1963 Flxible Starliner Vintage High-Tech Bus Conversion Tour - The Creative Cruiser
We stopped in to see our dear friends Ben and Karen, and the most amazing bus conversion ever!
Ben Willmore is known for his amazing Photoshop skills and experience - and has been on the road full time since 2006 working remotely as a photography and digital mastery instructor. He was the first fellow 'technomad' we met in our travels in 2008, and we've enjoyed converging with Ben & Karen across the country over the years.
He purchased this Flxible bus in 2009 and. just got the conversion done in late 2017 after many trials and tribulations. His research on vintage coaches inspired us to purchase our 1961 GM 4106 conversion in 2011. But his is officially waaaaaay cooler than ours :)
Follow the history of this bus:
www.creativecru...
Follow the projects of this bus:
/ creativecruiser
Check out Creative Cruiser's newest feature - voice automation!
• High-Tech Vintage Bus ...
For Ben's Digital Mastery Photoshop site:
www.digitalmast...
See their old Ramblings Interview from 2010:
www.technomadia...
Induction Boiling Water Video:
• Standard vs Induction ...
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Cherie & Chris have been full time technomads since 2006. In the winter we explore land in our 1961 GM 4106 bus conversion. In the spring/summer we move aboard our 1999 Bayliner 4788 slowly exploring America's waterways along the Great Loop.
We share for fun in our spare time.
We love sharing a slice of our life with others at www.technomadia..., Facebook and Instagram. Want to come share more behind the scenes, you can also join us on Patreon. We use the name 'Technomadia' in all those places. Come join the adventure however you choose!
We have full time jobs that fund our adventures (this channel is our fun after-hours hobby space). Our career is running www.MobileInter... - where we track mobile internet options for RVers and cruisers. We have a dedicated KZread channel for that content at / mobileinternetresource... you can subscribe to.
© Technomadia 2018
For entertainment purposes only. See our website for a full disclaimer.
Пікірлер: 959
That bus is just plain fantastic!! Can't imagine how much it would have cost to have all of that custom work done, but it's a one of a kind piece of rolling artwork. Congrats to the owners! May their travels be long and happy in that amazing machine!!
@markmiller4503
3 жыл бұрын
I don’t know how much it cost them to build but, it is easily a 2 million dollar RV
Incredible detail! You can tell he’s lived in an RV a long time. Everything is so well thought out.
I’m astounded by the fit & finish. Love the retro look, this must be the talk of the park when they pull in!
@ericdee6802
5 жыл бұрын
I bet all of that came with an astounding price tag 😭🤔
@michaelanderson1859
5 жыл бұрын
@@ericdee6802 probably less than a new RV, and 2 professionals combined income. They make money by being professional photographers on the road. They spent 8 years making it that nice.
@helidude3502
4 жыл бұрын
And probably still some places too snooty to have an old bus.
@paulsuprono7225
4 жыл бұрын
Gotta be a dedicated hobby ! However, with this coronavirus going on, your travels must be measured ! 🇺🇸🎭😇
@gillwil
3 жыл бұрын
Amazing...
It reminds me of a bus from the 40s and 50s that you would see in black and white movies of old Hollywood. Even when I was a child they have buses similar to that. It is really a beautiful boss and I was in awe just looking at the outside. A lot of courses absolutely gorgeous on the inside. Wishing you a lifetime of Adventures and your beautiful bus.
You didn't exaggerate when you said this is the most amazing bus conversion. Just superbly done from every aspect. The interior and exterior finishes, the allocation of space, the tankage, the engine and transmission, and the technology. Wow, just WOW!
Just the bus on the outside is a design masterpiece. I really love all the tech goodies inside. Nice job man.
The nicest interior I've seen on any bus conversion. The MCM/Art Deco cabinetry is SO SLEEK AND ELEGANT! As is the leather upholstery. The electronics demo was the BEST I EVER SAW! As an installer of residential systems, I really appreciate all the work it took to do such a professional-looking job. The printer drawer was GENIUS, as was the appliance garage. This was also the first bus I could use on the road without having to change anything. Except for maybe the steering. HARD TO BELIEVE THERE WAS ORIGINALLY KNOTTY PINE!
Wow...this is one of THE NICEST VINTAGE BUS CONVERSIONS I have ever seen !! It's beautiful and I bet you really get the looks ! I can imagine you spend a lot of time talking about the bus to those that ask. I know, we had a special motorcycle with sidecar and every time we stopped, we would answer a lot of questions, plus gotta love those thumbs up when you are traveling !! You've got a real beauty....Thanks for the tour ! Thanks Technomadia for giving us a chance to see this gorgeous bus !
@chuckdehart9924
6 жыл бұрын
Was it a ural?
@maggiebuchanan9369
6 жыл бұрын
Yes Chuck DeHart , it was a ural...dark blue and I loved it so much! Do to health reasons , we had to sell it a couple of years ago and I dearly miss it !
I never thought a bus could be so beautiful but WOW!!!! What a lucky couple that get to live in such an amazing piece of history 😊 GORGEOUS!!!!!
That's the best bus that I've seen. I think the size is perfect...big enough for everything you really need, but still reasonably easy to drive.
@cowcutter
6 жыл бұрын
RamblinAround b.
@endeavouringit
5 жыл бұрын
I agree !!! unbelievably brilliant
@codamonday6916
5 жыл бұрын
Yes But is it Reasonably Priced ??$
@michelebrown7633
5 жыл бұрын
That is beautiful you too did that love it
@NomadicSociety
5 жыл бұрын
@@codamonday6916 absolutely not lol
This is the most beautiful bus conversion I've seen, the wood grain and quality of workmanship shows...
This conversion is just simply faaaaaabulous! The paint is to fricking DIE for! All the high tech made my head hurt! (Microwave, I guess. Lol) The layout was stellar! The wood, absolutely beaugorgeous! Brilliant cubbyhole storage! Very innovative! The tech and frugality issues matched the physical beauty of the thing. Two of my favorite colors, chocolate and almost creamy vanilla. Chrome wheels and trim nice touch, along with electric levelingjacks! Cameras essential I imagine, driving a land yatch, avec trailer! Awnings & lights nice touch. Again, all the hi-tech made my head hurt! What do you do when you have atmospheric issues, and Wi-Fi is fried? Beautiful over all & complete job, and can SEE why it would take 8 years! I don't usually go on and rant, but this was an extraordinary job! FIRST CLASS!!! Thanks for sharing and letting others see the rig, even though smaller than the last bohemoth, very tasty and we'll paid out! Besides, I like antiques myself. For the last 20 years, I've driven a 91 Ford Ranger XLT 4CYL, 8 PLUG, 5SPD, GREAT mileage, and then a head gasket issue. (Sigh- like I don't have enough in it!) Now driving 17yo Ford F150 Crew. Ranger still in the driveway. An old friend! God bless, and have an enjoyable time, and trip!
Most amazing build I’ve seen!!! From the retro bus to all the automated workings and the gorgeous woodwork inside. Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing Ben and Karen’s home.
You guys are beyond amazing!...... You are really living the dream. I would like to wish you long healthy lives, you are the special people on the planet. Your bus is possibly the best outthere and you deserve the best! This has truly lifted me watching this, your friends are good special people too. I really love it when I see good people living life properly. Thankyou for sharing your life with us. God bless you and all around you.
The craftsmanship is about as good as it gets! Great video, amazing hand-crafted wooden features (curved corners, matching grain, dual use doors) the attention to detail is beyond what Ive ever seen!
This is the best renovation I've seen yet. Beautiful vintage bus. Beautiful build and tech.
Wow! Beautiful! It’s like an Art Deco on wheels. Thank you for the tour!
This is the absolute best bus conversion ever!!! You guys are the champs on space usage. Omg! Everyone should see this! Thanks.
@nicholausbuthmann1421
3 жыл бұрын
Flxible was the first American Bus Builder to offer their Buses in an RV straight from the factory as well........Hence why "Johnny Cash" and many other Musician's of their era had one !
@nicholausbuthmann1421
3 жыл бұрын
Oh and cool Pun on your YT Screen Handle> As "AFC BRILL" was a long time Bus Builder that built many of the "Streamlined/Art Deco Busses" for Greyhound, Trailways, and even Passenger Train Cars for the Railroad's back in the day !
I wouldnt know how many hours of bus conversions ive been watching in prep for my own, but there is literally this and daylight second.... bravo.... There simply cannot be better, just different versions of a perfect 10...
I watched this when it came out and it popped up again and I had forgotten how magnificent the wood is on the inside.: ) peace
That is probably the most coolest conversion I've seen I love this bus....👍👍
@bryantubbs1695
3 жыл бұрын
That's the best bus that I've seen. I think the size is perfect...big enough for everything you really need, but still reasonably easy to drive.
Beautiful, beautiful restoration and conversion!! Personally I wouldn’t have everything electronic, but he has the knowledge to troubleshoot and maintain it. Absolutely gorgeous rv! Classic with a modern drivetrain and interior.
That is by far the nicest conversion bus I've seen on KZread, save one other. It was owned by a young couple with a baby. It rivaled this bus in creative design and amenities. Until now, it was the best looking bus conversion on KZread ... in my opinion. I'M SURE, THERE MUST BE MANY OTHER AWESOME DESIGNS, LIKE THEIRS, YET TO SEE!!!!
Amazing! Not only is it highly functional but it is also an incredible piece of artwork from a time I am particularly fond of. Thank you for filming and sharing this.
@Technomadia
6 жыл бұрын
Isn't it amazing? It's high tech. It's geeky. It's gorgeous. It's made of passion and love. It's a true artistic masterpiece.
Ben and Karen, you have amazingly good taste, high standards and are exceptional achievers. Big congratulations on your stellar creation and to the folks who worked on it. Happy travels to you both and to Cherie and Chris(thanks for the video).
I AM SOOOOOO IN LOVE WITH THIS AWESOME AMZ'N BUS CONVERSION....TOTALLY BRILLANT GUYS !!!!!!
OMG! Hands down the best and most creative build of a bus-to-RV conversion I've ever seen. Hats off to this couple for their work and originality.
I caught a glimpse of you rolling through Houston and was moved by the appearance of your bus. I slowed down just enough so you could pass me and I could get another eye full. Sadly, I needed to exit before I had enough of looking at y'all but managed to get a wave from Karen after giving the thumbs up. I was delighted to find this video. Thank you for the tour of your home. It exudes quality but isn't over the top. Wishing you safe travels and hope others find the same joy you have brought me by simply driving by.
That is the most awesome bus conversion ever. That is the right bus for me and I’d love to get one and restore it to a similar state as this one.
The most amazingly beautiful bus I have ever seen, I want one !
Wow!!! All the bells and whistles. This is one of the best looking, inside and out and high tech buses I've seen so far. Amazing!
That is beautiful workmanship. Love the fact that a single tree furnishes the wood for the interior!
I sold RV's and this is the BEST design that I have ever seen. I bet he could sell the plans to a vintage bus conversion company. Amazing
@redwolfexr
5 жыл бұрын
As someone who has messed with home automation.. he needs more manual switches and less "opening an app" Or he needs to get Alexa or similar going to control everything. (downside is no internet no Alexa - voice processing is remote) The third or fourth time you have to go to another room to get your phone off the charger so you can close the blinds its going to get old. Even just sticking a few hardwired tablets with the control application would make it much more user friendly. To be fair, it seems like he is planning that sort of voice bridge. Still its a gorgeous bus, he obviously spent hundreds of hours on the wood and cabinet work. Its still odd seeing so much tech merged into so much vintage...
Great video to watch. It was very satisfying to know that a great piece of American craftsmanship was saved and repurposed.
I just fell in love. A beautiful balance between vintage and high tech upgrades.
Wow, I've watched hundreds of these videos and this bus is the best I've ever seen by far...from the printer, the kitchen gadget droor, the technology involved, awnings, everything on this bus is amazing. I am no expert but if I had to put a number on this bus for insurance reasons I would want it insured for around $150,000. Great job man.
This is 1 of the best bus/house I have ever seen, it has everything and more, Just Gorgeous ❤️
enjoyed this tour Ben and Karen built an amazing comfy home.
This is the most beautiful bus home on KZread. It’s Presidential! I was truly amazed. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work! Bless your lovely bus.
Not only is it the most amazing bus conversion anywhere, but it is the prettiest bus conversion anywhere. Wherever he was when he came up with those colors in that pattern must be the most inspiring place ever. Beautiful!!!
Y'all are at the Clearwater RV Resort!! We stayed there several times this summer, and still go there to dump when we're boondocking. Fabulous Bus!! And so is y'alls, Technomadia!!
Gorgeous bus and the most beautiful conversion of a bus I've ever seen. The woodwork reminds me of the first class train cars of yore. Stunning!!!
Love the style, so cool. Like from an old movie. Beautiful build, all tech, and nicer than a lot of today manufactured.
The BEST bus conversation I've ever seen!! The look is amazing inside. Not much outside though. It's like stepping into the 21st century great to see the amazing upgrades and the beautiful wood finish and the voice activation. I had been wondering where the TV was until I saw it drop from the ceiling..Kinda startled me.
An absolute piece of art, beautiful in every sense of the word 👍🏻
Seeing a bus that beautiful makes you want to slap the other manufacturers. And oh my your build out is beyond amazing.
Without doubt, that is the best bus conversion I have ever seen, well done sir.
At first impression outside I through what a fabulous form of the bus, so cool. But inside I'm blown away of the build quality and can't imagine the planing of layout and wood work. My god..
The most beautiful conversion I have ever seen!
Best one I have ever seen. The woodworking is superb, and you have 100% up to date functionality combined with a terrific vintage style.
This is the most incredible bus I've ever seen. Ben really thought of everything.
The woodworking is incredible . Masterpiece Coach. Enjoy!!
GORGEOUS!!! Beautiful metalwork (dash) and finish/cabinetry work. Love all the automation. One other thing one never sees on any conversions that you forgot to mention---the Recaro!
This is it!!! The best conversion ever!!! Wayyyy better than the factory made one!
I'm totally blown away by your motorhome. Yes it's a motorhome...no more bus . This renovation and build out is just top notch. All the woods used are beautiful so buying that tree was a great move. I've literally never seen anything like it and definitely nothing better.
That's a Dream Flxible Starliner! They thought of everything! Coolest conversion ever!
I work at a RV repair shop now retired from the sea. and this one gets a thumbs up.. The older the better.. Mine..(yes I bought one) is 40 years old.. GMC 26 foot Royale..
@DASHAWNJOHN
5 жыл бұрын
Did you convert it?
Those old Flxible's ( Yes it IS spelled right ) are the best vehicle to convert. They aren't as big as a newer bus, hence easier to drive They are higher than a school bus inside. They are built very well and you can put about any drive train that you want in them. Most had Buick engines originally. I would love to have one.
What a beautiful bus, & great ideas, My wife & I discussed for years doing something like this & seeing the country vintage, Now I've had a heart attack, & where as we might get to buy or rent & travel, I hope all of you folks that want to put a personal touch on your bus, don't waste time like I did, & enjoy life with your spouse while the going is good.
Seriously that is the most beautiful bus I have ever seen.
All I can say is THANK YOU!!! What a sweet machine!!!
Thats the best bus conversion I have ever seen. Just wow!
Stunning, stunning, stunning!!! Did I mention it's stunning?!
Wow just beautiful I love the wood you used and the way you set everything up. You don't lack for anything, everything is just WOW!!!!!!!
It is a pleasure to see good design in a motor home, converted bus or any type of RV. It is sickening to see the mirrors bling and glitz in so many "high end" RVs. Bravo to an well done job.
@FMHammyJ
5 жыл бұрын
Well said....so many of the high end RV's remind me of a Vegas casino or cruise ship......ugh!
I would love to see you do some "where are they now" ramblings updates. It's always interesting to see who is still on the "adventure" whether it is on land or water. .
@Technomadia
6 жыл бұрын
We actually have them all updated at www.technomadia.com/rambings
@awkwarddude
5 жыл бұрын
@@Technomadia couldn't find an update on the Flxible folks' bus. Is it in your archive under a specific name or title?
Absolutely gorgeous and soooo functional! We live about 40 minutes from Loudonville, OH where these were made. I remember my Aunts & Uncles always talking about the "Flxy" but, too young to invest in them then - lol. Hope to see you at their Flxi reunion someday! THANKS! Jim & Cindy
AMAZING! Just can't get over the beautiful blending of old-world craftsmanship alongside the latest in tech/contemporary. A beautiful accomplishment. Well done!
The photography business must be very lucrative. The definatly have a gem in that bus for sure!
@mambi74
3 жыл бұрын
He looked familiar but couldn't place it then realized who it was: Ben Willmore - pretty well known Photoshop Instructor and Creativelive teacher. I've seen a few of his tutorials and learned quite a bit from him.
This bus is built like the finest vintage yacht. The joiner work is a work of art. It probably would cost a few hundred thousand to do one of these at least!
Marvelous to see such detail and aesthetic consideration. Modern high end RV companies could learn a lot from this.
Ben and Karen, your conversion is absolutely gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing. Love it!
Wow you were not kidding it’s gorgeous
The roof scoop, the name emblems, the dux butt rear end, the paint style all make it unique.
How amazing! So vintagely high tech! That man is beyond typical intelligent!! Fantastic!!!!
The finest bus conversion i have ever seen, the design worn inside is fantastic! Great work!
Oh it’s even more awesome with all the tech hidden inside it.
@melanieortiz712
5 жыл бұрын
Too much tech my taste.
love it, your thought process for building your home is amazing as well as choice of wood and design congratulations , its beautiful
That is impressive quality craftmanship. The bus design is respected in the conversion while including the best of technology. The hidden TV, Shower area, storage gallore and hidden A/C are brilliant. I owned a 1965 GMC bus, this is the best rendition ever!
There is no way to adequately describe how cool this is. I have now found the inspiration for my dream coach. Plus 1963 is my birth year!
This is absolutely magnificent. I like this, I like this. Thanks for sharing.
Can you design my RV when I get one. Holy cow! I'm impressed and want it.
Wow! No wonder it took so long to restore. It gorgeous and so functional. I'm in love. :)
One of the top bus conversions I've seen yet.😁👍 Only thing I would recommend (as a computer tech), is to have a manual backup for *EVERYTHING!* There's nothing worse than when you have everything set up to work with phone or computer apps, and all of a sudden one of your devices glitches (as you have already experienced with your laptop taking a dive), and you're essentially stranded and can't do anything, go anywhere, or open anything. Electronic locks especially, are great when they work, but can be literally life threatening when they don't. Always have a manual release somewhere, even if it is just a small hole you can push a pin into to release your locks. Technology is great when it works as expected. Otherwise, amazing build, and I hope it gives you many years of trouble-free service!😍😉👍👍
@benwillmore6994
5 жыл бұрын
We have backups for critical systems (like locks), but I don't plan to reveal the details of that kind of stuff .
Best Home ever!!!!! love The old school along with technology!!!
Absolutely beautiful One of the nicest RV 's iv ever seen.
That rig is not replaceable and priceless pretty cool that you actually bought a tree to do the inside amazing and that rig I wouldn't take 5 million dollars for it you've done a lot of quality work this is the very best that I've seen on KZread and I have seen thousands of rigs I just wish I had your like you say knowledge is power and that is so true I got myself a little Winnebago 1 of 490 built and you could see it on my channel Scott's Winnebago redo I've been working on it for 3 months sorry that I'm long-winded but I am just impressed with your
What a beauty! Certainly one of the best I’ve ever seen. The vintage colors, and features are outstanding! Well done. Thank you for posting this.
Wow, normally I'm not a huge fan of conversions like this, but this is spectacular. If it were mine I'd prefer a 50's style interior though rather than all modern
@DASHAWNJOHN
5 жыл бұрын
I mean for me I'd like the blend of old and new, to kind of appreciate the overlooked cool designs from back then and still be modern and have technology like this........... If you didn't get that *Long story short its beautiful*
Elegantly beautiful.
Very intuitive, well thought out conversion! This bus was built in my town, and would've been inspected by my grandfather before it left the exit production door on N. Market street here in Loudonville.
Wow! Thank you for sharing Ben & Karens bus! It is amazing! Very well thought out-engineered space use! The wood is just beautiful, the sink, so many details, so cool. The electronics are really amazing. You guys take care! God bless!
*ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. THIS IS WAY 😎 COOL. NICE FREAKING JOB.*
SPEACHLESS!!!...AWESOME UNIT!!!!..A++
Beyond beautiful! Greatest bus conversion for sure!
Finest conversion I've seen to date. Beautiful aesthetics and technology.
VERY NICE !!! But you know that...😊 I will say this is one of the nicest most futuristic but with the old feel. Nothing probably could compare to it. God bless.💕
That bus is Awesome! Only thing I would change is nothing! 👍
Beautiful inside and out!! The attention to detail is impressive!
Best bus indeed nailed it! Style, size, details, vintage and tech come together.