Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow
| [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #82853] |
Sun, 02 May 2010 21:54  |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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> Our coach has the usual "middle age spread" where the door doesn't fit so well anymore sicne the
> walls have flexed outward. However, we've noticed another problem: the floor bows upward in the middle.
> It's worst in the area that's in front of the door. In a lot of places underneath, there's a sizable
> gap between the plywood floor and the rubber isolator pads, in the middle of the floor but not at the edges.
> We're guessing that the weight of the sagging body on the frame parts that are cantilevered out past the
> subframe has pushed the sides down, and the middle up. This makes the floor pretty springy.
> There doesn't seem to be any frame bending or accident damage that would explain it.
>
> Has anybody else run into this problem??
>
> thanks,
> Karen
> 1973 23' Patience Tester
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #82870 is a reply to message #82853] |
Mon, 03 May 2010 00:18  |
Adrien G.
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
Karma: 1
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Check the isolation pads, mine where so bad that the floor was resting on top of the fuel tanks.
The fuel tanks do stick up above the frame. The floor can also pinch the fuel lines hoses or vents.
The pads are not difficult to replace.
Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #82874 is a reply to message #82853] |
Mon, 03 May 2010 03:31 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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I guess you have read these?
http://gmcmotorhome.info/spread.html
and
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=6503&cat=3583
or*
http://tinyurl.com/2apxqu3*
gene
On Sun, May 2, 2010 at 7:54 PM, KB <kab7@sonic.net> wrote:
> > Our coach has the usual "middle age spread" where the door doesn't fit so
> well anymore sicne the
> > walls have flexed outward. However, we've noticed another problem: the
> floor bows upward in the middle.
> > It's worst in the area that's in front of the door. In a lot of places
> underneath, there's a sizable
> > gap between the plywood floor and the rubber isolator pads, in the middle
> of the floor but not at the edges.
> > We're guessing that the weight of the sagging body on the frame parts
> that are cantilevered out past the
> > subframe has pushed the sides down, and the middle up. This makes the
> floor pretty springy.
> > There doesn't seem to be any frame bending or accident damage that would
> explain it.
> >
> > Has anybody else run into this problem??
> >
> > thanks,
> > Karen
> > 1973 23' Patience Tester
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #82896 is a reply to message #82853] |
Mon, 03 May 2010 10:00 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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> Check the isolation pads, mine where so bad that the floor was resting on top of the fuel tanks.
> The fuel tanks do stick up above the frame. The floor can also pinch the fuel lines hoses or vents.
> The pads are not difficult to replace.
It's an early coach, so has the continuous isolation pads. They're all there, and seem to be OK as
far as I can tell.
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #82983 is a reply to message #82906] |
Mon, 03 May 2010 23:50 |
Adrien G.
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
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My isolator pad was full length on my frame and that same area had a rise of about 3/8", but no spread that I can measure.
The outer edge of the isolator measured 1/2" and the inside was 1/4" to 3/8" thick.
The fuel tanks are at the door area, they stick up above the frame by 1/2" plus, at least mine do.
With 3/4 pads the tanks have clearance and the floor is flat.
I won't say that the spread can't bow the floor, but I also feel it's not likely.
If you do change the pads, don"t forget the front and rear mounts.
One way to check, loosen the body mounts at the door and galley areas, and with 2 peaces of 4x4 and 2 jacks, lift (outside the frame area) the floor slightly or so off the frame. If the bulge is gone you've got your answer.
Hope this is of some help.
Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #83021 is a reply to message #82853] |
Tue, 04 May 2010 11:12 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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> My isolator pad was full length on my frame and that same area had a rise of about 3/8", but no spread that I can measure.
> The outer edge of the isolator measured 1/2" and the inside was 1/4" to 3/8" thick.
> The fuel tanks are at the door area, they stick up above the frame by 1/2" plus, at least mine do.
> With 3/4 pads the tanks have clearance and the floor is flat.
> I won't say that the spread can't bow the floor, but I also feel it's not likely.
> If you do change the pads, don"t forget the front and rear mounts.
>
> One way to check, loosen the body mounts at the door and galley areas, and with 2 peaces of 4x4 and 2 jacks, lift (outside the frame area) the floor slightly or so off the frame. If the bulge is gone you've got your answer.
Thanks Adrien. Are you saying you replaced the isolator pads and it flattened your floor??
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
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1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #83380 is a reply to message #83021] |
Thu, 06 May 2010 18:16 |
Adrien G.
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
Karma: 1
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Karen,
The floor is flat over the fuel tanks area.
On mine, the isolator pads are only on the side frame rails, none on any cross members.
Also check the frame rails, what you may see it as a spread, it may be the frame becoming weak and bowing from front to back pulling the roof down.
I know about that, I had to replace most of the frame. That took care of my middle sag and the door would close again.
Try jacking the back end of the frame to see if the sag goes away.
It can't hurt to try.
Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #83468 is a reply to message #83380] |
Fri, 07 May 2010 11:16 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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| Adrien G. wrote on Thu, 06 May 2010 18:16 |
Karen,
The floor is flat over the fuel tanks area.
On mine, the isolator pads are only on the side frame rails, none on any cross members.
Also check the frame rails, what you may see it as a spread, it may be the frame becoming weak and bowing from front to back pulling the roof down.
I know about that, I had to replace most of the frame. That took care of my middle sag and the door would close again.
Try jacking the back end of the frame to see if the sag goes away.
It can't hurt to try.
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When it comes to body pads the early coaches (73/74) are different than later. The early ones have body pads full length on top of all frame members, even cross members. They also have 1' plywood floors with no insulation underneath. I don't know if this was a rolling change or a firm model year change.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #83470 is a reply to message #82853] |
Fri, 07 May 2010 11:17 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
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> Also check the frame rails, what you may see it as a spread, it may be the frame becoming weak and bowing from front to back pulling the roof down.
>
> I know about that, I had to replace most of the frame. That took care of my middle sag and the door would close again.
>
> Try jacking the back end of the frame to see if the sag goes away.
>
> It can't hurt to try.
> -- Adrien
Thanks Adrien. I'll add that to the list of things to try. Since it's mostly gutted, it's
pretty easy to try things and see what works. The frame looks really good -- no rust since
it was a southern California/Arizona coach, and appears straight. But the PO did weld on a home-made
tow hitch in the back, and maybe that added to some problems. The GMC MH frames are really light,
maybe too light for some things.
thanks,
Karen
1973 23' Patience Tester
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #83542 is a reply to message #83470] |
Fri, 07 May 2010 18:15 |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
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FYI
I can't speak for early 70's GMC vehicles, but my dad had a 1978 or 1979
Chevy Suburban. On the frame rail was a label that read something to
the effect of "Do not weld on frame - this frame is tempered". I asked a GM
rep friend of mine and he said that if that tag was on the frame it was part
of the trailer towing package. The towing option included an HD radiator,
larger alternator, battery and trans cooler. He also said that people
would weld towing components on tempered frames. I have no idea what it
did in either of these scenarios. Could that have something to do with a
weakened frame?
Just my two cents,
Tom Eckert
N2VWN
73 Glacier
On Fri, May 7, 2010 at 11:17 AM, KB <kab7@sonic.net> wrote:
>
> > Also check the frame rails, what you may see it as a spread, it may be
> the frame becoming weak and bowing from front to back pulling the roof
> down.
> >
> > I know about that, I had to replace most of the frame. That took care of
> my middle sag and the door would close again.
> >
> > Try jacking the back end of the frame to see if the sag goes away.
> >
> > It can't hurt to try.
> > -- Adrien
>
> Thanks Adrien. I'll add that to the list of things to try. Since it's
> mostly gutted, it's
> pretty easy to try things and see what works. The frame looks really good
> -- no rust since
> it was a southern California/Arizona coach, and appears straight. But the
> PO did weld on a home-made
> tow hitch in the back, and maybe that added to some problems. The GMC MH
> frames are really light,
> maybe too light for some things.
>
> thanks,
> Karen
> 1973 23' Patience Tester
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] middle age spread and floor bow [message #83662 is a reply to message #83542] |
Sat, 08 May 2010 14:03 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
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He also said that people would weld towing components on tempered frames. I have no idea what it did in either of these scenarios. Could that have something to do with a weakened frame?
_________________________________________________________
I just saw this on TV the other night.
The metal us tempered by a series of heating and cooling cycles.
If the hitch installers heat the frame by welding, it can become soft like mild steel again. Losing the temper causes a great strength loss. The frame could possibly bend under the right conditions with the temper gone.
LarC ( Amazing what we can learn on TV )
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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