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| New (to us) GMC [message #268241] |
Thu, 25 December 2014 15:12  |
dblcola
Messages: 9
Registered: August 2010
Location: Cairo,Ga.
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hello to everyone.We just purchased a 1976 Palm Beach in November and are trying to awaken it. It has been stored for the last 2 years and only had 4k miles put on it in the last 10 yrs.
Previous owners have been:
Frank and Mona Mae Weiss
Bill and Donna Busch
Jim Scarborough
The tires look brand new but were made in 2001! Looks like we'll be replacing lots of parts because of age.
Any suggestions on things to look for?
Thanks Richard
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: New (to us) GMC [message #268245 is a reply to message #268241] |
Thu, 25 December 2014 15:44  |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Tires first - 13 y/o is dangerous.
Then fuel lines unless they look new and are alcohol proof. If they're not, drop the fuel tanks down and check or clean as needed. Check or repair/replace the level senders at the same time.
New belts and hoses on the engine.
I'd flush the brake lines and add new fluid. Replace the flexible lines if they are original. New shuttle valve if it shows any binding or seepage.
drain and refill radiator, power steering, coolant.
New thermostat while the coolant is out - get the Robertshaw which fails open, Kanamota has them listed.
Oil and filter.
Trans fluid and filter - get the filter from Manny or Kanamota to be sure it fits.
Grease every fitting on it.
Consider repacking all the wheel bearings, unless there's a receipt showing that's been done in the last ten years or so.
Check the inner and outer CV boots for tears. I'd replace any joints which had been open to the road and weather.
Any of the above you have receipts for in the last few years can be skipped. Assuming the engine and trans are in good shape the above list will get you started toward being reaspnably reliaqble on the road.
I'm sure others will have input from their experience. The interior systems are a seperate concern, but can be healed piecemeal as long as the coach runs reliably.
Welcome!
--johnny
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: [GMCnet] New (to us) GMC [message #268249 is a reply to message #268245] |
Thu, 25 December 2014 18:25 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Read here
http://gmcmotorhome.info/buygmc.html#waking
Erf
On Thursday, December 25, 2014, Johnny Bridges wrote:
> Tires first - 13 y/o is dangerous.
> Then fuel lines unless they look new and are alcohol proof. If they're
> not, drop the fuel tanks down and check or clean as needed. Check or
> repair/replace the level senders at the same time.
> New belts and hoses on the engine.
> I'd flush the brake lines and add new fluid. Replace the flexible lines
> if they are original. New shuttle valve if it shows any binding or seepage.
> drain and refill radiator, power steering, coolant.
> New thermostat while the coolant is out - get the Robertshaw which fails
> open, Kanamota has them listed.
> Oil and filter.
> Trans fluid and filter - get the filter from Manny or Kanamota to be sure
> it fits.
> Grease every fitting on it.
> Consider repacking all the wheel bearings, unless there's a receipt
> showing that's been done in the last ten years or so.
> Check the inner and outer CV boots for tears. I'd replace any joints
> which had been open to the road and weather.
>
> Any of the above you have receipts for in the last few years can be
> skipped. Assuming the engine and trans are in good shape the above list
> will get
> you started toward being reaspnably reliaqble on the road.
> I'm sure others will have input from their experience. The interior
> systems are a seperate concern, but can be healed piecemeal as long as the
> coach
> runs reliably.
>
> Welcome!
>
> --johnny
>
>
> --
> '76 23' transmode Norris upfit
> Braselton, Ga.
>
> "Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my
> dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon
> _______________________________________________
> 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] New (to us) GMC [message #268256 is a reply to message #268249] |
Thu, 25 December 2014 20:51 |
Ray R.
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2014
Location: Ladysmith, WI
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Congratulations, you now own one of the finest motorhomes ever designed. Sounds like some good lists already posted. From my own experience:
(1) Protect yourself. Brake lines rust and brake cylinders leak. Replace all brake components.
(2) Protect the engine. Replace all rubber components under the hood. (hoses and belts)
(3) Repair and replace other worn items as time and finances permit.
Welcome to the Club. Enjoy the ride.
Ray R. 76 Edgemonte 26, 455. Refurbishing for fulltiming, Ladysmith, WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to us) GMC [message #268278 is a reply to message #268256] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 07:56 |
dblcola
Messages: 9
Registered: August 2010
Location: Cairo,Ga.
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Thanks to all that replied. I now have a sinking feeling in my stomach and think my wallet might be overmatched. LOL. Its amazing how far downhill something can go just sitting there.
I will tackle the mechanical/tire areas first and the interior/exterior later. On my last trip in a new to us motorhome we had 2 blowouts in the first 125 miles and had to be towed in. Wife not happy and I won't make that mistake again.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to us) GMC [message #268280 is a reply to message #268278] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 08:08 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Add your city or town in Georgia. You might find that there are close neighbors with GMC's. Consider joining the GMC Dixielander Group for fine Rally fun.
Eat the elephant one bite at a time and you will be happy.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to us) GMC [message #268283 is a reply to message #268280] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 08:26 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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In Georgia? Where? How'd I not hear about this?
I just got some BAD news: We MAY have to miss Bean Station 'cause my
granddaughter's graduating from Middle GA College that Saturday. :-(
But she's mercenary so I MAY be able to buy my way out of that boring
ceremony. :-)
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Fri, Dec 26, 2014 at 9:08 AM, Thomas Phipps wrote:
> Add your city or town in Georgia. You might find that there are close
> neighbors with GMC's. Consider joining the GMC Dixielander Group for fine
> Rally fun.
> Eat the elephant one bite at a time and you will be happy.
> Tom, MS II
> --
>
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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: New (to us) GMC [message #268285 is a reply to message #268241] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 08:48 |
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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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dblcola wrote on Thu, 25 December 2014 16:12Hello to everyone.We just purchased a 1976 Palm Beach in November and are trying to awaken it. It has been stored for the last 2 years and only had 4k miles put on it in the last 10 yrs.
<snip>
The tires look brand new but were made in 2001! Looks like we'll be replacing lots of parts because of age.
Any suggestions on things to look for?
Thanks Richard
Richard,
Welcome to the group, family, cult and asylum....
First, for everybody's convenience, please go to control panel/account settings and build a sigfile with your names (we really like to know how we are helping), a short coach description including major mods, and a better georaphic reference, what shows up in the header of the forum is not visible to the e-mail readers.
This forum is actually a mirror of an E-mail engine so things don't always work the same for both, but, because the forum is open and some of the readers are (or have been in the past) spambots, don't post a clear @ddress or phone nr. Just mess it up by spelling parts so it does not fit the template.
Next, once you get the critical things squared away, try to use the coach all you can. They like it that way. We ran a little short of 12k last year and I had to repair a drawer slide.
Find and join GMCMI and Dixielanders as soon as you come up for air. This will also require your joining FMCA, but the involved costs are still very reasonable. You want GMCMI for the parts interchange list (on paper and very complete) and you want Dixielands for the comradery and some assistance (that you will probably need).
And, you and yours are now part of a community like few others. There are several thousand of us out here will to provide you information and direct assistance if it is needed. As the only other time I have seen this is among the watermen that are my world, I have take up welcoming new owners much as a new owner or vessel would be welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Richard and Family.
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: New (to us) GMC [message #268301 is a reply to message #268241] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 16:43 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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We know you're a true Georgia boy (Or Alabama or Mississippi). Double Cola Rocks!!! (For those who don't get the nick)
--johnny
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: New (to us) GMC [message #268307 is a reply to message #268301] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 19:43 |
Ray R.
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2014
Location: Ladysmith, WI
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Richard,
Don't let all the motorhome breakdown horror stories get you down. There are many trouble free miles traveled for every "lessons learned" event. Everyone here just wants to share their experiences to help others avoid some potholes.
We also just purchased a coach last month. The previous owner drove from Texas to Florida so we could look at it. The tires looked like new and just made the long trip from Texas but they were 12 years old. We ended up buying the 76 Edgemonte and I knew that it just had to make it up to Wis. where it would sit for months while I worked on it. It really hurt, but I put on 6 new tires before heading North. Many hours were spent on the road relaxed because I knew I had brand new tires under me. It was worth it.
Just a couple of notes: Our "new" 76 has 6 wheel disc brakes. They are ok. We had a 75 Glenbrook for 15 years. I replaced all the brake components when we just got the coach and they also were ok. I am not a real fan of disc brakes because of maintenance. I may or may not keep them. If I don't like them I am going to switch back to the OEM drum brakes. A lot of GMC owners want to improve on an already proven design. If it has worked for 40 years, they must have done something right. Don't fall into the change for the sake of change trap.
Go slowly if you plan on making air bag changes also. Nothing wrong with the original system. I have original air bags. I carry two Schrader valves and a hand bicycle pump capable of 90 psi. If for any reason I lose air to the bags,99.9% of the time it is not the air bag but an air line, compressor, or valve issue. Disconnect the line at the bag, install the Schrader valve, pump up that side of the coach, and travel for weeks without a problem.
Get the basics sound and the rest is just fluff. These are my opinions and it works for me.
We have returned from many a trip, sat in the driveway and , if time had permitted, we would have just checked on the house, jumped back in and would have taken off in a different direction. Once you get the bugs out, the GMC will be a ticket to freedom.
So take a deep breath and relax. It is all good in the end. If it is not good, it is not the end.
Ray R.
Ray R. 76 Edgemonte 26, 455. Refurbishing for fulltiming, Ladysmith, WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to us) GMC [message #268311 is a reply to message #268278] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 20:09 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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dblcola wrote on Fri, 26 December 2014 06:56Thanks to all that replied. I now have a sinking feeling in my stomach and think my wallet might be overmatched. LOL. Its amazing how far downhill something can go just sitting there.
I will tackle the mechanical/tire areas first and the interior/exterior later. On my last trip in a new to us motorhome we had 2 blowouts in the first 125 miles and had to be towed in. Wife not happy and I won't make that mistake again.
Don't get too discouraged. Every inquiry like yours immediately will get feedback on this net that will not only cost millions but take years to finish. I suggest you take it on short trips and gradually address the issues you encounter.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: New (to us) GMC [message #268318 is a reply to message #268312] |
Fri, 26 December 2014 20:36 |
Ray R.
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2014
Location: Ladysmith, WI
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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My problem is that I really don't know what I bought yet. I bought the Edgemonte for its bones. Good strong frame, engine, transmission, wheels, and a solid and clean and solid body. I don't know what pads the calipers take ect, ect. If you have original, you know that you can, for the most part, get parts. Some of the basics are good swaps. A new frig was a definite improvement. along with a new furnace.
I agree, the best otherwise is to keep it simple.
Ray R.
Ray R. 76 Edgemonte 26, 455. Refurbishing for fulltiming, Ladysmith, WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to us) GMC [message #268332 is a reply to message #268283] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 01:17 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Invite your Granddaughter to Bean Station. That will take care of the problem.
Ken Henderson wrote on Fri, 26 December 2014 08:26In Georgia? Where? How'd I not hear about this?
I just got some BAD news: We MAY have to miss Bean Station 'cause my
granddaughter's graduating from Middle GA College that Saturday. 
But she's mercenary so I MAY be able to buy my way out of that boring
ceremony. 
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Fri, Dec 26, 2014 at 9:08 AM, Thomas Phipps wrote:
> Add your city or town in Georgia. You might find that there are close
> neighbors with GMC's. Consider joining the GMC Dixielander Group for fine
> Rally fun.
> Eat the elephant one bite at a time and you will be happy.
> Tom, MS II
> --
>
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: New (to us) GMC [message #268370 is a reply to message #268241] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 14:28 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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As has happened before, the BWD National Show is in St Louis the same weekend as Bean Station. So, I >may< get over there Saturday sometime, I may not. I'll be in the toad, the GMC will be in Georgia for this one. Damn.
Richard -
Here's how not to do it (I didn't know any better) - buy the coach sight unseen ~~ 600 miles away off ebay. Take a friend and a tool kit, mount up, and drive it home without problems. The Lord takes care of drunks and crazy people I suppose. Fortunately, the seller was being truthful, and Sirum had done substantial maintenance in the three or four years before I got it. I just ran it to Orlando and back with only one minor hiccup, and that was 5 miles from home so I could have walked the rest of the way if necessary. Make it safe, and enjoy it whle you accomplish consmetic and 'I wanna' upgrades along the way.
--johnny
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: New (to us) GMC [message #268375 is a reply to message #268307] |
Sat, 27 December 2014 16:17 |
dblcola
Messages: 9
Registered: August 2010
Location: Cairo,Ga.
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Johnny I have drank a few double cola's in my day. Man you must be as old as me. LOL
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: New (to us) GMC [message #268420 is a reply to message #268241] |
Sun, 28 December 2014 09:00 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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I likely am. Does anybody still bottle Double Cola? FWIW, my supervisor, is a Bainbridge boy.
--johnny
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: [GMCnet] New (to us) GMC [message #268443 is a reply to message #268244] |
Sun, 28 December 2014 11:59 |
jessfarr
Messages: 100
Registered: August 2004
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Yes. They are a Chattanooga TN product, just like Moon Pies, even though the moon pies are usually associated with RC Cola. And, they (double colas) can be found at Cracker Barrels among other places.
jofarr, soddy daisy tn (north west Chattanooga Suburb)
74, 76 & 78 26 footers
Original message
From: "Johnny Bridges"
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org;
Dated: 12/28/2014 10:00:21 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New (to us) GMC
I likely am. Does anybody still bottle Double Cola? FWIW, my supervisor, is a Bainbridge boy.
--johnny
--
'76 23' transmode Norris upfit
Braselton, Ga.
"Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon
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jesse farr, soddy tn USA '74 Canyonlands 260
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