Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable?
| trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93193] |
Sun, 25 July 2010 16:20  |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Had a nice weekend trip up to Noccalula Falls about 90 minutes north of Birmingham, AL. Nice campground right next to the falls with air conditioned bathrooms. A big plus since we were pushing 105 on the heat index during the day. The campground did have shady spots, unfortunately we weren't in one. On the upside, the 15K ac unit and the extra insulation I put in when redoing the ceiling, sides, and floor continue to make even the hottest, muggiest days in the southeast bearable.
We probably pushed 80 inside the coach during the worst of the day, but after coming in from hiking down to the falls it felt like a very reasonable temperature. Noccalula Falls is great, especially if you have kids. The falls are a great natural attraction and the hike down and behind the falls is beautiful. The petting zoo is nice, as is the little 1/4 scale train you ride around. Pioneer Village actually has authentic pioneer homesteads that were moved in from somewhere in TN. Best of all, getting in is only $6 per person per day. Very reasonable for the entertainment value.
The coach ran well despite the heat. No new issues cropped up though I do still need to get the dash air fixed. Have a lot of slack in my shifter cable. Anyone have a solution for that problem short of taking apart the steering column and figuring out how to replace it? Otherwise a great weekend trip, although I think our trip in August will need to be to DeSoto Caverns or somewhere else with some indoor attractions. This heat wave and outdoor activities boiled my wife and 9 month old daughter a little too much to be completely enjoyable.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93194 is a reply to message #93193] |
Sun, 25 July 2010 16:28  |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Jeremy,
Here is the thread where Manny tell how to adjust the cable -- but I don't know how it would work if you have a lot of slack.
http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=67141&rid=904&srch=adjusting+cable#msg_67141
Dennis Sexton
73 PD230
Germantown, TN
USA
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeremy <jtknezek@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sun, Jul 25, 2010 4:20 pm
Subject: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable?
Had a nice weekend trip up to Noccalula Falls about 90 minutes north of
irmingham, AL. Nice campground right next to the falls with air conditioned
athrooms. A big plus since we were pushing 105 on the heat index during the
ay. The campground did have shady spots, unfortunately we weren't in one. On
he upside, the 15K ac unit and the extra insulation I put in when redoing the
eiling, sides, and floor continue to make even the hottest, muggiest days in
he southeast bearable.
We probably pushed 80 inside the coach during the worst of the day, but after
oming in from hiking down to the falls it felt like a very reasonable
emperature. Noccalula Falls is great, especially if you have kids. The falls
re a great natural attraction and the hike down and behind the falls is
eautiful. The petting zoo is nice, as is the little 1/4 scale train you ride
round. Pioneer Village actually has authentic pioneer homesteads that were
oved in from somewhere in TN. Best of all, getting in is only $6 per person per
ay. Very reasonable for the entertainment value.
The coach ran well despite the heat. No new issues cropped up though I do still
eed to get the dash air fixed. Have a lot of slack in my shifter cable. Anyone
ave a solution for that problem short of taking apart the steering column and
iguring out how to replace it? Otherwise a great weekend trip, although I think
ur trip in August will need to be to DeSoto Caverns or somewhere else with some
ndoor attractions. This heat wave and outdoor activities boiled my wife and 9
onth old daughter a little too much to be completely enjoyable.
-
hanks,
eremy Knezek
976 Glenbrook
irmingham, AL
______________________________________________
MCnet mailing list
ist Information and Subscription Options:
ttp://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
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
|
|
|
|
| Re: trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93196 is a reply to message #93193] |
Sun, 25 July 2010 16:40 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Thanks Dennis. I've gone that route already. I've adjusted it as far as it can go so that I can no longer get in low gear. This is the only way I can get "Park" to engage. There is still a lot of slack in the line. Not quite sure what the problem is but I have noticed it getting worse.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
|
|
|
|
| Re <snip> shifting cable? [message #93210 is a reply to message #93196] |
Sun, 25 July 2010 18:02 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Jeremy,
I have never done this on a GMC, but that is the only automatic I have owned that has not had similar problems with - yet.
It is unlikely that the cable stretched. (Only unlikely, not impossible.) Besides, the cable PULLS to transmission into park on a GMC and pushes to the others, so it is too little slack in the cable. This is actually harder to do - like pushing a chain.
Start by looking at the entire train - and I do mean everything involved - of the shift cable system.
The lever on the column rotates a shaft inside the column. Unfortunately, this is where the gear latch is located and the system travel is most limited. If any part of that is loose, worn, slipped or bent, it will drive you crazy trying to adjust it so it works correctly.
Something is probably worn and someone adjusted it all one way so it would go into park. If you can find what is wrong and fix it, that would be better. Have some patient person sit in the driver's seat and wiggle the lever (with the coach chocked) and watch for something the doesn't move when everything else does.
There is probably a plastic bushing that cracked and fell out. (I said BTDT, didn't I?)
Good Luck Guy
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: Re <snip> shifting cable? [message #93211 is a reply to message #93210] |
Sun, 25 July 2010 18:16 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
That kind of answer was along the lines of what I was thinking. I was hoping in our collective wisdom there would be simpler solution. Silly me... Thanks for the help. And yes, I agree. Something small and annoying made of plastic has most likely failed after 35 years. Can't imagine why that would have happened, can you???
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Re <snip> shifting cable? [message #93231 is a reply to message #93211] |
Sun, 25 July 2010 21:37 |
Kosier
Messages: 834
Registered: February 2008
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Jeremy,
Check the little arm at the bottom of the column, where the cable
starts. Twenty-five years ago, I took the column out, and
that arm got bent dragging it thru the hole in the floor. I had
trouble getting both park and first. Loss of mechanical
leverage.
Straightened the arm and all was good. Lesson learned and never
forgotten.
Gary Kosier
77EII & 77PB
Newark, Ohio
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeremy" <jtknezek@hotmail.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2010 7:16 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Re <snip> shifting cable?
>
>
> That kind of answer was along the lines of what I was thinking.
> I was hoping in our collective wisdom there would be simpler
> solution. Silly me... Thanks for the help. And yes, I agree.
> Something small and annoying made of plastic has most likely
> failed after 35 years. Can't imagine why that would have
> happened, can you???
> --
> Thanks,
> Jeremy Knezek
> 1976 Glenbrook
> Birmingham, AL
> _______________________________________________
> 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
|
|
|
|
| Re: trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93296 is a reply to message #93193] |
Mon, 26 July 2010 12:49 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I just replaced my cable with an OEM style replacement from JimK. Easy to buy and pretty easy to install (get a couple of tiny cotterpins to replace the old ones).
There are a couple of clamps that help hold the cable on it's routing. They could have come loose and limited the shifter throw, maybe.
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
|
|
|
|
| Re: trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93347 is a reply to message #93193] |
Mon, 26 July 2010 18:09 |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| jknezek wrote on Sun, 25 July 2010 16:20 |
Had a nice weekend trip up to Noccalula Falls about 90 minutes north of Birmingham, AL. Nice campground right next to the falls with air conditioned bathrooms. A big plus since we were pushing 105 on the heat index during the day. The campground did have shady spots, unfortunately we weren't in one. On the upside, the 15K ac unit and the extra insulation I put in when redoing the ceiling, sides, and floor continue to make even the hottest, muggiest days in the southeast bearable.
We probably pushed 80 inside the coach during the worst of the day, but after coming in from hiking down to the falls it felt like a very reasonable temperature. Noccalula Falls is great, especially if you have kids. The falls are a great natural attraction and the hike down and behind the falls is beautiful. The petting zoo is nice, as is the little 1/4 scale train you ride around. Pioneer Village actually has authentic pioneer homesteads that were moved in from somewhere in TN. Best of all, getting in is only $6 per person per day. Very reasonable for the entertainment value.
The coach ran well despite the heat. No new issues cropped up though I do still need to get the dash air fixed. Have a lot of slack in my shifter cable. Anyone have a solution for that problem short of taking apart the steering column and figuring out how to replace it? Otherwise a great weekend trip, although I think our trip in August will need to be to DeSoto Caverns or somewhere else with some indoor attractions. This heat wave and outdoor activities boiled my wife and 9 month old daughter a little too much to be completely enjoyable.
|
i'm curious about the 1/4 size train. is it on rail or rubber tires? gas power or steam?
this is my main hobby and i've not heard of this train before.
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93359 is a reply to message #93193] |
Mon, 26 July 2010 19:07 |
kingd
Messages: 592
Registered: June 2004
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Fred, how about these,
http://www.trha.ca/news.html
Scoll through the events of the various dates to see 1:1 and small scale.
The little one runs, the BIG one is static only but is almost 100% there.
DAVE KING
DAVE KING
lurker, wannabe
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
[Updated on: Mon, 26 July 2010 19:09] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93366 is a reply to message #93347] |
Mon, 26 July 2010 19:30 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
"i'm curious about the 1/4 size train. is it on rail or rubber tires? gas power or steam?
this is my main hobby and i've not heard of this train before.
"
Fred, when I still lived on Tipsico Lake in Michigan, my neighbor had a 20 acre plot with trains, trestles,switches, etc. They had 3 engines and every weekend they dressed up as conductors, engineers, etc. I'm guessing it was 1/4 scale. It is the Booth family who owned Booth Communications in Michigan (newspapers and TV stations.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93371 is a reply to message #93347] |
Mon, 26 July 2010 19:38 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
|
Senior Member |
|
|
1/4 scale would probably be running on 15" gauge rails.
I think it's pretty common.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ Mac Macdonald ~
~ Oklahoma City ~
~~ "Money Pit" ~~
~ '76 ex - P.B. ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
----------------------------------------
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: fredntoni@cox.net
> Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:09:23 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable?
>
>
>
> jknezek wrote on Sun, 25 July 2010 16:20
>> Had a nice weekend trip up to Noccalula Falls about 90 minutes north of Birmingham, AL. Nice campground right next to the falls with air conditioned bathrooms. A big plus since we were pushing 105 on the heat index during the day. The campground did have shady spots, unfortunately we weren't in one. On the upside, the 15K ac unit and the extra insulation I put in when redoing the ceiling, sides, and floor continue to make even the hottest, muggiest days in the southeast bearable.
>>
>> We probably pushed 80 inside the coach during the worst of the day, but after coming in from hiking down to the falls it felt like a very reasonable temperature. Noccalula Falls is great, especially if you have kids. The falls are a great natural attraction and the hike down and behind the falls is beautiful. The petting zoo is nice, as is the little 1/4 scale train you ride around. Pioneer Village actually has authentic pioneer homesteads that were moved in from somewhere in TN. Best of all, getting in is only $6 per person per day. Very reasonable for the entertainment value.
>>
>> The coach ran well despite the heat. No new issues cropped up though I do still need to get the dash air fixed. Have a lot of slack in my shifter cable. Anyone have a solution for that problem short of taking apart the steering column and figuring out how to replace it? Otherwise a great weekend trip, although I think our trip in August will need to be to DeSoto Caverns or somewhere else with some indoor attractions. This heat wave and outdoor activities boiled my wife and 9 month old daughter a little too much to be completely enjoyable.
>
> i'm curious about the 1/4 size train. is it on rail or rubber tires? gas power or steam?
> this is my main hobby and i've not heard of this train before.
>
> --
> Fred V
> '77 Royale RB 455
> P'cola, Fl
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93396 is a reply to message #93359] |
Mon, 26 July 2010 22:02 |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| kingd wrote on Mon, 26 July 2010 19:07 |
Fred, how about these,
http://www.trha.ca/news.html
Scoll through the events of the various dates to see 1:1 and small scale.
The little one runs, the BIG one is static only but is almost 100% there.
DAVE KING
|
oh yes. Michael Guy is a buddy of mine. he came to Fl. in Feb. to the winter steam meets. the miniature trains there are the size i build.
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
|
|
|
|
| Re: trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93397 is a reply to message #93353] |
Mon, 26 July 2010 22:06 |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| jknezek wrote on Mon, 26 July 2010 18:41 |
I'm just guessing at the 1/4 size. It was on rails and had 3 stations. Probably well less than 1/4 size now that I think about it. Gasoline powered since you could smell it. Just a little train for kids and adults to ride in around the park area. Here's a pic I found on the web: http://tinyurl.com/26jecja
|
that is, i believe 2ft. gauge. that and 15" ga. are the common park size trains.
see: www.waleswest.com scroll down and click on railroads. i,m a volunteer there with the 7.5" gauge.
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93400 is a reply to message #93353] |
Mon, 26 July 2010 22:51 |
|
|
You were pretty close to the scale. Someone did a nice job with the cars as
well as modeling the 1800s steam locomotive.
I had never heard of Noccalula Falls until you mentioned it here.
Byron
Jeremy wrote:
>
>
> I'm just guessing at the 1/4 size. It was on rails and had 3 stations.
> Probably well less than 1/4 size now that I think about it. Gasoline powered
> since you could smell it. Just a little train for kids and adults to ride in
> around the park area. Here's a pic I found on the web:
> http://tinyurl.com/26jecja
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93417 is a reply to message #93400] |
Tue, 27 July 2010 06:52 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I've been very lucky to live in a variety of places since leaving for college. NJ, both coastal and in Princeton, southwest VA, NYC, South FL, and now AL. It always amazes me how locals will tell you they never do the stuff that is right around their homes. Lots of NYers feel it is not worth going to see the Statue of Liberty, or the Empire State building. Wherever I've lived, I've always tried to make it a point to see these local attractions. It was one of the reasons my wife and I bought the coach. So here in AL, Noccalula Falls is one of those types of places. Everyone knows someone who has been and says it's fun, but despite it being only about an hour from Birmingham, no one goes. It's a shame, because it really is fun. Next month, Rickwood Caverns I believe. Much cooler in the ground than in the sun!
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93497 is a reply to message #93371] |
Tue, 27 July 2010 14:30 |
jw mills
Messages: 199
Registered: September 2006
Karma: -30
|
Senior Member |
|
|
1/4 scale rail guage should be 14 1/8". standard guage is 4' 8 1/2".
--
Jim Mills
Greeley, CO
1973 CanyonLands 260 TZE-063V100731(under renovation)
1973 Glacier 230 TZE-033V101993
On Mon, 2010-07-26 at 19:38 -0500, D C *Mac* Macdonald wrote:
> 1/4 scale would probably be running on 15" gauge rails.
>
> I think it's pretty common.
>
> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> ~ Mac Macdonald ~
> ~ Oklahoma City ~
> ~~ "Money Pit" ~~
> ~ '76 ex - P.B. ~
> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------
> > To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> > From: fredntoni@cox.net
> > Date: Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:09:23 -0500
> > Subject: Re: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable?
> >
> >
> >
> > jknezek wrote on Sun, 25 July 2010 16:20
> >> Had a nice weekend trip up to Noccalula Falls about 90 minutes north of Birmingham, AL. Nice campground right next to the falls with air conditioned bathrooms. A big plus since we were pushing 105 on the heat index during the day. The campground did have shady spots, unfortunately we weren't in one. On the upside, the 15K ac unit and the extra insulation I put in when redoing the ceiling, sides, and floor continue to make even the hottest, muggiest days in the southeast bearable.
> >>
> >> We probably pushed 80 inside the coach during the worst of the day, but after coming in from hiking down to the falls it felt like a very reasonable temperature. Noccalula Falls is great, especially if you have kids. The falls are a great natural attraction and the hike down and behind the falls is beautiful. The petting zoo is nice, as is the little 1/4 scale train you ride around. Pioneer Village actually has authentic pioneer homesteads that were moved in from somewhere in TN. Best of all, getting in is only $6 per person per day. Very reasonable for the entertainment value.
> >>
> >> The coach ran well despite the heat. No new issues cropped up though I do still need to get the dash air fixed. Have a lot of slack in my shifter cable. Anyone have a solution for that problem short of taking apart the steering column and figuring out how to replace it? Otherwise a great weekend trip, although I think our trip in August will need to be to DeSoto Caverns or somewhere else with some indoor attractions. This heat wave and outdoor activities boiled my wife and 9 month old daughter a little too much to be completely enjoyable.
> >
> > i'm curious about the 1/4 size train. is it on rail or rubber tires? gas power or steam?
> > this is my main hobby and i've not heard of this train before.
> >
> > --
> > Fred V
> > '77 Royale RB 455
> > P'cola, Fl
> _______________________________________________
> 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
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable? [message #93500 is a reply to message #93497] |
Tue, 27 July 2010 14:47 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Yes, for "TRUE" 1:4 scale, but 15" is what is most commonly used.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ Mac Macdonald ~
~ Oklahoma City ~
~~ "Money Pit" ~~
~ '76 ex - P.B. ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> From: mills@bmi.net
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:30:49 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] trip report -- Noccalula Falls, AL, shifting cable?
>
> 1/4 scale rail guage should be 14 1/8". standard guage is 4' 8 1/2".
> --
> Jim Mills
> Greeley, CO
> 1973 CanyonLands 260 TZE-063V100731(under renovation)
> 1973 Glacier 230 TZE-033V101993
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, 2010-07-26 at 19:38 -0500, D C *Mac* Macdonald wrote:
>
>> 1/4 scale would probably be running on 15" gauge rails.
>>
>> I think it's pretty common.
>>
>> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
>> ~ Mac Macdonald ~
>> ~ Oklahoma City ~
>> ~~ "Money Pit" ~~
>> ~ '76 ex - P.B. ~
>> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Mon Sep 30 18:42:14 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.03440 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
