Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC
| [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252298] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 12:34  |
Daniel DeLuca
Messages: 120
Registered: June 2014
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My wife as stumbled upon a 1978 Eleganza ii with 17,000 miles that has been sitting for 7 years, available for a song. I am going to look at it tomorrow, but for all I know the frame could be rusted through. But for a second lets imagine we pick up this thing up. My question is what are are the essential upgrades this is going to need to make it a reasonable driver?
I know the engine is going to need an overhaul, and I will need all new tires. What about the braking system. I have seen a lot written about a reaction arm from AppliedGMC. Is this a good upgrade for the price? Assuming they are not rotted away would the fridge, stove, furnace and AC units be usable or are they the kind of thing that need to be replaced with modern components? Thanks for your wisdom.
Dan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252299 is a reply to message #252298] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 12:44  |
werewilfs
Messages: 329
Registered: July 2012
Location: Rappahannock County, VA
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Where are you Dan? Best to get a set of experienced eyes on the coach. Rotted frame would make that song pretty expensive.
Sent from my Windows Phone
________________________________
From: Daniel DeLuca
Sent: 6/16/2014 13:34
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC
My wife as stumbled upon a 1978 Eleganza ii with 17,000 miles that has been sitting for 7 years, available for a song. I am going to look at it tomorrow, but for all I know the frame could be rusted through. But for a second lets imagine we pick up this thing up. My question is what are are the essential upgrades this is going to need to make it a reasonable driver?
I know the engine is going to need an overhaul, and I will need all new tires. What about the braking system. I have seen a lot written about a reaction arm from AppliedGMC. Is this a good upgrade for the price? Assuming they are not rotted away would the fridge, stove, furnace and AC units be usable or are they the kind of thing that need to be replaced with modern components? Thanks for your wisdom.
Dan
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Jared & Stefanie Kohl
Rappahannock County, VA
1973 Painted Desert "Onslow"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252301 is a reply to message #252298] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 13:00 |
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Assuming all is well (frame) of said GMC, the question about essential upgrades is as deep as your pockets will go. "Essential" is the operative word. "Upgrades" is the other.
As far as I'm concerned, "upgrades" are above and beyond getting it in safe driving condition. There is a difference. Besides, a previous owner somewhere along the line may have already upgraded something.
New tires, change all fluids, check carb operation, look for fuel delivery issues, does it go straight or is it sloppy to drive, does it stop without diving or without a problem, do the air springs hold well? -- these and a few other things are first to address. Then, you can take on the task of upgrades. Only you can put the priority in order for those because everyone on this list has a different opinion. Most, however, would start with alloy wheels for the new tires as far as true upgrades are concerned.
By the way, for me "upgrade" is different that "replacement/repair".
--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252302 is a reply to message #252298] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 13:01 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Daniel DeLuca wrote on Mon, 16 June 2014 10:34My wife as stumbled upon a 1978 Eleganza ii with 17,000 miles that has been sitting for 7 years, available for a song. I am going to look at it tomorrow, but for all I know the frame could be rusted through. But for a second lets imagine we pick up this thing up. My question is what are are the essential upgrades this is going to need to make it a reasonable driver?
I know the engine is going to need an overhaul, and I will need all new tires. What about the braking system. I have seen a lot written about a reaction arm from AppliedGMC. Is this a good upgrade for the price? Assuming they are not rotted away would the fridge, stove, furnace and AC units be usable or are they the kind of thing that need to be replaced with modern components? Thanks for your wisdom.
Dan
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Dan,
I wouldn't count on the engine needing an overhaul. I would check all the fluids, maybe buy a can of Stabil engine cylinder fogger, squirt some down each cylinder, crank it until you see some oil pressure, get some gas to it via a can or boat tank, and fire it up.
You will need to do the bearings and brakes, change ALL fluids, replace all rubber (hoses, belts, rubber brake components) at the very least. Some feel that the stock braking system is adequate, if in proper working order. I have the Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm disc brakes, which I don't see being marketed any more, probably due to the expense, but they sure do stop the coach.
Next, you'll need to determine how well the coach drives. If there is a lot of road wander, the front end will need attention. There are several options that will help get your GMC back under control.
You might have found a good one, but you are taking a chance if it has been sitting for a while. The general consensus here is that you will need to spend a minimum of $25,000.00 to have a good, reliable coach. I have found that to be a good start.
There is a good chance that the house systems you mentioned will still be serviceable.
Good luck
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: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252305 is a reply to message #252298] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 13:20 |
BRDRVR
Messages: 184
Registered: July 2013
Location: Clearwater, FL-Gerlach,NV
Karma: 8
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Buy it. Especially if the wife digs it.
Just my opinion.
Thanx. David
David Gourdine
http//www.blackrockdesertrvrental.com
booking@blackrockdesertrvrental.com
727-657-1955
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| Re: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252312 is a reply to message #252298] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 14:18 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Daniel DeLuca wrote on Mon, 16 June 2014 10:34My wife as stumbled upon a 1978 Eleganza ii with 17,000 miles that has been sitting for 7 years, available for a song. ...
If you buy it. just get it "usable" and use it for a while before worrying about upgrades and modifications. It is amazing how many coaches end up gutted buy overly motivated new owners, only for them to loose interest as they have never USED the coach! Note that while getting it 'usable" it might make economical sense to do an upgrade here and there instead of a stock repair. Just use your head.
It would be hard to believe if the 17,000 miles as true. As these were DRIVEN from the factory to the dealer, it would have to have the delivery miles More like 117,000 or 217,000.
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: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252313 is a reply to message #252312] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 14:44 |
Daniel DeLuca
Messages: 120
Registered: June 2014
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Useable is what I am going for! Well that and passably reliable for regional trips.
Thank you for all the good info everybody. For those who asked we are located in New Jersey.
Dan
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 16, 2014, at 3:18 PM, Mike Miller wrote:
>
> Daniel DeLuca wrote on Mon, 16 June 2014 10:34
>> My wife as stumbled upon a 1978 Eleganza ii with 17,000 miles that has been sitting for 7 years, available for a song. ...
>
>
> If you buy it. just get it "usable" and use it for a while before worrying about upgrades and modifications. It is amazing how many coaches end up
> gutted buy overly motivated new owners, only for them to loose interest as they have never USED the coach! Note that while getting it 'usable" it
> might make economical sense to do an upgrade here and there instead of a stock repair. Just use your head.
>
> It would be hard to believe if the 17,000 miles as true. As these were DRIVEN from the factory to the dealer, it would have to have the delivery
> miles More like 117,000 or 217,000.
>
> --
> Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
> (#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
> http://m000035.blogspot.com
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252318 is a reply to message #252313] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 15:05 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Dan,
You need to put that your located in New Jersey along with the model in your signature line. You can use my signature line as an example, short and simple. By doing this we can make suggestion that are directly related to your coach.
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Jun 16, 2014, at 3:44 PM, Daniel DeLuca wrote:
> Useable is what I am going for! Well that and passably reliable for regional trips.
>
> Thank you for all the good info everybody. For those who asked we are located in New Jersey.
>
> Dan
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jun 16, 2014, at 3:18 PM, Mike Miller wrote:
>>
>> Daniel DeLuca wrote on Mon, 16 June 2014 10:34
>>> My wife as stumbled upon a 1978 Eleganza ii with 17,000 miles that has been sitting for 7 years, available for a song. ...
>>
>>
>> If you buy it. just get it "usable" and use it for a while before worrying about upgrades and modifications. It is amazing how many coaches end up
>> gutted buy overly motivated new owners, only for them to loose interest as they have never USED the coach! Note that while getting it 'usable" it
>> might make economical sense to do an upgrade here and there instead of a stock repair. Just use your head.
>>
>> It would be hard to believe if the 17,000 miles as true. As these were DRIVEN from the factory to the dealer, it would have to have the delivery
>> miles More like 117,000 or 217,000.
>>
>> --
>> Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
>> (#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
>> http://m000035.blogspot.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252340 is a reply to message #252313] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 19:05 |
bryant374
Messages: 563
Registered: May 2004
Location: Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
Karma: 1
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Dan,
Welcome to the GMC MH world. Our local GMC Colonial Travelers club* has rallies the next few months, June Galloway Tpk, NJ, July Lancaster, PA, Aug, Cape May, NJ. We have a number of members in the area that could help you with GMC MH knowledge and help. We also have a very good GMC MH repair garage in Quakertown, PA that can fix anything GMC.
Let me know what city you are near and we will see if someone close could look at the coach or answer your questions.
Bill Bryant
* GMC Colonial Travelers will soon have a new website on line. Check it out when it gets here, its great.
Bill Bryant
PO 1976~PB (owned 34 years)
1914 Ford (owned 70 years)
1965 Corvette (owned 39 years)
GMC Motorhome History
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| Re: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252346 is a reply to message #252298] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 19:38 |
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SeanKidd
Messages: 747
Registered: June 2012
Location: Northern Neck Virginia
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Dan, we are in sussex county, fast approaching our 2nd anniversary as GMC owners. We spent most of the first year performing updates and upgrades, But now have a fully functional family vacation on wheels, we've already gone to Hershey, Cape May, Virginia Beach, and several local weekend trips. Welcome!
Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
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| Re: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252352 is a reply to message #252346] |
Mon, 16 June 2014 20:10 |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
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The appliances are likely fine. Things were simple back then. The range, oven, furnace, fridge, with a little cleaning and TLC should all work.
I recommend my standard 3 step program (in this order):
1. Make it mobile
2. Make it safe
3. Make it livable
After that, you can do whatever else you want at your leisure.
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."
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| Re: [GMCnet] Considering purchasing a GMC [message #252403 is a reply to message #252298] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 20:04 |
werewilfs
Messages: 329
Registered: July 2012
Location: Rappahannock County, VA
Karma: 0
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Original like 35 years old original?
Welcome to the family! First piece of advice, get it running safely and use it. Get it on the road until you figure out what you want to change about it. There are 1000 of these things all sitting in various states of disrepair bec people bought them with all these grand plans and then they lost interest or ran out of funds and there they sit for 7 long years.
As for towing, you’ll need to get some good tires on that thing before you even attempt to tow it. Otherwise get it on a lowboy. We have Good Sam’s Roadside service. Not sure what their policy is on moving things that have not moved in 7 years.
Good luck!
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Jared & Stefanie Kohl
Rappahannock County, VA
1973 Painted Desert "Onslow"
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