Cross continent bus conversion journey

Post by **mdmf007** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 11:48 am

The bus should already have a hydraulic pump in the form of power steering. Granted the volume will be low, but the pressure is right up there - how fast are you looking to spin? You may need a bigger reservoir - but thats easy enough to do.

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 4:58 pm

Captain Goddammit wrote:I'd suggest bolting to the frame, it's generally not recommended to weld directly to truck frame rails. It's supposed to screw up the heat-treating, and frames do flex, you'll end up with cracks.

True. Very true.

The mainline digger at work recommends a hitachi 80 turntable.

cool_monkey · Post by **cool_monkey** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 8:01 pm

I am starting to feel the love on here, must be spring time!

I have been working my bum off here in Portland, accumulating funds for the adventuring. The time is near, and I have begun looking at buses. The excavator turntable is the leading idea at this point. I am not too concerned about frame bending, but am appreciating both sides of the unfolding argument. When it comes down to decision time I may even get a shorter bus just to aid in the weight distribution. I understand the axle limits, I am a commercial truck driver as well, and do have a CDL so that will not be an issue. I am not a skilled fabricator, but I am an Alaskan and can make it happen.

<<<HOWEVER>>> if there is anyone that would be into assisting with mounting said turntable, your town is not out of my way!

With or without the bus, my current plans will have me here in Portland into May, then Alaska for a short bit, Colorado as a likely base for a while, and I am throwing in a good old fashioned UFO chase in England around the solstice. probably won't be driving the bus to England, but I wouldn't put it past me.

The debate over front vs rear engine is of interest, I think a flat nose rear engine would be cool, but imagine a hooded school bus will be the cheapest deal. I feel like they are simpler vehicles and have stout frames. that is an uneducated assumption that will be researched before a decision is made.

Anyway, keep it coming. I will be posting a related string under the ride share section when things get a bit further along, anyone reading here that wants to join the party is more than welcome.

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 11:31 pm

http://triggbussales.com/buses.cfm

Not too far out of PDX and a small selection of most bus types. Some of the big ones go for about scrap price in my thinking.

Going with a rear engine would mean less contraptioneering of the driveline in regard to the turntable.

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 9:56 am

The excavator turntable sounds great. But now it needs a platform to stand on and lift a little.

How about some sort of mobile crane? Something with four legs that extend and support the crane when it is working -- I'm sure I have seen some such. In fact (edit)... remember the Hope Flower and the Flytrap Flower in 2006? I think they were just that sort of cranes, just bigger than you would use.

Or how about fire department ladder trucks -- they also have extendable stabilizer legs.

There are Richie Brothers (RB) heavy equipment auctions all over the country. Keep an eye out!

Post by **mdmf007** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:47 am

Ritchie Bros usually sell high end used stuff - they dont consign a lot of crap or stuff for parting out. You never know though.

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:32 pm

There is an RB Auction near me, and I went and took a look once. They had everything from million-dollar machines to a stack of used tires that went for five bucks. It's just like you say, "you never know" -- gotta keep our eyes peeled.

Cross continent bus conversion journey

Thanks Guys!