Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!!
| Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99387] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 19:36  |
Jon payne
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
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Guys,
I Started replacing the body pads the today. Carefully following the instructions everything was going very well until I got to the pads that are forward of the entry door. At this point I figured it would be smooth sailing, not the case.
First, let me tell you that all 10 nuts have been removed and at the rear most aluminum cross member the body has been jacked about 2" and is sitting on jack stands. As I replaced the pads, starting from the rear, I placed bottle jacks on the associated cross member and carefully jacked both RH and LH sides simultaneously. This is the procedure I used as I progressed forward.
When I reached the pads forward of the entry door I started to jack on the passenger side of the cross member. As the body lifted I could hear the side panels cracking internally (let me tell you that is not a nice sound at all!). I immediately lowered the body back down. I then tried placing two bottle jacks on the RH side but still as the body lifted you could hear the side panel crack. This was also the same scenario for the driver side.
Needless to say I am hesitant to continue with replacing the remaining pads as I don't want cause any serious damage. I was thinking of purchasing two more bottle jacks so I could have four jacks on each side (forward of entry door) to see if that would help.
So basically I would like to know if anyone has experienced this before or if anyone has any advice.
Jon
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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| Re: Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99388 is a reply to message #99387] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 19:39  |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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""When I reached the pads forward of the entry door I started to jack on the passenger side of the cross member. As the body lifted I could hear the side panels cracking internally (let me tell you that is not a nice sound at all!). I immediately lowered the body back down. I then tried placing two bottle jacks on the RH side but still as the body lifted you could hear the side panel crack. This was also the same scenario for the driver side.
""
Jon, my knees crack just going to the fridge for a beer! I would continue, although maybe a bit less aggressively. I think you are OK.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99395 is a reply to message #99387] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 20:12 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Jon,
What is the history of your coach? Has it been used extensively in the
winter? On the salted roads in Indiana and other northern states? Have you
inspected the frame for serious rust damage?
I ask because I've jacked my GMC "every way from Sunday" and never heard so
much as a creak, much less a "crack". It's admittedly a 23', but when I had
a 26' it also jacked without creaking -- even when left with the right front
too high alone so that the windshield cracked after a week or more in that
attitude.
The almost-monocoque construction of the GMC is not, in my experience prone
to such antics. A weak frame would make it more so though.
Ken H.
On Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 8:36 PM, Jon Payne <embrep@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> ...
When I reached the pads forward of the entry door I started to jack on the
> passenger side of the cross member. As the body lifted I could hear the side
> panels cracking internally (let me tell you that is not a nice sound at
> all!). I immediately lowered the body back down. I then tried placing two
> bottle jacks on the RH side but still as the body lifted you could hear the
> side panel crack. This was also the same scenario for the driver side.
> ...
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99399 is a reply to message #99387] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 20:40 |
Jon payne
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
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Hi Ken,
No the frame is in good shape. Remember since I am replacing the body pads I am not jacking on the frame. I have lots of experience jacking my GMC and when jacking on the frame in the appropriate places, ie front cross member and between the bogies I also never hear some much as a squeak.
But the noise I hear is cracking of fiberglass, no visible cracks. To be clear the body is lifting but as the body is lifted from the frame the cracking begins. Just can't ignore that.
JP
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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| Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99402 is a reply to message #99399] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 20:45 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Jon,
Not to seem too simple -- but are you using a lenght 2x4 or other lumber to spread the lifting force out over the floor ?
Dennis Sexton
73 GMC
Germantown, TN
USA
-----Original Message-----
From: Jon Payne <embrep@sbcglobal.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sat, Sep 11, 2010 8:40 pm
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!!
Hi Ken,
No the frame is in good shape. Remember since I am replacing the body pads I am
ot jacking on the frame. I have lots of experience jacking my GMC and when
acking on the frame in the appropriate places, ie front cross member and
etween the bogies I also never hear some much as a squeak.
But the noise I hear is cracking of fiberglass, no visible cracks. To be clear
he body is lifting but as the body is lifted from the frame the cracking
egins. Just can't ignore that.
JP
-
on Payne
6 Palm Beach
estfield,IN
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MCnet mailing list
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99404 is a reply to message #99402] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 21:10 |
Jon payne
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Hi Dennis,
To answer your question I am using a 2X4 block sitting just on the cross member at the location of the body pad. This is per the instructions that came with the pads. Certainly you make a good point and I will try this and let you know.
Thanks Dennis.
Jon
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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| Re: Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99407 is a reply to message #99387] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 21:19 |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Jon,
I haven't done my body pads yet, but read just about every post on it, as it's on my soon list. If I read your post right, you jacked the rear of the coach 2" off the frame? Most people that I have read just lift the body just enough to slide the new pads in, one pad location at a time.
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99411 is a reply to message #99387] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 21:53 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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On Sep 11, 2010, at 8:36 PM, Jon Payne wrote:
>
>
> Guys,
>
> I Started replacing the body pads the today. Carefully following the instructions everything was going very well until I got to the pads that are forward of the entry door. At this point I figured it would be smooth sailing, not the case.
>
> First, let me tell you that all 10 nuts have been removed and at the rear most aluminum cross member the body has been jacked about 2" and is sitting on jack stands. As I replaced the pads, starting from the rear, I placed bottle jacks on the associated cross member and carefully jacked both RH and LH sides simultaneously. This is the procedure I used as I progressed forward.
>
>
> When I reached the pads forward of the entry door I started to jack on the passenger side of the cross member. As the body lifted I could hear the side panels cracking internally (let me tell you that is not a nice sound at all!). I immediately lowered the body back down. I then tried placing two bottle jacks on the RH side but still as the body lifted you could hear the side panel crack. This was also the same scenario for the driver side.
>
> Needless to say I am hesitant to continue with replacing the remaining pads as I don't want cause any serious damage. I was thinking of purchasing two more bottle jacks so I could have four jacks on each side (forward of entry door) to see if that would help.
>
> So basically I would like to know if anyone has experienced this before or if anyone has any advice.
>
> Jon
>
Jon
I don't understand why you are raising both sides of the motorhome at the same time. Just jack up close to where you are putting in the pad -- only on one side of the motorhome. That should give a little more clearance because it will tilt the body a little as it goes up. If you jack both sides you will not get as much clearance for the pad.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM
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| Re: Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99413 is a reply to message #99407] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 22:04 |
Jon payne
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Craig I always heard the same thing, that is, just jack the body at each pad. But the instructions state to actually jack the body up 3 inches at the rear and install jack stands. I have had that in the back of my mind, why raise the rear up so high? So I think I will lower the body back down on the pad and see if that helps.
Jon
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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| Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99415 is a reply to message #99399] |
Sat, 11 September 2010 22:48 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Jon,
Have you backed off on the forward donuts (under the cockpit)? I'm
wondering now if you're hearing a symptom of the "nose droop" we've
speculated about during past discussions of "chipmunk cheeks".
Ken H.
On Sat, Sep 11, 2010 at 9:40 PM, Jon Payne <embrep@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> No the frame is in good shape. Remember since I am replacing the body pads
> I am not jacking on the frame. I have lots of experience jacking my GMC and
> when jacking on the frame in the appropriate places, ie front cross member
> and between the bogies I also never hear some much as a squeak.
>
> But the noise I hear is cracking of fiberglass, no visible cracks. To be
> clear the body is lifting but as the body is lifted from the frame the
> cracking begins. Just can't ignore that.
> ...
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99421 is a reply to message #99387] |
Sun, 12 September 2010 00:27 |
Gail Marks Cruiser
Messages: 125
Registered: August 2009
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
Jon, I had similar noises when I lifted mine for pads, happened when I started to lift the right hand side.
It was slow to lift, I heard a cracking noise, couldn't see any problems, jacked some more and bang, several pieces of fiber-glass fell out between the back wheels.
Turns out the holding tank had been refitted at some stage with the flange over hanging the chassis rail. Shows how many years it had been with-out pads.
I had always wanted to move the waste tank to the rear of the GMC, guess it was just saying, do it now!
Mark Bennett
Gail & Mark's Cruiser
Gold Coast, Australia.
Motorhoming Lifestyle.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99424 is a reply to message #99387] |
Sun, 12 September 2010 06:29 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Do you have a Ragusa step? I understand they must be loosened.
Ljdavick at comcast.net
On Sep 11, 2010, at 5:36 PM, Jon Payne <embrep@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
>
> Guys,
>
> I Started replacing the body pads the today. Carefully following the
> instructions everything was going very well until I got to the pads
> that are forward of the entry door. At this point I figured it
> would be smooth sailing, not the case.
>
> First, let me tell you that all 10 nuts have been removed and at the
> rear most aluminum cross member the body has been jacked about 2"
> and is sitting on jack stands. As I replaced the pads, starting
> from the rear, I placed bottle jacks on the associated cross member
> and carefully jacked both RH and LH sides simultaneously. This is
> the procedure I used as I progressed forward.
>
>
> When I reached the pads forward of the entry door I started to jack
> on the passenger side of the cross member. As the body lifted I
> could hear the side panels cracking internally (let me tell you that
> is not a nice sound at all!). I immediately lowered the body back
> down. I then tried placing two bottle jacks on the RH side but
> still as the body lifted you could hear the side panel crack. This
> was also the same scenario for the driver side.
>
> Needless to say I am hesitant to continue with replacing the
> remaining pads as I don't want cause any serious damage. I was
> thinking of purchasing two more bottle jacks so I could have four
> jacks on each side (forward of entry door) to see if that would help.
>
> So basically I would like to know if anyone has experienced this
> before or if anyone has any advice.
>
> Jon
>
>
> --
> Jon Payne
> 76 Palm Beach
> Westfield,IN
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99431 is a reply to message #99413] |
Sun, 12 September 2010 09:11 |
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Jon,
When we did my coach last spring in Ohio (while you were working on the
front end of your coach) we jacked the frame to raise the coach then
proceeded to place the wood at the cross member where the pad was and then
went some more. I'm with Emery, don't do both sides at the same time. Forget
those instructions. Also, go just enough to get clearance for the new pad.
It sure made a difference on the interior noise.
How about planning to run down to DuQuoin for the weekend? I know you have a
day job. There's a small commercial airport nearby. Call the trip
"business". Shucks, some people in that part of the state have never heard
of Brazil.
Byron
Jon Payne wrote:
>
>
> Craig I always heard the same thing, that is, just jack the body at each pad.
> But the instructions state to actually jack the body up 3 inches at the rear
> and install jack stands. I have had that in the back of my mind, why raise the
> rear up so high? So I think I will lower the body back down on the pad and see
> if that helps.
>
> Jon
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! [message #99442 is a reply to message #99387] |
Sun, 12 September 2010 12:40 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Here is what bothers me about the way you are going about this.
If the rear end is still jacked up off of the frame I would be very worried that the black tank is hitting the frame. The black tank is mounted to the bottom of the body and the neck of the rear drain sticks through the frame. I'm thinking the noise you are hearing the black tank hitting the frame.
There is no reason to jack up the back of the coach to install the isolators. Just do one at a time. I did all of the right ones and then on another day I did all of the left ones. The left ones are quicker to install because you do not have to work around the exhaust pipe.
Check the back of the black tank to the frame very closely. I'll bet it is hitting the frame. You may have already broken it. If you have and are lucky, you can plastic weld the tank without removing it.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! - FINISHED! [message #99466 is a reply to message #99387] |
Sun, 12 September 2010 16:32 |
Jon payne
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Okay guys, the instructions that came with the pads are crap. I lowered the back all the way down then proceeded to replace the remaining pads only jacking one side at a time. I did use a 2x4 stretched a crossed three cross members and supported by two bottle jacks. No cracking sounds or anything like that. Also buy using 2 jacks at one time I was able to install the three pads at once, worked very nice.
Thanks guys for your help. I knew something was not right and I knew you guys would help resolve the issue. Thanks again!
Jon
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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| Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! - FINISHED! [message #99490 is a reply to message #99466] |
Sun, 12 September 2010 20:05 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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I was under my coach today.....my body pads are GONE.....another item on the
list.
Ray
Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale Center Kitchen
TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Jon Payne <embrep@sbcglobal.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sun, September 12, 2010 4:32:16 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Body Pad Replacement - Need Advice!! - FINISHED!
Okay guys, the instructions that came with the pads are crap. I lowered the
back all the way down then proceeded to replace the remaining pads only jacking
one side at a time. I did use a 2x4 stretched a crossed three cross members and
supported by two bottle jacks. No cracking sounds or anything like that. Also
buy using 2 jacks at one time I was able to install the three pads at once,
worked very nice.
Thanks guys for your help. I knew something was not right and I knew you guys
would help resolve the issue. Thanks again!
Jon
--
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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GMCnet mailing list
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http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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