Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Trip end report
Trip end report [message #300806] |
Thu, 19 May 2016 10:29 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412 Registered: May 2011 Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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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
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Re: Trip end report [message #300838 is a reply to message #300806] |
Thu, 19 May 2016 22:08 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046 Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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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 10:29I 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
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Re: Trip end report [message #300858 is a reply to message #300806] |
Fri, 20 May 2016 08:32 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412 Registered: May 2011 Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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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
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Re: Trip end report [message #300870 is a reply to message #300806] |
Fri, 20 May 2016 09:57 |
Bob S.
Messages: 143 Registered: October 2012 Location: Rapid City, SD
Karma: 2
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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
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Re: Trip end report [message #300880 is a reply to message #300806] |
Fri, 20 May 2016 12:55 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412 Registered: May 2011 Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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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
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Re: Trip end report [message #301105 is a reply to message #300806] |
Wed, 25 May 2016 15:24 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412 Registered: May 2011 Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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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
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Re: Trip end report [message #301133 is a reply to message #300806] |
Thu, 26 May 2016 09:15 |
Handyman
Messages: 229 Registered: April 2016 Location: The Netherlands
Karma: 2
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Gratulations, Johnny!
Nice upgrade
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:
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
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Re: Trip end report [message #301139 is a reply to message #300870] |
Thu, 26 May 2016 11:12 |
gibsongo
Messages: 116 Registered: October 2012 Location: Montreal West, Quebec, Ca...
Karma: 0
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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
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Re: Trip end report [message #301148 is a reply to message #300806] |
Thu, 26 May 2016 14:07 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412 Registered: May 2011 Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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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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