Ron Paul Liberty Bus- Double Decker Idea

[tangent4ronpaul]

Neal Fitzgerald is back in CA, and we've had graphic artists design artwork for semi's. I'm sure there are also artist supporters who would love to take on such a project as painting. In short, with some digging, it should cost you paint and maybe some brushes to get the bus decorated.

On the engine, I would be surprised if there were not a CA mechanic that was a supporter that would do the work for a whole lot less, and you might even find a supporter with access to that engine in a bones yard...

As to money on the road, I'd suggest selling T-Shirts, buttons, etc. Maybe souvenir bus posters or pics of people in the drivers seat or otherwise posed with the bus. Depending on how you convert it, bus rides are a possibility, but you'd want people to have access to the second story as that's where the novelty is. Tea and muffins are going to cause problems with health inspectors, licensing and other regulators.

 

[Maximus]

After watching the video (couldn't at work), I think this is awesome. This is going to pay for itself quickly! It's bigger than a billboard and will literally be seen be tens of thousands of people. I agree that local news stations/papers would be all over this. Drive this baby to Tea Parties, Grassroots rallies, do live radio, this is epic!

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

LAND BLIMP! Wooooo Hooooo!

 

[TruthLover]

I think it's a great idea. I am working on making and selling Ron Paul campaign items to help raise money for him. Maybe we can work something out with that? I
can supply you with them and we can split profits between: you, me and the campaign? You would need storage for it and trying to figure out how to get items to you
may be an issue while driving all over the country...

 

[Karl]

I have to admit that I am not ok with using paint. I spent two months doing body work to get the bus to where it is only one layer (maybe two in some places) of paint and can't bare the thought of slapping paint on it. Plus it would lose a lot of it's visual quality even if done by amazing artists. I would much rather do the graphic wraps that way they peel off and I can touch up the bus when this is done.

I can't give bus rides as it is registered as an RV and I actually had to sign a form assuring the DMV that I would not be using it commercially as a transportation vehicle. I wouldn't mind giving rides out of courtesy but legally, I can't do it for money.

Tangent made a really good point about the serving food idea. I will see if it is possible to get a permit to do it but we will have to see. I honestly doubt it is very easy to get so that seems unlikely. Guess it reinforces the notion that "We aren't free, we are only licensed". =(

Sarahdeez also made a very good point about the "weird" factor. I know that there are mixed responses to what we are doing from cool, to adventurous, to crazy. All I can say is we are what we are. I wouldn't say I am not eccentric in some respects, i love to play dubstep music loudly and am sort of a computer geek. I am far from a country family with "good ol boy" values, but you probably couldn't tell by looking at us. So you won't get any antics from us. I will admit that my son is PDD-NOS which is on the autism spectrum. He can throw really loud and intense fits from time to time and can be really hyper. I refuse to give him drugs and we deal with the behaviors as they are. That could be a bit of an issue appearing on the news if we were interviewed. My family would probably not participate because it would be difficult to keep him calm while it is happening and I refuse to explain his diagnosis (especially on the news) in fear he will find out. We have decided the best thing for him is to not know about it. So that is also something to consider.

I have had a few comments implying that I am using this to fund a personal vacation over at Daily Paul. I will just say that if there is that sentiment within the movement I probably wont do this. I don't want people thinking of me that way or throwing attitude toward my family while we travel around. This is really all about rather or not it is a good tool for the cause. I would like to make a few good points on that. We have been working towards our goal for years now. I have dropped several thousands of dollars into this bus and countless hours of back breaking work. My family has been suffering and doing without for a very long time so we can make this happen, so I am not taking this decision lightly. It isn't going to break my heart the least bit if this doesn't get support but I am completely willing to do it for the cause if it will help. So, I would urge those who do not like the idea to say they would rather not have me do it then to go forward with a large opposition. I can't expect a consensus on anything but I don't want to do it with significant opposition.

@TruthLover- That sounds like a great idea and if it turns out as something we can do, we will contact you via pm on the forum. Thanks!

 

[Karl]

My wife and I have been talking about it. We are going to try to do this on our own but we are unsure if we will be able to quickly. So, maybe what we can do is get the ball rolling and maybe you will want to jump in when/if the time is right. I will be updating this from time to time so that it stays in the conversation.

 

[goRPaul]

That is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Double decker buses are so rare in this country, but a little more popular in others. Bravo on all the hard work.

 

[Karl]

thanks It certainly was and is hard work but it was worth it.

 

[torchbearer]

i want one.
second deck would host blackjack tables.

 

[Karl]

haha, I have had many people try to convince me to make it into a party bus. One guy said it would be awesome for nascar events. There are plenty of them around and you can find really good deals from time to time. Most of them are wasting away so I say if you find one, go for it. You just might get it for cheap.

 

[Flirple]

No, unfortunately I don't BUT I do have a really awesome basset hound named Moses.

Yes I think Moses will do just fine!

LAND BLIMP! Wooooo Hooooo!

"Ron Paul Land Blimp" sounds like a winner to me. It would give the media an excuse to refer to the 2008 blimp and show a few file photos/videos of it so we can milk some more publicity out of it without having to actually pay for it this time around.

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

I can't give bus rides as it is registered as an RV and I actually had to sign a form assuring the DMV that I would not be using it commercially as a transportation vehicle. I wouldn't mind giving rides out of courtesy but legally, I can't do it for money.

You might inquire what would be involved if it was used commercially for transportation.

Also, does anyone know the legal definition of "transportation"? I think of it as going from point A to point B. That seams different that a 5 minute "RIDE" in the amusement park or horse and buggy sense, where the point of departure and the destination are the SAME. Short rides, staying off highways and major streets and not exceeding 20 mph may be in a completely different legal category than "transportation".

The other loophole is "commercially", if you request a $x DONATION, you are not doing business/engaged in commercial activity. Lots of people do this, and it's perfectly legal. Besides the word donation, the other key word there is request, and not require.

-t

 

[Karl]

I am open to transporting material and using it as an attraction but my wife and I decided that transporting people is not a good idea. A few people here and there but not a lot of people. It is our families home after all. Hopefully you can find uses for it other than that.

 

[Pseudolus]

I don't think it makes sense for us to support an entire large family and their dog living on the road, when really we're only looking for the bus. Add to that equation the fact that we'd have to pay to build the bus then lose precious time while we wait for the bus to be ready then pay to run the bus, it really starts to seem like there are better options out there for the grassroots effort.

For example, we could find a ready-to-go double decker bus, a committed group of college kids, and we're off instantly. We wouldn't have to support a family, the college kids could live cheaply and with camping gear, all the riders could take turns driving (rather than just two parents taking turns carpooling their kids) so that we could make it across the country to major destinations without wasting time, we could pick up and drive RP voters to polls and rallies since valuable space wouldn't be wasted on kitchen/bathroom/beds/etc., and best of all we'd have an entire team of knowledgeable RP supporters ready to pour out of the bus and canvas wherever they go.

The remodel, the large family of young children, the delay, the possibilities of major break-downs, etc--it's all too much when you consider the possible alternatives that accomplish the same goals for less money, less risk, less delay, less hassle, less wasted road time, etc.

My vote is a very strong NO on this family's bus idea. It's a wonderful idea, but one they should do on their own in their own time.

 

[Karl]

The third one down is probably the best option. I follow these and am a member of the club but I can tell you it will cost you $50,000 and up for a good running double decker bus. Mark Golding did a great job restoring his and keeping it up and it is probably the best deal you will find anywhere. http://britishbusclub.org/4sale.htm

Here is a link to some for sale on ebay. As you can see the classic one is really up there but you could buy the newer models in hawaii. Shipping would be a fortune and probably would not be worth it unless they run excellent.
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Mo...er+bus&_catref=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282&_rdc=1


Update: sorry marks is the fourth one down from the top, not the third.

 

[patriot2008]

Rent one of these and just add the "Ron Paul Revolution" Sticker or tempory paint !

JUST RENT one of these and just add the "Ron Paul Revolution" Sticker, decal or removable paint ! Just for the Main events

http://www.examiner.com/rving-in-national/california-coach-company-brokerage-with-a-touch-of-class

These are built in my home town. They look classy, professional, and catch eyes.

A bus much cheaper looking especially for a big election just makes people like me think strange. Just an opinion, based on cost (renting) short term and impression made.

 

[Karl]

dude, I don't usually use this terminology but those things are pimp. wow. Not my style at all but you have to stand in awe of them for their fanciness.

 

[patriot2008]

We should rent one. Call it the Ron Paul Revolution!! You can drive it?? It just needs to be seen certain days certain places.

 

[PennCustom4RP]

Very Cool Bus...but I would be wary of overpass clearances...my RV is 12'6, many local overpasses it doesn't clear, Interstate usually no prob......use your GPS to exclude any route that has low overpass, You want to be sure you avoid any hang-ups, hard to turn around once you're there, and you do not want a convertible !!...Good luck with your project !

 

[Karl]

Hi Penn,
I actually live in California and there are very few bridges under 15 feet on the entire west coast. So my bus fits fine but I have been warned that if I travel east, to be careful because there are a lot of low bridges. Thank you for the compliment and I will keep my eyes peeled so my bus isn't decapitated.