Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » ELECTRIC GMC Part II
| ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100104] |
Fri, 17 September 2010 09:42  |
Michael Bozardt
Messages: 367
Registered: January 2007
Location: College Station, Texas
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Coach picked up from my shop on Monday. Greatest trailer for a GMC motorhome I have ever seen-rear wheels slide forward, bed tilts, big wench hauls it up, bed tilts down, rear wheels slide all the way to the rear, presto! Should have taken some photos but thought of it too late. Pulled by an 18-wheel tractor.
Got a call today from Proterra in Colorado. They got the coach started and drove it into the shop. Engine and trans worked well, he said. They will pull the engine and insert an electric motor to connect to the standard GMC trans I think. I asked him to send me photos to share with y'all as the project goes forward.
See what can be done with a GMC motorhome that had sat for at least five years! Not bad for a $500 investment.
Hopefully, I can get the 76 Edgemonte running after Du Quion and start improving it to sell. Only has 67k on the original engine. Remember, the Edgemointe came with rear twin beds/sofas and a dry bath and lots of 77/78 features(dinette, front swivel seats, Electro Level I air suspension system, late style windows, the aluminum sub-frame and better insulation and more.
Also, will begin upgrading the other Edgemonte we are keeping. It has 4 air bag system, Zip Dee awning, front disc on rear wheels, total remodeled inside with custom twin mattresses, two-door refer, twin closets, built in micro, mini blinds with custom valances, Flexsteel seats, headers, 6K Onan to be replaced by Honda 6010 generator(already have it). Also have a port fuel injected, turbo-charged 455 engine that will have gone through and installed at some point.....Michael at GEMRECS
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100110 is a reply to message #100104] |
Fri, 17 September 2010 10:45  |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
""Hopefully, I can get the 76 Edgemonte running after Du Quion and start improving it to sell. Only has 67k on the original engine. Remember, the Edgemointe came with rear twin beds/sofas and a dry bath and lots of 77/78 features(dinette, front swivel seats, Electro Level I air suspension system, late style windows, the aluminum sub-frame and better insulation and more.
""
Mike--I knew about the bath and twin beds, but I'm surprised about the other stuff. I wonder how GM managed such different systems while at the same time still building regular 76 production. When you say aluminum sub frame, do you mean the front side structure?
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100120 is a reply to message #100110] |
Fri, 17 September 2010 14:07 |
bryant374
Messages: 563
Registered: May 2004
Location: Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
ELECTRIC GMC Part II Fri, 17 September 2010 11:45
Bob de Kruyff
""Hopefully, I can get the 76 Edgemonte running after Du Quion and start improving it to sell. Only has 67k on the original engine. Remember, the Edgemointe came with rear twin beds/sofas and a dry bath and lots of 77/78 features(dinette, front swivel seats, Electro Level I air suspension system, late style windows, the aluminum sub-frame and better insulation and more.
""
Mike--I knew about the bath and twin beds, but I'm surprised about the other stuff. I wonder how GM managed such different systems while at the same time still building regular 76 production. When you say aluminum sub frame, do you mean the front side structure?
>
>
Bob,
Perhaps you can provide more insight to GMCs ideas for the Edgmonte which I have always found confusing. The Edgemont was supposedly the price leader for the 26' series, about $1k less than the other models. They did this using interior furnishings more like the 1973/4s rather than the better quality Grand Rapids Furniture used in the PB,EL2 & GB. The side body bump strip and side stripe were optional.
The part I find confusing is, why did they use the twin bed/dry bath in the economy version?? I would have thought it would be
an ideal upgrade for the regular model line.
Question for anyone who might know:
1. Who actually built the Edgemonte furniture?
Since it is quite different from other 1976 furniture, was Grand Rapids Furniture the builder or someone else?
Bill Bryant
PO 1976~PB (owned 34 years)
1914 Ford (owned 70 years)
1965 Corvette (owned 39 years)
GMC Motorhome History
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100148 is a reply to message #100120] |
Fri, 17 September 2010 20:21 |
Michael Bozardt
Messages: 367
Registered: January 2007
Location: College Station, Texas
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Bill, I have a 75 GMC having very similar furnishings as the Edgemonte, i.e., same maroonish color though the traditional layout with seats in the rear that fold into the bed, front couch and dinette. Hmmmm!.........Thx, Michael
| bryant374 wrote on Fri, 17 September 2010 14:07 |
ELECTRIC GMC Part II Fri, 17 September 2010 11:45
Bob de Kruyff
""Hopefully, I can get the 76 Edgemonte running after Du Quion and start improving it to sell. Only has 67k on the original engine. Remember, the Edgemointe came with rear twin beds/sofas and a dry bath and lots of 77/78 features(dinette, front swivel seats, Electro Level I air suspension system, late style windows, the aluminum sub-frame and better insulation and more.
""
Mike--I knew about the bath and twin beds, but I'm surprised about the other stuff. I wonder how GM managed such different systems while at the same time still building regular 76 production. When you say aluminum sub frame, do you mean the front side structure?
>
>
Bob,
Perhaps you can provide more insight to GMCs ideas for the Edgmonte which I have always found confusing. The Edgemont was supposedly the price leader for the 26' series, about $1k less than the other models. They did this using interior furnishings more like the 1973/4s rather than the better quality Grand Rapids Furniture used in the PB,EL2 & GB. The side body bump strip and side stripe were optional.
The part I find confusing is, why did they use the twin bed/dry bath in the economy version?? I would have thought it would be
an ideal upgrade for the regular model line.
Question for anyone who might know:
1. Who actually built the Edgemonte furniture?
Since it is quite different from other 1976 furniture, was Grand Rapids Furniture the builder or someone else?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100152 is a reply to message #100110] |
Fri, 17 September 2010 20:27 |
Michael Bozardt
Messages: 367
Registered: January 2007
Location: College Station, Texas
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
HI BOB, NO, THE SUB-FRAME IS UNDER THE FLOOR AND RUNS FROM THE BACK OF THE FRONT WHEELS TO THE BACK OF THE REAR WHEELS. IT IS SECTIONED AND A SHEET OF ALUMINUM IS FITTED INTO EACH SECTION. ON TOP OF THIS IS A NON-FLEXIBLE DENSE FOAM. THEN COMES THE 3/4 INCH PLYWOOD FLOOR. MY 74 DOES NOT HAVE THIS. THE 76 EDGEMONTE IS THE FIRST MODEL I HAVE SEEN THAT HAS THIS. ALL 77 AND 78 MODELS HAVE IT AS FAR AS I KNOW......Thx, Michael at GEMRECS
| Bob de Kruyff wrote on Fri, 17 September 2010 10:45 |
""Hopefully, I can get the 76 Edgemonte running after Du Quion and start improving it to sell. Only has 67k on the original engine. Remember, the Edgemointe came with rear twin beds/sofas and a dry bath and lots of 77/78 features(dinette, front swivel seats, Electro Level I air suspension system, late style windows, the aluminum sub-frame and better insulation and more.
""
Mike--I knew about the bath and twin beds, but I'm surprised about the other stuff. I wonder how GM managed such different systems while at the same time still building regular 76 production. When you say aluminum sub frame, do you mean the front side structure?
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100169 is a reply to message #100152] |
Fri, 17 September 2010 21:14 |
 |
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Michael,
My 1975 Avion built on a 1974 GMC has the sheet aluminum and foam front to
rear.
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael Bozardt
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 9:28 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] ELECTRIC GMC Part II
HI BOB, NO, THE SUB-FRAME IS UNDER THE FLOOR AND RUNS FROM THE BACK OF THE
FRONT WHEELS TO THE BACK OF THE REAR WHEELS. IT IS SECTIONED AND A SHEET OF
ALUMINUM IS FITTED INTO EACH SECTION. ON TOP OF THIS IS A NON-FLEXIBLE DENSE
FOAM. THEN COMES THE 3/4 INCH PLYWOOD FLOOR. MY 74 DOES NOT HAVE THIS. THE
76 EDGEMONTE IS THE FIRST MODEL I HAVE SEEN THAT HAS THIS. ALL 77 AND 78
MODELS HAVE IT AS FAR AS I KNOW......Thx, Michael at GEMRECS
Bob de Kruyff wrote on Fri, 17 September 2010 10:45
> ""Hopefully, I can get the 76 Edgemonte running after Du Quion and start
improving it to sell. Only has 67k on the original engine. Remember, the
Edgemointe came with rear twin beds/sofas and a dry bath and lots of 77/78
features(dinette, front swivel seats, Electro Level I air suspension system,
late style windows, the aluminum sub-frame and better insulation and more.
> ""
>
> Mike--I knew about the bath and twin beds, but I'm surprised about the
other stuff. I wonder how GM managed such different systems while at the
same time still building regular 76 production. When you say aluminum sub
frame, do you mean the front side structure?
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100223 is a reply to message #100104] |
Sat, 18 September 2010 10:24 |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| Michael Bozardt wrote on Fri, 17 September 2010 09:42 |
Got a call today from Proterra in Colorado. They got the coach started and drove it into the shop. Engine and trans worked well, he said. They will pull the engine and insert an electric motor to connect to the standard GMC trans I think. I asked him to send me photos to share with y'all as the project goes forward.
|
why are they connecting the elec. motor to the tranny? you usually don't need a tranny.
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100315 is a reply to message #100313] |
Sun, 19 September 2010 05:55 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I watched a tv show where they turned an old US mail truck into an ELECTRIC racer.
They used the front drive trans from another vehicle to attach the electric motor to the front wheels.
On this knowledge, one would think they used the tranny as an attachment point to convey the power to the wheels.
be interesting to see how large and WHERE they plan to put the battery bank.
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100322 is a reply to message #100104] |
Sun, 19 September 2010 11:42 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
From what I have read, they still use an automatic tranny, but don't use the torque converter.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100331 is a reply to message #100322] |
Sun, 19 September 2010 15:06 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
From what I have read, they still use an automatic tranny, but don't use the torque converter.
_________________________________________________
I read where the torque converter was removed but that was using the Chrysler Turbine Engine. The Turbine itself was the Torque Converter.
The electric motor would be a direct connection. Thinking on how the electric motor works, if it does not need to maintain RPMs for torque, the torque converter could be removed. But if Torque is a concern and the motor has to run minimum RPMS, the TC would be a part of the assembly.
Just my observation.
Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100360 is a reply to message #100104] |
Sun, 19 September 2010 17:30 |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
an electric motor puts out full torque at zero RPM and doesn't need a tranny except to maybe connect to the wheels in a FWD car.
in the GMC case i would think that connecting directly to the final drive would work OK. he might want to look at drive ratios. ir is possible that with the weight involved some kind of gear reduction is needed.
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100579 is a reply to message #100360] |
Tue, 21 September 2010 16:12 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Although an electric motor creates max torque at 0 rpm, they all have an rpm range in which they are most efficient. Although that can jsut be done with fixed gearing, conversions many times use conventional transmissions to give them a reverse, and park function with off the shelf parts.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100583 is a reply to message #100104] |
Tue, 21 September 2010 17:01 |
WayneB
Messages: 233
Registered: July 2008
Location: Ontario, Canada
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
This project has everything against it. 
The weight of the basic motorhome (10,000+lbs) the range required(you do intend to actually travel around in it)? The amount of battery power required to run the big electric motor and store the power to get the range. (40 x 1000cca batterys?) and where to put them (all through the rig I suspect)
How is he going to charge them all, plug them in an single 120v socket at a campground or carry a huge gen-set(and fuel to power it) and run that all night?
What about the fumes venting from all those charging batterys whilst you are asleep in it?
And what about the total weight of the finished piece , (20,000+lbs?)and the effect that will have on the transmission and tyres.
Its alot smarter (and more convenient to me anyways) to just carry on using gasoline in a normal GMC motorhome IMO.
1976 23' GMCII By Explorer
[Updated on: Tue, 21 September 2010 17:02] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100611 is a reply to message #100583] |
Tue, 21 September 2010 21:50 |
 |
ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Maybe they're just pushing the edge of the envelope. If you think of it, the amount of energy even a modest solar array collects over a year could be plenty to transport the coach and provide amenities for living if we could just store and retrieve it efficiently.
Heck, the busses in San Francisco are electric, but that's from overhead wires. The running gear is plenty mature. Toad full of batteries?
Maybe they got the plans from Area 51 through a Freedom of Information petition. Martian batteries - that's the ticket!
Larry Davick
Sent from my iPad
On Sep 21, 2010, at 3:01 PM, Wayne Barratt <waynebarratt@msn.com> wrote:
>
>
> This project has everything against it. :(
>
> The weight of the motorhome basic motorhome (10,000+lbs) the range required(you do intend to actually travel around in it)? The amount of battery power required to run the big electric motor and store the power to get the range. (40 x 1000cca batterys?) and where to put them (all through the rig I suspect)
>
> How is he going to charge them all, plug them in an single 120v socket at a campground or carry a huge gen-set(and fuel to power it) and run that all night?
>
> What about the fumes venting from all those charging batterys whilst you are asleep in it?
>
> And what about the total weight of the finished piece , (20,000+lbs?)and the effect that will have on the transmission and tyres.
>
> Its alot smarter (and more convenient to me anyways) to just carry on using gasoline in a normal GMC motorhome IMO.
> --
> 1976 23' GMCII By Explorer
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] ELECTRIC GMC Part II [message #100615 is a reply to message #100611] |
Tue, 21 September 2010 22:07 |
larry erd
Messages: 132
Registered: August 2010
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Aren't all American trains electric? the diesel runs a gen set that runs a
electric motor that drives the train, no battery's.I think?
On Tue, Sep 21, 2010 at 10:50 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
> Maybe they're just pushing the edge of the envelope. If you think of it,
> the amount of energy even a modest solar array collects over a year could be
> plenty to transport the coach and provide amenities for living if we could
> just store and retrieve it efficiently.
>
> Heck, the busses in San Francisco are electric, but that's from overhead
> wires. The running gear is plenty mature. Toad full of batteries?
>
> Maybe they got the plans from Area 51 through a Freedom of Information
> petition. Martian batteries - that's the ticket!
>
> Larry Davick
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Sep 21, 2010, at 3:01 PM, Wayne Barratt <waynebarratt@msn.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > This project has everything against it. :(
> >
> > The weight of the motorhome basic motorhome (10,000+lbs) the range
> required(you do intend to actually travel around in it)? The amount of
> battery power required to run the big electric motor and store the power to
> get the range. (40 x 1000cca batterys?) and where to put them (all through
> the rig I suspect)
> >
> > How is he going to charge them all, plug them in an single 120v socket at
> a campground or carry a huge gen-set(and fuel to power it) and run that all
> night?
> >
> > What about the fumes venting from all those charging batterys whilst you
> are asleep in it?
> >
> > And what about the total weight of the finished piece , (20,000+lbs?)and
> the effect that will have on the transmission and tyres.
> >
> > Its alot smarter (and more convenient to me anyways) to just carry on
> using gasoline in a normal GMC motorhome IMO.
> > --
> > 1976 23' GMCII By Explorer
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > List Information and Subscription Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Sun Sep 29 21:16:35 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.02137 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
