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Trip end report [message #300806] Thu, 19 May 2016 10:29 Go to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
I bought Neil Martin's coach, picked it up at Miguel's place in Montclair CA after a transmission transplant and new header gaskets. I took a week to drive it home with stops along the way, truly a 2300 mile learning experience:

Even good stock brakes are no match for a reaction arm system.
MSD injection is more sensitive to low fuel level than a carb.
A 3:70 gearset sure helps in going up the Western mountains.
A 3:70 gearset does Bad Things for gas mileage.
The MSD throttle body with a simple bonnet for a remote filter is noisy as hell.
Turning the back into a bed is a great idea.
Even a wet side bath is no match for the palatious Reading Room in my Norris upfit.
I wish I could afford Hal's Vista Cruiser - geez it's a work of art.
Low oil pressure seems to be a hallmark of this particular rebuilder, I've seen it in the past. Doesn't seem to hurt anything, but I'd like a bit more leeway.
Between Neil and Miguel, I had enough information to get home safe and sound, but there's easy a week of tracing wires and reading manuals for add - ons.
For those who asked selling price, talk to Neil. If he wants to share I don't care - but it's his decision, not mine. I think he did me a great favor.
As far as the State of Georgia is concerned, "Ten dollars ($10.00) and Other Valuable Considerations."
This coach has an aluminum radiator, I don't think it's the equal of the recored one in my 23. I'll run it over Culowee Mountain in a week or so for a comparison.

So some things I figure to do over the next few months as ongoing changes. I'll put a reaction arm system on as soon as I can scrape the money, which will get the bearings repacked. I have the tweak box for the MSD, I want to see if I can get it a bit more stable under full throttle at low engine speeds. I'm gonna stuff an original thermostat in to see if 170 or so running temp will hike the oil pressure a bit. If the run up the the Asheville shows give more temp rise than I like going over Culowee, I'll likely swap radiators with the 23'. and use 'Aluminum Radiator' as a selling point. Front tires will be migrating to the rears, rears to mid, and mids to front - fronts show wear - even fortunately. The left rear air system decided to puke about Tulsa, I came the rest of the way with the valve off and height set for $.75 at a gas station. Setting the Electro - Level to 'raise' pulls the presuure gauge to 30PSI with the compressor running continuously. There's a line off or a split, ought to be easy to find. I can compare it to the good side. Ride height needs setting in the rear, not sure about the front but it will be checked. The maps in the gee-whiz Clarion radio/GPS/player will be updated. The rear view camera will be repaired - I suspect there's no power going to it. The (brand new) Suburban furnace will be made to work. Has 12 volts, 'stat calls for heat properly, it stays silent. Again, ought to be easy. Propane valve will be repacked, I don't like the leak in transition mode. I'll ask Oakwood Tire for recommendations for the TPMS sensors, they have expired batteries. And likely there will be the occasional nit - picky thing to mess with along the way.

It's gonna be fun, since I can use the coach during all this. The 23' Norris upfit is now Officially For Sale. As soon as I get some pics it will go up on the facebook site. Meantimes, eight Large will drive it home. Or I'll ask for nine and you can talk me down to eight. Save the dickering, bring money and it's yours. PM for specific questions.

--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: Trip end report [message #300838 is a reply to message #300806] Thu, 19 May 2016 22:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dennis S is currently offline  Dennis S   United States
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member

Johnny

Congratulations on the new coach and the successful cross country trip home.

I am not familiar with the coach so post some photos when you can or point me to a source.

What do you do for a dog bath now -- just curious.

Dennis


Johnny Bridges wrote on Thu, 19 May 2016 10:29
I bought Neil Martin's coach, picked it up at Miguel's place in Montclair CA after a transmission transplant and new header gaskets. I took a week to drive it home with stops along the way, truly a 2300 mile learning experience:

Even good stock brakes are no match for a reaction arm system.
MSD injection is more sensitive to low fuel level than a carb.
A 3:70 gearset sure helps in going up the Western mountains.
A 3:70 gearset does Bad Things for gas mileage.
The MSD throttle body with a simple bonnet for a remote filter is noisy as hell.
Turning the back into a bed is a great idea.
Even a wet side bath is no match for the palatious Reading Room in my Norris upfit.
I wish I could afford Hal's Vista Cruiser - geez it's a work of art.
Low oil pressure seems to be a hallmark of this particular rebuilder, I've seen it in the past. Doesn't seem to hurt anything, but I'd like a bit more leeway.
Between Neil and Miguel, I had enough information to get home safe and sound, but there's easy a week of tracing wires and reading manuals for add - ons.
For those who asked selling price, talk to Neil. If he wants to share I don't care - but it's his decision, not mine. I think he did me a great favor.
As far as the State of Georgia is concerned, "Ten dollars ($10.00) and Other Valuable Considerations."
This coach has an aluminum radiator, I don't think it's the equal of the recored one in my 23. I'll run it over Culowee Mountain in a week or so for a comparison.


Snip.......

--johnny




Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
Re: Trip end report [message #300852 is a reply to message #300806] Fri, 20 May 2016 07:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Johnny,

It is not often I get to do this for a second coach here, but wish still holds true.

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within here.

Safe Travel Johnny.

Matt


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
Re: Trip end report [message #300858 is a reply to message #300806] Fri, 20 May 2016 08:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
There are a couple of pictures on the photosite under 'Neil' I believe. It ain't a bad looking ride. As to washing the pooch, the show sites normally have bathing facilities. He gets shampooed before we leave , and he isn't currently showing anyway. If I get another puppy, it might be a concern. I suspect I can bungee my Booster - Bath on the ladder or the roof without a lot of trouble if I go spmeplace where I need 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: Trip end report [message #300862 is a reply to message #300858] Fri, 20 May 2016 09:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Justin Brady is currently offline  Justin Brady   United States
Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN
Karma: 11
Senior Member
Johnny,
Very cool! Sounds like a fun trip.
What kind of mileage did you end up with with the 3:70


Justin Brady http://www.thegmcrv.com/ 1976 Palm Beach 455
Re: [GMCnet] Trip end report [message #300868 is a reply to message #300858] Fri, 20 May 2016 09:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bdub is currently offline  bdub   United States
Messages: 1578
Registered: February 2004
Location: Central Texas
Karma: 5
Senior Member

I really like those LTS Alcoas. Are the fuel tank covers still there?

bdub


On Fri, May 20, 2016 at 8:32 AM, Johnny Bridges via Gmclist wrote:

> There are a couple of pictures on the photosite under 'Neil' I believe.
> It ain't a bad looking ride. As to washing the pooch, the show sites
> normally have bathing facilities. He gets shampooed before we leave , and
> he isn't currently showing anyway. If I get another puppy, it might be a
> concern. I suspect I can bungee my Booster - Bath on the ladder or the
> roof without a lot of trouble if I go spmeplace where I need it.
>
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bdub
'76 Palm Beach/Central Texas
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Re: Trip end report [message #300870 is a reply to message #300806] Fri, 20 May 2016 09:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob S. is currently offline  Bob S.   United States
Messages: 143
Registered: October 2012
Location: Rapid City, SD
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Johnny, I found your comment about MSD EFI being "noisy as hell" interesting. I put Professional Products Powerjection III on my coach about 2 years ago and it always sounded like it was running with the air breather off(constant air sucking noise). That system recently failed and I was forced to switch to a different system. I chose FItech after reading the comments from people here on the forum. I couldn't believe how quiet this system is. I am using the same air filter system and I can't hear any additional noise at all. If anybody needs to switch to EFI or replace an existing system, I think FItech will treat you well. Please note, I am not trying to start any controversy here, or disparage any other system (except Powerjection III),I am just sharing my positive experience with FItech. If anybody is considering the Professional Products system, please contact me before purchasing.

Bob and Pam Schilling Rapid City, SD "78 Royale
Re: Trip end report [message #300880 is a reply to message #300806] Fri, 20 May 2016 12:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
The tank covers are in fact still there. Coach did 6 - 7 mpg on the trip, much of which was pulling the Rockies and the Osages. Also, the cruise control hunts which I suspect doesn't help the mileage very much. I'll address that as part of the fun. It turned 2800 - 3000 rpm for the run. I haven't figured whether the low level whistle is coming out of the speaker on the passenger side, or something over there has a small vacuum leak. I'll find it eventually. I'm at a loss to figure why one four choke throttle body on the same manifold woukld sound different from another but I'm up for listening to one of the FI Tech setups to compare. Coach has Firestone TAs fitted, and will bark the tires comping off a light if you punch it. More from weight transfer than anything else I suspect. Upcoming shows are Fletcher NC and Concord NC, I'll probably take it to Concord and stay across the street from the track, no race going on so the price is right. Fletcher is undecided, if my show buddy goes I'll take the coach, if not I'll stay with friends and enjoy 35mpg in the Mousetoad.

--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: Trip end report [message #301105 is a reply to message #300806] Wed, 25 May 2016 15:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
Update - two little problems I reported healed. The air bag on the driver's side had a kink and leak in the hose where it entered the shut-off assembly. A splice, foot of hose, and a new ferrule, healed. A read on the Electro-Level operation got me headed in the right direction.
"The Suburban Furnace has a shut off valve with a switch on it. Closing the valve opens the switch, disabling the power to the furnace." RTFM. Which incidentally at no point shows where the valve actually >is< but I b'lieve I've found it. Heat not required in Georgia this time o year.

--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: Trip end report [message #301133 is a reply to message #300806] Thu, 26 May 2016 09:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Handyman is currently offline  Handyman   Netherlands
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Registered: April 2016
Location: The Netherlands
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Senior Member
Gratulations, Johnny!

Nice upgrade Wink

A question, since I never heard of a "Norris Upfit" I am curious ... which interior has your "Norris" ... is it like the Midas?
And what sizes are the beds, and what is it's total condition?
Put a pic that I found here of the Midas floor plans:

http://members.ziggo.nl/d.w.jacobs/GMC/GMC%20Midas%2023'%20Interiors.jpg

A question to you all, is a 23'not "to small" ... ?
It will be lighter then the 26' that's for sure ... ?!
Lower on gasconsumption, more maneuverable ...

Daniel


Daniel Jacobs, NL-USA 1977 GMC Eleganza II, Rebuild 455 (2019) 3.55 FD. FiTech and (Modified) FCC, Electric Pump, insulated GasTanks, 100A Alternator, APC, McDash, Schräder Valves + extern Fills, Ceramic Film, TPMS, FlexSteel Seats
Re: Trip end report [message #301139 is a reply to message #300870] Thu, 26 May 2016 11:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gibsongo is currently offline  gibsongo   Canada
Messages: 116
Registered: October 2012
Location: Montreal West, Quebec, Ca...
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Senior Member
Bob S

Couple of questions about your Fitech installation. I recently purchased the 600 Go EFI 4 and the Fuel Commander. My stock air cleaner doesn't look like it will fit - interferes with linkages etc. so I was planning on using a snorkel system (plate covering the bellouth with a 3" or 4" tube leading to a remotely mounted filter.

Did you manage to use the stock air cleaner? If so, did you have to modify it to fit? Just out of curiosity, did you use the Fuel Commander as well? And if so, where did you mount it?

Thanks

Gordon Gibson


Gordon Gibson 1976 23" Norris Upfit Montreal West, Quebec, Canada
Re: Trip end report [message #301148 is a reply to message #300806] Thu, 26 May 2016 14:07 Go to previous message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
The layout is the same as rear bath with tub, but the tub is substantially bigger - it runs crossways from the propane bay wall to the genset bay wall. If you've seen Chuck Boyd's 23', it's identical.
As to the FiTech question, I got MSD.

--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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