Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course
| New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325208] |
Fri, 20 October 2017 15:31  |
GMCRanger
Messages: 13
Registered: September 2017
Location: central IL
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Hello GMCers,
This forum was a great resource for us as we shopped for a GMC -- thank you! We picked one up in Wisconsin and drove it home to central Illinois without incident. Well, almost without incident. The PO had "adjusted the wipers" (hydraulic) to "cover more of the window" just before we drove six hours through rain and thunderstorms. They covered so much window that they banged on the far side. Halfway home, while driving 65 on the interstate in the dark, they suddenly stopped working and we went to instant near-zero visibility. That was exciting.
Otherwise, smooth trip. Photos here: http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/m42652-gmcranger.html
With some leaks and a driver's side back window that has wandered away from its frame, our first priority is to seal up the coach against water before winter arrives. Up on the roof it looks like things were last sealed when the coach was painted 17 years ago. Also, the front fan shroud has popped loose from the roof on one corner. New sealant everywhere up top and new window gaskets are on the way. While we wait for them to arrive we play "which PO put in these wires and what on earth did they once do?"
First couple questions of what I'm sure will be many:
Our storage pod has a big crack. The part on top was puttied/sealed at some point but the crack traveled down the side and through a rivet. The pod has some water in the bottom. While I plan to fix the pod in the spring (HF plastic welding kit probably unless something else is better?), what would be a good way to temporarily keep it dry inside over the winter? Roof repair tape? I do plan to unbolt the pod and seal between it and the coach if possible. Would it be better to simply remove it for winter and if so what's the best way to seal up the pod-less bolts in the meantime? Have I mentioned I don't like heights?
The connector on one side of our grille is broken out -- looks like a common "whoops" as I see others with the same missing bit on the photo site. We're thinking a bolt and rubber washers to hold it in place until we can do a more significant repair. We know from experience that this type of thing is often a slippery slope to "wait -- where's our grille" -- any tips or suggestions?
Thanks in advance and thank you again to everyone for this great resource!
Lori
Lori (and Joe) - ’76 Eleganza II - central IL
|
|
|
|
| Re: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325213 is a reply to message #325208] |
Fri, 20 October 2017 17:06  |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Congratulations! Great looking coach! It looks very well done and well appointed.
I sealed the storage pod to roof bolts with vinyl hose washers. I simply unbolted one side , tilted the pod up, placed the washers at the rivnuts and bolted it back down again before repeating the procedure on the other side of the pod.
I have had good luck making repairs to the grille with epoxy (JB Weld). It seems to hold up well and is sandable and paintable.
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
|
|
|
|
| Re: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325221 is a reply to message #325208] |
Fri, 20 October 2017 18:16 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Snow is not here yet, Take the pod off and seal the holes with about any sealant. I recently discovered wurth bond and seal, and it is expensive but really works and easy to apply. Buy it off amazon, ebay or call jim bounds. Carl's hose washer trick works well when you go to remount the pod, but the sealant will keep inside dry for the winter.
I used a harbor freight plastic welder to weld a roof pod that had cracked in two. Worked perfectly.
Welcome and good luck!
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
|
| Re: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325222 is a reply to message #325208] |
Fri, 20 October 2017 18:55 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Buy some 2 part plastic welder epoxy in the dual syringes. There are a couple types. One is not smelly and not strong. The good stuff is a creme color when mixed and requires good ventilation as very noxoius. Use a same size machine screw with the head burried in epoxy on the grill side to create a new stud. I seem to think 10-32 but it's been over 10 years so check first. I used satin black trim coating spray to refinish after slight filing to shape.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
|
|
|
|
| Re: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325227 is a reply to message #325213] |
Fri, 20 October 2017 19:46 |
GMCRanger
Messages: 13
Registered: September 2017
Location: central IL
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Thanks, Carl! The PPO renovated the interior in 2000. I was wondering if it's now considered an ex-Eleganza II due to all the changes (+ removal of the name from the side!). We have some work to do inside, but we like the light interior.
Thanks for the tips re: the vinyl washers and the JB Weld!
Lori (and Joe) - ’76 Eleganza II - central IL
|
|
|
|
| Re: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325228 is a reply to message #325208] |
Fri, 20 October 2017 19:54 |
GMCRanger
Messages: 13
Registered: September 2017
Location: central IL
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Thanks, Jon and John, for advice and suggestions! I remember Jim B mentioning an excellent German sealant.
Jon, I think my pod is in a hurry to crack in half, so that's good news. 
John, thank you for the grille repair details -- that really helps.
Lori (and Joe) - ’76 Eleganza II - central IL
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325244 is a reply to message #325208] |
Sat, 21 October 2017 08:20 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Lori and Joe,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum...
For the grill, two things:
If you have to glue a part back in, get some ABS pipe cement. Not any universal or PVC/ABS or anything else. It has to be ABS Cement to work, and it comes in black.
There are many here that use springs to hold the grill in and that seems to work. I hope someone comes along with a link to pictures.
The roof pods that I have dealt with are a poly-chop and really need more glass than they often have. The long term repairs that I know of all used epoxy and glass cloth. So, find someone that does boat work and get some woven cloth - Not Mat as that does not do well with epoxy - and some real epoxy - Not Polyester resin as that has poor adhesive bond and put a strap over the crack and it will be done. You might be able to do this in place, but if you can get it to a better location to work, it will go better. If you put the strap inside, that will protect the epoxy from the UV.
You found your way here and that is good, because the people that really know these old girls are here and few have the time for other venues. But, there is a huge social group at FaceBook, but I will ask you to carefully check any answers you get to technical issues there as not all that write there have the experience level of JimK, Emery, KenH, and KenB.
As said, it is good you are here, and you already have a good sigfile, that is even better because it makes it easier for those that may choose to assist to do so. Will some so choose? You can count on it. This is a community of helping and supportive people that can be amazing. Just keep reading and you will find evidence of this. You should be aware that many here have an agenda. It is not a hidden agenda at all, and it is to see that you get to enjoy you coach and what she can do for you as much as we all have. Just be sure to keep up with the maintenance and she can be as reliable as anything 40 years newer. This is a community like few others, and the only other I know of is that of the watermen of my world. That is why I like to welcome new owners here much as a new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Lori and Joe
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: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325253 is a reply to message #325227] |
Sat, 21 October 2017 11:26 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
GMCRanger wrote on Fri, 20 October 2017 17:46Thanks, Carl! The PPO renovated the interior in 2000. I was wondering if it's now considered an ex-Eleganza II due to all the changes (+ removal of the name from the side!). We have some work to do inside, but we like the light interior.
Thanks for the tips re: the vinyl washers and the JB Weld!
The PO called our coach an "ex-Palm Beach" because he had removed all traces of Palm Beach colors from it, and I just carried that over. I DID have Terry Taylor make me some white over black Palm Beach decals and I put them on as homage to what the coach originally was.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325275 is a reply to message #325268] |
Sun, 22 October 2017 08:11 |
GMCRanger
Messages: 13
Registered: September 2017
Location: central IL
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
pzerkel wrote on Sat, 21 October 2017 22:15Welcome to GMC ownership. If you don't mind, where in central Illinois are you? I am near Springfield
The GMC 6 wheelers is one regional club in the area. Www.gmc6wheelers.com
Thank you! We are near Champaign-Urbana. Thank you re: the 6-wheelers -- I've already been in touch!
Lori (and Joe) - ’76 Eleganza II - central IL
|
|
|
|
| Re: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325276 is a reply to message #325253] |
Sun, 22 October 2017 08:23 |
GMCRanger
Messages: 13
Registered: September 2017
Location: central IL
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
Carl S. wrote on Sat, 21 October 2017 11:26The PO called our coach an "ex-Palm Beach" because he had removed all traces of Palm Beach colors from it, and I just carried that over. I DID have Terry Taylor make me some white over black Palm Beach decals and I put them on as homage to what the coach originally was.
Nice. One of our POs changed the cabinets, upholstery, and so on and the labels (and unfortunately the GMC front logo) were removed, presumably when the paint was redone. Actually, now that I think of it, I think the rear logo is gone as well. He must have favored a clean look because the rub rail is gone as well.
I did locate the 3-piece front logo in a bag inside the coach...
Lori (and Joe) - ’76 Eleganza II - central IL
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325300 is a reply to message #325268] |
Sun, 22 October 2017 17:44 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
You should get acquainted with Dave Marchiando in Sheridan, IL He has a
small shop and very knowledgeable.815-695-5084
On Sat, Oct 21, 2017 at 8:15 PM, Paul Zerkel wrote:
> Welcome to GMC ownership. If you don't mind, where in central Illinois
> are you? I am near Springfield
>
> The GMC 6 wheelers is one regional club in the area. Www.gmc6wheelers.com
>
>
> --
> Paul Zerkel
> '78 Eleganza II
> Salisbury IL (near Springfield)
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: New owner in central IL -- with questions, of course [message #325303 is a reply to message #325302] |
Sun, 22 October 2017 19:06 |
GMCRanger
Messages: 13
Registered: September 2017
Location: central IL
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
JohnL455 wrote on Sun, 22 October 2017 18:25Welcome. I'm up in Woodstock IL and have a take off Sears S-cargo roof pod taking up space. No cracks. Latches could use rustolium repaint to be nice.
Thanks, John! Hope we see you sometime. Since this one has been painted to match the coach I'm going to take a stab at repairing it. I'm already unsure whether I really want to be up on the roof getting in and out of it but I'm embracing the challenge.  I appreciate the offer!
jimk wrote on Sun, 22 October 2017 17:44You should get acquainted with Dave Marchiando in Sheridan, IL He has a
small shop and very knowledgeable.
Thank you, Jim!
Lori (and Joe) - ’76 Eleganza II - central IL
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Fri Apr 19 19:05:53 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01145 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
