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New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 15:09 Go to next message
awqsferd is currently offline  awqsferd   United States
Messages: 6
Registered: September 2012
Location: Austin
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Hello everyone! I'm the new owner of a 1978 Transmode. I saw one of these for the first time about a month ago and knew I had to own one. I currently am full-timing in my Airstream but can't wait to go travelling in the GMC. Being new to these motorhomes I was wondering if anyone has an advice for a newby such as myself. Is there anything I should look out for or have looked at before I make my first trip? I was thinking about heading over to the Marfa/ Alpine/ Big Bend area of Texas for a week.


Michael Washburn 1978 Transmode Austin Texas
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183207 is a reply to message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 15:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
Senior Member
Wow, Do not hear much about Marfa, TX! I have only been to Texas a couple times, and one time was to install fiber optics out south of Marfa along the rio grand. Never seen so many artsy odd(to me) folk in such a remote wild west place!

Best way to learn about your GMC is to use it. Join the GMC coop:
http://www.gmccoop.com/

and keep up with this gmcNet thing. do not hesitate to call or ask for help.



Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183209 is a reply to message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 15:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
crash24 is currently offline  crash24   Canada
Messages: 79
Registered: February 2012
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Karma: 0
Member

Do a search here and you will find reference to 100's of hours of material. And here; http://gmcmotorhome.info/
As with any vehicle new to a person, first is brakes, then tires with careful attention to figuring out the age from the date stamp, then the fluids. Assume nothing, check everything. Lift the front wheels off the ground and check the wheel bearings, by shaking the wheel in at the top, out at the bottom and vise versa.
Check out the BlackList for people close to you?

awqsferd wrote on Wed, 05 September 2012 13:09

Hello everyone! I'm the new owner of a 1978 Transmode. I saw one of these for the first time about a month ago and knew I had to own one. I currently am full-timing in my Airstream but can't wait to go travelling in the GMC. Being new to these motorhomes I was wondering if anyone has an advice for a newby such as myself. Is there anything I should look out for or have looked at before I make my first trip? I was thinking about heading over to the Marfa/ Alpine/ Big Bend area of Texas for a week.


Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183212 is a reply to message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 15:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Safety first. Check age of tires, by date code on side of tire. Aged out tires can look fine, but be rotten in the core. Brakes, you need to stop the 6 tons of fun. Remembering, as I say occasionally, "Antique Vehicle, Antique brakes." Not that they cannot be made to stop with the OEM specs, but there are several well-developed improvements. But, it is not a sports car.
Look for a member of the GMC Classics club. They are pretty thick in the Hill Country. Let them guide you on your path of GMC ownership. Check the Black's List for local people who care enough about the GMC, that they will drive almost anywhere at anytime to help another GMC owner.
One of my own personal tips; drive on the road, as if your left foot is right on top of the center stripe, then the vehicle is almost exactly where it needs to be in relation to the width of the road bed and the width of the vehicle.
Second tip; the gas gauge probably lies, never totally trust it. When the low fuel light comes on, it means "feed me, now."
http://gmcclassics.com/
http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/
Welcome to the cult, get out there and enjoy your new venture.
Tom, MS II


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: [GMCnet] New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183214 is a reply to message #183212] Wed, 05 September 2012 15:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bruce Hart is currently offline  Bruce Hart   United States
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
Senior Member
If your unit didn't come with the OEM lug wrench, get a 3/4 drive breaker
bar with a 7/8" impact socket. I busted a 1/2" drive Craftsmans breaker
bar and 1/2" 7/8" socket trying to remove the lug nuts. You may still
need a cheater on the end of the 3/4" breaker bar.

On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 2:25 PM, Thomas Phipps <tph1pp5@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> Safety first. Check age of tires, by date code on side of tire. Aged out
> tires can look fine, but be rotten in the core. Brakes, you need to stop
> the 6 tons of fun. Remembering, as I say occasionally, "Antique Vehicle,
> Antique brakes." Not that they cannot be made to stop with the OEM specs,
> but there are several well-developed improvements. But, it is not a sports
> car.
> Look for a member of the GMC Classics club. They are pretty thick in the
> Hill Country. Let them guide you on your path of GMC ownership. Check the
> Black's List for local people who care enough about the GMC, that they will
> drive almost anywhere at anytime to help another GMC owner.
> One of my own personal tips; drive on the road, as if your left foot is
> right on top of the center stripe, then the vehicle is almost exactly where
> it needs to be in relation to the width of the road bed and the width of
> the vehicle.
> Second tip; the gas gauge probably lies, never totally trust it. When the
> low fuel light comes on, it means "feed me, now."
> http://gmcclassics.com/
> http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/
> Welcome to the cult, get out there and enjoy your new venture.
> Tom, MS II
> --
> 1975 GMC Avion, under forever re-construction
> Vicksburg, MS. 3.7 miles from I-20
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart 1976 Palm Beach 1977 28' Kingsley La Grange, Wyoming
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183215 is a reply to message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 16:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
chasingsummer is currently offline  chasingsummer   United States
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
Senior Member
assuming the transmode is set up the same,
chech water hoses, especially those going to water heater, they can look perfect and be rotted,

i try to read every negative post on this site and assume it will happen to me. every month i try to inspect another area, i try to focus on the ones that can make things bad. assume bearing at all wheels need attention, assume water pump and water hoses are original and shot, assume timing chain is ready to break.

if hei , assume you need to have spare cap, coil and ignition module. if air bag look a little poor, assume you need to have atleast one good spare.

make sure you have jack and etc and know how to raise and change each wheel incase you have blow out, be familiar with before forced to do it.

and have fun with it, give it a name. neatest toy i have ever had, and i have had many

welcome
brian


brian asheboro, nc 75 eleganza, 74 build 119k miles and counting, DOG HOUSE
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183228 is a reply to message #183215] Wed, 05 September 2012 18:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Do as Tom mentioned, look up some of the Texas owners. There are lots of them around you. Texas Classics are there and are very willing and capable to help you look it over. We bought our coach just north of Austin, in Phluggleville, or something like that, back in 04. Drove it 900 miles with no clue what might happen. It brought us home like a champ and loves Missouri.
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
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183230 is a reply to message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 18:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Micheal,

Welcome to the group/family/cult/asylum...

Well, you have gotten most of the typical welcome to a new owner. But, I have two things to add. One is important to you, the other is important to me.

First, set a sig file with a real name, a coach description and a geographical reference. This is import here because many will want to assist you and they need to know right up front what they might be dealing with and where you are.

Second, I am expecting you will soon find that the GMC is more a part of your life than you expected. I liken it to the way a boat is a part of a waterman's life (that is my world). Therefore, I always offer new owners a greeting much as would be part of a waterman's greeting. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Micheal

Matt



Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183235 is a reply to message #183230] Wed, 05 September 2012 20:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
awqsferd is currently offline  awqsferd   United States
Messages: 6
Registered: September 2012
Location: Austin
Karma: 0
Junior Member
WOW! I can't believe all the responses I've gotten. Thank all of you for the advice and info. I feel a lot more comfortable about my purchase. I don't feel alone anymore.
A couple of more questions.
Are there any fire hazards that I should be aware of?
How well does the GMC handle different kinds of terrain such as the mountains or sandy beaches?
Are there any after market no brainer upgrades I should make?
How many of you tow vehicles with you and how much trouble is that?
A little info about me. I used to be a cabinet maker when I was younger and still have access to that cabinet shop. I really want to learn how to fix, maintain, and refurbish these beautiful machines.
Thanks again for the warm welcome!


Michael Washburn 1978 Transmode Austin Texas
Re: [GMCnet] New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183236 is a reply to message #183235] Wed, 05 September 2012 20:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rssbob is currently offline  rssbob   United States
Messages: 259
Registered: January 2004
Location: La Mesa, Ca. (San Diego a...
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Welcome Michael,

One thing to look for is the steel fuel line between the carburetor and mechanical fuel pump. It should be one solid piece. Sometimes it has been cut and part of it is replaced with a rubber fuel hose and clamps. If you find that, you should replace it. Available from both of the Jim's, whom you will soon become acquainted with.


On Sep 5, 2012, at 6:03 PM, Michael wrote:

>
>
> WOW! I can't believe all the responses I've gotten. Thank all of you for the advice and info. I feel a lot more comfortable about my purchase. I don't feel alone anymore.
> A couple of more questions.
> Are there any fire hazards that I should be aware of?
> How well does the GMC handle different kinds of terrain such as the mountains or sandy beaches?
> Are there any after market no brainer upgrades I should make?
> How many of you tow vehicles with you and how much trouble is that?
> A little info about me. I used to be a cabinet maker when I was younger and still have access to that cabinet shop. I really want to learn how to fix, maintain, and refurbish these beautiful machines.
> Thanks again for the warm welcome!
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Bob Sobrito
1978 Palm Beach
La Mesa, Ca
antique pocket watch repair

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Bob Sobrito
78 Palm Beach
La Mesa, Ca
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183237 is a reply to message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 20:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
Senior Member
awqsferd wrote on Wed, 05 September 2012 15:09

Hello everyone! I'm the new owner of a 1978 Transmode.

Being new to these motorhomes I was wondering if anyone has an advice for a newby such as myself. Is there anything I should look out for or have looked at before I make my first trip? I was thinking about heading over to the Marfa/ Alpine/ Big Bend area of Texas for a week.



Start here:

http://www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html

and here:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/index.php

and here:

http://www.gmcmotorhomeinfo.com/

and also here:

http://www.gmceast.com/about/guide/


BTW this is just a start of the info available. Don't try and read all of this at once it will burn out your brain. Also don't let descriptions of the problems scare you, problems are what we talk about here. The GMCMH, when properly maintained, and with the resources available, is as reliable as any new motorhome and a lot more enjoyable and unique. Welcome to the asylum.


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
Re: [GMCnet] New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183238 is a reply to message #183235] Wed, 05 September 2012 20:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Are there any fire hazards that I should be aware of?
-- First - check out Jim B's site <www.gmccoop.com> and look at his automatic fire extinguishers. Brilliant.
-- Yes. Along with the crappy gas causing the fuel lines to be eaten away to dust, causing you to suck air instead of fuel - they will also leak. Replace your fuel lines with modern hose and as much hard-line as you can. I like PolyArmour for this - available at Napa and other auto parts stores. PolyArmour is also an excellent choice for replacing brake lines.
As yours is a Transmode these may not apply
-- The Fridge compartment if it's propane should be inspected and maintained.
-- The fur nace , if original might be a source for fire - inspect, replace.

How well does the GMC handle different kinds of terrain such as the mountains or sandy beaches?
-- Not so well. This is the one benefit I see of dualies in the rear of a truck-based motorhome. Still, Jim Kanamota sells a limited slip unit that improves traction markedly.

Are there any after market no brainer upgrades I should make?
-- I installed new air-bags right off the bat.
-- If you have a battery charger that's original for the house batteries "buzz box" toss it in the garage and use it for a battery charger. Buy a modern (progressive dynamics) multi-stage charger.
-- Two 6 volt golf cart batteries by the generator for the house 12 volt power supply.
-- LED or fluorescent lights everywhere in the house.
-- In time I'll replace my carburetor with TBI and an electronically controlled distributor .
-- 16" aluminum wheels and rag-wall tires.
-- 1-Ton front end
-- Crazy talk - go for the reaction arm rear disk brake setup, or the new reaction arm drum brake setup. Stupid great brakes (I'm told.)
-- Duracool in the airconditioner. You have a '78 with the very good dash air. If it needs to be recharged do it with Duracool.
-- Electric fuel pump. Either 2 in the tanks or one near the tanks. I have one near the tanks. Vapor lock seems to exacerbated by a long suck, rather than by boiling in the carb.
-- If you are going to dry camp use a propane fridge.
-- If you age going to dry camp for a long time go for a recirculating toilet. If you are married, maybe reconsider this one.
-- If your exhaust system needs to be redone do the 3" pipe to a single rear muffler.
-- Intake manifold - I don't know if the 403 has the same issues with excessive heat from the exhaust crossover in the intake manifold. Someone will know -
-- Ragusa aluminum entry step. I love all my Ragusa stuff. Go on a shopping spree.
-- Ragusa or Rockwell aluminum oil pan. They have bungs for draining the fluid and adding a temperature sender.
-- Radiator okay? If not, maybe a new aluminum one would be nice.
-- Do your fan belts squeal when you start the engine? I love my double pulley on the Alternator.
-- Radiator - get a split shroud (or split the one you have) so that it's easier to change belts, fan clutch, water pump, etc.
-- Want some seats that recline? Honda 2nd row bucket seats from their minivan had been plentiful from handicap van upfitters.
-- Does your transmode have an Onan? Put the Pertronix electronic ignition on it and let it purr like it's supposed to.

How many of you tow vehicles with you and how much trouble is that?
-- Most tow 4-wheels down.
-- Many people tow some kind of car.
-- Do the brakes - towing without sufficient brakes is suicidal.



Larry Davick
Fremont, California
A Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach

----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael" <awqsferd@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 6:03:17 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owner 1978 Transmode



WOW! I can't believe all the responses I've gotten. Thank all of you for the advice and info. I feel a lot more comfortable about my purchase. I don't feel alone anymore.
A couple of more questions.
Are there any fire hazards that I should be aware of?
How well does the GMC handle different kinds of terrain such as the mountains or sandy beaches?
Are there any after market no brainer upgrades I should make?
How many of you tow vehicles with you and how much trouble is that?
A little info about me. I used to be a cabinet maker when I was younger and still have access to that cabinet shop. I really want to learn how to fix, maintain, and refurbish these beautiful machines.
Thanks again for the warm welcome!

_______________________________________________
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



Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183239 is a reply to message #183235] Wed, 05 September 2012 20:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
awqsferd wrote on Wed, 05 September 2012 21:03

WOW! I can't believe all the responses I've gotten. Thank all of you for the advice and info. I feel a lot more comfortable about my purchase. I don't feel alone anymore.
A couple of more questions.
Are there any fire hazards that I should be aware of?
How well does the GMC handle different kinds of terrain such as the mountains or sandy beaches?
Are there any after market no brainer upgrades I should make?
How many of you tow vehicles with you and how much trouble is that?
A little info about me. I used to be a cabinet maker when I was younger and still have access to that cabinet shop. I really want to learn how to fix, maintain, and refurbish these beautiful machines.
Thanks again for the warm welcome!


OK Michael...
Everything you need to know is available here (more or less).
A big fire hazard seems to be the absorption (gas) refrigerator. And all you really have to do about that is clean out the mouse nests in the boiler assembly. FireFighter can sell you a fixed extinguisher that will reduce this risk.
A GMC handles like a big van. (My wife loves driving ours.)
As to mountains, be ready to do a manual downshift and leave it there for the descent. The coach will do anything you run into, but it may require your input to do it. (And, some patience.) Lots of people here have proved that.
As to sand - Don't go there.....
A GMC without a LS final will get stuck if a dog relieves himself in the next county.
As to upgrades just waiting to happen.....
Remember that sig file I mentioned...
Without know what your coach is, we can't even start.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183250 is a reply to message #183235] Wed, 05 September 2012 21:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
Senior Member
Sir: welcome.. Anywhere there is gas there is a fire hazard. That is why my barn in a ag zone is considered a detached garage just cause I store a lawn mower with gas in it. As good a parts washer as gas is it is very dangerous. Regretably there is fire hazards that are inevable in any mh. Any old fuel lines are subject to rot with the use of alcoahol fuels. Jim B has a fire-fighter division with auto deploying fire extenguishers made to mount in the engine, fridge and gen compartments.
http://gmccoop.com/
While these should be on evey coach most of us replace fuel lines and filters and hope for the best. Oil cooler & transmission cooling lines are something to look at also. I advise any new owner to read the operator manual and keep a copy of the other manuals on disc in the coach. They are here
http://www.bdub.net/manuals/index.html
We got a pics place.. here are some of mine.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u1686-c-boyd.html
You can go to the uppper right and register, then wait on the e-mail confirmation then post us some pics.. Dan says it didn`t happen if you don`t got pics..
The GMC has been know to go to the tops of mountains for ham radio get togethers while wet grass can park you, many of us pull trailers or toads. Lower gear ratios are available but most run the stock gears unless they live in the real mountains out yonder... Jim K sells those.
http://appliedgmc.com/
I would advise to check the steering and bearings per the book. Jack it up on good stands and look and shake and grease everstuff. Same with the backend. Visually check all rubber lines, brake, fuel, heater, vacuum, propane lines. Git a good air sniffer and mount it low. If it drives good use it and enjoy. This is the place to learn how to do it, btdt sort a thing, so ask. There are many seasoned GMCers here that are willing to share their knowledge. Its the GMC that get us together but its the people that keep us together..




awqsferd wrote on Wed, 05 September 2012 21:03

WOW! I can't believe all the responses I've gotten. Thank all of you for the advice and info. I feel a lot more comfortable about my purchase. I don't feel alone anymore.
A couple of more questions.
Are there any fire hazards that I should be aware of?
How well does the GMC handle different kinds of terrain such as the mountains or sandy beaches?
Are there any after market no brainer upgrades I should make?
How many of you tow vehicles with you and how much trouble is that?
A little info about me. I used to be a cabinet maker when I was younger and still have access to that cabinet shop. I really want to learn how to fix, maintain, and refurbish these beautiful machines.
Thanks again for the warm welcome!




C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: [GMCnet] New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183252 is a reply to message #183238] Wed, 05 September 2012 21:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Uh - correction - Ragusa or Rockwell aluminum TRANSMISSION oil pan.

Larry Davick
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: [GMCnet] New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183255 is a reply to message #183238] Wed, 05 September 2012 21:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Oh and my #1 feel good upgrade - labels and dash lights that work!

Larry Davick

On Sep 5, 2012, at 6:39 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:

> Are there any fire hazards that I should be aware of?
> -- First - check out Jim B's site <www.gmccoop.com> and look at his automatic fire extinguishers. Brilliant.
> -- Yes. Along with the crappy gas causing the fuel lines to be eaten away to dust, causing you to suck air instead of fuel - they will also leak. Replace your fuel lines with modern hose and as much hard-line as you can. I like PolyArmour for this - available at Napa and other auto parts stores. PolyArmour is also an excellent choice for replacing brake lines.
> As yours is a Transmode these may not apply
> -- The Fridge compartment if it's propane should be inspected and maintained.
> -- The fur nace , if original might be a source for fire - inspect, replace.
>
> How well does the GMC handle different kinds of terrain such as the mountains or sandy beaches?
> -- Not so well. This is the one benefit I see of dualies in the rear of a truck-based motorhome. Still, Jim Kanamota sells a limited slip unit that improves traction markedly.
>
> Are there any after market no brainer upgrades I should make?
> -- I installed new air-bags right off the bat.
> -- If you have a battery charger that's original for the house batteries "buzz box" toss it in the garage and use it for a battery charger. Buy a modern (progressive dynamics) multi-stage charger.
> -- Two 6 volt golf cart batteries by the generator for the house 12 volt power supply.
> -- LED or fluorescent lights everywhere in the house.
> -- In time I'll replace my carburetor with TBI and an electronically controlled distributor .
> -- 16" aluminum wheels and rag-wall tires.
> -- 1-Ton front end
> -- Crazy talk - go for the reaction arm rear disk brake setup, or the new reaction arm drum brake setup. Stupid great brakes (I'm told.)
> -- Duracool in the airconditioner. You have a '78 with the very good dash air. If it needs to be recharged do it with Duracool.
> -- Electric fuel pump. Either 2 in the tanks or one near the tanks. I have one near the tanks. Vapor lock seems to exacerbated by a long suck, rather than by boiling in the carb.
> -- If you are going to dry camp use a propane fridge.
> -- If you age going to dry camp for a long time go for a recirculating toilet. If you are married, maybe reconsider this one.
> -- If your exhaust system needs to be redone do the 3" pipe to a single rear muffler.
> -- Intake manifold - I don't know if the 403 has the same issues with excessive heat from the exhaust crossover in the intake manifold. Someone will know -
> -- Ragusa aluminum entry step. I love all my Ragusa stuff. Go on a shopping spree.
> -- Ragusa or Rockwell aluminum oil pan. They have bungs for draining the fluid and adding a temperature sender.
> -- Radiator okay? If not, maybe a new aluminum one would be nice.
> -- Do your fan belts squeal when you start the engine? I love my double pulley on the Alternator.
> -- Radiator - get a split shroud (or split the one you have) so that it's easier to change belts, fan clutch, water pump, etc.
> -- Want some seats that recline? Honda 2nd row bucket seats from their minivan had been plentiful from handicap van upfitters.
> -- Does your transmode have an Onan? Put the Pertronix electronic ignition on it and let it purr like it's supposed to.
>
> How many of you tow vehicles with you and how much trouble is that?
> -- Most tow 4-wheels down.
> -- Many people tow some kind of car.
> -- Do the brakes - towing without sufficient brakes is suicidal.
>
>
>
> Larry Davick
> Fremont, California
> A Mystery Machine
> '76 (ish) Palm Beach
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Michael" <awqsferd@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 6:03:17 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New Owner 1978 Transmode
>
>
>
> WOW! I can't believe all the responses I've gotten. Thank all of you for the advice and info. I feel a lot more comfortable about my purchase. I don't feel alone anymore.
> A couple of more questions.
> Are there any fire hazards that I should be aware of?
> How well does the GMC handle different kinds of terrain such as the mountains or sandy beaches?
> Are there any after market no brainer upgrades I should make?
> How many of you tow vehicles with you and how much trouble is that?
> A little info about me. I used to be a cabinet maker when I was younger and still have access to that cabinet shop. I really want to learn how to fix, maintain, and refurbish these beautiful machines.
> Thanks again for the warm welcome!
>
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: [GMCnet] New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183256 is a reply to message #183235] Wed, 05 September 2012 21:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mickeysss is currently offline  mickeysss   United States
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
Senior Member

fire is a Jim B co-coop

he has some great systems for fire also check this one out.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/power-level-valve-fitting/p11399-boost-cable-pinched.html

this above it the main battery wire to the rear, check out where it goes behind the wall pane wire pinch goes from the isolator.


buy from below for fire stuff: as well as Jim K with applied.


COOP: http://www.gmccoop.com/index.htm

it is all here, look and you will find it, if it is not there, put it here for us.

mickey

77 palm beach

today only- today i say:
firm red neck democrat - dammit
if you want to kick me off for saying this once.
go ahead. But i hope you do not i will not bring it up again.

anaheim ca.





On Sep 5, 2012, at 6:03 PM, Michael wrote:

>
>
> WOW! I can't believe all the responses I've gotten. Thank all of you for the advice and info. I feel a lot more comfortable about my purchase. I don't feel alone anymore.
> A couple of more questions.
> Are there any fire hazards that I should be aware of?
> How well does the GMC handle different kinds of terrain such as the mountains or sandy beaches?
> Are there any after market no brainer upgrades I should make?
> How many of you tow vehicles with you and how much trouble is that?
> A little info about me. I used to be a cabinet maker when I was younger and still have access to that cabinet shop. I really want to learn how to fix, maintain, and refurbish these beautiful machines.
> Thanks again for the warm welcome!
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
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Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183259 is a reply to message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 21:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
Hello once again. As you can see most all of needed parts are still supplied by our vendors. Some of the vendors do frequent this forum.
You will be only the second person I have met, when we do meet, that is full timing in a GMC. If I were single, that is what I would be doing. I am not single and very glad that I am not. Did that for a while and found out the single life is not for me.
Consider joining FMCA and one or more of the GMC clubs, under FMCA. We have two national conventions a year. There are lots of seminars to help us keep up with everything new and keep us informed so we can keep these things on the road. We have had our coach 8 years this week. We found that it is not so much about the coach but the folks who own the coaches. They quickly become great friends.
Oh, we tow a Vdub baja and a Pontiac Vibe gt, not at same time. We did upgrade to a lower final drive so we can easily travel in the Rockies while towing our cars.

Best traveling to you in your new GMC,

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
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183260 is a reply to message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 21:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
Senior Member
awqsferd wrote on Wed, 05 September 2012 15:09

Being new to these motorhomes I was wondering if anyone has an advice for a newby such as myself. Is there anything I should look out for or have looked at before I make my first trip?


Now you have had a lot of stuff thrown at you in a very short time. Much of it is "good to do", just some of it is "must do soon" and even some of that is debatable. Everyone has their own priority list. For me it is brakes, tires, and rubber fuel lines. Look over the list and look over your coach and figure out what your priority list looks like.


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
Re: New Owner 1978 Transmode [message #183265 is a reply to message #183205] Wed, 05 September 2012 22:54 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Adrien G. is currently offline  Adrien G.   United States
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Michael,

Welcome to a group of GMC enthusiast where the learning never stops.

Signature please?

One item that I can add, that I didn't read from other responses, is an auxiliary vacuum pump for the brake booster. If engine stops, there's very limited power brake booster use. Google gmc.mybirdfeeder,net for aux vacuum pump.

I got one out of a Cad at the mens mall (wrecking yard) with a switch-relay to turn on when needed.

The list of things you can do, can be as big as your imagination, and pocket book.





Adrien & Jenny Genesoto 75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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