Tough Love

  We have a new baby girl!  She had a rough trip from her old resting place, but with a little persuasion from a local towing service we have led her to her new home.  She is quite stubborn and I'm sure she was reluctant at first, having a group of strangers wake her with jacks, wrenches and new bottles of fluid.  Kinda reminds me of a being a kid going to the doc's office "I will make you feel better!" we told her.  Of course we forced it down her throat like any parent would. lol

  Now that we have somewhat established a relationship with her we must start to groom her appearance and behavior.  Sounds like she needs a little tough love.  Time to clean out the cobwebs young lady!  Yes we'll get the numerous wads of used chewing gum, wrappers, sucker sticks, coins and other debris from you too.  Winter is a good time to start some interior demo.


    I say "tough love" but I don't mean violent ripping and tearing.  We are quite carefully tearing her insides apart piece by peace.  Well, maybe a little rough, hey setting a broken bone isn't exactly pleasant either but is sometimes it has to be done.  Labeling parts and saving everything we can.  The beauty and nostalgia of all the brushed aluminum and original interior lighting will be priceless in our finished project.

  We had been previously told how removal of the original restroom in these buses was a bear.  So being young and eager little soldiers we started there first.  I can now report that they were indeed correct.  Most of the bottom screws packed tightly with dirt and rusted firmly into place.  Every fastener in this little waste closet was reluctant to budge.  The little triangle vent you see in the corner however makes a great place to sneak some extension cords and an air hose into our work area.

Whew, now that that part is done we removed a majority of the remaining seats as we are beginning to see that space is a premium during the deconstruction process.  Next we moved on to the luggage racks.  These racks were assembled very tough.  The aluminum rails below provided a firm outer structure for the racks and mounting points for the reading lamps.  We rescued 20 of these great little lumen providers for use in our project, plus a significant amount of aluminum that we might use for trim.

Removal of the ceiling followed as she does have a couple water leaks.  Much of this paneling was removed quite easily.  Near the leaky areas however was a different story.  My friend Fred however taught me a neat little trick for these deep rooted fasteners.  By using a short burst on the side of the screw with an air hammer and chisel bit installed, the rust would be jolted loose.  Much to my surprise almost all of them turned right out with a screw gun, even the rounded off ones!!  All the ceiling panels now removed and insulation pulled down I cam see that there are a few more leaks than I thought, but despite all the leaks, the structure is in much better condition than I had anticipated.  One main cross beam in need of straightening, one small brace in need of replacement and the roof hatch and one skylight in need of resealing.  Overall I am happy with what we found.  A daunting task of part removal and organization, a few sweeps of the broom and she is ready for another night of teardown. 

congratulations!! it's a girl!!

sporting a grin from ear to ear like all proud new parents do .. we FINALLY got to bring our babygirl home this week!!

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES .. C'MON!

our third trip out to Muskegon was a charm! we wrassled Zack and lisa out of bed early saturday morning, both Joe and i already a pot of coffee into a caffeine buzz, and followed the now familiar path to GMC goodness.  once there the boys went right to work on her airbag replacement, armed with a bit of insight, a plethera of tools and an endless supply of determination.  once she was securely boosted (so Zack could actually fit underneath her massive belly) the job went far more smoothly than any of us expected.  (securely being the operative word there .. weighing in at 12 tons is NOT something to take lightly when it comes to climbing underneath her!!)  there wasn't a whole lot either of us girls could do to help beyond taking the roles of cheerleaders (a very important role, of course!) and staying out of the way.  at completion, we rang Micah (her current owner) and let him know we were lunch-break bound .. and that we'd swing by to grab her charging batteries afterwards so we could start her up and have a look at her air system.  the taste of success was lingering on all our tongues, especially after the disappointment of last weekend having to go home empty-handed.  great work gentleman!

needless to say, there were 4 new cases of whiplash to report the moment she was spotted sauntering down the road through Uncle Ronnie's windows!  i -may- have tried to push Joe right out of the booth .. possibly.  i'm not sure if i thought i was going to go chase her down the road or what, but the excitement was overwhelming!  it was the first time we'd actually seen her in action.  i'm partial to the idea that Micah did it to set the hook .. in which he was beyond successful.  yes, we already had a deal based on the gentleman's handshake .. but this carved it in stone.  i'd be willing to bet he had a good laugh as he passed by and saw all four of our faces smashed against the window, staring and shouting and cheering away.

fast forward through the meal being devoured at break neck speed, the race back to her parking spot, a short tour around the neighborhood with Micah at the wheel, fluid levels being topped off, papers being signed .. and there you have it.  our new addition!  she's really ours!  this is when the adventure truly begins, when we get to know her inside and out, when we somehow find more hours in our days to spend transforming her into our new home and loyal companion.  the task of convincing Z and lis to scoop up a playmate for her has already begun, as every land pirate needs a partner in crime .. and i can't say there'd be a better choice of cohorts to be had.  *hint hint*  you know you wanna!

i'm certainly not one to sugar coat a story or live behind rose colored glasses .. nor build up some grande fairytale of a peaches and cream path.  she comes with her share of obstinate mule tendencies, as she promptly validated on our trip home.  she refused to keep us warm for the 3 hour drive, she was a tad uncooperative when it came to learning her shifting preferences (but, i have to say, Joe quickly learned how to sweet talk her on that one) and one pesky little air valve decided to take a union break at an unfortunate time which raised a bit of hell in the rear braking system.  she waited until we were within miles of home, thankfully, to call it a night.  it wasn't a catastrophe of epic proportions as it very well could have been, just enough to let us know she was still calling the shots.  we had a warm truck to gather in while we waited for a lift truck, the tow guys were properly equipped, quick and knowledgeable .. and reasonable.  all in all, it was the best situation to introduce us to the life of a bus nut.

to draw this entry to a close, all i have to say is:  WE HAVE A BUS!!!  we.  have.  a.  bus.  and we are that much closer to living out a dream shared.  thank you to all those who support us in our whacky plan of life on the road!  what a glorious view it will be.

A Laundry List of Projects

Our Laundy List of Projects - 11-8-10

if only she could talk...

...her stories would undoubtedly be captivating!

her scroll reads, "N.Y. World Trade Center, East Side Terminal" indicating one of the stops she made in a past life full of public service.  among her scheduled routes, this one must've been a great source of chaotic chatter to take in.  she has first hand experience with a piece of american history that's now close to all of our hearts.

maybe, with a bit of sweet talking, she'll pass on a tale or two.

backing up on the timeline, Joe and i had ourselves a fine sunday drive out to Muskegon to meet this beauty a week ago.  her owners, Micah and kelly, gave us as warm a welcome as she did.  born in 1979 as a working girl, she now sits and waits for someone to take her into a life of retirement.  a well earned retirement, i'd say.  they had plans to give her such a break, but with 2 jobs, 5 kids and a new Harley .. it seems out of their reach.  so, up for sale she went.  (much to our delight!)

most of her seats have been pulled.  her paint is faded.  she has cracks in her glass and an airbag that has seen better days.  but yet, she is beautiful!  she purrs like a kitten, convinced that she's still in her prime.  (who are we to disagree?!)  after a bit of juice in her batteries, she fired right up.  that 8v71 detroit diesel is as strong as it ever was, and ready to see the world.

we spent a good deal of time checking her over, inside and out.  Micah and Joe poking around underneath for the most part, while i nosed around inside.  her bathroom is still intact, which is rumored to be a bear of a removal process.  "you can do it!" i swear i heard her whisper.  she tried and tried to pump up the air system for the guys, but the failing airbag was too much of a draw on her.  nothing a little elbow grease can't help out with.

a flip of a switch here, her interior lights fire up .. a flip of a switch there, exterior lights burn bright.  the old monster of a steering wheel replaced with a sporty new grant is just a hint to the race car attitude she's holding inside.  -rawr-

all in all, in was an absolute pleasure to get acquainted with this lovely lady, and we look forward to seeing her again.

Wake up and smell the bus lights.

Wait! Don't really, I was kidding, and get off my bus lights!

So we decided that we would hit up some auctions this Saturday in the hopes of getting some good deals to make loot with, or possibly recruit some hardware for the upcoming bus project.  I still find it strange that we were motivated enough to go adventuring outdoors on such a drab day.  It was all cold, rainy, overcast, and slightly breezy.  Really?  Looking back on it I can't believe we were out and about either.

Scored some items, although not thoroughly tested as of yet.  A washer and dryer combo which is one unit (I didn't know they made them this way either).  Also an RV gas range and oven which will clean up nice.  Both acquired for a steal (as long as they work).  We didn't realize how much stuff we had brought home until we had to unload it all.  Several boxes of misc. electrical treasures, wire, outlet boxes, some PEX plumbing, and some new Pioneer speakers.  Sorry I was envisioning digging through those boxes again, it's kinda like a treasure hunt.

Near the end of the bidding on boxed lots (You know the crap you don't really want but you have to take cause it's in the same lot as the stuff you do want?) we discovered some very stylish rear lights for some unknown beauty?  I was thinking the whole time "These look very similar to a transit bus, maybe 60's era? or possibly a Silverside!" (one of my favorites from the late 40's & 50's!) 

Who knows, someone else bought the whole lot with them in it. We packed up our purchases and offered a fellow bidder a hand loading some heavy items into his van.  Both of us famished, we decided to stop for a bite to eat.  While driving down the road but half a mile from our destination we see a 50's or 60's era transit bus, and what do you think was ON the back of this bus? Hmm, got an idea?  Well you can imagine our reaction; disbelief, and frustration being awestruck like that not half an hour after HOLDING THOSE SAME LIGHTS IN OUR HANDS!!  It was like karma slapping us in the face, saying "Wake up and smell the bus lights!"

bye bye booty :(

having finally spoke with Dave again, we were sad to hear booty has been sold off like a cheap hooker on dort highway to the highest bidder.  sad because no one can love her like we would have.  sad that she'll never be the proud new owner of two humans who would captain her across the nation on an adventure like no other.  oh, booty .. we'll definitely miss you and the memories we dreamt of making with you.

okay, "sad to hear" doesn't paint the picture so well .. i'd say it's closer to a slopped on paint by number as compared to the mona lisa.  downright crushed is more like it .. heartbroken .. empty .. (hold on, i'm enjoying my dramatic episode!)  really though, it sucks.  i think both of us had already become attached to her and had somehow already let it sink in that she'd be ours.  but "booty" is far more than just a halfway finished bus conversion project that we found on the side of the road one fateful sunday afternoon .. "booty" is more the state of mind she gave us.  a taste.  a vision.  and for that, i'm thankful.

all fluff aside, i'm still pissed.  grrrr.

as Joe's so helpfully reminded me .. repeatedly .. we'll find another bus.  (bless his heart, he think i'm actually listening.  -snicker snicker-)  and i know this to be true, we will find the one.  i'm just in morning and pining away for what i already had my heart set on.  i do know the old saying about doors closing and others opening .. and as it always is, it's easier to say than accept.

so .. the hunt is back on.  back roads beware, here we come!

Today we say goodbye...

Yesterday started out as any other.   A slight resistance to motivate, a strong craving for Juan Valdez,  and some browsing of emails and ads.  The work day passed by a little blurry but with a feeling of accomplishment.

Both our vehicles have been for sale for some time now, and due to our thriving economy the only thing that has moved are our prices, in a downward trend, which has not been conducive to our goals.  I have been meaning to call Dave (motorhome owner) back just to check in and see if by chance his stubbornness has subsided momentarily.  I knew somehow, the news I was about to receive even before he had answered my questions.  "She has been sold!!??"  I screamed in own head with disbelief!  Ending the conversation abruptly I set my phone down, sighed and hung my head.  "How am I going to tell Brandee ?" I asked my self.  I felt her heart sink in the silence that followed the undesirable news.

So today we say goodbye and continue looking for a welcoming prospect so we can begin our journey. Goodbye Booty!  We had high hopes for you, and as we move on we will come to realize that you were meant as an enticement for us.  Without finding you we would have never met our new friend Larry, who has encouraged us and has proved to be an invaluable resource of information as he is also a bus lover.  A couple snapshots of Larry's buses he has restored for your appreciation. 

A New Beginning

Well Fastro, we have definitely had some good times together.  Many camping trips and back road adventures this summer.  Not to mention how you loved to race around back streets home.  You put up a good fight even against the mighty Dodge V10 ;-)  Today we are offering you up on a silver platter to a stranger who will hopefully enjoy you as much as we have.  You are still young and spry and have many miles of adventures ahead of you.  We are however forced to part ways, our newly found treasure stomped her feet and whined when she seen us.  We felt so sorry for her, only partially finished, her dreams of roaming the countryside unfulfilled.  We seem obligated to unselfishly satisfy her now. Her current owner is not quite convinced, he is yet unaware of the Fastro's true value.  Despite his lack of flexibility we are confident that a resolution will come to light.

What are the chances???

On Saturday, August 21st we had attended a wedding in Mio, MI.  Earlier in the week the both of us had expressed our aggravation with not finding a coach suitable to our needs (and wants) that was in a remotely local area.  Usually we try to avoid toll roads and expressways while travelling.  There is always more to see if you're off the path a bit.  

Travelling east on state highway M55 we had seen a style of coach that we were interested in on the side of the road, and FOR SALE even!!

From Got Booty

Immediately we turned around to stop and get a better look.  We were so excited, I'm not sure I even allowed the car to stop before throwing it into park.  Brandee climbs over the center console from the passenger side and into the ditch with me.  We both started to check out this new treasure, finding the door unlocked we decided to climb on in and have a closer look.  The previous owner has already began converting this bus into a motorhome.  I had been sitting in the drivers seat examining the controls and saw no ignition key? but there was a button labeled "Start" sooooo, of course I just had to push it.  Much to my surprise she fired up almost immediatly!!  Running pretty good even and after a bit of smoking the air system started to pressureize.  Wait a minute though! With no ignition switch, how do I shut this thing off?? Uh oh, and here comes the guy now.  

Not quite sure how he is going to take my trespassing I approach him happy and eager.. Yelling over the loud purring of the diesel engine, I learn that the property owner does not own this coach and instead of being upset with me invites the two of us in to the garage to check out his Mopar projects.  How cool is this I'm thinking.  Just one of the many Mopars he is working on is a Plymouth ?  which is tubbed, roll cage installed and a stroked 440 setting next to ready to install.  "Oh you gotta see my wife's car when she gets home too!" he tells us. lol

After calling the coach's owner David, who said he could meet us there in about a half hour, we decided to head into town (East Tawas) for lunch.  After a quick bite we returned to find David and his wife already there, engine running smoothly, and air system pressurized which is necessary because this coach has air ride and air suspension.  A quick ride down a few back country roads shows that the new air bags and tires under her really make a difference.  This 41 year old, 40 foot long jewel rides better than my car!!  To top it all off he may be interested in a trade too!!

After spending about three hours there we decided to get back on the road.  We are still quite a distance from home after all.  As our journey home is coming to and end I see clearance lights off in the distance which look very similar to the bus we have been playing with all day!!  Of course we turned around to get a better look and find  this old girl being tucked into the garage and another one all pretty setting in the driveway!  Reluctant to approach we just hang out in the yard for a minute.  After a minute a man emerged from the door looking a the two of us like WTF are these people doing?  After warming up to Larry by telling him our story of the day he starts telling us the story of how he used to ride this particular bus to school when he was a kid.  Larry (who also seems to be a Dodge fan) restores these buses back to original.  He has three of these prize pieces of road fun hidden here and is eager to share all the stories of them with us.  This man has probably forgotten more about these buses than I will ever know.  After a few hours touring Larry's treasures we jump back in the car and head for home.  Both of us anxious and smiling, we look back on the highlights of our day.  Knowing these events are not just coincidence we can't help but say to each other " What are the chances?"