Goal: Refurbish an old bus into a drive-able party bus for under 10k.
Purpose: Bar hopping, tailgating, general partying. Game oriented shenanigans of course.
Timeline: Got about 6 months to plan it out and search for a good party bus candidate before I buy and start refurbishing.
Size: Ideally I want a shorter bus so the logistics of driving through cities and finding parking is easier. Keeps costs down.
Vibe: I'm not going for your clean, crisp, freshly painted, futuristic seating style, rentable bus. This isn't a business move, this a project meant to be fun and treated as such. The more ghetto the better.
Phase 1 - Obtaining the bus: Budget 5k
So far I havent had much luck finding good deals. I found a couple on craigslist that match my criteria. I also found some in decent shape for around 8k, which wouldnt leave much for the refurbishing budget. Would hitting a few junk yards possibly yield and old chasis that might work? Any other ideas?
A bonus would be if it could be financed. It would reduce the initial investment and even a small loan helps with building credit.
Phase 2 - Refurbishing the bus. Budget 2k
Given my price range I am expecting a beaten down piece of shit that needs some work. Looking for something that doesn't need much more than maybe an engine swap and some brake work. Got a couple good mechanic and fabricator friends that are in on the deal and are willing do the labor. They don't have cash to front so they want to put in sweat equity for a seat.
Phase 3 - Gutting the bus. Budget 0
Ripping everything we can out. Leaving only the drivers seat, windows, and sliding door.
Phase 4 - Interior Overhaul - remainder of budget
The bulk of the project after the bus has become safe and drive-able.
Floors - Its gonna get drinks spilled on it, pissed on, puked on, etc. The floor has to be able to be sprayed down after a night on the town.
Seating - Remember ghetto? Free couches and yard sales are where I will obtain the seating. If the seating can be sprayed down that is huge plus.
Windows - blacked out windows. What happens on the bus stays on the bus.
Lighting - Probably will just run some neon lights or something along the ceiling.
Drinks - gotta dive into the local law books on this one. Obviously don't want to get hassled by the fuzz. I have heard that if the driver is completely isolated from the passengers, open containers and drinking is legal. Researching to verify that and then figure a way to make that happen.
Sound - A good system is required. Ceiling mounted speakers (Id have to murder a hoe that spilled some shit on my speaker) with a sub or two under the seating. Bonus if I can wire the lighting up to pulse with the beat or something else just as cheesy.
Snack bar - late night munchies are required.
Paint - Ghetto. Were talking spray painting "BUS" on the side and thats it. Might go with something funnier when the times comes, like "School District 420" or something.
Extras - Longhorns on the hood. A plywood wing on the back. Wal-mart plastic spinner rims. Theme nights. You know, classy shit.
Biggest hurdles:
1. Finding a decent bus that will fit into the proposed budget and fits the required criteria. Obviously the lower end of the budget is preferred.
2. Legal limitations/permits. DD's will be required so the bus must be able to be legally driving with a typical drivers license. Drinking on the bus in between destinations is preferred, and I can't trust everyone to clean up empties if and when the bus gets pulled over.
3. Seating and general design of the interior. It must be a cool place to hang out, easily cleaned, and roomy.
4. Maintenance and fuel - Ass, grass, or gas, no one rides for free.
Help me out brothers, I got a good amount of time to plan to make sure this thing goes right.
Purpose: Bar hopping, tailgating, general partying. Game oriented shenanigans of course.
Timeline: Got about 6 months to plan it out and search for a good party bus candidate before I buy and start refurbishing.
Size: Ideally I want a shorter bus so the logistics of driving through cities and finding parking is easier. Keeps costs down.
Vibe: I'm not going for your clean, crisp, freshly painted, futuristic seating style, rentable bus. This isn't a business move, this a project meant to be fun and treated as such. The more ghetto the better.
Phase 1 - Obtaining the bus: Budget 5k
So far I havent had much luck finding good deals. I found a couple on craigslist that match my criteria. I also found some in decent shape for around 8k, which wouldnt leave much for the refurbishing budget. Would hitting a few junk yards possibly yield and old chasis that might work? Any other ideas?
A bonus would be if it could be financed. It would reduce the initial investment and even a small loan helps with building credit.
Phase 2 - Refurbishing the bus. Budget 2k
Given my price range I am expecting a beaten down piece of shit that needs some work. Looking for something that doesn't need much more than maybe an engine swap and some brake work. Got a couple good mechanic and fabricator friends that are in on the deal and are willing do the labor. They don't have cash to front so they want to put in sweat equity for a seat.
Phase 3 - Gutting the bus. Budget 0
Ripping everything we can out. Leaving only the drivers seat, windows, and sliding door.
Phase 4 - Interior Overhaul - remainder of budget
The bulk of the project after the bus has become safe and drive-able.
Floors - Its gonna get drinks spilled on it, pissed on, puked on, etc. The floor has to be able to be sprayed down after a night on the town.
Seating - Remember ghetto? Free couches and yard sales are where I will obtain the seating. If the seating can be sprayed down that is huge plus.
Windows - blacked out windows. What happens on the bus stays on the bus.
Lighting - Probably will just run some neon lights or something along the ceiling.
Drinks - gotta dive into the local law books on this one. Obviously don't want to get hassled by the fuzz. I have heard that if the driver is completely isolated from the passengers, open containers and drinking is legal. Researching to verify that and then figure a way to make that happen.
Sound - A good system is required. Ceiling mounted speakers (Id have to murder a hoe that spilled some shit on my speaker) with a sub or two under the seating. Bonus if I can wire the lighting up to pulse with the beat or something else just as cheesy.
Snack bar - late night munchies are required.
Paint - Ghetto. Were talking spray painting "BUS" on the side and thats it. Might go with something funnier when the times comes, like "School District 420" or something.
Extras - Longhorns on the hood. A plywood wing on the back. Wal-mart plastic spinner rims. Theme nights. You know, classy shit.
Biggest hurdles:
1. Finding a decent bus that will fit into the proposed budget and fits the required criteria. Obviously the lower end of the budget is preferred.
2. Legal limitations/permits. DD's will be required so the bus must be able to be legally driving with a typical drivers license. Drinking on the bus in between destinations is preferred, and I can't trust everyone to clean up empties if and when the bus gets pulled over.
3. Seating and general design of the interior. It must be a cool place to hang out, easily cleaned, and roomy.
4. Maintenance and fuel - Ass, grass, or gas, no one rides for free.
Help me out brothers, I got a good amount of time to plan to make sure this thing goes right.
God'll prolly have me on some real strict shit
No sleeping all day, no getting my dick licked
The Original Emotional Alpha