| Author | Message | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1063 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.3.157.139  Rating: N/A |
I just got a phone call from a fellow busnut that lives in Louisiana. Kevin recently purchased a GM Buffalo near Ft. Myers, FL and stopped by our place for a few days on his way back to Louisiana. He just called me to tell me they had a fire at their house today. The house and his bus were totally destroyed along with 14 pets (10 birds, 2 cats, and 2 dogs). Kevin said his parents and brothers are OK, but he suffered some 2nd and 3rd degree burns. That is all the details I have at this time. When posting, Kevin went by MacGyver. I am sure they would appreciate any help that can be provided. If anyone wants to make a donation, Kevin's PayPal account is phyrebyrd@yahoo.com Kevin's phone number is 318-840-9254 Jack | ||
| Nick Badame Refrigeration Co. (Dnick85)
Registered Member Username: Dnick85 Post Number: 302 Registered: 2-2006 Posted From: 75.199.69.23  Rating: N/A |
Come on guy's, get up and help! I just did... Nick- | ||
| Jim Gibson (River_rat)
Registered Member Username: River_rat Post Number: 42 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 70.101.227.194 Rating: N/A |
That's terrible! Can't imagine that happening. I'll chip in when I get home to a secure server. Hey MacGyver, hang in there... | ||
| John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 176 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 24.179.147.233  Rating: N/A |
did it. Sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers. | ||
| Bill Gerrie (Bill_gerrie)
Registered Member Username: Bill_gerrie Post Number: 264 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 216.198.139.38 Rating: N/A |
Jack Thanks for letting us know. Please keep us posted about Kevins condition. Kevin You and your family are in our prayers. | ||
| Larry Nelson (Larryn4106)
Registered Member Username: Larryn4106 Post Number: 29 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 173.30.230.77 Rating: N/A |
Thanks, Jack....what a great family here. | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 384 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 32.131.94.194  Rating: N/A |
Hey guys... I'm posting from my phone, so please excuse typos... It's one of the few things of mine that survived the fire.  nearly everything I owned was in the garage or the bus. I'd already started putting stuff into the bus in preparation to move fir a job, if I found one. Sigh. All our keepsakes burned... All our family photos. Everything just about. My parents are ok. My brother slashed his wrist on a window trying to save the dogs. I suffered 2nd & 3rd degree burns on my right arm and 2nd degree on my upper body/arms and face. In all, 14 lives were lost today, as Jack said. My computers survived, at least in appearance. They're thick with carbon from the fire and will require extensive cleaning, if they can be salvaged at all. My own life history is on those computers... My parents computer went up in flames... Unfortunately, it had family documents and pictures on it that existed nowhere else... The bus is a total loss I think... I don't even care about the posessions.... It's the loss of life today that will haunt me. I tried to save the birds, which is how I got burnt... I never knew a bird could actually scream... The sounds of those poor birds will haunt me forever. :'( The news is reporting, nation wide no less, that my bus is what caused the fire. Please take it from the horses mouth... It didn't. The bus did not burn until AFTER the FD was on scene... I the police got there pretty quick, and refused to allow me to move the bus before it flamed. Otherwise, it would have survived. I'm really exhausted and in some pretty bad pain, so I'll wrap this up. Jack, thank you for posting what happened. Those who have or will donate to help... It's truly appreciated. To those who can't... It's ok. I'm broke and unemployed, and I know how tight money is these days... Just your thoughts and understanding are certainly appreciated. I'll post pics of the house and bus when I can get back online... Take care, and I hope this never happens to any of you! Sad day. -Mac | ||
| Bill Holstein (Billmoocow)
Registered Member Username: Billmoocow Post Number: 15 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 98.232.218.68 Rating: N/A |
This is truly sad. | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member Username: Pvcces Post Number: 1284 Registered: 5-2001 Posted From: 65.74.69.200 Rating: N/A |
Mac, you and your family are in our prayers. When you can, let us know what help you need. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher Ketchikan, Alaska | ||
| Roger Baughman (Roger)
Registered Member Username: Roger Post Number: 102 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 69.232.76.217  Rating: N/A |
God bless, MAC. I can't emagin what you are going through. I will be glade to help as soon as I can. Roger | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 385 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.33.176.2 Rating: N/A |
The loss of life ia staggering... The disaster still hasn't fully sunk in yet. I keep thinking this is a nightmare and I'll wake up... I know I won't though. I know I'm already awake... But it's just all so surreal. Right now, financial help is what we need the most. My parents are ok. My brother is ok. Some of the animals made it... But some did not. Fourteen lost their lives today to a senseless tragedy... I keep going over in my head what could have caused it. The fire started in the garage, but there were only two things plugged in... A box fan, and a household fridge. That's it. I had an extension cord running to the bus for lights and the vacuum cleaner, and although it was plugged in... Everything was turned off. I used a bar plug with a built in circuit breaker... And it was off. I hadn't turned anything on in there for about two days. I'd just gotten it ready to begin taking measurements... Getting ready for the floorplan designs. I keep going over what happened... I knew the birds were going to die within seconds, yet I tried to save them anyway... a futile effort. Why didn't I start the bus? Why didn't I race the engine to build up pressure and just MOVE THE DAMN THING!? I don't know. I was in a panic. I lost my bearings and sense of time. All I had was a garden hose against a fire that was already well into the attic of the house. It was still far enough away from the bus to save it... yet, I was concerned more for the lives I couldn't save, than the bus, which was my own future home. So, two homes were lost today. Not just one. I don't know what kind of monetary damages my parents have sustained with this fire... But my own is considerable. I estimate in the garage alone, I had about $30,000 worth lost in the blaze. I had at least another $5000 that was already stored in the bus. I don't know if my computers will survive, but... There's hope for them, since the computer I'm writing on was in the house when it went up in flames. So... Maybe. These computers are my livelihood... They're what I use when I AM working, when I CAN find a contract. I can't begin to calculate what it's going to take now... I'm hoping that the damage to the bus isn't as bad as it appears, but when I get the pictures up... You'll see. It's bad. Flames tore through it nose to rear in seconds once the windshields shattered... They literally exploded from the intense heat. Life as I knew it is done and over. I'm basically starting from square one with nothing but the clothes I had on my back, and I didn't even have a shirt on. To those of you who've donated thus far... THANK YOU. I was able to purchase clothes and medical supplies that were desperately needed. I bought what was needed, and spent nothing on frivolous tripe. I have a little bit left, but most is already spent to put clothes back on me... My parents made out fairly well in that department... Much of their clothing was in their room, which suffered only smoke damage. Same with my brother. I'd brought most of my clothes into the laundry room just a couple days ago when I was cleaning things out... All the clothes in the laundry room are ash. Half my clothes were in the garage, still packed... My business suits, my motorcycle gear, my leathers.... All of it.... Gone. I'm just at a loss for what to do next. My dad says his insurance policy for the house doesn't cover "Family Vehicles"... Well, I wouldn't classify the bus as a family vehicle... Not in the sense that it was for them to use... It was only for me. I was the only one insured to drive it. It was never intended for them to use. So, we'll se how it plays out over the next few days... But I expect State Farm will weasel out of paying for it somehow. Anyone know how to find "book value" on one of these babies? How can I fight them? CAN I fight them? Sigh. It's a depressing day. I'm exhausted. I need to get a shower and get some sleep. Thanks again to those who've helped... It's more than appreciated. I hope I can on day return the kindness. I'll post again when I can. -Mac | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 494 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 64.40.216.17  Rating: N/A |
Gosh, I feel for ya! What a terrible thing to happen, the only saving grace is the fact that no human lives were lost, the material items can be replaced although devestating none the less. I wish we could help, but times are tough for us also. God Bless and we pray for a full recovery for you! ~Paul~ | ||
| Greg Roberts (Eagle 20) (Gregeagle20)
Registered Member Username: Gregeagle20 Post Number: 265 Registered: 4-2002 Posted From: 66.18.167.76 Rating: N/A |
Bless your heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers and I am glad the donations are at least helping you a little. Hang in there buddy and you will eventually get past this hard time and on to even better times. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 700 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.208.7.141 Rating: N/A |
Kevin...I am not in position to help financially, but I can and will pray for you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss. If you are a believer, a couple of scriptures come to mind: Proverbs 3:5&6, Psalms 105:4...and know that HE is always in charge (Romans Chapter 8). May the Lord bless you and your family and give you courage, strength and wisdom as you move forward with your lives, day by day. RCB | ||
| FloridaCliff (Floridacracker)
Registered Member Username: Floridacracker Post Number: 398 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 97.101.146.143 Rating: N/A |
Guys, Here's a link to the story on the fire and a video: http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=10349625&nav=menu50_2 | ||
| Grant Thiessen (Busshawg)
Registered Member Username: Busshawg Post Number: 151 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 206.45.93.160  Rating: N/A |
I can't even imagine, our thought and prayers are with you and your family, there are better days ahead! | ||
| L James Jones Jr (Jamo)
Registered Member Username: Jamo Post Number: 67 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 24.59.114.248  Rating: N/A |
Mac, I just kicked in a bit for you too. Hope it helps. Our thoughts are with you and yours... FWIW...I had my racing canoe damaged once, and my carrier (also State Farm) said if it was in the garage it would be covered under the homeowner's policy. Well, of course it was, and they sent me more than enough to fix the kevlar. I hope your SF Agent works with you. We had severe storm damage last year to my property here, and lost one outbuilding to a tree. SF was going to deny my claim as I had misc business items (I'm a building contractor) stored in the bldg. I had to fight them, but I won...once they saw I was not actually working out of the outbldg. They do their best to discourage you from collecting, but they do back down when you get tough. Real PITA, but worth the time IMO. Best of luck to you and yours and I hope things work out. | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 92 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 64.229.52.103  Rating: N/A |
Sorry to hear of you loss. I was burnt out of my house 1 1/2 years ago and it really took a toll on me and my business. Took me about a year to realize I was still numb from the fire and was not taking care of business, wasn't answering calls etc...I'm actually just getting back on my feet now. The good news is that no people were lost (so sorry about the pets). All of which is to say keep your stick on the ice, and keep moving forward. Best wishes, Patrick. | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 386 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 32.131.136.104 Rating: N/A |
hey guys... Back to posting from my phone. The state farm agent said the bus isn't covered because it's a vehicle. I'm going to try to fight them. I think I can repair the bus... It's just going to take money and time. Sigh. I'll post more when I get access to my computer again, but I want to thank everyone again. It's really appreciated. I feel worse about the animals than I do about the bus though.... I'm an animal lover, and someone that places the value of an animal equally with my own life. I should be able to post pics tonight... Hopefully, anyway. I didn't sleep much or very well last night, despite having been awake now for nearly 48 hrs. Depression about the whole situation is setting in and the realization of what happened and what's still yet to come. This is my 2nd fire now in as many years... Last year, my apartment complex caught fire.. It was the apt above mine and I nearly lost everything in that fire... My animals survived that one... But not this time, and it's really eating me up inside. All I can think about is the pain and fear those animals must have felt... Especially the birds. The fire spread so fast... They burned alive. It's hard to not cry. :'( Thank you all for the support... My family can use all we can get. -Mac | ||
| John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 177 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 24.179.147.233 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the link Cliff, it really makes you stop and think how fast it could happen to any of us. | ||
| Glenn F Campbell (Gfcgfc1)
Registered Member Username: Gfcgfc1 Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2008 Posted From: 63.214.229.62 Rating: N/A |
Hello Macgyver , and everyone else, I just got online and saw this. Mac so sorry for the loss and trauma . Glad you and your human family survived. The bus is restorable. Not pretty right now but not a total loss. If I can help you I will. Do what ever you can to move forward. I now I have suffered some equally traumatic and devastating losses. Glenn | ||
| David Lower (Dave_l)
Registered Member Username: Dave_l Post Number: 147 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 67.58.201.132  Rating: N/A |
Sorry about your loss our prayers are with you! Dave L | ||
| Dallas (Dal300)
Registered Member Username: Dal300 Post Number: 205 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 75.88.241.188 Rating: N/A |
Mac, I understand what it is to lose everything, (been there done that), especially the feathered and furred members of the family. You have my heartfelt prayers. I don't have much cash to help with, but I do have a bunch of skills and time, along with some parts. When you figure things out, and the hurt lessens a bit, give me a call. I'm about 240 miles from you and could leave the campground here in the care of my wife. my number is 843.496.9176 Dallas | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 52 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 204.62.111.51  Rating: N/A |
wow, I hope you recover soon... keep a line of communication open with your insurance company, and keep at them until they pay you for your loss. to lose one or the other would be one thing, but lose both house and the bus... I hope they find out what caused the fire. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 702 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.208.7.141 Rating: N/A |
Keven....consider, carefully,....about what you said regarding the POlice not letting you go in to remove your bus. Might want to inquire a bit about that. According to what I read on your report, "you could have saved the bus".... give it some thought and ask questions. Got any "legal" friends? I personally am not into "suing", but there might be some liability there if what you say is gospel. FWIW  RCB | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 387 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 32.131.77.174 Rating: N/A |
Hey guys... Not sure when I'll have inet access back again, but a couple of things I want to address. First... A lot of the Paypal donations include a note apologizing that ya can't send more... No apologies necessary! I know how tight money is these days... $5 is still more than I had yesterday! Everything helps right now... Even $0.50 would be appreciated, trust me. I've got some clothes again thanks to y'all. We're able to start focusing on other necessities like shampoo, dog boarding, etc... Where we're staying, pets aren't allowed. . My dog is all I've got left of my pets now (my pets... My bird friends, as u know... Didn't make it.). And believe me, I miss my Coconut... Coco for short... Sigh. Second... Yes, I was forced away from the bus and was not allowed to save it. To add insult to injury, Channel 3 (KTBS I think) simply assumed the fire started in the bus and spread to the house. There's no basis in truth of it, and now OUR fire has made NATIONAL news because of the false statements. Further, they insist on saying it's a 'parked charter bus', completely ignoring that it's so obviously a personal Motor Coach conversion... NOT a 'charter bus'... I'm just infuriated by the whole mess! Well, my fingers are tired, and I need to tend to my wounds. I'm going to take some pictures of them before they heal up too much... At least it doesn't hurt as bad as it looks. The only 'advantage' to 3rd degree burns I guess. Thank you all for the support and kindness you all have shown... I will be contacting many of you soon... Just need Internet access again! My parents also extend a thank you as well! -Mac | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1242 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 24.239.13.27  Rating: N/A |
Mac, I'm stunned. My most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved pets. Thank God you and the other members of your family have survived. I cannot imagine the emotional upheaval your are suffering. Please know that you are surrounded by love, understanding and our complete support. Is there an address where you can receive stuff? And in response to this, I would also ask if there is anything specific that you need in the way of "stuff"? Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 181 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.235.190  Rating: N/A |
When the traumatic memories arise over the loss of your loved ones, stop & recall the many warm loving moments you have with them, this does still exist in your mind. Is this not what your none human friends would expect of your human mind ? I believe it is what your fellow bus nuts would ask of you 91flyer. May you be living with your dog very soon, you obvoiusly need each other. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 470 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.197.237  Rating: N/A |
Mac: condolences are in order along with PRAYERS for you and family. Please let us know what Ian just ask. Just remember God has a purpose and sometimes we don't know how and why, I just went thru a spiritual fire and now I know why. God has a special job for me to do and I had to be tried to get ready for the task ahead, The best advice I can give in this time is take your time on deciding on things and IF YOU are a christian, seek Gods Advice and most of all PSALMS 23. Gomer | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1064 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.3.157.139 Rating: N/A |
I have received a couple phone calls and emails from people that want to help, but don't use Paypal. I just talked to Kevin and donations can be mailed to him at Kevin Nebus, 200 Benoist Circle, Bossier City, LA 71111. Kevin said he is doing OK. Burns are not hurting as much, he is hanging in there. He also said to thank everyone for the help he has received. Jack | ||
| Craig Campbell (Craig_4104012)
Registered Member Username: Craig_4104012 Post Number: 40 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 173.114.78.132 Rating: N/A |
Kevin, Leigh-Ann and I are speechless each time we reflect on this. We will be sending a care package your way. Please let us know what we can get for you and your family and we will send it out. Now if there is an email campaign you would like me to add to regarding the actual nature of the bus and what really happened i will send of a simple message asking them to correct there errors. The thought crossed my mind that it might be best that the nation thinks it was a charter bus and not a personal motor coach. It is not okay that they just decided what caused the fire and did not get actually do any investigation. Well we all know i ramble so i am going to cut myself short here. last word, if you choose to part from your bus and get a different one please let me know. there are many buses out there but for whatever reason here in Hampton Roads it seems like people are just giving them away. look up craigslist/virginia/hamptonroads and you will see several on there that i can go to and take pictures for you or anyone else. | ||
| Jim Gibson (River_rat)
Registered Member Username: River_rat Post Number: 44 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 75.95.96.192 Rating: N/A |
Jack - I just sent Mac some money with paypal - will it get to him or should I try to stop it? Hey Mac - I have Macaw and a Cocatoo - they are really wondefull friends - really sorry. Hang in there buddy... Jim | ||
| John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 178 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 96.42.7.186 Rating: N/A |
I think the paypal is working, at least what I sent him went through. | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1244 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 24.239.13.27 Rating: N/A |
Hi Jack, Is Mac reading these messages, do you know? Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 388 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Hey guys. Ok. Here's what happened today. I had written a long post that was just too much and didn't explain anything the way I tried to write it. So, I'm shortening it and rewriting it. I found out that there are two pools of money. One pool for rebuilding the house, the other for "replacement" of things that were lost that were in the house. Clothing, furniture, appliances, carpeting, etc... There's more than enough to rebuild the house, but once the house is refurnished and new appliances bought to replace the ones that burned... there'll be very little left over to actually "replace" personal items that burned up... Things like mine and my brother's tools, our equipment, computers, TV's, etc... Basically, there'll be nothing left out of the "replacement" pool when it's all said and done to actually "replace" anything at all! My brother's tools were his livelyhood. My computers was mine. Granted, I can't find a contract right now, but not many people out there can for what I do. But that's besides the point. I'm starting over with nothing, and don't even have the one thing I really need right now... The bus. Ugh!! Also coming out of the "replacement" pool are any costs related to cleaning... Including cleanup and prep of the house for reconstruction!! The only good thing I have to say about State Farm right now is that they're paying for boarding of the animals. We're relying on the good will of people like yourselves and the Air Force for housing, food and clothing right now. I've been able to get some regular street clothes with the donations, so I'm thankful to everyone that has donated to help so far... Otherwise, I'd be wearing the same underwear, shorts, hospital shirt and sandals right now! Believe me, that's not a pretty picture. heh. I think I'm going to end up getting a tent and sleeping in the back yard under the stars... I can't afford a hotel room. I'd sleep in the bus as I did on the way back from Florida with it, but... uhh.. Well... Sigh. But, I do have a SMALL tidbit of good news... I looked over the electrical panel in the bus... It flashed over, but didn't melt the wires. Everything in the kick panel was intact! The upper dash panel melted pretty good, but the switches were intact... For the hell of it... I nudged the battery switch... No sparks. No smoke. I engaged it fully... Nothing bad happened. I climbed in... stuck the key in the ignition... Gave it a quick turn and back off. No smoke. No sizzle. So... Turned it back to "on".... Bumped the RUN switch... "Click! Click!" Again, no smoke, no sizzles... Flipped the switch to "RUN" and left it there... Monitored the panel and watched/listened... No smoke. No sizzle. All was normal! I thought to myself... "nah... couldn't be."... Hit START... She started. No smoke from any wires. No short circuits. Just a nice steady roar from the back end.... Then, the soft airline up front where it connects in to the brake release knob started hissing... It cracked. So, that leaks and needs replacement. But... It started. It also shut down once pressure built for the Skinner to close.... That's more than I thought would happen, honestly. I expected a short circuit and some magic smoke. I figured, what the hell? Ain't got anything else to lose now. So... at least there was ONE very SMALL shining moment in the day. Of course, everyone within earshot of the bus started freaking out and questioning my sanity because I had the nerve to even try it... But hey, what else was I to do? Ya'll have our address now... so if any of you want to stop in, I'm sure there'll be plenty we could find for you to do. We're going to be cleaning as much of the mess as we can ourselves so State Farm doesn't reduce the money my parents will get further than they already will. Maybe if I can "save" State Farm enough, there might be a thousand or two left over for me to spend on the bus. Here are a few of the pictures of the disaster... I have many more that I will post... It's just impossible to do this quickly on this connection... So... Here are the ones I've got up now... The house itself, with the bus in front of it... The front of the bus... The inside of the bus... My arm, after trying to save the birds... Not the only burn I received, but it's the worst of them... I'll write another message soon with more links and news... Thanks to everyone that's donated and given support... It really shows how generous and caring this community is. -Mac | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 389 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Ian, I am reading them, it's just difficult since most of the time it's on my phone.... I post from my phone when I have no other access... -Mac | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 183 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.232.82 Rating: N/A |
macflyer , despite your onslaught of distress & not intending to add more, only help you make informed decisions... a lawyer would likely suggest you look into the liability issues and suing for damages depending on the wording in your parents insurance policy & there liability coverage once the source of ignition is proven. I would think any parent would not balk at such a notion if it was there only means of helping there child. Is this not the advertised benefit of being force to participate in insurance schemes ? It would be prudent to keep such tactics from there insurer until they have achieved the bulk of there settlement , but before your parents sign off on all matters with the insurer. When forced into Rome do as the Romans, if it is a matter of fair survival , as survival is the first meaning of life. Hope this helps you all. How you spend court settlement, less your lawyers share, is up to you. Good to here you doing bus therapy, now perhaps include your dog friend. | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 390 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Clint... I'm already arranging with a friend of mine who knows a good lawyer to do just that. As for my pooch... I went to see her and she's doing well, but obviously missing me as much as I'm missing her. I'm hoping we'll be able to get into a place that allows pets soon... I miss my pup. She's one of the most loving dogs I've ever had the companionship of. My mom calls her my shadow... She's never more than a footstep behind me when I'm walking around the house. If I move, she knows it. Loyalty like that isn't given... it's earned. I'll be glad to get her back. I'll miss my friends that didn't make it though. Sigh. As for the bus... I was out earlier today and took another look. Most of the damage inside the bus is surface damage except for the very front of the bus. ALL the glass is a loss though. The front cap is toast. The mirrors, headlights, marker lights, etc... But... I can rebuild her and bring her back to life. I'm trying to get an estimate on the front glass now, but it'll take a couple of weeks to get those figures. I'm not going to bother with the passenger windows though... I'll just skin over 'em and put in standard RV windows where needed... Two of the A/C's made it through, though the lower housings are trashed. The front A/C unit didn't survive and the internals of it melted. I think the other two are OK though... so, a little more good news there. The inspector still hasn't made an official determination as to the cause of the fire though... Still waiting for his word on the subject. We'll see. -Mac | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 225 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 4.248.37.99  Rating: N/A |
Kevin, This is so sad. I just learned from Ian what happened, and I had a 'late' donation of $50.00 when I got in trouble that I'll forward to you through paypal. Not much but I sure know that every little bit helps. I went through a fire too in '97, and I sure am very sensitive to your loss, especially animals... I sympathise with you with all my heart. You helped me out when I was in trouble and Ian told me that you didn't want the money back, but wanted me to 'pay forward'... life makes it that you're the one I 'pay forward'. I finally got my CDs & mailing envelopes, and am about to put all my little packages together and get them in the mail this coming week. Your address is already on one of my envelopes. BTW, I'm working on a post to let you guys know what's going on with my little life... this present situation took over in my priorities. Love you all, Nellie | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1245 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 24.239.13.27 Rating: N/A |
Nellie, just to clarify, the donation we spoke about was from someone else who wished to remain anonymous but whose wish was for you to pay it forward. You have, so the world is back in balance! Thank you. Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 180 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 96.42.7.186 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for moderating all these things Ian, it's a thankless job that requires many hours, but is very much appreciated. I hope that whoever I am able to help out understands it is never with the expectation that I will be repaid. My wife and I have tried to spend our lives "laying up treasures in heaven". I'm guessing you have a pretty good "account" up there too! | ||
| Nellie Wilson (Vivianellie)
Registered Member Username: Vivianellie Post Number: 226 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 4.248.39.177 Rating: N/A |
I'm an idiot!!! Gosh, I hope I get to have an "account" up there one day too... and not some kind of debts... | ||
| Craig Campbell (Craig_4104012)
Registered Member Username: Craig_4104012 Post Number: 43 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 72.59.17.12 Rating: N/A |
Hello again Kevin, What kind of computers do you need? The company i work for moves hundreds of computers a week for all of the local schools and city govt. we also recycle all kinds of computers. I have in the past pulled out a couple of laptops that were winners. in fact i am typing this on one now. if you give me a couple of specs that can get you up and running i will see what i can do. | ||
| Craig Campbell (Craig_4104012)
Registered Member Username: Craig_4104012 Post Number: 44 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 72.59.17.12 Rating: N/A |
oh yeah while i am on the topic, what kind of tools does your brother use? i have no idea what i can get my hands on but i am very resourceful and with all of the navy around here our trading post is full of goodies that you all ready paid for in taxes so the cost is rather reasonable for most things. oh and another force multiplier here is the high volume of navy divorce yard sales. just let me know. 757 761 2875 | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 713 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.208.41.62 Rating: N/A |
Great gesture, Craig....Bless you!!!!!! RCB | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 391 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Craig... I appreciate the offer. My parents computer was one of the ones that physically burned... The others (my dev systems) have severe smoke damage and carbon deposits... Right now, we just need a laptop or two, as the one I'm writing on right now is full of carbon as well.. I'm honestly surprised it's working as it was on when the fire started. As for tools... My brother is a bike mechanic, and I was an auto/bus tinkerer... We each had our own toolboxes. His was all Snap-On, mine were almost all Craftsman. All the tools burned up, as well as much of my electrical testing equipment... Multimeters, my new oscilloscope, etc... Right now, we're just focusing on clearing the house of anything that might be cleanable/salvageable... My ability to get online and post will be limited to the evenings going forward, if I can get on at all. I have a heart condition, bad back and a bad neck... So I'm going to be in rough shape for a while after carting all this stuff around. Bed will likely be my best friend for a while. Right now, basic tools would be of immense help... Socket sets, wrench sets... Metric & standard. Screwdrivers and the like... We have a lot of stuff to tear down and the only tools that did survive, believe it or not, were in the bus... One wrench set, and a melted socket set. lol. I can't get the socket set open though... So I think it's a bust. But the wrench set is mostly ok I think... Even though the vet is putting up the animals that did survive, they don't have very good food... They use the lowest grade stuff they can get it seems... If anyone wants to send some good quality food and toys for the dogs, it would be greatly appreciated. Our kennels also burned up in the fire (they were in the garage). I've got pictures of what happened to them... they were heavy gauge steel and they melted into "S" shapes... pretty hot fire. If anyone wants to send a couple of kennels, that would be appreciated too. And LEASHES. Ours were in the laundry room, which also caught fire. Sigh. I can't tell you just how depressing this is. :'( If anyone has, or knows where to get, glass for the front of my 4905... I need it to get the bus out of there... I'm going to tarp it but if I can get the glass, I can save the bus. The dash panel burned as well... Yes, I'm as concerned with the bus as I am with everything else... The bus was to be my own house. Without it, I'm stuck here in Bossier City... The last place I want to be when this is finally all over. There are more bad memories for me here than anywhere else, and honestly... I want to leave. Once my parents are taken care of, the house is rebuilt and they're settled back in... I need to get the bus ready to go and get out of here. ----- Nellie!! You're not an idiot. Trust me.... If anyone is an idiot.. It's me. I let the animals die, and yes... I blame myself for it. The birds couldn't have been saved, but the dogs & cats could have. I tried to save the birds, and allowed the dogs & cats to die because of it. So... I'm the idiot here.... Definitely not you! -Mac | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 327 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 74.244.14.221  Rating: N/A |
Mac, Let me be the first to say you can't second guess yourself with regards to what pets you could have saved. It's hard to accept the loss and our natural tendancy is to think there was more we could have done. I lost a dear friend of mine to suicide and for the longest time I struggled with feeling that I was responsible because I hadn't seen some warning sign. God gently reminded me that he is the one in control of every situation and it's outcome not me no matter how much I think I can control. If it helps any I started focusing on what he wanted me to learn from the experience rather than why it happened. Tim | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 714 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.108.217 Rating: N/A |
Amen...and Amen! Read Psalm 27:14, Mac..the words of King David. We're praying for you. RCB | ||
| John Ferguson (Jarlaxle)
Registered Member Username: Jarlaxle Post Number: 44 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 131.109.225.62 Rating: N/A |
"As for tools... My brother is a bike mechanic, and I was an auto/bus tinkerer... We each had our own toolboxes. His was all Snap-On, mine were almost all Craftsman. All the tools burned up, as well as much of my electrical testing equipment... Multimeters, my new oscilloscope, etc..." This is gonna sound pretty crazy, but: try to save the handtools. My uncle and I pulled a roll-off out of a garage that burned (rags ignited a shelf of oil paint)...the rolloff was pretty mangled, but once we cut it open, about half the rachets were saveable. Most of the wrenches & sockets were fine after a good dip in cleaner. A long shot, maybe, but worth a try. Best of luck, Mac...my wife is praying for you. | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1247 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 24.239.12.139 Rating: N/A |
Hi folks, I just chatted to Macgyver for a few minutes. It's really looking pretty bleak for him. Looks like his parents are going to be looked after, but they're all homeless for the time being, though they have shelter. The loss of his pets is devastating and as time is going on, it's getting worse for him to bear. We all need to be here for him, which I know we all are. 20 years in the fire service showed me plenty of devastation and the ruin of many a happy family. Let's try not to let that happen to Kevin and his folks. I'm going to keep popping this thread to the top so none of us lose track of it. As has been said before, the major need is a monetary one, as you know, as you have been following this thread. Later tonight, Kevin is going to try to create a PayPal donation button for his email account and send to me. I'm going to plug it in to the same donation page I had set up for Nellie when she broke down last winter in Vermont, so please watch for that. If anyone can respond to this email with a source of supply for a set of windshields for Kevin's bus, that would be a great help. It's a 1970 GMC 4905. I've sent him an email with International Bus & Parts' contact info already. Thanks folks. You're great. Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| Mike Lester (Tin_woodman)
Registered Member Username: Tin_woodman Post Number: 10 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 72.213.22.46 Rating: N/A |
Mac, I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved pets. I've chipped in a bit to help with some of the other stuff. Mike | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 392 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Well, today wasn't very productive. As Ian said, he and I talked for a few minutes. Ya'll have helped a lot, and we're all very thankful... But we need to hit a bigger audiance for donations... We found out a bit more from the insurance company today, but nothing has really changed. They're covering my parents house and the stuff they lost, but nothing of mine or my brother's. Sigh. We miss the animals we lost... My mum lost one of her dogs that was like a child to her. Another dog that died was very old... But my mom's dog was young. We're surprised she didn't make it when her brother did. They were both found in the same place... Side by side on the other side of the house. The smoke overcame her. Her name was Mia. The other dog that died was named Bella... She was the old one... We expected her to die naturally in the next 12 months, but she's still missed. The bird I lost was named Baby. She was a Sun Conure and had more character than most... She was really fun to hold and play with. She would eat from your mouth if you let her... Such a gentle bird. She was hand-fed and raised from a chick. My brother's bird was named Xan. (For those of you who watched Farscape, that's where I got the name for her)... She was originally my bird and was also hand-fed from a chick. She was a Double Yellow-Headed Amazon... Beautiful bird... She wasn't very nice and didn't like women at all... Or my dad. lol... My brother and I were really the only ones that could handle her as she could be quite viscious when she wanted to be.... I gave her to my brother because he wanted her when she hatched... (My mother was a bird breeder at one time). When my mom got out of birds, there wasn't any chance he'd get one of the hatchlings... So that's why I gave her to him. The other birds that were lost were all Cockatiels. They came from my Aunt Thais as chicks, all were hand-fed and raised as well. They went wild, however, and were unhandlable, but were nice to listen to and look at. All the birds had HUGE cages to make sure they had plenty of space to play and fly around... The two cats that were lost were named Piper and Simon. They were brother and sister. Piper was the female, and both were lap-cats but loved to roam around the yard. They were very loving and very touchable... They loved to have their chins scrached and heads petted. They'll be missed. Now we have to focus on rebuilding and getting our lives back in order. Unfortunately, the insurance company just isn't going to be much help to my brother and I. Though he has a support network of his own to fall back on, right now all I have is the bus community as I have *NO* friends locally that can help with anything... When I left a few years ago, so did the few people I knew here. So, I know this might seem petty, or maybe seem selfish, but I need my bus back. Every single piece of glass is shattered. One roof-air unit is unsalvageable. Two can be salvaged, but will require new lower blower housings. They are all 3 Coleman I think. The thermostat and controls for the two rear units survived. The front unit is a complete loss. The generator survived unscathed, as did the engine bay. The majority of the true damage is the front end. The cap, signals, fiberglass signal housings, front skin panels... all damaged beyond repair. I'll need that stuff replaced. The front glass is the most important to get my hands on right now. I've got the local Acme Glass looking at prices now... it'll be sometime next week before they can get back to me. Please understand that the bus was my home... I need it for the work I do... Without it, I can't work. I'm a Telephony Engineer / Network Engineer by trade and travel for the contracts. If anyone can spare old stuff that still works... Toilet, stove, microwave, toaster oven, sinks, etc... That all burned up in the garage and bus. I don't even have batteries or chargers any longer. My parents will be taken care of by the insurance company... My brother is in the process of getting a really good job over-seas... Right now, I have to rely on the help of others, such as this community. I'm glad I'm a part of it, and someday... I'll be back to 100% and can help someone else in trouble too. If anyone has any suggestions on where I could post for monetary and equipment donations... It'd help immensely... Or if anyone knows somewhere to post and can link to this thread, that would be helpful too! -Mac | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 393 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Just found out that the insurance company TOTALED the house and everything in it. Anything that can be salvaged or cleaned, we now have to do it ourselves. That's fine, really... But it's awful 'nice' of them to say they'll do something, then back out of doing it at the last possible moment... THEN, not tell us. They were supposed to tarp the house to save what could be saved from the rain... They're not doing it now. They didn't even have the courtesy to call us and let us know. I *HATE* State Farm. -Mac | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 394 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Oh, not sure if I mentioned this or not... But I got on a ladder and looked at the top of the bus. The first riveted skin panel behind the "Hump" is warped terribly... I'll need to drill the rivets and put in new skin panels... Any idea what to do about that? Is it just standard sheet metal? What is the skin, exactly? I'll get up there and take pictures when I get a chance... -Mac | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 32.176.78.158 Rating: |
Mac... 1st & foremost YOU NEED to contact the Red Cross, they have the abilities & desire to do for you those things you need the most...DO NOT BE BASHFUL OR PROUD. As you franticly seek equilibrium amidst the chaos you may find some solace in SOME of the following. All of what follows was necessary for me to discover or re-learn as I traveled a path of destruction, loss & upheaval that in many ways approximates that which you find yourself in. Also be aware that this comes from the depths of my heart. -Regain some control in your life, a single kernel a day is better than none... -Looking back you have lost a sum TOTAL, that total came little bit by little bit. -Temper your expectations, remember they are DESIRES not NEEDS and what you NEED now is more important than what you desire. -Millions of richer & poorer, intelligent & unintelligent people than you have been thru the same situation or WORSE before, you are every bit as good & able as they were. They survived & thrived afterwards. You will as well. -Everyone arrives with nothing & we all leave the same way. It is the EXPERIENCE along the way & how we deal with it that determines our character & value to self & others. -Tragedy is the first step to a miracle & the first step to tomorrow, you have just been liberated from your material past, learn & rejoice in that liberation & it will guide you faithfully for the rest of your days. -The Creator has bestowed on you all the "tools" you need to survive your trip on this Earth, they are inside your mind and the minds of those you have surrounded yourself with & will come into contact with, make good use of those tools, don't abuse thewn by using a "hammer" for the job a "wrench" is designed to accomplish. Everyone wants to do what they are best equipped to do, let them & appreciate them equally. -You have thousands of "tomorrows" left. In the back of your mind keep you most important goal in focus but refrain from those expectations. -Prayer does work & prayers from your peers are precious. -Feeling guilty or responsible is fruitless, what is done is done, leave that footstep behind you like you would if you were in a swamp, focus on today. -Someone I have no respect for once imparted one of the most important lessons in my life, he said..."if you don't put yesterday behind you by noon today, you won't have a tomorrow either. -You have to move forward bit by bit hour by hour day by day. -You are not being "punished" in any way by your Creator, that is not"his" business. -What you are doing is working your way thru a human problem, a problem for which there is a solution & that solution will come thru your own mind & hands. It will be to your betterment, add depth to your character & to your Spirit as no other experience could possibly do. -YES it is unpleasant to say the least but remember LIFE is not about comfort or pleasantness it IS about experience and ALL experience, be it good or bad is of the same value, it is YOU & people who call the individual experience good or bad. -As hard as it is to believe, you needed this experience in order to be prepared for something or time later in your life, everything we learn as we experience life is used again when we NEED to use it, NO experience is without value for the future. -Terrible things happen to the best of people. It is just a fact of life & learning. Believe it or not this is not the worst that COULD have happened, be thankful for all that you do have. -The one nourishment your Spirit hungers for is HOPE & only YOU can allow it to feed that hunger...DON'T impede your own hope. AND... ABOVE ALL ELSE, NEVER say these words... "What ELSE could possibly go wrong or be worse than this." Utter them once to get the answer that will cause you no end of sorrow. Try to rest easy in the knowledge that this time will pass and when it does the pain you feel now will be no where near as devastating. This is all I have to offer you Mac, along with my prayers and best wishes, I only hope it has meaningful value to you and for you and that you are able to stand outside of the immediate and chart a course that provides some pleasure & comfort. Everyone here is with you in Spirit and wishes that they could do more, keep us informed of every detail so that we can step in to fill the voids that we have the abilities to do. We care and we are waiting for the opportunity to lighten your burden . Better days to you, they await your arrival! | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1069 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.3.157.139 Rating: N/A |
Mac, Not sure about your buffalo, but our MCI roof skin is .063 aluminum. Jack | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 395 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Jack Fids... That must have taken a while for you to write, and I appreciate it and understand what you've said... However, I have carefully separated my 'needs' vs. 'desires' already. I wish this hadn't happened, although our family was a bit dysfunctional (who's isn't?), we were, mostly, happy. I desire for everthing to be replaced. I desire for the insurance company to stop jerking us around and come clean with what they owe my parents at least.... But like my parents, I *need* my own house back. Yes, it was a bus... Yes, it was unfinished and not ready to live in full time... But... I could live in it, and did for a short time. I need the bus as I need my regular vehicle, because without it... *I* am homeless, even when my parents house is rebuilt, I have nowhere to go afterwards. I can't find employment here for what I do. Nobody is hiring in this city and surrounding areas.. My previous contract was from out of state, and I was lucky that I could work remote... Those jobs are few and far between. I generally have to go to them for the employment... Without the bus, I've lost that capability, and thus, have lost my livlihood completely... I will admit that I've had a feeling of hopelessness. I will admit that death has crossed my mind more than once... But I've thought about those who care about me... I've thought about those who I'd leave behind if I were to die... Believe it or not, my dog came to mind first. She knows no other world but one with me in it, and I know she, at least, would be lost in this life without me. She's not the only reason, but... She's a good one. So, trust when I say... I understand much, but know little. I'm surviving day by day, and just seeing where this sinking boat takes me for the time being. What'll happen? Who knows? But I've always said one simple thing... "No matter how bad it is, it can always be worse." I've said that to other people who were also having really bad days... And those same people would simply say "How?". I'd ask of their situation and give an example of how it could possibly be worse... It was always interesting to see the reaction when they realized it was true. Now, I find that I'm having to say the same thing to myself. It can always be worse. How? We could have lost ALL the animals. My mother might not have survived (she's disabled). My brother might have died... The entire house might've burned, etc, etc,... I go over what might've been, and what is. That's all I can do right now. -Mac | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 397 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Well, it rained last night. So.... It's going to be even more miserable trying to work today. Sigh. I have to take frequent breaks because of my heart, back and neck... It's slow going, but... It's going. Sigh. If anyone knows anyone in the area that can help haul stuff out to storage... We need all the physical help we can get too. We don't have much left, but what is left... We're trying to save. The insurance company isn't interested in saving _anything_ now. Bastards. "Snake Farm" is right. -Mac | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 232 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 24.164.20.23  Rating: |
Unfortunately, in today's world, when something like this happens, you need to call the lawyer before you call the insurance company. They are not going to volunteer anything without a fight. I very strongly suggest that you and your parents get the lawyers involved NOW. Not because you are trying to beat them out of anything you are not entitled to, but because you need a knowledgeable advocate on your side. Just having the insurance company know that you have a lawyer might make them a little easier to get along with. I would also see if you can get Red Cross, Fire Department, or any social services help to tarp the house, totaled or not. (Message edited by lsilva on May 17, 2009) | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 719 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.148.250 Rating: N/A |
Ab so lutely.....as I attempted to iterate in an earlier post above...without saying the word. Got any friends in that particular "trade"? They would not need to be where you are but certainly in the state (or member of that state bar) to be of some real benefit to you....BTDT! FWIW RCB | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 398 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Dallas... I'm sorry, with all the chaos... I didn't see your post... Yes.. Any help with the bus will be appreciated.. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do without it. I can't move to the jobs when they come up as it is... So I'm really screwed. Today... Today brought newfound frustration and more bad feelings. Sigh. I played with the bus a little more, left the batteries connected up just a little longer this time and... What do you know... Magic smoke. So, I definitely have a short somewhere in the front end. It's going to take some time to figure that out.. But it's not a priority at this moment, but will be soon. Sigh. One thing after another. Grrrr. -Mac | ||
| John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 183 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 96.42.7.186 Rating: N/A |
Mac, I have no idea what I would do in the situation your in and pray that I never have to find out. The only thing that comes to mind for me is that it sounds like it would take an incredible amount of money and time to bring your bus back even to being "streetable" not talking about liveable, just safe to be on the road with. Have you considered what you could get for it scrapping it out? Good motor, trans, rear end to other busnuts, body parts to a bone yard and then take that money and stick it back into a bus shell. I know sometimes the sentimental value of things makes that hard, I just find it hard to imagine finding all the glass, body panels, wiring harnesses, air lines and everything else that would be needed to restore your present one would be less expensive than starting over.I see busses for sale at government liquidations for under $5K all the time. Maybe I am on the wrong track, but it would be the way I would be looking at it. I wish I was down south somewhere, so i could give you a hand, but Wisconsin is a long way from LA. I will see how the check looks next week and if theres anything extra I will hit your paypal again. For now know that you and your family are in our prayers. | ||
| Greg Roberts (Eagle 20) (Gregeagle20)
Registered Member Username: Gregeagle20 Post Number: 267 Registered: 4-2002 Posted From: 66.18.167.76 Rating: N/A |
Mac, I believe you are in a paradigm with your bus. In a situation like this I believe you need to break the paradigm so that you can operate more freely for success and without the restraints and hurdles that a paradigm presents. In 1985 I found myself in a similar situation to you. I lost use of my RV to a flash flood. In order to continue to survive and function I had to break my paradigm and get outside of the box to find solutions for myself. It became clear to me that I needed to travel to the jobs and stay in the least expensive lodgings I could find. Had I stayed in the paradigm I would have gone broke waiting to get my RV repaired and back to my pressing problem. The key words here are "pressing problem" and it would be in your best interest to solve the most pressing problem first and then go to the next one and do not let things that are actually not pressing problems become hurdles (the paradigm) to solutions to your new pressing problems. When something new presents to you (such as the fire) get outside the box and look at all possible paths and solutions. I must say that it takes a large amount of maturity to walk in these particular footsteps and I pray that you will find the way. | ||
| Jack Fids (Jack_fids)
Registered Member Username: Jack_fids Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 32.176.7.222 Rating: N/A |
Mac... Each and every word and sentence you wrote was lifted from my own experience, right down to living for the dog if nothing else. You have the best handle on it that could expected under the present circumstances and maintaining an even keel is about 1/3 the situation solved, your doin better than most. Beside good legal representation you need to hook-up with a community service org. that can help fill the deepest holes in your life. Drive out of this like you drive that 4905, stay between the lines, maintain focus & control & don't forget to make use of the rest stops along the way. I wish I could offer more. | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 399 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
John... I've found a supplier for the glass... It's all custom work because of the contours of the frame though. The windshield these guys make is a one-piece, one-off deal... I'll be talking to them tomorrow to see what's involved, and the cost. The "saving face" here is that I'd eventually planned on replacing these windows... Just not this soon, as the original were usable and were fine for a while. My need to replace has obviously been reprioritized... As for the electrics... I can trace the short down. I'm pretty sure I already know what system is shorted... So, it's just a matter of ripping the panel apart and following the shredded/melted wire to its endpoint. I know... Easier said than done. lol The thing is... With this bus... I haven't had it long. So, "sentimental" value isn't really that high... It's the fact that it's RARE. Only 331 of this model for 1970-1971 were ever made and it's one of the few left on the road... It's more like a prized collector's item to me... Something that's fairly unique.. That's important to me, though... Not NECESSARY. It's just nice, ya know? Greg, The bus was my shift. I'd been working typical corporate jobs on salary basis for most of my professional life... The bus was my way of freeing myself to go where the jobs were without expending vast resources to do so... Apartment rent, utility bills, mowing the lawn, that kind of stuff. I'd decided it was time to freelance and lend my talents and skills on freelance contract positions... Of which, many can be had if I can just get to them. Most of the contracts for what I do are in the two to three month range and rarely extend beyond 6 months. Thus, the need for 100% mobility. I can't abandon the bus, because I'm "all in"... I have no recourse. I have no backup plan. I have no way out at this point. It's make it, or break it.... Really that simple in this case. :s ---- So... With those things said... I'm going to rip out the old passenger window frames over the coming days and get everything sealed up. The areas on the outside that the fire burned the paint away from and is now exposed, I'm going to grind down and throw a coat of rustoleum on it to keep it from rotting... While I'm at it, since I'll have little else to do while the house is being rebuilt... I'll go ahead and strip the remaining interior from the bus. I found the air leak that I heard up front... It's the air line going to the pressure gauge... Easily fixed. So I'll just get some tubing and splice it in... Or, more likely, just cap it for now and worry about it when I have a new dash to put in. I think I'll fabricate my own. I really didn't like the original much anyway. Yeah, I've had some time to think and reflect on this... I *CAN* save the bus. Once I get into it and start pricing out what it's going to cost to actually do it, I'll make the decision to move forward with doing so, or not... So far, the damage I've come across can _mostly_ be repaired without TOO much hassle... It's just a matter of money. On that front... I'll be consulting with a lawyer soon. I've already discussed it with my parents, and they said to sue them if that's what it takes... The insurance shouldn't be able to back out of that, but that's for the lawyer to decide what can be done. I'm still gunning for going after the city, since it was their employee that stopped me from moving the bus, AND, threatened me that if I tried, he'd drag me away by force if necessary... So, I think I have a case there. But, I honestly can't recall if it was an off-duty police, or fire person... I simply don't remember what he identified himself as besides "off-duty"... So it wasn't your joe-blow down the street. Anyway, it's late... We've got a lot of work to do tomorrow on the house. We're still hauling stuff out and have barely made a dent.. The insurance company wants to begin demo on Tuesday... If we don't have everything out... We sure as hell aren't letting them start knocking walls down and haul stuff out to the dumpster that can be saved otherwise! Bastards think they can just throw away a family's entire life? I dun tink soh! -Mac | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 400 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Hey Jack... We cross-posted. heh. Well, at this point... I have to set a goal for myself... however unrealistic it might be in the long run. Right now... That goal is the bus. It, and my dog, are my beacons in this vast sea of despair. My parents and brother are ok. Some of the animals survived... So, I'm thankful for that at least. I just have to try to keep moving forward and try not to look back... Looking back is like looking into the mouth of a snarling, hungry and terrifying abyss... I've stared into more than one of those in my life already, so I've had "some" preparation for this... But noone is ever prepared "enough" to do it again. This is actually the 2nd house fire in as many years that I've been involved in, and the 2nd that my dog has survived, also in as many years. The first fire was in an apartment building... The place above mine. The dumbasses left a candle burning on a PAPER PLATE and LEFT THE APARTMENT, which, of course, burned down and caught fire to the apartment... I heard all this crashing and commotion upstairs and went up to knock on their door... no answer. There was also no smoke coming from around the door yet either... But, I stepped outside because I saw people gawking in front of my apartment... Looked up and I'll be damned if it wasn't a big, angry red fireball engulfing the upstairs apartment! I wasn't allowed to go back in to save my dog on that one either, but she survived despite the idiots that wouldn't let me back in. My apartment didn't catch fire, it did get water damage from water coming down through the ceiling though... I nearly went ballistic and decked the cop that wouldn't let me back in to get my dog. So yeah... I've been through it, just not to this extent. Believe me... If it ever happens again, no person on this planet is going to stop me from doing what I need to do in order to save my animals, or my home again. I don't care if I have to kill someone to do it at this point... I've had enough of being bossed around and told what I "can't" do in an emergency situation... Next time, there'll be no following barked orders. Next time, everyone better stay the hell out of my way, 'cuz lemme tell ya... I'm done with it. -Mac | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 401 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Here's a copy of the email I received from Jeff @ Motion Windows :: http://www.motionwindows.com ... --- Dear Mr. Nebus, We have been manufacturing direct replacement windows for GMC bus conversions since the early 1980's. Since the existing window shape is so unconventional as compared to windows in more modern buses, we accomplish manufacturing by hand. Replacement windows for the GMC 4905 are only available in single pane. Everything from the frame to the glass is all custom-manufactured and meticulously built to ensure the proper fit. All of the large side windows are built as sliding windows with sliding screens (the rear panel slides forward). Driver and passenger door window replacements are also built as half-slides with screens and allow fantastic cross ventilation through the cockpit area. In addition to the sliding windows, we also offer "Big and/or Little D" glass and lock rubber replacements. Pricing includes new rubber gaskets, interior garnish rings, black or clear anodized frames and the glass tint of your choice. I have also attached several pictures of a recently completed bus (they aren’t the greatest photos but should give you an idea). You will also see a recently completed project on the July cover of Bus Conversions magazine. If you would like to make this quote an order, please give me a call. I am in the office Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Pacific Time. Windshields http://www.coachglass.com/ Driver- Half Slider w/ sliding screen & new installation gasket rubber $350.00 Passenger Door-Half Slider w/ sliding screen & new installation gasket rubber $350.00 Side Windows—Half Slider w/ sliding screen & new installation gasket rubber $465.00 ea. Big D Glass & Rubber Replacement $185.00 pair Little D Glass & Rubber Replacement $150.00 pair Sincerely, Jeff Kemp Director of Sales & Marketing Peninsula Glass Co.—Motion Windows Division 6005 N.E. 121st Avenue Vancouver, Washington 98682-5806 Phone: 360-892-2029 ext. 204 Fax: 360-213-1274 jeff@motionwindows.com www.motionwindows.com www.onedayglass.com All Files transmitted are confidential and are the property of Peninsula Glass Co. They are not to be distributed or reproduced without the express permission of Peninsula Glass Co. ---- I am not attaching the mentioned pictures because of the statement at the end of the email regarding ownership... I'll ask him if I can post them for you guys though, I'm sure he won't mind. The windows do look great... And they seem reasonably priced. I've got to call him tomorrow for the windshield price though... I'm not sure if he's implying that I need to take the coach to them, or if they just make the glass based on a shape they have, or what... I'll clarify that. But... Looks like it's a one-piece, which is good, and bad... Bad if it gets a bad crack, good for visibility. I honestly would prefer a one-piece, despite the possible downside of cracks travelling from one end to the other. I'll just have to make sure I'm careful not to get behind a gravel truck or something. ;) Hey! Anyone out there got those big mirrors laying around? Mine melted. :'( Yes, I'm deliberately trying to be "cheery". I get to see my pooch tomorrow... I'll be happy to see her, I miss her. -Mac (Message edited by 91flyer on May 18, 2009) | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1070 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.3.157.139 Rating: N/A |
Mac, I have a set of mirrors off of a MC-8 (complete assemblies with arms and mounting brackets), but I think they will fit your bus. Let me know if you want them and they will be on there way to you. Jack | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1250 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 24.239.13.27 Rating: N/A |
PLEASE NOTE: This donate button has been deactivated (12-4-2010). Editor. Hi Folks, Macgyver sent me a PayPal "Donation" button that you can find here: http://www.busnut.com/macgyverdonation.html If you can help out financially, this link will take you to a web page that will start the process of sending money directly to Kevin. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity. Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 415 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 70.60.107.113  Rating: N/A |
Kevin, I bought some "Peninsula" windows for my bus. *Very* good quality; super fit, mechanically they seem solid and they look good. And check on the tints/colors for the glass that they have available. Best wishes, BH NC USA | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 402 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Ian, thank you for setting that up... I was starting to wonder if you had received the email. ;) Jack, yes... I'd be interested in them! If they don't fit, I'll send them back to you... Bruce, I had been looking at those at one point in the past... I just hadn't decided yet... Windows weren't exactly high on the priority list just yet. I'll take a look at 'em again and see what they have. Thanks. -Mac | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 403 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Coach Glass wants about $2200 for the windshields... That includes installation. -Mac | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 404 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Going to go visit the dogs and get back to work... THANK YOU ALL for your kindness and generosity. It's certainly appreciated. Those of you who've donated, I'll be sending out thank you notes very soon... Once things settle down and I can sit down for a bit to write them. Please don't think I'm neglecting that! We're still far short of what we need, but your donations have been a HUGE help to us. We've gotten clothing, shoes, pet supplies, work supplies, etc... I have yet to spend anything on the bus... Once everything else is taken care of, I can start concentrating on rebuilding my own home. Of course, my parents home and their wellbeing come first. Mine is and always will be secondary, even though I'm sure at times it doesn't seem that way. The loss of pets and our way of life has been difficult, at best... I just want you all to know how much we appreciate your support... Words will never truly express our gratitude, but I'll say what I can... Thank you. -Mac | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 731 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.210.201.236 Rating: N/A |
If it were me...I'd check MUCH further on the glass...FWIW...2200 is (MHO) over the top for that coach! Could be wrong. RCB | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 405 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Oh, I'll keep looking... No worries there. I've got nothing but time right now... But I'll have to get the glass soon. I found the short in the dash panel this evening and snipped the wire.. Once I'm done stripping everything and cleaning things up I'm going to look into rewiring the entire coach. All the old systems are still in place that are just dead... So I'll take the 'opportunity' to clean it all up and get the wiring under control. I might also go ahead and rewire everything for 12v (lighting) since 12v seems to be MUCH easier to find than 24v stuff. I'll probably just make a 24v/12v converter... It's something I'll have to think about. Lots to do yet, not enough money to do it with. Sigh. The donations have helped a lot. I'm going to have to try to find a job locally, but can't do anything on that front until I know where we're going to be living until the house is done. Currently at a hotel (Air Force Base temporary quarters) and no time yet to find something... Sigh. Oh.. I've decided on a name and color scheme for this 4905 now. "Phoenix" for the name... Orange/white/red for the colors. Seems appropriate. -Mac | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 186 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.235.190 Rating: N/A |
/// carry on with the bus therapy, with a little plastic and some glue you & the puppy will be dry & camping in her, right were she burnt,after all, some one has to keep a eye on the new house construction! | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 406 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Therapy comes in waves... I focus on trying to accomplish something... ANYTHING... during the day. When it's time to quit for the day, my mind drifts back to the animals we lost. They really were part of the family and were loved immensely... I wake up after sleeping sometimes for just minutes from a nightmare about the birds... It's one thing to hear about someone's pets dying... It's another to watch those pets BURN in front of you and there's NOTHING you can do to help them. It's the most saddening thing I've ever had to live through so far... It won't be the saddest when my parents eventually die, but watching animals burn to death has to be one of the worst things one can witness. The feeling of complete helplessness and now, the lonliness without those animals... It really is unbearable if I allow my mind to wander to them for more than a moment. :'( "Bus Therapy" is right... It really is more of a distraction right now than anything else... Maybe I can save the bus... Maybe I can't. Only time, and money, will tell.. Time I have, money is in gravely short supply. I'm doing what I can, but I've yet to spend any of the donation money on the bus specifically. I'm hanging on to it and spending only what NEEDS to be spent right now. If insurance comes through, and pays my parents what they're supposed to... And I win whatever lawsuit I employ... I do make one promise. I promise that I will forward Ian some of the donation money we've received to be recycled back into the community for the time when someone else needs it. Many of you have inquired via email as to my religious beliefs... I've honestly avoided answering those questions because I'm actually pretty secretive about it... Most of those who practice my faith are secretive because they've been hunted in the past for their beliefs... But, I will tell you that I'm not a Christian. I'm not a Satanist. I'm not Muslim. I'm not an Athiest (though, I once was). My religion of choice honestly doesn't recognize Satan to exist. "Good" and "Evil" are necessary, and one cannot exist without the other... I don't believe they are "in balance", but constantly shift... Chaos is pretty much the law, if that makes sense to anyone. My religion of choice respects Nature and her gifts to us and considers life the most precious of those gifts. I don't eat much meat, though I'm required to as part of my diet because of one of my health issues (hypoglycemia)... Otherwise, I wouldn't eat meat at all... Though, I do LOVE shellfish. I believe in right to life, but also right of choice. I believe abortion is wrong, but I also believe it's a woman's choice to do so. I don't force my morals on others and only ask the same in return. I don't generally discuss faith and religion except amongst those who know me on that level, or who are part of my religion of choice. I'm only posting these things because they've been asked, and I don't want to mislead or lie about it. Truth is something that was once hard for me to say, and even harder to come by... I consider everyone in this community to be a friend and I truly hope that one day I'll get to meet all of you at one point or another. To me, you are all an extended family... And honestly, right now... I need that more than ever. My family needs it. The support you all have offered was more than we had expected and it really shows how close this community really is... And you've all made me feel that we are truly a part of it. Thank you... All of you. My parents say "Hello!" and "Thank you" as well. Once I get my main PC back up and operational, I'll be making a video compilation of the family and the surviving animals. I'll make a separate video as a memorial to the animals that didn't survive... I'll post those links for YouTube when they're completed, but it's going to be some time before I can. I have to get my workstation back in operation (if possible) before I can work on that... And it'll be a while before I do anything with it... Too many other things to do right now. Anyway... I just wanted to answer some of the questions some of you have posed about my religion, and to share some personal thoughts about this community and the way you've all made us feel welcome here... Words really can't describe... I'm off to bed... -Mac | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member Username: Pvcces Post Number: 1286 Registered: 5-2001 Posted From: 65.74.69.200 Rating: N/A |
Mac, I don't know if it would be any help, but we have retired a computer that used to be the main one in our office. It's a 350 Pentium with 98 SE, with at least a service pak. It would take some cleaning of the hard drives before it went anywhere but we could get it cheap from our company. If that's not too slow to be of any use, we could ship it to you. We could cover parcel post shipping, which would probably mean a couple of weeks to get to you. I would be really reluctant to pay the new rates for priority mail as they have increased a lot. I would think that you could probably get a second hand computer locally, both cheaper and quicker, but I don't really know that. Perhaps renting would work? One other thing; GM windshields are available through some sources for around $150, IIRC. Do you have some non-stock ones? Let us know. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher Ketchikan, Alaska | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 407 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Oh... And something I forgot to mention... I do believe that prayer is good. I don't discount it or disbelieve in it at all... I just re-read my post and neglected to mention that... So please don't think it's not appreciated or that it goes unnoticed... -Mac | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 235 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 24.164.20.23 Rating: N/A |
Kevin, It's only been a week. You are still (and will be for a long time) grieving your multiple terrible losses. You are in no condition to make any serious (read expensive) decisions at this time. So, I urge you to protect your bus as best you can with plastic and/or tarps, clean it up if you feel like it, do what you can so that it will move under it’s own power and nothing else. Don’t spend a dime extra for at least a couple of months when you’ve had a little time to process your situation. If you decide to rebuild, you will be starting a new bus conversion with less than a shell to begin with. Your health and energy are not the best and finances are limited. When we don’t have the money, everything costs more. When you can’t go to the wholesale house and buy a $1000.00 worth of wire, it’s going to cost twice as much, etc., etc. I truly think that when you’ve had the time to process and analyze everything, you will come to the conclusion that you will be far better off to get whatever dollars you can out of the bus and buy another one. I spent my working life in telephony (carrier/microwave/fiber engineering and construction) and I know times are very hard right now. I’m sure you know of Telephony Magazine but just in case: http://telephony.telecomcareers.net/jobseekerx/SearchJobsForm.asp? Probably the most comprehensive job source out there. | ||
| John Ferguson (Jarlaxle)
Registered Member Username: Jarlaxle Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 63.22.185.66 Rating: N/A |
"One roof-air unit is unsalvageable. Two can be salvaged, but will require new lower blower housings. They are all 3 Coleman I think." Hmm...long shot, but: can you strip ANYTHING useful out of the unsalvageable roof air unit? Maybe make one good housing out of three damaged ones? (If nothing else, maybe keep any working parts as spares?) "Many of you have inquired via email as to my religious beliefs... I've honestly avoided answering those questions because I'm actually pretty secretive about it... Most of those who practice my faith are secretive because they've been hunted in the past for their beliefs... But, I will tell you that I'm not a Christian. I'm not a Satanist. I'm not Muslim. I'm not an Athiest (though, I once was). My religion of choice honestly doesn't recognize Satan to exist. "Good" and "Evil" are necessary, and one cannot exist without the other... I don't believe they are "in balance", but constantly shift... Chaos is pretty much the law, if that makes sense to anyone. My religion of choice respects Nature and her gifts to us and considers life the most precious of those gifts." I think my wife shares your religion (though not your reluctance to discuss it), Mac. She's praying for you. Regarding computer stuff for work: what, EXACTLY, do you need to do your job? My friend does computer stuff for a living...while most of the jargon is a mystery to me, there are a bunch of PC repair places around here and he ALWAYS has a closet full of unused stuff. Post a list and I'll hunt around and see what I can dig up. If it's not too heavy & bulky, I can ship it to you. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1552 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 98.192.173.82  Rating: N/A |
Kevin - Haven't chimed in here yet, work's been keeping me busy. Will be making a donation on Friday for you. After looking at the photos you've posted, I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with Len - salvage the best parts and sell the rest for scrap, then buy another coach that's already completed. Lots out there. . . Why do I say that? Much as I understand you wanting to "save something" from your loss, I think, based on the upper front end damage, the the coach is probably "warped" from the fire's heat. Trying to get new windshields sealed, for example, may turn out to be a nightmare because nothing lines up anymore like it should. And the interior pic, with all the windows blown out from the fire, also indicates to me that you'll have structural problems down the road. At the transit property I worked at, we had two coaches experience fires in the 15 years I was there, both electrically caused. One was a '77, the other a '90. Neither was returned to service. Both had useable parts stripped off, then sent to salvage auction. At the time, the '90 model was just three years old, too. Another thought: You might want to call Luke at US Coach in NJ and get his opinion about salvaging fire-damaged buses. Luke, as you know, has been in the business over 40 years, and knows GMCs inside and out. His number is 1-888-262-2434. Oh, and if you get an attorney involved, your parents policy might just cover the total loss of your coach, since it was parked on their property at the time. Maybe. But again, re-read and think thru what Len's said above, I think he's dead-on. FWIW & HTH. . . RJ | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 409 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
RJ... The windows were smashed out by the FD so they could hose the interior. The majority of it is "flashover"... The front end did suffer the worst of the damage, however... BUT... The only thing I can find that's warped is the front top skin rippled a bit... I'll take additional detailed pictures of the damage and ya'll can give me your opinion. Honestly though, I think the bus can be salvaged with a little work. All of the seal pieces were still in place before I began stripping it and the window openings do not appear warped at all... I've "eyeballed" them and the curves are still smooth.. I'll have a body shop check the openings before I move forward with anything... Right now, I'm only stripping and trying to protect what's left (the shell). I'm not buying windows or anything else for it right now... I simply don't have the funds to if I wanted to. I did receive some news today, though... My parents located a rental apartment. Literally across the street from our home! I could walk there if I needed to. So... We'll have our animals back this week sometime... THAT makes me pretty happy... I just wish they were all coming with us... There was nothing left of the birds to even bury... Not even bones. Well, time for me to get going. I woke up late and now I'm getting a late start. My parents thought I needed the rest more than I needed to work I guess... :: shrugs :: I'll update again later. -Mac | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1073 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.3.157.139 Rating: N/A |
Mac, The mirrors are on there way to you. Post Office said 4-6 days, so I would figure 6-10 days. Hope they will work for you. Jack | ||
| John Ferguson (Jarlaxle)
Registered Member Username: Jarlaxle Post Number: 46 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 63.22.169.38 Rating: N/A |
"At the transit property I worked at, we had two coaches experience fires in the 15 years I was there, both electrically caused. One was a '77, the other a '90. Neither was returned to service. Both had useable parts stripped off, then sent to salvage auction. At the time, the '90 model was just three years old, too." I worked for a bus company that had a 1998 Blue Bird TranShuttle (a short TC1000 set up as a transit rather than a school bus). The entire right side of it burned, they bought it at an auction. It was repaired comnpletely, though the WC lift was removed in favor of three extra seats. A guy I know recently bought it (for practically nothing due to the branded title) and is converting it. So far, we've found nothing to indicate this was a mistake. | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 410 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 32.135.241.102 Rating: N/A |
well... Today went well. I stripped a great deal of 'burnt' from the bus today... Unfortunately, though... We found out how Snake Farm is going to screw us. We have to buy everything we want to replace FIRST. Out of our own pockets... Then turn in the reciepts for reimbursement. We can't do that... We don't have the money just laying around to replace everything up front! Isn't that kindof the whole POINT of HAVING insurance in the first damn place!?!? Ugh!!!!! -Mac | ||
| Paul Lawry (Dreamscape)
Registered Member Username: Dreamscape Post Number: 496 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 64.40.216.17 Rating: N/A |
Mac, something sounds screwy. Get another opinion from a lawyer. It depends on how the policy was written, but I smell a skunk! This is the one reason I hate insurance on anything! Good Luck, we're thinking of you often and pray that all works out! ~Paul~ | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 189 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.235.190 Rating: N/A |
... ah the insurance game ...once you have had a chance to sweat & stress the typical home insurer will then offer you a percentage of the total insured value as is most often stated in the master copy of the policy in great detail & vaguely mentioned in the copy you get every year (which also always mentions the master copy as the final word of the contract). All part of the "grind you down" due process. Truth is a dozen years of a homeowners insurance premiums will often pay for a good fire detection/suppression system & a heap of security & safety. But then you wouldn't get there lawyers on "retainer" to foil any "would be liable law suitors" for near eternity or qualify you for that mortgage that there left arm is holding on your nest egg. Perhaps it is best to rely on your dog's love & bus therapy when it comes to attaching 2nd aid hopes & plans to rectifying this mess. Piecing off some lawyer with a cut of the potential compensation to handle the cheat & gain issues might save you a some heart ache. Often seems that insurance is for paying for some, as if everything is "relative" & those that just pay, aren't . Carry on fellow "busnut", just carry on any way you may. I am sure you dog will provide you with her best examples of what is often very important , yet not materialy tangable, if you will pay attention, if all systems of belief have fallen to the side. Hope this doesn't sound "spelled backwards" to the point were it does not help you ? | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 411 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
yeah, my parents are getting a lawyer to go up against the Snake Farm... I'm getting a lawyer to either go after the city, or State Farm for the bus... I've done more looking at the bus, and carefully looked over the front windshield openings... There's no obvious warpage. In fact, the original seals to the windshields were still in pretty good shape and melted on the inside only slightly before I stripped them off. The worst of the damage, like I said, is the upper skin panel behind the "buffalo" windows topside. That's where the stuff was that I HADN'T stripped already... The couch, microwave, etc... I'll be stripping the remaining interior of the bus over the next few days. On a good note, I was able to start the bus today and found that the only other air leak from the passenger side air wiper motor... It's fried. The driver's side wiper motor is intact, and actually works. So, I'll need to replace the passenger side wiper motor... No biggie. I was thinking about going electric anyway. (rolls eyes) Because of the crap State Farm is pulling... It doesn't look like I'm going to really get ANYTHING out of them without a lawsuit and 2 years of litigation. I'm going to continue plugging away at the bus and finish stripping everything down. I did get an angle grinder and stripped out the old window frames that were left for the passenger windows in a couple of hours... Man, I wish I'd had one of those things a LONG time ago... They sure make short work of things that otherwise take much longer to do... I also started cleaning the seal surfaces today as well... I snagged some Rustoleum primer paint and painted over the freshly exposed metal. I did find that the front end of the bus had EXTENSIVE bondo work and is pretty banged up underneath... Something I wasn't aware of previously... So, something new. If I decide to salvage the bus... I've decided that I'm not going to bother trying to save the original aluminum finish on the bay doors... I'm going to strip them clean, exposing fresh aluminum and paint them with a "hammered" Rustoleum paint. I like the look, and it'll go well with the paint scheme I have going in my head for the Phoenix. Honestly, the more I dig in and look things over, the less things seem to be damaged. The fire wasn't too severe inside the bus... The electrics aren't in TOO bad of shape... Though, the dash obviously needs complete reworking, which is fine... I'd planned on replacing all the analog instruments with a digital panel I was designing that'll run off of PIC's. Hey, maybe I could go into business designing and selling those systems for REASONABLE prices, instead of the $10k to $20k I keep seeing around the 'net for 'comprehensive' packages. I think I can build them just as well, with more features and offer them for cheaper prices. What ya'll think? Either way, the whole insurance scam is just depressing me. It's not enough that our home burned down and took our pets and most of our posessions with it.... The frakkin' insurance company wants to screw us harder. That's ok. What goes around, comes around. Once I get my bus (or a different one) back up and running... I'm going to plaster the side of it with anti-State Farm messages and set a web site up detailing how we've been treated. I know there's other web sites out there for that too... Maybe I'll just post our story on them and give the link in nice, big letters on the side of my bus with the link and park it in the parking lot next to our SF agent's office... I think there's a Progressive Insurance or GMAC place pretty close to theirs... That ought to piss them off thoroughly. I'll figure something out. I guess we move in to our new apartment next week sometime... Gotta get the utilities and everything set up... Gotta get my iNet reconnected too. I'll probably be offline for a few days while waiting for that to happen, but I'll still have access to eMail with my phone. This page has grown too large for me to adequately browse it with my phone now... IAN!! Is there a way to enable "posts per page"? Can I make it so the page isn't so BIG for use on my phone? I looked in the settings for my profile, but couldn't find anything to control that... It'd really help if that could be enabled for me... If it's a board-wide setting, then don't worry about it. When I'm on the PC, I prefer an all-on-one-page layout... I'd just like to change it for when I use my phone. JACK... Thanks for sending the mirrors... I hope I can use them. If not, I'll send them back to you... If I can't use them, I can't really hang on to them since I have nowhere to put them... I should be able to make 'em work though. THANK YOU. We went up and saw the pooches today... They're doing well, but are scared... Hopefully we'll have them back full-time next week too. ^.^ Anyway guys... I'm going to head off to bed. I'm hoping more donations come in... We can really use the $$ with SF screwing us over so completely right now. We're grateful for what we've received so far though... My parents say hello and thank you as well. -Mac | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1076 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.3.157.139 Rating: N/A |
Mac, When had to replace most of our "stuff" after Hurricane Charley, the insurance had us get prices from local stores with model numbers and our actual cost. this was submitted to the insurance company and they cut us a check. Maybe State Farm operates differently. You might consider talking to a local TV channel "troubleshooter". Jack | ||
| John and Barb Tesser (Bigrigger)
Registered Member Username: Bigrigger Post Number: 186 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 96.42.7.186 Rating: N/A |
Mac, Hang in there friend. I have found that immediately following a tragedy our minds are numb followed by a time of intense activity and then comes a time when people leave and we realize that we are on our own. I want you to know that we have not forgotten you or your situation and will continue to pray for you and your family, continue to try and find ways we can help you and that you can help yourself. I am so sorry that your problems are compounded by the insurance companies. I think that is the "nature of the beast". They will try to get away with giving as little money out as is possible and a legal fight with them is almost inevitable in most cases. Glad to hear your going to get your dogs back soon. As an animal lover I know how much they mean. We lost one of ours a couple years ago and I still grieve the loss. Keep your chin up, its amazing what the human spirit can take and bounce back. Payday comes and we will help out some more if we are able. Remember my favorite text from the Bible "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose" Rom. 8:28. It doesn't say bad things won't happen, it just says God is in charge and will make the best outcome of any situation if we allow Him. Your friends, John and Barb | ||
| macgyver (91flyer)
Registered Member Username: 91flyer Post Number: 412 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 12.198.81.194 Rating: N/A |
Ok. I have some news.... I've finished removing the remainder of the burnt wood/furnishings from the bus... It looks pretty good overall... Not as bad as it first appeared. One upper skin panel is warped... I'm still examining the panels, but the only one that seems to have any warpage/rippling is the one that still had cabinetry attached to it that burned... I can fix that. Not a problem. I can also fix the dash. I'm going to do what I had intended to do previously, just much sooner... I'm going to design my own digital gauge system and replace the analog stuff and build in a touch screen LCD panel for displaying information and use LED's for the "dummy lights". I'm going to be taking my time on everything and research the best glass prices, naturally... I had a BUTT LOAD of conversion equipment that burned... According to State Farm, they're going to replace it... Which is pretty much everything I'll need for the conversion except the glass, wood, wiring, etc... So, this is good. State Farm, however, is still trying to screw us over pretty good... But, I have some news on that front too. A friend of the family, and several of her friends, have had problems collecting from State Farm in the past... They all used the same lawyer. We'll be contacting him very soon... The kicker is, from what I understand from my mother... The guy has NEVER lost a case against State Farm. In fact, State Farm won't even let his cases get to court anymore... They settle quickly because they've always lost!!! And here's the icing... He always gets more than the policy was worth in the first place. Now, I know... "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"... But right now... It's just hope... And hope is a good thing for us at this time... even if it turns out to be false hope. It's still something.... So please don't shatter that hope! ;) As I'm sure ya'll can gather... I've decided to move forward with salvage of this bus. I simply can't let a beautiful machine like this, that's so rare, just go up in smoke and not give her a second chance at life. It's going to take me a long time, and of course, I can't do it all at once... But for me, it's a form of "therapy" to keep myself occupied and not think about the disaster that's befallen us... Even if, ultimately, she proves to just be too far gone to salvage... Like the birds I couldn't save, I can at least say I tried, which is important to me. Also, things are on track for moving in to our temporary apartment early to mid next week... So I'm looking forward to that. What I'm not looking forward to, however, is having to clean everything. lol... What an ugly black powdery stinky mess it all is right now. Sigh. I'll be happy to get my pooch back... I miss her terribly.... Once I get my main workstation back in operation, I'll be able to work with the pictures and video I have and put something together that ya'll can see the extent of the damage... And the companions we lost as well as the ones that survived. I just wish I could have done more to save the ones we lost... We miss them. -Mac | ||
| Craig Campbell (Craig_4104012)
Registered Member Username: Craig_4104012 Post Number: 46 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 72.63.198.34 Rating: N/A |
kevin, i am still working on putting a laptop together for you. I hope i can make this work out for you. i will keep you posted. | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1251 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 24.239.13.27 Rating: N/A |
Hi Kevin, I can't archive a part of this thread without doing the same for the whole Topic (THE BOARD). I'm going to start a new thread for you with a copy of your last message in it. For those folks looking for the continuation of this thread, please see the thread entitled "Fellow Busnut Burned Out (Continued)" Ian www.busnut.com |
