Waterproofing your Dream Bus! | Gypsy Bus EP.5
Today on Leisure Coachworks’ custom RV videos, we’re going back to the Gypsy Bus conversion. We’ve been here before—four times. When this project arrived in our shop, the inside of the 1972 MCI M-7 bus was empty. The owner brought it to the team to pick up where they left off and turn this bus into a fantastic home on wheels.
In each episode of this series, we’ve gotten an inside look at the complex process of restoring and renovating a vintage bus. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
- Episode 1: Jon gave us a tour and we checked out some water damage and the great work the customer had already completed.
- Episode 2: We learned about steel corrosion and took a look at the very beginning of the RV interior design.
- Episode 3: We watched the sandblasting crew clean up the outside of this big bus and learned how they removed the paint without damaging the panels.
- Episode 4: The team worked on the careful restoration of the vintage exterior while we got a tour of the mocked-up RV interior.
There’s still a long way to go on this custom RV bus conversion, but getting these fundamental structural details right will make this vehicle function well and look great for years to come.
Today, Jon is telling us how the team is waterproofing the exterior and giving us an update on the outside of the Gypsy Bus.
And wow, a lot has changed! The RV exterior is looking great.
The front cab is covered, the sides and roof are complete and smooth, and the rivets look amazing. The wood design mock-up on the inside of the bus is all coming down so the team can get to the wall and the roof.
In Episode 3, we watched a team sandblast the paint from the exterior of the bus. Now that the paint has been removed, the exposed metal needs to be sealed to prevent leaks. The sides and roof of the custom RV have been sealed and primed in pale grey.
The rear engine bay got some extra attention with a custom bed liner tinted to match the primer. This addition gives the area more protection from water and the heat produced by the engine.
Inside, the walls and roof will also be completely covered with sealer and primer. Once they’re ready, insulation will get sprayed in, filling every little space to keep heat and cold where it belongs.
We see a glimpse of what’s to come on the metal front cap support. This custom piece is perfectly curved to fit the vehicle and has been sealed, primed, and painted. Not only does it look fantastic, but it is also protective and will help this bus last through whatever weather it faces.
All of this waterproofing is necessary to prevent the type of water damage that we saw the team repair in previous episodes. Even a small leak can result in extensive damage that’s expensive to repair. Nobody wants this 1972 bus to go through that again!
The Gypsy Bus is proving to be a great project, showing us how the Leisure Coachworks team attends to every detail of a custom RV renovation. A lot of work has gone into this vehicle to give it a solid foundation before any design work happens inside. Every job receives this same level of attention, creating RVs that are built to last.
If you’re considering a custom RV remodel, contact us or stop on by our full-service RV shop in Fontana, CA.
