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[GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324800] Tue, 10 October 2017 16:51 Go to previous message
Dave Stragand is currently offline  Dave Stragand   United States
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma:
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

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1978 Transmode (403) Pittsburgh, PA

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