Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? (with prices?)
| Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194686] |
Thu, 03 January 2013 09:49  |
JimGunther
Messages: 228
Registered: March 2007
Location: West Haven, CT
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hi Guys,
Hope it's a great year for all of us.
I still monitor the list hoping my wife might - someday - get the GMC bug. From time-to-time, I also keep tabs on everything from TeaDrop mini-tow-behinds to 45 foot S.O.B.s. Bottom line, I still think the GMC gives you the "best bang for the buck".
While I had the great fortune to acquire a GMC-II that had been extensively re-habbed, it was by no means perfect or state-of-the-art. There were a number of upgrades that might have made it so.
If one had an unlimited budget for upgrades, what upgrades would "time-proof" the GMC and how much would it cost.
Starting with a good frame, is there an EFI Motor and system that could fill the bill?
Manny transmission? Is it bullet-proof? Cost?
Is the "one-ton front end" the way to go?
6 wheel disc brakes?
4-bag system?
Engine and roof air conditioning?
Better generator?
Replacement wiring system?
Macerator and "nice" disposal system?
Better plumbing for the fuel sytem? Tanks, plumbing? Fill and vent?
Glass - floors - furniture - entertainment - paint?
When all is said and done, I'll bet a so-called "unlimited budget" would STILL come in at less than the cost of a new Roadtrek van - Opinions? Illustrations?
Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com
now former owner - ;(
73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer
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| Re: [GMCnet] Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194693 is a reply to message #194692] |
Thu, 03 January 2013 11:23  |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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I enjoyed your thoughtful list regarding improvements, Adam.
Regarding the changeover to 16" rims and tires, I suggest
the path I took with the Rock Star XD-775 rims in chrome.
My coach came with 16" steel rims and immediate install
of new tires was absolutely mandatory. Two years later
I bought a pair of the alloy rims each month to spread
the cost out. I love the look of the wheels and BFG tires
as oft-recommended seem good. I can send you a pic of the
wheels if you like.
Since you are north of "our" shared border, I think it
would be a good idea to find a LARGE tire and wheel
dealer in the NE USA and buy the whole works when
you get the chance to visit down here.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ Temp @ Albuquerque NM ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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*--OO--[]---O-*
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: gmail.com 1275gtsport@gmail.com
> Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2013 11:11:28 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list?
>
>
>
> Jim I have only owned one of these great machines for just over a year. I do not have that bottomless wallet that all of us wish we had, I do want to give you my thoughts on your list of "needed" upgrades.
>
> Starting with a good frame, is there an EFI Motor and system that could fill the bill?
> I see nothing wrong with the quadrajet and the 455 that is in my 77 palmbeach. she seems to pull hard and without complaint (so far) I do have the Doug's headers and a 3 inch stainless exhaust.
>
> Manny transmission? Is it bullet-proof? Cost?
> I have no idea what is in mine other then a PO has added the larger ragusa pan, I think this is a good idea.
>
> Is the "one-ton front end" the way to go?
> I am sure that one day I will do this. I see it as a developmental improvement.
>
> 6 wheel disc brakes?
> I have found no issues with the stopping power of the properly adjusted brakes on the old girl. I tend to keep her under 60mph anyway, I am not racing when I am behind the wheel of the GMC
>
> 4-bag system?
> I feel that the sully bag will be what I replace the ageing bags with. I do not want to compromise the travel in any way as I really like the camp ground levelling feature.
>
> Engine and roof air conditioning?
> We tend to stick further north and so far the roof air has done its job well enough, "truck" air has not done anything and someday I may look into it.
>
> Better generator?
> I find the Onan works as designed (or will when I replace the board)
>
> Replacement wiring system?
> Not sure if your talking about the house or the "truck" part. and once I fix the "repairs" that have been done over the years both will be fine.
>
> Macerator and "nice" disposal system?
> I am undecided on this one. I have no problems with the slinky for dumping. have never used a pump so can not really compare.
>
> Better plumbing for the fuel sytem? Tanks, plumbing? Fill and vent?
> Again so far works as advertised so see not need to "fix" it.
>
> I do plan on replacing all of the grey plastic fresh water plumbing with PEX pipe. I have been working on replacing all of the particle board with real wood. The floors I installed the allure flooring from Home Depot. as for entertainment we like to park by the lake.
>
> The front wind-shields need replacement due to fogging and she will need a coat of paint soon :)
>
> then she will be good for the next 30 years :) I just hope it doesn't take 30 years to get it all finished.
>
> the only other "upgrade" I can think of will be rims. and that is only due to lack of availability of the 16.5 inch tires.
>
> --
> Adam Raeburn
> Rothesay, NB
> 1976 Austin Mini
> 1977 GMC Palm Beach
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| Re: Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194695 is a reply to message #194686] |
Thu, 03 January 2013 11:45 |
1275gtsport
Messages: 272
Registered: September 2009
Location: Rothesay NB
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Mac.
I think I have seen the pics of your rims on the photosite. I have been on the GMCnet for more then a year while we looked for the right unit.
I think I have settled on the eagles that Jimk sells (with the good stainless) and will source rubber local. I had thought I wanted to chrome a set of 16 inch steel wheels but have decided that like the headers do it once and be done with it.
Adam Raeburn
Rothesay, NB
1976 Austin Mini
1977 GMC Palm Beach
---------------------------------------------------
Once you replace everything that is attached to something else. It will all be fixed.
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| Re: Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194702 is a reply to message #194695] |
Thu, 03 January 2013 12:12 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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>Opinions? Illustrations?
I'm a couple of months ahead of you, Jim, with pretty much the exact list (and much more) that you've come up with.
Jim Bounds has my Royale core in Orlando now. This is a soup-to-nuts restoration/upgrade project focusing on the mechanical and electrical infrastructure first with aesthetics and cosmetics to come second. That said, some cosmetic issues are deeply intertwined with the rebuilding process (headliner, for instance) and are being addressed as we go.
So far, JimB has nixed some items on my list such as 6-wheel disk brakes, EFI, 1-ton front end, and a few others items as just not necessary in his opinion ...and it's his opinion that I'm paying for. Ask me in 3 months what it costs.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194708 is a reply to message #194705] |
Thu, 03 January 2013 14:07 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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In his defence, RC is on the new side to this list and was not looking to draw any lines in the sand on features others may have different opinions on. Please don;t digress this thread to banters about fuel injection, disc brakes and front bearings.
Like most of the folks we build machines for, RC wants a coach anyone including his wife can drive, one that can be fixed by most anyone most any place the coach drops without any preknowledge of things that the enthusiast community feel is a must have. We are building a rock solid machine, "Bubba & Scooter" can fix and when someone calls with a problem, I will be able to talk anyone through diagnosis and repair.
You must understand, this may not be the sort of machine many of you have-- you will probably fix something that breaks on your machine-- RC does not want to do that and certainly does not want anyone else that may drive this coach would be exposed to.
Actually, RC is really thinking ahead, he told me that when he dies (man, now that's preplanning!) his wife can drive him home. He's also thinking ahead picking up a descent 23' coach as a sacrificial offering to his so to keep him away from his 26' Royale. Right now, my son has my Suzuki-- wish I could make a plan like that!
So don;t start throwing him curveballs talking about this and that, we have a current and future relationship with the machine I am putting together for him. This is the way you tailor a coach to it's need, use and owners needs.
Jim Bounds
-----------------------
________________________________
From: A. <markbb1@netzero.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2013 2:05 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list?
JimGunther wrote on Thu, 03 January 2013 09:49
> ...If one had an unlimited budget for upgrades, what upgrades would "time-proof" the GMC and how much would it cost. ...
I would remove the Ford cab and drop a GMC body on this front-wheel-drive Ford diesel chassis:
http://dallassmithcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/f3.jpg
Cost is anyone's guess, but you said unlimited budget.
--
'73 23' Sequoia
UA (Upper Alabama)
"Time is money. If you use YOUR time, you get to keep YOUR money."
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| Re: [GMCnet] Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194710 is a reply to message #194708] |
Thu, 03 January 2013 14:30 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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> when he dies (man, now that's preplanning!) his wife can drive him home.
Man, you make up some stuff! hehehe! (Actually, this happened to my father-in-law's neighbor ...except it was the wife that died and he drove.)
Besides, Louise had her CDL. I've driven plenty of COE's over the years but quit when they started getting mean about licensing.
>anywhere
Well, I've been in one town where it took me the better part of a day to get a tire remounted on a Grand Caravan. And I've done enough McGyvering to get a rust-bucket rolling home. But, mainly, my wife asked that I not take this on as a project.
>23
Too bad it's kinda my favorite. It's going to be hard to give them the keys.
But back to the point, the list is good and the answers about what's "good as-is" seems to be in line with how mine is going.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194737 is a reply to message #194734] |
Thu, 03 January 2013 19:11 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Jim G,
Manny's transmission has more NEW parts than any you'll find anywhere.
Most shops need to reuse the parts because they cannot stock the inventory
of Transmission parts like Manny. We handle his and anther one.
There is so much that is involved in the transmission, that we find that
any builder will fine some that slips through that might not work first
time.
On Thu, Jan 3, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Bob Moss <fums6@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> I must tell you that my baby is fine just the way she is. It has a few
> upgrades due to normal wear and tear, but, she is a pure delight to drive
> and live in. I use her to go to NFL and college football games and rarely
> take a trip less than 250 miles RT. On the highway, I can take my hands off
> the wheel and she tracks perfectly. When I come back in after attending a
> game in freezing weather, the propane heater has kept her warm and homey.
> And the hot soup or chili made on her stove makes the end of the day
> perfect. Now, that the season is over for us, dammit, she has been put away
> clean and dry until she comes out again in the early summer to attend a
> friendly rally with our camping friends.
>
> Bob Moss
> '77 Eleganza II
> --
> Bob Moss
> _______________________________________________
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
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jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194745 is a reply to message #194734] |
Thu, 03 January 2013 20:27 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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| Bob M wrote on Thu, 03 January 2013 17:42 |
I must tell you that my baby is fine just the way she is. It has a few upgrades due to normal wear and tear, but, she is a pure delight to drive and live in. I use her to go to NFL and college football games and rarely take a trip less than 250 miles RT. On the highway, I can take my hands off the wheel and she tracks perfectly. When I come back in after attending a game in freezing weather, the propane heater has kept her warm and homey. And the hot soup or chili made on her stove makes the end of the day perfect. Now, that the season is over for us, dammit, she has been put away clean and dry until she comes out again in the early summer to attend a friendly rally with our camping friends.
Bob Moss
'77 Eleganza II
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Bob, If this post was on Facebook, I would click on the 'like' button. 
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194872 is a reply to message #194686] |
Sat, 05 January 2013 01:38 |
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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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| JimGunther wrote on Thu, 03 January 2013 07:49 |
Hi Guys,
Hope it's a great year for all of us.
I still monitor the list hoping my wife might - someday - get the GMC bug. From time-to-time, I also keep tabs on everything from TeaDrop mini-tow-behinds to 45 foot S.O.B.s. Bottom line, I still think the GMC gives you the "best bang for the buck".
While I had the great fortune to acquire a GMC-II that had been extensively re-habbed, it was by no means perfect or state-of-the-art. There were a number of upgrades that might have made it so.
If one had an unlimited budget for upgrades, what upgrades would "time-proof" the GMC and how much would it cost.
Starting with a good frame, is there an EFI Motor and system that could fill the bill?
Manny transmission? Is it bullet-proof? Cost?
Is the "one-ton front end" the way to go?
6 wheel disc brakes?
4-bag system?
Engine and roof air conditioning?
Better generator?
Replacement wiring system?
Macerator and "nice" disposal system?
Better plumbing for the fuel sytem? Tanks, plumbing? Fill and vent?
Glass - floors - furniture - entertainment - paint?
When all is said and done, I'll bet a so-called "unlimited budget" would STILL come in at less than the cost of a new Roadtrek van - Opinions? Illustrations?
|
This is a google document of a spreadsheet I have on my first coach. It is a few years old but MIGHT be CLOSE to what you are looking for:
<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akm1NrkFjHk2cFJpV0gwTmxGT0NfUkZsanV1REN2VUE>
As I said, it is a few years old so doesn't have some of the latest upgrades available. But I have found it is best to let others upgrade first and learn from their experiences.
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: Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194889 is a reply to message #194881] |
Sat, 05 January 2013 09:18 |
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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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| Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Sat, 05 January 2013 08:41 |
Hi Mike, I really like your spreadsheet. Any chance of getting an excel copy?
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Kerry,
If you chose "File" in the top left, One of the choices that comes up is "Download As". There are two choices that will get to to something that a spreadsheet can work with.
One is *.csv, this format can be read by virtually any spreadsheet in existence. It will possibly (probably) require some format work with your system, but if you work spreadsheets much at all this will probably be only a time consuming PITA that will yield the result you seek.
The other is *.xlsx, this will only do you any good if you have a current license to Excel. (There may now be others, but MS does there best to make their files that are incompatible with anything else available at the time.)
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: Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #194893 is a reply to message #194889] |
Sat, 05 January 2013 11:44 |
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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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| Matt Colie wrote on Sat, 05 January 2013 07:18 |
| Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Sat, 05 January 2013 08:41 |
Hi Mike, I really like your spreadsheet. Any chance of getting an excel copy?
|
Kerry,
If you chose "File" in the top left, One of the choices that comes up is "Download As". There are two choices that will get to to something that a spreadsheet can work with.
One is *.csv, this format can be read by virtually any spreadsheet in existence. It will possibly (probably) require some format work with your system, but if you work spreadsheets much at all this will probably be only a time consuming PITA that will yield the result you seek.
The other is *.xlsx, this will only do you any good if you have a current license to Excel. (There may now be others, but MS does there best to make their files that are incompatible with anything else available at the time.)
Matt
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The M$ games are why I try to avoid M$ as much as possible in my personal life... my company insists on using M$ Office products.
Anyway, I keep a spreadsheet on each of my vehicles with the needs and wants of each. The one posted on google drive was my reply to a discussion about four years ago.
My current file is in ".ods" format used by the Linux based software package that I use. (LibreOffice) I could export a current file with three GMC's, two or three Sidekicks, one Audi and a Malibu.
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: Is there a COMPLETE Upgrade list? [message #195395 is a reply to message #194923] |
Fri, 11 January 2013 11:53 |
JimGunther
Messages: 228
Registered: March 2007
Location: West Haven, CT
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Looks like Jim Bounds put one of these "Complete Upgrades" thru its' paces on his Daily Pose today (1/11/13).
Looks like he hit most of the "wish list" plus the fiberglass upgrade on the coach he's road testing today.
Nice work (as usual) Jim.
PS: Presumably (unlike the Duramax upgrade) you'd like to make these soup-to-nuts deals available? Understanding that every "core coach" starts from a different place, is there a ballpark price?
Jim Gunther
www.LotusV6.com
now former owner - ;(
73 GMC-II 2600
by Explorer
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