Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Bringin' it home... (yeah, right!)
| Bringin' it home... [message #112199] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 00:32  |
pbrownsd
Messages: 56
Registered: December 2010
Location: Hayden,ID
Karma: 0
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Member |
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A couple of days ago I headed out on a 400 mile trip to the Portland area to bring home my first GMC. I purchased a 1976 Glenbrook from DJ Eberhart. He bought it from the original owner back in 1987. It's been off the road for about two years now. I arrived Friday morning after picking up Dodge rims from Mike Miller (Thanks Mike!!) and dropped them off at Les Schwab for new tires.
Gotta say I loved it from several blocks away as we approached. Its definitely a project vehicle but has good potential. About an hour of looking it over and the deal was done. I pulled away, with my daughter as copilot, and got 15 miles down the road when the transmission blew!! Had reverse but no forward gears. Called DJ and Coachnet. After discussing options, DJ and I decided to have it towed back to his place where he would provide a used tranny and final drive. However, he indicated he was recovering from recent surgery and would not be able to install it. Luckily, my brother lives an hour away and the two of use provided the muscle under DJ's direction because we don't know didly about auto mechanics.
Saturday began about 10:00 am to begin removal. Tranny out by 1:30. New one in by 7:00 pm. Coach back on its own six new wheels and tires by 8:00pm. Trying to back up showed us the Dodge rims won't clear the 80mm front calipers DJ had on the Twinkie. So, the best of the old 16.5in wheels and tires replaced on the front. Now to put my jeep and trailer behind the GMC. Hooked the trailer up and drove my jeep up on it. My Jeep is modified with lift and very large offroad tires. It proved to be too wide for the trailer (riding up on a one foot tall railing). So off with the right side wheels and set down on the other four old 16.5in GMC wheels. Jeep is strapped down and we pull away at last at 10:45 pm from DJ's in a crazy downpouring rain. 11:45pm pull in at my brother's house absolutely covered in ATF and grease. Never been so sore and tired.
Today left Portland in heavy rain and I'm scared to death to drive this unfamiliar beast! Took our time towing our heavy load in an untested coach. Gary Berry was kind enough to provide a storage pod and is house is about 75 miles out of our way but worth it. Now unknown to me, he lives on a dead end gravel road. With the weight of the trailer, the coach's front wheels are unloaded unconsiderably. I tried to get turned around in his driveway and ended up in the ditch! Gary is headed to Quartzite but his great neighbor Mitch rescued us with a tug from his pickup. Ok, back on the road but now the wind is picking dramatically. Made it another 35 miles in high wind but the trailer and coach are buffeted badly. I gave up in Richland, Wa and got a hotel room for the night. Tomorrow is a new day and 4-5 hours to reach home!!
Overall, the GMC is great and as the day went by I relaxed and realized that it actually drives quite well considering the added weight.
Stay tuned for the remainder of the trip and pictures of The Big Twinkie!
Pete love my new GMC Brown
1976 Glenbrook
Hayden, ID
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home... [message #112203 is a reply to message #112199] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 02:06  |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Pete,
Sorry to hear of your difficulties I would like to note that I, for one, am
well and truly impressed with your positive attitude despite your rocky
introduction!
It's interesting to note that not only GMCer's are helpful but their
neighbors (Mitch) are as well! Guess being in close proximity rubs off!
For future reference I would like to clarify the clearance problem between
the 16" Dodge wheels and the 80mm brake calipers you encountered.
I DO NOT expect you to respond to this query until you, your daughter, and
The Big Twinkie are home safe and sound.
It has been well documented that to install the 80mm calipers on the front
you need to do a bit of grinding on the calipers. Do you know if this was
done? That's what I had to do when I replaced the ones on Double Trouble and
it has Alcoa wheels.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=19165
Mike,
Pete notes that the 16" wheels were Dodge wheels; are they the same as these
Firestones:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=33288
I would like to note that this is not a witch hunt, it may be that it is
well know in our community that the 80mm calipers won't fit on 16" steel
wheels but in three years of reading the GMCnet I've never "heard" that
before.
I do admit to having CRS, however!
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Pete
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2011 5:33 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home...
A couple of days ago I headed out on a 400 mile trip to the Portland area to
bring home my first GMC. I purchased a 1976 Glenbrook from DJ Eberhart. He
bought it from the original owner back in 1987. It's been off the road for
about two years now. I arrived Friday morning after picking up Dodge rims
from Mike Miller (Thanks Mike!!) and dropped them off at Les Schwab for new
tires.
Gotta say I loved it from several blocks away as we approached. Its
definitely a project vehicle but has good potential. About an hour of
looking it over and the deal was done. I pulled away, with my daughter as
copilot, and got 15 miles down the road when the transmission blew!! Had
reverse but no forward gears. Called DJ and Coachnet. After discussing
options, DJ and I decided to have it towed back to his place where he would
provide a used tranny and final drive. However, he indicated he was
recovering from recent surgery and would not be able to install it.
Luckily, my brother lives an hour away and the two of use provided the
muscle under DJ's direction because we don't know didly about auto
mechanics.
Saturday began about 10:00 am to begin removal. Tranny out by 1:30. New
one in by 7:00 pm. Coach back on its own six new wheels and tires by
8:00pm. Trying to back up showed us the Dodge rims won't clear the 80mm
front calipers DJ had on the Twinkie. So, the best of the old 16.5in wheels
and tires replaced on the front. Now to put my jeep and trailer behind the
GMC. Hooked the trailer up and drove my jeep up on it. My Jeep is modified
with lift and very large offroad tires. It proved to be too wide for the
trailer (riding up on a one foot tall railing). So off with the right side
wheels and set down on the other four old 16.5in GMC wheels. Jeep is
strapped down and we pull away at last at 10:45 pm from DJ's in a crazy
downpouring rain. 11:45pm pull in at my brother's house absolutely covered
in ATF and grease. Never been so sore and tired.
Today left Portland in heavy rain and I'm scared to death to drive this
unfamiliar beast! Took our time towing our heavy load in an untested coach.
Gary Berry was kind enough to provide a storage pod and is house is about 75
miles out of our way but worth it. Now unknown to me, he lives on a dead end
gravel road. With the weight of the trailer, the coach's front wheels are
unloaded unconsiderably. I tried to get turned around in his driveway and
ended up in the ditch! Gary is headed to Quartzite but his great neighbor
Mitch rescued us with a tug from his pickup. Ok, back on the road but now
the wind is picking dramatically. Made it another 35 miles in high wind but
the trailer and coach are buffeted badly. I gave up in Richland, Wa and got
a hotel room for the night. Tomorrow is a new day and 4-5 hours to reach
home!!
Overall, the GMC is great and as the day went by I relaxed and realized that
it actually drives quite well considering the added weight.
Stay tuned for the remainder of the trip and pictures of The Big Twinkie!
Pete love my new GMC Brown
_______________________________________________
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
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home... [message #112210 is a reply to message #112203] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 08:23 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Pete, there is a way to make the 16" wheels fit with 80 mm calipers. Email
me off gmcnet and I will help you with that problem. jamesh1296@gmail.com
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
On Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 12:06 AM, Rob Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>wrote:
> Pete,
>
> Sorry to hear of your difficulties I would like to note that I, for one, am
> well and truly impressed with your positive attitude despite your rocky
> introduction!
>
> It's interesting to note that not only GMCer's are helpful but their
> neighbors (Mitch) are as well! Guess being in close proximity rubs off!
>
> For future reference I would like to clarify the clearance problem between
> the 16" Dodge wheels and the 80mm brake calipers you encountered.
>
> I DO NOT expect you to respond to this query until you, your daughter, and
> The Big Twinkie are home safe and sound.
>
> It has been well documented that to install the 80mm calipers on the front
> you need to do a bit of grinding on the calipers. Do you know if this was
> done? That's what I had to do when I replaced the ones on Double Trouble
> and
> it has Alcoa wheels.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=19165
>
> Mike,
>
> Pete notes that the 16" wheels were Dodge wheels; are they the same as
> these
> Firestones:
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=33288
>
> I would like to note that this is not a witch hunt, it may be that it is
> well know in our community that the 80mm calipers won't fit on 16" steel
> wheels but in three years of reading the GMCnet I've never "heard" that
> before.
>
> I do admit to having CRS, however!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> USAussie - Downunder
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
> [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Pete
> Sent: Monday, January 17, 2011 5:33 PM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home...
>
> A couple of days ago I headed out on a 400 mile trip to the Portland area
> to
> bring home my first GMC. I purchased a 1976 Glenbrook from DJ Eberhart.
> He
> bought it from the original owner back in 1987. It's been off the road for
> about two years now. I arrived Friday morning after picking up Dodge rims
> from Mike Miller (Thanks Mike!!) and dropped them off at Les Schwab for new
> tires.
>
> Gotta say I loved it from several blocks away as we approached. Its
> definitely a project vehicle but has good potential. About an hour of
> looking it over and the deal was done. I pulled away, with my daughter as
> copilot, and got 15 miles down the road when the transmission blew!! Had
> reverse but no forward gears. Called DJ and Coachnet. After discussing
> options, DJ and I decided to have it towed back to his place where he would
> provide a used tranny and final drive. However, he indicated he was
> recovering from recent surgery and would not be able to install it.
> Luckily, my brother lives an hour away and the two of use provided the
> muscle under DJ's direction because we don't know didly about auto
> mechanics.
>
> Saturday began about 10:00 am to begin removal. Tranny out by 1:30. New
> one in by 7:00 pm. Coach back on its own six new wheels and tires by
> 8:00pm. Trying to back up showed us the Dodge rims won't clear the 80mm
> front calipers DJ had on the Twinkie. So, the best of the old 16.5in
> wheels
> and tires replaced on the front. Now to put my jeep and trailer behind the
> GMC. Hooked the trailer up and drove my jeep up on it. My Jeep is
> modified
> with lift and very large offroad tires. It proved to be too wide for the
> trailer (riding up on a one foot tall railing). So off with the right side
> wheels and set down on the other four old 16.5in GMC wheels. Jeep is
> strapped down and we pull away at last at 10:45 pm from DJ's in a crazy
> downpouring rain. 11:45pm pull in at my brother's house absolutely covered
> in ATF and grease. Never been so sore and tired.
>
> Today left Portland in heavy rain and I'm scared to death to drive this
> unfamiliar beast! Took our time towing our heavy load in an untested coach.
> Gary Berry was kind enough to provide a storage pod and is house is about
> 75
> miles out of our way but worth it. Now unknown to me, he lives on a dead
> end
> gravel road. With the weight of the trailer, the coach's front wheels are
> unloaded unconsiderably. I tried to get turned around in his driveway and
> ended up in the ditch! Gary is headed to Quartzite but his great neighbor
> Mitch rescued us with a tug from his pickup. Ok, back on the road but now
> the wind is picking dramatically. Made it another 35 miles in high wind
> but
> the trailer and coach are buffeted badly. I gave up in Richland, Wa and
> got
> a hotel room for the night. Tomorrow is a new day and 4-5 hours to reach
> home!!
>
> Overall, the GMC is great and as the day went by I relaxed and realized
> that
> it actually drives quite well considering the added weight.
>
> Stay tuned for the remainder of the trip and pictures of The Big Twinkie!
>
> Pete love my new GMC Brown
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home... [message #112211 is a reply to message #112210] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 08:30 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Jim,
I'm confused why are you reticent to share it with everyone?
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of James Hupy
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 1:24 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home...
Pete, there is a way to make the 16" wheels fit with 80 mm calipers. Email
me off gmcnet and I will help you with that problem. jamesh1296@gmail.com
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: Bringin' it home... [message #112213 is a reply to message #112199] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 08:54 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Pete,
I tow a Jeep, on a trailer, with my GMC too:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=34785&title=towing&cat=5523
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=37015&title=jeep7e-2300-23-2c-trailer&cat=5523
If your front wheels are feeling a bit unloaded, you might want to adjust the position of the Jeep, on the trailer, so that you reduce the tongue weight somewhat. You should be shooting for around 10 % of the total weight on the tongue. I try to have no more than 350 - 400 pounds on mine and probably err on the light side. The coach tows the trailer just fine that way.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home... [message #112217 is a reply to message #112216] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 09:21 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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On the 80mm Calipers, you must grind down the small ear or tab (causing the interference to the rim) a bit to clear the 16" steel Firestone wheels. Rather a minor job. Helps to not have the tire mounted on the wheel, so you can move it for test fitting, without the additional weight of the tire.
Had the 16" steel wheel as a spare. In case you did not do this, you can use the steel wheel on any rear wheel position, and move that wheel forward. This is one additional tire change, but will do the job. The 16" steel rim will clear the Cad mid-brake disks, and the OEM drum. I am not sure about the other mid-disk systems.
Tom Phipps, had 6 Alcoas and one Firestone
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home... [message #112221 is a reply to message #112217] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 09:44 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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like this
http://gmcmotorhome.com/commodore/front_brake/index.html
gene
:
>
>
> On the 80mm Calipers, you must grind down the small ear or tab (causing the
> interference to the rim) a bit to clear the 16" steel Firestone wheels.
> Rather a minor job. Helps to not have the tire mounted on the wheel, so
> you can move it for test fitting, without the additional weight of the tire.
> Had the 16" steel wheel as a spare. In case you did not do this, you can
> use the steel wheel on any rear wheel position, and move that wheel forward.
> This is one additional tire change, but will do the job. The 16" steel rim
> will clear the Cad mid-brake disks, and the OEM drum. I am not sure about
> the other mid-disk systems.
>
> Tom Phipps, had 6 Alcoas and one Firestone
> _______________________________________________
> 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] Bringin' it home... [message #112232 is a reply to message #112203] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 12:40 |
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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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Just for the record: Even though one rim was labeled "Dodge" it had the correct pilot hole size for a GMC. (ie: None of the wheels I sold to Pete where "Dodge" wheels.)
From a listing on craigslist, I bought the rims from a guy who buys junk cars, strips them of sale-able parts and sells the rest as scrap. 4 of the rims where from a "set" that came off of a Chevy truck. They where fairly new (from Venezuela). The other two rims in the junkman's "set" where cone shaped so I did not buy them. He had a large pile of tires/rims and some where dually rims. I looked through and found two more 16 inch rims of the correct shape, with the correct pilot hole size. One of these "older wheels" had came with a Dodge truck so he had labeled it as "Dodge."
I had planned on media blast the rims and have them powder coated for use on my 1977 "2040" project. But Pete needed them a LOT sooner than I did.
I am currently looking for another set.
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] Bringin' it home... [message #112234 is a reply to message #112211] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 13:04 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Front wheel spacers will do the trick.
| Robert Mueller wrote on Mon, 17 January 2011 08:30 |
Jim,
I'm confused why are you reticent to share it with everyone?
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of James Hupy
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 1:24 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home...
Pete, there is a way to make the 16" wheels fit with 80 mm calipers. Email
me off gmcnet and I will help you with that problem. jamesh1296@gmail.com
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
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Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home... [message #112237 is a reply to message #112233] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 13:44 |
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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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| CBWoodSR wrote on Mon, 17 January 2011 10:59 |
I was getting confused with the 'Firestone Wheels'....
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Firestone makes wheels that fit many applications. Someone posted the Firestone part number for wheels that fit our application. This is useful when ordering off websites and other "sight unseen" methods.
As I buy steel rims in person, I look for the correct features needed... not a part number.
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: Bringin' it home... [message #112280 is a reply to message #112199] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 20:21 |
pbrownsd
Messages: 56
Registered: December 2010
Location: Hayden,ID
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Got up this morning and the sun was shining! The wind was down to a light breeze. Made the last 150 miles without a hitch. The Twinkie performed flawlessly! It's now tucked away for the week in its covered storage. This weekend I will begin removing old carpet and seats. There is an RV show too, so that will inspire some design ideas. Meeting the local GMCers for lunch on Sat., looking forward to experienced eyes giving my coach the once over.
It has been a very full weekend! I'm a little shell shocked but glad to finally have it home. Start therapy in the morning for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)!!
Pete its only just begun Brown
1976 Glenbrook
Hayden, ID
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| Re: [GMCnet] Bringin' it home... [message #112288 is a reply to message #112280] |
Mon, 17 January 2011 21:03 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Errr, Pete,
From long experience, I'd suggest you delay the PTSD treatment for a
while...
That "Post" thing just ain't gonna hack it. :-)
Ken H.
On Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 9:21 PM, Pete <pbrownsd@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> ...
> It has been a very full weekend! I'm a little shell shocked but glad to
> finally have it home. Start therapy in the morning for PTSD (post-traumatic
> stress disorder)!!
>
>
> Pete its only just begun Brown
>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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