Once upon a time there was a missionary family that needed a vehicle to live/camp in while they were in the states performing their mainland missionary duties. This family was originally of 3 and then the pandemic hit. The family is now of 6 and they will be arriving back in the states from Papa New Guinea in June of 2025.
The bus
Name: Bunny
Year/Manufacturer: 1996 Bluebird
Engine: DT466 All Mechanical
Transmission: MD3000/3066
Windows: 7
Buildable space: 17’ 9”
The mission (should you chose to accept it)
The family asked us if we would be willing to help them build the bus. We agreed and had no idea that shortly thereafter, the bus would be sitting on our homestead for years as we waited for the pandemic to end and then for them to come stateside again.
Initial opportunities
The bus when it arrived was a complete bus and had sat at the lot for 6 months as we were on the road with Intrepidus. She still had her seats but she made the 600 mile trip up with no issues and we parked her. We didn’t notice the leaking roof or side door on its first winter in the PNW. The door is still leaking (it needs a new gasket). The roof isn’t. We also pulled the roof for inspection, as Bluebird uses Mineral Wool and Mineral wool is naturally mold / mildew resistant, we got lucky. There was also no rust except for one ceiling tile(?). We will clean up that rust and paint.
So what now?
Several of the Skooliepalooza welcome crew have volunteered to help build this bus which enables us to build it for no labor costs (the family is covering materials). We have pulled the seats, painted the floor (second coat pending) and insulated the walls with polyiso. We are in the process of buttoning up for build and having good old fashion arguments about how to comfortably sleep 6 people, of which 4 are under seven.
Stay tuned for more.