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| '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183610] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 01:17  |
59ona64
Messages: 41
Registered: July 2012
Location: United States
Karma: 0
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Hi all,
Mark (Habbyguy) and I are looking at driving up to Albuquerque, NM, to check out this coach:
http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/rvs/3244546131.html
Does anyone have any experience with this coach? I'd love to hear your thoughts--here or in PM.
Dennis is selling it for a friend, who owns it. We spoke with Dennis, then later in the day spoke with the actual owner. The thing that has me hesitating a bit is the incongruity in the stories. Dennis said his friend has owned it "about 2 years." (Dennis lives on some land, so an extra motorhome isn't a problem, whereas the owner lives in town, so can't have an extra motorhome on his property). The owner said he owned it 6-8 years, and probably 2 years it has been at Dennis' place. That's not a big deal, except the brand new tires and batteries are from when the owner purchased it, i.e. they are all 6-8 years old. So, I have a bit of a red flag raised.
I think it sounds like a very good deal, and will serve us really well if it is in the mechanical shape Dennis says it is. He drives it at least monthly about 8-10 miles, and starts it up and lets it idle weekly. Sounds like it's mechanically perfect, with good CVs, cleaned tanks, new (or possibly rebuilt) engine installed just before the owner bought it, etc. Brakes are good, gen works well, roof air is good, etc.
Please, if you have any info I'd be grateful, or if you're in Albuquerque and can get over there tomorrow and check it out before we leave Sunday at 3:00 pm, that would be extra helpful.
Oh, here's my offering: TZE368V100805
Thank you,
Dave
davidprobinson2000 at yahoo dot com (copy and paste the long piece--people miss the "p" in the middle of it)
Dave >Wannabe< Scottsdale, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183613 is a reply to message #183610] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 07:49  |
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I'd get rid of the spare tire on the front. That thing is blocking too
much air flow for someone that moves down the road at 60 on a hot day.
I'm always careful to ask "what do you mean by 'new'?". That is a loose
term. For instance, if those were new Alcoa wheels I'd expect them to have
been purchased within the last six months and the tires to be manufactured
within the last year. Always ask questions. Don't assume anything.
Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
News and Web Editor, GMC Eastern States
http://www.gmceast.com
ATTENTION: This reply is in reference to what is provided belowŠ
>
>
>Hi all,
>
>Mark (Habbyguy) and I are looking at driving up to Albuquerque, NM, to
>check out this coach:
>
>http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/rvs/3244546131.html
>
>Does anyone have any experience with this coach? I'd love to hear your
>thoughts--here or in PM.
>
>Dennis is selling it for a friend, who owns it. We spoke with Dennis,
>then later in the day spoke with the actual owner. The thing that has me
>hesitating a bit is the incongruity in the stories. Dennis said his
>friend has owned it "about 2 years." (Dennis lives on some land, so an
>extra motorhome isn't a problem, whereas the owner lives in town, so
>can't have an extra motorhome on his property). The owner said he owned
>it 6-8 years, and probably 2 years it has been at Dennis' place. That's
>not a big deal, except the brand new tires and batteries are from when
>the owner purchased it, i.e. they are all 6-8 years old. So, I have a bit
>of a red flag raised.
>
>I think it sounds like a very good deal, and will serve us really well if
>it is in the mechanical shape Dennis says it is. He drives it at least
>monthly about 8-10 miles, and starts it up and lets it idle weekly.
>Sounds like it's mechanically perfect, with good CVs, cleaned tanks, new
>(or possibly rebuilt) engine installed just before the owner bought it,
>etc. Brakes are good, gen works well, roof air is good, etc.
>
>Please, if you have any info I'd be grateful, or if you're in Albuquerque
>and can get over there tomorrow and check it out before we leave Sunday
>at 3:00 pm, that would be extra helpful.
>
>Oh, here's my offering: TZE368V100805
>
>Thank you,
>
>Dave
>
>davidprobinson2000 at yahoo dot com (copy and paste the long
>piece--people miss the "p" in the middle of it)
>
>
>--
>Dave >Wannabe< Scottsdale, AZ
>_______________________________________________
>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:
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183614 is a reply to message #183610] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 07:56 |
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Any GMC you buy is a crap shoot.
So lets look at the dollars.
$8500 up front.
So what if it needs a new engine and transmission! Look at what has been done to it and at what it Doesn't need. You would still be into it for a song.
I would JUMP on that coach!
John Ruff
Chandler, AZ
1975 Eleganza
WA3RIG
If I use ZDDP in a new car - will the tappets go flat?
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183650 is a reply to message #183610] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 15:38 |
crash24
Messages: 79
Registered: February 2012
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Karma: 0
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I hope this is not an indication of where the market for GMC's is going? A local guy bought 3 last month from an estate, for $5000 total. Drove 2 of them home. One has EFI, new paint, new interior, Honda Gen set.
Perhaps these prices will bring the younger gearheads into the fold?
| 59ona64 wrote on Fri, 07 September 2012 23:17 |
Hi all,
Mark (Habbyguy) and I are looking at driving up to Albuquerque, NM, to check out this coach:
http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/rvs/3244546131.html
Does anyone have any experience with this coach? I'd love to hear your thoughts--here or in PM.
Dave
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183653 is a reply to message #183650] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 15:52 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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It's been my experience that the market has already gone there. You'll see pricing for rigs all over the map. My theory is that some are pricing their rigs for what the market would bear five years ago, and those prices just aren't realistic in today's market. OTOH, during my search, I saw several nice coaches go pretty quickly. Granted, this was for a LOT less money than they would have commanded five years ago, but they are selling...
Other deals look pretty good in the Craigslist ad, but in person... maybe not so much. Let's face it, a new paint job, some shiny new wheels and some interior sprucing-up doesn't really make up for rusty frame rails or a smoking motor lacking proper compression in a couple cylinders. And we've all seen the nice, shiny coaches that have been lovingly updated, then left in mothballs for five or ten years without being driven. Beautiful, photogenic, and no doubt money pits.
Sometimes there ARE fire sales, too - like the one crash24 mentions (wish he'd give us more info on whether they buyer has got them up for sale). Whether the coach Dave and I are traveling to see in a couple days is a great deal or not is still anyone's guess... sure looks good on paper, at least.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183666 is a reply to message #183653] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 17:22 |
59ona64
Messages: 41
Registered: July 2012
Location: United States
Karma: 0
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Member |
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I just got a call from Dennis that someone in BC from the list here called and asked him to hold it with a deposit. I need to cancel my trip out tomorrow if that's the case. Can someone let me know if they're talking with him? I'd love the coach, but I don't want to be part of a bidding war with someone in Canada, because I really like Canadians and don't want any bad blood!
Thanks,
Dave
Dave >Wannabe< Scottsdale, AZ
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183668 is a reply to message #183666] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 18:24 |
Coelli
Messages: 136
Registered: July 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Karma: 0
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| 59ona64 wrote on Sat, 08 September 2012 15:22 |
I just got a call from Dennis that someone in BC from the list here called and asked him to hold it with a deposit. I need to cancel my trip out tomorrow if that's the case. Can someone let me know if they're talking with him? I'd love the coach, but I don't want to be part of a bidding war with someone in Canada, because I really like Canadians and don't want any bad blood!
Thanks,
Dave
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That really sucks - especially since I happen to know that the coach you find will help you not only achieve that dream of owning a GMC, but also help you with the charity work you do for both youth here in the US and the kids living in poverty in Mexico when you travel down to help build housing for them. I am going to talk about that here even if you're too humble to.
Will be following up in email shortly - look for it!
Meghan
1976 Eleganza II, Los Angeles, CA
Classic GMC Motorhomes Group on Facebook
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183671 is a reply to message #183666] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 18:36 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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| 59ona64 wrote on Sat, 08 September 2012 15:22 |
I just got a call from Dennis that someone in BC from the list here called and asked him to hold it with a deposit. I need to cancel my trip out tomorrow if that's the case. Can someone let me know if they're talking with him? I'd love the coach, but I don't want to be part of a bidding war with someone in Canada, because I really like Canadians and don't want any bad blood!
Thanks,
Dave
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Oh, man. I really like to think that this isn't someone who's taking advantage of Dave looking for information here on the forum.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183672 is a reply to message #183666] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 18:38 |
crash24
Messages: 79
Registered: February 2012
Location: Vancouver, B.C.
Karma: 0
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Dave,
davidprobinson2000 at yahoo dot com
I sent you a private email at 8:51 am. (PST) asking you to let me know if you do not buy this coach.
When I did not get an answer I sent Mark a private email @ 1:00pm PST
I also sent you a private message via the gmcnet. No answer yet.
I called Dennis this afternoon and asked questions about the coach. I did not make any offer. We did not discuss the price. I told him I was 3000 miles away and it would take me some time to figure out how to get there. I did leave my phone number and asked him to call, if you did not show up. When I returned from shopping there is a message on my recorder saying, "the guy has jammed out, is not coming, made a phoney excuse, please call me." I just sat down and checked my emails and the GMCnet. I have not returned his call and will not. Please answer my emails and then give me a call. I will play the recording from Dennis back to you.
Be aware that he did tell me the two rear hubcaps on the passenger's side have been crushed from hitting a curb. Look out for bent bogies? They are no big deal to bend back, you just need to check.
I am putting this on the net to make sure you get it and so there is no further nonsense from this guy. There is no bidding war, the coach is yours.
I apologize for messing this up. It was not my intention.
| 59ona64 wrote on Sat, 08 September 2012 15:22 |
I just got a call from Dennis that someone in BC from the list here called and asked him to hold it with a deposit. I need to cancel my trip out tomorrow if that's the case. Can someone let me know if they're talking with him? I'd love the coach, but I don't want to be part of a bidding war with someone in Canada, because I really like Canadians and don't want any bad blood!
Thanks,
Dave
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183673 is a reply to message #183610] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 18:59 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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FWIW, I didn't get the email until 3:46pm AZ/west coast time, though that's really not important. Sounds like the seller (not the owner) is a piece of work, trying to play some serious games with his buddy's coach. Thanks for the update, crash... that really fills in the missing blanks on this particular drama. I've already got the Jeep packed up with all the tools and spares for the trip out tomorrow afternoon - if Dave does want to make the trip (I really, really wouldn't blame him if he doesn't, and would SERIOUSLY suggest a whole lot of caution in dealing with this seller, no matter who goes to look at the rig).
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183674 is a reply to message #183673] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 19:29 |
59ona64
Messages: 41
Registered: July 2012
Location: United States
Karma: 0
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Just got off the phone with Crash24--all is well.
The seller's story is embellished with details. No, the person from BC did not ever go and see the coach as Dennis said, they didn't speak live, just a message left on a voice mail, etc. Dennis simply is trying hard to sell the coach he's been selling for at least a year (I have that ad), and likely two years. I don't blame him from getting excited to have a live one on the end of his line! I'm that live one, and Dennis doesn't want to lose his "fish."
So, no bidding war, no silliness. The phone call came a day too early, and no offer was ever made from a million miles away, nor anything about a deposit sent through WalMart (I didn't know Wally World did money transfers...), etc.
Hope is restored here in GMCnet land. No poachers, just good folks trying to keep coaches on the road and NOT languishing for years and years next to a barn.
Thanks for the love, all. The trip is still on tomorrow...shoot, I already have the guaranteed check from my bank. Seems a pity to lose out on the $3 fee they charged me for a cashiers' check!
Gratefully,
Dave
Dave >Wannabe< Scottsdale, AZ
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183687 is a reply to message #183666] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 20:54 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Pardon me for saying so but you guys are waaay to emotional about this deal. Creating too much drama. It's a VEHICLE!!!: not the love of your life. If there is competition; that's the way markets work
Sounds like a good deal! Buy it or don't buy it and move on. Coach deals are like street cars; one comes along every 15 minutes.
Wish this had been available at this price when I bought my coach 10 years ago. I had to pay more for for a coach in lesser condition. Made a lot of expensive mech improvements and still love the coach.
The coach I am driving across country right now for a new owner is cosmetically nicer than the one you're considering but not as fresh mechanically if yours checks out as advertised.
And the new owner paid substantially more for it.
Good luck negotiating; you may get a better deal yet.
Sent on my Virgin Mobile mifi from Fort Kearny, Nebraska State Rec Area Campground
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183689 is a reply to message #183687] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 21:19 |
Coelli
Messages: 136
Registered: July 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Karma: 0
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| gbarrow wrote on Sat, 08 September 2012 18:54 |
Pardon me for saying so but you guys are waaay to emotional about this deal.
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My fault. I can't wait for Dave to finally get his coach, even though I have never met him! I know how excited we were recently when we were searching for ours and finally found it. For some of us, it's more than just a vehicle. 
Meghan
1976 Eleganza II, Los Angeles, CA
Classic GMC Motorhomes Group on Facebook
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| Re: [GMCnet] '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183703 is a reply to message #183701] |
Sat, 08 September 2012 22:42 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Hey,
I listrn to the "Master" sometimes I even pay attention but I don't always understand.
"Give a man a fish and you've fed him gor a day; teach a man to fish and he'll store bait in your refrigerator"
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183711 is a reply to message #183610] |
Sun, 09 September 2012 00:47 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Gene (and all...). I do hear what you're saying, but I'd add a couple things. First, if you can't get at least a little bit excited about a "new" GMC, then what's the point? People here regularly put more time and effort into their coaches than some others put into their kids. Second, it was at least a little disappointing to think that a member of this forum would try to "snipe" a coach out from under someone who was looking for guidance (and fortunately, that's not at all the case - the seller's just being a dink).
So all's well that ends well, and there's a good chance that an underutilized coach will be back on the road soon, and will be used for a very, very good cause to boot. It's all good.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: [GMCnet] '78 Royale rear bath purchase [message #183751 is a reply to message #183666] |
Sun, 09 September 2012 10:04 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Stand back and see what transpires. I personally wouldn't sell anything till I was holding the amount in Yankee money. Some scammers offer 'deopsits'. If it's sold, keep looking, there's (obviously) another. If it was a scam, then go look. Ask the owner.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: Dave <davidprobinson2000@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Saturday, September 8, 2012 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] '78 Royale rear bath purchase
I just got a call from Dennis that someone in BC from the list here called and asked him to hold it with a deposit. I need to cancel my trip out tomorrow if that's the case. Can someone let me know if they're talking with him? I'd love the coach, but I don't want to be part of a bidding war with someone in Canada, because I really like Canadians and don't want any bad blood!
Thanks,
Dave
--
Dave >Wannabe< Scottsdale, AZ
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GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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GMCnet mailing list
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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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