1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

[TRL]

Go Marla!

[Marla]

Thanks Ricky.
Here is an update on progress so far.

All the windows and interior door panels were removed. I decided to tarp off the entire bus from the gutter line down to keep from getting stripper inside. Then I dove in and started with some stripper on the roof. I am using Klean Strip and a draw knife and it seems to be doing the trick. Starting at the top going to work my way down to the sides.

I got the stripping done on the roof so far. The rest of the roof will get sanded out by hand later. I’m going to start working on stripping the sides next.

It’s been quite the process but I think overall it is going well. I have a diesel heater keeping the garage tempered enough to make it comfortable. I’m not lucky enough to have a heated garage so I do what I can. I’ve also put some tarps up to section off the area and contain the heat. I’ve been comfortable out there even when it’s 22F outside.

Here are some photos of my progress.

[Mbkeith74]

Slowly getting there Marla!!

[Marla]

I took advantage of the higher temps over the weekend before this artic blast coming our way. I made some pretty good progress with removing the majority of the new paint. Made it around the nose. I have the long driver side panels remaining.

All in all it’s going pretty well. It’s a lot of work but mostly patience is what is required. I will have a lot of sanding to do after this step is done.

Update on the color swatches. I had some color swatches from Sherwin Williams done. I sent them the original Glasurit color formulas to follow. The guy came by the house to drop them off and verify color matches. I am really happy with how they turned out. Under daylight they look great. So I am going with it. The original colors are Sealing Wax Red, Beige Grey and Silver white for the bumpers and rims.

[pjlevine]

Wow! You have done a lot of work. Gunther is one lucky bus!

[Marla]

Thanks Phyl!

I was able to get the rest of the stripping done this weekend. So step 1 is done. I got 99% of the new paint off with the stripper, the rest will have to be done with scraper and sander. I left the door jambs and the gutters to be done by hand. I haven’t come across any major bondo areas, some soots lower on the rockers. I’m thinking I won’t need any metal work done at this point, which is a little bit of a surprise.

I will get it a good wash to neutralize the stripper chemicals and then start sanding. Hoping the temps stay up above 30, it makes a difference in the garage.

Here are some photos. Are there any Dexter fans out there? My garage kinda looks like a scene set from the show. Or maybe I want to be like the Young family camp at KOK 2023.

[Marla]

Well, I got all of the new paint off and everything that needs to be removed from the bus has been removed.

The next step is to clean it up a bit, pack up and get it ready to go to a shop for more prep, smooth, prime and paint.

I had another helper at the garage getting to some of the hard to reach areas. I’m a little laid up right now, so this was a huge help. I’m am very appreciative of this group and all of the support so far.

[Dual Port]

Wow, that metal looks really nice, my front floors (both buses) were almost nonexistant. Keep up the good work!

[Marla]

Thanks Bruce!

This weekend I plan to get some floor protection boards down and button up some little things to send him out. I cleaned up the pop out window frames this past week. All in all I am happy with the progress. I am very excited to finally get this project moving forward. I have been wanting to do this for a few years.

[TRL]

That helper guy doesn't know a lick about Split Buses. I hope he learning something!