Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California
| [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189050] |
Sat, 03 November 2012 10:01  |
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SteveW
Messages: 538
Registered: June 2005
Location: Southern California - Ora...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Greetings !!
First, THANK YOU ALL for the abundance of information and expertise that
I've gleaned from years and years of lurking around this group.
After years of searching and investigating, we found and purchased a
beautiful 1973 23 footer.
I researched and studied just about every configuration and option of a
motor home lifestyle. Big diesel pushers, little diesel pushers, bus
conversions, truck conversions, van conversions, Sportsmobiles, Sprinters,
travel trailers. The GMC was always on the preferred list. Classic
styling, excellent engineering, and a nice restoration / customization
opportunity.
Two weekends ago, we found one for sale within 10 miles of home. We went to
look at it - only to collect ideas. Well - that concept changed pretty
quickly when we saw the coach. It's been owned for twenty years by a
Swedish guy - a retired test / race driver for SAAB, a motorcycle racer, a
motorcycle fabricator, a mechanic, and a machinist. Needless to say, all of
his toys were in meticulous mechanical condition. EVERYTHING on the coach
works - and pretty much works as new.
It's a 23-3 floor plan, and it's yellow. (Imron repaint with original
color). I'm not sure - was that the "Painted Desert ??"
So. standby for lots and lots of questions !!
And - THANK YOU to the GMC Pacific Cruisers. We didn't even have the coach
yet but my wife (Merrie) and I attended their Halloween Rally at the Newport
Dunes and enjoyed a wonderful evening with them.
To be continued,
Steve W
J
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Steve W
1973 : 23'
Southern California
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| Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189063 is a reply to message #189050] |
Sat, 03 November 2012 11:05  |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Welcome aboard, Steve. I'm a relative newcomer myownself (since July), and this forum has been a tremendous help and resource (and is one of the primary reasons I ended up with a GMC instead of a lesser coach). To me, the perfect coach would be a 23' on the outside and a 26' on the inside, but I'm not good enough at physics to make that work...
Enjoy the ride - it sounds like you did the right thing and found a well-maintained, "ready-to-go" coach (in the end that's usually a cheaper approach than trying to rehab a needy coach). That's the approach I took, finding a coach that had less than 4,000 miles on a rebuilt drive train and had been totally updated / redone. So of course, there are only a few dozen things I really need to do to it...  It's a happy sickness...
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189069 is a reply to message #189050] |
Sat, 03 November 2012 11:41 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| SteveW wrote on Sat, 03 November 2012 08:01 |
...
After years of searching and investigating, we found and purchased a beautiful 1973 23 footer. ...
...
It's a 23-3 floor plan, and it's yellow. (Imron repaint with original color). I'm not sure - was that the "Painted Desert ??" ...
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Welcome to the cult.
I also have a yellow 23 foot coach, but my yellow one is not ready to be used. I use my light tan 23 foot. It is parked right next to my Painted Desert, a 26 foot coach that started life as a yellow coach.
"Painted Desert" is one of the four models offered in 1973 and 1974.
For GM upfitted coaches, the model is mostly the color the coach. In 73/74 each model (interior color) could be ordered in four of six possible external colors. See this brochure: <http://www.bdub.net/publications/1973%20GMC%20Motorhome/1973_GMC04.htm> Some colors where not very popular and for the later years ('75 on) the model also dictated the exterior as well as interior color.
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] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189073 is a reply to message #189050] |
Sat, 03 November 2012 12:45 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Steve,
Welcome to the group/family/cult/asylum.
From another 73-23 owner.
If you are going to sleep in the back, as we do, you may want to think about a foam topper or an air mattress. The joints in the cushions are a little tough. If you have youngsters around, don't let them play with the flop over seats, there are some deadly pinch points there.
While you are here, go up to the control panel and fill in a sigfile. This will help those that might offer assistance know what they are dealing with right from the start.
And, for the second time today (I don't recall this ever happening before) I get to welcome a new owner. I discovered early that these coaches become a part of your life and are more a part of it. As a waterman, I recognized it as being more like the way we relate to our boats. That is why I like to welcome new owners much as we would in my world. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Steve and Merrie
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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189095 is a reply to message #189084] |
Sat, 03 November 2012 18:11 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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One note of caution to you new guys. When checking hot engine oil the
portion of the dipstick that goes between the exhaust manifold gets
extremely hot and will burn your fingers. Ask me how I know. Somewhat of
a new owner of one year.
On Sat, Nov 3, 2012 at 2:22 PM, Michael <radioactive626@msn.com> wrote:
>
>
> Hum that last point reminded me, I need to buy a bed topper! lol The 23 ft
> cushions aren't horrible, but the jig saw pieces sure are the best on the
> ol back!
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> 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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189124 is a reply to message #189095] |
Sat, 03 November 2012 22:09 |
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I learned a neat way to deal with the hot dipstick from Harold Kennedy of
Loveland, Colorado.
Keep it cool! Fasten a piece of 1/4" hose across the inside of the hoods
for a dipstick scabbard. Store the dipstick there until you get ready to
use it. Plug the actual dipstick tube with a 5/16" bolt.
"Simply Genius"!
bdub
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Hart
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2012 6:12 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern
California
One note of caution to you new guys. When checking hot engine oil the
portion of the dipstick that goes between the exhaust manifold gets
extremely hot and will burn your fingers. Ask me how I know. Somewhat of a
new owner of one year.
On Sat, Nov 3, 2012 at 2:22 PM, Michael <radioactive626@msn.com> wrote:
>
>
> Hum that last point reminded me, I need to buy a bed topper! lol The
> 23 ft cushions aren't horrible, but the jig saw pieces sure are the
> best on the ol back!
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> 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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bdub
bdub.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189129 is a reply to message #189124] |
Sat, 03 November 2012 23:13 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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ALSO
I cannot get my front dip-stick pointed correctly
so the engine keeps hitting the dip stick
so this is my new way
thanks
gene
Fasten a piece of 1/4" hose across the inside of the hoods
> for a dipstick scabbard. Store the dipstick there until you get ready to
> use it. Plug the actual dipstick tube with a 5/16" bolt.
> "Simply Genius"!
> bdub
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
> [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Hart
> Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2012 6:12 PM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern
> California
>
> One note of caution to you new guys. When checking hot engine oil the
> portion of the dipstick that goes between the exhaust manifold gets
> extremely hot and will burn your fingers. Ask me how I know. Somewhat of
> a
> new owner of one year.
>
> On Sat, Nov 3, 2012 at 2:22 PM, Michael <radioactive626@msn.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Hum that last point reminded me, I need to buy a bed topper! lol The
> > 23 ft cushions aren't horrible, but the jig saw pieces sure are the
> > best on the ol back!
> > --
> > ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> > Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189144 is a reply to message #189050] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 06:52 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Where do you live Steve and where did you find the coach?
On Sat, Nov 3, 2012 at 8:01 AM, Steve Weinstock <steve.weinstock@cox.net>wrote:
> Greetings !!
>
>
>
> First, THANK YOU ALL for the abundance of information and expertise that
> I've gleaned from years and years of lurking around this group.
>
>
>
> After years of searching and investigating, we found and purchased a
> beautiful 1973 23 footer.
>
>
>
> I researched and studied just about every configuration and option of a
> motor home lifestyle. Big diesel pushers, little diesel pushers, bus
> conversions, truck conversions, van conversions, Sportsmobiles, Sprinters,
> travel trailers. The GMC was always on the preferred list. Classic
> styling, excellent engineering, and a nice restoration / customization
> opportunity.
>
>
>
> Two weekends ago, we found one for sale within 10 miles of home. We went
> to
> look at it - only to collect ideas. Well - that concept changed pretty
> quickly when we saw the coach. It's been owned for twenty years by a
> Swedish guy - a retired test / race driver for SAAB, a motorcycle racer, a
> motorcycle fabricator, a mechanic, and a machinist. Needless to say, all
> of
> his toys were in meticulous mechanical condition. EVERYTHING on the coach
> works - and pretty much works as new.
>
>
>
> It's a 23-3 floor plan, and it's yellow. (Imron repaint with original
> color). I'm not sure - was that the "Painted Desert ??"
>
>
>
> So. standby for lots and lots of questions !!
>
>
>
> And - THANK YOU to the GMC Pacific Cruisers. We didn't even have the coach
> yet but my wife (Merrie) and I attended their Halloween Rally at the
> Newport
> Dunes and enjoyed a wonderful evening with them.
>
>
>
> To be continued,
>
> Steve W
>
>
>
> J
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Fathom the hypocrisy of a nation where every citizen must prove they have
health insurance......but not everyone has to prove they're a citizen.
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189147 is a reply to message #189063] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 08:33 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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For a Transcendentaly Dimensional coach, you would need to buy a Tardis.
| habbyguy wrote on Sat, 03 November 2012 09:05 |
To me, the perfect coach would be a 23' on the outside and a 26' on the inside, but I'm not good enough at physics to make that work...
|
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189160 is a reply to message #189152] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 11:13 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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| SteveW wrote on Sun, 04 November 2012 07:30 |
Steve F -
I live in Newport Beach and found the coach in Costa Mesa.
In my introductory post - I mentioned that I've been lurking for years... I just noticed on my registration that is been since 2005!!
Seven years of lurking. That sounds creepy.
Steve W
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Sounds like it was so close you could have rode your bicycle over to look at it and drove home in your new GMC.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Finally did it !!! Another Newbie in Southern California [message #189167 is a reply to message #189050] |
Sun, 04 November 2012 12:55 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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> Hum that last point reminded me, I need to buy a bed topper! lol The 23 ft cushions aren't horrible, but the jig saw pieces sure are the best on the ol back!
I found these guys via a reference in a recent FMCA magazine:
foambymail.com
I've been pretty impressed with both their prices and product.
The stuff they send is really truly the size they're supposed to
be (eg, 60"x80" for a queen size), not some much smaller approximation
like most other places I've tried.
I've got nothing to do with them other than being a happy customer.
Karen
1973 23
1975 26
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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