Ready, Set, Start converting!

Daddy's Dog House. That is the name I am giving this bus conversion. Mostly because it is where I will be spending most of my free time until it is completed, as well as where I will be when I'm in trouble with the wife.

This is the second bus I've owned. The first bus is a 83 Thompson body International, with a 7.3 diesel, conventional or dog nose bus, that I got in 07 for $1200.00. My goal was to convert as I went, so that i could use it to camp or whatever without it sitting around waiting until the conversion was done. In the process I learned a lot about buses like gearing and ride. I decided that if one day I got another bus it would be a flat nose diesel pusher, with underbelly storage. I learned that most buses with underbelly storage are geared for over the road thus are better for traveling. My 83 International topped out at 60 mph downhill pushing 3500 rpm. Not really good for the motor or gas mileage. Also it was so loud you had to yell to talk to someone sitting next to you.

Well as luck would have it I came across the new Daddy's Dog House. It is a 1993 Thompson body, flat nose diesel pusher with a Cat 31??, with underbelly storage. I drove it and fell in love, took the wife on a ride and she fell in love. At 55mph it pushes around 2200 rpm. top speed is 80 mph. (no need to go faster).

That being said. My plain is to convert this bus into an RV. I have been following a conversion called "The Good News" www.goodnewsbus.com, and only hope I can do as good a job as this one. I have also spent many hours reading and looking at Skoolie.net.

I am making this blog for several reasons. One is so family and friends can see what I am doing. My son is in the Army and he can get online and check out what I've done. I also want to inspire others that are thinking of converting a bus.

I am not a trained carpenter, welder, electrician, plumber, or mechanic. I am somewhat handy and can figure stuff out, or ask someone how to do it. Most times I'll read everything I can get my hands on about a subject then find someone who has done it and pick their brain. I once worked for free at a guys body shop just so I could learn. So if I can do this anyone can.

My wife and girls will be helping me, and I look forward to completing this and enjoying trips and adventures with them. I may not post everyday like The Good News bus did, but will be taking pics and giving details as I go. Wish me luck.