| Bought a real basket case and I've never owned a motorhome. [message #370791] |
Sat, 26 November 2022 14:18  |
Isaac
Messages: 2
Registered: November 2022
Location: NE Indiana
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hello from Indiana!
I recently bought a '73 off good ol' Facebook marketplace because I thought it seemed like a good idea and my wife agreed for some reason. It needs many, many things, but the first order of business will be to get it moving (and hopefully stopping) which is going to require a new transmission. The unholy liquid that came out of that poor tranny wouldn't be recognized as atf by most people, so I'm not too keen on attempting to get it rebuilt by anyplace local to me. I'm also a little hesitant to look for a used toronado transmission due to the age and unknown condition of anything I'm going to find. Anyone have a suggestion for the best place to pick up a rebuilt th425?
[Updated on: Sat, 26 November 2022 14:20] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Bought a real basket case and I've never owned a motorhome. [message #370794 is a reply to message #370791] |
Sun, 27 November 2022 15:02  |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
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Senior Member |
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Last time I spoke with Barry Owen ~3 weeks ago he said he had an engine and transmission ready to go and he was building up more. He's in Lexington NC.
Closer to you in Sandusky MI is Cinnabar. I don't know if they rebuild the transmissions themselves or have it done, but I'm sure they'd be able to help.
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
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| Re: Bought a real basket case and I've never owned a motorhome. [message #370796 is a reply to message #370791] |
Mon, 28 November 2022 10:24 |
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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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Issac,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum......
While you have a reasonable chance that you can find a local transmission shop that will deal with it, Jon aka Lqqkatjon has said that he knows of a shop in Minnesota that will do a good job of it.
That is the way the GMC world works. You can also hope the Blain Merril decides to sell one. The support available in this community is nothing short of awesome (In the true meaning of the word). You found you way here and that is great, and if are not aware, you have just collected about a thousand brand new old friends. This community is very supportive, and do not be put off if you are contacted by someone that seems to have and approach like a used car salesman, that is just the way we are. It will all work in your favor. To this end, please build a sigfile so others don't have to ask. That should have your real name (we use those here because it helps when we do meet each other), a short about the coach including any major mods (You will get some, I am sure) and a geographic location more specific than Indiana (corner or nearby city will help).
If you do not have the complete set of service documents, they can be downloaded at the GMCMI website. It is also well worth your while to join both GMCMI and Greatlakers local chapter. When you join GMCMI, you will get an amazing collection of information on a single thumbdrive. It alone is worth the membership.
BIG NOTE of caution here: Never get under a GMC that is not on Solid Supports. And air spring can blow out at any time and when they do, they can crush a snake.
Now, about your problems, The transmission goes out the bottom. Build a bridge to support the rear of the engine across the engine hatch. To lift the coach, you will need to jack the front under the ENGINE CROSSMEMBER. If you try to jack under the radiator, you will do a great deal of expensive damage. You will need at least a 3 ton floor jack and a pair of jack stands. Plan on buying the dozen screws that secure the drive axles to the flanges as they are single use parts. Many of us have had a transmission out, so do not be shy about asking for advice or even local help.
The friendliness and support of this community reminds me so much of the watermen of my world that I like to welcome new owners here much as you might be welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord Bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Issac and spouse.
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: Bought a real basket case and I've never owned a motorhome. [message #370798 is a reply to message #370791] |
Mon, 28 November 2022 15:26 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Swapping the transmission gets you dirty and takes time but there's nothing magic about it.See if someone has a Ken Henderson tool, which makes it easy to lower and lift the transmission with a come along or snatch block anchored at the hatch. Or wrap a strap around it and use it to lower and raise. I've helped, and done a couple by myself. I prefer DIY R&R unless the shop has GMC experience. Why not learn it yourself instead of paying technician rates to learn it? Let the shop build it but take it out and put it back yourself.
--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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