| Author | Message | ||
| Bill Collier (Bill__sylviane)
Rating: N/A |
Regretfully I need to consider paying someone else to finish my conversion. I have done a roof raise, installed a slide out, framed the ceiling and installed the exterior skin. Next step is rough electrical, spray foam, interior skin and windows (I have the windows). Then all of the interior improvement. My job is becoming more time demanding and with 2 young kids I just fail to find the work hours needed to make substantial progress. It’s been 3 years already and we want the bus done this year if at all possible. Currently I am in San Diego but it looks like work will have me moving to the Sacramento area in the next month or so. I would appreciate any opinions and recommendations for who I can have finish my conversion. I did a search here for B&B Coach Works but did not find any opinions of about their reputation. I also would like to hear opinions about C & G Automotive if any of you know about them. Thanks Bill & Sylviane | ||
| Kylexisxrad (Kylexisxrad)
Rating: N/A |
bill, I don't really know of any converters, but I live in sacramento and when you get here if you'd like to get together and talk buses I'd be more than willing. I have a completed(oxymoron, I know) 1980 Eagle 10 you can look at for some ideas. let me know. kyle in norcal | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Rating: N/A |
Check with Bob at HB Industries in El Cajon, http://www.hbindustries.us/ He does just about everything on buses. Don't be put off by his messy area, he does first class work. He restored the Catalina Island Flxibles. | ||
| H3-40 Rating: N/A |
Bring it to Florida along with a major credit card and carte blanche (sp) and we'll get er' done for ya. I need a good excuse to quit my full timejob anyway and this looks like a pretty good idea. Hey Maybe Jack Conrad would like part of this action too! Ace | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Rating: N/A |
Ace, I like that idea. How bout Cracker Conversions, Inc. Jack | ||
| H3-40 Rating: N/A |
Hey sounds good to me! Can I get a raise boss?  Ace | ||
| H3-40 Rating: N/A |
Wait I just thought of a better name. How about CCC "Cracker Coach Conversions"? Now I know THAT deserves a raise! Ace | ||
| Jim Smitty Rating: N/A |
I would recomend Infinity Coach in Sumner, WA http://www.infinitycoach.com/ Bob and Jim Lewis and there crew do really good work. They will be at BUS N USA in Oregon in July | ||
| airless in Mississippi (Airless_in_mississippi)
Rating: N/A |
Cracker coach is that not a spin off of walker coach? | ||
| John Jewett (Jayjay)
Rating: N/A |
You mention B&B and I wonder if you mean the firm in Las Vegas? If so,I can recommend them for quality and reasonable price. I've seen lot's of Jack Conrad's work and it is all first class. He's usually quite busy, so you may have to get in line, but well worth it. Don't let Ace (H3-40) kid you, he doesn't know squat about bus conversions. I really believe his better half ($u$an) does everything while what's-his-name sits and plays with the dog, and takes all of the credit! Ain't that right $u$an? Cheers...JJ | ||
| Steve Zona (Highwayrunner)
Rating: N/A |
you are so close to bob it would be worth your while to visit him. a great guy who does good work. i have had considerable work done on my bus there, and he is very accomodating, including letting us use his pool in the evenings while we stayed there. to get the leveling system done and the new rear fenders put on . don't let the mess fool you . he really know his stuff he also did the cut outs for ac and the deisel genset install with exhaust system and we are happy with the results. Steve and Cindi Z. 82 mci 9 | ||
| airless in Mississippi (Airless_in_mississippi)
Rating: N/A |
For the record I wish I had the funds to allow Ace and Jack covert a bus for me. I have to hide pictures of theirs everytime my wife is around. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Rating: N/A |
Might also try Morrison's VIP Coach, located in Sanger, CA - about 15 minutes SE of Fresno. http://www.morrisonsvipcoach.com/index.html | ||
| Bill Collier (Bill__sylviane)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the help. I plan to put a package together describing the scope of work I need and request some quotes from each of the companies you all listed (well, any that are interested). I spoke to Bob yesterday, he wont take on the whole job but sounds like a good guy for the electrical, plumbing, propane and AC’s. Kyle: The job I may go to is actuall, in Modesto. Would be real nice to hook up when I get up there. BTW, to you have any recomendations on a place near modesto that would be nice to have me and my family move to? I don't know the area but heard Sonora is nice, problem is the comute would be a bit long. Nice to hear Cracker Coach is a spin off from Walker. Walker has a great web site so Cracker must be just as great. How much of a down payment do you guy’s need? Bill | ||
| H3-40 Rating: N/A |
Bill it isn't at all a spin off of Walker Coach. It is a private upcoming company venture so to speak. Down payment? Nah, we don't ask for anything other than that plastic card with a visa logo and a proof of signature and a pin. In all fairness, that isn't asking too much is it? Look at the bright side! Both Jack and myself do turn out some good stuff! Ace | ||
| airless in Mississippi (Airless_in_mississippi)
Rating: N/A |
NO NO NO CRACKER COACH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WALKERS>> SORRY JUST A POOR JOKE | ||
| nelsonthomas Rating: N/A |
I am planning g to sub contract parts of my build out that I don't feel I want to do myself. I have done all of the planning of the design and layout and materials. I have done a lot of the purchasing and I like finding deals on E-bay and other places, I am doing the things I like (i.e. the thrill of the hunt and spiking bids at the last minute) and subbing the rest like a general contractor. I have a cabinet man who will do the interior for $15. an hour, an RV wiring man, An RV plumber ,etc. Nelson Thomas, Knoxville TN. | ||
| H3-40 Rating: N/A |
Hey Nelson you better get the cabinet man's price in writing. I can tell you that any time spent in a bus doing cabinets will definitely bring out the worse of anyone especially a pro. Once he sees what he's gotten himself into, he'll more than likely want to raise the price. 15 bucks and hour is dirt cheap. Most will do it for a set price. Price I got before doing mine from a pro shop was 30k from front to back but that was everything including the walls, tv cabinets, vanities, etc. but thanks to a friend and myself, we have done it for way way less. Ace | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
Bill - Re: "Regretfully I need to consider paying someone else to finish my conversion. I have done a roof raise, installed a slide out, framed the ceiling and installed the exterior skin. Next step is rough electrical, spray foam, interior skin and windows (I have the windows). Then all of the interior improvement." Most contractors aren't too willing to finish a job someone else has begun. The contractor has absolutely no way to guarantee to you, that he can work with the project you've started, or with the materials you've already purchased. RV shops may cringe at the roof raise and/or slide-out, since neither are structurally recommended by the manufacturer of that vehicle (although roof raises are common/after market). Worse, they would have to trust your workmanship totally, for them to take on the responsibility of finishing the project. Your best bet, would be to visit a few mobile home dealers, and RV dealers, and ask if they know anyone looking for part-time work. You'll be at their peril, just as you would be using any contractor, since the work will be done to their opinion and ability, and not your own. I've lost considerable time due to personal/family health problems and other matters, but would rather sell the bus, than have someone else do the conversion for me. I know what the "experts" can do, by simply noting the work and "craftsmanship" in any commercial RV. I couldn't live with that..... can you? | ||
| Bill Collier (Bill__sylviane)
Posted From: 72.197.235.195 Rating: N/A |
Now see I thought you were just joking around Ace, but now I’m not sure...???? I know about Walkers reputation and I was just joking about the comparison and the down payment. If you guy's were serious and closer heck I'd consider it, not sure my credit cards are major enough tho. John, I may end up considering your idea of just hiring a hand or two and oversee it myself, but that too will take considerable time to manage. The actual construction of the bus is not my dream as much as using the product. I’ve been in Building construction my whole live (mostly commercial types) so I have considerable skills, I just have no time. I did the structural improvements and I fully trust the outcome. I would expect with proper design and inspections on my part, I will end up with an acceptable finished product. The plan is to go full time in a year or so. Thanks everyone for the insights, links and help. I’ll say it again, this board is invaluable. Bill |