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| Looking for Advice on Purchase in Virginia! [message #147365] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 09:51  |
hppyfngy
Messages: 34
Registered: October 2011
Location: Crozet, Virginia
Karma: 0
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Hi,
I am considering buying a '73 in very good, near original condition. I really like the aesthetics of this vehicle and think it's size would be fine for me. I have never owned or even driven a GMC, but plan on seeing this one next weekend. I have several concerns.
One is I am not a mechanic and don't want to be one. I really don't need another project in my life, I just want a vehicle that will get me there in relative comfort. Is this a reliable vehicle or will it require a lot of maintenance?
Also, I want to pull a small car or small trailer. I hear the tow capacity is only 1500# with stock engine and transmission and gearing. Can I pull a 2400# Miata safely with it?
Thanks,
Randy
Crozet Virginia
Where the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive start.
GMC Wannabe
[Updated on: Sat, 22 October 2011 19:13] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Looking for Advice on Purchase [message #147373 is a reply to message #147369] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 10:38  |
hppyfngy
Messages: 34
Registered: October 2011
Location: Crozet, Virginia
Karma: 0
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Thanks Dan, I'm 51, which is probably why I am nostalgic for these things. I remember very well when they came out.
I don't know if it's cricket to do so but this is the ad for the one I'm looking at.
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/fsbo/Listings/jeter.html
I also have 30+ pictures of it and it looks pretty darned good, but I haven't seen it in person.
Please warn me of probable problems I should be looking for. I have heard suspension is problematic and expensive to repair. Any other systems that are particularly problematic?
Also, I know it's subjective but I can't get a handle on value. This one is listed for $9500. I have seen many listed for two to three times that much but I don't know if they actually sell for those prices or if they are dreaming. These are weird economic times. What are they going for?
Thanks,
Randy
Crozet Virginia
Where the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive start.
GMC Wannabe
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for Advice on Purchase [message #147375 is a reply to message #147369] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 10:43 |
Kingsley Coach
Messages: 2691
Registered: March 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
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Nicely stated, Dan ! <g>
Mike in NS
On Sat, Oct 22, 2011 at 12:22 PM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Randy,
> No problem towing the Miata with stock gearing. Depends on who's GMC you
> purchase as to whether it will be a project or not. But, remember, it is 40
> years old. Are you 40 years old yet? If so, you know a little maintenance
> must be done to keep yourself "running". Same with a GMC. But, the doctors
> for the GMC are right here on the net and they will diagnose any GMC ailment
> for free. You won't find that with any other motorhome.
> Keep us posted and thanks for coming into the forum with your questions.
> Dan
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
> Soft White LED Lighting
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
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| Re: Looking for Advice on Purchase [message #147377 is a reply to message #147365] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 10:55 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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Thanks Mike, all true.
Now Randy, There is little to be learned from reading that add. It is almost like a standard new sales add. I wish you had a "seasoned" owner to go with you. There are things to look for. Drive it. If it drives really good, buy it. If it is all over the road at 60 mph, don't buy it. Sitting for 2 years might not have hurt it but if the 2 turns out to be 4, I would not buy it. Its like me, if I lie in bed for one day, sick, I can get up on next day and go. If I am sick enough that I must remain in bed for a week, it is very hard for me to get back up and going. We bought a "rolling" coach and kept forcing it out on the hiway. Still, I have replaced 2 engines. Just bad luck.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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| Re: Looking for Advice on Purchase [message #147380 is a reply to message #147377] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 11:12 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| WD0AFQ wrote on Sat, 22 October 2011 08:55 |
... I wish you had a "seasoned" owner to go with you. There are things to look for. Drive it. If it drives really good, buy it. If it is all over the road at 60 mph, don't buy it. ...
... We bought a "rolling" coach and kept forcing it out on the hiway. Still, I have replaced 2 engines. Just bad luck.
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I second the idea of getting someone to go with you to check out the coach. A good source would be to check out the Black list. (aka: "GMC Motorhome Assist List") Found here: <http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/> You might be able to find someone local to the coach.
You might want to look at this: <http://gmcmotorhome.info/buygmc.html> especially this part: <http://gmcmotorhome.info/buyer.htm>
This is one of the best starting points for GMC motorhome information: <http://www.bdub.net/>
Good luck.
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: Looking for Advice on Purchase [message #147386 is a reply to message #147377] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 13:24 |
hppyfngy
Messages: 34
Registered: October 2011
Location: Crozet, Virginia
Karma: 0
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| WD0AFQ wrote on Sat, 22 October 2011 11:55 |
Thanks Mike, all true.
Now Randy, There is little to be learned from reading that add. It is almost like a standard new sales add. I wish you had a "seasoned" owner to go with you. There are things to look for. Drive it. If it drives really good, buy it. If it is all over the road at 60 mph, don't buy it. Sitting for 2 years might not have hurt it but if the 2 turns out to be 4, I would not buy it. Its like me, if I lie in bed for one day, sick, I can get up on next day and go. If I am sick enough that I must remain in bed for a week, it is very hard for me to get back up and going. We bought a "rolling" coach and kept forcing it out on the hiway. Still, I have replaced 2 engines. Just bad luck.
Dan
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Dan, the owner is deceased and it's being sold by his sister from his estate. I know it's a generic ad but she has sent me more specific info on it. She says it has been driven regularly but not far. He bought it in '08 and it hasn't been far since. Supposedly has passed compression testing with flying colors. I will be able to talk with the mechanic who has worked on it. She also has a '74 that's much uglier but has lots of new parts with it. There's a chance I may buy both as she really wants to clean up his estate.
Unfortunately I don't have an expert to take with me but am reading suggestions on what to look for. I can handle spending some to get it road worthy if need be.
Out of curiosity, just how expensive is it to redo the front end if it's not in good shape? I know there is a range, but how bad could it get? $$$ ???
Thanks,
Randy
Crozet Virginia
Where the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive start.
GMC Wannabe
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| Re: [GMCnet] Lookig for Advice on Purchase [message #147387 is a reply to message #147365] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 13:27 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Randy,
Despite being a avid, dedicated, long-term GMC devotee, I've got to be
brutally honest with you: You're proposing to buy a 38 year old truck with
an attached house of the same age. The "truck" has probably passed through
numerous owners and has been maintained by who-knows-who to unknown
standards. The "house" has ridden along, over roads ranging from excellent
to terrible. Can you imagine the condition your residence's plumbing,
electrical, and other features would be in after that long on the road?
Don't expect any RV to be trouble-free, and the older it is, the more
trouble you have to expect. And the older it is, the fewer mechanics you'll
find who remember anything about it or are willing to touch it.
The GMC has, by far, the best support organization available for any
motorhome. But, with that said, competent, experienced, GMC specialists are
few and far between -- 10 fingers will do to count them. If anyone else is
called upon to work on a GMC, they should be "watched like a hawk" by
someone who KNOWS what to look for and can provide guidance.
IMHO, your self-defined expertise and interests disqualify you as a
prospective GMC owner. Sorry.
But, if you choose to go ahead, your Miata is a the lower end of the weight
range many of us tow. The GMC will hardly "know it's back there".
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sat, Oct 22, 2011 at 10:51 AM, Randy <hppyfngy@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi,
> I am considering buying a '73 in very good, near original condition. I
> really like the aesthetics of this vehicle and think it's size would be fine
> for me. I have never owned or even driven a GMC, but plan on seeing this
> one next weekend. I have several concerns.
>
> One is I am not a mechanic and don't want to be one. I really don't need
> another project in my life, I just want a vehicle that will get me there in
> relative comfort. Is this a reliable vehicle or will it require a lot of
> maintenance?
>
> Also, I want to pull a small car or small trailer. I hear the tow capacity
> is only 1500# with stock engine and transmission and gearing. Can I pull a
> 2400# Miata safely with it?
>
> Thanks,
> Randy
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Lookig for Advice on Purchase [message #147389 is a reply to message #147387] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 14:11 |
hppyfngy
Messages: 34
Registered: October 2011
Location: Crozet, Virginia
Karma: 0
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Member |
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| Ken Henderson wrote on Sat, 22 October 2011 14:27 |
Randy,
Despite being a avid, dedicated, long-term GMC devotee, I've got to be
brutally honest with you: You're proposing to buy a 38 year old truck with
an attached house of the same age. The "truck" has probably passed through
numerous owners and has been maintained by who-knows-who to unknown
standards. The "house" has ridden along, over roads ranging from excellent
to terrible. Can you imagine the condition your residence's plumbing,
electrical, and other features would be in after that long on the road?
Don't expect any RV to be trouble-free, and the older it is, the more
trouble you have to expect. And the older it is, the fewer mechanics you'll
find who remember anything about it or are willing to touch it.
The GMC has, by far, the best support organization available for any
motorhome. But, with that said, competent, experienced, GMC specialists are
few and far between -- 10 fingers will do to count them. If anyone else is
called upon to work on a GMC, they should be "watched like a hawk" by
someone who KNOWS what to look for and can provide guidance.
IMHO, your self-defined expertise and interests disqualify you as a
prospective GMC owner. Sorry.
But, if you choose to go ahead, your Miata is a the lower end of the weight
range many of us tow. The GMC will hardly "know it's back there".
Ken H.
|
Thanks Ken, I appreciate your honesty. Frankly that has been a concern of mine. I've even gotten rid of all my older motorcycles and cars because I no longer have the desire to work on them. I honestly do "just want to go."
But I do like these things. A lot. I guess the very least I can do is drive this one and see. Maybe I'll get inspired.
Randy
Crozet Virginia
Where the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive start.
GMC Wannabe
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for Advice on Purchase [message #147390 is a reply to message #147386] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 14:11 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Randy,
First, you've got good taste! GMC Motorhomes and Miata's share great design.
Next, the advice you've been given is correct about maintenance and expected reliability. Where do you live? I'm so close to Jim K and Manny that I could simply open my wallet and have anything fixed. I don't have to, though, because my coach really is remarkably reliable.
You say you don't want to be a mechanic. If you live near one, then getting the coach in a safe condition is just a matter of money and luck. I had my coach gone over by Tom Hampton in Ohio. He replaced the brakes and lines, serviced the bearings and engine and gave me confidence to drive it to California (on new tires.). Once here Jim K replaced all my fuel lines.
I now feel that the coach will roll safely down the road and will stop. If I'm stuck somewhere at least I'm stuck in a comfortable coach with a fridge full of Diet Coke and a potty! You would have the added benefit of having your Miata with you.
I'm also 51, and used to work on my own cars (out of necessity!) and am now finding that working on the Motorhome is fun. It never was as much fun back when I had to work on my cars. I wish I had more time to work on her, but my time is spent making $$ so I'll trade some $$ to Jim K to keep the coach going.
These can be remarkably reliable, considering their age. Don't go into this with rose colored glasses, but don't shy away because you think they are always breaking down. They aren't if cautiously maintained. And, oh! the places you can go... What a great way to travel!
Like Sammy said - "Question - is the going great?" "Answer - ya! the going's great!"
Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine
Fremont, Ca
Sent from my iPad
On Oct 22, 2011, at 11:24 AM, Randy <hppyfngy@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> WD0AFQ wrote on Sat, 22 October 2011 11:55
>> Thanks Mike, all true.
>> Now Randy, There is little to be learned from reading that add. It is almost like a standard new sales add. I wish you had a "seasoned" owner to go with you. There are things to look for. Drive it. If it drives really good, buy it. If it is all over the road at 60 mph, don't buy it. Sitting for 2 years might not have hurt it but if the 2 turns out to be 4, I would not buy it. Its like me, if I lie in bed for one day, sick, I can get up on next day and go. If I am sick enough that I must remain in bed for a week, it is very hard for me to get back up and going. We bought a "rolling" coach and kept forcing it out on the hiway. Still, I have replaced 2 engines. Just bad luck.
>> Dan
>
>
> Dan, the owner is deceased and it's being sold by his sister from his estate. I know it's a generic ad but she has sent me more specific info on it. She says it has been driven regularly but not far. He bought it in '08 and it hasn't been far since. Supposedly has passed compression testing with flying colors. I will be able to talk with the mechanic who has worked on it. She also has a '74 that's much uglier but has lots of new parts with it. There's a chance I may buy both as she really wants to clean up his estate.
>
> Unfortunately I don't have an expert to take with me but am reading suggestions on what to look for. I can handle spending some to get it road worthy if need be.
>
> Out of curiosity, just how expensive is it to redo the front end if it's not in good shape? I know there is a range, but how bad could it get? $$$ ???
>
> Thanks,
> Randy
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Looking for Advice on Purchase [message #147391 is a reply to message #147365] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 14:16 |
GMC Cruse
Messages: 606
Registered: June 2009
Location: SE Michigan
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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| hppyfngy wrote on Sat, 22 October 2011 10:51 |
Hi,
I am considering buying a '73 in very good, near original condition. I really like the aesthetics of this vehicle and think it's size would be fine for me. I have never owned or even driven a GMC, but plan on seeing this one next weekend. I have several concerns.
One is I am not a mechanic and don't want to be one. I really don't need another project in my life, I just want a vehicle that will get me there in relative comfort. Is this a reliable vehicle or will it require a lot of maintenance?
Also, I want to pull a small car or small trailer. I hear the tow capacity is only 1500# with stock engine and transmission and gearing. Can I pull a 2400# Miata safely with it?
Thanks,
Randy
|
Get the VIN and check with John Shotwell to see if it is listed on the GMC registry. Maybe you can get in contact with an owner previous to '08 and get some more info on its history.
Mike K.
'75 PB
Southeast Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for Advice on Purchase [message #147402 is a reply to message #147395] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 17:46 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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RD,
Well put!
I reckon there's a fair few folks that see "dirt cheap" GMC's and think; "WOW a motorhome for that money, that's a bargain." "My
honey and I can tour the USA for twice nothing."
They buy it sight unseen and then go get it and reality smacks them right between the eyes!
The engine runs like crap, the exhaust sounds like an oval track racer, the trans doesn't shift properly, the fuel tanks are full of
crap, the fuel lines are deteriorated, the brakes don't work properly, the steering is all over the road, and so on ad infinitum.
Their thoughts shift to; "HOLY CRAP, this thing IS a piece of CRAP; it's going to cost me a MOTSA (Aussie for lots of money) just to
get it home!"
One more thing, when I was looking for a GMC way back when, one of the well known GMC workshops mentioned something to me that I
found interesting. He noted that every GMC he ever saw that was being sold was "well maintained" with lots of "recent upgrades" and
those two statements were a bit of a stretch in quite a few cases.
On a final note, if you ask a GMC owner to look at a coach for you keep in mind that most of us see GMC's through rose colored
glasses. ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: R.D. Hart
The best advice I've received from here is you will pay $25,000 for a GMC Motorhome. So if you pay $10K for yours, be prepared to
sink another $15K in it to acheive reliabilty and be asthetically pleasing to you.
I paid $12K for mine a little over a year ago and have put close to $6 to $8K in it so far and I'm not done. I also do all my own
labor.
If you choose to go this way, you have all the support you need.
Good luck and welcome.
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: Looking for Advice on Purchase [message #147403 is a reply to message #147365] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 17:51 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Randy,
You might contact Leigh Harrison -- his GMC business is in that general area.
http://idencorpgmc.com/
Dennis
| hppyfngy wrote on Sat, 22 October 2011 09:51 |
Hi,
I am considering buying a '73 in very good, near original condition. I really like the aesthetics of this vehicle and think it's size would be fine for me. I have never owned or even driven a GMC, but plan on seeing this one next weekend. I have several concerns.
One is I am not a mechanic and don't want to be one. I really don't need another project in my life, I just want a vehicle that will get me there in relative comfort. Is this a reliable vehicle or will it require a lot of maintenance?
Also, I want to pull a small car or small trailer. I hear the tow capacity is only 1500# with stock engine and transmission and gearing. Can I pull a 2400# Miata safely with it?
Thanks,
Randy
|
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: Looking for Advice on Purchase in Virginia! [message #147428 is a reply to message #147365] |
Sat, 22 October 2011 20:08 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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A few weeks ago a hot rod friend of mine traded in his 10 year old Mini motor home for a 37 ft 2008 class A motor home. On his first camping trip which happened to be Death Valley the dang thing caught on fire underneath, they think it was the Allison transmission. He got the fire knocked down with his fire extinguisher. It was towed to Las Vegas. He paid 70000 for this 8.1 Chevy powered coach and had a major problem 1 st time out. So you never know be it almost new or not so new.
Roy
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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