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New Owner of 1973 GMC RV [message #342325] Sat, 06 April 2019 02:14 Go to next message
mavman427 is currently offline  mavman427   United States
Messages: 3
Registered: April 2019
Location: Nipomo, CA
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Hi all, I'm a new owner of a 1973 GMC RV. She's in decent running condition, runs and drives pretty well. Only about 10k miles on engine rebuild and transmission rebuild. Appliances have all been swapped out in the last 10-15 yrs for what it's worth. She does have a handful of issues, headlight switch is broken, generator hard to start and once it starts it only runs for about 30 seconds before dying, air compressor isn't working, roof air conditioner isn't working, dash fan/air conditioning isn't working, etc. Interior is in pretty good shape...it's all there and pretty decent.

Our plans are to give this RV some much needed TLC and go through and find and eliminate all of the gremlins and get everything functional. Once that is done, we will probably do some upgrades - flooring, countertops, paneling, lighting, etc.

I picked her up locally from an acquaintance for $3k. How do you guys think I did? Any idea what you would value this at?
Re: New Owner of 1973 GMC RV [message #342326 is a reply to message #342325] Sat, 06 April 2019 03:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
It is hard to judge value without seeing it in person. That said, at least 1/2 if the items you listed as bad are relatively easy to fix if you are handy. You also will need a volt meter to diagnose some of the problems. If you need help, just ask here and someone, including me, will answer and help.

Welcome to GMCnet.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: New Owner of 1973 GMC RV [message #342328 is a reply to message #342325] Sat, 06 April 2019 07:04 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
mavman427 wrote on Sat, 06 April 2019 03:14
Hi all, I'm a new owner of a 1973 GMC RV. She's in decent running condition, runs and drives pretty well. Only about 10k miles on engine rebuild and transmission rebuild. Appliances have all been swapped out in the last 10-15 yrs for what it's worth. She does have a handful of issues, headlight switch is broken, generator hard to start and once it starts it only runs for about 30 seconds before dying, air compressor isn't working, roof air conditioner isn't working, dash fan/air conditioning isn't working, etc. Interior is in pretty good shape...it's all there and pretty decent.

Our plans are to give this RV some much needed TLC and go through and find and eliminate all of the gremlins and get everything functional. Once that is done, we will probably do some upgrades - flooring, countertops, paneling, lighting, etc.

I picked her up locally from an acquaintance for $3k. How do you guys think I did? Any idea what you would value this at?
Mavman,

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum....

You found your way here and that is very good, but before you do much else, create a sigfile. It looks like you are working this as from the forum side so this is easier. Go to <Control Panel/Account Settings> and scroll down. Fill in a real name (we really like to know who we are helping), a short bit about the coach because they are not all alike, and a geographic reference so if someone thinks he might be able to help, he will know if he is in striking range and there are also climate issues. When you get that, then go down to <Update>.

I will write more that is specific to '73 later, but we are about to be picked up by a Landol and mover away from these hammer mechanics so dear Chaumière can get properly repaired.

We have a very reliable saying here, "A reliable and ready to travel GMC will coat you 30k$. All at once or as a kit." What this does not say is that sweat gets billed in a full shop rate. That being the case, before you do anything with the interior, her ready to go places and start enjoying what the coach can do for you.

This coach is not just a new big toy, It opens a world and connects you to a community that is awesome in the true sense of the word. This is a community of helping and supportive people that is very uncommon. Do not discount this. We do not know where you are, but you are in the realm of one or more of the chapters of owners. Take advantage of this and get to a rally or gathering as soon as one is in range. These people remind me so much of the community of the watermen that are my world, I like to greet each new owner much as a new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,

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

Welcome Mavman

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: New Owner of 1973 GMC RV [message #342428 is a reply to message #342325] Wed, 10 April 2019 13:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mavman427 is currently offline  mavman427   United States
Messages: 3
Registered: April 2019
Location: Nipomo, CA
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Thank you for the replies and kind greetings. I'm looking forward to being part of the GMC RV community and absorbing some of the knowledge on this forum. With a little luck, hopefully I can attend a gathering and meet some of you folks.

I've been messing around with the RV a little over the past few days. Figured out a few things and am working on chasing a couple of the gremlins off. I don't think I'm going to be into this thing anywhere near $30k, but we'll see how it works. Like somebody said, even personal time has a cost, so I'll probably be into it more than I think. In any case, looking forward to getting her on the road and taking some fun trips with her.
Re: New Owner of 1973 GMC RV [message #342430 is a reply to message #342325] Wed, 10 April 2019 16:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Scott Nutter is currently offline  Scott Nutter   United States
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Mavman 427 (hopefully for the engine),
Your coach starts and runs. That's good! I would double check the brakes and your air ride system first. Everything else can be done is stages.
If it can get you to Jacko's and back, your over the hump!!
Enjoy, Scott.


Scott Nutter 1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI Houston, Texas
Re: New Owner of 1973 GMC RV [message #342527 is a reply to message #342325] Mon, 15 April 2019 08:08 Go to previous message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
Given a new rebuild on engine and transmission - not just a 'paper rebuild', you ain't got hurt at 3k. As to the 30k, just for fun, keep a tally of your hours on it for a week or two, and multiply by $100. You'll hit 30k before you're done, and be pleasantly surprised at what your time is worth.

Welcome,

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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