| Coach Update - From Rescue to Interstate [message #231936] |
Sun, 01 December 2013 19:31  |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Just an update on the progress on my coach rescue project. I could not have done it without the knowledge share from all of the great people on this forum. I acquired my coach in August of 2013 after it had been sitting for over five years.
This weekend was a major milestone in my project. After lots of trouble shooting and work, and driving the coach locally within a few mile radius, I finally got it to the point where I thought it was ready for my first drive on the interstate.
I drove a little over a hundred miles on interstate 78 from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and back. I was really pleased with how the coach handled. Very smooth and surprisingly powerful. I was able to go up the hills with ease, just hit them with a little momentum and I had to keep in the left lane to pass trucks and slower cars. Although I drove 60 to 65 most of the time I did take it up over 75. Above 75 there was a shimmy/vibration. I am assuming that new wheels, tires, balance, and alignment will help that.
In addition to the highway driving I also did some mixed driving through some small towns, state roads, and back country roads. The coach is just a pleasure to drive in all conditions. I also had to make a couple of firm stops, and the brakes performed well.
The next step on my GMC journey is to have the front wheel bearings serviced. I dropped the coach off at Ken Frey's shop tonight. Ken is going to do the front bearings and bushings. I did not want to take a chance because I do not know when they may have been serviced last. Rear bearings and shocks all around were done by Ken Frey by the PO. I figured I would get the front done before the spring rush.
Maybe if I am extra good to my wife Santa will bring me some shiny new aluminum wheels for Christmas?
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: [GMCnet] Coach Update - From Rescue to Interstate [message #231938 is a reply to message #231936] |
Sun, 01 December 2013 20:08  |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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I don't know if Ken Frey installs the one-ton front end upgrade, but you might wish to ask him about that.
I don't know the cost of that but that mod is generally highly recommended. Heavier duty components, better breaking, and far longer lasting.
Mac in OKC
Money Pit
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 1, 2013, at 19:31, "Steve Adams" <sjadams@ptd.net> wrote:
Just an update on the progress on my coach rescue project. I could not have done it without the knowledge share from all of the great people on this forum. I acquired my coach in August of 2013 after it had been sitting for over five years.
This weekend was a major milestone in my project. After lots of trouble shooting and work, and driving the coach locally within a few mile radius, I finally got it to the point where I thought it was ready for my first drive on the interstate.
I drove a little over a hundred miles on interstate 78 from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and back. I was really pleased with how the coach handled. Very smooth and surprisingly powerful. I was able to go up the hills with ease, just hit them with a little momentum and I had to keep in the left lane to pass trucks and slower cars. Although I drove 60 to 65 most of the time I did take it up over 75. Above 75 there was a shimmy/vibration. I am assuming that new wheels, tires, balance, and alignment will help that.
In addition to the highway driving I also did some mixed driving through some small towns, state roads, and back country roads. The coach is just a pleasure to drive in all conditions. I also had to make a couple of firm stops, and the brakes performed well.
The next step on my GMC journey is to have the front wheel bearings serviced. I dropped the coach off at Ken Frey's shop tonight. Ken is going to do the front bearings and bushings. I did not want to take a chance because I do not know when they may have been serviced last. Rear bearings and shocks all around were done by Ken Frey by the PO. I figured I would get the front done before the spring rush.
Maybe if I am extra good to my wife Santa will bring me some shiny new aluminum wheels for Christmas?
--
1978 GMC Royal
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: Coach Update - From Rescue to Interstate [message #231942 is a reply to message #231936] |
Sun, 01 December 2013 20:50 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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No doubt the One Ton is a great upgrade. I have priced the parts and installation and decided that for my circumstances I was not going to make that investment on this coach at this time. Ken does a bearing replacement with grease fittings that should be good for 50 thousand miles, and it is highly unlikely that I will ever see those kind of miles on this coach in the next 10 to 15 years. Right now my goal is safety and reliability on a budget (Possible??).
Maybe I will regret not doing it now. Who knows what will be, or not be available in the future, or what the future will bring.
Thanks for the consideration.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: Coach Update - From Rescue to Interstate [message #232155 is a reply to message #231936] |
Tue, 03 December 2013 19:00 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Sean,
It does feel good to be mobile. I think several others have said it best, in that I have taken "Stewardship" over this coach, and saved it from the salvage yard. I will take good care of it and provide it a good home while in my care. At least for now it is a budget minded project so it won't likely see; fuel injection, quad bags, one ton, rear disks, and the like under my watch, but I will be preserving it and hopefully enjoying it.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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