| Author | Message | ||
| Mark & Michele (Busnut_pd4106)
Rating: N/A |
Our bus (GM PD4106-2745) is still in New Hampshire awaiting its journey to Luke at US Coach in Berlin NJ for a clutch job, before heading home to Snellville. We were not comfortable parking and doing the conversion at home even though we have the space. Instead we decided to respect our neighbors by parking and performing the conversion off-site. We searched and came up with the following 3 options: 1) Fenced warehouse $125.00/month in Avondale GA about 16 miles away from home. 2) Fenced truck yard and shop $80.00/month in Conley GA about 28 miles away. 3) Fenced bus yard with shop in south east Atlanta $40.00 /month but 35 miles away. Our favorite is the third option, which is a local charter company with a few part buses, RTS and lots of MCIs, though we did not see any GMs, but we saw a Eagle 01 being stripped. We were referred to this charter bus company by a fellow busnut that we met online. It just so happened that he is a friend of the company owner. Last night we drove to Atlanta to survey the bus yard, which we found to be somewhat satisfactory. We took some pictures and post them hoping to get some feedback. The only problem we have with this parking location is that we would have to drive 35 miles whenever we feel like working on the bus. We were primarily concerned about vandals and burglars. We know this should be a no-brainer but we would rather wait to hear whatever opinions the board might have before we select the right off-site parking. As usual your comments are all welcome. Link to parking: http://www.geocities.com/crazy4buses/Coach022.jpg http://www.geocities.com/crazy4buses/Coach021.jpg | ||
| H3 (Ace)
Rating: N/A |
M&M although it's obvious you can do what ever suits YOU, I would highly recommend that you do your conversion at your home or some place REALLY close to home. Nothing like travelling miles to a bus to work on it and find you forgot an important tool or part. Are the places you chose going to give you a key or do you have to work ONLY when they are there? Also, Nothing like the relaxed feeling of knowing your bus is safe and sound instead of worrying of vandalism, theft, etc.! If you have the space,and you manage the working times on your bus, your neighbors will get along with the idea just fine! Mine do and I'm doing mine in a cul-de-sac outside, not in a building. I've made it a point to not do any grinding, welding, saw cutting ot noisy work after 9pm and so far everyone is still happy! Ace | ||
| TWODOGS (Twodogs)
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I think you need it at home...I tried building things 25 miles away & found that it was noon before I got there & always had to leave at 3 or 4 so I could miss traffic...only working a few hours & not going somedays...the work DID NOT progress | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
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I think it would be totally impossible to maintain interest with the bus that far away. Could you build a privacy fence to help screen the bus. If not, do the exterior first with a nice paint job, if possible, so that it is not an eyesore. Also invite the neighbors to participate if possible. Richard | ||
| TWODOGS (Twodogs)
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ask the neighbors in advance if they have any objections | ||
| Henry Draper
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I find myself in the risky position of disagreeing with some very knowledgable folks! Part of the basis of my opinion may be that I have to park/convert away from my house. I've found the advice/expertise/servicing offered at the bus yard where I park to be very beneficial. Because I'm parked there and have a relationship with the head mechanic, I get expert opinions and help for very, very reasonable prices. I guess if I COULD park at home I would, but at the price you mention, you'll also be getting security, advice, cut-rate pricing on parts you may need, etc., etc, etc. I don't think those factors have been factored into the advice you've received so far. Henry Draper '64 Eagle Edmonds, WA | ||
| PeterE Rating: N/A |
Do it at HOME! Take the rent $ and gas $, spend it now on a "tent" cover or some other thing that will make neighbors happy. Being able to walk out and see something that you are thinking about is invaluable. Peter | ||
| vern rainville
Rating: N/A |
I would never dream of working even 5 miles away. Too many times I had to meet with someone (who never showed up),needed to photo the bus (for email), had a thought, needed a measurement, or tool,needed to check something, needed to "set" the bus, leave tools, not have to worry about clean ups,ect. Henry is right in a couple of respects. I am sure a repore would be built and yes, some advice and discounts would be offered.....but how long befor that wears thin? What if, at the most inconvienient time, while you are not mobile (for what ever reason), you are asked to leave for any number of reasons????? If you are concerned for your neighbors, keep the noise down during off hours and days. If you are really worried, a fence of sorts does nicely. If you really need, ask for thier blessing. I believe this is way too big a project to travel any distance if it can be avoided. Vern (in RI) | ||
| Rob King
Rating: N/A |
M&M I started out doing my prevost in a fenced storage yard just 4 miles from my home for $30 per month. It took me 2 months to strip the inside!! I am now doing the conversion in a garage in my backyard. I have found that if I have just a few minutes there are a few "minute" jobs I need to do but by far the vast majority of the jobs involved with buses, because they are very well made, are several hours at one time. Hence, while Henry has good points about security, advice, parts, etc., and that may be more valuable to you, I would talk with the neighbors, settle any concerns and objections ahead of time and then do the work at home if at all possible. Besides, you're saving money for rent, gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, etc. For example, I have used 22 4 1/2" cutting disks at $2.49 each to cut loose the window frames just to raise the roof. I didn't think it would cost that much before I started, an unexpected suprise. Finally, you're doing this because you want to do it your way, so "just go for it". Good Luck Rob 91 Prevost | ||
| Richard Bowyer (Drivingmisslazy)
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I believe Henry purchased his coach already mostly converted and he did what was necessary to complete the interior and other things that needed. I think under those circumstances I might consider doing a conversion a block away, but no more than that. LOL Richard | ||
| John that newguy Rating: N/A |
Mark- Awhile back I posted a site for "portable garages"... damn if I can locate it now.. They're canvas with an aluminum tubing frame. Big enough to put a bus under and cheap enough to afford... (it was a site like this one: http://www.sheltersofamerica.com/products.php?id=3) I have my bus at a boat yard located less than a 1/4 mile from our home. I have a key to access the gate 24/7 and there's no problem with noise, etc.. I have access to electricity and water at no extra charge and I pay $40 per month...... The yard is fully fenced and gated.... and well lit.... and a dumpster for small garbage! Great, right? Well..... We can't leave debris, so whatever comes out of the bus has to be removed from the area. Things like luggage racks, air conditioner parts, or construction material from the rebuilding process.... Nothing can be left outside... Major repairs may be a problem also, since the regulations per legislation for yards like this include the prohibition of "garage type work". Engine or transmission work, removing front end parts, or just having it jacked and blocked, can fall into the legal garbage can.. The owner can be fined, and he does not want to go through the hassle of it all.... Being any distance from "people" while you're working on a project of this type, can be a problem.... If you manage to injure yourself, or become trapped... if you need help.... fast... there won't be anyone around. It's the kind of thing we don't like thinking about...it ain't macho.. But standing up fast under that luggage door lip and slicing your head open, or your nose half off, can leave you wishing you weren't all by yourself, behind a locked gate... If you can do it at home, do it at home. You will not regret the choice. I wish I had that choice. | ||
| Captain Ron (Captain_ron)
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I rented a space on fort myers beach (out side) gutted it and got ran off by the city. loosing the $100 I paid for the month. had to move it off the island to a marina where I had electric and water no one to bother late nights and well lighted for working late and security. It was very close only a mile from where I was renting. If you look at the unit Ace has I can see why you can get away with parking on a cul-de-sac his unit is probably nicer than the homes there. Your neighbors will probably come over often and check on progress or be nosey. and want to chit chat about what your doing. which may slow you down at times but just hand them a tool and they'll either jump in and help or leave you alone. either way it's a win win situation. | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
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I'm solidly with the majority on this one. My coach is 10 miles from where I live and while it's a good place, the lost productivity is huge. If I could go out in real time and tweak this or that without making it a half or full day project every time for - every - single - thing, I would be 4x as far along as I am. Pssst...tell the truth - it's really the wife who doesn't want it around at home, huh? LOL  | ||
| John Jewett (Jayjay)
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I converted my 4905 just two miles from my home and still had problems with logistics. Toilet facilities, drinking water etc. 35 miles is an hour trip by the time you factor getting out tools etc. What about electricity for power tools. I ran into the same problems when building airplanes. Many times I delayed going because I only had an hour to work. When it's in the back yard you can work 50 minutes of that hour. Anyway, good luck. ...JJ | ||
| CoryDaneRTS Rating: N/A |
I have to say, if I could have brought the bus home, thats what I would have done. It would be so easy to just go out and putter round, doing things and getting things done. Tools are all right there, phone, potty, power, everything. My bus is on a farm 30 minutes from me and as much as I do enjoy being up there, there is an inconvenience that factors in as well as needing certain tools, power, even the HELP factor is badly affected. With this fate, my bus has taken F O R E V E R ! ! ! ! ! Maybe this year......... You see, Now retired, It is difficult to work on the house and the bus at the same time when it is parked away. One will have to wait. When I was working, I commuted 1 1/2 hour one way and worked 12 hour shifts. On the day off, you were so burned out you pretty much slept in. I was amazed I got as much done as I did. Don't get me wrong, it is nice up there and I have the old RV there so I could spend the night and there are local stores for food and stuff. But there are things that must go at home too so it becomes a challenge to perform BOTH actions. Its all what you think you can do, where you find happiness to park your conversion. Good luck cd | ||
| FAST FRED Rating: N/A |
The need for "expert " help to fix mechanicals should end rapidly. I agree with ACE on this one , the best place to convert is your yard. Storage of power machinery , tools books and inventory not installed yet is far simpler. A big advantge to a commercial site is a big dumpster , but a couple of bucks to the local haulers gets stuff gone too. AT YOUR Place , figgure out how !! FAST FRED | ||
| Pat Bartlett (Muddog16)
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Having the bus home while converting is the only way to go, i'm retired my wife still works, and i have a son in school, so i cook, clean, and do all the things i need to get done, and work on the bus a good 4 or 5 hours aday, its energy conservation, if its the neighbors that your worried about, just ask them, keep it clean at the end of each day, i'm sure some of my neighbors, were concerned, but they all come over to watch now and then, put a couple of beers in the frig in the garage, make it a social visit, freeeeee beeeerrr always works, and a heck of a lot cheaper than a rental place miles away, you can buy a lot of beer for 125 bucks amonth! | ||
| H3 (Ace)
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Captain Ron actually NO, the homes are ok and so is the coach but is either one better? Not really! As far as the neighbors go? It's mostly single women and 1 guy that doesn't speak too much english so the help is from Susan and whoever decides they suddenly need something I have. They won't leave with it until they help! LOL FF... you agree? That's a first but hey, I'll take what I can get! Ace | ||
| Pat Bartlett (Muddog16)
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Hey Ace is there anychance of getting a picture of that sliding door you came up with?..... | ||
| H3 (Ace)
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Sure Pat! How do you want it? E-mail or snail mail? Anything else you need to see? Ace | ||
| Jim Wilke Rating: N/A |
I advise you to do it at home if at all possible. I have done projects both ways & the time lost in transit, tools/items forgotten & monthly expense are huge when working a distance from home. Also the many times where you have 2-3 hours to work but it's not worth it because your round trip is 1-1.5 hours. Besides that, you are going to want to keep it at home when you are done converting so it'll be there anyway sooner or later. Make the exterior look decent even if you use cheap house paint & a roller for now. From 30 feet away, you can't tell anyway. Take the $$ you will spend for rent & commuting (and fast food) and buy a nice looking portable "busport" tent. (you will need one wherever you keep the bus.) Jim-Bob | ||
| BrianMCI Rating: N/A |
It's great that you have the sentiment of the nieghbors at heart, but home is where you will get the most work done, even if the shops are fully stocked and you have access to mechanics and tools. I'm only 6 miles from a fully stocked shop with my primary set of tools but it's just so much easier having the bus here. The other concern, as you mentioned is security but anything that is miles away will be that much harder to protect. Years ago, I almost bought a coach out of a storage lot, everything looked doable until I saw the curved windsheilds were destroyed by thrown rocks... Tell your nieghbors what you plan to do and assure them you intend to keep the conversion area clean. You might even go so far as to buy a bus cover... Brian | ||
| mel 4104 Rating: N/A |
Mark just rember that most conversions fail because the bus is parked to far from the tv. yes as you work on it you will come to the point that you will slow down on the work and spend more time in front of the tv. this is when you want it parked real close to home for the other reasons stated. if not the chances that it will end up as a --- FOR SALE work in progress unit and we see lots of them. | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
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HAS THERE EVER been a topic LESS controversial??? Mark & Michele, I think you got the message... | ||
| TWODOGS (Twodogs)
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"I"...get alot more done if I sit and look at what I'm fixing to work on...pays off...before you start ,sit down ,look at the particular item that you will be working on,what goes where,best 30 minutes you will spend...same thing at the end of the day..sit down & 'look' at what you did & what needs to be changed,(also,a good 30 minutes,just to make sure you don't have a smoke/fire situation)....NEED THE BUS HOME | ||
| John that newguy Rating: N/A |
If I stare at it long enough.................................................................................... .......................................................................................... ................................................. ... ...... ...... . . . . .. . .... .. .. .. zzzzzzzzzzz | ||
| Greyhound Larry
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HELP HERE PLEASE; At the present time i have a 4107 greyhound bus.I have about 75%of the work done and now i find out she is going to be to small.I am looking at a MCI-9 and am in need of some advice from someone about a braking device.This bus has a switch on the left side of the drivers seat,and it has a high and a low position.My question is this a jake brake or some other type? Greyhound Larry(GONE WITH THE WIND) | ||
| Mark & Michele (Busnut_pd4106)
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We would like to thank our friend Henry Draper for his support, resources and encouragement. Also to Fred, Two Dogs, Ace, Chuck, The Captain and everyone else that responded. Converting at home obviously is the correct decision for most. This thread should be useful in supporting my arguments. I like the "portable garages" idea that John That Newguy suggested, Michele suggested this idea at one point also, thanks John. The idea of painting the exterior before bringing the bus home is not a bad idea. We most likely will take advantage of the bus yard parking offer for now before making a final decision, besides the $40/Month seems reasonable. Once again this great board is influencing our decisions. | ||
| TWODOGS (Twodogs)
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glad to see somebody listens | ||
| jimmci9 #2 Rating: N/A |
see what restrictions and covenants exist in your subdivision... if busses/rv's parked at home are allowed. i'd bring it home... 'cause later on, things can change and you might not be allowed to park it there.... even "grandfathered in"....my mci9 is across town from me...10 miles.. the 4104 is in corpus... 110 miles... the 5105 is still in houston... 140 miles... so doing even the smallest repair is difficult....if they were on my property, i'd be working on them, instead of online..... | ||
| FAST FRED Rating: N/A |
Many times IF you keep license plates and insurance on the vehicle it can be in your yard. Would be "worth" it to arrange a screen or fence to remove the coach from most public notice. FAST FRED | ||
| ChuckMC9 (Chucks)
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You know, you could try it both ways. Rent the $40 space, and every month when you're doing your 'limber-up' run, bring it home for a long weekend or week. Breaks-in the neighbors gradually...by the time you realize you *really* want it at home, they'll be so engaged in the occassional sighting they'll be clamoring to see it, and you'll be the neighborhood superman rather than scalawag?! |