Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Newby to the forum (buying a GMC Motorhome)
| Newby to the forum [message #217405] |
Thu, 08 August 2013 13:55  |
philmeup1
Messages: 1
Registered: August 2013
Location: Peterborough, Ontario
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hey there folks,
I hope I'm putting this in the right section. I don't have a GMC as of yet but I'm seriously contemplating buying one. So I'm looking for a little advice...
After having several Volkswagens over years I decided to move up to something a little bigger. I bought a nice 21' Winnebago LeSharo. It's served me well and continues to do so (I'm actually on tour with it right now)
I'm from Canada but am down in Michigan visiting my sister. I've been looking at these GM's and thinking it might be time to move into one of these next. There's a wealth of info as you all know on the net here. And I've done a bit of research already.
I think what I like best are the 23 ft models. I really like the Colour scheme of the Palm Bay with that 70's avocado green. I think I'd also prefer a rear bed layout.
So my question is, how hard would it be to find a GM being this specific on wants?? I don't want a fixer upper and would prefer a coach that's ready to go. I've restored enough VW campers to get back into that mess again. And what would one expect to pay for a nice unit with an original interior?? The prices seem all over the map..
I'd be willing to trade my LeSharo if someone was interested in it. She gets an honest 20mpg and is very nice to drive. You won't win any races in it . But it will easily cruise at hwy speeds.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Phil
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| Re: Newby to the forum [message #217464 is a reply to message #217405] |
Thu, 08 August 2013 21:30  |
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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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| philmeup1 wrote on Thu, 08 August 2013 14:55 |
Hey there folks,
I hope I'm putting this in the right section. I don't have a GMC as of yet but I'm seriously contemplating buying one. So I'm looking for a little advice...
After having several Volkswagens over years I decided to move up to something a little bigger. I bought a nice 21' Winnebago LeSharo. It's served me well and continues to do so (I'm actually on tour with it right now)
I'm from Canada but am down in Michigan visiting my sister. I've been looking at these GM's and thinking it might be time to move into one of these next. There's a wealth of info as you all know on the net here. And I've done a bit of research already.
I think what I like best are the 23 ft models. I really like the Colour scheme of the Palm Bay with that 70's avocado green. I think I'd also prefer a rear bed layout.
So my question is, how hard would it be to find a GM being this specific on wants?? I don't want a fixer upper and would prefer a coach that's ready to go. I've restored enough VW campers to get back into that mess again. And what would one expect to pay for a nice unit with an original interior?? The prices seem all over the map..
I'd be willing to trade my LeSharo if someone was interested in it. She gets an honest 20mpg and is very nice to drive. You won't win any races in it . But it will easily cruise at hwy speeds.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Phil
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Phil,
We have a standard line around here that proves out real well.
"A good looking dependable road-worthy coach will cost about 25K$, all at once or as a kit....."
The only people that argue this don't have one. They think they can do it for less. Maybe less cash-out-of-pocket, but when you add in your time, you will be there.
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: Newby to the forum [message #217475 is a reply to message #217464] |
Thu, 08 August 2013 22:17 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Matt,
I think most GMC'ers get to $25,000 without counting their time.
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newby to the forum [message #217479 is a reply to message #217451] |
Thu, 08 August 2013 22:35 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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No truer words have been spoken David. Although the knowledge gained along the hard road is priceless. Or free if you attend this forum :/
Currently in year three.......
Todd Sullivan
Sully
77 royale
Seattle
On Aug 8, 2013, at 5:13 PM, David H. Jarvis <jarvis210@shaw.ca> wrote:
>
>
> Anything decent will cost 15 to 20 thou.
> Yes, you can buy a GMC for 5G's, but you will spend 15 or 20 on it. And you will fritter away 3 or 4 years working on it.
> Do your homework and look for something that has had money spent on it.
> --
> "I've always been crazy, but it kept me from going insane"
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newby to the forum [message #217490 is a reply to message #217405] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 00:34 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Well, back in my "lurking" days before we bought our Palm Beach I read The Commodore Richard "Arch" Archers posts with great interest. He came to GMC's from a LeSharo as well, but not as happily as you. He had little good to say about his LeSharo. He rescued a coach from a field and with the curiosity of a teenager rejiggered, refitted, or reengineered that old coach into a wonderful machine.
To my way of thinking a 23' coach would be great for a couple, a little tight for a family, but then coming from a LeSharo it might seem perfect. As others have said, take your time to look around. Better to buy a "rolling" coach than a sitting one. Get one that was loved and used and improved. Also I'm partial to the later models, '77's and '78's. A 403 is no detriment to me, so long as you have the right gearing.
I think it's best to use whatever you buy for 6 months or a year before making any big changes to it. So many buy a rig, strip it down and never really get it back together and enjoy it.
It's a buyers market. Come on in, the water is fine!
Larry Davick
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
A Mystery Machine
On Aug 8, 2013, at 11:55 AM, Phil Stephenson <elsewhere1978@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Hey there folks,
>
> I hope I'm putting this in the right section. I don't have a GMC as of yet but I'm seriously contemplating buying one. So I'm looking for a little advice...
>
> After having several Volkswagens over years I decided to move up to something a little bigger. I bought a nice 21' Winnebago LeSharo. It's served me well and continues to do so (I'm actually on tour with it right now)
>
> I'm from Canada but am down in Michigan visiting my sister. I've been looking at these GM's and thinking it might be time to move into one of these next. There's a wealth of info as you all know on the net here. And I've done a bit of research already.
>
> I think what I like best are the 23 ft models. I really like the Colour scheme of the Palm Bay with that 70's avocado green. I think I'd also prefer a rear bed layout.
>
> So my question is, how hard would it be to find a GM being this specific on wants?? I don't want a fixer upper and would prefer a coach that's ready to go. I've restored enough VW campers to get back into that mess again. And what would one expect to pay for a nice unit with an original interior?? The prices seem all over the map..
>
> I'd be willing to trade my LeSharo if someone was interested in it. She gets an honest 20mpg and is very nice to drive. You won't win any races in it . But it will easily cruise at hwy speeds.
>
> Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
>
> Phil
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] Newby to the forum [message #217506 is a reply to message #217405] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 08:14 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Well, you're gonna get a lot of advice. I have a 23' and a 26', like the 23 when it's me and one dog, or me and her and two dogs. However, 4 live beings kinda fills it, any more than that you need the 26'.
To a degree, the prices fit the condition. If you want one alreadsy fixed up, get hold of any opf several of our vendors and ask what they know of. You'll also get some suggestions here from folks who know somebody is selling their coach.
And since you've been shepherding a DeGaulle Diesel around, you're likely used to tinkering. The GMC will want some from time to timwe. My 23' is a rear bath fitted by Norris, I don't recommend it unles yuo have large dogs or small kids who must be bathed daily at times. The bath really takes too much space otherwise.
luck,
Johnny
--------------------------------------------
On Thu, 8/8/13, Phil Stephenson <elsewhere1978@hotmail.com> wrote:
Subject: [GMCnet] Newby to the forum
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Thursday, August 8, 2013, 6:55 PM
Hey there folks,
I hope I'm putting this in the right section. I don't have a
GMC as of yet but I'm seriously contemplating buying one. So
I'm looking for a little advice...
After having several Volkswagens over years I decided to
move up to something a little bigger. I bought a nice 21'
Winnebago LeSharo. It's served me well and continues to do
so (I'm actually on tour with it right now)
I'm from Canada but am down in Michigan visiting my sister.
I've been looking at these GM's and thinking it might be
time to move into one of these next. There's a wealth of
info as you all know on the net here. And I've done a bit of
research already.
I think what I like best are the 23 ft models. I really like
the Colour scheme of the Palm Bay with that 70's avocado
green. I think I'd also prefer a rear bed layout.
So my question is, how hard would it be to find a GM being
this specific on wants?? I don't want a fixer upper and
would prefer a coach that's ready to go. I've restored
enough VW campers to get back into that mess again. And what
would one expect to pay for a nice unit with an original
interior?? The prices seem all over the map..
I'd be willing to trade my LeSharo if someone was interested
in it. She gets an honest 20mpg and is very nice to drive.
You won't win any races in it . But it will easily cruise at
hwy speeds.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Phil
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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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| Re: Newby to the forum [message #217508 is a reply to message #217405] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 08:38 |
Devin
Messages: 203
Registered: July 2012
Location: Nashville Tennessee
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I've looked at alot lately. In this market you can buy a really nice coach for $10K. They might be asking more but cash talks. Many are not bringing reserve on E-bay. I saw where a nice coach with many upgrades did not get a bid of $4K on e-bay even though the buyer's reserve was $7,500. I don't think there has ever been a better time to buy.
Devin Wells
Nashville, Tennessee
1974 GMC Sequoia 260 "Gilligan"
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| Re: Newby to the forum [message #217509 is a reply to message #217405] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 08:45 |
Devin
Messages: 203
Registered: July 2012
Location: Nashville Tennessee
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Another thing: Expand your search. If there is one for sale in a different city make a post here to see if someone can look at it for you. I love doing that as an opportunity to see other coaches. You will find that alot of owners are not tech savvy and can't post pictures or maybe have only one of the outside. I didn't realize how expensive tires, windshields, etc. was when I bought mine. If these have already been replaced you are ahead of the game. Also, as mentioned the Palm Beach does not come in a 23' but there is the Sequoia model which was usually parrot green with alot of lime green in the interior. I love mine.
Devin Wells
Nashville, Tennessee
1974 GMC Sequoia 260 "Gilligan"
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| Re: Newby to the forum [message #217510 is a reply to message #217405] |
Fri, 09 August 2013 08:47 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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>I don't think there has ever been a better time to buy.
Ditto. Ditto on pricing, too. Sit on your wallet, watch Craigslist like a hawk, and you can find some nice coaches under $12k. Way under.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: Newby to the forum [message #217673 is a reply to message #217405] |
Sat, 10 August 2013 14:19 |
lance
Messages: 190
Registered: December 2004
Location: Vancouver, WA
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Prices are all over the place but the higher priced ones are not selling. Some GMC owners do not realize how much prices have fallen. As these coaches get older, even nice ones need this and that, unless you want to pay $50,000 for a coach that has been fully restored. They are out there for that much and more but you can get a good coach for ten grand if you look. Go to this site: http://www.bethunesales.com. There are dozens of GMC's for sale on this site, making for good comparisons. Again, if a nice coach is half way across the country, you can find a forum member close by to go look at it for you. We all enjoy helping each other. I would also recommend the 26 foot. You can never get enough storage, they drive identically and there are many more 26 footers than 23's.
I recently bought my third coach, a 74 Palm Beach, restored and upgraded for $4200. Watch craigslist relentlessly, and in cities near you.
1974 Palm Beach
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