Iz's Bingo Bus/Tow Rig

I decided it was time to pass on the old E-350 and replace it with another.

So I picked this guy up on Saturday.

- 2001 E-350 7.3 PowerStroke (does not leak!!)
- Auxiliary air-conditioning/heat under the chassis
- 13 seater (including the driver) but I'll probably change up this combo.
- Air-powered side barn doors (by far the coolest part of the vehicle)
- Wide power side mirrors
- Padded interior walls (in case I go nuts.. oh wait)
- Luggage rack (will probably be removed)


Some exteriors:

Some interiors:

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

If you want a dark blue one, send me your postal address and I'll send you the one I bought.

Dark Blue or Grey causes a p0308 code, and failure of CCT test. Black passes with flying colors..

I also picked up Autoenginuity OBDII scanner program; it's really nice for the money.

Can't beat the price and it's worth a try. PM sent, although you could have just checked the moderator database.

 

[cybergasm]

Can't beat the price and it's worth a try. PM sent, although you could have just checked the moderator database.

Since when has IZ ever done anything the easy way ?:

 

[IZwack]

Since when has IZ ever done anything the easy way ?:

I think he meant TDavis

 

[IZwack]

The front coils were sagging when I bought the van - which of course was throwing the camber off a bit (potential uneven tire wear). So today I threw on a pair of 1/2" spacers and some new Monroe Gas Magnums (the old shocks were bouncing the front of the vehicle). This spacer raised the front up about 3/4" - which brought the camber to almost perfect.

(Crappy cell phone pics)

Spring spacer and shock:

Camber:

The raised front:

The back is still higher but I think that's perfect because once the bus is filled, the back should settle down closer to the front's height (transporing a dozen people to the slopes next weekend).

 

[BKennedy]

So when you driving this beast out to California? If you do, take the seats out so it only seats ten plus the driver, and/or put in a bed, sink, toilet, stove, or shower so you can say its a motorhome and not a bus. A bus of that type in California requires a Class 'B' commercial license with a passenger endorsement. Really makes California sound fun, doesn't it though?

 

[IZwack]

The windows are tinted, so hopefully cops (*cough*) wont know that there's an entire migrating herd of humans in the van.

As for the shocks, 11 or so of us spent a few days at the (sweeet sweett sweeeet) snowy slopes 3-hrs away and the ride/control on the highway was much, much better. So for the Gas Magnums.

 

[section525]

When do the sponsor graphix go on?

 

[IZwack]

I know right?

What's kinda weird is how many times people at the ski resorts have tried to get into the van thinking its one of the resorts' shuttle bus. Yesterday for example, we were all leaving the slope nearby. I got the van from the parking lot and drove up to the front of the resort to pick up my friends. As my friends were lining up and getting into my van, a family fell in line behind them and was ready to board. Last year a teenager actually made it inside the van as we were all putting our boots on (left the door open after putting the boards outside) - that made for an awkward moment and we all kind of stared at each other for a very long moment.

 

[BKennedy]

I know right?

What's kinda weird is how many times people at the ski resorts have tried to get into the van thinking its one of the resorts' shuttle bus. Yesterday for example, we were all leaving the slope nearby. I got the van from the parking lot and drove up to the front of the resort to pick up my friends. As my friends were lining up and getting into my van, a family fell in line behind them and was ready to board. Last year a teenager actually made it inside the van as we were all putting our boots on (left the door open after putting the boards outside) - that made for an awkward moment and we all kind of stared at each other for a very long moment.

Good way to make some side money...."you want out of the bus, you got to pay the toll my friend"

 

[Stic-o]

Make sure if some cute chicks get on, you just take them home

 

[techieman33]

Make sure if some cute chicks get on, you just take them home

I have a comment to make but it isn't site friendly.

 

[BKennedy]

"The mind reels with sarcastic comment."

 

[Keeper0311]

So much potential in that ride. Are you still planning on making it a RV type deal?

 

[Baddecision93]

I just got done reading this thread and you are officially one of my heroes.

This bus is one of the coolest things I've ever seen!

I have no idea why but I have an obsession with, how should I put it, "non-traditional" vehicles.

(Ok, a$$-kissing done).

In all seriousness though I would absolutely love to have one of those

 

[IZwack]

The ski trips over the years has taken a toll on the bus' stairs.

Plasma cutter cleaned things up

New frame

Skinned, welded, and sealed

Painted

Martha Stewart rug (Home Depot) sliced to fit

 

[IZwack]

And now onto a hitch and rear bumper..


2x6 1/4" wall tubing:

Notched to clear the rear body mount:

Receiver welded and boxed in:

Some sort of a bumper - not a big fan of diamond treadplate in general but i guess it makes sense in this situation:

Will finish the rest this week.

 

[DB_1]

Nice work IZ, I like it

 

[toypaseo]

holy cow nice welds...

 

[Joe Dirt]

No doubt- those are weld-a-riffic!

 

[IZwack]

Thanks guys.

Painted and done "for now". Trailer wiring to be done tomorrow after work.