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[GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 10:23 Go to next message
AlexPosner is currently offline  AlexPosner   United States
Messages: 33
Registered: July 2013
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Member
Okay, went out to see our first coach last night and shockingly, it fit the bill with almost all of our requirements.

26 foot, 26-1 layout (so we get the bunks for the girls), 455 engine, and everything works that needs to work. It has more miles on it than I had hoped for 110k, with 70 of them coming after an engine rebuild. Tires look good, but older than the 5 year limit. One body ding that has already been buffed and needs to be repainted. Carpet needs to be replaced. Upholstery in fair condition.

Okay, so here is the part that bothers me. The dash gauges weren't working so they wired a new set of instruments that hangs down below it. Hate it. Is that something that my electrically minded husband could fix somewhat easily? Or is that way harder than I am imagining it could be? Also, the instrument panel on the wall directly when you walk in isn't working. The brakes need to be fixed so that they don't stop when the motor does.

The guy has owned it for 10 years. He was in trucking in a past life and while he only bought it for emergency living in case something happened to his 110 year old house, he turned it on and drove it once a month to keep it in good running condition.

We just looked cursorily yesterday, so we are going back Sat morning to test drive and do our best to go through the new buyers checklist that I found online. :) He said he would like $7500-$9000 for it. Does this seems fair for a good running coach with high miles, that needs the above mentioned work? (I really only started to question this as his house is for sale and he is asking several hundred thousand more than all the comps int he area. Got me a little worried about the price of the GMC.)



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Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215755 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 10:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Robin Hood is currently offline  Robin Hood   United States
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
Senior Member
What kind of wheels? What kind of airbag system? Does the generator start
and run? What about the roof air conditioners? Was the fridge cold? Did the
stove/microwave work?

Were there wasps? :)


On Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 10:23 AM, Alex Posner <alexposner@earthlink.net>wrote:

> Okay, went out to see our first coach last night and shockingly, it fit
> the bill with almost all of our requirements.
>
> 26 foot, 26-1 layout (so we get the bunks for the girls), 455 engine, and
> everything works that needs to work. It has more miles on it than I had
> hoped for 110k, with 70 of them coming after an engine rebuild. Tires look
> good, but older than the 5 year limit. One body ding that has already been
> buffed and needs to be repainted. Carpet needs to be replaced. Upholstery
> in fair condition.
>
> Okay, so here is the part that bothers me. The dash gauges weren't
> working so they wired a new set of instruments that hangs down below it.
> Hate it. Is that something that my electrically minded husband could fix
> somewhat easily? Or is that way harder than I am imagining it could be?
> Also, the instrument panel on the wall directly when you walk in isn't
> working. The brakes need to be fixed so that they don't stop when the
> motor does.
>
> The guy has owned it for 10 years. He was in trucking in a past life and
> while he only bought it for emergency living in case something happened to
> his 110 year old house, he turned it on and drove it once a month to keep
> it in good running condition.
>
> We just looked cursorily yesterday, so we are going back Sat morning to
> test drive and do our best to go through the new buyers checklist that I
> found online. :) He said he would like $7500-$9000 for it. Does this
> seems fair for a good running coach with high miles, that needs the above
> mentioned work? (I really only started to question this as his house is
> for sale and he is asking several hundred thousand more than all the comps
> int he area. Got me a little worried about the price of the GMC.)
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
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Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215757 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 10:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
dwayne jacobson[1] is currently offline  dwayne jacobson[1]   United States
Messages: 345
Registered: July 2009
Karma: 0
Senior Member
It seems the average for what you have to pay (initial purchase price plus
all the things that will need doing) is around $25,000.
This coach does not have high mileage. There's a guy who had more than
350,000 miles on his and only on the second motor and sold it for over
30,000.00.
This one sounds like a fair amount of work - on the electronics and if your
husband is up to it - great. I would look at a few before you decide on
any one.
Best regards
Dwayne


On Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 8:23 AM, Alex Posner <alexposner@earthlink.net>wrote:

> Okay, went out to see our first coach last night and shockingly, it fit
> the bill with almost all of our requirements.
>
> 26 foot, 26-1 layout (so we get the bunks for the girls), 455 engine, and
> everything works that needs to work. It has more miles on it than I had
> hoped for 110k, with 70 of them coming after an engine rebuild. Tires look
> good, but older than the 5 year limit. One body ding that has already been
> buffed and needs to be repainted. Carpet needs to be replaced. Upholstery
> in fair condition.
>
> Okay, so here is the part that bothers me. The dash gauges weren't
> working so they wired a new set of instruments that hangs down below it.
> Hate it. Is that something that my electrically minded husband could fix
> somewhat easily? Or is that way harder than I am imagining it could be?
> Also, the instrument panel on the wall directly when you walk in isn't
> working. The brakes need to be fixed so that they don't stop when the
> motor does.
>
> The guy has owned it for 10 years. He was in trucking in a past life and
> while he only bought it for emergency living in case something happened to
> his 110 year old house, he turned it on and drove it once a month to keep
> it in good running condition.
>
> We just looked cursorily yesterday, so we are going back Sat morning to
> test drive and do our best to go through the new buyers checklist that I
> found online. :) He said he would like $7500-$9000 for it. Does this
> seems fair for a good running coach with high miles, that needs the above
> mentioned work? (I really only started to question this as his house is
> for sale and he is asking several hundred thousand more than all the comps
> int he area. Got me a little worried about the price of the GMC.)
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Dwayne Jacobson
White Rock BC
Cell: 604-644-8090
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Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215758 is a reply to message #215755] Fri, 26 July 2013 10:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
AlexPosner is currently offline  AlexPosner   United States
Messages: 33
Registered: July 2013
Karma: 0
Member
Sorry, everything starts and runs. AC is cold. New fridge and microwave. Airbag suspension purportedly works but will test on Sat. Does the kind make a difference? Not sure about the wheels.


On Jul 26, 2013, at 8:37 AM, Robin Hood <loxley@gmail.com> wrote:

> What kind of wheels? What kind of airbag system? Does the generator start
> and run? What about the roof air conditioners? Was the fridge cold? Did the
> stove/microwave work?
>
> Were there wasps? :)
>
>
> On Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 10:23 AM, Alex Posner <alexposner@earthlink.net>wrote:
>
>> Okay, went out to see our first coach last night and shockingly, it fit
>> the bill with almost all of our requirements.
>>
>> 26 foot, 26-1 layout (so we get the bunks for the girls), 455 engine, and
>> everything works that needs to work. It has more miles on it than I had
>> hoped for 110k, with 70 of them coming after an engine rebuild. Tires look
>> good, but older than the 5 year limit. One body ding that has already been
>> buffed and needs to be repainted. Carpet needs to be replaced. Upholstery
>> in fair condition.
>>
>> Okay, so here is the part that bothers me. The dash gauges weren't
>> working so they wired a new set of instruments that hangs down below it.
>> Hate it. Is that something that my electrically minded husband could fix
>> somewhat easily? Or is that way harder than I am imagining it could be?
>> Also, the instrument panel on the wall directly when you walk in isn't
>> working. The brakes need to be fixed so that they don't stop when the
>> motor does.
>>
>> The guy has owned it for 10 years. He was in trucking in a past life and
>> while he only bought it for emergency living in case something happened to
>> his 110 year old house, he turned it on and drove it once a month to keep
>> it in good running condition.
>>
>> We just looked cursorily yesterday, so we are going back Sat morning to
>> test drive and do our best to go through the new buyers checklist that I
>> found online. :) He said he would like $7500-$9000 for it. Does this
>> seems fair for a good running coach with high miles, that needs the above
>> mentioned work? (I really only started to question this as his house is
>> for sale and he is asking several hundred thousand more than all the comps
>> int he area. Got me a little worried about the price of the GMC.)
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Robin Hood
> Jackson, MS
> 2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
> 1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
> 1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
> 1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215759 is a reply to message #215755] Fri, 26 July 2013 10:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
AlexPosner is currently offline  AlexPosner   United States
Messages: 33
Registered: July 2013
Karma: 0
Member
And NO wasps. Though we have plenty of those at our own house so I am sure I can add those on later. :)

It did have a pretty fantastic 70's smell to it but I have a feeling that will greatly improve with the removal of the original shag carpeting.


On Jul 26, 2013, at 8:37 AM, Robin Hood <loxley@gmail.com> wrote:

> What kind of wheels? What kind of airbag system? Does the generator start
> and run? What about the roof air conditioners? Was the fridge cold? Did the
> stove/microwave work?
>
> Were there wasps? :)
>
>
> On Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 10:23 AM, Alex Posner <alexposner@earthlink.net>wrote:
>
>> Okay, went out to see our first coach last night and shockingly, it fit
>> the bill with almost all of our requirements.
>>
>> 26 foot, 26-1 layout (so we get the bunks for the girls), 455 engine, and
>> everything works that needs to work. It has more miles on it than I had
>> hoped for 110k, with 70 of them coming after an engine rebuild. Tires look
>> good, but older than the 5 year limit. One body ding that has already been
>> buffed and needs to be repainted. Carpet needs to be replaced. Upholstery
>> in fair condition.
>>
>> Okay, so here is the part that bothers me. The dash gauges weren't
>> working so they wired a new set of instruments that hangs down below it.
>> Hate it. Is that something that my electrically minded husband could fix
>> somewhat easily? Or is that way harder than I am imagining it could be?
>> Also, the instrument panel on the wall directly when you walk in isn't
>> working. The brakes need to be fixed so that they don't stop when the
>> motor does.
>>
>> The guy has owned it for 10 years. He was in trucking in a past life and
>> while he only bought it for emergency living in case something happened to
>> his 110 year old house, he turned it on and drove it once a month to keep
>> it in good running condition.
>>
>> We just looked cursorily yesterday, so we are going back Sat morning to
>> test drive and do our best to go through the new buyers checklist that I
>> found online. :) He said he would like $7500-$9000 for it. Does this
>> seems fair for a good running coach with high miles, that needs the above
>> mentioned work? (I really only started to question this as his house is
>> for sale and he is asking several hundred thousand more than all the comps
>> int he area. Got me a little worried about the price of the GMC.)
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Robin Hood
> Jackson, MS
> 2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
> 1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
> 1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
> 1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215763 is a reply to message #215758] Fri, 26 July 2013 10:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Robin Hood is currently offline  Robin Hood   United States
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
Senior Member
I'm thinking about upgrades. If it has 16 inch wheels already, that's
great. It would mean you have lots of options for tires. The stock wheels
are 16.5 inch, and there's nowhere near the options for tires in that size.
Most people are upgrading to 16 inch wheels as they can. That would be one
less thing that you know you wouldn't have to spring for.

Same with airbags. They will eventually someday need to be replaced. If
it's already a quadra bag or some other modern replacmement system, that's
one more upgrade you don't have to worry about getting.

Wasps are just the devil. :(


On Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 10:44 AM, Alex Posner <alexposner@earthlink.net>wrote:

> Sorry, everything starts and runs. AC is cold. New fridge and microwave.
> Airbag suspension purportedly works but will test on Sat. Does the kind
> make a difference? Not sure about the wheels.
>
>
> On Jul 26, 2013, at 8:37 AM, Robin Hood <loxley@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > What kind of wheels? What kind of airbag system? Does the generator start
> > and run? What about the roof air conditioners? Was the fridge cold? Did
> the
> > stove/microwave work?
> >
> > Were there wasps? :)
> >
> >
> > On Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 10:23 AM, Alex Posner <alexposner@earthlink.net
> >wrote:
> >
> >> Okay, went out to see our first coach last night and shockingly, it fit
> >> the bill with almost all of our requirements.
> >>
> >> 26 foot, 26-1 layout (so we get the bunks for the girls), 455 engine,
> and
> >> everything works that needs to work. It has more miles on it than I had
> >> hoped for 110k, with 70 of them coming after an engine rebuild. Tires
> look
> >> good, but older than the 5 year limit. One body ding that has already
> been
> >> buffed and needs to be repainted. Carpet needs to be replaced.
> Upholstery
> >> in fair condition.
> >>
> >> Okay, so here is the part that bothers me. The dash gauges weren't
> >> working so they wired a new set of instruments that hangs down below it.
> >> Hate it. Is that something that my electrically minded husband could
> fix
> >> somewhat easily? Or is that way harder than I am imagining it could be?
> >> Also, the instrument panel on the wall directly when you walk in isn't
> >> working. The brakes need to be fixed so that they don't stop when the
> >> motor does.
> >>
> >> The guy has owned it for 10 years. He was in trucking in a past life
> and
> >> while he only bought it for emergency living in case something happened
> to
> >> his 110 year old house, he turned it on and drove it once a month to
> keep
> >> it in good running condition.
> >>
> >> We just looked cursorily yesterday, so we are going back Sat morning to
> >> test drive and do our best to go through the new buyers checklist that I
> >> found online. :) He said he would like $7500-$9000 for it. Does this
> >> seems fair for a good running coach with high miles, that needs the
> above
> >> mentioned work? (I really only started to question this as his house is
> >> for sale and he is asking several hundred thousand more than all the
> comps
> >> int he area. Got me a little worried about the price of the GMC.)
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Robin Hood
> > Jackson, MS
> > 2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
> > 1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
> > 1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
> > 1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
>



--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
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Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215764 is a reply to message #215759] Fri, 26 July 2013 10:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Otterwan   United States
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Check the wheel size. Stock rims are 16.5" and you have exactly one choice of tire if you keep them. If you switch to 16" steel rims you are looking at around $1500 to $2000 for wheels and tires, add another $1000 if you want aluminum rims.

The dash could be a problem if you want to keep it stock. If your husband is handy and you don't mind have the coach down for a bit, fixing it isn't impossible.

The big question is do you want something you can just jump in and go, or are you willing to spend some time fixing it up first.


1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215765 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 11:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Don A is currently offline  Don A   United States
Messages: 895
Registered: October 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Karma: 0
Senior Member

If the new guages work then the only problem is making them look better. Replacing the original instrument cluster might problematic.

If nothing works in the panel by the door, probably a loose/corroded ground behind that panel or bad fuse in the line from the panel in the electric closet.

A brake booster is a very nice addition, not a great cost or mechanical problem. But the if the brakes work well that is all they used for all those miles.

I would check the engine very carefully with 70K on a rebuild.

The big cost question is original wheels vs $2,000 for new aluminum ones. Plus the new tires.

I would think $6.5 or 7,000 would be a fair price.


Don Adams Dallas, TX
'76 26' Glenbrook, '90 Sidekick
rebuilt by R Archer, powered by J Bounds, Koba
[IMG]http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6109/G2.jpg[/IMG]
Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215770 is a reply to message #215764] Fri, 26 July 2013 11:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
Senior Member
Otterwan wrote on Fri, 26 July 2013 10:58

...Stock rims are 16.5" and you have exactly one choice of tire if you keep them. ...
Mostly true. GM switched from load range d to load range e during production. Load range d tires are close to their max load capacity on the front, when the vehicle is fully loaded. They are not "technically" overloaded (they can go up to 2335 pounds at 65 PSI tire pressure).

You could almost certainly get away with load range d tires on a 23'. Iffy on a 26'. For safety, you PROBABLY should put load range e tires on the front. My calculator says that the rears never get much over 2000 pounds on them, even when the vehicle is at max GVWR.

No matter what, you could definitely get by with load range e on the front and load range d on the back. And carry a load range e spare.

That gets to the single choice for load range e steel belted radial tires: the Firestone transforce HT 8.75R16.5

There are still several choices of load range d 8.75R16.5 tires available.
Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215772 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 11:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Devin is currently offline  Devin   United States
Messages: 203
Registered: July 2012
Location: Nashville Tennessee
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Thats not a bad price, but its certainly not a bargain. There is one here in similar condition-but with 60,000 original miles for $8,500. I do think it is a buyer's market as the price of gas goes up.

Devin Wells Nashville, Tennessee 1974 GMC Sequoia 260 "Gilligan"
Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215778 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 12:22 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
I am not going to comment on price, because without seeing lots of pictures, or really seeing it, it is hard to judge.

the little things can add up fast $ wise.

but for some other questions:

you could replace that whole dash assembly for about $1000 or less to make it state of the art.:

http://www.custominstrumentpanels.com/gmc.htm

that inside panel really is no big deal.

http://www.gmccoop.com/systems_monitor.htm

http://www.appliedgmc.com/level.itml/icOid/479

but it is probably just need some wires connected or repaired on that.

I would be really looking at the mechanical. and even if it drives today, how much money needs to be spent on maintenance to get everything set so it drives tomorrow and a long time.








Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215784 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 12:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rcjordan   United States
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
Senior Member
>price

Meh... I'd wait on this one.

I've just installed google's site seach on gmcmotorhomesforsale.com in order to allow users to better research prices. I've tested it and it seems to be working OK but it's currently only installed on one page

http://www.gmcmotorhomesforsale.com/YourCraigslistAdHere.html

Try 1977 Eleganza --but keep in mind that prices have been low, very low, since spring. GMCs are even languishing on ebay with reserves not met.


SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215787 is a reply to message #215770] Fri, 26 July 2013 12:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
AlexPosner is currently offline  AlexPosner   United States
Messages: 33
Registered: July 2013
Karma: 0
Member
Thanks for all the input, I feel better prepared for tomorrows test drive. Here is a link to the ad, which has some pictures.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/boa/3950086761.html

Certainly doesn't look as clean and pretty as the first picture. It's filled with his personal stuff, much of which "comes with it". Lucky me. :)

Also, if anyone is interested in a project, this one is too much of a project for me. She says it has thrown a rod, but still drives and needs a new headliner. Apparently Santa Barbara has a new ordinance that says no RVs longer than 20 feet!

http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/rvs/3940661436.html

Alex

On Jul 26, 2013, at 9:17 AM, A. <markbb1@netzero.com> wrote:

>
>
> Otterwan wrote on Fri, 26 July 2013 10:58
>> ...Stock rims are 16.5" and you have exactly one choice of tire if you keep them. ...
> Mostly true. GM switched from load range d to load range e during production. Load range d tires are close to their max load capacity on the front, when the vehicle is fully loaded. They are not "technically" overloaded (they can go up to 2335 pounds at 65 PSI tire pressure).
>
> You could almost certainly get away with load range d tires on a 23'. Iffy on a 26'. For safety, you PROBABLY should put load range e tires on the front. My calculator says that the rears never get much over 2000 pounds on them, even when the vehicle is at max GVWR.
>
> No matter what, you could definitely get by with load range e on the front and load range d on the back. And carry a load range e spare.
>
> That gets to the single choice for load range e steel belted radial tires: the Firestone transforce HT 8.75R16.5
>
> There are still several choices of load range d 8.75R16.5 tires available.
> --
> '73 23' Sequoia For Camping
> '73 23' CanyonLands For Sale
> UA (Upper Alabama)
> "Time is money. If you use YOUR time, you get to keep YOUR money."
> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215788 is a reply to message #215787] Fri, 26 July 2013 13:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Robin Hood is currently offline  Robin Hood   United States
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
Senior Member
You need to learn how to read date codes on tires. If they're too old, you
will have to IMMEDIATELY replace them, and offset your offer by the amount
you'll be out for tires.


On Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 12:57 PM, Alex Posner <alexposner@earthlink.net>wrote:

> Thanks for all the input, I feel better prepared for tomorrows test drive.
> Here is a link to the ad, which has some pictures.
>
> http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/boa/3950086761.html
>
> Certainly doesn't look as clean and pretty as the first picture. It's
> filled with his personal stuff, much of which "comes with it". Lucky me. :)
>
> Also, if anyone is interested in a project, this one is too much of a
> project for me. She says it has thrown a rod, but still drives and needs a
> new headliner. Apparently Santa Barbara has a new ordinance that says no
> RVs longer than 20 feet!
>
> http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/rvs/3940661436.html
>
> Alex
>
> On Jul 26, 2013, at 9:17 AM, A. <markbb1@netzero.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Otterwan wrote on Fri, 26 July 2013 10:58
> >> ...Stock rims are 16.5" and you have exactly one choice of tire if you
> keep them. ...
> > Mostly true. GM switched from load range d to load range e during
> production. Load range d tires are close to their max load capacity on the
> front, when the vehicle is fully loaded. They are not "technically"
> overloaded (they can go up to 2335 pounds at 65 PSI tire pressure).
> >
> > You could almost certainly get away with load range d tires on a 23'.
> Iffy on a 26'. For safety, you PROBABLY should put load range e tires on
> the front. My calculator says that the rears never get much over 2000
> pounds on them, even when the vehicle is at max GVWR.
> >
> > No matter what, you could definitely get by with load range e on the
> front and load range d on the back. And carry a load range e spare.
> >
> > That gets to the single choice for load range e steel belted radial
> tires: the Firestone transforce HT 8.75R16.5
> >
> > There are still several choices of load range d 8.75R16.5 tires
> available.
> > --
> > '73 23' Sequoia For Camping
> > '73 23' CanyonLands For Sale
> > UA (Upper Alabama)
> > "Time is money. If you use YOUR time, you get to keep YOUR money."
> > _______________________________________________
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--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
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Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215791 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 13:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
Senior Member
If you think that you can fix it you should point out all of the things that need repair and offer his $5500 and see if he will negotiate. It definitely a buyer's market right now.

Emery Stora

On Jul 26, 2013, at 9:23 AM, Alex Posner wrote:

> Okay, went out to see our first coach last night and shockingly, it fit the bill with almost all of our requirements.
>
> 26 foot, 26-1 layout (so we get the bunks for the girls), 455 engine, and everything works that needs to work. It has more miles on it than I had hoped for 110k, with 70 of them coming after an engine rebuild. Tires look good, but older than the 5 year limit. One body ding that has already been buffed and needs to be repainted. Carpet needs to be replaced. Upholstery in fair condition.
>
> Okay, so here is the part that bothers me. The dash gauges weren't working so they wired a new set of instruments that hangs down below it. Hate it. Is that something that my electrically minded husband could fix somewhat easily? Or is that way harder than I am imagining it could be? Also, the instrument panel on the wall directly when you walk in isn't working. The brakes need to be fixed so that they don't stop when the motor does.
>
> The guy has owned it for 10 years. He was in trucking in a past life and while he only bought it for emergency living in case something happened to his 110 year old house, he turned it on and drove it once a month to keep it in good running condition.
>
> We just looked cursorily yesterday, so we are going back Sat morning to test drive and do our best to go through the new buyers checklist that I found online. :) He said he would like $7500-$9000 for it. Does this seems fair for a good running coach with high miles, that needs the above mentioned work? (I really only started to question this as his house is for sale and he is asking several hundred thousand more than all the comps int he area. Got me a little worried about the price of the GMC.)
>
>
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215794 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 13:30 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
Make sure the engine is running well, and everything is complete. since it is a 77, you have to make sure it will pass smog. but if he kept it registered, and smog tested. hopefully it is tuned up enough that you should not need to worry much.

those tires look 16.5... not preferred, but can be dealt with. read on the net here about 16.5 tires. lots of opinions on how to deal with the cost of upgrading, or running the 16.5.

alot depends on how mechanical you are, what projects you are comfortable working and spending the time on, and what projects you do not have time or money for, or care about.

the other factor to consider, is how you are going to use your coach. and what you will put up with.

there is alot of opionions to read and consiter about the different coaches out there. do alot of reading, and make up your own mind.

the only advice I can give that i think is really important to me, is to find a coach you can USE as you fix it up or keep it going.


Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215795 is a reply to message #215788] Fri, 26 July 2013 13:34 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
I would not pay that much for this coach. Those are hubcaps which tells me it may very well have 16.5 inch wheels. Way more out there for the price. What I did was study the coaches on line. I made a list of "must haves". If it did not meet my list I moved on. Top of the list should be documentation on all maintenance. I suspect when you drive this coach it will have a loose front end and wander all over the road. However I can not judge that except for the fact that it has not had any real use in ten years. I would not buy one that is not being used. I say buy a rolling coach and most everything will be in good shape.
Just my opinion and nothing else. I do not know this coach. Drive it and see what you think. Wish you knew an owner close that could go with you.
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: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215796 is a reply to message #215788] Fri, 26 July 2013 13:34 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
Brakes. When the engine shuts off, you have one good push on the brake petal to stop the 6 ton GMC. Do not feather the brake petal - aim where you want to go and push hard on the petal. The vacuum booster has enough charge for one hard stop. This is why many people have added auxiliary vacuum pumps to the braking system. Easiest one to do uses the JC4. Search this forum for more information.
By the way, when the engine quits, so does your power steering. You can still control the direction of the coach, but the effort greatly increases.
Looking at the photos, the coach appears to have 16.5 rims, with simulated full wheel covers. Need to consider this in your bargaining for final price. IMHO, 16.5 rims are a negative factor. The tires may become more difficult in the future. The difference in price between load range D and load range E probably does not justify mixing the load ranges. Just go with E and minor over-kill in the rear.
Tom, MS II


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215798 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 13:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Guy Lopes is currently offline  Guy Lopes   United States
Messages: 499
Registered: April 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Karma: 3
Senior Member
Alex,

As others have mentioned, the tires will need to be replaced. You don't
mention, but hopefully the coach has Alcoa wheels or another 16" type.

You say that a ding needs to be repainted. I can only assume that this is to
match the rest of the recently (?) painted coach? If so and you like the
color, that's a big plus.

I'm sure that your Husband will be able to tackle the dash instruments and
coach panel. It's not rocket surgery after all, and the resources available
from this group and related web sites will help guide him.

The fact that he gave you a range of what he would "like" to get for the GMC
tells me that $7,500 is his asking price. That doesn't seem outrageous, but
without seeing everything it's really tough to give an opinion on the price.
If you're happy with it and like it, I personally would try to low-ball him
first and see what he comes back with. You never know! He may realize that
it needs a lot of work before it's really useable. He may like to see it go
to a growing family, he may need to get it off of his property quickly, etc.

I first looked at my current and almost all original 1976 23' Birchaven in
Sept of last year. He was asking $9,500 then and I thought that it was worth
it, but had to pass. In May of this year I called him on a whim to see if he
had sold it. Nope, but it was still for sale with a new lower asking price.
Long story short - I bought it the same day for almost half of what he was
currently asking. It apparently is a buyer's market right now with many GMCs
to choose from.

Also as others have recommended, if this is the first GMC that you have
looked at and touched, I would recommend looking at a few more before
pulling the trigger on this one.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

Guy Lopes
76 Birchaven "Orion"
Sacramento, CA

www.GMC-Guy.com





-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Alex Posner
Sent: Friday, July 26, 2013 8:23 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II?

Okay, went out to see our first coach last night and shockingly, it fit the
bill with almost all of our requirements.

26 foot, 26-1 layout (so we get the bunks for the girls), 455 engine, and
everything works that needs to work. It has more miles on it than I had
hoped for 110k, with 70 of them coming after an engine rebuild. Tires look
good, but older than the 5 year limit. One body ding that has already been
buffed and needs to be repainted. Carpet needs to be replaced. Upholstery
in fair condition.

Okay, so here is the part that bothers me. The dash gauges weren't working
so they wired a new set of instruments that hangs down below it. Hate it.
Is that something that my electrically minded husband could fix somewhat
easily? Or is that way harder than I am imagining it could be? Also, the
instrument panel on the wall directly when you walk in isn't working. The
brakes need to be fixed so that they don't stop when the motor does.

The guy has owned it for 10 years. He was in trucking in a past life and
while he only bought it for emergency living in case something happened to
his 110 year old house, he turned it on and drove it once a month to keep it
in good running condition.

We just looked cursorily yesterday, so we are going back Sat morning to test
drive and do our best to go through the new buyers checklist that I found
online. :) He said he would like $7500-$9000 for it. Does this seems fair
for a good running coach with high miles, that needs the above mentioned
work? (I really only started to question this as his house is for sale and
he is asking several hundred thousand more than all the comps int he area.
Got me a little worried about the price of the GMC.)



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Guy Lopes 76 Birchaven "Orion" Sacramento, CA W6TOL www.GMC-Guy.com
Re: [GMCnet] Fair Price for a '77 Eleganza II? [message #215805 is a reply to message #215752] Fri, 26 July 2013 14:23 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
kerry pinkerton is currently offline  kerry pinkerton   United States
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
Senior Member
I'd be willing to bet that a local GMCer would be happy to check it out with you. Gauges are easy. Speedometer is about the only really unique thing and you can get aftermarket GPS based ones pretty cheap.

If the gas gauges don't work that could be a major 'thing.'

If you do decide to pursue a non current emission coach, be sure and make any offer contingent on it passing smog. Fixing smog issues can be problematic and expensive.

I recommend laminate flooring instead of carpet.

Someone posted not too far back that you're probably going to have 20-25K in one before you get it where you (perhaps) want it in terms of appearance, reliability, etc. More if you have the work done. Less if not. I paid 12.5 for my 77 Eleganza and have to redo all the 'upgrades and repairs' done by the PO (previous owner). In retrospect, I should have purchased a coach to gut and just built it. In the long run, I'd have had less work and less money in it.

All that said, there are lots of folks in the cult that are perfectly happy with their 5-7000 (or less) coach.


Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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