My brother built a similar bench for his kitchen not too long ago so I stole his plans and converted them to fit my size and structure needs. I'm getting really good at building boxes, so like the bed I started with just a simple frame made of 2x4s. The wheel well is underneath on one side, so I had to adjust the support on that side to cross over the top of the wheel, but it was easy enough, and I can't imagine it compromised the stability at all.
A metal chair rail runs along the walls on both sides and still has the holes from where the original bus seats were bolted in. I stole a couple seat belts from the old bus seats (thanks Taylor and Sons for the torque) and used the existing holes to secure them to the bus structure, for safety, of course. Dad had the great idea of cutting small slots (not sluts, Anne) in the back of the bench so the seat belts could be pulled through when needed or stored away when not.
As much as I love building boxes (I don't), my favorite part is watching each project come together as it looks more and more like the finished product. I especially enjoyed cutting and placing the sides and top of the bench and seeing the ugly wheel well disappear.
A couple coats of stain and varnish and a pair of hinges and Rus looks less like a construction zone. I jumped the gun and picked up a 1 1/4" thick foam mattress topper and some spray adhesive. It took 15 minutes with a tape measure and utility knife before I had my seat cushion all together. Looking into colors and fabrics for seat covers, but check out the awesome pillow cases Nancy's making me! The little touches are starting to help me see the potential of calling Rus the Bus home one day.
(Like I mentioned I was away adventuring last month. I'm working on a blog or series of blogs to share my journey Thru hiking the Colorado Traill. Keep and eye out, I'll be posting to facebook and instagram when they're finished!)
