Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome (introduction)
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #361423 is a reply to message #361154] |
Sun, 03 January 2021 20:11 |
Tom Katzenberger
Messages: 399 Registered: June 2019 Location: Kingsville, MD
Karma: 4
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Welcome Burl,
Having lost my coach coming down a mountain and experiencing a complete brake failure, I would like to share my strong opinion on totally going through the brakes as a number one priority. If you do not know the age of the components, replace them. Hopefully you got a maintenance log with the coach.
I lost my coach, but because of our love for this GMC community, my wife, Oki and I were adamant that we only wanted another GMC.
I hope to meet you and your wife someday at a rally.
Take care, God bless and welcome aboard,
Tom and Oki Katzenberger
Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
Kingsville, Maryland,
1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D., Micro Level, Howell EBL-EFI Spark Control, Macerator, York Air Compressor, 6 Wheel Disc, Quadra Bag, Onan W/Bovee Ignition
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #361430 is a reply to message #361420] |
Sun, 03 January 2021 22:14 |
blur911
Messages: 166 Registered: December 2020 Location: Kingston, Ontario
Karma: 4
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RF_Burns wrote on Sun, 03 January 2021 19:38Burl,
From the body paint and interior I'm thinking it was renovated by Sheridan's near Toronto. I believe I saw it at a GMC Heritage Cruisers rally some years back.
The folder I got says "The GMC Motorhome Preservationists Society". The bill for the work is inside, but doesn't have a business name on it. I know it was stored in Cambridge for years, but I think the work might have also been done there.
I will get the registry number ASAP.
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model but we call her Roxie
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #361431 is a reply to message #361423] |
Sun, 03 January 2021 22:20 |
blur911
Messages: 166 Registered: December 2020 Location: Kingston, Ontario
Karma: 4
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Tom Katzenberger wrote on Sun, 03 January 2021 20:11Welcome Burl,
Having lost my coach coming down a mountain and experiencing a complete brake failure, I would like to share my strong opinion on totally going through the brakes as a number one priority. If you do not know the age of the components, replace them. Hopefully you got a maintenance log with the coach.
I lost my coach, but because of our love for this GMC community, my wife, Oki and I were adamant that we only wanted another GMC.
I hope to meet you and your wife someday at a rally.
Take care, God bless and welcome aboard,
Tom and Oki Katzenberger
Thanks Tom.
I certainly will be going through the brakes. I know there are new drums on back, but I think they are either out of adjustment, or have air to be bled, or both. There are also new lines all around.
Do brakes normally feel decent on these? They are just so tiny.
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model but we call her Roxie
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #361432 is a reply to message #361154] |
Sun, 03 January 2021 22:33 |
Tom Katzenberger
Messages: 399 Registered: June 2019 Location: Kingsville, MD
Karma: 4
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Burl,
I am currently building my dream coach. Another 1977 23-ft Birchhaven. I am using an all disc system with all stainless steel lines and braided hoses. I purchased the brakes and the Howel Fuel Injection system from Applied. I drove Dolf's coach and was extremely impressed. I immediately bought the brake system, ignition system and injection system from Jim. Both Nick and Dan have been wonderful to work with and I would take Jim up on any offer for assistance. Compared to the talent on this forum, I am just a fledgling. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Again, congratulations and welcome.
Tom
Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
Kingsville, Maryland,
1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D., Micro Level, Howell EBL-EFI Spark Control, Macerator, York Air Compressor, 6 Wheel Disc, Quadra Bag, Onan W/Bovee Ignition
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #361453 is a reply to message #361450] |
Mon, 04 January 2021 13:09 |
blur911
Messages: 166 Registered: December 2020 Location: Kingston, Ontario
Karma: 4
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RF_Burns wrote on Mon, 04 January 2021 12:39Do you have a plate on the left side exterior of the door? Mine says Oct. 1976, but its an early 1977 model.
The "GMC Motorhome Preservation Society" was a Sheridan thing where you would get a "discount" on their parts pricing. My coach was also redone at Sheridans but they went out of business before my time as a GMCer
It has plate to the left of the door, an RVI thing with a number, 1129489, but no date.
Thanks for the info about Sheridans, interesting.
Model years AFAIK change in September/October, auto plants usually (or at least used to) re-tool and make changes over the summer when more production people are on vacation.
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model but we call her Roxie
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Re: [GMCnet] Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #361458 is a reply to message #361453] |
Mon, 04 January 2021 14:10 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806 Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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There are build sheets in GM uplifted coaches, in various places. On Other
upfitters like Coachman, the coaches leave GM as a transmode, and
frequently sat for some time before the upfitter got to them. So, actual
build dates vary quite a bit.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Mon, Jan 4, 2021, 11:09 AM Burl Vibert via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> RF_Burns wrote on Mon, 04 January 2021 12:39
>> Do you have a plate on the left side exterior of the door? Mine says
> Oct. 1976, but its an early 1977 model.
>>
>> The "GMC Motorhome Preservation Society" was a Sheridan thing where you
> would get a "discount" on their parts pricing. My coach was also redone
>> at Sheridans but they went out of business before my time as a GMCer
>
> It has plate to the left of the door, an RVI thing with a number, 1129489,
> but no date.
> Thanks for the info about Sheridans, interesting.
> Model years AFAIK change in September/October, auto plants usually (or at
> least used to) re-tool and make changes over the summer when more production
> people are on vacation.
> --
> Burl Vibert
> Kingston, Ontario
> 1976 GMC, gotta check the VIN Oceania had always been at war with
> Eastasia
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #361473 is a reply to message #361458] |
Mon, 04 January 2021 17:47 |
blur911
Messages: 166 Registered: December 2020 Location: Kingston, Ontario
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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James Hupy wrote on Mon, 04 January 2021 14:10There are build sheets in GM uplifted coaches, in various places. On Other
upfitters like Coachman, the coaches leave GM as a transmode, and
frequently sat for some time before the upfitter got to them. So, actual
build dates vary quite a bit.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
According to my VIN # interior code, it was a GM build, but I don't know which one.
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model but we call her Roxie
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #362564 is a reply to message #361154] |
Sun, 28 February 2021 10:41 |
blur911
Messages: 166 Registered: December 2020 Location: Kingston, Ontario
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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So Spring is starting to come around to Ontario and I can soon get working on the new addition to the family.
First thing, it has one newish airbag and one that looks original and scary. What to do?
Get a whole new Sully system or similar?
Try to find another OE airbag?
Second thing, it needs CV boot covers replaced and has one broken front wheel stud.
Third, brakes need to be bled and adjusted, they were a little scary getting it home.
I think the rear roof seam needs to be resealed, but that should also wait for warmer weather.
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model but we call her Roxie
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #362565 is a reply to message #361154] |
Sun, 28 February 2021 11:26 |
6cuda6
Messages: 975 Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
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Blur,
OEM bags are available out there in the wild but your going to pay about 350 to 400US a piece for them new when you find some. Used are cheaper but they are still old.
I was in the same position as you and managed to find a good spare and some basically new take off OEM bags as i just couldnt afford a quad bag setup (the US to CDN exchanges just kills it).....if i didnt luck out my plan was to go Sully or similar as it was the best compromise between parts/cost.
The broken wheel stud is going to be a pain to replace unless its in the rear....i havent looked closely enough to see if one can sneak it in/out without disturbing the front hub/bearing.
Stupid question perhaps but has that coach been safetied yet?
Rich Mondor,
Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #362566 is a reply to message #362565] |
Sun, 28 February 2021 11:42 |
blur911
Messages: 166 Registered: December 2020 Location: Kingston, Ontario
Karma: 4
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6cuda6 wrote on Sun, 28 February 2021 11:26Blur,
OEM bags are available out there in the wild but your going to pay about 350 to 400US a piece for them new when you find some. Used are cheaper but they are still old.
I was in the same position as you and managed to find a good spare and some basically new take off OEM bags as i just couldnt afford a quad bag setup (the US to CDN exchanges just kills it).....if i didnt luck out my plan was to go Sully or similar as it was the best compromise between parts/cost.
The broken wheel stud is going to be a pain to replace unless its in the rear....i havent looked closely enough to see if one can sneak it in/out without disturbing the front hub/bearing.
Stupid question perhaps but has that coach been safetied yet?
Hi Rich
No, not safetied yet, I'm getting the obvious fixed first. Any leads on a new bag?
Broken stud is driver's front. Probably partway there labour-wise if I'm replacing the CV boots.
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model but we call her Roxie
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Re: [GMCnet] Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #362567 is a reply to message #362566] |
Sun, 28 February 2021 12:26 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806 Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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You are not even close. The rotor/hub/knuckle assembly needs to come off
the coach, and the wheel bearings need to be removed with the appropriate
special tools to prevent damage to the bearings. Then, the rotor can be
removed from the hub, the lug stud replaced. Look very carefully at the
remaining studs. If they are stretched (by the same person who broke the
one, more than likely) then the last thing you want is to put this complex
back together and have another stud fail. That kind of thing often makes
grown men weep and curse. Sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings, but that's
the way stuff goes.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Sun, Feb 28, 2021, 9:43 AM Burl Vibert via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> 6cuda6 wrote on Sun, 28 February 2021 11:26
>> Blur,
>> OEM bags are available out there in the wild but your going to pay about
> 350 to 400US a piece for them new when you find some. Used are cheaper
>> but they are still old.
>>
>> I was in the same position as you and managed to find a good spare and
> some basically new take off OEM bags as i just couldnt afford a quad bag
>> setup (the US to CDN exchanges just kills it).....if i didnt luck out my
> plan was to go Sully or similar as it was the best compromise between
>> parts/cost.
>>
>> The broken wheel stud is going to be a pain to replace unless its in the
> rear....i havent looked closely enough to see if one can sneak it in/out
>> without disturbing the front hub/bearing.
>>
>> Stupid question perhaps but has that coach been safetied yet?
>
> Hi Rich
> No, not safetied yet, I'm getting the obvious fixed first. Any leads on
> a new bag?
> Broken stud is driver's front. Probably partway there labour-wise if I'm
> replacing the CV boots.
>
>
> --
> Burl Vibert
> Kingston, Ontario
> 1976 GMC 26 foot, don't know the model
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #362568 is a reply to message #362564] |
Sun, 28 February 2021 12:57 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547 Registered: March 2007 Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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blur911 wrote on Sun, 28 February 2021 11:41So Spring is starting to come around to Ontario and I can soon get working on the new addition to the family.
First thing, it has one newish airbag and one that looks original and scary. What to do?
Get a whole new Sully system or similar?
Try to find another OE airbag?
Second thing, it needs CV boot covers replaced and has one broken front wheel stud.
Third, brakes need to be bled and adjusted, they were a little scary getting it home.
I think the rear roof seam needs to be resealed, but that should also wait for warmer weather.
Burl,
First - Put the call out here for a back-up airspring (air bag). As many have changed, there are more than a few lying around. Then as time suits you investigate the replacemen systems available. As said, knock-off of the OE are available from Cinnabar. Most of the replacements loose some travel.
Save the boot job until you have the knuckle off the repair the busted stud. Hope it is the same side as getting the drive axle out is an interesting task. Order the new screws now.
While the brakes may well need the fluid flushed as it absorbs water with age and bad reservoir seals in the top (cheap part available a lots of car parts stores). There are lots of good choices of brake fluid. Do a little research. Your choices are 3, 4 (3&4 which is a synthetic), and 5.1$$. DOT 5 is not compatible and when I have tried to change to it without a complete system rebuild, it caused problems for me.
Lastly, if you are not going to repack the rear bearings, you may not need to work at adjusting the brakes. They are self adjusting if you stop the coach in reverse. I make a point to do this from time to time. First you stow and secure everything that is loose. Then you get rolling backwards and nail the brakes. If there is still room, do it again. Repeat as needed until you don't feel gain in the pedal..... (I find I need to do this two or three times a year to keep the brakes tight.
At one time it was all the rage to take the automatic adjusters out. This was silly and counter productive. All the parts to repair if this was done are still available as is everything else the 11x2 Bendix brakes. That brake was used everywhere by everybody from shortly after the production of the Model A Ford ended until light trucks became 4 wheel disk brake.
Best of Luck,
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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Re: [GMCnet] Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #362569 is a reply to message #362567] |
Sun, 28 February 2021 13:35 |
blur911
Messages: 166 Registered: December 2020 Location: Kingston, Ontario
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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James Hupy wrote on Sun, 28 February 2021 12:26You are not even close. The rotor/hub/knuckle assembly needs to come off
the coach, and the wheel bearings need to be removed with the appropriate
special tools to prevent damage to the bearings. Then, the rotor can be
removed from the hub, the lug stud replaced. Look very carefully at the
remaining studs. If they are stretched (by the same person who broke the
one, more than likely) then the last thing you want is to put this complex
back together and have another stud fail. That kind of thing often makes
grown men weep and curse. Sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings, but that's
the way stuff goes.
I think I saw a set of new wheel studs in with my spares that came along, at least I don't have to buy them. I'll look into the special tools, I think I read something about them. Anyone local-ish to me have them?
I'll also do some reading about the procedures. I assume this is all doable without a hoist by just putting the front end on jackstands.
Forgot to mention about the brakes, there is a new master cylinder, new steel lines, slave cylinders as well as new looking rear drums, not sure what else so I'm hoping it's not a big issue.
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model but we call her Roxie
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Re: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #362580 is a reply to message #361154] |
Mon, 01 March 2021 07:50 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412 Registered: May 2011 Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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The coach information sticker was removed when the inside of the glove box door was painted. It used to be left of the latch. Dave Lenzi rebuilds front hubs, he's in Davison MI (Detroit area). If you don't want to get into removal/replacement of the front bearings, take or ship him the entire hub assembly. It will come back in better than new condition. As to front axle removal, it isn't hard but it is exacting to get the ends out of the hubs. With the control arms at just the correct height and the wheels turned just right, and the inner flange tucked up just right, the stub clears by maybe a quarter inch - but it clears. I fought my left front for a day and then coerced George Zhookoff to come help. I offered him a pair of gloves and he said he wouldn't need them, got in the coach and turned the steering wheel and 'now try it'. Fit right in. The right front is way easier, there's more room. Before you start on the front or the lower engine and stuff do yourself a favor. Remove the inner wheel liners and set them aside for greatly improved access. If you don't already have a Fox and Hound, buy one. It saves a lot of grubbing behind panels and under the dash. mine was under $20 on eBay.
Shelties? Lovely little guys. We're down to one Kuvasz (bred them in the past) and one Border Collie. Two is about the limit in a GMC unless they're lapdogs. I showed Kuvasz out of my 23' for some years. Rear bath Norris with a tub big enough to bathe them.
Welcome to the group, and when you do the Southeast, stop off.
--johnny
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5815-chick-magnet.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6198-cane-9-creek-rv-park-heflin-2c-al.html (Last 3 pics)
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: Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome [message #362581 is a reply to message #361154] |
Mon, 01 March 2021 09:30 |
kingd
Messages: 592 Registered: June 2004
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Burl. this is Dave King in Toronto. I have what I believe are the unique pieces of the GMCMH front wheel bearing puller.
If you decide to send your hubs to Dave Lenzi to have him do the bearing you won't need to "borrow" the tool from me and you can
have him do the wheel studs while it is apart. As many have suggested on here adding "zerks" to grease the bearing seems like a
GREAT move as every time you take the bearing apart it reduces the interference fit. The knuckles worked fine on the cars they
were designed for but are really at their limit on the motorhome. Post on here if you want to borrow the puller but I would
suggest you talk to DAVE LENZI. Enjoy your new to you coach.
DAVE KING
DAVE KING
lurker, wannabe
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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