Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » New owner - have questions (Found a nice lady that needed some love. 1st time owner and have some questions.)
 New owner - have questions [message #333823] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 00:03  |
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bmallett
Messages: 4
Registered: June 2018
Location: Edmond, Oklahoma
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Ok... I'll try to keep this somewhat concise. I've never owned a motorhome before but I've always loved the look of the GMCs. My wife found one a couple of hours away and she really liked it. I had to take advantage of that aspect. 
It's a 1976 Birchaven. VIN # in my sig and here:
 http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p415/bmallett2/Mobile%20Uploads/20180615_172911_zpsz0z9z5k1.jpg" border="0" alt="
http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p415/bmallett2/Mobile%20Uploads/20180615_172911_zpsz0z9z5k1.jpg" />
Here are the options:
Here are a couple of photos...
http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p415/bmallett2/Mobile%20Uploads/21105411_10210533192993188_769466308784593547_n_zpsgodrqhjc.jpg" border="0" alt="
http://i346.photobucket.com/albums/p415/bmallett2/Mobile%20Uploads/21105411_10210533192993188_769466308784593547_n_zpsgodrqhjc.jpg" />
We picked her up for $3,000. I felt that was a pretty solid deal for one in this shape. She needs some love for sure, but she runs well and is fairly solid.
I've done the basics. I've rebuilt a few old cars in my time and I always go through the same process when I get one. Filters, plugs, oil, fluids, brakes, grease points, bulbs, and wipers. I'm still working on that part. We just got her and drove her home 3 hours this week.
I flushed the a/c lines, ripped off the dryer and expansion valve, flushed the condenser, replaced the dryer and EV, then loaded her up with fresh freon. I now have air. That's a must in Oklahoma. I'm glad I did to because it was nasty. I've never seen this color come out of a condenser. I got it to flush clear though and had good flow so I kept it.
The two vents under the dash blow fairly strong, but the other main dash vents and vents by the seats barely have anything coming out. Is this normal? If not, what would be something to look for?
My other questions are more related to what all I might be missing or what all has been changed. There is only one battery in the passenger side that's bungee strapped to a piece of plywood. I would think that I would have dual batteries. There is also a wire disconnected from what appears to be an isolator on that side. Does anyone have pictures of how this should look?
Shore power seems to function well. But the generator just spun and finally blew a breaker that shore power was plugged into. Without shore power I was not able to lock over the onan. I got to looking at it more closely and it appears the starter is bad. It kicks out but doesn't spin. I manually cranked the generator with a ratchet and it had good compression and cranked freely so I think a starter should do the trick. How do I find a replacement starter? The starter has no numbers. The onan does, but I am new with generators.
Lastly, for now, there are two bare wires, they look cuthanging down below the generator. I would assume that the generator would feed one or more cabin batteries, but I don't see any anywhere. Where would a cabin battery be located? Also, what size batteries do I need?
Any and all information is appreciated. Thanks guys.
Brian and Ali Mallett - '76 Birchaven 23'
No Mods Yet.
Based in Edmond, OK
Follow us at http://ourgmcjourney.com
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| Re: New owner - have questions [message #333825 is a reply to message #333823] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 00:25  |
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GMC2000
Messages: 193
Registered: March 2018
Location: Georgia
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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hey bmallett, that is the kinda deal I wanna find right there! wow! how many miles?
I cant answer any of your questions but someone here for sure can.
great photos youve posted. really shows the inside well. nice layout in that one! looks like a previous owner did the engine room vents so probably has some other cool mods to eh?
best of luck with it!
[Updated on: Fri, 22 June 2018 00:27] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: New owner - have questions [message #333827 is a reply to message #333823] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 01:22 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Well Congratulations on the find. The Birchaven is a 23 foot coach that was upfitted by Coachman rather than GM. So because of that some things are a little different and some things are in different places the 26 foot GM upfitted ones. There are several very knowledgeable people here with Birchavens so I'll let them comment where things are like the location and types of batteries.
On the starter,
My local generator, starter, and alternator repair shop has all of the parts to rebuild that Onan starter in stock. So I would suggest that you try to find a local rebuild shop. If you strike out there, then Applied GMC has new and I believe rebuilt Onan starters.
Also it is very common for these to break the starter mounting bracket. I see you already have yours out so check the bracket and bendix gear. New heavier brackets are available from Applied GMC.
http://www.appliedgmc.com/
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/928
That mess that you found in your AC system really bothers me. It is good that you flushed it. I'm thinking that someone in the past mixed oil types (Mineral, PAG, Ester). So I hope that you completely flushed and drained everything including the compressor. Then on recharge that you used the oil to match the refrigerant the you charged it with. Most of us these days use Duracool or frosty cool and ester or mineral oil.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] New owner - have questions [message #333830 is a reply to message #333827] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 06:54 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Brian,
Congratulations on your find, and welcome to the GMC community.
I'm one of those with 20+ years of X-Birchaven experience. I say "X-"
because after purchasing mine, I "totalled" the engine after 875 of the 950
miles toward home. Before I got that fixed, SHE informed me that SHE
wasn't about to sleep in that "migrant's hovel". So, I completely gutted
it and started over with a complete new interior:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3055-our-x-birchaven.html
There have since been major changes to that interior, and almost everything
mechanical has been changed at least once -- mostly more -- during the
150,000 miles or so we've put on it, covering the US from Key West, FL to
Fairbanks, AK.
You've got a steep learning curve ahead of you, despite your obviously
mechanically complete background. But, there's a biblical flood of
information available. One place to start is at the web site I referenced
above -- tens of thousands of exclusively GMCMH photos to view, covering
'most anything you might need to learn about. Another is www.bdub.net.
There, you'll find all of the many factory service manuals covering the
basic coach and the many accessories used over the years in various
models. There are also links to all of the various GMC vendors, repair
shops, and to the essential GMC-dedicated clubs. Of special interest is
GMC Motorhomes International, GMCMI, which has members from, literally,
around the world. A convention, held somewhere in the country twice per
year, is a "must attend". You're lucky in that the next one will be held
in Amana, IA in September. You'll find details of that, and much more at
GMCMI.com. Hope we'll get to meet you there.
This is long enough, so I won't yet go into the answers to your various
questions -- you've got plenty of references to keep you busy anyway. :-)
Ken H. -- USAF Ret.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU,
Cad 500, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: New owner - have questions [message #333831 is a reply to message #333823] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 07:07 |
Tilerpep
Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Congrats and welcome-
http://www.ragusarv.com/
ragusa has a lot of custom doodads just for gmcs, including a battery tray to get rid of your plywood
billy massey's composite page
http://www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
will keep you reading for months. first things you need off it is a copy of the Blacklist (volunteers all over who will help you in a pinch) and a copy of the service and owners manuals. even the coachmen upfit manuals are there if you dig down enough links
one thing I wish I knew when i started five years ago was the fact that early steel wheels were not radial rated. I bought a full set of 16.5 Firestone's and later learned my wheels were not intended for radial tires. I have been fine, but age and design dictate I'll be moving to 16 inch wheels as those tires age. And, five years is about the max you want on tire age. These composite bodies tear out a whole more dollars of damage when a tire blows than a good tire costs.
enjoy!
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] [OFFnet] New owner - have questions [message #333834 is a reply to message #333823] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 07:56 |
bdub
Messages: 1578
Registered: February 2004
Location: Central Texas
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Hi Brian
I'm Billy Massey in Central Texas. I'm glad to welcome you to the family of
GMC owners. I've got a '76 Palm Beach so have the same dash air as you.
The reason you get no flow from
the other dash outlets is probably because the ducting is rotted and/or
disconnected from the registers. I've modified mine so that it only cools
recirculated air. That helps a lot but still only blows through the lower
center vents.
Where are you in Oklahoma? I was just up there a couple weeks ago to look
at a 26' in Talahina. It's a wreck but has some great parts.
There should be at least 2 batteries. In a 23', they're usually both up
front together. Should be a large cable running from the front firewall
boost solenoid to the generator. The isolator keeps 'em separate during
discharge.
That Onan starter bracket isn't near heavy enough. I cut one from 3/8 plate
that has been fine for 15 years or so. Jim Kanomata at Applied GMC sells
the cast iron one that Ragusa makes.
If you've got a Facebook acct, join us at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/
and
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/
Welcome!
Billy (bdub)
www.bdub.net
www.gmcmhphotos.com
www.gmcclassics.com
www.gmcmhmp.com
http://www.gmcmotorhomemarketplace.com/ForSale/
and a few more ...
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Brian
Mallett
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 12:03 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] New owner - have questions
Ok... I'll try to keep this somewhat concise. I've never owned a motorhome
before but I've always loved the look of the GMCs. My wife found one a
couple of hours away and she really liked it. I had to take advantage of
that aspect. ;)
It's a 1976 Birchaven. VIN # in my sig and here:
Here are the options:
Here are a couple of photos...
We picked her up for $3,000. I felt that was a pretty solid deal for one in
this shape. She needs some love for sure, but she runs well and is fairly
solid.
I've done the basics. I've rebuilt a few old cars in my time and I always go
through the same process when I get one. Filters, plugs, oil, fluids,
brakes, grease points, bulbs, and wipers. I'm still working on that part. We
just got her and drove her home 3 hours this week.
I flushed the a/c lines, ripped off the dryer and expansion valve, flushed
the condenser, replaced the dryer and EV, then loaded her up with fresh
freon. I now have air. That's a must in Oklahoma. I'm glad I did to because
it was nasty. I've never seen this color come out of a condenser. I got it
to flush clear though and had good flow so I kept it.
The two vents under the dash blow fairly strong, but the other main dash
vents and vents by the seats barely have anything coming out. Is this
normal?
If not, what would be something to look for?
My other questions are more related to what all I might be missing or what
all has been changed. There is only one battery in the passenger side
that's bungee strapped to a piece of plywood. I would think that I would
have dual batteries. There is also a wire disconnected from what appears to
be an isolator on that side. Does anyone have pictures of how this should
look?
Shore power seems to function well. But the generator just spun and finally
blew a breaker that shore power was plugged into. Without shore power I
was not able to lock over the onan. I got to looking at it more closely and
it appears the starter is bad. It kicks out but doesn't spin. I manually
cranked the generator with a ratchet and it had good compression and cranked
freely so I think a starter should do the trick. How do I find a
replacement starter? The starter has no numbers. The onan does, but I am new
with generators.
Lastly, for now, there are two bare wires, they look cuthanging down below
the generator. I would assume that the generator would feed one or more
cabin batteries, but I don't see any anywhere. Where would a cabin battery
be located? Also, what size batteries do I need?
Any and all information is appreciated. Thanks guys.
--
She needed love and we want to give it to her.
TZE336V102714 - 1976 23' Birchaven
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GMCnet mailing list
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bdub
'76 Palm Beach/Central Texas
www.bdub.net
www.gmcmhphotos.com
www.gmcmotorhomemarketplace.com
www.gmcmhregistry.com
www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes
www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm
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| Re: New owner - have questions [message #333835 is a reply to message #333823] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 08:28 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Welcome and great find!!!
Your gonna love it. But expect some hiccups here and there. Join a local GMC club, it's a great community.
I'm impressed that your able to get pictures on the forum. I still can't do that!!
Fave fun!
Scott.
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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| Re: [GMCnet] [OFFnet] New owner - have questions [message #333843 is a reply to message #333834] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 09:28 |
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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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Brian,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....
First: On the top right of the forum is a search bar. It does work, but it is a little hard to make it be selective. Try that if you care, but there is little chance that you will have an original problem. Just about everything that can be done to one of these coaches has been done by someone here.
Second: You have a sigfile, and that is a great start, but for you and us, please include the following. Your real name - so that when you meet other GMCers, they will know who you are. A short about the coach like year model and major mods, they were not all alike by any means. A geographic reference so the others that may choose to assist will know that they are in striking range. The Black list has three local to you. (More about this later.)
It is good to see that you are jumping on the maintenance with both feet. This is essential to have a reliable coach. Many of us have gone to a moly loaded synthetic grease. Moly is great and synthetic means it will not age harden as easily. Getting to the 14 grease points in an OE front end is not easy. You have a choice of a two handed grease gun and a locking coupler (not cheap) or a one handed grease gun (also not cheap and you have to work that one hand real hard). It is never fun and the only points that are easy to get to are the four at the bogie pins.
Small problem, 23' coaches are only 11% of the population. The most available manuals do not show the differences. If you go the GMC index page, you can find where to download X7425. This covers that GM fit 23s which is what yours is most like. There are also wiring diagrams for most things. This can all be downloaded. The Onan 4kW (BF) has some significant differences from the 6kW (NH).
It was supposed to have an engine battery and a house battery, as I said, the wiring diagrams can be downloaded. Or, you can ask KenH. He will know more about how you coach came and how it should be and will offer suggestions based on 20(?) Years of Birchaven experience (and he is an EE). So, yes, there was supposed to be something connected to the isolator. Check that out before too long because it may have been the problem.
If you do not have it, download the Black List (aka GMC Assist List). There are at least three in close proximity to you. If you happen across a GMCer that does not want to talk about the coach, just call 911.
The Onan starter is nothing special and probably any good automotive electrics shop can fix it up for you. There is also a mod to fit it with a magnetic trigger for the ignition that should not be passed up if you plan to use it much at all.
You found your way here, and that is a very good thing. As of moments ago, you just collected a couple of thousand brand new old friends. This community is amazing. They are unbelievably supportive and helpful. But be ready, all of us here have an agenda. It is not one bit hidden, and it is that you get to enjoy your coach as much as we all enjoy our own and what it does for us. The only other community that I know of that is like this is that of the watermen that are my world. For that reason I have taken to welcoming new owners here much as a new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Brian and
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: [GMCnet] New owner - have questions [message #333847 is a reply to message #333846] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 10:05 |
mrgmc3
Messages: 210
Registered: September 2013
Location: W Washington
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Welcome aboard! I, like you, have not had a motorhome before, but have lots of "car experience", and a lot of that is transferable. I have found this forum and the "photo" website to be invaluable. The Facebook stuff, while a good time-waster is not so good for technical info. You can find answers to most any issue you might have on this site. Many here have done most anything imaginable to these coaches and several have done more than once!
As a new owner you've already started assessing the maintenance needs. I'd suggest strongly that you closely assess anything made of rubber. Tires, belts, hoses, brake hoses and oil cooler hoses are the biggies. If OE, the oil cooler hoses are a fiber reinforced rubber and if they rupture, it will get ugly very quickly. All this rubber stuff can be old and fragile. Fortunately everything is still available. Prioritize making your coach safe first - all the running gear stuff, then you can work on house stuff; plumbing, electrical, generator. Lastly work on cosmetics.
Again welcome aboard and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Chris Geils - Twin Cities / W Wa
1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; PD9040, aux trans cooler, one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, Alcoas, 54k mi
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| Re: New owner - have questions [message #333864 is a reply to message #333823] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 16:14 |
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bmallett
Messages: 4
Registered: June 2018
Location: Edmond, Oklahoma
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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First off, thank you all for the kind words and welcoming. It's nice to see such great people involved. I have most of the links that you all have referenced saved already. I tried to do most of my homework before asking. I really wanted to make sure that there weren't little "secrets" I need to know about prior to getting going.
Matt,
I'll change up my signature to include the rest of that info ASAP.
Finding out that it was dressed by Coachmen was new though. That's interesting. Was it just the 23 footers?
I'll definitely be printing out and binding the manuals.
@mrgmc3,
I agree and ALWAYS go through the mechanical first. The only concern I have is with the electrical. I've heard of some bad accidents waiting to happen and definitely don't want to have one of those.
@bdub,
I think I have spent most of my time on your site thus far, getting references, links, etc. Thanks for the great resources.
Ken,
Your transformation is beautiful. I like it a lot. Eventually, I would like to hand her over to my cousin and have him paint her. How is custom paint looked upon on here? I like the 70's look and feel and will probably want to keep her that way, but there is a nice wall section that would be perfect for a 70's theme mural. 
If anyone has any more information they can provide from the options list or VIN, I would greatly appreciate it. It's all a little overwhelming right now so excuse the redundancy of questions or silly questions if they come.
Thanks again for the great welcome and info.
Brian
Brian and Ali Mallett - '76 Birchaven 23'
No Mods Yet.
Based in Edmond, OK
Follow us at http://ourgmcjourney.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] New owner - have questions [message #333865 is a reply to message #333864] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 16:31 |
Kingsley Coach
Messages: 2691
Registered: March 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
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Senior Member |
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Brian
First....Welcome...
If you look at Matt Colie's second paragraph. and his sigfile or Scott
Nutter's sigfile you'll get some ideas...thanks
Mike in NS
On Fri, Jun 22, 2018 at 6:14 PM, Brian Mallett wrote:
> First off, thank you all for the kind words and welcoming. It's nice to
> see such great people involved. I have most of the links that you all have
> referenced saved already. I tried to do most of my homework before asking.
> I really wanted to make sure that there weren't little "secrets" I need to
> know about prior to getting going.
>
> Matt,
> I'll change up my signature to include the rest of that info ASAP.
>
> Finding out that it was dressed by Coachmen was new though. That's
> interesting. Was it just the 23 footers?
>
> I'll definitely be printing out and binding the manuals.
>
> @mrgmc3,
> I agree and ALWAYS go through the mechanical first. The only concern I
> have is with the electrical. I've heard of some bad accidents waiting to
> happen
> and definitely don't want to have one of those. ;)
>
> @bdub,
> I think I have spent most of my time on your site thus far, getting
> references, links, etc. Thanks for the great resources.
>
> Ken,
> Your transformation is beautiful. I like it a lot. Eventually, I would
> like to hand her over to my cousin and have him paint her. How is custom
> paint
> looked upon on here? I like the 70's look and feel and will probably want
> to keep her that way, but there is a nice wall section that would be perfect
> for a 70's theme mural. :)
>
> If anyone has any more information they can provide from the options list
> or VIN, I would greatly appreciate it. It's all a little overwhelming right
> now so excuse the redundancy of questions or silly questions if they come.
>
> Thanks again for the great welcome and info.
> Brian
> --
> She needed love and we want to give it to her.
> TZE336V102714 - 1976 23' Birchaven
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
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| Re: [GMCnet] New owner - have questions [message #333866 is a reply to message #333865] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 17:13 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1500
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Check to see if you have an APC (alternator protection cable). If you
don't and for some reason your alternator starts to over charge you will
burn up your dash wires.
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/557
On Fri, Jun 22, 2018 at 3:31 PM, Kingsley Coach
wrote:
> Brian
>
> First....Welcome...
>
> If you look at Matt Colie's second paragraph. and his sigfile or Scott
> Nutter's sigfile you'll get some ideas...thanks
>
> Mike in NS
>
> On Fri, Jun 22, 2018 at 6:14 PM, Brian Mallett wrote:
>
>> First off, thank you all for the kind words and welcoming. It's nice to
>> see such great people involved. I have most of the links that you all
> have
>> referenced saved already. I tried to do most of my homework before
> asking.
>> I really wanted to make sure that there weren't little "secrets" I need
> to
>> know about prior to getting going.
>>
>> Matt,
>> I'll change up my signature to include the rest of that info ASAP.
>>
>> Finding out that it was dressed by Coachmen was new though. That's
>> interesting. Was it just the 23 footers?
>>
>> I'll definitely be printing out and binding the manuals.
>>
>> @mrgmc3,
>> I agree and ALWAYS go through the mechanical first. The only concern I
>> have is with the electrical. I've heard of some bad accidents waiting to
>> happen
>> and definitely don't want to have one of those. ;)
>>
>> @bdub,
>> I think I have spent most of my time on your site thus far, getting
>> references, links, etc. Thanks for the great resources.
>>
>> Ken,
>> Your transformation is beautiful. I like it a lot. Eventually, I would
>> like to hand her over to my cousin and have him paint her. How is custom
>> paint
>> looked upon on here? I like the 70's look and feel and will probably want
>> to keep her that way, but there is a nice wall section that would be
> perfect
>> for a 70's theme mural. :)
>>
>> If anyone has any more information they can provide from the options list
>> or VIN, I would greatly appreciate it. It's all a little overwhelming
> right
>> now so excuse the redundancy of questions or silly questions if they
> come.
>>
>> Thanks again for the great welcome and info.
>> Brian
>> --
>> She needed love and we want to give it to her.
>> TZE336V102714 - 1976 23' Birchaven
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Michael Beaton
> 1977 Kingsley 26-11
> 1977 Eleganza II 26-3
> Antigonish, NS
>
> Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: New owner - have questions [message #333867 is a reply to message #333864] |
Fri, 22 June 2018 17:37 |
mrgmc3
Messages: 210
Registered: September 2013
Location: W Washington
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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bmallett wrote on Fri, 22 June 2018 16:14
Finding out that it was dressed by Coachmen was new though. That's interesting. Was it just the 23 footers?
@mrgmc3,
The only concern I have is with the electrical. I've heard of some bad accidents waiting to happen and definitely don't want to have one of those.
@bdub,
I think I have spent most of my time on your site thus far, getting references, links, etc.
How is custom paint looked upon on here?
Brian
In order;
In 73-74 the 23 footers (and 26) were all "GMC", that is the interiors were all done by GMs designated supplier Gemini. Beginning in '75 GM sold what they called a Transmode. The Transmode was a complete mechanical vehicle but basically an empty van. Other RV upfitters such as Coachman added interiors, plumbing, house electrical etc. Transmodes were also sold for upfit for non-RV use (shuttle buses, ambulances, mobile offices, etc). GMC continued to outfit 26 footers in 75-78, but the 23 footers were all Transmodes. Coachman was easily the most popular upfit with both 23 ft Birchaven an 26 ft Royale.
Electrical - the electrical integrity of both GM and Coachman upfits is pretty good. The real challenge lies in the modifications that may have been attempted in the intervening 40 years. Search and you'll find some interesting stories. Also there is general agreement that the "APC" - alternator protection cable is a good idea, some will say "absolute must" - it's a bypass fuse that will provide a parallel path to a fusible link that, if it melts, could lead to a dash fire. (I have one on my GMC)
EDIT - it's actually a diode - it's been a couple years since I've read up on this:
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
bdub.net - the best seven letters in GMC land, because Billy has links to everything!
Custom paint - you'll find everything here from stock to custom and I don't think you'll find strong agreement one way or the other.
Chris Geils - Twin Cities / W Wa
1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; PD9040, aux trans cooler, one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, Alcoas, 54k mi
[Updated on: Fri, 22 June 2018 21:27] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] New owner - have questions [message #333879 is a reply to message #333867] |
Sat, 23 June 2018 06:25 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Chris,
One correction about the APC's function: It does not bypass anything.
Rather, it is a 6A 600 VDC diode in series with the Nichrome wire, which
acts as the dropping resistor for the initial excitation current for the
alternator. Its function is to prevent high voltage feedback from the
alternator which can cause the wire to glow red hot. The fusible link is
not involved at all.
Just don't want a misconception to spread.
Ken H.
On Sat, Jun 23, 2018 at 12:29 AM Chris Geils via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> bmallett wrote on Fri, 22 June 2018 16:14
>> Finding out that it was dressed by Coachmen was new though. That's
> interesting. Was it just the 23 footers?
>>
>> @mrgmc3,
>> The only concern I have is with the electrical. I've heard of some bad
> accidents waiting to happen and definitely don't want to have one of those.
>> ;)
>>
>> @bdub,
>> I think I have spent most of my time on your site thus far, getting
> references, links, etc.
>>
>> How is custom paint looked upon on here?
>>
>> Brian
>
>
> In order;
> In 73-74 the 23 footers (and 26) were all "GMC", that is the interiors
> were all done by GMs designated supplier Gemini. Beginning in '75 GM sold
> what they called a Transmode. The Transmode was a complete mechanical
> vehicle but basically an empty van. Other RV upfitters such as Coachman
> added
> interiors, plumbing, house electrical etc. Transmodes were also sold for
> upfit for non-RV use (shuttle buses, ambulances, mobile offices, etc). GMC
> continued to outfit 26 footers in 75-78, but the 23 footers were all
> Transmodes. Coachman was easily the most popular upfit with both 23 ft
> Birchaven
> an 26 ft Royale.
>
> Electrical - the electrical integrity of both GM and Coachman upfits is
> pretty good. The real challenge lies in the modifications that may have
> been
> attempted in the intervening 40 years. Search and you'll find some
> interesting stories. Also there is general agreement that the "APC" -
> alternator
> protection cable is a good idea, some will say "absolute must" - it's a
> bypass fuse that will provide a parallel path to a fusible link that, if it
> melts, could lead to a dash fire. (I have one on my GMC)
>
> bdub.net - the best seven letters in GMC land, because Billy has links to
> everything!
>
> Custom paint - you'll find everything here from stock to custom and I
> don't think you'll find strong agreement one way or the other.
> --
> Chris Geils - Twin Cities / W Wa
> 1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; Headers, PD9040, aux trans cooler,
> one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, Alcoas, 50k mi
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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