Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Looking for a coach
| [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65466] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 06:23  |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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I am starting to search for a coach that I might be able to afford.
Fom what I can gather so far, I believe I'd want a 455 engine and
probably a 3.2x or higher transaxle gear ratio. Generator required.
I don't know particularly what else to look for. How many forward
speeds do the trannies on these have?
I'm getting tired of not being able to take our motorcycles along
on a trip. I'm currently hauling a 30' Cedar Creek (Forest River)
trailer with a 2004 F250 Super Duty Diesel crew cab pickup.
I believe we'd use a motorcoach more often than the trailer.
Any particular suggestions out there as to what to watch out for?
I don't remember floorplans from when these were new and I was
subscribing to Motorhome Life magazine back in the 70s.
Taking "baby" steps.
D C "Mac" Macdonald
USAF, Retired
Hamcall - K2GKK
Oklahoma City, OK
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65482 is a reply to message #65466] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 08:22  |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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| k2gkk wrote on Tue, 24 November 2009 07:23 |
I am starting to search for a coach that I might be able to afford.
Fom what I can gather so far, I believe I'd want a 455 engine and
probably a 3.2x or higher transaxle gear ratio. Generator required.
I don't know particularly what else to look for. How many forward
speeds do the trannies on these have?
I'm getting tired of not being able to take our motorcycles along
on a trip. I'm currently hauling a 30' Cedar Creek (Forest River)
trailer with a 2004 F250 Super Duty Diesel crew cab pickup.
I believe we'd use a motorcoach more often than the trailer.
Any particular suggestions out there as to what to watch out for?
I don't remember floorplans from when these were new and I was
subscribing to Motorhome Life magazine back in the 70s.
Taking "baby" steps.
D C "Mac" Macdonald
USAF, Retired
Hamcall - K2GKK
Oklahoma City, OK
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Here is more stuff to look at... http://www.bdub.net/publications/
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65486 is a reply to message #65466] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 08:47 |
Rick Williams
Messages: 256
Registered: July 2004
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Welcome Mac and Judy
Gene gave you a good start on some reading. A search here will yield hours of reading on just about anything you can think of. I would not discount a 403 engine. It should not be the deciding factor in which coach you choose. There are so many other variables that you need to consider. There are good arguments for and against every year in which the coaches were made. Take your time, read as much as you can find and ask away. We are here to help.
I have a 1978 with an original 403 at 100k miles. I towed a Jeep Wrangler all over the Eastern US over the last 7 years and put on about 50k miles. The Wrangler is not a great choice as it is heavy (3600 I think) but it is what I wanted. I had the original transmission for most of the time but now have a Manny rebuild with 3.50 power drive. A transmission failure in the hills of Arkansas a couple of years ago prompted me to go with the power drive gear change as long as Manny was shipping a transmission from California. Was the failure related to towing a heavy Jeep? Maybe, but the failure of a snap ring on a drive shaft in the transmission is a common failure so it may not be related to the towing. Is the 3.50 better. Yes. Is it a huge difference? No
These coaches may struggle up big hills no matter what engine, transmission and final drive is in them if you are towing. But they they can be improved greatly with upgrades.
Any coach can be upgraded. It only takes time and money. Your budget will dictate much of your decision making but now is a great time to buy. There are many good coaches out there for far less than people have invested in them. I would guess that mine is worth about one half of what I have into it.
Look at as many coaches as you can to get an idea of all the variables. There are always rallies somewhere within a few hours. Check out this site for lots more information.
http://www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
Rick
Rick Williams
Bliss, Michigan
1978 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65490 is a reply to message #65466] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 08:55 |
rgtrimble
Messages: 12
Registered: October 2004
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Mac
May we invited you to Tulsa on Dec 4 for the local GMC group luncheon? We
will have a number of GMCs there plus a very outstanding and knowledgeable
group of guys who know their GMC inside and out...we have a couple of guys
that haul race cars also...
Luncheon is at 11:30 AM, at the Golden Corral, 71st and Mingo, Tulsa,
Friday, Dec 4...
If we may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me off line
or call me...
http://www.gmcclassics.com/rallies/tulsa.html
Regards,
Glyn Trimble
76 Glenbrook
Broken Arrow, OK
918-252-5230
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of D C *Mac* Macdonald
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 6:24 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach
I am starting to search for a coach that I might be able to afford.
Form what I can gather so far, I believe I'd want a 455 engine and
probably a 3.2x or higher transaxle gear ratio. Generator required.
I don't know particularly what else to look for. How many forward
speeds do the trannies on these have?
I'm getting tired of not being able to take our motorcycles along
on a trip. I'm currently hauling a 30' Cedar Creek (Forest River)
trailer with a 2004 F250 Super Duty Diesel crew cab pickup.
I believe we'd use a motor coach more often than the trailer.
Any particular suggestions out there as to what to watch out for?
I don't remember floor plans from when these were new and I was
subscribing to Motorhome Life magazine back in the 70s.
Taking "baby" steps.
D C "Mac" Macdonald
USAF, Retired
Hamcall - K2GKK
Oklahoma City, OK
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65495 is a reply to message #65482] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 09:20 |
rgleas
Messages: 48
Registered: May 2009
Location: Tulsa, Ok.
Karma: 0
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I am a relative necomer to the GMC owners. The one thing that I would like to pass along is that don't enter into the motorhome ownership thinking it is a bargin. Motorhomes are expensive regardless of what you buy.
My criteria in purchasing a unit was that is had to be usable as it was and then I would fix it up as I went. I have spent several thousand dollars on it after purchasing it and intend to spend several thousand more.
I am part of the Tulsa lunch bunch we meet the first Friday of every month. I would advise that you get with a group of people who use these and drive them regularly before you buy one. I would be happy for you to come as my guest lunch and I would be happy to bring my coach and let you drive it should you want to.
My coach is not for sale and I have no other motivation than to see you get a good coach that you are happy with.
Everything on the GMC is fixable if you go into with that mind set. If you go into withthe idea it is a bargin you will not be happy.
Our leader told me last month that a great source on this list told him that, the GMC is a $60,000.00 coach. You can pay $3,000.00 to buy it and then spend $57,000 to fix it, or you can pay $60,000 to start with.
I am fortunate enough that I can do almost everything myself. I spent $13,500 to buy it and have spent approximatly $7,000 on parts.
It was one of the coaches in the Tulsa RV show last year.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65515 is a reply to message #65466] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 11:16 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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| k2gkk wrote on Tue, 24 November 2009 07:23 |
I am starting to search for a coach that I might be able to afford.
Fom what I can gather so far, I believe I'd want a 455 engine and
probably a 3.2x or higher transaxle gear ratio. Generator required.
I don't know particularly what else to look for. How many forward
speeds do the trannies on these have?
I'm getting tired of not being able to take our motorcycles along
on a trip. I'm currently hauling a 30' Cedar Creek (Forest River)
trailer with a 2004 F250 Super Duty Diesel crew cab pickup.
I believe we'd use a motorcoach more often than the trailer.
Any particular suggestions out there as to what to watch out for?
I don't remember floorplans from when these were new and I was
subscribing to Motorhome Life magazine back in the 70s.
Taking "baby" steps.
D C "Mac" Macdonald
USAF, Retired
Hamcall - K2GKK
Oklahoma City, OK
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
Sir: All the GMCs have Toronado based FWD configerations. The 73-some77s had 455 Olds engines, while the some 77s-78 has 403 Olds engines. They all have 425 3 sp turbo FWD trannys with 3:07 gears. Most all have Generators. Most owners pull a car toad or like me pull a trailer with the Harleys or sometimes a golf cart with no problems.
http://tinyurl.com/3xcs8j
Many updates are aftermarket available. FI, different gear ratios, suspension, the list is endless.. The 500 Caddy eldo engine will fit with a few tweeks.
BUT THE BEST REASON is the other owners?? I would suggest going as a guest to any Rally. You will get as many ideas and suggestions as there are owners there. You and your family WILL have a good time. It is hard to explain to a newbie why there is a "BLACK LIST"
http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/GMCAssist.pdf
These are other GMC owners everywhere that offer their facilities to any GMC owner in the area. They have weekend Work Rallys where you just go to work on your coach with the help of others. The support from the GMC community and our specialized suppliers is amazing.
Questions is the answer.... the only stupid question is the one you don`t ask...
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65526 is a reply to message #65515] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 12:12 |
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Hi Mac, welcome to the group. I suggest that you fix your profile so that you could accept private email messages. I just wanted to comment on something but not make it public.
geo groth '73 260 Sequoia
Carson City Nevada 89703
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65530 is a reply to message #65527] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 12:31 |
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[quote title=k2gkk wrote on Tue, 24 November 2009 10:18]
Well, I don't know of the profile of which you speak!
I am receiving private messages from other list members.
My email address shows up in the headers of list messages.
I do have my incoming mail set to "EXCLUSIVE" so that mail
coming from unknown (and approved) sources goes to my
JUNK MAIL box until I either approve, add to address book,
or mark as PHISHING.
Mac Macdonald
k2gkk@hotmail.com
Hi Mac, if you go to Control Panel and then Account Settings, your profile will come up. I just didn't see your email address previously.
Best to you,
geo groth '73 260 Sequoia
Carson City Nevada 89703
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65548 is a reply to message #65466] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 15:21 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Welcome Mac!
A GMC is a pretty cool toy to play with and you can sleep and eat in it too.
I'd put me in the NO TOW column, given the FWD set up and the fact that the GMC doesn't have a huge performance margin as-is. Towing in the mountains is probably asking more of it than it was designed for. Long-haul on the plains, probably not a big deal, but don't buy something that will limit your ability to use and enjoy it.
The GMC is not a set-it-and-forget it unit like a trailer is. You've got to be willing to use it regularly and not be too wadded up over having to work on it rather regularly too. There are alot of units that folks have kept up and they command a higher price, but I think it's the best way to get into one.
Sit back and soak in the wealth of knowledge that this forum provides. It's like a big back porch (No offense, dear).
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65598 is a reply to message #65490] |
Tue, 24 November 2009 22:17 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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I now have the Tulsa Lunch Bunch website saved in Favorites.
Mac
> From: rgtrimble@cox.net
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:55:42 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach
>
> Mac
>
> May we invited you to Tulsa on Dec 4 for the local GMC group luncheon? We
> will have a number of GMCs there plus a very outstanding and knowledgeable
> group of guys who know their GMC inside and out...we have a couple of guys
> that haul race cars also...
>
> Luncheon is at 11:30 AM, at the Golden Corral, 71st and Mingo, Tulsa,
> Friday, Dec 4...
>
> If we may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me off line
> or call me...
>
> http://www.gmcclassics.com/rallies/tulsa.html
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Glyn Trimble
> 76 Glenbrook
> Broken Arrow, OK
> 918-252-5230
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
> [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of D C *Mac* Macdonald
> Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 6:24 AM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach
>
>
> I am starting to search for a coach that I might be able to afford.
>
> Form what I can gather so far, I believe I'd want a 455 engine and
> probably a 3.2x or higher transaxle gear ratio. Generator required.
> I don't know particularly what else to look for. How many forward
> speeds do the trannies on these have?
>
> I'm getting tired of not being able to take our motorcycles along
> on a trip. I'm currently hauling a 30' Cedar Creek (Forest River)
> trailer with a 2004 F250 Super Duty Diesel crew cab pickup.
>
>
> I believe we'd use a motor coach more often than the trailer.
>
>
> Any particular suggestions out there as to what to watch out for?
> I don't remember floor plans from when these were new and I was
> subscribing to Motorhome Life magazine back in the 70s.
>
> Taking "baby" steps.
>
>
> D C "Mac" Macdonald
> USAF, Retired
> Hamcall - K2GKK
> Oklahoma City, OK
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #65604 is a reply to message #65527] |
Wed, 25 November 2009 01:30 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| k2gkk wrote on Tue, 24 November 2009 10:18 |
Well, I don't know of the profile of which you speak!
I am receiving private messages from other list members.
My email address shows up in the headers of list messages.
...
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Mac, ggroth,
Many are confused by how this "GMCnet" works. There is the original email list (the one Mac seems to be using) and there is a web based forum. (ggroth seems to be using this.)
The web system is very similar to the ones used for many car sites and has a "profile." The web based system is piggybacked onto the older email system. The web based system does NOT show the email address of the sender but has a place to "PM" others on the board. If an email user never visits the web system, they would never see the any PM's -- even if the system defaulted to allow them.
As long as you are signed up for the email version, your messages will show in both. If someone was only signed up for the web system, the messages will NOT be sent to the email users.
Both systems have their pros and cons and little "mistakes" in one system have big "results" in the other system. Broken or hijacked threads, full message quoting and not quoting messages are all some of the "issues" normally caused by using two systems.
It would be 'nice' if everyone looked at the other system from time to time... just to see the effects of the other system.
BUT...
In order to not discourage posting, we mostly ignore anything that doesn't effect the actual information being transferred. -- just like we ignore bad spelling. 
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #73459 is a reply to message #65466] |
Wed, 10 February 2010 14:02 |
Richard Lister
Messages: 56
Registered: November 2009
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Thanks for some great advice and some good leads on great coaches. Steve, yours looks magnificent and I will email you for more details.
Jim Galbavy suggested looking at Leigh Harrisons '75 Eleganza - it was actually the first one I saw a few months back. It has low miles and fired right up, but it needed a little more interior work than I was prepared to put into it, and back then I wasn't in a position to buy anyway. Thanks for the suggestion though - and the invite to the Tidewater Crabs gathering! We'll watch for details...
Sandra and Bob (and Bob de Kruyff), it was very useful to hear your TBI advice and experiences. I must say I still like the idea of a well-sorted TBI conversion, but judging from George's comments it looks like they are a no-go in California (on a post 75 model), which would end the conversation if that's where we end up. I will follow up to see if Howell (or other manufacturers) have an EO...
I'm in touch with a few people who have coaches for sale, but if you see anything that fits my spec (4 person dinette, double bed, sofa/bunk, excellent mechanicals and interior). Please let me know. We will be moving out of our house in mid-June for a summer-long roadtrip to our next home, and we need the wheels!
Thanks everyone.
Richard.
In DC and looking for a GMC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach [message #73477 is a reply to message #73459] |
Wed, 10 February 2010 19:04 |
mwall
Messages: 7
Registered: March 2004
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Richard,
My coach fits that description. Feel free to email me at mwmwall@comcast.net for info. You can see interior pictures on the photosite. Just type mwmwall under the 'search by username' option.
Mark Wall 76 E2
________________________________
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org on behalf of Richard Lister
Sent: Wed 2/10/2010 2:02 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Looking for a coach
Thanks for some great advice and some good leads on great coaches. Steve, yours looks magnificent and I will email you for more details.
Jim Galbavy suggested looking at Leigh Harrisons '75 Eleganza - it was actually the first one I saw a few months back. It has low miles and fired right up, but it needed a little more interior work than I was prepared to put into it, and back then I wasn't in a position to buy anyway. Thanks for the suggestion though - and the invite to the Tidewater Crabs gathering! We'll watch for details...
Sandra and Bob (and Bob de Kruyff), it was very useful to hear your TBI advice and experiences. I must say I still like the idea of a well-sorted TBI conversion, but judging from George's comments it looks like they are a no-go in California (on a post 75 model), which would end the conversation if that's where we end up. I will follow up to see if Howell (or other manufacturers) have an EO...
I'm in touch with a few people who have coaches for sale, but if you see anything that fits my spec (4 person dinette, double bed, sofa/bunk, excellent mechanicals and interior). Please let me know. We will be moving out of our house in mid-June for a summer-long roadtrip to our next home, and we need the wheels!
Thanks everyone.
Richard.
In DC and looking for a GMC
_______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________
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