Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » New member from Mexico / Transmode project (Should I buy this Transmode in very bad shape ?)
| New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297315] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 07:22  |
Francis
Messages: 9
Registered: March 2016
Location: Mexico
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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(This post was first created in the "Swap Meet" area. Sorry for redundancy)
Hi everybody!
I have just registered in this forum and I would like to thanks the admin to allow me to enter this community.
I live in Mexico for about 10 years, I'm Italian born in Belgium.
I'm a motorhome user in Europe since 2009, first renting and finally buying my own one in December 2013. It's a 6 beds based on the Fiat Ducato chassis with the 2.3 turbo diesel engine.
I like very much traveling with my motorhome, but I use it only when I go back to Europe. We have about 25K miles on the meter.
I have discovered the GMC Motorhome by accident, because a guy is selling a 76 Transmode nearby my place in Mexico.
I have been to see this unit 2 days ago, and it is in a very bad shape. I will not even talk about the interior since it's an office, with only a bathroom. No fridge, etc. All this interior will go to garbage anyway.
Before to continue the description of the vehicle, I have to precise that if I buy it, it is with the intention of a complete rebuild, with the top of the range available parts and upgrades. I have spent a lot of time on the web during the last 2 weeks but there is so much info that I have many questions.
The unit is supposed to have been bought by somebody in Mexico as new, in 76. But this person was not able to register it so after maybe a year of use it was stopped (donated to an governmental organization or something). It was used as an office and supposedly quite never on the road. But as you will see in the pictures, it has been painted and repainted about 4 times, then the last owner, who bought it to put on a land where he wanted to build a house, has started removing the paint. Now he sells it because he sold the land. He asks 5KUSD.
The meter shows less then 10k miles, but it is not working. It is hard to say if it has 10k or 110k or more. The unit was supposedly used in standby and the interior is very damaged.
The engine (without air filter house) has started once connected to a charged battery. It looks fine, well as a good base for a rebuild. I have not done a road test to check the transmission, but I would if I go to see it again.
The Onan generator is missing.
The compressor for the airbags is present but not working.
Air-conditioning is present but not working.
No propane installation (since no kitchen nor heating etc.)
Windshield broken on driver side.
The roof is kind of flexible, I mean not rigid, I don't know how to say exactly, at the rear corners.
One particular thing I don't like is the rear left bathroom "window", and the rectangular piece of aluminium around it. Look like a bad adaptation by the builder, or a bad repair by the owner. I would need to remove the interior wood panel to see what is exactly behind this.
I think that 5KUSD is expensive because of the overall condition. It is kind of salvage isn't it?
I hope that you will find some interest in my project and will help me. First help would be to advise me on the purchase, not only on the price, but also regarding the feasibility of such a project based on this particular unit.
Thanks in advance and saludos from Mexico!
[Updated on: Mon, 14 March 2016 07:56] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297318 is a reply to message #297315] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 08:15  |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I am not an international expert.. and no idea on market and availability of a GMC in mexico, or how costly or if you can even bring a GMC south of the border. That seems like way too much money for that. you have to pay to get rid of a shell in the united states.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297319 is a reply to message #297318] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 08:25 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Because of NAFTA you should be able to buy a coach in Canada or the US and drive it down to Mexico and just pay the loacal taxes. Way better off than trying to fix that one.
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297320 is a reply to message #297315] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 08:28 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Well, From your initial posting this sounds like a very big project with all of the items that are missing and the condition of the coach. I have seen worse coaches. I hope you realize the amount of work involved. Everything that you need for reconstruction should be available in the US but I do no know what it takes for you to import things into Mexico.
I think the price is high but without out actually seeing the coach it is hard to judge.
People here on the GMCnet will definitely help in any reasonable way that they can.
Where in Mexico are you and the coach?
Welcome!
Ken B.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297321 is a reply to message #297320] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 08:53 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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No to this basket case. It would take way too much work and money to put this one on the road. Chasing parts across International borders, even with the help of this august group of parts acquirers would consume you.
If you really want a GMC, there are many in the US that run and generally work available for the 10K to 15K.
I vote no.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297322 is a reply to message #297320] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 08:57 |
Francis
Messages: 9
Registered: March 2016
Location: Mexico
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Thanks for the welcoming and for your first comments.
As far local availability of GMC Motorhome parts, this is simple, there is nothing.
Importing things like parts is not a big deal. I have bought for about 10K of new parts for my armored BMW 540i, and I just pay VAT + small import duties directly to the DHL/Fedex, and it is far cheaper and easier than buy to the local BMW dealers, and far better quality then local suppliers who never sell OEM like I wanted.
As far the quantity of work, I realize that it is like restoring a car together with an apartment. Huge amount of work, yes.
Regarding the price, I think thant 2.5, or max 3K would be good. Since I looking for a full rebuild, if I take for example the missing Onan, I really don't care. I would have put a modern unit anyway. Idem for the airco, etc. Bearings, bushings, brakes, etc., all these items' condition don't really matter since they would be swapped. Furniture will go to garbage since I live in Cuernavaca and we don't need to burn wood to warm the house. 
So my main concern are :
Is the engine good enough for a rebuild : it looks so.
How is the chassis oxidation : I have not checked yet since I was not equipped for.
How is the overall aluminum body : need more checking
How is the roof : BTW, is it fiber glass or aluminum ?
And of course, I want to pay the less as possible and definitely not above the value of a comparable unit in the US. It is not because it is kind of unique in Mexico that it should be expensive. Contrarily, it complicates the restoration process and makes it more expensive.
Finally, buying an usable unit in US/canada is possible yes. But let's say I will pay 15 or 18K, then I will have a unit that I will rebuild anyway, so it would be a lost of money and even a pain to scrap things that would have made happy more than one GMCer. And reselling used parts would be impossible because of shipping cost.
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297325 is a reply to message #297322] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 09:43 |
Justin Brady
Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN
Karma: 11
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Having been there done that, I went with a more complete running and driving coach that didn't need that much work.
I regret it now, because eventually I stripped it so far down that I should have just saved thousands and bought a shell and a motor.
Everything above the centerline is aluminum, smc(fiberglass like stuff) below centerline.
For what you want I think that's a good start, already gutted and ready to strip down and rebuild.
That being said, the price is WAY high. I paid 4500 for mine in almost fully functional condition.
I would put that one closer to 1000.
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
[Updated on: Mon, 14 March 2016 09:44] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297326 is a reply to message #297315] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 09:49 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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Francis, I wouldn't give 50 pesos for that pile of excrement!
Don't walk away, RUN away!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ Since 30 November '53 ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ Member GMCMI and Classics ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
|[ ]~~~[][ ][]\
"--OO--[]---O-"
> Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2016 06:22:03 -0600
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> From: francis.tosi@linkconsult.eu
> Subject: [GMCnet] New member from Mexico / Transmode project
>
> (This post was first created in the "Swap Meet" area. Sorry for redundancy)
>
> Hi everybody!
>
> I have just registered in this forum and I would like to thanks the admin to allow me to enter this community.
>
> I live in Mexico for about 10 years, I'm Italian born in Belgium.
> I'm a motorhome user in Europe since 2009, first renting and finally buying my own one in December 2013. It's a 6 beds based on the Fiat Ducato
> chassis with the 2.3 turbo diesel engine.
> I like very much traveling with my motorhome, but I use it only when I go back to Europe. We have about 25K miles on the meter.
>
> I have discovered the GMC Motorhome by accident, because a guy is selling a 76 Transmode nearby my place in Mexico.
>
> I have been to see this unit 2 days ago, and it is in a very bad shape. I will not even talk about the interior since it's an office, with only a
> bathroom. No fridge, etc. All this interior will go to garbage anyway.
>
> Before to continue the description of the vehicle, I have to precise that if I buy it, it is with the intention of a complete rebuild, with the top of
> the range available parts and upgrades. I have spent a lot of time on the web during the last 2 weeks but there is so much info that I have many
> questions.
>
> The unit is supposed to have been bought by somebody in Mexico as new, in 76. But this person was not able to register it so after maybe a year of use
> it was stopped (donated to an governmental organization or something). It was used as an office and supposedly quite never on the road. But as you
> will see in the pictures, it has been painted and repainted about 4 times, then the last owner, who bought it to put on a land where he wanted to
> build a house, has started removing the paint. Now he sells it because he sold the land. He asks 5KUSD.
>
> The meter shows less then 10k miles, but it is not working. It is hard to say if it has 10k or 110k or more. The unit was supposedly used in standby
> and the interior is very damaged.
>
> The engine (without air filter house) has started once connected to a charged battery. It looks fine, well as a good base for a rebuild. I have not
> done a road test to check the transmission, but I would if I go to see it again.
>
> The Onan generator is missing.
> The compressor for the airbags is present but not working.
> Air-conditioning is present but not working.
> No propane installation (since no kitchen nor heating etc.)
> Windshield broken on driver side.
> The roof is kind of flexible, I mean not rigid, I don't know how to say exactly, at the rear corners.
>
> One particular thing I don't like is the rear left bathroom "window", and the rectangular piece of aluminium around it. Look like a bad adaptation by
> the builder, or a bad repair by the owner. I would need to remove the interior wood panel to see what is exactly behind this.
>
> I think that 5KUSD is expensive because of the overall condition. It is kind of salvage isn't it?
>
> I will post some pictures. If I well understand, as a member of this forum, I can embed pictures in the way that it is explained here:
> http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&th=31075&start=0&rid=5044
> But being member of GMCforum does not make me member of GMCmhphotos.com and I have to register there.
>
> I hope that you will find some interest in my project and will help me. First help would be to advise me on the purchase, not only on the price, but
> also regarding the feasibility of such a project based on this particular unit.
>
> Thanks in advance and saludos from Mexico!
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297331 is a reply to message #297315] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 11:52 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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>IF< it runs and shifts smopothly, maybe $1,500. If not, skip it. Watch ebay and craigslist in this country. It isn't worth $5000 at all. Check the frame. If the frame isn't rusted, get the price under $1000, realize you're going to have at least another 15 in parts and sweat equity, and if you're up to the challenge, go for it.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297336 is a reply to message #297331] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 12:26 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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If it has good "bones" it might be a good place to start for a TOTAL rebuild/restoration. You need to take a close look at the frame to make sure it isn't rusted (unlikely depending on where in Mexico you are located). The body doesn't look to be in bad condition and there is not much, besides physical damage, that goes wrong with the aluminum and SMC bodies.
It would be a HUGE project, not to mention expensive (you could easily have $40,000 - $60,000 in it by the time you are done), but if you're up for that, why not go for it.
The price is definitely too high, but you may need to pay more down there if that is what you have your heart set on.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297342 is a reply to message #297326] |
Mon, 14 March 2016 14:18 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I think even $1000 would be pushing it. We paid less than that for ours
and it was in MUCH MUCH better condition that that one. Our coach already had
a new refrigerator, alcoa wheels, and was largely un-molested. I've now spent
the last several years working on it, and even with NO labor charges and nothing
very fancy, have over $30K into it. That's in the US with no extra difficulty
in getting parts. In hindsight, I'd have been better off spending more upfront
for a better coach.
That one is missing some exterior parts (the body panel below the grill,
exterior lights, probably other stuff as well) and has likely been badly modified.
I can't imagine what the interior is like. Looks like they removed the propane tank
as well as the generator at a minimum, and I'd bet a lot more damage has been done.
And the lack of licensing would be a big concern -- can you even make it legal
to drive?
Seriously, there are MUCH better deals to be had, even if you do want to gut it.
Karen
1975 26'
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297377 is a reply to message #297315] |
Tue, 15 March 2016 06:37 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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Francis, I agree with some others that this might not be a good choice even if you plan on a total restoration. My thinking is that because this is a largely incomplete coach (no propane, no generator, lots of unknown things) it would be a lot more difficult to 'invent' the solutions than just updating an existing system. In my neck of the world, that is a $1000 coach IF IT RUNS, DRIVES, AND STOPS.
You said the original owner could not get it titled. Is that still a problem?
I'd spend 3-4 thousand on a solid coach from the US, perhaps one that is having problems passing emissions inspection, and drive it to Mexico as a better start. Jim Kanamato (Applied GMC) can probably give you a few leads.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297403 is a reply to message #297315] |
Tue, 15 March 2016 13:28 |
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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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Francis,
As much as I hate to, I have to go along with the crowd.
Were I in your position, I would find out what it would take to import one in batter condition and with good paper.
One of the things people often miss is that ever piece of rubber, all the belts, hoses and bushing are too old.
You can do better. In complete honesty, if it were close to me and I was given it, I am not sure that I would bother to haul it home.
It may actually have a collection of salvageable parts, but with the demand for those parts in Mexico they are nearly worthless.
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: New member from Mexico / Transmode project [message #297474 is a reply to message #297315] |
Wed, 16 March 2016 12:37 |
Francis
Messages: 9
Registered: March 2016
Location: Mexico
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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So... I'm back home.
First of all many-many thanks everybody for your valuable comments, either NO-GO even for 50 pesos, or may-GO but for max 1K or 1.5KUSD.
I forgot to say that the coach has been legalized and is now registered in Mexico. As per the actual owner, who dedicated himself to classic cars between 2001-2008, this costs about 2500 USD if you try to import one now. (Customs were asking 2200 for a Winebago invoiced for 2000 last year). Buying a cheap coach in US an drive it to Mexico will cost 1000 only for the travel, but customs are now like lottery since they allow 50 cars per day, and you can spend days waiting for your turn.
This is how he justify his asking price, and he is right if he find a buyer that wants it. Where he is wrong, it is that I think that the is nobody here looking for a GMC in Mexico, and the reasons where given by you all in your comments. And I will add one more reason : who is using a motorhome in Mexico ? Nobody, and this is for obvious reason regarding the overall insecurity of the country. Ok, I have never been yet close to the US border, nor to Baja California, where maybe there are some (of you?) traveling there, but from the center (Mexico city) to the south, I can count on my fingers the numbers of "campers" I have seen. Yesterday I saw one towing a car on the other side of the Acapulco motorway, no idea if it was a local or a tourist...
So the fact that this coach is in Mexico and therefore worth 2.5K above the same in US is not correct, unless you find the Mexican buyer for such a specific vehicle. But 95% or more of the market is in US, compared to 2/10000 in Mexico, and the fact that this coach is no more US registered lower its value for a US buyer.
Indeed, if I realize my project, it is with the idea to export it to Europe and use it there. But this is complicated, since I will have to comply to EU standard (for propane for example) and I would like also to make it 240V installed for fridge etc. So I could prepare the coach in Mexico and install accessories once in Europe, but I won't be able to use it to travel to US & Canada before to export it (this is were the Mexico registration would be useful before to export).
Basically, the Mexico registration will allow me to circulate in America (but only if the coach is operational and I just said that this is complicated), and also to move, test drive, etc., the coach in Mexico, where all the labor would be performed, and where the labor cost are lot cheaper than in EU of US. And I would need a lot of man-hours for example just for painting.
The vendor is not willing to let it go for 1K. I will leave him some time to find the ideal buyer, and I will contact him later. In the meantime, I'm investigating how I would be able to use such a coach in Europe on a daily basis, registered as a classic, with no restriction... if possible.
[Updated on: Thu, 17 March 2016 08:20] Report message to a moderator |
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