BUS CONVERSIONS M A R C H 0 0 8 BUS CONVERSIONS CONTENTS March 008 F EATURE 10 DC Supply Hardware by George Myers F EATURE 16 Dumpster Designing by Catherine Farnworth 10 I NDUSTRY P RO fi LE 20 Calling On Royalty... by Liz Goldner J OYS O F B US I NG 26 Cabinetry for the Bus Converter: Finishing MISS MARCH CENTERFOLD 34 Madden's Magical Ride 20 by Dennis Myers F EATURE 42 Building Interior Panel Doors by Jack Conrad F EATURE 46 An Excellent Bus Adventure by Dennis Myers Q UEEN O F T HE R OAD 58 Kenai Peninsula: Part II 34 by Doreen Orion O N T HE C O VER D EPAR T MEN T S The 5 From the Editor 7 Advertiser's Index Madden 50 Bus Chat Cruiser 54 Products of Interest in front of Lambeau Field 62 Service Directory 42 Green Bay, Wisconsin 64 Sterling Classified Ads M A R C H 0 0 8 FROM THE EDITOR gobusing.com ublisher Mike Kadletz and I attended is the featured bus in this March issue and will the UMA Motorcoach Expo in San continue into the April issue. They celebrated Francisco in January. It was the first heartily, and well deserved. What it told me is industry tradeshow for me, so I was all I’m in an industry that has a heritage that will Peyes and ears walking up and down the aisles support plenty of success in the future. looking at all the wares. It was impressive and Many of the successes are due to unique a great orientation for me. individuals. Last month I finished the two I have attended many types of trade shows, part story of Bernard Van Hool. Another some of them in other countries so I have entrepreneur, Clancy Cornell founder of ABC plenty of experience for comparing shows. was at the UMA autographing the book about Some things never change, like all the sales his family business. A review of his book is in people looking spiffy and anxious to engage this issue. Congratulations to Clancy and his in conversation. Like all shows, it was evident family. that their management had them cranked up There are other articles about products to get some orders, and as always it seemed shown at the UMA to give you a flavor of what to be working. is new and exciting. Indeed, I have coaxed I did come to one conclusion—bus people one more lady into the writing field and has like to eat! There was food everywhere in here own article in this issue. Cat Farnworth the exhibit hall. There was little need for the has joined Doreen Orion as one of our lady exhibit hall concessions to be open, and that authors and tells us about her budget conscious was a blessing! If all the bus shows are like furnishing ideas. They might seem extreme to this one, I’m going to make sure to diet before some, but you have to admire her creativity. attending. There is an open invitation to “busnutettes” to I also noted lots of anniversary banners. become writers and supply us with materials. Many touting years of successful operation, Keep them coming. something any company has a right to be proud about. For one MCI was celebrating their 75th Dennis Myers year in business. I bring this up because MCI Editor See page 57 for details.... BUS CONVERSIONS M A R C H 0 0 8 ADVERTISER'S INDEX gobusing.com ABC Companies ____________ 71 Epic Conversions ___________ 15 MAK PUBLISHING 7246 Garden Grove Blvd Accent Limobus _____________ Fastening Systems International ___ Westminster, California 92683 Phone: 714.799.0062 Advanced Truck Painting, Inc. ____ Grand Canyon Caverns Inn & Resort __ FAX: 714.799.0042 E-mail: [email protected] All American Foam __________ 9 Highway Transportation Services __ 0 <www.gobusing.com> Ardemco ________________ 61 Hub King _______________ 9 PUBLISHED BY MAK Publishing, Inc. Aqua-Hot _______________ 21 Marathon Coach ____________ PUBLISHER Michael Kadletz B & B Coach ______________ 9 Moose Creek MotorCabins ______ EDITOR Back Issues: Bus Conversions ______ 9 Nimco _________________ 51 Dennis Myers Bus Conversions Subscription _____ 8 Northwest RV Supply _________ CIRCULATION Karen Brady Bus Sales _______________ Pedco _________________ 14 BBS MODERATORS Dallas Farnworth: Chat Moderator Bus I.D. Poster ____________ 0 Peninsula Glass ____________ 51 Richard Bowyer: Help board Jack Conrad: Calendar Byler Rivet Supply __________ 31 Premier Coach, Inc. __________ Nick Badame: Main BBS Phil Lyons: Software installs / configuration Campout At The Caverns _______ 57 R & M Fiberglass ___________ 41 EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Jack Conrad | Catherine Farnworth Cruise King LLC ____________ 9 Recovery Room ____________ Dave Galey | Liz Goldner | George Myers Doreen Orion | David Smead Custom Instrument Panels ______ 21 Sure Marine Service _________ Interested in a Reprint? Custom RV Interiors __________ 41 Vehicle Clinic _____________ 31 Call 714-799-0062 As is the case in all technical publications, extreme care should be taken before performing any procedures that involve mechanical or electrical Engine Heat Protection ________ 41 Winlock Galey Publishing ______ 31 devices described in Bus Conversions Magazine, especially where the safety of the individual performing the procedure and/or persons operating or Engine Power Source _________ 9 Wrico _________________ riding in the vehicle is concerned. Anyone performing any conversion activities should be aware of and build the conversion in accordance with the applicable code of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (800) 344-, the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) (800) -0154, and the American National We Want To Hear From YOU! Standards Institute (ANSI) (212) -900. gobusing.com Bus Conversions Magazine makes every effort to ensure that its articles are Write to us. Tell us what you like, what technically correct and safe to perform, but the final responsibility belongs to the person performing the operation, whether it be engine or equipment you don’t like, what type of information maintenance and repair or body modifications or any conversion activity you’d like to see in the magazine. Tell us on or for the coach. COPYRIGHT 008 by Bus Conversions Magazine (ISSN 00-). All about your bus, an interesting story while rights reserved. Reproduction of whole or part without permission is strictly on the road, a fabulous RV park or area prohibited. Reproduction of specific sections of articles can be requested in writing. The publisher assumes no responsibility for opinions expressed you visited. We welcome your letters and by writers in the magazine. Information is deemed to be reliable but not articles & photos! You can send them to guaranteed as such. 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