Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored
| its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored [message #106163] |
Thu, 18 November 2010 20:59  |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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My GMC was purchased last year around april. Since then its had HORRIBLE EXHAUST LEAKS so bad it couldn't be driven by a human. It had MANY major leaks. One was a crack about 3ft long on top of the pipe that goes down the passenger side galley area. I fixed that last mth.
The engine blew up within miles of purchasing it n CA and that mechanic bill cost over $14,000 and took over 3 mths. Driving it home I thought it would be a dream drive home from CA where it blew up on the way back to AZ after picking it up. But it had fluid leaks, the air ride was just a "ride" as it held no air. Steering was HORRIBLE, of course the exhaust leak I mentioned. Every possible plumbing inside and out leaked like a water fall (literally water ran all over the place) Needed tires, shocks, batteries, the fuel injector sprayed so much fuel it, we just returned it back to a carb (the fuel inject was like a late 70s model). This thing just was determined to beat me. Fuel once shot out of the filler neck like a volcano.
I fixed and I fixed, and when "MOST...key word MOST" must do fixes were fixed the suspension and steering nearly would kill you when you drove it over 40 mph..
I brought it to Spectrac in Mesa AZ. The owner was supposed to be a part of the original group that designed parts to the suspension. I dropped it off after a white knuckle drive (local mechanic said he hadnt a clue how to fix it, and the rv place said bring it to spectrack).
Picked it up today, and it was SOOOOOO NICE not to feel like I was going to drive off the road and kill myself. If I had ever taken it over 40 mph it started to feel like it was going to literally fly off the road and kill me. I couldnt change lanes, couldnt stay in my lane, couldnt do anything. Today I was able to drive it at 75mph on the way home and while it doesnt drive like a mercedes it was 1000000000x better. Im so excited! It needed front bearings (no surprise it has 67,000 miles) front right knuckle, seals, major steering box adjustment (stupid but the knuckle heads in CA that burned me put in a new one that was so tight it would of died if I kept driving it) and some other minor stuff. Plus a 6 wheel alignment.
I had to isolate my own air ride since honestly this economy has taken its toll on "toy" money. So they said it really needs to be fixed for even a better ride. (They are pricing me out a quad bag type setup for down the road) For now they just set the ride right and showed me how to measure it. Using the frame. And I can add or subtract air myself.
However Im so pleased that I know longer drive something I feel like may kill me!!!!!!
This weekend Im having a friend fix a gas leak in the carb, another friend and I fixing two none complicated plumbing leaks and adding a 2nd trans cooler. And we are also running a switch from the starter to bypass the safety switch all together since I have to kick the panel below my steering wheel to get it started 50% of the time. However my 1973 GMC is getting there. I have TONS of misc things I'll still be doing but the heavy mechanical stuff (besides getting the dash ac back up) is done.
Ill be insulating the engine, adding the fender vents, going to try to use flashing to get heat away from the headers, add my solar panel, but its coming long.
If you were so bored to have read all this Im sorry for that.....but hardly anyone finds my project worth it at all. Most call it a money pit. I call it my 1973 GMC, and as a couple in our thirties are hopefully going to enjoy for years to come.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
[Updated on: Thu, 18 November 2010 21:00] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored [message #106166 is a reply to message #106163] |
Thu, 18 November 2010 21:13  |
KRDietz
Messages: 133
Registered: July 2010
Karma: 0
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Wow. How can anyone get a GMC that messed up in 67,000 miles?!
Maybe 167,000?
Sounds like you're getting it back to a useful rig. Another 8-9 years
and it'll be done! :^)
Kelvin
'73 23' in Eugene, OR
On 11/18/2010 6:59 PM, Michael wrote:
>
>
> My GMC was purchased last year around april. Since then its had HORRIBLE EXHAUST LEAKS so bad it couldn't be driven by a human. It had MANY major leaks. One was a crack about 3ft long on top of the pipe that goes down the passenger side galley area. I fixed that last mth.
> The engine blew up within miles of purchasing it n CA and that mechanic bill cost over $14,000 and took over 3 mths. Driving it home I thought it would be a dream drive home from CA where it blew up on the way back to AZ after picking it up. But it had fluid leaks, the air ride was just a "ride" as it held no air. Steering was HORRIBLE, of course the exhaust leak I mentioned. Every possible plumbing inside and out leaked like a water fall (literally water ran all over the place) Needed tires, shocks, batteries, the fuel injector sprayed so much fuel it, we just returned it back to a carb (the fuel inject was like a late 70s model). This thing just was determined to beat me. Fuel once shot out of the filler neck like a volcano.
> I fixed and I fixed, and when "MOST...key word MOST" must do fixes were fixed the suspension and steering nearly would kill you when you drove it over 40 mph..
> I brought it to Spectrac in Mesa AZ. The owner was supposed to be a part of the original group that designed parts to the suspension. I dropped it off after a white knuckle drive (local mechanic said he hadnt a clue how to fix it, and the rv place said bring it to spectrack).
> Picked it up today, and it was SOOOOOO NICE not to feel like I was going to drive off the road and kill myself. If I had ever taken it over 40 mph it started to feel like it was going to literally fly off the road and kill me. I couldnt change lanes, couldnt stay in my lane, couldnt do anything. Today I was able to drive it at 75mph on the way home and while it doesnt drive like a mercedes it was 1000000000x better. Im so excited! It needed front bearings (no surprise it has 67,000 miles) front right knuckle, seals, major steering box adjustment (stupid but the knuckle heads in CA that burned me put in a new one that was so tight it would of died if I kept driving it) and some other minor stuff.
> I had to isolate my own air ride since honestly this economy has taken its toll on "toy" money. So they said it really needs to be fixed for even a better ride. (They are pricing me out a quad bag type setup for down the road) For now they just set the ride right and showed me how to measure it. Using the frame. And I can add or subtract air myself.
> However Im so pleased that I know longer drive something I feel like may kill me!!!!!!
> This weekend Im having a friend fix a gas leak in the carb, another friend and I fixing two none complicated plumbing leaks and adding a 2nd trans cooler. And we are also running a switch from the starter to bypass the safety switch all together since I have to kick the panel below my steering wheel to get it started 50% of the time. However my 1973 GMC is getting there. I have TONS of misc things I'll still be doing but the heavy mechanical stuff (besides getting the dash ac back up) is done.
> Ill be insulating the engine, adding the fender vents, going to try to use flashing to get heat away from the headers, add my solar panel, but its coming long.
> If you were so bored to have read all this Im sorry for that.....but hardly anyone finds my project worth it at all. Most call it a money pit. I call it my 1973 GMC, and as a couple in our thirties are hopefully going to enjoy for years to come.
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| Re: its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored [message #106169 is a reply to message #106163] |
Thu, 18 November 2010 21:25 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Luckily, I haven't had an engine go south so far, but I did have the pleasure of having a muffler fall down within the last 10 miles of bringing my coach home for the first time. A call to JimK had a new set of headers and mufflers on the way, there's the first $$$$$.
A few weeks an a bit of cussing later, I was able to install the system in my driveway using jackstands and a creeper, so I could once again drive the coach. Since then, it's been two years of projects that have been keeping me busy in all my spare time. The upside is that I have enjoyed the projects, met some great people, and everyday the coach gets better and better.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored [message #106171 is a reply to message #106163] |
Thu, 18 November 2010 21:34 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Congratulations MrRadioactive! I'm glad to hear Spectrac did a good job for you. There has been some concern about them on here lately. It sounds like you have reached a milestone and, hopefully it will be downhill from here. Every little thing, and the big ones too, gets you closer to having a machine you can trust and enjoy.
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
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| Re: its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored [message #106176 is a reply to message #106163] |
Fri, 19 November 2010 01:18 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I keep watching people thinking that they need to jumper out the neutral safety switch.
Why?
It is there on all automatic transmission vehicles for a reason. A similar function is there on all modern standard transmission vehicles by putting a switch on the clutch pedal.
It is there to prevent someone from accidentally starting the vehicle with the transmission in gear and the vehicle taking off unexpectedly. Especially when it is cold and the automatic choke runs the engine at higher speeds.
We have a vehicular murder trial going on locally this week. A nine year girl was killed. The girl was the daughter of a friend of my daughter. Her mother is sitting in court and sending my daughter daily reports on what is happening. Today the corner testified that the girl's skull was split in 4 pieces. The 22 year old defendant is claiming that his car took off unexpectedly. We suspect that he will loose using that excuse.
My point here is why cripple this simple safety device. If the switch is bad, REPLACE IT. I bought one for Arch's coach a month or so ago and it was less than $10.00. It is a simple two bolt removal to replace it.
I can understand jumping it out temporarily if it were to go bad until you can get another one. (I jumped out Arch's with a paper clip.) But intentionally crippling one is a completely different story.
One last comment. That switch is also used to two more functions. The back up lights and the I believe the door buzzer. If the switch is not working correct then I ask you if the back up light are off or on while you are driving.
I have only replaced one neutral safety switch in my life on all of the vehicles I have owned or worked on. That one was Arch's. So I believe that is is not a common failure and even if it is you can simply unplug it and jumper is out temporatily and go on your way.
I'm off of the soap box. Someone else can have it now.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored [message #106188 is a reply to message #106163] |
Fri, 19 November 2010 09:35 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I dont have to many habits that cost me $14,000-$15,000 (in just repairs) a year!!! LOL
The reason Im jumping the safety switch is next week is my wedding anniversary. We have had the coach for many a year and 1/2 and really never got to enjoy it. It was up at spectrac getting repaired and I didnt know exactly which part number it was. I ordered one but it wont get here in time for our trip. I dont want to get stuck while out on the road.
People in this thread have kinda said "dont take it the wrong way" so please dont take it the wrong way either but I dont think Ive ever started a car/truck or anything that I dont check is not in gear. Safety is a huge concern that is why 99% of my repairs have made sure the kids and my wife are safe when they drive in it. Seat belts were the first mod I did so the kids can drive safely. And adding a fast toggle switch for the reverse lights will be cake.
I knew nothing about gmc motorhomes a year 1/2 ago. The only thing I knew was my wife and I saw a few online and loved the design. Now I would be a more educated consumer. But I cant turn back. But our machine is our machine and we love it. I suspect it will be done to the point where I almost want to have it in a year, but we are young and hopefully the kids can enjoy it for along time to come.
As far as issues with spectrac I dont want to step on any toes from much more knowledgeable gmc forum members. Some of which have taken time to even email me with answers andhelp when Ive asked. But spectrac treated me right and they were the first shop that fixed what they said they'd fix at the price they said it would be (about $150 more then the est) Marc at spectrac was polite and helpful. My only complaint was it took 1 week longer then they said which is tough when we want to finish it for our trip. But the seals they ordered leaked and I'd rather the delay then unneeded repairs down the road cause of sloppy work. So we waited for new seals to be shipped from CA.
My GMC still needs stuff, I want to do so much. I feel like a 8 year old building his fort. I cant wait to rip out the carpet and put in hardwood floors. I cant wait to add a stainless steel backsplash behind the cooktop. Cant wait to add 6v batteries and solar.
Thank you for having me, it will be nice to meet some of you and share the progress on the forum.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored [message #106190 is a reply to message #106163] |
Fri, 19 November 2010 10:14 |
g.winger
Messages: 792
Registered: February 2008
Location: Warrenton,Missouri
Karma: 0
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Wow,,,, my "I can't wait list is long too!!!!!,,,,PL
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| Re: its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored [message #106302 is a reply to message #106163] |
Sat, 20 November 2010 15:49 |
Bruce S
Messages: 13
Registered: November 2010
Location: Winnipeg,Manitoba,Ca
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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I am sorry for you.Got my 78 gmc last May, engine and trany seemed OK, had to recore rad, spent about 6 months fixing it. I am just over 65 and hopely would like to use it for traveling insted of fixing. Best of luck.
Bruce
78 Eleganza II, more demanding of attention & the pocket book than the wife but less bitchy (my better 1/2 suggestion).
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| Re: its great not to drive a death trap, my mini story for those who are bored [message #106316 is a reply to message #106163] |
Sat, 20 November 2010 22:11 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I know how you feel.
so far I've rebuilt the engine, redone the exhaust, the fuel lines, the gas tanks, Had Lenzi rebuild the hubs and patched the grey tank. thats the short list, the long list has taken me 2 years to do. Every time I think I'm ready to take it out, something happens to sideline me.
Maybe this spring it will see the inside of a campground?
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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