Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » 6.5 swap progress
| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #274144 is a reply to message #274142] |
Sat, 21 March 2015 21:50   |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Figured out how much you are going to have to loose in the floor for the new step?
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #274150 is a reply to message #274144] |
Sat, 21 March 2015 22:53 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Kerry,
Looks to be a step about 4"/4.25" high by 18"/20" deep. Should go back about to the front of the dinette seat and to the top of the toe kick in front of the sink cabinet. May be a little less but that's about what it looks like now The engine hatch looks REALLY close as does the turbo shielding, we'll see.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: 6.5 swap progress [message #274162 is a reply to message #263848] |
Sun, 22 March 2015 08:09 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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From one fabricator to another, my hats off to you Hal. This is 'Good Chit!' as my Swedish Metal Shaping buddy would say. Good Chit indeed!
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #275965 is a reply to message #275961] |
Thu, 16 April 2015 09:56 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Thanks Ken, I still have the washer under the motor arm as I've not completed bending the linkage. Got a little side tracked I'm afraid. Lots and lots of little things that need attention. Waiting on AN fittings for the fuel lines so the tank can go in, don't want any leaking fuel lines down the road. Lots of electric work and the Mac dash needs installing. Still haven't figured out an air cleaner-don't really want to use one of the open element aftermarket types so am looking at OEM parts but some of them are hard to locate for a good price. The intercooler was a CL find at $60 although it took some time to clean, straighten fins and paint. Still, my kind of deal.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
[Updated on: Thu, 16 April 2015 11:18] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #275973 is a reply to message #275965] |
Thu, 16 April 2015 11:05 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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VBG. Hal, I didn't really think YOU'd forgotten -- mostly to remind folks
in general. I've had a couple of requests for replacement jackscrews.
Even more for the screws from the adjustable ride height links -- the jam
nuts are important. :-)
Quite a to-do list, and I'm sure that's only a brief synopsis -- hope
you've got a written one -- I'd forget half the stuff without my assorted
scraps of paper.
Ken H.
On Thu, Apr 16, 2015 at 10:56 AM, Hal StClair
wrote:
> Thanks Ken, I still have the washer under the motor arm as I've not
> completed bending the linkage. Got a little side tracked I'm afraid. Lots
> and lots
> of little things that need attention. Waiting on AN fittings for the fuel
> lines so the tank can go in, don't want any leaking fuel lines down the
> road. Lots of electric work and the Mac dash needs installing. Still
> haven't figured out an air cleaner-don't really want to use one of the open
> element aftermarket types so am looking at OEM parts but some of them are
> hard to locate for a good price. The intercooler was a CR find at $60
> although it took some time to clean, straighten fins and paint. Still, my
> kind of deal.
> Hal
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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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: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #277854 is a reply to message #275973] |
Fri, 15 May 2015 02:16 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Just a little update on the progress. I started it up and moved it on it's own yesterday. Only drove it about a hundred feet as I was sitting on a stool and there are lots of loose pieces laying around inside. I just needed to swap garages and get the bus back in it's barn.
The engine noise was a lot less than anticipated with only a bare wood floor up front. There didn't seem to be any unwanted vibrations to contend with either.. I have some 2 lb carpet underlayment from Soundown that should help in the noise department but the dash needs a lot of help first. It seems to have disintegrated as I took it apart. I'd like to replace it with one of Frank Jenkin's units but the freight from Florida to NM is a real killer.
Another issue was with the new torsion bars holding the front up about two inches too high. I had a heck of a time with the unloader and almost couldn't put enough pressure on the pork chops to get the adjustment nut in place. I'm kind of scratching my head on this one as nothing was altered that should cause a problem like this. The pork chop mounting cross member can be modified but there must be another solution somewhere.
I ended up using an air cleaner off a Dodge truck with the Cummins diesel. It's a nice tidy package and fit the space I had. I mounted the two engine batteries lower , but close to the stock location with the air cleaner box above them. The two house batteries are now located on the opposite side behind the steering box. The inter cooler plumbing will have to wait until I can fab up a new intake.
Using the Azure vacuum pump for the brakes may not pan out and a hydro boost may still be necessary. I'll need some road time to evaluate the system for sure.
Integrating the two electric systems proved to be quite a challenge. I ended up cutting out the original fuse panel and splicing in the one from my donor truck along with an additional seven circuit panel. There are also an extra half dozen cube relays installed as well as circuit breakers. If this were a total gut out and replace job it probably would have been easier to start from scratch and replace everything. The Mac dash wiring is all complete although there is still a little work left on the charging system and house 12 volt wiring.
I've got to take another break from the job as the grand kids need a little help. With dad still deployed (9 months and counting) things come up that their mother needs help with. Just wish they lived a little closer than 800 miles.
Should be back at it within a month. Still lots to do and I haven't even started on the diesel generator installation.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: 6.5 swap progress [message #278069 is a reply to message #278049] |
Tue, 19 May 2015 23:54 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Kerry  , it's the first time I've tried making curves in solid wood. The L shaped dinette gives an open feel to the coach for sure. I just hope the joints will stay solid in our dry weather.
The additional step doesn't seem to be too obtrusive either.
I ordered the dash yesterday but it will probably take three weeks or so to ship. Hopefully it will arrive about the time we do to get back on track. I'm afraid I'll have to do something with the torsion bars though. I guess I'm not the first to have the problem but I hate to have to buy adjustable pork chops to get the ride height correct. Modifying the cross member looks more appealing than another $250 for the adjustable PC's. The light weight(10,000 lbs) of the coach must be the issue. Need to put my scales under her to see how much weight really has been added.
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #278075 is a reply to message #278069] |
Wed, 20 May 2015 07:26 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Hal,
Re: Adjustable porkchops. I've heard recently that Manny is having
porkchops made with different angles, priced considerably less than the
adjustable ones. Might be a better option than modifying the crossmember.
Ken H.
On Wed, May 20, 2015 at 12:54 AM, Hal StClair
wrote:
> Thanks Kerry :blush:, it's the first time I've tried making curves in
> solid wood. The L shaped dinette gives an open feel to the coach for sure. I
> just hope the joints will stay solid in our dry weather.
> The additional step doesn't seem to be too obtrusive either.
> I ordered the dash yesterday but it will probably take three weeks or so
> to ship. Hopefully it will arrive about the time we do to get back on track.
> I'm afraid I'll have to do something with the torsion bars though. I guess
> I'm not the first to have the problem but I hate to have to buy adjustable
> pork chops to get the ride height correct. Modifying the cross member
> looks more appealing than another $250 for the adjustable PC's. The light
> weight(10,000 lbs) of the coach must be the issue. Need to put my scales
> under her to see how much weight really has been added.
> Hal
> --
>
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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: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #278084 is a reply to message #278075] |
Wed, 20 May 2015 12:12 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Jim K sell the adjustable pork chop developed by Suspension Maxx. See here for GMC coach:
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1118
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
> On May 20, 2015, at 8:26 AM, Ken Henderson wrote:
>
> Hal,
>
> Re: Adjustable porkchops. I've heard recently that Manny is having
> porkchops made with different angles, priced considerably less than the
> adjustable ones. Might be a better option than modifying the crossmember.
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Wed, May 20, 2015 at 12:54 AM, Hal StClair
> wrote:
>
>> Thanks Kerry :blush:, it's the first time I've tried making curves in
>> solid wood. The L shaped dinette gives an open feel to the coach for sure. I
>> just hope the joints will stay solid in our dry weather.
>> The additional step doesn't seem to be too obtrusive either.
>> I ordered the dash yesterday but it will probably take three weeks or so
>> to ship. Hopefully it will arrive about the time we do to get back on track.
>> I'm afraid I'll have to do something with the torsion bars though. I guess
>> I'm not the first to have the problem but I hate to have to buy adjustable
>> pork chops to get the ride height correct. Modifying the cross member
>> looks more appealing than another $250 for the adjustable PC's. The light
>> weight(10,000 lbs) of the coach must be the issue. Need to put my scales
>> under her to see how much weight really has been added.
>> Hal
>> --
>>
> _______________________________________________
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #278091 is a reply to message #278084] |
Wed, 20 May 2015 18:16 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Thanks guys, I talked with both of them today. Manny's are built to go the opposite way i.e. raise the coach as are Jim K's. A member PM'd me that he had the same problem and used the adjustable PC's to correct it and it worked. Jim K is a little skeptical they will work.
I wonder how many others have had issue with the new bars?
Ain't this fun?
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #281411 is a reply to message #278091] |
Fri, 03 July 2015 19:41 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Progress has been too slow as I've not had time to be on it full time. The dash arrived last night, an almost 8 week delay but there was a problem with the side panels so it's still a waiting game. Got the front height set to specs and raised the front bumper as it just didn't look right with the body raise. I'll attack the rear bumper shortly. Got the inter cooler plumbing about wrapped up. Added some more pictures if anyone is interested.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42137-hal-stclair.html
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #281414 is a reply to message #281411] |
Fri, 03 July 2015 20:18 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Hal,
I'm deeply impressed. And after looking down on it, very happy to know
that you're never going to have to work on that engine again! :-)
Ken H.
P.S.: Nice windshield wiper installation! :-) KH
On Fri, Jul 3, 2015 at 8:41 PM, Hal StClair
wrote:
> Progress has been too slow as I've not had time to be on it full time. The
> dash arrived last night, an almost 8 week delay but there was a problem
> with the side panels so it's still a waiting game. Got the front height
> set to specs and raised the front bumper as it just didn't look right with
> the
> body raise. I'll attack the rear bumper shortly. Got the inter cooler
> plumbing about wrapped up. Added some more pictures if anyone is interested.
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42137-hal-stclair.html
>
> Hal
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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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: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #281473 is a reply to message #281414] |
Sat, 04 July 2015 21:01 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Thank you Ken for the kind words. I sure HOPE I won't have to work on it again but I'm sure that is wishful thinking. I learned long ago to TRY to do it the best you know how the first time and hopefully the resulting gremlins won't be too significant. Hope I didn't get too carried away but it's been mostly fun.
As for the wipers, how could they not be 'nice'. Like I said, use the BEST you can to start with and i did. 
Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #284818 is a reply to message #281473] |
Thu, 13 August 2015 19:10 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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The summer has been full of unavoidable distractions and I haven't got nearly as much done as I hoped too do but I'm back home and at it again. Using the electric vacuum pump for brakes just didn't seem the 'right' way to go so I've been working on a Hydroboost system. I've posted a few details. I needed to complete this install before installing the dash as it's next to impossible to reach the brake linkage on the 1977 models with the dash installed.
I also got some work done on the 3KW diesel genset, the sound box is about done and the gen close to being installed. Maybe in a couple of days I will have an update.
Thanks for looking, Hal
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42137-hal-stclair.html
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #284824 is a reply to message #284818] |
Thu, 13 August 2015 19:57 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Beautiful work, Hal. What's the dial gauge under the brake lines in the
under-hood view? And the long lever in the far upper right?
Ken H.
On Thu, Aug 13, 2015 at 8:10 PM, Hal StClair
wrote:
> The summer has been full of unavoidable distractions and I haven't got
> nearly as much done as I hoped too do but I'm back home and at it again.
> Using
> the electric vacuum pump for brakes just didn't seem the 'right' way to go
> so I've been working on a Hydroboost system. I've posted a few details. I
> needed to complete this install before installing the dash as it's next to
> impossible to reach the brake linkage on the 1977 models with the dash
> installed.
> I also got some work done on the 3KW diesel genset, the sound box is about
> done and the gen close to being installed. Maybe in a couple of days I will
> have an update.
> Thanks for looking, Hal
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42137-hal-stclair.html
>
>
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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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| Re: [GMCnet] 6.5 swap progress [message #284834 is a reply to message #284824] |
Thu, 13 August 2015 22:21 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Thank you Ken.
The gauge was prior to the Hydroboost, it showed vacuum at the booster (Dave Lenzi's product). One of the reasons I changed over to the HB was because of that gauge-the pump could only make about 18" of vacuum here at a mile high elevation. We routinely travel over 7000' elevation and I was afraid the pump might have issues at those heights.
There is a fuse and disconnect for the house batteries to the right (drivers side) if that is what you are referring to? The house batteries are located low on the drivers side behind/above the steering box. There is a 2/0 cable running to the rear of the coach from the switch. I don't like to have non fused conductors especially with big amperage running through them. Guess being a retired electrician sometimes shows 
I'm still trying to figure out a way to attach the new dash at the windshield area. I hate the idea of removing the front glass to get to the screws. I thought of using Sika Flex or a similar product but that would make it permanent I'm afraid. Any ideas?
Thanks,Hal
"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane."
1977 Royale 101348,
1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,
1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout,
Rio Rancho, NM
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