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[GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294237] Sat, 23 January 2016 15:38 Go to next message
Tony is currently offline  Tony   United States
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No affiliation, but in my quest for a GMC, I've been watching several
project motorcoaches (building up my courage). I saw this one listed
earlier, but the price has now dropped to $2400. My curious side says this
could be fun, in a sick way. My practical side says, I need something I can
drive yet tinker with, so this isn't for me.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/rvs/5414938902.html

Salvageable?

Tony
​ Bennett
Watkinsville, GA​
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Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294238 is a reply to message #294237] Sat, 23 January 2016 15:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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Since it runs, it must be a start.
I would consider it .

On Sat, Jan 23, 2016 at 1:38 PM, Tony wrote:

> No affiliation, but in my quest for a GMC, I've been watching several
> project motorcoaches (building up my courage). I saw this one listed
> earlier, but the price has now dropped to $2400. My curious side says this
> could be fun, in a sick way. My practical side says, I need something I can
> drive yet tinker with, so this isn't for me.
>
> http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/rvs/5414938902.html
>
> Salvageable?
>
> Tony
> ​ Bennett
> Watkinsville, GA​
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294240 is a reply to message #294237] Sat, 23 January 2016 16:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
thainglo is currently offline  thainglo   United States
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Nice dash. That's roughly half the cost of the purchase price.

Matt Sladek 1976 Eleganza II Coralville, IA
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294243 is a reply to message #294237] Sat, 23 January 2016 16:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Guy Lopes is currently offline  Guy Lopes   United States
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Salvageable? They're ALL salvageable. It just depends on how much time and money you're willing to spend on it.

Really, the only aspect of this one that would scare me off is his mention of frame rust. How much, what kind, how deep, areas affected, etc are all questions that need to be answered before the final price or value could be determined. Complete new frames are still available last I checked, but they are several thousands of dollars ($6k ?). It does have some nice features though. The dash is high dollar, the extra wheels (if they fit), fairly original interior, new(er) roof A/C...

In its present state I personally feel that his asking price is a bit high. But that's what asking prices are for - a starting point. Hahaha

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 Tony
Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 1:39 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary...

No affiliation, but in my quest for a GMC, I've been watching several project motorcoaches (building up my courage). I saw this one listed earlier, but the price has now dropped to $2400. My curious side says this could be fun, in a sick way. My practical side says, I need something I can drive yet tinker with, so this isn't for me.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/rvs/5414938902.html

Salvageable?

Tony
​ Bennett
Watkinsville, GA​
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Guy Lopes 76 Birchaven "Orion" Sacramento, CA W6TOL www.GMC-Guy.com
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294244 is a reply to message #294237] Sat, 23 January 2016 16:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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"Some frame rust" might be a deal breaker. Has bouds seen it before, or Sirum? I'd have to see the frame, or have someone I trusted look at it before I went any further. If it's surface rust or a hole under the battery, not so bad. If its rotten along the rails or worse under the bogey doublers, Id shine it on. If it isn't driveable, you're looking at $2 - 3 Large to get it to W'ville. How much time and dime are you willing to invest? If the frame is useable, it's a 1500 coach maybe. Look at it first. Assuming it cranks and shifts, brakes, all hoses, all fluids and tires, and maybeso you could drive it home.

--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
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294245 is a reply to message #294244] Sat, 23 January 2016 17:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
hal kading is currently offline  hal kading   United States
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Stock back brakes don't do much anyway so that might not be a show stopper.

Hal Kading 78 Buskirk Las Cruces NM
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294246 is a reply to message #294237] Sat, 23 January 2016 17:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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Location: Braselton ga
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I'd move it across town without any back brakes. I drove mine home without any front brakes from Orlando three years ago - which I don't recommend but I got away with it. W'ville to Largo is just under 500 miles, if the fronts work it's doable, it's a loooong one day trip. I got a tire that holds air I'll lend you if you go for it.

--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
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294251 is a reply to message #294237] Sat, 23 January 2016 18:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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Tony wrote on Sat, 23 January 2016 15:38
...Salvageable?...
If the frame rust is light, yes. BUT...If you have to pay to have it hauled home, it is overpriced.

If the frame rust is surface rust, and you can cobble it up to get it home under its own power, it is just a bit pricey. But you are going to lose thousands on whatever you buy, does the extra $900 really matter. Vicegrip the line to the wheel with the bad brake and get the wheel turning. Take the 16" rims that come with it to a tire place and get new tires for it. Take an outboard motor tank and electric fuel pump with stuff to rig it to the carburetor so you don't have to use the gas from its tanks and drive it home.
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294255 is a reply to message #294251] Sat, 23 January 2016 18:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Mark,

I'm not sure what $900 represents, however, if it is for a new frame I don't think that is correct..

Here's a link to Dan Stuckey's listing on Bdub's website: http://www.bdub.net/stuckey/

I called him to ask the current price for a frame but was only able to leave a voicemail.

I've Cc'd him on this email.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic

-----Original Message-----
From: A.

Tony wrote on Sat, 23 January 2016 15:38
> ...Salvageable?...
If the frame rust is light, yes. BUT...If you have to pay to have it hauled home, it is overpriced.

If the frame rust is surface rust, and you can cobble it up to get it home under its own power, it is just a bit pricey. But you are
going to lose thousands on whatever you buy, does the extra $900 really matter. Vicegrip the line to the wheel with the bad brake
and get the wheel turning. Take the 16" rims that come with it to a tire place and get new tires for it. Take an outboard motor tank
and electric fuel pump with stuff to rig it to the carburetor so you don't have to use the gas from its tanks and drive it home.
--


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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] A project, not for the weary... [message #294263 is a reply to message #294237] Sat, 23 January 2016 20:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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Location: Braselton ga
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The 900 is the difference in asking and in what it's worth. A gmc unit more or less in the rehabbing of the coach isn't a great lot. To me the cheapskate, it's the rear brake torque arms. I'd talk the owner off it. Rotted frame is a 'forget it' I think. And I wouldn't vice grip a line, I'd try a pipe wrench on the nut on the proportioning valve and plug the resulting hole with a 50 cent brass plug. Saves the line which might still be good. Matter of choice really. But it would hafta go home on its own steam.

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
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294267 is a reply to message #294237] Sat, 23 January 2016 20:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
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Figure $15,000 - $20,000 to get it into nice condition. With you doing
most of the labor.

You can do better, Tony. Possibly even right here in GA, 'though I don't
know of one right now.

Stay in touch.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com



On Sat, Jan 23, 2016 at 4:38 PM, Tony wrote:

> No affiliation, but in my quest for a GMC, I've been watching several
> project motorcoaches (building up my courage). I saw this one listed
> earlier, but the price has now dropped to $2400. My curious side says this
> could be fun, in a sick way. My practical side says, I need something I can
> drive yet tinker with, so this isn't for me.
>
> http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/rvs/5414938902.html
>
> Salvageable?
>
> Tony
> ​ Bennett
> Watkinsville, GA​
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294269 is a reply to message #294244] Sat, 23 January 2016 20:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Y'All DO know where Largo, FL is, don't you? Right on the Gulf of Mexico.
That IS salt water, you know. :-)

I'm sticking with my estimate. I think it will prove to be at least as
badly rusted as the photos look.

I should confess, however, that it looks suspiciously like one I looked at
in that area a couple of times 10-12 years ago. It was bad even then and
had been sitting basically undisturbed in the lot of a low-quality garage
for a LONG time. May not even the be same coach; but if not, it's likely a
sibling.

Ken H.


On Sat, Jan 23, 2016 at 5:56 PM, Johnny Bridges wrote:

> "Some frame rust" might be a deal breaker. Has bouds seen it before, or
> Sirum? I'd have to see the frame, or have someone I trusted look at it
> before I went any further. If it's surface rust or a hole under the
> battery, not so bad. If its rotten along the rails or worse under the bogey
> doublers, Id shine it on. If it isn't driveable, you're looking at $2 - 3
> Large to get it to W'ville. How much time and dime are you willing to
> invest? If the frame is useable, it's a 1500 coach maybe. Look at it
> first. Assuming it cranks and shifts, brakes, all hoses, all fluids and
> tires,
> and maybeso you could drive it home.
>
> --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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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294279 is a reply to message #294255] Sat, 23 January 2016 23:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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USAussie wrote on Sat, 23 January 2016 18:54
Mark,
I'm not sure what $900 represents, however, if it is for a new frame I don't think that is correct..

Here's a link to Dan Stuckey's listing on Bdub's website: http://www.bdub.net/stuckey/

I called him to ask the current price for a frame but was only able to leave a voicemail.

I've Cc'd him on this email.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
What Johnny said. The difference between what it is worth in parts ($1500) and asking price.

If the frame is rusted out, it is virtually worthless except for parts.

Either way, if it won't move itself from its old home to a new one, it isn't worth paying a hauler (other than sentimental reasons).
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294281 is a reply to message #294237] Sun, 24 January 2016 01:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BobDunahugh is currently offline  BobDunahugh   United States
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I think I can certainly qualify to talk about projects. Sort of. ( GRIN ) One advantage is that you can build your GMC into exactly what you want it to be. But you need to start out with a solid coach that has issues that you're qualified to handle. The Mouse House was a perfect GMC to build for me. Body, and paint is extremely good. All the genuine walnut woodwork was vary nice. Frame still has a lot of original black paint on it. The 403 had 1800 miles on a complete reman. It's BIG issue was that it was infested with mouse nest. I packed 5 black garbage bags full of mouse nest. Had to get a hazmat suit to do it safely. It was a very nice GMC that was a cleaning nightmare. I paid $4500 for it. And drove it the 3 miles home. This coach was perfect for me because of three basic reasons. One. Any GMC that I bought at this point in my 70 year old life. I wanted to totally take it apart anyway for the mods I needed, and wanted to do. Two. Everything I needed for the drivetrain in the Mouse House was out in the convertible GMC that was parked in my driveway. Three. It had the perfect Royale floor plan to meet Linda's wheelchair needs. I'm expecting to have $30,000. in parts in the Mouse House when completed. And that's putting in my labor at ZERO value. ( And I'm LOVING every minute. ) Thus when completed. Linda, and I will end up with a basically new GMC that's built to our specifications from top to bottom. I think that's just damn cheap. Then in Nov I bought the 73 with a good paint job for $2300. It came with all new. Not installed yet. Refrigerator, Suburban furnace, Roof A/C unit, 4 burner cook top, complete original rear ladder, new carpet, and all the seats/cushions still wrapped up. Then drove it home. Thus a project for next summer. Moral of this story. Pick the battles that fit your abilities. You just might find a fun project that will be rewarding in the fact that YOU did it.




Bob Dunahugh78 Mouse House
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Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294282 is a reply to message #294279] Sun, 24 January 2016 04:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Mark,

Understood and agreed.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic

-----Original Message-----
From: A.

What Johnny said. The difference between what it is worth in parts ($1500) and asking price.

If the frame is rusted out, it is virtually worthless except for parts.

Either way, if it won't move itself from its old home to a new one, it isn't worth paying a hauler (other than sentimental reasons).


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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] A project, not for the weary... [message #294284 is a reply to message #294237] Sun, 24 January 2016 06:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gibsongo is currently offline  gibsongo   Malaysia
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Rob M,

Dan Stuckey is currently sunning himself on a beach down in Mexico, and the cost of one of his new frames (everything but the front clip) is just north of $6,000 in Canadian pesos assuming you go with galvanized - considerably less in greenbacks these days given how much the CAD has wilted.

Ask me how I know - in November I purchased a complete frame for my 23" from him, and he graciously trailored the parts to Frank Borrman's garage in Bluevale Ontario where the work is being done. He was heading south the day after,

I presume a 26" frame would be a bit more expensive - longer rails and one more cross member.

Gordon Gibson
Montreal
23" 1976
Sorry - haven't gotten around to creating the sig file


Gordon Gibson 1976 23" Norris Upfit Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294370 is a reply to message #294281] Mon, 25 January 2016 10:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BobDunahugh is currently offline  BobDunahugh   United States
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Tony. Matt maned up on the $25k. to get to a good comfort zone as you hit the road. I paid $4500 for the Mouse House in Oct of this year. Closing in on $30k now. But in reality I'm hopping $35k will be the limit with no labor cost for me. Matt's at his very high labor cost for him at $1 per hr. I'm at .25 cents to keep my share down. Makes me feel better. RIGHT.



Bob Dunahugh78 Mouse House

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Re: [GMCnet] A project, not for the weary... [message #294372 is a reply to message #294237] Mon, 25 January 2016 10:45 Go to previous message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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I'm (barely) under 20 Large without labor, and I still have the original inside and original drive line, although both sui my purposes just fine. At my transmitter labor rate, I can buy a new Diesel pusher... if I could afford to pay myself it.

--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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