| Author | Message | ||
| Simon Ayriss (Design_dog)
Registered Member Username: Design_dog Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 69.227.69.33 Rating: N/A |
O.K. the last time I posted I just rambled with a number of questions, so I was hoping if I issolated one topic at a time someone might be able to shed some light on this. Call me crazy but I really am struggling with the whole question of Raising the roof on my MC8 by whatever the standard is I guess 4ft. I know other people have stated that it's a must but is it really? I am trying to figure out JUST how much time and money is vested in a Roof Raise and just what the huge benefit is? Is it a huge difference and JUST how hard is it to cut the top and weld an extension? is it a 2 week job a month 2 days? And the craziest question - Has anyone ever heard of a roof raise AFTER you have put in internals? How insane is that? Then, secondly. Just wanted to ask again. Some people put aluminum sides where the windows go and do ?rivets? vs. using the fiberglass RV rolls or sheet metal? Whats the best way?? It's just I'm starting out and trying to nail down a good plan of execution of how to build my bus up. If someone can suggest a good order of what I should be going through that would be great. Maybe someone can point me to a good website or photo? I don't know. Just need some guidance and figure good to ask now and get a grip on just what it is I am doing before I start cutting holes and putting aluminum foil and duct tape on the sides. In the very back inside of my bus shell I have hoses from taken out lavatory and what looks like unit in the back for A/C. My bus has a blower above the engine on the back. I assume that everything on the inside has to come out (no more use for the AC? and lav hoses) and that all holes must be plugged and secure. Also I read something about the blower in the back. Leave that intact just incase I can use it for something else later?? Appreciate any help. Especially from all those who have been there. Just need some guidance. | ||
| Ednj (Ednj)
Registered Member Username: Ednj Post Number: 144 Registered: 3-2003 Posted From: 67.85.229.237 Rating: N/A |
Simon, Have you seen this site? http://www.gumpydog.com/bus/mc9_wip/mc9_wip.htm I think it will answer some of your questions. You can see some pictures of my conversion at = http://groups.yahoo.com/group/busshellconverters/?yguid=155252727 It sounds like you need to go to a rally and see some conversions. Hope this help’s Ednj | ||
| Gene Lewis (Genelewis)
Registered Member Username: Genelewis Post Number: 64 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 24.179.98.211 Rating: N/A |
Simon, U might want to check out Tom Halls site at http://users.cwnet.com/~thall/ I have an article on Tom's site "How I Raised The Roof by Myself". It might be of some interst to you. http://users.cwnet.com/~thall/gene_lewis.htm Also check out Fred Hobes Articles. There are lots of "OL Timers" out there that look on the board regurally but don't say a lot anymore. Feel free to ask them ?'s. Someone helped them and for the most part they can save U a lot of time and busted knuckles. Good Luck on Your quest. I'm Enjoying the journey out of NC, Gene 05 Eagle | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 532 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.1.180.218 Rating: N/A |
"My bus has a blower above the engine on the back. I assume that everything on the inside has to come out (no more use for the AC? and lav hoses) and that all holes must be plugged and secure. Also I read something about the blower in the back. Leave that intact just incase I can use it for something else later??" If the blower in the back that you are talking about has a big belt driven by the motor, you must leave this area intact. This provides the cooling air for you radiators. Everyone has their own prefenence for skinning windows. Some use steel, aluminum, or fiberglas. There are pros & cons for each, all will work. We raised our MC-8 roof 8". We then dropped the interior ceiling 5". This 5" space was used for AC duct work and wiring. We did our roof raise ourselves at home in our shop. The roof raise and window reskin took about 1 month working on it part-time. If you are considering doing a roof raise yourself, what are your skill levels at welding, fabricating, etc. Do you have a space to do it? Do you have the neccessary tools? You will need a helper or 2. You can purchase the tools and have them for future projects, you can learn the neccessary skills. However, these are factors that need to be considered when making a decision about doing a roof raise. Jack (Message edited by JackConrad on March 25, 2007) | ||
| steve gaines (Kysteve)
Registered Member Username: Kysteve Post Number: 81 Registered: 12-2006 Posted From: 74.140.165.225 Rating: N/A |
Simon, Look closely at the photo of my bus at the left. this is right after a roof raise. If you notice once you remove your windows, all you have left is the window mullions holding up your roof. No no, were not talking a four foot roof raise, your talking 12 inches or less and it is so easy that anybody can do it. If you cant weld all youd have to do is call a mobile welder and they will do the welding for you. At any rate your going to have to buy metal for the fillins where you remove your windows. that will most likely be 4 feet wide. and how tall are your windows now?? see youll be cutting that 12 inches of and throwing it away as you could be throwing your roof up with it and making a world of difference in your head room with that scrap. As far as cost. I bought 20 peices of 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 by 12 inch tubing for the waping cost of 60 dallors, so thats what it cost me 60 dallors to raise my roof. remember that extra skin was scrap any way and your probaly going to put new caps on as well. It took me two days by myself to raise mine. Its not that big of a job. I for one cant see this being done on a converted coach. Hope this helps. Steve | ||
| Ed Roelle (Ed_roelle)
Registered Member Username: Ed_roelle Post Number: 24 Registered: 3-2005 Posted From: 71.238.114.177 Rating: N/A |
You might ask yourself some questions. What is my EXPECTATION of how long it will take to convert my coach? When my coach is done, how long do I picture using it? Should I invest a few weeks now? If you are going to raise the roof, you need to do it first. A project of of this magnitude takes a lot of perseverence. As soon as you can, start using your coach, even if it is as a metal tent. Individuals that had the expectation of completing their coach in a couple of months, usually are disappointed. Many have lost interest. Be realistic because when you are out driving your coach - whether complete or not - you King of the Highway. Ed Roelle Flint, MI | ||
| James Robinson (Jjrbus)
Registered Member Username: Jjrbus Post Number: 47 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.1.180.218 Rating: N/A |
If you plan of full timing, a bus can become clastrophobic very quickly. A roof raise with limited upper cabinates and large windows in the living area helps with this. | ||
| Simon Ayriss (Design_dog)
Registered Member Username: Design_dog Post Number: 7 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 69.227.69.33 Rating: N/A |
This is all good information! Thanks a bundle. I can weld, I'm persistant, and I'm pretty good at building stuff. Not a perfect craftsman but I can measure things right. Guess I just need a clear line of excution for this roof raise thing. The photos and links are helping thanks. Kind of scary for a newbie to cut into his roof. heh. I'll slowly figure it out. If there is any more info I would appreciate it. I do have some tools and a place to work on it in my back yard. Just a little intimidating. But if you guys say it's "workable" I believe you. I'll take the easiest way possible with the best results so any info helps. I hope to use the bus often when mostly complete, possibly even full-time in it for a year or two. This should be interesting. | ||
| Ron Walker (Prevost82)
Registered Member Username: Prevost82 Post Number: 273 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.19.14.16 Rating: N/A |
Simon ...raising the roof was one of the eaziest jobs I did on it and yes ... you get larger window in and the higher ceiling is nice too  Ron | ||
| Simon Ayriss (Design_dog)
Registered Member Username: Design_dog Post Number: 9 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 69.227.69.33 Rating: N/A |
Gene that write up you did on the roof raise is excellent. Thanks! |