THIS OLD BUS

So, there's at tunnel that runs down the middle of the bus where the aisle would be if the seats were still in it. This tunnel contains three 30 foot long rods, 2 for shifting the transmission, an one to operate the clutch. There's also a tube that contains the accelerator cable. There's four brake air lines, four copper pipes to carry water from the engine to the heaters (it has 3 heaters), two fuel lines, and all the original DC wiring. I have to make sure all of this stuff is in working order before I cover the tunnel back up with flooring. No access after that! I'm replacing the 36 year old copper pipe with one inch heater hose. It's easy to run, less connections and less likely to spring a leak. The wiring will be completely replaced and will reside in a chase outside the tunnel for easy access. TherE must be over 50 wires running from the back to the front of the bus. Each will be traced and replaced with new wire. The stuff that's in there now was covered with cotton whereas today it's plastic coated.

I actually started laying some flooring in the driver's area. Here are some before and after pics.  First, remove the old floor.  The brake and accelerator pedals had to be disconnected, and the pivot pins replaced, as they were worn through by about ¼ of their diameter. Should give the pedals a better feel without all that slop.  Notice the large bundle of wires hanging on the left wall below the window?  There's like over 100 connections there!  Fortunately, a lot of the wires went to passenger over head lighting and stuff like that and can be eliminated, but for now I need them as they are also essential for starting the engine.

Then make a cardboard pattern. The flooring is 13 ply 3/4” plywood with plastic heat pressed into both sides. 

I got two pieces cut to go around the shifter, the accelerator and brake pedal assembly, and the clutch.  I had to put  them in as two pieces to get around all that mechanical stuff.  I glued and screwed the two pieces to the body rails.  You can see the seam just to the left of the shifter and the self tapping screws along each side.  The pedals are reconnected, but are not bolted down yet, 'cause I can't find the right flat head bolts to fit the assembly.  Things should start to move a little faster as we move toward the back of the bus where there isn't so much crap in the way.  I have to focus on one small piece of the project at a time.  Thinking about what all lies ahead can scare the crap out of ya.