Skoolie DIY: Rust

Nothing says Midwest like snow, salt and rust. Am I right or am I right? This is a huge topic of discussion when purchasing a bus in the Midwest. And even with the wealth of knowledge available, I still bought a rusty one. In my amateur defense, a little rust on the bottom of the doors seems like an easy fix. 

• 

• 

Now, I may not know much about converting a bus into a home. But, I have learned two things in my 25 trips around the sun that apply directly to this situation. First, there is more than what meets the eye; second, everything needs a solid foundation.  

The ripped up center isle reveals the floor to actually be a rubber mat glued to a metal floor. A crow bar served useful to rip it up in large and small pieces to see what the true condition of the floor was well, rusty.

Orange specks of rust sprinkle over most the floor, in some areas more so than others, particularly where the sheets of metal met.  

Holes the length of my foot hung were behind the rear tires with smaller areas on the step and entrance. 

• 

• 

For the areas not rusted all the way through, an angle grinder was taken to the surface to smooth the rust away.

After as much as rust was ground away as possible, the rust spots were sprayed with a rust paint. The color didn’t matter since there will be a proper floor.

• 

• 

AHHH did the hippy just say, “sprayed with a rust paint?” She did! Though I am taking steps to be considerate of my environmental impact, I am also building a space for myself to dwell for however long the four walls on wheels can contain me.

But, I was able to purchase them at the local Habitat for Humanity: Restore for a little lower than shelf price and the money goes towards the Christian non-profit.

Only like 50 cents but hey, I’m about it.* 

My redneck friend flew out for a “work-cation” and was truly the mastermind behind the rest of the rust welding. The major warp in the floor was due to the rusting away of the frame.

The rust holes in the floor revealed a larger foundation issue underneath the floor. To mend this, the formally parallel beams were structured to cross. I’m not 100% sure how he did it but, it’s sturdy.

When I had purchased the former Colts tailgating bus, all the seats had been removed with the exception of a two seat backs that served as a barrier between the front and back of the bus. We removed the seat backs and took them apart.

The foam will be used to insulate the frames around the tire wells. Pieces of the metal frame were used to reinforce the rust holes in the floors and back door.

• 

• 

*Everything on the bus should be one of four things: free, local, eco-friendly or second hand.
Exploring those options before running to Home Depot or Amazon will help lower my environmental impact.

Feature photo by David Porter
Story photos by Alycia Grace

This Is Perfect Harmony LLC is a Midwest based, arts and humanities website. Our mission is to connect philanthropic and grass root artists of many mediums. We’re asking those who value our publication to make a monthly donation of any amount to help us continue to make free content and share perfect harmony. Click here to find out how.