I think Boom and Bob were feeling sentimental, remembering the many a time hanging out in the bus, waiting out the rain on our roadtrip this summer. For a couple hours today while I worked, they snoozed in the bus to the tune of raindrops dancing on the pop-top roof. Occasional cursing from me, but really it was an easy job.

Sweet Betty the Bus got a scrub-down spa treatment with an ass lift. $100 special…

Started with then a serious spray and scrub with Zeps Purple ($3), detailing the engine, and pressure-washing the underside to clean off the road grime. Unbelievably (after four good washings since September) there was still plenty of Burning Man dust. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the bus exterior and engine compartment this clean.

Next step, installed a new monza 4-tip exhaust ($70), which is the same same as the old one that was damaged. (Note – I was hoping to fix the old header, but that could take a little time. Once I find the piece needed to weld and repair the old header, I’ll sell it to someone who needs an exhaust.) New heater hoses ($5), an oil change ($10) and a quick tune-up ($5). Betty putt-putt purrs like a kitten.

Bending out the bumper the other day only got it 90% of the way there. The driver side was still sagging, so I had to do a little nut and washer trick to level the bracket hanger. Then, after a quick run to the Depot for a half-dozen specific carriage bolts ($3) and working some magic with two cans of spray paint ($5), the bumper is looking good as new. I touched up a few other spots on the body. There’s still some splotchy areas to smooth out, but nothing major. Next step, finish up all the little dings and dents. Then she gets her real paint job.

The road is calling…

The dogs had a blast jumping into the Plover River at Iverson Park in Stevens Point, Wisconsin…

The roadtrip is going well. just finishing up a week at a family reunion in northern wisconsin. lots of fun, but cool weather. not bad to me… my dog Baba got a few porcupine quills in her mouth and nose that we pulled out by the campfire. She also has a tennis ball lump in her shoulder from where she tore a muscle while swimming. Heading to the Rothbury music festival for the weekend.

Day 1 of the hippie bus roadtrip was a blast .. finally left Phoenix 2am on Sunday. Hit a jackrabbit. Baba almost met the stink end of a skunk. Bus running fast and loose… Arrived in Fort Collins, CO at 9am the next morning. 900 miles was a good push.