Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge
| New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362218] |
Fri, 05 February 2021 08:18  |
robertmcw
Messages: 71
Registered: April 2011
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All, looks it is finally going to happen – I have dealing with a 1977 Eleganza II and will pay the funds today. Got some 16.5 tires TransForce all around to make sure will not have a flat, or worse, and they are on order and when they will install them I will bring it home.
Really wanted Alcoa wheels but next month will start looking for a nice set for them and then put them in storage until those new tires wear out and then get some 16 tires.
The old owner had the fridge removed and will need a replacement one.
Now, the question is - which one will fit and and can you give any model numbers?
I think would want a 3-way one.
I THINK we would really not too far from power 95% of the time but I can see where we may want to stop for a day or so would need the propane. But a more that would probably not happen.
We live in Texas and it gets HOT in the summers and need to factor that to the mix.
Any suggestions?
Thanks, Robert
[Updated on: Fri, 05 February 2021 09:46] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362222 is a reply to message #362218] |
Fri, 05 February 2021 11:28  |
Tilerpep
Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC
Karma: 7
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Congratulations and welcome!
Not sure how much reading/prep you have done in general for the GMC...as such I'll just start where I wish someone had caught me early on...please check if your wheels have an "R" stamped in them for the 16.5 inch rims before you mount the tires. With a 1977 model, they should be radial rated (it switched in 75-76) and you are good to go with your Transforce plan. I put new rubber on my 75 only to discover later they were not radial rated wheels. Long story short, I chose to run their life out and will upgrade wheels when due. With 40+ years of good intentions, even your 77 might have some or all of the bias rated wheels.
Also, assuming you have an OEM airbag suspension, check that you have metal cones at all four mounting points for the bags. Simple as tapping them with a wrench to listen. If plastic, consider that issue way at the top of the list to replace with metal ones, if not the actual first thing on the list. A '77 should have the metal ones already, but worth checking.
As to the fridge - A big dorm room fridge might get you camping/started enough to see what type of camping you will like with minimal cash. Add an inverter for some more flexibility.
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
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| Re: New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362259 is a reply to message #362218] |
Sun, 07 February 2021 10:10 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Robert, I have a new Norcold model DEF788S refrigerator. I used it as a freezer for several months, but now don't need it. It runs as a freezer or refrigerator, depending on setting. It is a single compartment, you can't do both. It's smaller than the original fitted to your GMC - shorter, same width. The spec says a 10 Amp fuse - it's a compressor model - which is substantially less current than an absorption unit. It also runs on 24 volts DC as well as 12DC and 110 AC. There's a power supply on the back, I suspect it turns 12 into 24 or 110 into 24 and actua;lly runs 24 volts to the compressor, but I never checked and the answer is kind a moot. Other than a bit of dust from sitting it looks and axts new. It's yours for $300 and pick it up in Braselton GA.
--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: [GMCnet] New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362286 is a reply to message #362283] |
Sun, 07 February 2021 22:45 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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We can quote a delivered price for a new Norcold unit and also guide you on
the install as it needs some work on the coach to accept the new.
Call us.
On Sun, Feb 7, 2021 at 6:34 PM Jon Roche via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Dometic 2652 is a good choice.
>
> 77 eleganza is almost the same as my 75 palm beach. Fridge swap is
> identical.
>
>
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/2016/03/installing-propane-fride.html?m=1
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
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jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362303 is a reply to message #362218] |
Tue, 09 February 2021 07:48 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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JimK, doesn't Norcold make an original size 12 - 24 - 110 compressor refrigerator? The manual with mine lists 18 models, surely one is taller?
--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: New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362315 is a reply to message #362218] |
Tue, 09 February 2021 20:48 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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We have a Norcold 641-3 Three way that I installed back in 2011. It has worked very well ever since:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5863-norcold-refrigerator-installation.html
We live in Southern AZ (Tucson) and even though it gets really hot here, it still gets nice and cold, and freezes whatever you put in the freezer (water bottles, ice, food, etc.)
The only problem we ever had was that the lower hinge on the door broke and the only way to fix it was to order a whole new door. Other than that, it has been a wonderful upgrade. It sips gas while on propane, and stays nice and cold even on the 12V DC setting while driving.
I think the model number has changed since then, but I'm sure Jim K can tell you which model fits with the least amount of modification to the opening.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362318 is a reply to message #362315] |
Tue, 09 February 2021 22:15 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Johnny,
No one make the exact size, they are about 1 1/2 " higher and require a
little work, but worth it and you will need to move the top vent to make it
breath well.
We offer install assistance and also quote Delivered price on a Brand new
unit, not a returned unit.
On Tue, Feb 9, 2021 at 6:49 PM Carl Stouffer via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> We have a Norcold 641-3 Three way that I installed back in 2011. It has
> worked very well ever since:
>
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5863-norcold-refrigerator-installation.html
>
> We live in Southern AZ (Tucson) and even though it gets really hot here,
> it still gets nice and cold, and freezes whatever you put in the freezer
> (water bottles, ice, food, etc.)
>
> The only problem we ever had was that the lower hinge on the door broke
> and the only way to fix it was to order a whole new door. Other than that,
> it
> has been a wonderful upgrade. It sips gas while on propane, and stays
> nice and cold even on the 12V DC setting while driving.
>
> I think the model number has changed since then, but I'm sure Jim K can
> tell you which model fits with the least amount of modification to the
> opening.
> --
> Carl Stouffer
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive,
> Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American
> Eagles,
> Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362322 is a reply to message #362318] |
Wed, 10 February 2021 10:56 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I did not relocate the roof vent on mine, as Jim suggests, but installed solar powered fans in the vent to help with air circulation.
On our last trip (wintertime and cold most of the time) the fridge got cold enough to freeze the eggs in their carton. I kept having to turn the temp up. It works just as well in the heat of Summer. The only time we had any trouble running it on propane was at an elevation of almost 9,000 ft. Propane doesn't do well in thin air.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362325 is a reply to message #362324] |
Wed, 10 February 2021 20:10 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I second Emery's sentiment. Ive run down the road with the fridge on every
time ive gone camping. Dont want the food to get hot. Never had a problem
with MH or TT.
Sully
Bellevue wa
On Wed, Feb 10, 2021 at 5:54 PM Emery Stora via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> I have been using propane while driving since I purchased my GMC in 1981.
> I have a3 way but found the 12 v heater doesn’t do a very good job cooling
> the refrigerator especially in the summer.
>
> I figure we are sitting on 50 gallons of gasoline which is much more
> flammable than the propane so I wasn’t going to worry about the propane. I
> do check for leaks annually but have never found a problem. We use the
> refrigerator and the furnace while rolling down the highway. Many, many
> other GMCers also do.
>
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick CO
>
>> On Feb 10, 2021, at 6:47 PM, Robert McWhorter via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> The reason I want to use a 3-way is so can turn the propane off when
> driving. Would I need to upgrade the batteries? Would want to drive 5 to 8
>> hours a day and have spare to change them for the next day. Would use
> shore power at night, for now.
>>
>> Thanks, Robert
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362326 is a reply to message #362324] |
Wed, 10 February 2021 20:23 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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I have.always used propane ON while driving, with the exception of
Washington State Ferries, and some long tunnels that prohibit the use of
propane while driving. Back in the dark ages, before I had a GMC motorhome,
I had an Open Road Pickup Camper with a 3 way fridge, I left it on propane
while traveling as well. Same for 2 different chassis built van cab
motorhomes, as well as a 26 foot tow behind travel trailer. I have never
experienced a problem with propane in any of them. Nor any of the dozens of
motorhomes that I have worked on for customers. I know, it only takes one!
But I have fixed many electrical issues in coaches that had the potential
of burning the coaches to the lugnuts. Just my experience, others may vary
somewhat.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Wed, Feb 10, 2021, 5:54 PM Emery Stora via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> I have been using propane while driving since I purchased my GMC in 1981.
> I have a3 way but found the 12 v heater doesn’t do a very good job cooling
> the refrigerator especially in the summer.
>
> I figure we are sitting on 50 gallons of gasoline which is much more
> flammable than the propane so I wasn’t going to worry about the propane. I
> do check for leaks annually but have never found a problem. We use the
> refrigerator and the furnace while rolling down the highway. Many, many
> other GMCers also do.
>
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick CO
>
>> On Feb 10, 2021, at 6:47 PM, Robert McWhorter via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> The reason I want to use a 3-way is so can turn the propane off when
> driving. Would I need to upgrade the batteries? Would want to drive 5 to 8
>> hours a day and have spare to change them for the next day. Would use
> shore power at night, for now.
>>
>> Thanks, Robert
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362327 is a reply to message #362326] |
Wed, 10 February 2021 21:27 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I do NOT drive with the propane on. Just a personal preference. I used to drive my dad's motorhome(s) with it on, but I just feel safer with it off.
The 12 volt DC setting on my Norcold keeps it plenty cold. In fact, in order to save my batteries, I will turn the fridge off when I stop, then turn it back on when I get back underway. On the occasion that I have forgotten to turn it back on, it has always remained plenty cold until I remember, sometimes at the next stop.
BTW, Mac the Fire Guy recommends never driving with the propane valve open FWIW.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362329 is a reply to message #362327] |
Wed, 10 February 2021 21:44 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Looks like a win win. Leave it in or off 😜
Sully
Bellevue wa
On Wed, Feb 10, 2021 at 7:28 PM Carl Stouffer via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> I do NOT drive with the propane on. Just a personal preference. I used
> to drive my dad's motorhome(s) with it on, but I just feel safer with it
> off.
>
> The 12 volt DC setting on my Norcold keeps it plenty cold. In fact, in
> order to save my batteries, I will turn the fridge off when I stop, then
> turn
> it back on when I get back underway. On the occasion that I have
> forgotten to turn it back on, it has always remained plenty cold until I
> remember,
> sometimes at the next stop.
>
> BTW, Mac the Fire Guy recommends never driving with the propane valve open
> FWIW.
> --
> Carl Stouffer
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive,
> Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American
> Eagles,
> Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] New (to me) 1977 Eleganza II Need New Fridge [message #362336 is a reply to message #362335] |
Thu, 11 February 2021 11:06 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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My 78 Royale had a Dometic 3 way unit that was manufactured in Europe. It
had strictly manual controls, (no circuit boards) You had to light the
propane by pushing on the prime knob and pushing the manual spark lighter.
The electrical stuff consisted of 2 different heating elements, one 120
volt, one 12 volt. The 12 volt one was smaller than the 120 volt one, and
was intended to maintain temperature, not to cool a box that was not
already cold. Eventually, the rust devils got to the entire unit, and it
looked bad. I bought a new dometic that was a 2 way unit, and fitted the
old door graphics to the new unit. Now the new unit looks old again. The
new dometic has circuit boards, and requires 12 volts to even run on
propane. I do not look upon that as a feature on the + side of the ledger.
But, the new one is made in USA out of foreign sourced parts. Unknown to me
if that is good or bad.
But, I have had bad luck with Norcold fridges when mounted in GMC's.
And the vendor in Texas would not stand behind the warranty. So, choose
your vendor wisely, grasshopper.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Thu, Feb 11, 2021, 6:52 AM Matt Colie via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Our OE Nocold (a little one) quit a few years back. I tried to recharge
> it with HC-12a and could not get it back to acceptable operation. We need
> it
> to work. I bought a dorm reefer and a HF 750/1500 inverter. The set
> worked right out of the box. Total cost about 200$us. At a July music
> festival
> that we usually have attended, the house bank pair of GC2s would hold it
> for about 36 hours. That is usually the hot part of 2 summer days.
>
> We changed out that reefer because it had some issues what were
> inconvenient to Mary. The replacement is a smaller case for the same
> service cube as
> the Nocold. So, I made a drawer unit to go under it. This installation
> has also removed the ventilation that was to both the interior and the
> exterior of the coach. There never was LP to the reefer.
>
> The only issue I have had is that the smoke leaked out of the original
> Chinese inverter, so we went to Hazard Fright and got a replacement that I
> installed in the parking lot. I got this one with the buyer protection.
>
> The inverter had to be upsized to accommodate the starting load of the
> compressor even a running load of less than 200 Watts (I have forgotten the
> actual load, but it is not much and duty cycle in July is still less than
> 50%.) The compressor does run just a little hotter on the modified square
> wave, but the case temperature is only up about 5° from shore power and it
> is also up ~3° on the Onan.
>
> The dorm reefers do require some creativity to make arrangements that keep
> them at home and the doors secure when traveling. We have also used the
> extra 120VAC to run computers, printers and hair driers when we want to do
> so.
>
> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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