Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Help Me Find A Palm Beach?
| Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283249] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 00:58  |
bryhart
Messages: 90
Registered: July 2015
Location: Salem, OR
Karma: 0
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Hello Everyone,
Nice to meet you all. I have recently been introduced to the GMC Motorhome...I could go on and on about how fantastic they are but suffice it to say, I want one.
It will be primarily used for travelling around the state with my sons tournament baseball team. The random hotels and "parking lot back seat of the car naps" get really old. My wife really wants the green plaid Palm Beach interior with the bunk beds on one side and a side wet bath (26-3?)...so that has been settled.
Does anyone know of a mechanically sound, green plaid interior Palm Beach that is available for a reasonable price? I found one in Illinois that seems to fit the bill but I have been told by someone who "should" know that the price is quite high for what they are offering. My budget is $15K-$20K but I can stretch/shrink that for the right coach. I can fly to whatever location but the coach would need to be able to be driven back to the Pacific Northwest. Please let me know if you can point me in the direction of something close.
Thanks in Advance,
--Bryan
1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283250 is a reply to message #283249] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 02:22  |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Bryan,
Are ready for a story? I, too, wanted a Palm Beach and after about 10 years lurking on this list I finally found one on eBay that I thought was perfect. I wanted a ’77 or ’78, as they have the improved dash AC and all other updates, and this was advertised as a ’78 - “runs great. No issues.” I’m near San Francisco and it was in Cleveland. The 403 is a great engine so that never influenced my decision.
I bought the coach and paid a friend to drive it from Cleveland to Tom Hampton’s place in southern Ohio to have him go over it. It really helps to have a pro like Tom give it a once over. I wanted to make sure it was safe to drive, so I asked Tom to service the front bearings, replace the brake lines with his fantastic stainless lines, service all the brakes, change the fluids, tune-up, replace the air bags, new alternator, and check the tires. The tires, on original 16.5” wheels, were more than 10 years old and had to be replaced. He found some cracks in the black tank that he repaired and installed a new macerator (EVERY coach should have one.) Oh - and an APC cable - don’t let the nichrome burn up your dash.
I made two bone-head decisions -
1. I did not pony up the $$ for aluminum wheels and new 16” tires, but instead bought some Firestone TransForce HT tires that have been likened to wagon wheels.
2. I did not ask Tom to replace the rubber fuel lines.
Well - there may have been other bone-head decisions, like buying a coach with a bill of sale that really turned out to be a ’76, but I digress...
Two friends and I flew out to bring her home, and she drove great. Except when we stopped to fill her up - gasoline poured out of the cracked fill lines and we dubbed her the Valdez for the trip home.
I regret not buying one 10 years sooner. The memories we’ve accumulated in this coach are priceless. Although we only have 1 daughter she brings friends along and we’ve slept 6 people more times than I can count. Now that she’s in college it’s not as crowded, but we’ve been able to update some nice things like the headliner, blinds, roof air, stereo, fuel injection, and so on. One of my favorite - feel good projects - was to replace the dash labels and lights. I appreciate that every night I drive the coach.
I have as much fun working on it as I do driving it. My wife and daughter love the places we go.
I wish every young family could afford a motorhome as I think it’s a great way to travel. This community, and the fact that I’m about a stones-throw away from Jim K, make owning a GMC non-mysterious and reliable. Furthermore I don’t believe there is a better coach for the money.
The advise from this crowd will be - buy one that is regularly used, the ones that sit decay too fast. It’s good advise. Also it seems that all coaches cost about $25k over time and that might be true. I suspect I’m still under that amount and we’ve had a ball! I was very lucky to have many updates provide by my beloved PO. Lots of RAGUSA parts, Marvin Peck lower gears, an automatic shore power switch, true-trackers, 80mm front calipers, newer fridge, and some fluorescent lamps. It’s clear that this coach was well loved by them and we’re keeping that tradition alive.
Systems that normal shade-tree types might not be familiar with include the Onan (a very simple beast from the mechanical side), the plumbing, the air suspension, and interior work. No worries - we’ve got your back - it’s all been done before, and these friendly people love to share.
Good luck in your search and keep us appraised of your progress.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283252 is a reply to message #283249] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 03:34 |
Guy Lopes
Messages: 499
Registered: April 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Karma: 3
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Bryon,
Welcome aboard! You've come to the right place!
I'm sure something will turn up shortly...
Guy Lopes
76 Birchaven "Orion"
Sacramento, CA
W6TOL
www.GMC-Guy.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Bryan
Hartman
Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2015 10:59 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Help Me Find A Palm Beach?
Hello Everyone,
Nice to meet you all. I have recently been introduced to the GMC
Motorhome...I could go on and on about how fantastic they are but suffice it
to say, I want one.
It will be primarily used for travelling around the state with my sons
tournament baseball team. The random hotels and "parking lot back seat of
the car naps" get really old. My wife really wants the green plaid Palm
Beach interior with the bunk beds on one side and a side wet bath
(26-3?)...so that has been settled.
Does anyone know of a mechanically sound, green plaid interior Palm Beach
that is available for a reasonable price? I found one in Illinois that seems
to fit the bill but I have been told by someone who "should" know that the
price is quite high for what they are offering. My budget is $15K-$20K but I
can stretch/shrink that for the right coach. I can fly to whatever location
but the coach would need to be able to be driven back to the Pacific
Northwest. Please let me know if you can point me in the direction of
something close.
Thanks in Advance,
--Bryan
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Guy Lopes
76 Birchaven "Orion"
Sacramento, CA
W6TOL
www.GMC-Guy.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283256 is a reply to message #283253] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 07:47 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Photos are always misleading, but from the list and the photos, I'd say
$20,000 would not be a bad price -- and acceptable to the seller since the
windshield sign says $23,000.
Ken H.
On Mon, Jul 27, 2015 at 7:06 AM, Bryan Hartman wrote:
> Thanks Larry...yours for sale? :)
>
> ljdavick wrote on Mon, 27 July 2015 02:22
>> Bryan,
>>
>> Are ready for a story? ... Good luck in your search and keep us
> appraised of your progress.
>>
>> Larry Davick
>
>
> Thanks Guy! I hope so.
>
> TAWPTool wrote on Mon, 27 July 2015 03:34
>> Bryon,
>>
>> Welcome aboard! You've come to the right place!
>>
>> I'm sure something will turn up shortly...
>>
>> Guy Lopes
>
>
> What value would you guys (the experts) put on a coach like this?
>
> * New Manny transmission and trans. cooler
> * New Honda EV 6010 generator
> * New Entrance step
> * New Alcoa rims
> * New Tires
> * New Buzz box/Electric converter
> * New Headers and muffler
> * New Block offs on top of engine
> * New Side exhaust vents
> * New Radiator
> * New Interstate battery
> * New Electric fuel pump
> * Every hose and belt you can think of
> * New Carpet and flooring
> * New Shades
> * New Suburban furnace
> * New Air conditioning unit with heat pump
> * Two forever fans(one in bathroom)
> * New Microwave
> * New Counter top
> * Tow package and wiring
>
> * It's a strong runner and garage kept it's entire life.
>
>
> http://s148.photobucket.com/user/bryhart/media/Chicago%201976%20GMC%20Motorhome%20Palm%20Beach/Collection.jpg.html
>
> http://s148.photobucket.com/user/bryhart/media/Chicago%201976%20GMC%20Motorhome%20Palm%20Beach/Motorhome%202015%20013%2035.jpg.html
>
> http://s148.photobucket.com/user/bryhart/media/Chicago%201976%20GMC%20Motorhome%20Palm%20Beach/Motorhome%202015%20013%2024.jpg.html
>
> http://s148.photobucket.com/user/bryhart/media/Chicago%201976%20GMC%20Motorhome%20Palm%20Beach/Motorhome%202015%20013%2015.jpg.html
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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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] Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283258 is a reply to message #283256] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 08:11 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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I agree, however, since it is in the rust belt I would have someone that KNOWS where to look for frame rust do so.
The only down side I see in the interior is that there no cook top of any kind; but that is easily rectified.
How new are "New tires?'
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Henderson
Photos are always misleading, but from the list and the photos, I'd say $20,000 would not be a bad price -- and acceptable to the
seller since the windshield sign says $23,000.
Ken H.
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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
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| Re: Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283264 is a reply to message #283249] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 09:23 |
bryhart
Messages: 90
Registered: July 2015
Location: Salem, OR
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Thanks for all the help Ken, Larry, and Rob. I really appreciate it...
I realize that it is a bit difficult from pictures alone. If I were able to verify the "newness" of these things does $20,000 +/- seem fair?
Also, if I were unable to find someone in the Chicago area who knows what to look for on the frame what would I be looking for?
1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283267 is a reply to message #283264] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 10:06 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Bryan, are you looking at those pictures on a cell phone? If you are, you
need to look at them in a larger, higher definition format. I see three
corners of that palm beach that have been repaired and the paint poorly
matched. Some interior issues as well. I don't see a $20,000.00 coach. I
see a 10 or 11 K one. Buddy Bethune has some commission in there for sure.
Just saying.
Jim Hupy
On Mon, Jul 27, 2015 at 7:23 AM, Bryan Hartman wrote:
> Thanks for all the help Ken, Larry, and Rob. I really appreciate it...
>
> I realize that it is a bit difficult from pictures alone. If I were able
> to verify the "newness" of these things does $20,000 +/- seem fair?
>
> Also, if I were unable to find someone in the Chicago area who knows what
> to look for on the frame what would I be looking for?
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283282 is a reply to message #283253] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 11:27 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Is mine for sale? Yes - but you’ll have to talk to my heirs in about 40 years…
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
> On Jul 27, 2015, at 4:06 AM, Bryan Hartman wrote:
>
> Thanks Larry...yours for sale? :)
>
> ljdavick wrote on Mon, 27 July 2015 02:22
>> Bryan,
>>
>> Are ready for a story? ... Good luck in your search and keep us appraised of your progress.
>>
>> Larry Davick
>
>
> Thanks Guy! I hope so.
>
> TAWPTool wrote on Mon, 27 July 2015 03:34
>> Bryon,
>>
>> Welcome aboard! You've come to the right place!
>>
>> I'm sure something will turn up shortly...
>>
>> Guy Lopes
>
>
> What value would you guys (the experts) put on a coach like this?
>
> * New Manny transmission and trans. cooler
> * New Honda EV 6010 generator
> * New Entrance step
> * New Alcoa rims
> * New Tires
> * New Buzz box/Electric converter
> * New Headers and muffler
> * New Block offs on top of engine
> * New Side exhaust vents
> * New Radiator
> * New Interstate battery
> * New Electric fuel pump
> * Every hose and belt you can think of
> * New Carpet and flooring
> * New Shades
> * New Suburban furnace
> * New Air conditioning unit with heat pump
> * Two forever fans(one in bathroom)
> * New Microwave
> * New Counter top
> * Tow package and wiring
>
> * It's a strong runner and garage kept it's entire life.
>
> http://s148.photobucket.com/user/bryhart/media/Chicago%201976%20GMC%20Motorhome%20Palm%20Beach/Collection.jpg.html
> http://s148.photobucket.com/user/bryhart/media/Chicago%201976%20GMC%20Motorhome%20Palm%20Beach/Motorhome%202015%20013%2035.jpg.html
> http://s148.photobucket.com/user/bryhart/media/Chicago%201976%20GMC%20Motorhome%20Palm%20Beach/Motorhome%202015%20013%2024.jpg.html
> http://s148.photobucket.com/user/bryhart/media/Chicago%201976%20GMC%20Motorhome%20Palm%20Beach/Motorhome%202015%20013%2015.jpg.html
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283286 is a reply to message #283264] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 11:55 |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Bryan,
I sent you a private message regarding my 76 Palm Beach and 76 Eleganza. I can sell either or both. Nor Cal much closer than Chicago and neither coach has lived in the rust belt. Mine are not as nice but not as expensive and much closer.
Give me an email and I will send pictures.
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283289 is a reply to message #283286] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 12:02 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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I have a 77 palm beach that is going up for sale real soon.
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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| Re: Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283294 is a reply to message #283249] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 13:34 |
bryhart
Messages: 90
Registered: July 2015
Location: Salem, OR
Karma: 0
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Member |
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gbarrow wrote on Mon, 27 July 2015 11:55Bryan,
I sent you a private message regarding my 76 Palm Beach and 76 Eleganza. I can sell either or both. Nor Cal much closer than Chicago and neither coach has lived in the rust belt. Mine are not as nice but not as expensive and much closer.
Give me an email and I will send pictures.
I responded to your PM. Please let me know if you didn't get my message. Either way...please send me information and pictures to bryhart@gmail.com.
Scutter wrote on Mon, 27 July 2015 12:02I have a 77 palm beach that is going up for sale real soon.
I grew up in Houston area (Conroe) and most of my family lives there still. My 19 yr. old son is there right now. I would love to fly down, visit family, and drive back with him together. Please send me information and pictures to bryhart@gmail.com.
1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283316 is a reply to message #283311] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 16:20 |
bryhart
Messages: 90
Registered: July 2015
Location: Salem, OR
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Thank you bdub - If/when the time is right I would love for you to contact an owner for me but I think I want to wait just a little longer. Here is my problem...
I do not mind paying a fair price for something (or even slightly over-paying if it is something I really want) but I do not want to grossly overpay for something. I am very new to the GMC world so I have to rely on the experts. As of now, if the condition has been accurately portrayed, some people say it is 12K-15K while others say it is worth close to asking price of 20K. I need to do some more research and see some other options to figure out what is fair for me. Until then I do not want to waste the sellers' time with setting an appointment, asking for full service records, etc. if my highest price on this coach will never reach their current lowest price.
Thank you again and everyone for all of the feedback. Keep it coming and let me know if you know anybody else who is interested in selling me their jewel.
--Bryan
bdub wrote on Mon, 27 July 2015 13:45I've got no previous knowledge of this GMC. I'm only going by the photos
and your description.
I can make contact with an owner for you if need be.
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1977 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Help Me Find A Palm Beach? [message #283322 is a reply to message #283316] |
Mon, 27 July 2015 17:32 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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As others have pointed pout, there is real money to be spent in the areas that are not addressed in the photos. So while the rest of it looks good, until you have the answers to those questions it is impossible to assign value.
Just don't do what I did: Bought something I knew nothing about from someone who did not know what they were selling... Its ok now, but the discovery process takes a toll.
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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