| What am I getting myself into? [message #169306] |
Fri, 11 May 2012 20:31  |
Chris Elliott
Messages: 7
Registered: May 2012
Location: Bossier City LA
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hey all,
First off I want to apologize if this appears lazy. I realize that all this information is probably all in this forum somewhere. I definitely dont mind links as replies.
My grandparents have owned a '76 GMC since the early '80s. They aren't really mobile any more and so the Coach has been passed to my parents. They don't really have the time or the funds to really put the thing back together.
It has 200k+ miles with some work to the original Olds 455 (does not currently run). 4 yr old tires, Alcoa wheels, new airbags, 6k Onan runs great, but just about everything else is pretty well used but has been kept in good shape. However, the past 3 years it has been sitting in covered storage.
I would really love to keep it. It would primarily be used for tailgating and light camping (a night or two).
My job currently keeps me away quite a bit and for the next 1-3 years I don't know how much I am going to be able to put into it.
My question is, what kinds of problems do I need to take care of right now? What shape do I need to get it into immediately? What kinds of things do I need to do over the next year or two in order to keep it in good shape until I can really start to work on it? What am I looking at for worst case costs (eg engine rebuild, new air lines, bushings/bearings, etc.)
My fabrication/refurbishing experience is limited to home/car electronics and woodworking, fairly handy just inexperienced.
Immediate budget is $3000
Thanks,
Chris
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| Re: What am I getting myself into? [message #169313 is a reply to message #169306] |
Fri, 11 May 2012 21:26  |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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| Chris Elliott wrote on Fri, 11 May 2012 21:31 |
Hey all,
First off I want to apologize if this appears lazy. I realize that all this information is probably all in this forum somewhere. I definitely dont mind links as replies.
My grandparents have owned a '76 GMC since the early '80s. They aren't really mobile any more and so the Coach has been passed to my parents. They don't really have the time or the funds to really put the thing back together.
It has 200k+ miles with some work to the original Olds 455 (does not currently run). 4 yr old tires, Alcoa wheels, new airbags, 6k Onan runs great, but just about everything else is pretty well used but has been kept in good shape. However, the past 3 years it has been sitting in covered storage.
I would really love to keep it. It would primarily be used for tailgating and light camping (a night or two).
My job currently keeps me away quite a bit and for the next 1-3 years I don't know how much I am going to be able to put into it.
My question is, what kinds of problems do I need to take care of right now? What shape do I need to get it into immediately? What kinds of things do I need to do over the next year or two in order to keep it in good shape until I can really start to work on it? What am I looking at for worst case costs (eg engine rebuild, new air lines, bushings/bearings, etc.)
My fabrication/refurbishing experience is limited to home/car electronics and woodworking, fairly handy just inexperienced.
Immediate budget is $3000
Thanks,
Chris
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Welcome: here is some reading material. Do you know why it don`t run?
http://www.bdub.net/factory-manuals.html
http://www.bdub.net/publications/
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: What am I getting myself into? [message #169353 is a reply to message #169306] |
Sat, 12 May 2012 14:56 |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Chris,
People have mentioned the rubber brake hoses between the frame and the wheels. I had a front one go bad (they tend to get soft inside and act like a one-way check valve and keep the brake for that wheel dragging or locked on). I bought a set of new ones for the rear wheels, but haven't put them on yet, so just having the spares might be one approach.
GMC's have lots of rubber fuel lines, and when I got mine if you put much over 1/2 tank of fuel in it, it would pour out in front of the driver side rear wheels due to bad rubber fuel lines. So, might be careful filling it the 1st time, or else check the lines out. Unfortunately, it often involves dropping the fuel tanks to replace them. (Although some people cut an access hole in the floor). There are lots of threads on this on the site.
Finally, the oil cooler lines between the radiator and above the oil filter on the engine block can leak if they are old, and if so, it's usually on hot places like the exhaust manifold, which isn't good. JR Slaten makes really nice Aeroquip ones, or you can have them redone at a truck stop or hydraulic line place.
But, if you check out those three things, and then start driving it to see how it goes, that would be a good start. Even the really nice ones are work-in-process, and mine is definitely not a really nice one.
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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| Re: What am I getting myself into? [message #169358 is a reply to message #169349] |
Sat, 12 May 2012 16:58 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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I did quote this time...
Chris,
There are three things that I have noticed that bite the butt of people that have coaches that don't get enough attention.
All the rubber parts:
Brake lines, - covered
Fuel lines, - covered
Engine service - like lines to coolers, - covered
Coolant hoses, Here is a gothca.. there are two real long coolant lines that go to the water heater. They aren't difficult to replace just another PITA - buy a 50' box of hose and you may a have a few feet left. You may also need a couple of those spring things to bent to hose too tight.
Belts,
Tires - covered
Any water leaks into the interior will do serious damage in short order. Fix it as soon as you find it. If you can't really fix it, try to find it and put Duck tape over it until you can. It is ugly and very hard to clean off, but it beats doing the repairs.
The brake fluid will also be aged out, but you will have to replace it all when you replace the rubber lines.
If you are going to let it sit too long (more than 6 months) learn how to "Fog" the engine so corrosion doesn't trash the ring and valve job that got done.
These are actually very simple things to work on. If you don't have all the manuals, they can be downloaded from GMCMI. You said you are all ready a reasonable mechanic and work in wood. There is nothing about that coach that you can not handle. Just think what a prize you will have after just a couple of months.
When you start to seriously use it, it will require continues maintenance. Nothing huge, but you have to keep up with it. If you do that, she won't let you down.
Finally - Early in my owning a GMC, I realized that this is not just something you own. It will become much more a part of your life than that. As I equate it to the relation a waterman (like me) has with his boat(s), I decided to greet new owners much as a would any new owner or vessel:
May the Good Lord Bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Chris
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: What am I getting myself into? [message #169365 is a reply to message #169358] |
Sat, 12 May 2012 18:17 |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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One big warning - Do not trade your carburator for an off the shelf rebuild. They are very motorhome specific and that core is very valuable. Search for Dick Patterson and send your carb to him.
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
[Updated on: Sat, 12 May 2012 18:18] Report message to a moderator |
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