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GMC stretch question [message #275241] Mon, 06 April 2015 23:17 Go to next message
Hal StClair   United States
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Location: Rio Rancho NM
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I've been told that the stretched GMC's by Buskirk had a 2 inch body lift. If this IS in fact the case, I'm wondering if he did anything to the bumpers? Were they also lifted?
Thanks for any information.
Hal


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275244 is a reply to message #275241] Tue, 07 April 2015 00:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Location: Sydney, Australia
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Hal,

Here's a link to the photo log of Clarence building a stretch. It does not appear that he raised the body 2 inches from the
pictures.

http://gmcmotorhome.com/tech/buskirk/index.html

However, Linwood Arthur DID that:

http://www.gmcclassics.com/tech/larthur/index.html

http://www.gmcclassics.com/tech/larthur/lauther-rebuild.pdf

This GMC is currently owned by Dan Borlase up in Canada and is for sale.

Regards,
Rob M.


-----Original Message-----
From: Hal StClair

I've been told that the stretched GMC's by Buskirk had a 2 inch body lift. If this IS in fact the case, I'm wondering if he did
anything to the bumpers? Were they also lifted?
Thanks for any information.
Hal

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275245 is a reply to message #275244] Tue, 07 April 2015 00:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
powwerjon is currently offline  powwerjon   United States
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Rob,
All the Buskirk Stretch coaches were raised aprox 2” and you can see a 2 X 3 subframe spacer on Page 3, pictures 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9 and on Page 4 pics 8 & 9 and on page 5 pictures 1, 3 & 4. None of our fuel lines and other stuff cannot be pinched. We all have different types of Fuel induction systems and we do not have to raise the dog house to clear the air cleaners.

J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan

> On Apr 6, 2015, at 10:02 PM, Robert Mueller wrote:
>
> Hal,
>
> Here's a link to the photo log of Clarence building a stretch. It does not appear that he raised the body 2 inches from the
> pictures.
>
> http://gmcmotorhome.com/tech/buskirk/index.html
>
> However, Linwood Arthur DID that:
>
> http://www.gmcclassics.com/tech/larthur/index.html
>
> http://www.gmcclassics.com/tech/larthur/lauther-rebuild.pdf
>
> This GMC is currently owned by Dan Borlase up in Canada and is for sale.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Hal StClair
>
> I've been told that the stretched GMC's by Buskirk had a 2 inch body lift. If this IS in fact the case, I'm wondering if he did
> anything to the bumpers? Were they also lifted?
> Thanks for any information.
> Hal
>
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275267 is a reply to message #275245] Tue, 07 April 2015 11:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hal StClair   United States
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Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
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Thank you for weighing in JR. Did they also raise the bumpers on your coach? I very curious how this was accomplished with the shocks that located the bumpers.
Thanks, Hal


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275272 is a reply to message #275267] Tue, 07 April 2015 11:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
hal kading is currently offline  hal kading   United States
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Other Hal,

My bumpers were not raised with the body. The hydraulic shock absorbers were not used as storage space was built behind the bumpers. I do have a raised engine access cover for engine intake clearance with my EFI Ramjet 502.

Hal Kading 78 Buskirk Stretch Las Cruces NM
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275277 is a reply to message #275272] Tue, 07 April 2015 12:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hal StClair   United States
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Registered: March 2013
Location: Rio Rancho NM
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Thank you Hal,
Other Hal Laughing


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM

[Updated on: Tue, 07 April 2015 12:10]

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Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275284 is a reply to message #275277] Tue, 07 April 2015 13:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
powwerjon is currently offline  powwerjon   United States
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Yes the bumpers are mounted in the stock location on the frame as they are all coaches. Mine did not have the bumper shocks also, just a made up solid replacement.
J.R. Wright
30' Buskirk Stretch
Michigan
On Location in Tucson

> On Apr 7, 2015, at 10:10 AM, Hal StClair wrote:
>
> Thank you Hal,
> Other Hal
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
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Re: GMC stretch question [message #275289 is a reply to message #275241] Tue, 07 April 2015 14:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kerry pinkerton is currently offline  kerry pinkerton   United States
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OMG WOW! On page 3 of this series is a shot showing some of the other coaches in the background. On the upper right side is what sure looks to be my coach. A Kingsley with 78 colors, two chrome air horns, Alcoas, dual air, small pod on roof.

How cool is that! It might not be mine but I'm claiming it. LOL!


Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275314 is a reply to message #275245] Tue, 07 April 2015 17:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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JR,

By George you're right and I know why I didn't "see" the spacers.

I remembered that Linwood Arthur had raised his GMC 2 inches by putting 2" x 2" box tube directly on top of the longitudinal frame
members and I was looking for the same thing on the Buskirk. See photo titled Fuel Tanks #4 in the link below:

http://www.gmcclassics.com/tech/larthur/index.html

It notes:

Here you can see the 2" frame spacers in place. This raises the body 2" higher than a normal GMC. Also, there will be a piece of
1/2" X 3" nylon on top of the spacer making the height a total of 2.5" extra. This allows for deeper fuel tanks and holding tanks.

Sorry Hal!

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: John Wright

Rob,
All the Buskirk Stretch coaches were raised aprox 2" and you can see a 2 X 3 subframe spacer on Page 3, pictures 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9
and on Page 4 pics 8 & 9 and on page 5 pictures 1, 3 & 4. None of our fuel lines and other stuff cannot be pinched. We all have
different types of Fuel induction systems and we do not have to raise the dog house to clear the air cleaners.

J.R. Wright


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275343 is a reply to message #275314] Tue, 07 April 2015 22:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hal StClair   United States
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Location: Rio Rancho NM
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No big deal Rob, I missed it in the link also. I've raised mine 2.5" and wondered if moving the bumpers up was necessary. It would be a real pain with the through bumper hitch I built to move it up. I think I'll wait and see if I like it as is.
Hal


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275345 is a reply to message #275343] Tue, 07 April 2015 22:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
powwerjon is currently offline  powwerjon   United States
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Hal,
The bumpers are NOT moved as they still are mounted at the same place on the chassis. Only the body sits higher on the frame.

J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On Location in Tucson

> On Apr 7, 2015, at 8:10 PM, Hal StClair wrote:
>
> No big deal Rob, I missed it in the link also. I've raised mine 2.5" and wondered if moving the bumpers up was necessary. It would be a real pain with
> the through bumper hitch I built to move it up. I think I'll wait and see if I like it as is.
> Hal
> --
> 1977 Royale 101348,
>
> 1977 Royale 101586,
>
> 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275397 is a reply to message #275245] Wed, 08 April 2015 10:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dan Borlase is currently offline  Dan Borlase   Canada
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Raising the body up by 2" or so allows for a host of good things to be created in the coach like...more room in the eng. bay means easer access to all thing and should you decide to go with a completely different intake manifold then there is room. Linwood built a separate shower in my coach which has head room of 6'7" (I'm 6'4"), more room for "taller" fuel tanks, should you want to build expanded capacity (mine are 25 gal. and 45 gal.). Combining these things together with the stretch aspect and the list of possible upgrades can be lengthy.
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275399 is a reply to message #275397] Wed, 08 April 2015 10:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMC.LES is currently offline  GMC.LES   United States
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I'm curious to know what is done to the steering shaft when the body is raised. Does it have enough telescopic range to accommodate a 2.5" lift? What did Buskirk do?


Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'
The EWIP (Eternal Work In Progress)


> On Apr 8, 2015, at 11:44 AM, Dan Borlase wrote:
>
> Raising the body up by 2" or so allows for a host of good things to be created in the coach like...more room in the eng. bay means easer access to all
> thing and should you decide to go with a completely different intake manifold then there is room. Linwood built a separate shower in my coach which
> has head room of 6'7" (I'm 6'4"), more room for "taller" fuel tanks, should you want to build expanded capacity (mine are 25 gal. and 45 gal.).
> Combining these things together with the stretch aspect and the list of possible upgrades can be lengthy.
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275400 is a reply to message #275399] Wed, 08 April 2015 11:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dan Borlase is currently offline  Dan Borlase   Canada
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Yes there is enough length in the shaft.
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275403 is a reply to message #275400] Wed, 08 April 2015 11:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hal StClair   United States
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Registered: March 2013
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I replaced it with Borgeson pieces. Upper Stainless steel u-joint with damper 15494, lower SS u-joint 115240, telescopic double d shaft 450024. Didn't need to buy the 24" shaft as I cut over a foot off of it to fit.
Nice and tidy installation.
Hal


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM

[Updated on: Wed, 08 April 2015 11:15]

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Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275404 is a reply to message #275397] Wed, 08 April 2015 11:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Dan Borlase wrote on Wed, 08 April 2015 10:44
Raising the body up by 2" or so allows for a host of good things to be created in the coach ...
FWIW, it also adds 4.3 square feet of area to the side in a crosswind to blow you into another lane or off the road. Also increases the frontal area by about 1 square foot. Maybe not significant, just FYI.
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275407 is a reply to message #275404] Wed, 08 April 2015 11:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hal StClair   United States
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And adding a 48" by 33" by 16" roof pod adds 5.5 sq feet side and 3.7 feet frontal area too. I daresay that pod disrupts the airflow more than the slight raise in height. Putting more areo mirrors on probably has a greater effect on handling. JMHO
Hal


"I enjoy talking to you. Your mind appeals to me. It resembles my own mind, except you happen to be insane." 1977 Royale 101348, 1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered, 1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout, Rio Rancho, NM
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275418 is a reply to message #275407] Wed, 08 April 2015 13:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Hal StClair wrote on Wed, 08 April 2015 11:59
And adding a 48" by 33" by 16" roof pod adds 5.5 sq feet side and 3.7 feet frontal area too. I daresay that pod disrupts the airflow more than the slight raise in height. Putting more areo mirrors on probably has a greater effect on handling. JMHO
Hal
My Sequoia doesn't have a storage pod on the roof, but roof AC is about the same as a pod frontally and about half from the side.

I half looked at locating an AC under the couch behind the driver's seat to get rid of the one on the roof. Put the air inlet from a louver on the side and expel into the wheel well. Not just for drag but to allow it to get it through lower doors.

I start out with a 23' without roof pod storage, then talk about stealing storage space under the couch for the AC. I would end up with one that only a single guy could use because it doesn't have enough storage for a CFO's stuff.
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275449 is a reply to message #275418] Wed, 08 April 2015 18:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
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Somewhere in the world is a (once) beautiful 23' with an interior A/C. We
had a Dixielander from NW AL who had a 23' for himself and a 26 for his
wife, both rebuilt completely by the mechanics at his trucking line
garage. The A/C was mostly in the rear bath's lavatory cabinet. Blackwell
was the name, IIRC, he died several years ago and she disposed of both
GMC's shortly afterward. I never found out who bought them.

Ken H.


On Wed, Apr 8, 2015 at 2:12 PM, A. wrote:

> Hal StClair wrote on Wed, 08 April 2015 11:59
>> And adding a 48" by 33" by 16" roof pod adds 5.5 sq feet side and 3.7
> feet frontal area too. I daresay that pod disrupts the airflow more than the
>> slight raise in height. Putting more areo mirrors on probably has a
> greater effect on handling. JMHO
>> Hal
> My Sequoia doesn't have a storage pod on the roof, but roof AC is about
> the same as a pod frontally and about half from the side.
>
> I half looked at locating an AC under the couch behind the driver's seat
> to get rid of the one on the roof. Put the air inlet from a louver on the
> side and expel into the wheel well. Not just for drag but to allow it to
> get it through lower doors.
>
> I start out with a 23' without roof pod storage, then talk about stealing
> storage space under the couch for the AC. I would end up with one that only
> a single guy could use because it doesn't have enough storage for a CFO's
> stuff.
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] GMC stretch question [message #275465 is a reply to message #275449] Wed, 08 April 2015 20:56 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Dennis S is currently offline  Dennis S   United States
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There was/is also Jim Anstett who relocated the roof AC on his 23 to under the frig.

http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=63090&rid=904#msg_63090

As I recall Jim also has something like 500k miles on his coach.

Dennis

Ken Henderson wrote on Wed, 08 April 2015 18:58
Somewhere in the world is a (once) beautiful 23' with an interior A/C. We
had a Dixielander from NW AL who had a 23' for himself and a 26 for his
wife, both rebuilt completely by the mechanics at his trucking line
garage. The A/C was mostly in the rear bath's lavatory cabinet. Blackwell
was the name, IIRC, he died several years ago and she disposed of both
GMC's shortly afterward. I never found out who bought them.

Ken H.


On Wed, Apr 8, 2015 at 2:12 PM, A. wrote:

> Hal StClair wrote on Wed, 08 April 2015 11:59
>> And adding a 48" by 33" by 16" roof pod adds 5.5 sq feet side and 3.7
> feet frontal area too. I daresay that pod disrupts the airflow more than the
>> slight raise in height. Putting more areo mirrors on probably has a
> greater effect on handling. JMHO
>> Hal
> My Sequoia doesn't have a storage pod on the roof, but roof AC is about
> the same as a pod frontally and about half from the side.
>
> I half looked at locating an AC under the couch behind the driver's seat
> to get rid of the one on the roof. Put the air inlet from a louver on the
> side and expel into the wheel well. Not just for drag but to allow it to
> get it through lower doors.
>
> I start out with a 23' without roof pod storage, then talk about stealing
> storage space under the couch for the AC. I would end up with one that only
> a single guy could use because it doesn't have enough storage for a CFO's
> stuff.
> --
>
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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