Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend!
| [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224317] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 08:10  |
Brian Oakes
Messages: 23
Registered: October 2013
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Howdy,
I just purchased a 76 Glenbrook 26'. I am hoping to pick it up in Indiana
and drive it back to Texas on this coming Saturday/Sunday. I am flying a bit
blind here, but wanted to ask beyond the obvious, i.e. tire pressure etc.
what should I look for before I head down the road?
The plan is to get it home in Texas, then give it a detailed once over in
the garage. Our family is excited to be part of the GMC community. :-) We
let my 7 year old pick out the RV (with my help of course). He likes the
GMCs because they have "class and style". Smart Kid! :-)
Anyhow, I'd appreciate any advice you can send our way to make sure we can
get it home safely. Thanks!
-BrianO
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224319 is a reply to message #224317] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 08:20  |
Robin Hood
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Learn how to read the date codes on the tires. If the tires are 10 years
old, you must replace them or you could have big problems on that long of a
trip. The tires can have very few miles on them but if they're old they
will come apart after you start putting the stress of highway miles on them.
On Wednesday, October 2, 2013, Brian Oakes wrote:
> Howdy,
>
> I just purchased a 76 Glenbrook 26'. I am hoping to pick it up in Indiana
> and drive it back to Texas on this coming Saturday/Sunday. I am flying a
> bit
> blind here, but wanted to ask beyond the obvious, i.e. tire pressure etc.
> what should I look for before I head down the road?
>
> The plan is to get it home in Texas, then give it a detailed once over in
> the garage. Our family is excited to be part of the GMC community. :-) We
> let my 7 year old pick out the RV (with my help of course). He likes the
> GMCs because they have "class and style". Smart Kid! :-)
>
> Anyhow, I'd appreciate any advice you can send our way to make sure we can
> get it home safely. Thanks!
>
> -BrianO
> _______________________________________________
> 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] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224322 is a reply to message #224317] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 08:44 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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here is some poop
http://gmcmotorhome.info/buygmc.html
good luck
On Wed, Oct 2, 2013 at 6:10 AM, Brian Oakes <brianoakes@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Howdy,
>
> I just purchased a 76 Glenbrook 26'. I am hoping to pick it up in Indiana
> and drive it back to Texas on this coming Saturday/Sunday. I am flying a
> bit
> blind here, but wanted to ask beyond the obvious, i.e. tire pressure etc.
> what should I look for before I head down the road?
>
> The plan is to get it home in Texas, then give it a detailed once over in
> the garage. Our family is excited to be part of the GMC community. :-) We
> let my 7 year old pick out the RV (with my help of course). He likes the
> GMCs because they have "class and style". Smart Kid! :-)
>
> Anyhow, I'd appreciate any advice you can send our way to make sure we can
> get it home safely. Thanks!
>
> -BrianO
> _______________________________________________
> 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] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224323 is a reply to message #224317] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 08:54 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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my only advice is to ask for advice if you have any questions.
have a copy of the blacklist, use it if you need it. let us know on the net what is going on.
Join the gmc coop. get both Jim's number. they can help you out of a bind.
there are many short stories of people flying in and buying GMC's and driving them across country with no issues. There are also a lot of colorful stories that were not so simple.
to answer your tire pressure question... 65 pounds is fine and will get you home. there are some cases where you can go higher or lower. but 65 is just as well.
let us know how it goes with your travels.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224327 is a reply to message #224323] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 09:08 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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65 front, 55 rear for tire pressures. Check for a set of cut-off valves to isolate the air bags, if the air system is iffy. Check all the fluids. Check them again at your first fill-up.
1. Black List, down load the latest. Working cell phone.
2. Driving, try to keep your left foot on the center stripe and you will be in the correct position for the lane width. Remember that you are sitting almost on top of the front wheels, so lead the corners before you begin your turn, especially right turns.
3. Fill gas tanks slowly, after about 25 gallons added, wait for the burps and the tanks settle before continuing to add gas.
4. Antique vehicle, antique brakes.
Have a blast. This will truly be a family adventure. Tell us your story when you get to Texas.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224330 is a reply to message #224317] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 09:20 |
Jeff Marten
Messages: 199
Registered: August 2013
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Make sure the tire pressure and ride height are correct. If not, it'll be a handfull to drive.
> From: brianoakes@hotmail.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2013 08:10:59 -0500
> Subject: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend!
>
> Howdy,
>
> I just purchased a 76 Glenbrook 26'. I am hoping to pick it up in Indiana
> and drive it back to Texas on this coming Saturday/Sunday. I am flying a bit
> blind here, but wanted to ask beyond the obvious, i.e. tire pressure etc.
> what should I look for before I head down the road?
>
> The plan is to get it home in Texas, then give it a detailed once over in
> the garage. Our family is excited to be part of the GMC community. :-) We
> let my 7 year old pick out the RV (with my help of course). He likes the
> GMCs because they have "class and style". Smart Kid! :-)
>
> Anyhow, I'd appreciate any advice you can send our way to make sure we can
> get it home safely. Thanks!
>
> -BrianO
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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1985 Gulf Stream 34' Sun Stream
1964 Falcon 'Vert
1980 Bradley GTE
1999 Chevy Tahoe
2005 Saab 93 Aero
1987 Suzuki Intruder 1400
1978 Glastron/Carlson CV23
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224338 is a reply to message #224317] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 10:32 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Brian,
Obviously check hoses, belts, fluids, batteries, tires wipers for operation and blade condition,
Compressor for operation and airbags and lines for leaks. Maybe install shut off valves at the bags just to make sure you can get home if the bags hold air.
Take along a multi-meter and check house and engine battery voltage and alternator charging.
Warm up the engine and verify that the thermostat is opening- then turn on the heater and check the heater core and heater hoses. Check the hoses from the heater to the engine and all the way back to the water heater in the bath room.
If any part of that system is suspect it can be easily by passed-Before you depart! You can get home without cabin heat or hot water in the bath but you don't want to be fixing that on the side of the road.
Check radiator, transmission, engine, power steering pump and any coolers for leaks.
Check fresh water tank and system for leaks. Check pump for operation and to determine if system will hold pressure. You can wait till you get to Texas for this item, but you won't be able to use the sinks or toilet. If the tank is empty and you fill it you may have a soaked floor before you get home.
Fill the fuel tanks and check for leaks- I'm 3 for 3 on that issue.
Before you depart for home DRIVE!!- I mean DRIVE the coach around the town where you are picking it up. Get up to speed on the hiway- drive in town traffic -put a good load on the engine; pull a long hill if you can find one in Indiana.
Check braking ability and get used to the feel.
Use your hand or a pyrometer to determine if brakes or wheel bearings are over heating.
Best to discover if you have vapor lock, inoperative fan clutch, over heating, or blocked fuel filter before you hit the road.
Basically, see if you can break it and fix it while you are still near town and have the seller's help and support.
Take several metal inline fuel filters, a carb filter, one each of the engine belts and an ignition module and coil. If you don't need them you'll have spares. They're cheap but hard to get between Pecos and Fort Hancock. Been there done that.
If the coach hasn't been driven regularly-recently install a new fuel filter in the rubber line between the pump and the front cross member mounted metal line.
Ask the owner if he has installed an APC. If not, call Gene Fisher or Jim K and have one delivered to you before you leave home. Install it before you drive the coach. Takes about 3 minutes. You don't want the grief that can occur with out this alternator circuit protection.
I just spent last Sunday repairing the damage-luckily, I was close to home when the smoke escaped.
Don't drive on old out dated tires- I have had 2 tires blow out recently. Neither was in service at the time. One was my trailer spare. It blew while laying in the trailer. The spare on my GMC blew while mounted on the spare mount on the back of the coach.
Take a paper copy of the Black List in case you cant get an internet connection when you really need it.
That's all I've got for now.
Enjoy the trip!
Where are you in Texas?
Gene Barrow ex-pat Texan- Fannin County.
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224340 is a reply to message #224317] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 10:41 |
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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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Brian,
Welcome to the group, family, cult and asylum...
One word that I hope is meaningless. If you get there and feel that the coach had been misrepresented, feel free to either ask for help from the Black (aka GMC Assist) List or walk away.
If you haven't noticed already, owning a GMC makes you part of a very supportive group. Please feel free to ask questions here. As I seem to have to write all too often, there are no stupid questions.
If you don't have towing insurance, get it before you leave Texas. Under no circumstances let anybody tow the coach from the rear with the front on the ground more than ONE mile. The transmission can't take it. Do Not let anybody try to lift the coach by the front bumper for towing. The correct towing equipment exists, but you have to be hard nosed to get it. And, lets hope all that is nothing that will matter.
The first thing you should do when you come back up for air would be to contact John Shotwell at the registry and get the TZE number updated to you.
Lastly, you are now part of a community like few others. It is so much like the watermen that I lived among, that I have to welcome new owners in a manner like they would. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Brian
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
[Updated on: Wed, 02 October 2013 10:42] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224344 is a reply to message #224317] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 11:17 |
Brian Oakes
Messages: 23
Registered: October 2013
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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I am down in Burleson, just south of Fort Worth.
Please keep the suggestions coming, I am making a check list. Since I am
driving up I will be taking tools and I can do most of the non-major stuff
if needed. (Thanks for teaching me dad :) ) The current owner seems to be
pretty good and forthright. He might even be on the list. Looking forward to
seeing the coach and bringing it home.
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Don Adams
Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2013 11:09 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend!
Brian, what part of TX. Many GMC'rs here
--
Don Adams Dallas, TX
'76 26' Glenbrook, '90 Sidekick
rebuilt by R Archer, powered by J Bounds, Koba
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224347 is a reply to message #224345] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 11:50 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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as mentioned above..
Drive it.
Drive it a long ways, get it good and hot.
when you get back, leave it run, get out and walk around the coach look for funny smells, sights and drips.
I trusted my PO and ended up with a coach with a bad head gasket.
had to rebuild the engine.
I would have noticed it if we had gotten the coach all warmed up
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224362 is a reply to message #224345] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 14:21 |
John Hunt
Messages: 70
Registered: January 2011
Location: Orange County, CA
Karma: 0
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Cancel any appoinments you have on Monday. If employed, make sure the the boss knows you might not be at work until Tuesday.
This is good advice, and the only thing I did wrong on my fly-in-drive-home adventure when our family drove our GMC from North Carolina to Los Angeles. Actually, I planned for a 4 or 5 day pad between travel and a critical business appt (a live TV show I had a key role in producing) but used up all the pad working on the GMC with the owner for a few days - little things he wanted to do for us, etc. It was great to go over everything, but completely stressed me out that we wouldn't make it home in time. We did.
Mine had new tires, new airbags, brakes gone thru, and engine checked out. Only issue was a rusty fuel tank that required changing fuel filters every day. I carried airbag replacement rods from Ragusa (wooden 4x4's are also fine), a spare plastic governor gear, fuel filters, belts and fluids along with tools, a piece of carpet, credit cards, and AAA RV towing coverage. Only used the fuel filter, carpet, and screwdriver.
Good luck, have a great time!
John
'76 Eleganza II
1976 Eleganza II,
1969 Lotus Elan Plus 2,
1978 Merlyn Formula Ford,
1981 Lola Sports 2000
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224365 is a reply to message #224317] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 15:07 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Brian,
Be SURE you have a road service policy before you start. Far too large a
percentage of new purchases, of unknown background, fail to make it all the
way home. Including my own 15 years ago. Be sure to have a copy of the
Black List with you too: http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/
Welcome to the community. You and the family will enjoy you new group of
friends as well as your camping adventures.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Wed, Oct 2, 2013 at 9:10 AM, Brian Oakes <brianoakes@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Howdy,
>
> I just purchased a 76 Glenbrook 26'. I am hoping to pick it up in Indiana
> and drive it back to Texas on this coming Saturday/Sunday. I am flying a
> bit
> blind here, but wanted to ask beyond the obvious, i.e. tire pressure etc.
> what should I look for before I head down the road?
>
> The plan is to get it home in Texas, then give it a detailed once over in
> the garage. Our family is excited to be part of the GMC community. :-) We
> let my 7 year old pick out the RV (with my help of course). He likes the
> GMCs because they have "class and style". Smart Kid! :-)
>
> Anyhow, I'd appreciate any advice you can send our way to make sure we can
> get it home safely. Thanks!
>
> -BrianO
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224366 is a reply to message #224362] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 15:21 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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not sure if mentioned but,
engine compartment, grab all hoses to determine tight, ID water hoses going to back for a good pull on.
stretch your trip by another day or 2, and take your time,and enjoy the trip.
if error does accure, take a deep breath, try not to rush which can lead to additional problems.
HEI i assume, look to see if you have any spare parts,like distributor module.
if airbags have cuttoffs, air up, then cut off and not worry about it for ride home.
center and side lane markers, line up with dash, if you see yourself in either side miror more than 2 feet off line, assume your othere side is a little over, or closs.
good luck,
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Timer - Picking it up this weekend! [message #224368 is a reply to message #224365] |
Wed, 02 October 2013 16:01 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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Sign up for AAA Premium towing coverage and wait the 7 days (I think) for it to go into effect before picking your new toy up !!
Mac in OKC
Sent from my iPad
> On Oct 2, 2013, at 15:08, "Ken Henderson" <hend4800@bellsouth.net> wrote:
>
> Brian,
>
> Be SURE you have a road service policy before you start. Far too large a
> percentage of new purchases, of unknown background, fail to make it all the
> way home. Including my own 15 years ago. Be sure to have a copy of the
> Black List with you too: http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/
>
> Welcome to the community. You and the family will enjoy you new group of
> friends as well as your camping adventures.
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
>> On Wed, Oct 2, 2013 at 9:10 AM, Brian Oakes <brianoakes@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Howdy,
>>
>> I just purchased a 76 Glenbrook 26'. I am hoping to pick it up in Indiana
>> and drive it back to Texas on this coming Saturday/Sunday. I am flying a
>> bit
>> blind here, but wanted to ask beyond the obvious, i.e. tire pressure etc.
>> what should I look for before I head down the road?
>>
>> The plan is to get it home in Texas, then give it a detailed once over in
>> the garage. Our family is excited to be part of the GMC community. :-) We
>> let my 7 year old pick out the RV (with my help of course). He likes the
>> GMCs because they have "class and style". Smart Kid! :-)
>>
>> Anyhow, I'd appreciate any advice you can send our way to make sure we can
>> get it home safely. Thanks!
>>
>> -BrianO
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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
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