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| Re: [GMCnet] New Owners, 1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh [message #324882 is a reply to message #324879] |
Thu, 12 October 2017 23:29   |
Dave Stragand
Messages: 307
Registered: October 2017
Karma:
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Senior Member |
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Hi Jerry,
Thanks for the input. I’m still trying to sort through a lot of information on the tires.
It’s my understanding that there really isn’t anything wrong nor unsafe with running new 16.5 Firestone’s on the correct, original wheels. If I understand it correctly, changing to the 16” wheels simply allows for a better selection of tires, and faster replacement while on the road (and is a nice appearance upgrade). Correct?
Our coach starts and runs, but has only been moved twice in the last 10 years. She moved about 300 feet across the lot 3 years ago, but I have only been able to move her about 10 feet myself, as she is currently trapped in a corner of the storage facility, with fences on 2 sides and another coach behind her boxing her in too tight to maneuver free.
While I do consider myself a good mechanic, I am smart enough to know that an experienced professional can evaluate the initial condition of this coach much better than I can. She needs to get to an RV or truck garage for a thorough evaluation of her bones. As we are fortunate enough to live at the intersection of two major highways, there are 6 facilities within 5 miles to choose from, but she still has to get there.
One thing I do know about her current condition is that the tires have approximately 3 miles on them (seriously). I also know that they were made the 23rd week of 2006, and have been outside, uncovered, since installed. I can and will change the tires before it ever leaves the lot as a minimum measure of safety.
I don’t believe that $3000 worth of aluminum wheels and 16” tires will make the coach any safer than $800 worth of 16.5” rubber on the original steelies.
If she passes her first physical, she will get any and all needed mechanicals for safe operation — that has been the first step for every vehicle I have restored.
Only when she is a proven traveler will she get stripped to the frame internally, and completely rewired, replumbed and rebuilt. She is a Transmode, so there is little to keep internally anyway.
It’s about walking before running, so to speak, and keeping costs in check — but never at the expense of safety. If I am incorrect about my assessment of the Firestone 16.5’s suitability, please let me know!
-Dave
> On Oct 12, 2017, at 10:32 PM, Gerald Work wrote:
>
> Hi Dave,
>
> Let me be a bit of a voice in the wilderness on this topic. You say new proper rims and tires would cost more than what you paid for your coach, hence you want to stay with something used or something less than a known superior and safe alternative. Everyone has to make their own decisions about such things, but my thought is the opening price of your coach has nothing to do with your safe enjoyment of it. How about the brakes, exhaust, steering, furnace, wiring, and all the other safety related items? Do you plan to take your family out for fun outings? As fifteen year GMC vets my experience is that every dollar spent on making your coach safe for use will be returned ten fold in happy memories.
>
> Jerry
>
> Jerry Work
> The Dovetail Joint
> Fine furniture designed & hand crafted
> in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building
> in historic Kerby, OR
> http://jerrywork.com
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1978 Transmode (403)
Pittsburgh, PA
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