and dogs but life got in the way and now that I seen most of your videos iam ready for the plunge once again. the price of living in an apartment nowadays I can take all that money and finish the project in one year. I been looking at lots of videos and yours have more interest in how you build your buses out. Lots of pros n cons living off grid sort of speak But I believe I'm going with a sprinter van instead and using the flooring system and spray foam in which you applied I still have to do more research and finding a van , but I will definitely keep your videos in mind when I finally get my project going. Keep up the amazing information in your videos.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I usually keep some starting fluid around, not necessarily to start things, although I have used it for that, but as a cleaner. It cleans very well and is cheaper than brake clean usually. As for the dog nose bus I have a super C built on an International 4300 chassis and one of the reasons I bought it is because I have that 5 or 6 feet of engine and substantial frame in front of me in case I, or someone else. does something stupid. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@muzerhythm2242]

I'm TOTALLY new looking into getting a bus for a schoolie. Thank you for explaining things at a level us newbies can understand and test out when we kick tires😁. I'm also still going to have my mechanic look at it before I purchase. I've done this with my last 2 cash cars...it's worth it having no car payments to save up for repairs.😁

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You are so welcome!

[@alanthompson1083]

Okay Chuck, you now have a new subscriber!!!! Good luck w/ the bus. I'll watch the build as much as possible.👍

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Why thank you kindly!

[@cdnsoul5808]

Just discovered your channel & enjoyed it. Learned a few things so I subscribed. Looking forward to this bus conversion. BTW: As a precaution, the company I worked for painted their wheel rims, light grey. It made it easier to detect a crack, normally turning black, than it would on a black rim. Mind you my bus had chromed wheels so did not apply. I drove a school bus exclusively on highway charters. (Cheaper than coaches). It had a Mercedes diesel engine with an Allison trans. (don't know any of the models) and it lasted till 318 thousands kilometers before problems started to show up & company unloaded it right away.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Great tips! Love those Mercedes engines

[@holty2604]

Really looking forward to this series, great start 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks a ton and thank you for following along!

[@Dovietail]

Waiting on the hybrid engine bus era. Freaking LOVE our hybrid van. When will technology allow for that?

[@henrycarlson7514]

Interesting , Thank You. From what I can tell , EVERY project MUST have a SOLID foundation , or there will be extream FRUSTRATION . A fine project to follow

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Yes! Not the place to skimp on cash

[@billogrady882]

I'm enjoying your series so far (2nd episode) and your experience comes across very well. So does your honesty in admitting prior mistakes, and choices based on your preferences. I really think you should publish a guide once you're finished this build. After all, the video content is probably 90% of the build. Go for it!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Yes, absolutely! Thanks for watching

[@melissak_007]

Excited to see you've moved your 'girl' into the shop! Nice intro background in why you chose that type and what makes it ideal for you. Very rich in the information provided in all aspects (i.e. type, mileage, engine, transmission, and tires). You kept me very engaged and super impressed with all the knowledge sharing. Well done, Charlie ☺

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks so much!!

[@ivorton23]

I used to drive a rear engined International Amtran activity bus. I loved that thing. Rode really smooth and was super reliable. I would go with one of those for a skoolie

[@diggy-d8w]

Wow, I accidentally deleted my post but here we go.... great video ! Thank you so much for the "lesson(s)" in this, I had asked in another video if you had any links & then this hit me. You've spoke about things & it proves the labor of love you have for these busses. I'm destined to live on wheels & IDKnow what platform(bus/box truck?) I'm gonna go for but it starts right here trying to understand the in's/out's of the drive train & you've packed a course into 1 video ~ I appreciate that. peace & GB ALL

[@Doc1855]

When we use to order our F150s and F250s, we ALWAYS ordered them with the 4.9L (300) In-line 6cyl. They had a lot of low end torque and would out last our V8s.

[@munkandbear2818]

An example of the benefits of going with an older mechanical motor is in the case of the Cummins 8.3 ISC, the mechanical fuel pump new is 1500.00 the electric version is 5500.00.

[@mainamaina98]

I'm so grateful for your videos! Finally some bus-building content I feel like I can trust!

[@jefftum4177]

I worked for years at class A truck dealer. It was very common to see trucks at 1 mil or close to. But this means parts are being replaced or rebuilt. At that time the estimated maintenance cost over the lifetime of a new truck was approximately 1 mil dollars. A sleeved engine like the international dt466 should be able to go a long time with rebuilds. The non sleeved engines won’t go as long as they can only be bored out so much and the cost of a rebuild is considerably higher.

[@Skoolie309]

This, my friends is an AMAZING video. I would have loved all of this amazing information prior to starting my build. Senor Cassady here really knows his stuff.

[@karylm23]

You're a wealth of information! I'm considering more a bus now than a van because of your shops build of Alyssas bus, and even moreso because of this video!

[@tobywhitney4798]

Very good advice, especially for the folks that don’t know.

[@rosalieogden479]

Thank you for this video! I'll be referring to this on my venture, finding a small to midsize bus. I'm hoping to find one very soon.

[@sarahdaniels1429]

I am learning a lot from your channel but mostly I am very excited to see what you make for yourself now that you are free of those restrictions

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! You and me both :)

[@munkandbear2818]

Medium-duty commercial engines such as the Cummins 8.3 Isc and the like as well as the smaller commercial engines are good for about 350k at max. Only class 8 engines such as the Detroit series 60, Cat 3406E, Cummins N14, N14+, and X15 are capable of 1 million plus. The older 6V71,8V71,6V92, 8V92 are only good for about 300 to 400K before a in-frame is necessary.

[@VicsYard]

Great info. As a diesel guy you’re spot on man. Awesome.

[@petec9686]

DT466 in a short bus. That thing’s a rocket ship!!! Awesome tow rig.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

it took me 2 years to find it!

[@petec9686]

@@ChuckCassadyYT imagine if it had a 6 speed manual with a lower rear. It could do burnouts!!!!

[@allanmoulton3745]

A great rust inhibitor used my Mustie 1 is a mixture of summer chain saw bar oil and ATF. It might be worth your while yo do the bottom of your bud after you clean it.

[@randallharris3113]

Can’t wait to see you build your bus out. You have a great eye and design ideas for busses and you build them out nice.

[@capt.martin5169]

Great info! Thanks! love your videos, you are a natural at it!

[@tom_olofsson]

I had a '62 Chevy with a straight 6 and it was a great running car.

[@ronnie32567]

Ether won’t hurt a thing !!! I’ve had to use it every time I crank my international 684 tractor for the last 30 years, every time I crank it. Uses no oil, oil stays clear and clean between oil changes, engine does not smoke one bit. I’ve alway heard that ether was bad on engines, but it sure hasn’t hurt my tractor. I think 30 years is a pretty good trial period.

[@Jpdrums317]

“I would rather have too big of an engine in a small bus than a little motor in a big bus”. YES. PEOPLE, LISTEN TO HIM! I had some friends make a 30-35ish foot flat nosed Bluebird their band’s tour bus. Awesome build. They even used the rear handicap door and lift to load their gear in. So sick! But…. It came with the Cummins 5.9, which YES is a legendary engine…. …..in pickup trucks. They made so many of them that they started putting them in many medium duty applications (buses, box trucks, etc.) These engines in large vehicles are DOGS. Overworked, out matched, and my friends broke down all the time. If it was the Cummins 8.3, sure. But the 5.9 has to be relative to the size of the bus itself.

[@GiselleTrujillo]

The best teacher ever! I just sent you an email via your site. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING ALL YOUR KNOWLEDGE,

[@beexsmith1]

Charlie, I'm buying a shorty bus just like Alyssa's. It's been renovated as an office, but I'm VERY, VERY, VERY INTERESTED IN YOUR "LUCKY" RENOVATION THAT ROCKS!!!! Can we talk shop pleazie weazie? BXS

[@MyplayLists4Y2Y]

How do you legally drive a newly purchased used bus from lot to destination? Many buy a school bus to convert to skoolie, but much needs be done to qualify as Skoolie, so what do you do in the meantime for plate and insurance?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

call your local dmv and ask. i just get insurance, carry the title and go for it

[@chrisdecker1443]

That's was a very informative experience for me. Looking for the next bus, for the project. Thanks.

[@LaheralHaake]

Jeezzzz thanks for this video man 🙏 ❤ took a lot of notes!! Good information and keeping it entertaining 🔝

[@Dovietail]

Be my friend! Be the guy I can call when my bus leaves me on the shoulder at 2 AM in Benson, AZ! 😉

[@dustyruff3509]

Use Brākleen in place of ether. Works great and isn’t as hard on your engine.

[@sunflowerguru5118]

Thank you eternally for sharing! I'm checking out a potential buy tomorrow and you've gifted some tools to make the right choice. Love your videos! They're truly inspiring

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Happy to help! How did the bus look??

[@sunflowerguru5118]

@@ChuckCassadyYT It looks great! Gnna hit the road in two months :):)

[@deangrande7207]

What do you think ? I’m looking at a church bus , original owner 1994 with a gas 454 GM engine 80,000 miles Just needs brake lines as of now . I know nothing about diesel , so I figure this engine can be repaired At any auto part stores on the road .

[@beaversstumpgrinding3352]

Can shift points be adjusted on the Allison 545? I would have preferred a later model Allison with at least lockup. Mine is in a 2000 Freightliner MT45 step van with 64k mi., 4:56 rear and the 5.9 Cummins. Your 3:73 rear end change video was very informative.

[@noahlomax1]

Thank you for this information, Charlie. This is what was truly needed.

[@marvanbee]

hey Charlie :) great video, thanks for all the fab info. Is there a gasoline engine you would recommend (or maybe run away from)? I'm glad you talked about rust - so many Canadians say "buy a BC [car/bus]" because they don't *generally* use too much salt or get too much snow in that province, BUT it's so incredibly wet here, especially on the far west coast & on the islands, and everything is SO damp and moldy. Every RV and house roof I see is green with who knows how many species of algae. I've never seen this much mold inside windows and doors in homes. I definitely wouldn't buy a BC bus since if it hasn't rusted yet, it's almost certainly been primed to start rusting. Looking forward to watching more of your videos :) xo

[@nancysc]

You did a great job explaining the pros and cons of what to look for when buying a bus. Looks like you have a real gem and super excited to see your build. I’m sure it will be fantastic and maybe I’ll see you cruising down the road since I live here in Denver, too. Best wishes and can’t wait to see your next video. 🚌

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! Wave if you see me :)

[@charlesquick3091]

My old heavy equipment and diesel instructor in school used to tell us that every diesel motor has the ability to be a million mile motor if you take really good care of it, rebuild it every 200,000 miles, never drive it hard, and rarely drive it anywhere except on the highway.... Otherwise you are damned lucky to get 250,000 miles before it ends up in the scrap heap And those were the old pre 1990 models without all of the new crap put on them today. Personally never saw one make it over 250,000 before they needed replaced or rebuilt, a lot were destroyed by the driver's before they saw 150,000 miles. Have to admit that the straight six was stronger, lasted longer, put up with bad drivers better and was a lot easier to work on.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

That all backs up my experience very well too

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Thank you Charlie for giving us this information. It helps alot, I too like the dog nose. I want that extra protection in front. Thank you again.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You are welcome!

[@jeffreylane2967]

Recapped tires are good, but you must be diligent about the air pressure.Most tire failure are under inflation related.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

agreed!

[@holyfenrir6336]

While i agree with the rust question, up here in Michigan, that's a non-starter as every vehicle is rusted on the bottom after a couple of winters.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

No need to buy a bus in Michigan-they have wheels!

[@mickeyward5216]

Can you please do a video on engine, trans, and rear end cost… to rebuild, repair and part cost rough estimates ?

[@ratwynd]

My favorite bus is the Flexible with rear engine/luggage bay. Vintage but classic. What do you know about the Gillig (?) bus with pancake engine and trans under the floor?

[@sharaswitala6296]

Your so smart..your an educator💁🏼‍♀️

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank youyou! Stick around!

[@LacroixCruiser]

Great content, agreed with the million mile motor thing.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you! I recognize that name! Glad to see you here, hope your bus life is going well

[@paulherman5198]

I think you could get 200-400k miles out of it IF you take good care of it. You gotta do maintenance on it. Now the million mile thing is more for cars. I had a friend who had a Mercedes or BMW from the 80's that literally rolled the odometer. Took me and another guy for a drive in it and he hit 1,000,000 miles. Alot of people run the engines HARD. They also put a smaller engine in a larger body. Like putting a small V6 into a large truck and wanting to haul a large camper daily. I love the mechanical engine setups. You don't have to have a computer to diagnose them.

[@clintonstapleton161]

Great video, I appreciate all your info and how you didn't dumb it down. I learned a lot from this.

[@karalinell9736]

I know this is an older video. Could you share how much living space is in your bus? How many windows did it have before you started the conversion? Thank you.

[@kenterline64]

In your builds, have you installed a generator and if so, what did you use?

[@regmiles]

Unlike your very informed and patient approach to searching for what you wanted to locate in a bus, I simply jumped at the first bus that presented itself. That leap before looking approach might be my downfall. I hope not. Time will tell. I had only a very limited budget of $3500. I looked online but could not find anything close to what I had hoped to locate, in a smaller vehicle, one of the van nose type transit vans. Then, this popped up, a late 2008 International 24 foot six window, with a Maxxforce 7 engine, a 1000/2000 series automatic transmission with 137,000 miles. Like your find, this one appears to be virtually rust free, except for some light rust on the front bumper. It looks like it has decent tires all around. The brake fluid is low and that's of concern. Though they shouldn't be, I find that the oil dip stick is challenging to read and the transmission dip stick is as well. I have no plans to transform it into a home but was only looking for a bigger vehicle to carry my art sculpture endeavors to various events. It seems completely overbuilt for its intended use of carrying children as passengers. This bus was pulled from school service about a year ago and still has last year's inspection sticker in the window.

[@maxinethomas9355]

Looking forward to seeing your journey on the old girl, awesome bus 👌

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks 👍 its a great start!

[@brianjordison2910]

Lot of great information, thanks. Great guidelines to help with a purchase.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Hope it helps you!

[@sjf67gto]

Hello Chuck I have a question, I'm looking for the DT466 all mechanical but finding it with a good bus body is hard. I find good bus bodies but with the D 466e, here's my question would it be easier to rip out all the electronics and just put it back to Mechanical or put a mechanical engine in the bus?

[@rafaelzabik2443]

Bro ! So informative, thank you for your knowledge and insights - just subscribed. I’m bus shopping , might hit you up for a build soon

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thanks for the sub!

[@elenalemanski155]

Looking forward to following you on your journey with this bus! Your so talented that I know this build is going to be amazing!! Are you worried about Gas prices being so high now?

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Welcome aboard! Yes I am, but my life is on the trajectory already so here we go!

[@stevenwood7131]

i want a bus that can handle logging roads. logging roads i'm thinking of are 10ft wide, some are moderately to lite steep, some shallow ruts. My primary focus is to find a bus thats short enough ( 5 to 7 window with handicap door) that wont drag the ass end if theres a slight hill, and short enough im not taking a mortgage out to pay for fuel. i wont take said bus where id take a 4x4, but i wont keep it in the city. I'm 6'3" so the roof needs to be tall enough without a roof raise and i need the bus to be wide enough so i can sleep on a bed positioned sideways in the bus. last question, do they make lift kits for buses?

[@munkandbear2818]

I ran Cooper tires for years as an owner-operator truck driver and never had a failure once in over 3 million miles using Cooper tires and those will run you an average of 350 apiece.

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

bad asss!

[@davejones3878]

Appreciate all the info my friend!!! Thank you!!!

[@greatdaneacdc]

Mine is perfect too! 93 Thomas 40’ Roof Lifted / Slide outs 8.3 Cummins/ Allison Pusher! Could be yours!

[@ryannorris3195]

That would be a combo I'd like 😊

[@Ed-sv5mq]

Very nice informative video looking forward to the next video

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

Thank you for watchin!

[@babadelrey4364]

Thank you for an exceptional instruction and teaching skills......I learn so much from you.....Again thank you..

[@Svensk46]

I’m 6’5” and I’ve been thinking about the 40’ Thomas HDX with rear engine. Cummins/Allison combo. What are your thoughts on those? You mentioned in another video to rid the original windows, what are some good replacements that let in a lot of light and airflow? Also, I’m not comfortable with a roof raise, so what would be a good insulation that’s efficient but not bulky?

[@ANonymous-rx6lu]

I’m no mechanic. But I saw you talk about this inline 6, and when I went to look at a bus by myself the first time, I opened the engine compartment and recognized the inline 6 caterpillar engine right away! Chuck, you are the Norm Abram of skoolies! I appreciate you!

[@Dbellerive22605]

So much valuable information!!! Thank you so much!

[@ChuckCassadyYT]

You are so welcome!