Vintage 1969 GMC Bus Conversion | EP. 4
Let’s check in on a Leisure Coachworks custom bus conversion in progress. This 1969 vintage GMC bus, affectionately nicknamed Dirty Gertie by the team, has come a long way since we saw it for the first time!
The first thing you’ll notice is that the attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship of the team has really paid off. The exterior storage panels look like they were there when the bus rolled into the shop.
Behind those panels we now have pass-through storage, custom space for batteries, and an 8,000 watt diesel generator.
To hold this big generator, the team handcrafted a custom bracket to keep it secure. To accommodate the height, a relief was cut into the interior for the top part of the generator.
Toward the front of the bus we’ve installed the first of two fresh water tanks. It has a custom bracket and will have heating blankets and insulation to prevent freezing.
Heading up to the roof you can see the cut-outs for roof vents and two AC units. The crew will be checking the entire roof carefully once those are installed. They’ll get any leaks fixed before making final cosmetic changes.
Heading inside, the first thing you’ll notice is that we’re still waiting for the custom door. It’s framed and ready for installation as soon as it arrives. The framing has been made to look as if it was part of the original vehicle.
This vintage bus had an issue with air leaks. A lot of time was spent under the dash getting those fixed. We’ve removed all of the old wiring and the air lines that operated the two doors when this was a city bus.
The ceiling has been fit with paneling that serves as our roadmap for this bus conversion. We’ve got drawings outlining how all the elements of this custom RV will come together. Wiring, ducts, and more are drawn in so we know that everything has a place before we begin installation.
One of the challenges of a bus conversion is creating a framework inside the vehicle.
The team needs something to attach everything to, so we built one!
This wood build-out also makes space for new insulation.
Working with a vintage bus means that parts can be impossible to find. In this case, the narrow upper windows can’t be repaired or replaced. Instead they’ll be removed and make way for extra storage and living space.
The front of the interior is mocked up, with lots of storage and an open feel. This beauty is going to have a TV that recesses into the ceiling.
We’ve got benches and seating mocked up, and the top of the generator peeks up through the floor. It will be sealed and covered with a custom box to keep all exhaust fumes out of the cabin. The box will provide service access to the generator as well.
As we move back we’ve got the kitchen laid out with space for the appliances. The second entry door is framed and ready for its own custom door. Closets, bathrooms—yes, there will be two bathrooms in this custom RV—and bedroom features including pocket doors are all framed out.
Big closets over the wheel wells and other custom RV details make sure there isn’t a single inch of wasted space in this 1969 vintage GMC bus conversion. We’re committed to making this customer’s RV life dream into a reality!
