Ceiling Removal
Step 1: We began by taking down the ceiling panels with a drill. Let's just say our shoulders were sore the next day! Our bus was filled with screws instead of rivets, which was a blessing and we're sorry for those who have to deal with them.
Step 2: Any screws we couldn't get out, due to them being rusted or stripped, we used an angle grinder - this tool will be your new best friend - to grind them down enough that we could use a crowbar to pull the panels down.
We were so happy when we got that first panel down. At that point, the insulation and wires were starting to be exposed.
The main part of the bus was pretty easy, but that one panel in the drivers area can take longer. Depending on if you have upper storage, you'll have to take all that down before you can get the last panel off.
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Check out some time lapse videos below to quickly see the process. One panel even fell on my head!
Tips:
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We have seen bus builds where they place WD40 on the rusted screws and let it sit before trying to unscrew them again. While we didn't try that, it sounds like a good option for the stubborn ones.
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Before you take the panels down, unscrew the plastic piece that borders the roof hatch because it holds in part of the panel.