Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Hello! (New Owner)
| Hello! [message #188121] |
Wed, 24 October 2012 16:40  |
Francois
Messages: 161
Registered: October 2012
Location: Southern California
Karma: 0
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Way back in my 70s hippie days, I was an admirer of the GMCs. Only late last year, as I thumbed through Craigslist, did I notice they were still around and had a following.
After searching here and everywhere, I settled on a 78 Royale, 403, dry bath, and got Thorleys, a new exhaust behind that, a 3.70 final drive and Eagle wheels added.
So I've been working on it slowly, having recently changed all the interior lights to LED. Although the generator works, the 6k Onan might be done. It does power the two roof air conditioners though. I am strongly considering replacing all three of these original equipment components with new.
It has an unusual compressor system - neither Dana nor anything else recognizable to me. So I am in the market for two good compressors. I am also looking for a JC-4 vacuum brake booster.
I drive it about ten miles every two weeks or so to keep the wheels round. It drives nice. I haven't joined any group yet, nor have I attended any rallies.
Anyway, nice to be here, and I am glad I am a tinkerer at heart
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| Re: Hello! [message #188131 is a reply to message #188121] |
Wed, 24 October 2012 19:37  |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
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Welcome! I think you will find just about any answers you may need from the group. These are great people and great coaches to play with and enjoy.
Hang on to the Onan if at all possible. It seems that other options for generators are getting very scarce (or actually nonexistent), so keep that old one running if possible.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: Hello! [message #188133 is a reply to message #188131] |
Wed, 24 October 2012 19:57 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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JmK has everything on your list. Visit AppliedGMC web site for catalog.
There is very slim picking in replacement generators. If yours will run both A/C's at the same time, it is doing fine. Keep up on it's maintanence and it will keep you in power.
What air compressor are you looking at? Is it suspension system, or?
JmK has JC-4, complete kit with mounting plate and pump.
Join a group and go to rallies. You will get all the help you need or want.
Welcome to the cult of GMC Motorhome.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Hello! [message #188147 is a reply to message #188121] |
Wed, 24 October 2012 20:34 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Francois wrote on Wed, 24 October 2012 14:40 |
...
After searching here and everywhere, I settled on a 78 Royale, 403, dry bath, and got Thorleys, a new exhaust behind that, a 3.70 final drive and Eagle wheels added.
So I've been working on it slowly, having recently changed all the interior lights to LED. Although the generator works, the 6k Onan might be done. It does power the two roof air conditioners though. I am strongly considering replacing all three of these original equipment components with new.
It has an unusual compressor system - neither Dana nor anything else recognizable to me. So I am in the market for two good compressors. I am also looking for a JC-4 vacuum brake booster...
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Welcome aboard the nuthouse... You'll find answers to questions you did not know you had.... Some might even be correct!
The Royale is a popular coach and they did make a lot of them in 1978.
Just a note, from the brochure <http://www.bdub.net/publications/1978_GMC_by_Coachman/1978_GMC_Coachman.htm> there were four Royale layouts in 1978 and I am fairly sure they all started as dry baths. So "Royale dry bath" isn't saying much more than "Royale."
You mention TWO compressors. As a 1978, your coach might have been equipped with the Electro Level 2. This is the OEM system in my 1978 Birchaven: <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/1978-birchaven-rear-bath/p34993-1978-birchaven-rear-bath-as-i-got-it-interior.html>
The EL2 OEM pumps, a design similar to one used in several GM applications, have an internal "vent" or "lower" solenoid that makes these pump well suited for this application. Much fewer mechanical parts. The down side of the system is the electronics used for the auto ride height system is "70's vintage electronics."
For the JC4 vac pump, call JimK. Be sure and get the electrical plug. <http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/987>
I am with you on replacing the AC units, but I would be more hesitant before dumping the Onan. Be sure you have an "upgrade path" mapped out before you go... most of the "best" replacement units have been discontinued. (I blame it on environmental regulations... )
I understand the 3.70 is a good match for the 403. I need to get one someday.
Again, welcome aboard.
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: Hello! [message #188149 is a reply to message #188121] |
Wed, 24 October 2012 20:47 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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| Francois wrote on Wed, 24 October 2012 16:40 |
Way back in my 70s hippie days, I was an admirer of the GMCs. Only late last year, as I thumbed through Craigslist, did I notice they were still around and had a following.
After searching here and everywhere, I settled on a 78 Royale, 403, dry bath, and got Thorleys, a new exhaust behind that, a 3.70 final drive and Eagle wheels added.
So I've been working on it slowly, having recently changed all the interior lights to LED. Although the generator works, the 6k Onan might be done. It does power the two roof air conditioners though. I am strongly considering replacing all three of these original equipment components with new.
It has an unusual compressor system - neither Dana nor anything else recognizable to me. So I am in the market for two good compressors. I am also looking for a JC-4 vacuum brake booster.
I drive it about ten miles every two weeks or so to keep the wheels round. It drives nice. I haven't joined any group yet, nor have I attended any rallies.
Anyway, nice to be here, and I am glad I am a tinkerer at heart
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tphipps is correct about jimk having everything you need. If you can't find it in the online at catalog at www.appliedgmc.com, call him at his toll free number and tell him what you need. Only part of what he sells is displayed online.
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| Re: Hello! [message #188200 is a reply to message #188169] |
Thu, 25 October 2012 10:40 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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The two small compressors are the EL II system units. They do not look like what you may expect, but several GM made cars used them, or similar designs for a rear air suspension. Cadillac comes to mind. Others may have them. Since I have the original system, I really only have a passing interest in EL II.
I don't recall them being replaced with anything else, but enough time and money, you can do anything. Since they work, chase something else.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Hello! [message #188224 is a reply to message #188200] |
Thu, 25 October 2012 14:12 |
Francois
Messages: 161
Registered: October 2012
Location: Southern California
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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The compressors work, but just barely. The right air bag (or lines) has (have) a very slow leak, and when I run the right side compressor, it takes a month to go an inch. In fact, I bought an inexpensive Slime brand tire inflator compressor from Walmart that fills it up three times faster. Yes, I can inflate the bags by a method other than the on board compressors.
It has taken me awhile to troubleshoot the switches and wiring for the system, and now I would just like something that works. Winter is just about here, so it's a good time for Southern Californians to do projects.
I'll be doing the compressors, a dashboard with working gauges, flooring and headliner. If I get all that done by spring I will feel good.
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