| Where do I start? [message #292789] |
Wed, 23 December 2015 10:10  |
dig dig
Messages: 3
Registered: December 2014
Location: Stoughton, WI
Karma:
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Junior Member |
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Last summer we bought a 1978 Royale center bath with a Cadillac 500 engine 60k on coach and 30k on engine. Overall it's in good shape, but does have a few problems: exhaust leaks exhaust pipe connects to exhaust manifold, occasional smell of raw gas, iffy alternator, a little bit of wobble in the front end and the air bags hold air but electro-level system isn't working.
I've been getting great advice from nearby GMCers (especially Steve Southworth, Ray Erspamer
 and Larry Weidner
). I've also exchanged emails with the good folks at Applied GMC, Coop GMC, and the Cad Company. And I've been researching and reading everything I can get my hands on.
I've replaced the OEM wheels and ten year old tires with Alcoas and Michilens. I've bought (but haven't yet installed) a new set of KYB shocks.
Frankly, I'm overwhelmed ... not complaining, but definitely suffering from information overload. The plan is to get it ready for cross-country travel. We'll tackle the mechanical stuff first and worry about the cosmetic stuff later.
Here's my "to do" list of the moment ... along with questions when I haven't got a clue as to what to do:
1. Fix exhaust leak. Hopefully, it's just replacing gaskets or tightening bolts.
2. Fix raw gas smell. Haven't spotted any leaks. What should I check next (PCV)?
3. Upgrade alternator to 100 amp at idle and rewire with heavier gauge wire. Should I upgrade the starter solenoid as well (a friend suggested one for a early 90s Chevy G30)?
4. Change wheel bearings and front end bushings. While I've got it apart, what else should I replace? Is it worth upgrading to the one-ton front end?
5. Replace all hoses water, fuel, brakes and air. I know that stainless steel brake lines are nice, but do I really need brake lines that last longer than I do?
6. Replace master and wheel brake cylinders pads and shoes as needed. Which of the various brake upgrades should I do?
7. Replace wiring as needed and clean all contacts.
8. Replace OEM rocker arm assemblies with shaft-type rocker arms.
9. Repair Electro-Level control check lines and compressor. Is it worth it to switch to a four-bag system? If so ... which one?
10. Repair cruise control or replace with electronic system?
11. I don't plan to replace the carburetor with a fuel injection system, but I do wonder if it's worth changing to ram or cold-air induction and/or replacing the exhaust manifolds with headers and a free flowing exhaust system.
12. The original Cadillac ignition system is HEI. Should I upgrade to an electronic system or leave well enough alone?
Sorry the list is so long and I hope my mechanical shortcomings aren't too obvious. Please feel free to limit your answers to whatever interests you ... or for that matter add other items to the list.
Thank you
digdig
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