Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » For $125K you'd think.......
| For $125K you'd think....... [message #126875] |
Sat, 21 May 2011 09:42  |
JimGunther
Messages: 228
Registered: March 2007
Location: West Haven, CT
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.....the vehicle would be "complete" when you you pick it up.
(Especially when being tested by a WSJ writer, geez!)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703730804576315081449166492.html
I like the "idea" of diesel / compact / 5,000 pound towing capacity but, you can get an awfully nice GMC (none of 'em are perfect, I suppose) for this kind of money.
Preaching to the choir, no doubt.
PS: Anybody relate to the pal who thrives on aggravation? <GGG>
Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com
now former owner - ;(
73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer
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| Re: [GMCnet] For $125K you'd think....... [message #126908 is a reply to message #126875] |
Sat, 21 May 2011 16:59  |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
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An honest man is good to find!
On Sat, May 21, 2011 at 7:42 AM, Jim Gunther <JgmcG@riskmanagementsearch.com
> wrote:
>
>
> .....the vehicle would be "complete" when you you pick it up.
> (Especially when being tested by a WSJ writer, geez!)
>
>
> http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703730804576315081449166492.html
>
> I like the "idea" of diesel / compact / 5,000 pound towing capacity but,
> you can get an awfully nice GMC (none of 'em are perfect, I suppose) for
> this kind of money.
>
> Preaching to the choir, no doubt.
>
> PS: Anybody relate to the pal who thrives on aggravation? <GGG>
> --
> Jim Gunther
> www.LotusV6.com
>
> now former owner - ;(
>
> 73 GMC-II 2600
> by Explorer
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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--
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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| Re: For $125K you'd think....... [message #126958 is a reply to message #126875] |
Sun, 22 May 2011 12:19 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
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For $125 you can get 2 perfect GMCs or 3 very very nice ones, more room, better ride, better styling and visibility and this community. And no depreciation as they are now flat and holding.... not so on the new one.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Just for giggles....... [message #126968 is a reply to message #126875] |
Sun, 22 May 2011 14:43 |
JimGunther
Messages: 228
Registered: March 2007
Location: West Haven, CT
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.....does anybody think one could do a home-made DuraMax conversion (similar to Jim Bounds' 23' or 26 footer) with a below $125K budget?
Obviously, (maybe NOT so obviously) with a used DuraMax Donor.
I've seen lots of great amateur engineering over the years, would like to see some guys with time and more than a little ability, try-this-at-home.
In a similar vein, has anybody adapted a "newer technology" tranmission with, maybe, a newer smaller V8 to the GMC?
Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com
now former owner - ;(
73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just for giggles....... [message #126974 is a reply to message #126968] |
Sun, 22 May 2011 15:14 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
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That's a good question - I've heard of diesels, Caddy engines, even Chevy engines being installed in our coaches but other than the Duramax I don't recall anyone using a different transmission.
Larry Davick
On May 22, 2011, at 12:43 PM, Jim Gunther <JgmcG@RiskManagementSearch.com> wrote:
>
>
> .....does anybody think one could do a home-made DuraMax conversion (similar to Jim Bounds' 23' or 26 footer) with a below $125K budget?
>
> Obviously, (maybe NOT so obviously) with a used DuraMax Donor.
> I've seen lots of great amateur engineering over the years, would like to see some guys with time and more than a little ability, try-this-at-home.
>
> In a similar vein, has anybody adapted a "newer technology" tranmission with, maybe, a newer smaller V8 to the GMC?
> --
> Jim Gunther
> www.LotusV6.com
>
> now former owner - ;(
>
> 73 GMC-II 2600
> by Explorer
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just for giggles....... [message #126982 is a reply to message #126974] |
Sun, 22 May 2011 16:48 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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| ljdavick wrote on Sun, 22 May 2011 13:14 |
That's a good question - I've heard of diesels, Caddy engines, even Chevy engines being installed in our coaches but other than the Duramax I don't recall anyone using a different transmission. ...
|
Most likely due to the "fact" that any transmission that is strong enough will not fit in the space available without large modifications to the floor of the coach... maybe not as much as the Duramax, but they all take away interior space.
I would REALLY like to find a newer transmission/final drive that could be modified to fit... even if I have to turn the engine sideways.
IIRC: The original Clark-Cortez had a forklift transmission.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just for giggles....... [message #126989 is a reply to message #126984] |
Sun, 22 May 2011 17:08 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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| emerystora wrote on Sun, 22 May 2011 14:54 |
>
> IIRC: The original Clark-Cortez had a forklift transmission.
> --
Clark had several diffferent configurations over the years. I doubt that they used a forklift transmission with the 455 Old engine.
|
yes.
I believe the very first came with 6 cylinders (maybe slant 6 / Dodge ??) but think they went to a small ford V8 before eventually using the Toro set-up.
My point is that we might find a suitable candidate for a replacement transmission in surprising locations. (While it would be nice to find an "Off the shelf" unit...)
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: For $125K you'd think....... [message #128749 is a reply to message #126875] |
Sun, 05 June 2011 12:01 |
Firefly
Messages: 98
Registered: May 2008
Location: Augusta, Maine
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I did some research into all kinds of front-wheel drive transmissions in vintages from 1967 through today, including the entire historical lineup of GM transmissions, which are both transverse and longitudinal (e.g.: Cadillac NorthStar type) and came up with this:
Zilch. Nada. Negatory. None were capable of handling even a fraction of the GMC's weight, which was the first stage-gate. The Duramax FWD chassis uses an unconventional transfer case at the rear of the 'regular' transmission to reverse the direction of the driveline, straight towards a steering-knuckle-equipped solid axle. With an electronically-controlled transmission, this has the capability of handling three times the GMC's weight (at least).
The trade-off is the same as if this were done to the GMC without the $65K Workhorse chassis in that the driver/passenger cab floor must be extended rearward to accommodate the length of the conventional transmission plus transfer case. This is a BIG deal because it essentially takes away functional standing room in exchange for additional and conventional seating up front - and not much else. It would be the equivalent of taking a 26' coach and shortening it to a 23' (on the inside) with a couple of seats added. I believe Chris ($) had even worked up some interior design mods that would end up with a seating plan featuring a removable table in the center of the seats so when the front seats were rotated around, you have four-person surround seating on a small table.
I have not seen any other alternatives other than a crazy-looking picture of the GMC equipped with four wheels up front to stretch the chassis enough to fit the transmission, but the mechanicals would make this arrangement all but impossibly complex to make all four drive, much less steer because only XHD Rockwell axles (think Army 6x6) have top-pinion drives that make such a system work. Even if they were tag axles, they would still need to steer, so using half a set of bogeys is out.
With the availability of an excellent 6-speed, HD programmable transmission from TCI (4L80E) that is available for almost any American motor and a ZF transfer case, anyone can do their own conversion - provide the floor space tradeoff is acceptable. The space issues have been a major hangup for JB's Big D projects - especially the 23' in that there is hardly any entryway room with the front-positioned door. Another issue is that the passenger seat hardly has any room for the passenger or the mounting (which is custom-engineered as I recall). If I had a decent shop, I would be willing to try it on a 26' - if I also had a spare $25K. But I do not.
Now that I am at last back to work, and if I keep working 90 hours a week, in time I will finally be able to finish my projects (if I live long enough), which are (in order of priority) finishing my (1) 80% complete '67 Mustang convertible, (2) the 32' GMC Stretch and 26' ex-USAF GMC. By my estimates, that means I need to save um, … a LOT! It will take awhile, and I will not restart any of them until I have enough to finish it this time - no more suspension of projects before they are completed!
http://www.tciauto.com/Products/TC-%27Street%20Transmissions%27-4.aspx
Mark Scoble, Lunenburg, MA - 1973 23' Palm Beach Stretched to 32' and in residence at the GMC Co-Op in Orlando, FL
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| Re: Just for giggles....... [message #128822 is a reply to message #126968] |
Sun, 05 June 2011 21:27 |
ken
Messages: 19
Registered: March 2006
Location: Colorado
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In a word..YES.
However, as pointed out space is compromised...but many pluses for that compromise.
Ken Ecton
74 23' X-CanyonLands/Duramax
64 Corvette Coupe
29 Ford Tudor/Corvette
Various other drivers
Northern Colorado
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| Re: Just for giggles....... [message #128849 is a reply to message #126968] |
Mon, 06 June 2011 07:31 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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I have toyed in my mind with conversion of one of those delivery type vans, Sprint, Chrysler, Mercedes, probably others have their versions of it.
When I was working at the Fuji Company, some deliveries came in one of these and they appeared quite roomy, though not as much as the GMC. But If the mileage could be UP'd and manuverabilty be excelent, could be an interesting project..
But, There are also the options of turning the carcass of the GMC from a motorized coach to a 5th wheel, and a trailor and of course the pic of the GMC coach that was fitted on the back of a rather robust GMC truck looking much like an updated SOB class C.
Seems these coaches, even though they were built in the 70s era, still hold their looks, are still strong, still operational and still viable for different configurations..... If GM could only have seen what it would be, today.
Just thoughts
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
_
[Updated on: Mon, 06 June 2011 07:35] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just for giggles....... [message #128862 is a reply to message #128849] |
Mon, 06 June 2011 08:20 |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
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Larry,
I saw just the vehicle for you. An old Divco delivery truck. Nice and
compact and if you are one of those that has to fuss with the driver's seat
so you can sit comfortably your fussing is over. You drive it standing up -
no seats. Maybe a little tough on those long halls - but it could help keep
the driver awake.
LOL!!!
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
On Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 7:31 AM, Larry <slawrence111@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> I have toyed in my mind with conversion of one of those delivery type vans,
> Sprint, Chrysler, Mercedes, probably others have their versions of it.
>
> When I was working at the Fuji Company, some deliveries came in one of
> these and they appeared quite roomy, though not as much as the GMC. But If
> the mileage could be UP'd and manuverabilty be excelent, could be an
> interesting project..
>
> Just thoughts
> --
> Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
> 74 GLACIER X, 260
> 455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
> Remflex Manifold gaskets
> _______________________________________________
> Purchased 08-18-04
>
> _
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just for giggles....... [message #128864 is a reply to message #128849] |
Mon, 06 June 2011 08:22 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Go for the newer (V-6) version. Several friends, both personal and professional use, have had serious problems with the initial engine in them. It seems to stem from the turbo bypass valve sticking closed and overboosting the engines badly. One electrician friend had two free replacements by M-B (Freightliner) in 100K miles. Like he said, "They pick up the cost, but I'm out of my truck for a week". The new engines seem to do just fine.
--johnny
--- On Mon, 6/6/11, Larry <slawrence111@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Larry <slawrence111@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Just for giggles.......
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Monday, June 6, 2011, 12:31 PM
I have toyed in my mind with conversion of one of those delivery type vans, Sprint, Chrysler, Mercedes, probably others have their versions of it.
When I was working at the Fuji Company, some deliveries came in one of these and they appeared quite roomy, though not as much as the GMC. But If the mileage could be UP'd and manuverabilty be excelent, could be an interesting project..
Just thoughts
--
Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
74 GLACIER X, 260
455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
Remflex Manifold gaskets
_______________________________________________
Purchased 08-18-04
_
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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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| Re: [GMCnet] Just for giggles....... [message #128869 is a reply to message #128862] |
Mon, 06 June 2011 08:30 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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if you are one of those that has to fuss with the driver's seat
so you can sit comfortably your fussing is over. You drive it standing up -
no seats. Maybe a little tough on those long halls - but it could help keep
the driver awake.
___________________________________________
Now Tom,
How would someone be seat-belted in, in the standing position??
oh, just thinking about it, oh my aching feet... That would make a lot of stops at rest areas a necessary part of the trip.
Hmm, McDonalds has those "lean" seats, that you lean your rump on and eat from the table, maybe incorporate that, long as you don't slam on the brakes, you don't leave the seat. 
Use the dash as a table and you can have lunch on the go,
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
_
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| Re: [GMCnet] Just for giggles....... [message #128970 is a reply to message #128849] |
Mon, 06 June 2011 20:07 |
gene1
Messages: 50
Registered: February 2004
Location: Southern California
Karma: 0
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Mercedes Vans
The FMCA Magazine had a review on one "purpose built" Mercedes that was a 23
GMC equivalent, cost at least $150K, makes me appreciate my GMC. I could
afford to have mine painted and still buy lots of gas.
Regards, Gene 76 Eleganza North County San Diego
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry" <slawrence111@yahoo.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2011 5:31 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Just for giggles.......
>
>
> I have toyed in my mind with conversion of one of those delivery type
> vans, Sprint, Chrysler, Mercedes, probably others have their versions of
> it.
>
> When I was working at the Fuji Company, some deliveries came in one of
> these and they appeared quite roomy, though not as much as the GMC. But
> If the mileage could be UP'd and manuverabilty be excelent, could be an
> interesting project..
>
> Just thoughts
> --
> Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
> 74 GLACIER X, 260
> 455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
> Remflex Manifold gaskets
> _______________________________________________
> Purchased 08-18-04
>
> _
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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