Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » New Cult Member (Just became the owner of a 23" side bath)
| New Cult Member [message #288382] |
Thu, 08 October 2015 21:17  |
gibsongo
Messages: 116
Registered: October 2012
Location: Montreal West, Quebec, Ca...
Karma: 0
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Hello
Just (finally....) joined the club - taking possession of a 1976 23" next Tuesday in Brantford Ontario, and hopefully driving it 450 miles to Montreal after putting new tires on it and repacking front and rear wheel bearings - if the mechanic cooperates.
The current owner says he uses it regularly on weekends for 60- 80 mile camping trips, which to me is a good sign - it's not a barn queen. Aside from cruise control not working and exhaust manifold leaking at the donut, he says everything is fully operational. It started and drove well The front end and steering seemed nice and tight, and the airbags were holding air. So I will take my courage in my two hands, an airbag "cheater bar", a limited set of tools and a volt meter with me, and pray for the best. Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome.
The current owner said that the interior of the coach had been redone by Cinnabar 9 or 10 years ago. Instead of an Onan, this coach has a Generac generator. Can I assume that this is a retrofit - never heard of a GMC coming standard with this. The starting battery for the generator seems to be hidden away behind the generator (which does not appear to be on a slide mount). This seems a bit strange - a bit strange to have to take the generator out to change the battery. Anyone seen something like this before?
Gordon Gibson
Montreal West
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Cult Member [message #288383 is a reply to message #288382] |
Thu, 08 October 2015 21:29  |
Guy Lopes
Messages: 499
Registered: April 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Karma: 3
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Gordon,
Congratulations! I hope that your new GMC helps to make many happy memories.
You have come to the right place for technical advice. You should soon get
many answers.
In my 76 rear bath 23' Birchaven, there is a closet on the driver's side,
right over the generator. There is a small door in the floor of that closet
which covers a battery box for access to the small starting battery. Have
you looked on the inside of the coach around his same location?
As far as I know the Onan generators came standard and as an option on all
GMC variants. Cinnabar must have retrofitted your Generac in place of a
broken Onan.
Good luck on your maiden voyage. You might print out the Black List and take
a copy with you. Just in case.
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 Gordon
Gibson
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2015 7:18 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] New Cult Member
Hello
Just (finally....) joined the club - taking possession of a 1976 23" next
Tuesday in Brantford Ontario, and hopefully driving it 450 miles to Montreal
after putting new tires on it and repacking front and rear wheel bearings -
if the mechanic cooperates.
The current owner says he uses it regularly on weekends for 60- 80 mile
camping trips, which to me is a good sign - it's not a barn queen. Aside
from cruise control not working and exhaust manifold leaking at the donut,
he says everything is fully operational. It started and drove well The front
end and steering seemed nice and tight, and the airbags were holding air. So
I will take my courage in my two hands, an airbag "cheater bar", a limited
set of tools and a volt meter with me, and pray for the best. Any
suggestions or recommendations are welcome.
The current owner said that the interior of the coach had been redone by
Cinnabar 9 or 10 years ago. Instead of an Onan, this coach has a Generac
generator. Can I assume that this is a retrofit - never heard of a GMC
coming standard with this. The starting battery for the generator seems to
be hidden away behind the generator (which does not appear to be on a slide
mount). This seems a bit strange - a bit strange to have to take the
generator out to change the battery. Anyone seen something like this before?
Gordon Gibson
Montreal West
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Guy Lopes
76 Birchaven "Orion"
Sacramento, CA
W6TOL
www.GMC-Guy.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Cult Member [message #288384 is a reply to message #288383] |
Thu, 08 October 2015 21:38 |
gibsongo
Messages: 116
Registered: October 2012
Location: Montreal West, Quebec, Ca...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Guy,
No - I didn't get the time to really go through the interior - I was concentrating on crawling underneath making sure the frame wasn't rusted, etc. I will have more time on Tuesday since I will be over-nighting somewhere on the way back home.
And...of course I won't forget my copy of the blacklist. One Toronto Member has already referred me to his mechanic for the bearing repacking.
Thanks
Gordon
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Cult Member [message #288386 is a reply to message #288384] |
Thu, 08 October 2015 22:03 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hi Gordon
I guess I didn't scare you off with our conversation on GMC's I am glad you found one.
Good Luck on your adventure.
gibsongo wrote on Thu, 08 October 2015 22:38Guy,
No - I didn't get the time to really go through the interior - I was concentrating on crawling underneath making sure the frame wasn't rusted, etc. I will have more time on Tuesday since I will be over-nighting somewhere on the way back home.
And...of course I won't forget my copy of the blacklist. One Toronto Member has already referred me to his mechanic for the bearing repacking.
Thanks
Gordon
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Cult Member [message #288388 is a reply to message #288382] |
Thu, 08 October 2015 22:06 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Gordon,
A word of warning here! Unless the mechanic has the special tools and knowledge along with the manuals to repack the front bearing assemblies then DO NOT let him even touch them! The front bearing assemblies are very special animal and not done by just anyone. They are NOT like an automotive front bearing assembly. The rear bearings require the correct seals as they cannot be reused. Unless you have all the necessary parts on hand before you start, then you could be several days getting the correct parts. I would also suggest that you get a copy of the “Black List”.
http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/
and a copy of the Maintenance manuals for your coach.
http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7525/index.html
and
http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7625/index.html
You did not say what model you have?
Just put new tires on it. Do you have the Alcoa Aluminum Wheels. Minimum of a load range D tire for a 23’ coach.
Good Luck on your new adventure into owning a GMC Classic Coach.
JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States Charter Member
GMCGL Tech Editor
GMCMHI
78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
1975 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
> On Oct 8, 2015, at 10:17 PM, Gordon Gibson wrote:
>
> Hello
> Just (finally....) joined the club - taking possession of a 1976 23" next Tuesday in Brantford Ontario, and hopefully driving it 450 miles to Montreal
> after putting new tires on it and repacking front and rear wheel bearings - if the mechanic cooperates.
>
> The current owner says he uses it regularly on weekends for 60- 80 mile camping trips, which to me is a good sign - it's not a barn queen. Aside from
> cruise control not working and exhaust manifold leaking at the donut, he says everything is fully operational. It started and drove well The front end
> and steering seemed nice and tight, and the airbags were holding air. So I will take my courage in my two hands, an airbag "cheater bar", a limited
> set of tools and a volt meter with me, and pray for the best. Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome.
>
> The current owner said that the interior of the coach had been redone by Cinnabar 9 or 10 years ago. Instead of an Onan, this coach has a Generac
> generator. Can I assume that this is a retrofit - never heard of a GMC coming standard with this. The starting battery for the generator seems to be
> hidden away behind the generator (which does not appear to be on a slide mount). This seems a bit strange - a bit strange to have to take the
> generator out to change the battery. Anyone seen something like this before?
>
> Gordon Gibson
> Montreal West
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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: New Cult Member [message #288401 is a reply to message #288382] |
Fri, 09 October 2015 08:37 |
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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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Gordon,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum....
It sounds like you have a winner.
Before you set out inspect the cruise control for loose hoses. That is the typical failure. Be sure to check the vacuum valve up at the brake pedal.
You already scored big as you found this group. If you do not have all the manuals, download them at Bdub's site. If you were a lurker at all, then you know you have found the correct site. You may also have realized that that is a community like few others. It is a wonderful community of helping and supporting old friends that you just met. As the only other I know of like it is the watermen of my world, I have taken to 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 Gordon
Matt
gibsongo wrote on Thu, 08 October 2015 22:17Hello
Just (finally....) joined the club - taking possession of a 1976 23" next Tuesday in Brantford Ontario, and hopefully driving it 450 miles to Montreal after putting new tires on it and repacking front and rear wheel bearings - if the mechanic cooperates.
The current owner says he uses it regularly on weekends for 60- 80 mile camping trips, which to me is a good sign - it's not a barn queen. Aside from cruise control not working and exhaust manifold leaking at the donut, he says everything is fully operational. It started and drove well The front end and steering seemed nice and tight, and the airbags were holding air. So I will take my courage in my two hands, an airbag "cheater bar", a limited set of tools and a volt meter with me, and pray for the best. Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome.
The current owner said that the interior of the coach had been redone by Cinnabar 9 or 10 years ago. Instead of an Onan, this coach has a Generac generator. Can I assume that this is a retrofit - never heard of a GMC coming standard with this. The starting battery for the generator seems to be hidden away behind the generator (which does not appear to be on a slide mount). This seems a bit strange - a bit strange to have to take the generator out to change the battery. Anyone seen something like this before?
Gordon Gibson
Montreal West
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 Cult Member [message #288434 is a reply to message #288382] |
Fri, 09 October 2015 14:53 |
gibsongo
Messages: 116
Registered: October 2012
Location: Montreal West, Quebec, Ca...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hi to all
Thanks to all of you for your interest, comments and recommendations. The tremendous sense of community that pervades this group is probably 90% of the reason why I am taking the plunge (although the design of the coach ain't bad....).
John, nope - didn't scare me off. Your hospitality and enthusiasm for your coach merely steeled my resolve. JR and Alex - pretty sure the mechanic I will hopefully be visiting in Toronto has a GMC bearing puller. I assumed the seals were standard Olds Toronado - which should be available somewhere in Toronto. But I will take your comments int careful consideration and go over the issue with the mechanic before committing one way or another. Matt - thanks for the tip about the cruise control - hopefully it will be a quick fix like this. Johnny, I have followed your colorfully written Generac Saga with interest. Up in the great white north, the need for a generator is perhaps not as great as down south - I do mostly dry camping (or boondocking as some people call it) and with my old class C could manage a couple of days on the coach batteries - they were only running the water pump, a few lights at night, and when it was really hot - a Maxxair fan. Only time I used the roof AC was when we camped in South Carolina a couple of times - and when I was working on the coach in the driveway (plugged in to shore power). So if I can get this generac (a lot more antiquated than yours) running, think I'll be OK - for a while at least.
My plan is to get the coach to Montreal, get my feet wet (the GMC house systems are vastly different than my Class C), then do a full bullet-proofing (brakes and lines, cooling, re-do the fuel lines, oil and tranny cooling lines, power steering hoses, etc.) then try to make it to the spring GMC get-together to put some faces on names, and pick up more of the GMC lore. Longer term, I will also need to install a propane-powered fridge and water heater to make the coach better adapted to dry camping.
Stay tuned. Montreal or bust - starting on Tuesday.
Gordon
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
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| Re: New Cult Member [message #288460 is a reply to message #288382] |
Sat, 10 October 2015 08:47 |
gibsongo
Messages: 116
Registered: October 2012
Location: Montreal West, Quebec, Ca...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Alex
Good points for sure. I remember reading the post about the seals - now I will have to back and re-read all this stuff since for me it is no longer just theoretical.
For the seals, is it safe to assume that stuff ordered from the GMC-specific suppliers (Applied GMC, etc.) will be OK? For the front end, I must admit that the one-top option is appealing.
In my case, home court advantage for the next months will be slight. I have a driveway where I can park the coach temporarily, but it won't fit in the garage. The snow will be falling in a matter of weeks, and while I used to think nothing of crawling under a car and changing a starter while lying in the snow (OK) or slush (not so OK), my appetite for this has waned as I age. So heavy lifting for the next couple of months is going to have to be done on a "paid for" basis.
Thanks
Gordon
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Cult Member [message #288474 is a reply to message #288468] |
Sat, 10 October 2015 12:37 |
Kingsley Coach
Messages: 2691
Registered: March 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Karma: -34
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Senior Member |
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Gordon
You said, "...but it won't fit in the garage. "
Looks like you've found your first job...build a garage that it will fit !
Mike in NS
On Sat, Oct 10, 2015 at 12:54 PM, A. wrote:
> gibsongo wrote on Sat, 10 October 2015 08:47
>> ...For the seals, is it safe to assume that stuff ordered from the
> GMC-specific suppliers (Applied GMC, etc.) will be OK?...
> Most likely. But sometimes their suppliers succumb to sub-optimal parts
> and a customer or two ends up with one before the vendor becomes aware of
> it.
>
> There was some ugliness over transmission filters some time ago. In many
> of them now, the pipe where the fluid gets sucked into the transmission is
> just enough under size to allow it to suck air, even with the correct
> o-ring in place.
>
> It is getting harder and harder to even lay the parts side by side and see
> which new ones won't work.
> --
> '73 23' Sequoia For Sale
> '73 23' CanyonLands For Sale
> Upper Alabama
> There will always be a demand for scapegoats. The job sucks, but the work
> is steady.
>
> _______________________________________________
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--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS
Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Cult Member [message #288496 is a reply to message #288474] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 00:20 |
gibsongo
Messages: 116
Registered: October 2012
Location: Montreal West, Quebec, Ca...
Karma: 0
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Well....the CFO would have some very definite ideas about that - and probably the town council as well. We're pretty close to downtown Montreal and highly regulated.
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Cult Member [message #288521 is a reply to message #288496] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 18:30 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Welcome and good luck. Now, a thread like this is useless without pictures...  just saying.
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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| Re: [GMCnet] New Cult Member [message #288532 is a reply to message #288521] |
Sun, 11 October 2015 22:11 |
gibsongo
Messages: 116
Registered: October 2012
Location: Montreal West, Quebec, Ca...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Good point. Hopefully by mid week I will be able to rectify that....providing I can figure out how to post pictures - or links to pictures. My impression is that there is a data base of pics somewhere to which you are supposed to post your pics to rather than attaching them to a reply or a new message. Is there a place where a Newb like me can read up on this and figure out what the correct procedures are?
Thanks
Gordon
Gordon Gibson
1976 23" Norris Upfit
Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
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Just replaced one with a substantially bigger Predator from H-F. If the coach has been used regularly, I'd 'screw my courage to the sticking point', put a set of tires on, and head out. With toolkit and Black List in hand.