GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
[GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324800] Tue, 10 October 2017 16:51 Go to next message
Dave Stragand is currently offline  Dave Stragand   United States
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Hi All,



A couple of weeks ago, we purchased a 1978 Transmode with around 77k
miles. It's currently two-tone, with a black top and silver below the
beltline. It has a partially finished homemade interior. It starts and
runs beautifully, but that's about all we know at present. It has been
in Pittsburgh since around 2009, and before that spent a couple of years
in Morgantown, WV. Before 2007, it used to reside in Tennessee (In
Seymour, and a few years before that it was in Sevierville) and was
originally painted green. Also, I found an old temporary plate from
Kentucky so it must have been there at some point as well. It has the
standard window layout. If you know this particular coach and could
fill us in more on its past, please let us know. We'd love to know more
of its history! I posted some pictures at
http://www.forwardlook.net/images/gmc/



From all appearances, it appears to have originally been delivered
without interior, propane, plumbing, or a generator. Over time, though,
it has been retrofitted with an Onan generator, and fresh/gray/black
water tanks, bunks, a huge inverter, and a homemade bathroom. We'll be
doing a custom interior, but we're still looking for some used interior
pieces (more on that below).



I've already spoken to Bob Dunahugh, who got me started on many of the
'need to know' items and was an immense help in getting us started in
the right direction. I also spent a lot of time talking to multiple
GMC'ers at Hershey last week - all of whom graciously gave me tours.
Special thanks to Jeff Rider, and Bill & Pat Kittredge who each spent
hours patiently answering my questions and helping me out!



We're planning to start digging in and getting her roadworthy again in
the spring. Right now I'm alternating between happiness at the
purchase, and panicking over it. I'm sure many of you know the feeling.




My wife and I have purchased and restored several vehicles, including a
1957 Metropolitan, 1958 Plymouth, 1959 DeSoto, 1968 Cadillac, 1977
Gremlin, 1981 DeLorean and others. However, this is the first vehicle
restoration where choices of wallpaper, toilet and stovetop are
considerations, so that part's all a bit new.



Mechanically, I should be able to tackle most of the needed items that
arise. The wife will be in charge of the interior design.



We do have a wish list that is building up fast. We'd love to find a
parts coach within a few hours' drive of us that could be a donor for
any of the following items:



* A foggy but un-cracked passenger windshield (a new clear one
wouldn't match the foggy driver's side!)

* Rear ladder/luggage rails

* Used 16" wheels (we have 'brand new' 16.5" tires, but they
date to 2006!)

* Plastic surround moldings for all of the windows.

* A complete side bathroom assembly

* Front bunks (possibly)

* Front & rear dinettes (possibly)

* Side/middle kitchenette (possibly)

* Front table between the driver and passenger seats

* Interior rearview mirror

* Replacement vent cover for front top vent

* Dual/triple front battery tray

* Used original style air bags for emergency spares until we
convert to a newer setup



We're looking forward to getting the coach on the road again, and
getting to know many of you fine folks as well! We'd especially love to
hear from anyone in or near the Pittsburgh area, so please let us know
if you're out there!



Thanks,



-Dave

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



1978 Transmode (403) Pittsburgh, PA
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324802 is a reply to message #324800] Tue, 10 October 2017 18:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
Senior Member
If you can handle a delorian restoration the gmc should be a walk in the park.

Welcome and ask questions. I hope you kept the delorian as a towd.


Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324803 is a reply to message #324800] Tue, 10 October 2017 20:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
Senior Member

Welcome! You've come to the right place. There are lots of ideas at the GMC Photo site:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/index.php

It's a searchable site and has LOTS of photos of interiors, exteriors, mechanical upgrades etc. It could keep you busy for months (literally).


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

[Updated on: Tue, 10 October 2017 20:18]

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324808 is a reply to message #324803] Wed, 11 October 2017 08:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Be sure it has an APC installed


On Tue, Oct 10, 2017 at 6:18 PM Carl Stouffer wrote:

> Welcome.
> ! You've come to the right place. There are lots of ideas at the GMC
> Photo site:
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/index.php
>
> It's a searchable site and has LOTS of photos of interiors, exteriors,
> mechanical upgrades etc. It could keep you busy for months (literally).
> --
> Carl Stouffer
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive,
> Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American
> Eagles,
> Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324810 is a reply to message #324800] Wed, 11 October 2017 09:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
Where are you? 2006 tyres means all new rubber: Tires, hoses, belts. There are a lot of them, replace them all.

--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
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324811 is a reply to message #324800] Wed, 11 October 2017 09:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Dave,

Welcome to group, family, cult, asylum.....

There are lots of "parts" coaches floating (and sinking) around. The immediate problem is that much of the woodwork in the GMC fit coaches is manufactured of particle board and any exposure to wet water will at least make it swell or worse. Plywood does not have this issue and is lighter. Furniture grade plywood (veneer), can be made to look very respectable.

Unfortunately, your timing is kind of bad. There are not many rallies in this north country this time of year. But, if you get back to Bdub's and grab a GMC Assist (aka Black's) list, you should be able to locate a helpful owner in striking range. As soon as the spring rally season starts, get those rallies and take advantage of the "Open House" times to look at what others have done. You will get ideas of both what to do and what to avoid doing.

Before you get too far, buy a label machine and put a label on everything you can. Take lots of pictures of both what is there and what you do. Digital storage is cheap and even as unreliable as it can be, it seems to be better than tired brains. Also, keep a book. Wrong - Keep Two Books. The first is for the regular maintenance items, all of them, for the chassis, the engine, the transmission, the coach body and the generator. Without this, you may miss critical maintenance operations that can be a real problem away from home. Next, make a list page with headings. Mine has six headings: Needed Now, Winter Jobs, Waiting, Abandon, Deferred, and best of all.... DONE.
Needed Now are non-maintenance items that need attention - like the phantom load on the house electrics. (Been hunting that for 2 years.)
Winter Jobs are things that need the coach off the road, but I really want to get to them.
Waiting are things I want to do, but require time and energy I don't have at the moment.
Abandon are things I thought I/we wanted, but have turned out to be more difficult than first imagined. (Like setting up good speakers in the rear.)
Deferred things of low importance that might be nice some day.
DONE - This is the best part of the list. Everything that got moved from one of the above lists gets slid to here and dated. That part of the list is now two and an half pages - two columns wide. (When did I do the new microwave mount?)

You have taken a road trip? You think? Wait until you do it in your own coach. You now need only a sort of level (and quiet is nice) place to stop for the night. You get to eat what you like and the cost is the same as at home. Lots of other things that add to comfort can come along. Bring recorded music, you will forever be out of radio range. Bring all the guide books you can, and you will still miss things.

There are GMC Motorhome pages on Facebook, and you can meet nice people there, but be cautious of advice given there as some as been provided by persons with little actual GMC experience. This has proved to be a problem on occasion.

Now, the most important part...
By finding your way here, you are now part of a community like few others. These are wonderful, helping and supporting folks. Be aware that most here have an agenda that you should understand. That agenda is to see that you get to enjoy your coach and what it can do for you as much as we all have. The only other community that at all like this - that I know of - is that of the watermen that are my world. For that reason, I have taken to welcoming new owners 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 Dave.

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
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324812 is a reply to message #324800] Wed, 11 October 2017 09:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Dave,

Welcome to group, family, cult, asylum.....

There are lots of "parts" coaches floating (and sinking) around. The immediate problem is that much of the woodwork in the GMC fit coaches is manufactured of particle board and any exposure to wet water will at least make it swell or worse. Plywood does not have this issue and is lighter. Furniture grade plywood (veneer), can be made to look very respectable.

Unfortunately, your timing is kind of bad. There are not many rallies in this north country this time of year. But, if you get back to Bdub's and grab a GMC Assist (aka Black's) list, you should be able to locate a helpful owner in striking range. As soon as the spring rally season starts, get to them and take advantage of the "Open House" times to look at what others have done. You will get ideas of both what to do and what to avoid doing.

Before you get to far, buy a label machine and put a label on everything you can. Take lots of pictures of both what is there and what you do. Digital storage is cheap and even as unreliable as it can be, it seems to be better than tired brains. Also, keep a book. Wrong - Keep Two Books. The first is for the regular maintenance items, all of them, for the chassis, the engine, the transmission, the coach body and the generator. Without this, you may miss critical maintenance operations that can be a real problem away from home. Next, make a list page with headings. Mine has six headings: Needed Now, Winter Jobs, Waiting, Abandon, Deferred, and best of all.... DONE.
Needed Now are non-maintenance items that need attention - like the phantom load on the house electrics. (Been hunting that for 2 years.)
Winter Jobs are things that need the coach off the road, but I really want to get to them.
Waiting are things I want to do, but require time and energy I don't have at the moment.
Abandon are things I thought I/we wanted, but have turned out to be more difficult than first imagined. (Like setting up good speakers in the rear.)
Deferred things of low importance that might be nice some day.
DONE - This is the best part of the list. Everything that got moved from one of the above lists gets slid to here and dated. That part of the list is now two and an half pages - two columns wide. (When did I do the new microwave mount?)

You have taken a road trip? You think? Wait until you do it in your own coach. You now need only a sort of level (and quiet is nice) place to stop for the night. You get to eat what you like and the cost is the same as at home. Lots of other things that add to comfort can come along. Bring recorded music, you will forever be out of radio range. Bring all the guide books you can, and you will still miss things.

There are GMC Motorhome pages on Facebook, and you can meet nice people there, but be cautious of advice given there as some as been provided by persons with little actual GMC experience. This has proved to be a problem on occasion.

Now, the most important part...
By finding your way here, you are now part of a community like few others. These are wonderful, helping and supporting folks. Be aware that most here have an agenda that you should understand. That agenda is to see that you get to enjoy your coach and what it can do for you as much as we all have. The only other community that at all like this - that I know of - is that of the watermen that are my world. For that reason, I have taken to welcoming new owners 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 Dave.

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
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324817 is a reply to message #324812] Wed, 11 October 2017 11:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
Senior Member
Someone fairly smart told me a long time ago that the mark of a good
skipper was not navigating his vessel into situations where his superior
seamanship skills would be called into play. Same thing applies to GMC's.
They will get stuck on wet grass on slight uphills. Don't go there and you
won't have to spend any time wincing them out. Don't ask me how I know
this. Still got the ruts in my lawn.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or

On Oct 11, 2017 7:52 AM, "Matt Colie" wrote:

> Dave,
>
> Welcome to group, family, cult, asylum.....
>
> There are lots of "parts" coaches floating (and sinking) around. The
> immediate problem is that much of the woodwork in the GMC fit coaches is
> manufactured of particle board and any exposure to wet water will at least
> make it swell or worse. Plywood does not have this issue and is lighter.
> Furniture grade plywood (veneer), can be made to look very respectable.
>
> Unfortunately, your timing is kind of bad. There are not many rallies in
> this north country this time of year. But, if you get back to Bdub's and
> grab a GMC Assist (aka Black's) list, you should be able to locate a
> helpful owner in striking range. As soon as the spring rally season
> starts, get
> to them and take advantage of the "Open House" times to look at what
> others have done. You will get ideas of both what to do and what to avoid
> doing.
>
>
> Before you get to far, buy a label machine and put a label on everything
> you can. Take lots of pictures of both what is there and what you do.
> Digital storage is cheap and even as unreliable as it can be, it seems to
> be better than tired brains. Also, keep a book. Wrong - Keep Two Books.
> The first is for the regular maintenance items, all of them, for the
> chassis, the engine, the transmission, the coach body and the generator.
> Without
> this, you may miss critical maintenance operations that can be a real
> problem away from home. Next, make a list page with headings. Mine has six
> headings: Needed Now, Winter Jobs, Waiting, Abandon, Deferred, and best of
> all.... DONE.
> Needed Now are non-maintenance items that need attention - like the
> phantom load on the house electrics. (Been hunting that for 2 years.)
> Winter Jobs are things that need the coach off the road, but I really want
> to get to them.
> Waiting are things I want to do, but require time and energy I don't have
> at the moment.
> Abandon are things I thought I/we wanted, but have turned out to be more
> difficult than first imagined. (Like setting up good speakers in the rear.)
> Deferred things of low importance that might be nice some day.
> DONE - This is the best part of the list. Everything that got moved from
> one of the above lists gets slid to here and dated. That part of the list
> is now two and an half pages - two columns wide. (When did I do the new
> microwave mount?)
>
> You have taken a road trip? You think? Wait until you do it in your own
> coach. You now need only a sort of level (and quiet is nice) place to stop
> for the night. You get to eat what you like and the cost is the same as
> at home. Lots of other things that add to comfort can come along. Bring
> recorded music, you will forever be out of radio range. Bring all the
> guide books you can, and you will still miss things.
>
> There are GMC Motorhome pages on Facebook, and you can meet nice people
> there, but be cautious of advice given there as some as been provided by
> persons with little actual GMC experience. This has proved to be a
> problem on occasion.
>
> Now, the most important part...
> By finding your way here, you are now part of a community like few
> others. These are wonderful, helping and supporting folks. Be aware that
> most
> here have an agenda that you should understand. That agenda is to see
> that you get to enjoy your coach and what it can do for you as much as we
> all
> have. The only other community that at all like this - that I know of -
> is that of the watermen that are my world. For that reason, I have taken to
> welcoming new owners 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 Dave.
>
> Matt
>
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
> OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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

Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324821 is a reply to message #324800] Wed, 11 October 2017 11:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
shaunone is currently offline  shaunone   Canada
Messages: 80
Registered: August 2016
Location: Cranbrook, B.C.
Karma: 0
Member
I have most of what you are looking for (including the foggy passenger window), but Cranbrook B.C. is a long ways from Pittsburgh.

1977 Palm Beach, 455, mostly stock and original
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324829 is a reply to message #324808] Wed, 11 October 2017 16:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Stragand is currently offline  Dave Stragand   United States
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma: 0
Senior Member
That's actually on my purchase list already. Lots to buy/do, of course... =)

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of gene Fisher
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 9:47 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh

Be sure it has an APC installed

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



1978 Transmode (403) Pittsburgh, PA
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324830 is a reply to message #324810] Wed, 11 October 2017 16:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Stragand is currently offline  Dave Stragand   United States
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Pittsburgh, and that is all planned, in addition to fan clutch, water
pump, timing gear, spare fuel pump/distributor/etc.

Working on the tires -- can't afford aluminums yet, but working on
getting some suitable & proper used steel GMC dually wheels and good 16"
rubber.

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of
Johnny Bridges via Gmclist
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 10:02 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Cc: Johnny Bridges
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh

Where are you? 2006 tyres means all new rubber: Tires, hoses, belts.
There are a lot of them, replace them all.

--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



1978 Transmode (403) Pittsburgh, PA
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324833 is a reply to message #324812] Wed, 11 October 2017 16:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Stragand is currently offline  Dave Stragand   United States
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Thanks, Matt, and to everyone for such a warm welcome!

We have a lot to do to be sure, but it will be fun to tackle if time
permits. Right now it's a family project, but if the rest of the family
loses interest it will be a much harder road.

On the wooden pieces -- yup! -- we plan to use them as templates more
than anything else. I can make decent benches, etc., if needed -- but
crafting a fitted fiberglass bathroom out of thin air is a tall order
for me.

Matt -- we certainly think alike! I was taught early on by my
old-car-mentor friend, that there are two ways to do things -- "right"
or "again". If you don't do it right, you will always end up doing it
again. We take our time, try to do only quality work, and avoid cutting
corners. It always pays off in the long run.

I blogged the restoration of one of our cars -- the hardest and most
complete restoration -- and have two posts than can apply to pretty much
any vehicle restoration, and folks here might find useful or interesting
as well.

The first is at http://www.projectvixen.com/zen.htm , and it's a simple
rewrite of a chapter of 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance',
replacing 'motorcycle' with 'DeLorean'. If you replace 'DeLorean' with
'GMC Motorhome', it still reads just the same. The original author just
totally nailed the descriptions of repair and maintenance setbacks we
all run into, and how to get around them. It's an amazing read.

The other post which folks might find helpful is a wrap-up of the whole
restoration process, and what I learned along the way
http://www.projectvixen.com/week244.htm . It applies to any vehicle
restoration, so I hope y'all find it enjoyable.

More questions to come from me, I'm sure, but I'll end by again thanking
everyone again for such a nice welcome!

-Dave

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



1978 Transmode (403) Pittsburgh, PA
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324835 is a reply to message #324830] Wed, 11 October 2017 17:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
k2gkk is currently offline  k2gkk   United States
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
Senior Member
Regarding tires and wheels, buy one pair every month or two and you'll be ready to roll by Memorial Day or earlier!


D C "Mac" Macdonald
Amateur Radio K2GKK
Since 30 November '53
USAF and FAA, Retired
Member GMCMI & Classics
Oklahoma City, OK
"The Money Pit"
TZE166V101966
'76 ex-Palm Beach
k2gkk + hotmail dot com



________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Dave Stragand
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 16:15
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Cc: Johnny Bridges
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, and that is all planned, in addition to fan clutch, water
pump, timing gear, spare fuel pump/distributor/etc.

Working on the tires -- can't afford aluminums yet, but working on
getting some suitable & proper used steel GMC dually wheels and good 16"
rubber.

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of
Johnny Bridges via Gmclist
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 10:02 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Cc: Johnny Bridges
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh

Where are you? 2006 tyres means all new rubber: Tires, hoses, belts.
There are a lot of them, replace them all.

--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

Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324853 is a reply to message #324830] Thu, 12 October 2017 09:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Dave Stragand wrote on Wed, 11 October 2017 17:15
Pittsburgh, and that is all planned, in addition to fan clutch, water
pump, timing gear, spare fuel pump/distributor/etc.

Working on the tires -- can't afford aluminums yet, but working on getting some suitable & proper used steel GMC dually wheels and good 16" rubber.

Dave,

Used wheels that are correct and serviceable are vary hard to find. It took me three years to local 16 and discard 3.
A GMCer in Canada had a set, but that was too far for me to haul them.
Southwest wheel used to list a correct part, but I have not looked recently. By the time that they would get here, the increment to Eagles is pretty small.

All I am saying is do you diligence on this and you might change your plan.

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
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324854 is a reply to message #324853] Thu, 12 October 2017 09:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Stragand is currently offline  Dave Stragand   United States
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Thanks, Matt.

There seems to be a bit of contradictory information on the steel wheels
that will fit. I found these locally:
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/wto/d/chevy-dually-wheels-for/63398456
94.html . According to the seller, they fit 1973-88 Chevy 1-ton. By
chance could you tell by the pictures if they are the correct ones, or
help with with correct identification markings I should be looking for?

Thanks,

-Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Matt
Colie
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 10:05 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh

Dave,

Used wheels that are correct and serviceable are vary hard to find. It
took me three years to local 16 and discard 3.
A GMCer in Canada had a set, but that was too far for me to haul them.
Southwest wheel used to list a correct part, but I have not looked
recently. By the time that they would get here, the increment to Eagles
is pretty small.

All I am saying is do you diligence on this and you might change your
plan.

Matt


_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



1978 Transmode (403) Pittsburgh, PA
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324855 is a reply to message #324854] Thu, 12 October 2017 10:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
Senior Member
The steel wheels will fit the rear hubs if they have a 4- 9/16" center
hole. Where the problem arises is on the front. They will not clear the
front calipers without spacers and longer wheel studs. That means total
disassembly of the front hubs and knuckles to replace the studs. By the
time you mess with that, buy the 16 longer studs, and spacers, you match
the cost of eagles or alcoas. But, what the heck, it's America. Spend your
money the way you see fit.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

On Oct 12, 2017 7:44 AM, "Dave Stragand"
wrote:

> Thanks, Matt.
>
> There seems to be a bit of contradictory information on the steel wheels
> that will fit. I found these locally:
> https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/wto/d/chevy-dually-wheels-for/63398456
> 94.html . According to the seller, they fit 1973-88 Chevy 1-ton. By
> chance could you tell by the pictures if they are the correct ones, or
> help with with correct identification markings I should be looking for?
>
> Thanks,
>
> -Dave
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Matt
> Colie
> Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 10:05 AM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
>
> Dave,
>
> Used wheels that are correct and serviceable are vary hard to find. It
> took me three years to local 16 and discard 3.
> A GMCer in Canada had a set, but that was too far for me to haul them.
> Southwest wheel used to list a correct part, but I have not looked
> recently. By the time that they would get here, the increment to Eagles
> is pretty small.
>
> All I am saying is do you diligence on this and you might change your
> plan.
>
> Matt
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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

Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324865 is a reply to message #324855] Thu, 12 October 2017 12:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Stragand is currently offline  Dave Stragand   United States
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Thanks, Jim -- that was the missing bit of info. In my research, I saw
several mentions of the spacers but could not determine exactly if or
when they would be required. Now it makes sense.

I think I now have a better view of our options: Replacement 16.5
Firestones on original wheels (least expensive), used aluminum wheels
and new 16" tires (if I can turn up a set), or new aluminum wheels and
new 16" tires. Going 'all new' at this point would be more than I paid
for the coach, so I'm leaning towards the best-value alternative --
fresh new 16.5's in the spring.

Thanks for clearing that up.

-Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of
James Hupy
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 11:07 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh

The steel wheels will fit the rear hubs if they have a 4- 9/16" center
hole. Where the problem arises is on the front. They will not clear the
front calipers without spacers and longer wheel studs. That means total
disassembly of the front hubs and knuckles to replace the studs. By the
time you mess with that, buy the 16 longer studs, and spacers, you match
the cost of eagles or alcoas. But, what the heck, it's America. Spend
your money the way you see fit.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org



1978 Transmode (403) Pittsburgh, PA
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324866 is a reply to message #324865] Thu, 12 October 2017 13:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
Senior Member
There is still quite a few gmc owners running 16.5 wheels and Firestone
Transforce tires on them. Problems arise when you have tire trouble on the
road and a suitable replacement tire cannot be located in a timely manner.
Also, the 16.5 size is not a fast moving product in a Firestone store, so
their in stock inventory tends to age out on the shelves in some locations.
16" tires are much more popular, so that is not so much of a problem nor is
availability. If you shop for used alcoa's, watch out for recalled wheels.
There have been at least two recalls on them, I don't know the serial
numbers affected or dates, but someone here will know. As far as I know,
the Eagles have no recalls. Try to get HUB CENTERED wheels if you can. Much
easier to mount and they stay centered on the coach very well. Lug centered
wheels will work, but require very specific lug nuts. Just what I know.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or

On Oct 12, 2017 10:27 AM, "Dave Stragand"
wrote:

> Thanks, Jim -- that was the missing bit of info. In my research, I saw
> several mentions of the spacers but could not determine exactly if or
> when they would be required. Now it makes sense.
>
> I think I now have a better view of our options: Replacement 16.5
> Firestones on original wheels (least expensive), used aluminum wheels
> and new 16" tires (if I can turn up a set), or new aluminum wheels and
> new 16" tires. Going 'all new' at this point would be more than I paid
> for the coach, so I'm leaning towards the best-value alternative --
> fresh new 16.5's in the spring.
>
> Thanks for clearing that up.
>
> -Dave
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of
> James Hupy
> Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 11:07 AM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
>
> The steel wheels will fit the rear hubs if they have a 4- 9/16" center
> hole. Where the problem arises is on the front. They will not clear the
> front calipers without spacers and longer wheel studs. That means total
> disassembly of the front hubs and knuckles to replace the studs. By the
> time you mess with that, buy the 16 longer studs, and spacers, you match
> the cost of eagles or alcoas. But, what the heck, it's America. Spend
> your money the way you see fit.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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

Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324869 is a reply to message #324866] Thu, 12 October 2017 16:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
McCohens is currently offline  McCohens   United States
Messages: 22
Registered: March 2016
Location: Chalfont, PA
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Tried to PM you but you have it turned off.
Send me an email to hdforge at aol dot com
we may be able to work out the parts you need.
Randy
Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324876 is a reply to message #324854] Thu, 12 October 2017 18:17 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Dave Stragand wrote on Thu, 12 October 2017 10:44
Thanks, Matt.

There seems to be a bit of contradictory information on the steel wheels that will fit. I found these locally:
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/wto/d/chevy-dually-wheels-for/63398456
94.html . According to the seller, they fit 1973-88 Chevy 1-ton. By chance could you tell by the pictures if they are the correct ones, or help with with correct identification markings I should be looking for?

Thanks,

-Dave

Dave,

By the time I came in from working on my own coach (well, sort of) the CL listing had been removed.

Simple answers, to fit your coach right, the wheels have to look like what you have. That is to say a round spider (or barrel - the part inside the rim) and they pretty much have to have a 4-9/16 bore. The bore is essential to make the wheels center correctly. The round spider is needed to clear the front calipers. So, unless you can contact the seller and have him actually measure that bore, there is not much you can do. Some Round Spider wheels do come with the wrong bore.

You did get a response from someone on the net. I hope it works out for you.

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
Previous Topic: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
Next Topic: Power Steering Pump Pulley
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Thu Mar 28 14:26:02 CDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.02252 seconds