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| Prospective GMC Owner [message #111171] |
Thu, 06 January 2011 23:36  |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Good Day everyone!
My wife and I have been researching GMCs and expect to purchase one shortly. We may have found a '77 in VERY Northern Florida and plan on looking at it next weekend. The price seems right and the photos all look promising. With this in mind, I have a couple questions for the group.
First, maybe I haven't looked in the right place, but I have yet to figure out how to tell the different models apart. Is it just the floor plan and colors that distinguish the models? The model we are looking at is a 26' '77 with a dinette and divan/bunks in the front with two couches/bed in the back and a wet bath.
Second, while I can give the vehicle a decent cursory going over, is there a reputable shop/dealer/mechanic between Florida and the DC area that could give it a much more thorough exam? I want to have someone who knows more than I do tell me what is going to need to be replaced BEFORE I go on a long trip this summer. I would also appreciate knowing what spares should be kept with the coach. Actually, as this is our first coach, I need to know everything anyone will tell me.
According to the owner, the airbags are the new 4 bag system, the A/C units are new, and the alternator has been replaced. He is selling this for his parents who, he said, have all the original manuals and a 3" binder documenting everything done to the vehicle. I am hoping this is true and that the coach will make it all the way to DC.
Any and all suggestions are appreciated!
Robert
thorndike@pldsllc.com
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: Prospective GMC Owner [message #111175 is a reply to message #111171] |
Fri, 07 January 2011 00:53  |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| thorndike wrote on Thu, 06 January 2011 21:36 |
Good Day everyone!
My wife and I have been researching GMCs and expect to purchase one shortly. We may have found a '77 in VERY Northern Florida and plan on looking at it next weekend. ...
<< snipped >>
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Any and all suggestions are appreciated! ...
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First start here:
<http://bdub.net/GMCLinks.html>
Look under "GMC Brochures and Magazine Advertisements" for what was offered. For the most part (and especially for the first two years, 1973/74) the model decided the possible color combinations of the coach. Most coaches where “upfitted” by GM and the layouts are fairly standard. Some coaches where upfitted by other companies and layouts (and colors) could be VERY different. Over 30 years have passed so what you find now might not have anything to do with what was avalable "back then." (For better or worse!)
On the same page, check out the "Black List" (aka: GMC Assist List) for someone local to the coach to help you check it out. Also handy for your trip home... print a copy to carry with you.
There are listings of service providers and I think there is a good GMC shop near Atlanta, but you might want to make a side trip to Jim Bounds GMC CoOP in Orlando.
Good luck!
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: Prospective GMC Owner [message #111180 is a reply to message #111175] |
Fri, 07 January 2011 04:01 |
klassic kampers
Messages: 93
Registered: July 2008
Location: greer,s.c./ellijay,ga
Karma: 0
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if anywhere near orlando, jim bounds at the gmccoop is your best bet, but if too far north zeb frady at southland motorhome in atlanta could do the same................but, if somehow you end up on I-85 in south carolina on your way to d.c. , I can give a check and give an opinion although am small time compared to jim and zeb.....e-mail me as my tele# is incorrect in the blacklist.........a friend from s.c. just sold his gmc and the new owner made it to california with no isues so these coaches are reliable.......the first purchase you need is a halon fire extinquisher........the same advice I give to new owners of vw busses...............good luck.........
Mike Stewart
1973 GMC 26' Canyonlands /
1973 B.S.A. B50 street tracker-----
Greer,S.C/Ellijay,Ga
[Updated on: Fri, 07 January 2011 04:56] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Prospective GMC Owner [message #111183 is a reply to message #111171] |
Fri, 07 January 2011 05:50 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Robert,
Welcome aboard. We're always glad to have new faces, even though it
means we're losing someone from the GMC community.
I'm headed to Tampa/Orlando tomorrow, so dependent on the E/W location
of the coach, I might be able to take a look at it for you -- if you
let me know today. With 12+ years of ownership, doing all my own
work, I know a little about the beasties.
Where are you located -- it would be best if you were there also.
Since you're apparently in or near FL now, perhaps you should consider
visiting with the Sunshine Statesmen who are having a rally at Lazy
Days right now and/or with the Dixielanders who will be there 11-14
Jan (me too). There may be coaches there for sale, will certainly be
those who know of some, and it will be a great opportunity to meet
people, view coaches, and LEARN.
If you'll tell me the owner, either I or some of my Dixielander or
Sunshine Statesmen friends may know him and the coach. That could be
almost as good as a personal survey.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 12:36 AM, Robert Peesel <thorndike@pldsllc.com> wrote:
>
> Good Day everyone!
>
> My wife and I have been researching GMCs and expect to purchase one shortly. We may have found a '77 in VERY Northern Florida and plan on looking at it next weekend...
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List Information and Subscription Options:
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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: Prospective GMC Owner [message #111186 is a reply to message #111171] |
Fri, 07 January 2011 06:13 |
mschultz
Messages: 113
Registered: September 2010
Location: Maple City, MI
Karma: 0
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I am a fairly new owner of a GMC myself. So, here is what I have learned, hindsight. Low price is a great tipping point, as in my case, but don't let take on vehicle conditions that may cost you big time in the future without serious consideration. My greatest condition that I wish were better, is my frame. The frame is a huge job to replace, so start there. Then before I drove it far, be sure the fuel line between the pump and carb have been replaced recently. And of course halon fire surpression and or extinguishers are a great peace of mind item. Age of tires and if they are 16 inch on upgraded wheels are huge. Sounds like there have been some upgrades and they are a plus. Do your research and add up all the upgrades that you would do to the coach, minus the ones already done and that will help determine the price. As many have said the initial cost is only the down payment. As far as the interior layout, the one you are looking at is very similar to my Palm Beach. Preferable in my mind both with or without children. And without, the back can easily be made into a premenant nest. I would definately be talking to Jim Bounds at the COOP. He will definately give you a honest opinion and or get you set for the trip north. The GMC community is the best and we have had great fun with our 'new' GMC. Happy Trails
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