Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » New Owner Questions
| New Owner Questions [message #320425] |
Fri, 14 July 2017 14:24  |
SkyKingsley
Messages: 9
Registered: July 2017
Location: Kansas City, MO
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hey everyone, I just bought a 78 Kingsley and so far I really enjoy it! Just had a couple questions for you all...
First thing I've got to do is oil change, transmission fluid change, and final drive fluid change. Do you all have any luck getting the GMC on ramps or is jacking the front and using jack stands the preferable method? Also when it comes time to do a tire rotation, do you all have any luck getting a local mechanic with a lift large enough to lift the coach? Or should I plan on finding a way to get it on all fours myself? Unfortunately I'm a state or two away from any of the dedicated GMC shops.
Also wondering what your experiences have been with the transmission on these machines. Mine is original and as far as I can tell, no record of any work has been done to it aside from regular filter changes. How worried should that make me? I know those aren't getting any cheaper on these and the coach has ~114,000 miles. I was concerned about the originality of the transmission when buying this one but mostly everything else has been done on it and it has had regular service from a popular GMC service location.
Lastly, I want to be prepared for a potential breakdown situation as we plan to take this thing a long way from home. What is in your toolkit on board that you find essential? I know I'm going to pick up a hook to go on the bottle jack, also thinking of getting a bar in case an air bag fails. Anything else along those lines you all recommend?
Thanks in advance for all the help, I'm really excited to be a part of this community!
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| Re: New Owner Questions [message #320429 is a reply to message #320425] |
Fri, 14 July 2017 15:06  |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Oil changes are simple. I get under mine without even lifting it.
Trans fluid and final drive fluid, if you do not have drain plugs, are a little more difficult and will require lifting. Ramps will work as long as they are heavy enough. The front weighs 4000 to 5000 pounds. There are ramps out there that will easily hold it or you can make your own out of stack of 2x4's or 4x4's and simply drive on them. My plastic ramps are rated at 12,000 pounds.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: New Owner Questions [message #320436 is a reply to message #320425] |
Fri, 14 July 2017 17:57 |
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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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Sky,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum....
You found your way here and that is good, but there is some things you should do right away.
First is go to the Bdub page and get a copy of the Black list (aka GMC assist list). Keep a copy in the coach.
Next, from Bdub's page find and go to the registry and make sure we know who you are and where your coach calls home now.
Last, but by no means least, is fill in the sigfile like you see everybody else here has. (Control Panel/Account Settings and scroll down - be sure to go down to "Update when you are done.) This has some serious reasons. It should have your real name, This is so that when you meet other owners, they know who you are and they don't have to back up and repeat everything. It should also have a bit about the coach. I know you wrote 78 Kingsley, but that should be on every entry as it does matter and so do major mods. Lastly, a geographic reference helps. If there is someone that understands an issue you are having or can direct you to someone else that does, he can do so. We do a lot of helping each other here.
Now, about getting under the coach.... Ramps are safest, but if you have the luxury of working on a concrete floor of a enclosed structure, 3 ton jackstands and a floor jack are a good investment. There are several here that built ramps of construction grade lumber and they are quite successful. That will take a search and if you don't find it, ask.
Draining the transmission is always messy. The vacuum modulator is in the passenger (starboard) side just above the pan flange. It comes out easily. If you pull that out first and let it drain down, there will be less of a surprise factor when you get the pan loose. The entire pan will still be full when you try to bring in down. When you buy a replacement transmission filter, be ready to take it back. They are all Chinese now regardless of the box that it may be in and there is a good chance that the draw tube will be undersize. If it is wrong, take that back and ask them to try again. It should come with a pan gasket and a new O-ring. Put the filter up with both the new and the old O-ring. That provide an extra safety for the filter.
While you are at it, go get a good grease gun and a couple of tubes of Valvoline SynPower. The grease is not cheap, but it is still cheaper than parts. I do not suggest a powered grease gun because I like to feel the grease going in as well as look for it coming out of the seals. I am currently using a gun with a flexible whip and a pistol grip, I am too old to be flexible enough to hold the coupler on and not shake it loose pumping the gun. There are 14 zerk fittings in a typical GMC front, but that can change for lots of reasons. I do use a two hand on the bogies, but then you are standing up. I try real hard to over grease everything.
There is a problem with the lube oil fill that you may have to address. You have a 403 and I do not know if it has the same issue as a 455. If I put the book 6 quarts in after a filter change, that top quart blows off it about 500 miles. If I do not make it up, I can run another 1500 before the stick is down another quart. So, I just fill with five and add one more at 2Kmi.
About airsprings (the real name of the airbags in the rear), never put any part of your body that you are fond of under a GMC that is not securely supported. If an airspring blows out (and this can happen at any time) the back end of the coach could crush strawberries. Yes, it gets that low.
Now on to the fun part.
You have just found a couple of thousand brand new old friends. (Remember the Assist list?) There are people on there that no longer even have a coach at all, but they are on that list to be a help if you need it. You can imagine what that says for the community. These are wonderful helping and supportive people that want nothing more than to see you enjoy your coach as much as they have. It is much more than just a new toy, it makes you a part of a community like few others. You will find that it extends you life's range by an amazing amount. The only other community like this that I know of is that of the watermen that are my world. because of that, I have take taken to welcoming a new owner her much as any new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Andrew
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 Questions [message #320441 is a reply to message #320425] |
Fri, 14 July 2017 18:42 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Andrew,
Call me on our toll free line so we can cover all your concerns.
800-752-7502
On Fri, Jul 14, 2017 at 12:24 PM, Andrew wrote:
> Hey everyone, I just bought a 78 Kingsley and so far I really enjoy it!
> Just had a couple questions for you all...
>
> First thing I've got to do is oil change, transmission fluid change, and
> final drive fluid change. Do you all have any luck getting the GMC on ramps
> or is jacking the front and using jack stands the preferable method? Also
> when it comes time to do a tire rotation, do you all have any luck getting a
> local mechanic with a lift large enough to lift the coach? Or should I
> plan on finding a way to get it on all fours myself? Unfortunately I'm a
> state
> or two away from any of the dedicated GMC shops.
>
> Also wondering what your experiences have been with the transmission on
> these machines. Mine is original and as far as I can tell, no record of any
> work has been done to it aside from regular filter changes. How worried
> should that make me? I know those aren't getting any cheaper on these and
> the
> coach has ~114,000 miles. I was concerned about the originality of the
> transmission when buying this one but mostly everything else has been done
> on
> it and it has had regular service from a popular GMC service location.
>
> Lastly, I want to be prepared for a potential breakdown situation as we
> plan to take this thing a long way from home. What is in your toolkit on
> board
> that you find essential? I know I'm going to pick up a hook to go on the
> bottle jack, also thinking of getting a bar in case an air bag fails.
> Anything else along those lines you all recommend?
>
> Thanks in advance for all the help, I'm really excited to be a part of
> this community!
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions [message #320447 is a reply to message #320441] |
Fri, 14 July 2017 20:34 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Most recommended spare is a credit card and towing service. Black List is a must item. Carry the latest GMCMI parts list. Some places you go may not have any service for you to access the net. Get the manuals from bdud's site and put them on your laptop.
Enjoy your GMC. Join a GMC Club and go to their rallies. Join International and really go to their rallies. Be ready for strangers asking about your vehicle. Or, other strangers telling you about theirs they used to own and wished they still did.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions [message #320455 is a reply to message #320447] |
Fri, 14 July 2017 22:46 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Be careful rotating the tires as most shops don't understand where the lift points are and jacking in the wrong places will cause damage to the flimsy frame. It's really a simple job to do yourself doing one side at a time. Using a pair of jacks(or a single jack if that's all you have) and jack stands or blocking for safety, lift one side at a time. Nothing complex at all, just a bit heavy especially if you have steel wheels. I've gotten so I use a pry bar to position the wheels into place anymore. Just gettin old I guess.
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: New Owner Questions [message #320458 is a reply to message #320425] |
Fri, 14 July 2017 23:49 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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The last several times I rotated or replaced the tires I jacked it up with a floor Jack and supported it on the front cross member and rear bogeys . Gave me an excuse to inspect all brakes and rear bearings also tightness of front bearings and ball joints. Also a good time to clean up the alcoa's.Costco liked not dealing with the coach and I liked not having to worry about them screwing it up.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: New Owner Questions [message #320463 is a reply to message #320458] |
Sat, 15 July 2017 06:25 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Forgot to add to must carry list; HEI coil and governor gear with nail. Either of these fail, and you are on the side of the road now. Both are very easy to replace, if needed.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions [message #320469 is a reply to message #320455] |
Sat, 15 July 2017 08:02 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Hal,
I'm sorry but I am going to disagree with you; it is not a flimsy frame, the lower horizontal cross section of the "[" frame rails
were not designed to be jacked under.
Maintenance Manual X-7525 / Section Index 0 - General Information / Pages 0-2 through 0-4 provide clear instructions how and where
to jack the coach.
Whenever I see a frame rail that has a lower horizontal cross section that is bent upwards I know that was caused by someone that
didn't read the MM.
Ragusa (http://www.ragusarv.com/) makes a neat tool to hang the wheels on the studs:
RV-09 Wheel Lifter Bar $29.00 ea
This lever bar allows you to lift heavy tires by placing the lifter into the center hole of wheel and over 4" dust cap. Lift wheel
and rotate to locate studs.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Hal StClair
Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2017 1:47 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions
Be careful rotating the tires as most shops don't understand where the lift points are and jacking in the wrong places will cause
damage to the flimsy frame. It's really a simple job to do yourself doing one side at a time. Using a pair of jacks (or a single
jack if that's all you have) and jack stands or blocking for safety, lift one side at a time. Nothing complex at all, just a bit
heavy especially if you have steel wheels. I've gotten so I use a pry bar to position the wheels into place anymore. Just gettin old
I guess.
Hal
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GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions [message #320474 is a reply to message #320469] |
Sat, 15 July 2017 09:18 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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Rob, I still say it's flimsy-it may be adequate but it's still really light weight. Replacement's are dramatically beefier.
Hal
USAussie wrote on Sat, 15 July 2017 07:02Hal,
I'm sorry but I am going to disagree with you; it is not a flimsy frame, the lower horizontal cross section of the "[" frame rails
were not designed to be jacked under.
Maintenance Manual X-7525 / Section Index 0 - General Information / Pages 0-2 through 0-4 provide clear instructions how and where
to jack the coach.
Whenever I see a frame rail that has a lower horizontal cross section that is bent upwards I know that was caused by someone that
didn't read the MM.
Ragusa (http://www.ragusarv.com/) makes a neat tool to hang the wheels on the studs:
RV-09 Wheel Lifter Bar $29.00 ea
This lever bar allows you to lift heavy tires by placing the lifter into the center hole of wheel and over 4" dust cap. Lift wheel
and rotate to locate studs.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Hal StClair
Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2017 1:47 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions
Be careful rotating the tires as most shops don't understand where the lift points are and jacking in the wrong places will cause
damage to the flimsy frame. It's really a simple job to do yourself doing one side at a time. Using a pair of jacks (or a single
jack if that's all you have) and jack stands or blocking for safety, lift one side at a time. Nothing complex at all, just a bit
heavy especially if you have steel wheels. I've gotten so I use a pry bar to position the wheels into place anymore. Just gettin old
I guess.
Hal
--
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
"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: New Owner Questions [message #320476 is a reply to message #320425] |
Sat, 15 July 2017 10:29 |
mrgmc3
Messages: 210
Registered: September 2013
Location: W Washington
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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SkyKingsley wrote on Fri, 14 July 2017 14:24Hey everyone, I just bought a 78 Kingsley and so far I really enjoy it! Just had a couple questions for you all...
First thing I've got to do is oil change, transmission fluid change, and final drive fluid change. Do you all have any luck getting the GMC on ramps or is jacking the front and using jack stands the preferable method?
Also wondering what your experiences have been with the transmission on these machines. Mine is original and as far as I can tell, no record of any work has been done to it aside from regular filter changes. How worried should that make me?
Lastly, I want to be prepared for a potential breakdown situation as we plan to take this thing a long way from home. What is in your toolkit on board that you find essential?
Thanks in advance for all the help, I'm really excited to be a part of this community!
Welcome! I also have '78 Kingsley, you got the best of the best, but I am partial!
First thing, yes change all fluids, engine oil (I use Mobil 1 15-50), atf and final drive AND coolant! The olds engine is very durable but it's Achilles heel is cooling. Second thing, unless your PO gave you a very detailed maintenance log, change / replace everything made of rubber; tires, belts, hoses, brake hoses, oil cooler hoses (yes the originals are rubber).
Transmission? THM 425 is based on the 400. Extremely heavy duty and will run forever if it has not been overheated. There is a direct relationship between clutch life and trans oil temperature. If a PO installed an aux cooler he extended your trans life considerably (do you see a common thread - cooling is extremely important on these vehicles!). Modulators and governors can be a little problematic - good idea to carry spares.
Toolkit? I carry a small assortment of hand tools including a digital volt ohm meter and an infrared thermometer (great for checking tire, brake and bearing temps).
Spare parts - I carry an HEI coil, module and pick-up coil. A spare starter motor, fuel filters, ignition switch and fuses.
Mine has been pretty reliable after much maintenance and two "fixes" 1) a aux electric fuel pump to address the dreaded vapor lock, and 2) an aluminum radiator to address cooling.
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: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions [message #320494 is a reply to message #320474] |
Sat, 15 July 2017 17:19 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Hal,
Now I'm going to demonstrate how pedantic I am.
I have been participating in this forum for 10 years and can't remember ever reading about a frame that failed because it was light
weight.
I use the email system and have folders for particular systems I checked my Frame folder and found stuff about rust damaged frames
but nothing about frames that bent from bring too weak.
Yep, Dan Stuckey's replacement frames are "beefier" as were the frames Clarence Buskirk used for his 29 foot stretches.
The GMC was designed by a team of professional automotive engineers, each with specialties, they "ran the numbers" and designed a
frame that met the requirements of the vehicle. I wonder if anyone that frequents this forum has the capabilities to do the same.
In my mind we're "tinkerers" (at least I am) with varying skill levels, I've seen your GMC and it is awesome.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Hal StClair
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2017 12:18 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions
Rob, I still say it's flimsy-it may be adequate but it's still really light weight. Replacement's are dramatically beefier.
Hal
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions [message #320496 is a reply to message #320494] |
Sat, 15 July 2017 17:38 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Rob
I have never heard of a frame failure unless rust had compromised the coach.
However, GM did increase the stiffness/gauge of the frame at some point during the production. Bill Bryant once posted the date.
Dennis
USAussie wrote on Sat, 15 July 2017 17:19Hal,
Now I'm going to demonstrate how pedantic I am.
I have been participating in this forum for 10 years and can't remember ever reading about a frame that failed because it was light
weight.
I use the email system and have folders for particular systems I checked my Frame folder and found stuff about rust damaged frames
but nothing about frames that bent from bring too weak.
Yep, Dan Stuckey's replacement frames are "beefier" as were the frames Clarence Buskirk used for his 29 foot stretches.
The GMC was designed by a team of professional automotive engineers, each with specialties, they "ran the numbers" and designed a
frame that met the requirements of the vehicle. I wonder if anyone that frequents this forum has the capabilities to do the same.
In my mind we're "tinkerers" (at least I am) with varying skill levels, I've seen your GMC and it is awesome.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Hal StClair
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2017 12:18 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions
Rob, I still say it's flimsy-it may be adequate but it's still really light weight. Replacement's are dramatically beefier.
Hal
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions [message #320504 is a reply to message #320494] |
Sat, 15 July 2017 19:14 |
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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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USAussie wrote on Sat, 15 July 2017 18:19Hal,
Now I'm going to demonstrate how pedantic I am.
I have been participating in this forum for 10 years and can't remember ever reading about a frame that failed because it was light
weight.
I use the email system and have folders for particular systems I checked my Frame folder and found stuff about rust damaged frames
but nothing about frames that bent from bring too weak.
Yep, Dan Stuckey's replacement frames are "beefier" as were the frames Clarence Buskirk used for his 29 foot stretches.
The GMC was designed by a team of professional automotive engineers, each with specialties, they "ran the numbers" and designed a
frame that met the requirements of the vehicle. I wonder if anyone that frequents this forum has the capabilities to do the same.
In my mind we're "tinkerers" (at least I am) with varying skill levels, I've seen your GMC and it is awesome.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
Rob,
I do not believe that a GMC frame has ever been reported to have failed in service unless it was compromised by damage or corrosion.
I do have first hand anecdotal:
Frank Sargent was ex-GM. He started Therford and was still buddies with lots of important GM people. He got one of the early coaches. It was taken back to the local GM truck dealer for some warranty work. The people at the truck dealership picked the coach up with some kind of a truck lift. Things didn't work out well. My personal information is a little sketchy here. I am not sure if the door could now not be opened or close....
GM sent a low boy or a Landoll to take it away. I know it was not repaired and returned because I was detailed to go to Pontiac and retrieve the replacement. While technically routed through Red Holman, I picked up at GM Truck and Coach and brought it back to Dexter (a city west of Ann Arbor). I might have considered purchasing same, but that one had a sticker that was close to that of my recently acquired house.
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 Questions [message #320521 is a reply to message #320494] |
Sat, 15 July 2017 22:31 |
Hal StClair
Messages: 971
Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
Karma: -12
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Senior Member |
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As I stated Rob, the frame is 'adequate' but certainly not robust in any stretch of the imagination. When you only have three locations you are permitted to jack from without damaging the frame and it WILL damage it, my advise to beware of unknowing repair facilities seems well founded. Look under any slant nose Revcon if you want to see a really nice durable frame.
And as to GM engineers, aren't they the folks that brought us some of the world famous Vega's non sleeved aluminum motors, TH200,TH700 transmissions, 4.3 liter,5.7 liter diesels, faulty ignition switches, et nauseam?
And I'm just a 'tinkerer' as you-and thanks for the kind words on our coach. Keep smiling Rob, 
Hal
USAussie wrote on Sat, 15 July 2017 16:19Hal,
onstrate how pedantic I am.
I have been participating in this forum for 10 years and can't remember ever reading about a frame that failed because it was light
weight.
I use the email system and have folders for particular systems I checked my Frame folder and found stuff about rust damaged frames
but nothing about frames that bent from bring too weak.
Yep, Dan Stuckey's replacement frames are "beefier" as were the frames Clarence Buskirk used for his 29 foot stretches.
The GMC was designed by a team of professional automotive engineers, each with specialties, they "ran the numbers" and designed a
frame that met the requirements of the vehicle. I wonder if anyone that frequents this forum has the capabilities to do the same.
In my mind we're "tinkerers" (at least I am) with varying skill levels, I've seen your GMC and it is awesome.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Hal StClair
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2017 12:18 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions
Rob, I still say it's flimsy-it may be adequate but it's still really light weight. Replacement's are dramatically beefier.
Hal
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"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: New Owner Questions [message #320525 is a reply to message #320425] |
Sun, 16 July 2017 07:55 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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"What we have here is a failure to communicate..." Or more correctly a difference in semantics. My take is the frame is obviously adequate in that the coaches have lasted this long. It is however much lighter than I'd like... it flexes and is easily bent. I am of the opinion that GM chassis engineers lightened it as much as possible. They were overloading the drive line roughly twice what it was originally intended fir so they took out what they could. I'd like to drive one of the reframed coaches to see how much a stiffer frame improves the handling, if any.
--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: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions [message #320528 is a reply to message #320525] |
Sun, 16 July 2017 10:26 |
GMC.LES
Messages: 505
Registered: April 2014
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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Having a spare frame in my yard for a few years, and moving it around with my tractor, it amazed me how flexible it is. The frame easily twists if you try lifting from a corner. The body & frame when combined, work together as a system. I doubt that you would notice much handling difference (if any) between a thicker Stuckley frame and a factory OEM setup.
Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'
> On Jul 16, 2017, at 8:55 AM, Johnny Bridges via Gmclist wrote:
>
> "What we have here is a failure to communicate..." Or more correctly a difference in semantics. My take is the frame is obviously adequate in that
> the coaches have lasted this long. It is however much lighter than I'd like... it flexes and is easily bent. I am of the opinion that GM chassis
> engineers lightened it as much as possible. They were overloading the drive line roughly twice what it was originally intended fir so they took out
> what they could. I'd like to drive one of the reframed coaches to see how much a stiffer frame improves the handling, if any.
>
> --johnny
> --
> 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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Owner Questions [message #320531 is a reply to message #320528] |
Sun, 16 July 2017 10:43 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Discussing the frame's stiffness in isolation from the aircraft-style body
construction is sort of a futile exercise. Undoubtedly the combination of
the two was more than just adequate, even though it obviously left the
frame less robust than we might like in some aspects -- 40 years later.
Ken H.
On Sun, Jul 16, 2017 at 11:26 AM, Les Burt wrote:
> Having a spare frame in my yard for a few years, and moving it around with
> my tractor, it amazed me how flexible it is. The frame easily twists if you
> try lifting from a corner. The body & frame when combined, work together as
> a system. I doubt that you would notice much handling difference (if any)
> between a thicker Stuckley frame and a factory OEM setup.
>
> Les Burt
> Montreal
> '75 Eleganza 26'
>
>
>> On Jul 16, 2017, at 8:55 AM, Johnny Bridges via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> "What we have here is a failure to communicate..." Or more correctly a
> difference in semantics. My take is the frame is obviously adequate in that
>> the coaches have lasted this long. It is however much lighter than I'd
> like... it flexes and is easily bent. I am of the opinion that GM chassis
>> engineers lightened it as much as possible. They were overloading the
> drive line roughly twice what it was originally intended fir so they took
> out
>> what they could. I'd like to drive one of the reframed coaches to see
> how much a stiffer frame improves the handling, if any.
>>
>> --johnny
>> --
>> 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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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] New Owner Questions [message #320572 is a reply to message #320531] |
Sun, 16 July 2017 20:29 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1500
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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On Sun, Jul 16, 2017 at 9:43 AM, Ken Henderson
wrote:
> Discussing the frame's stiffness in isolation from the aircraft-style body
> construction is sort of a futile exercise. Undoubtedly the combination of
> the two was more than just adequate, even though it obviously left the
> frame less robust than we might like in some aspects -- 40 years later.
>
> Ken H.
>
>
>
> On Sun, Jul 16, 2017 at 11:26 AM, Les Burt wrote:
>
>> Having a spare frame in my yard for a few years, and moving it around
> with
>> my tractor, it amazed me how flexible it is. The frame easily twists if
> you
>> try lifting from a corner. The body & frame when combined, work together
> as
>> a system. I doubt that you would notice much handling difference (if
> any)
>> between a thicker Stuckley frame and a factory OEM setup.
>>
>> Les Burt
>> Montreal
>> '75 Eleganza 26'
>>
>>
>>> On Jul 16, 2017, at 8:55 AM, Johnny Bridges via Gmclist > gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> "What we have here is a failure to communicate..." Or more correctly a
>> difference in semantics. My take is the frame is obviously adequate in
> that
>>> the coaches have lasted this long. It is however much lighter than I'd
>> like... it flexes and is easily bent. I am of the opinion that GM
> chassis
>>> engineers lightened it as much as possible. They were overloading the
>> drive line roughly twice what it was originally intended fir so they took
>> out
>>> what they could. I'd like to drive one of the reframed coaches to see
>> how much a stiffer frame improves the handling, if any.
>>>
>>> --johnny
>>> --
>>> 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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
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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 Questions [message #320574 is a reply to message #320425] |
Sun, 16 July 2017 22:05 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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What will usually shut you down are rubber parts that are aged --- hoses belts and tires. Air springs are an unknown and some checked ones still keep going. The most neglected things are greasing as Matt said earlier and coolant changes every 2 years drain /fill. Personally if the trans fluid looks proper red on the stick I would not touch it. Many tranmissions have been ruined with the Chinese filters. As long as the old one is not restricted it does not matter. Many engines die because advance mechanism is all gummed up in the dist as the grease has hardened. I have been driving GM HEI since 1976 and NEVER had a module fail. They fail when the rest of the ign system is neglected or plugs set up wrong. And Welcome.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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