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newbie again [message #126815] Fri, 20 May 2011 17:38 Go to next message
chasingsummer is currently offline  chasingsummer   United States
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Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
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sometime in next week or so i will be driving my new coach from iowa to central n.c.
any input reference to best route over n.c. mountains is appreciated,
also, when is timing chain due for replacement,
and,
for emergency tool kit, i am thinking coil, dist cap, multi meter, couple feet 12 ga wire. socket set and adjustable wrench.
any other suggestions is greatly appreciated, soon to be proud owner of 75 model, and only 1200 miles from home.
thanks bgk


brian asheboro, nc 75 eleganza, 74 build 119k miles and counting, DOG HOUSE
Re: newbie again [message #126817 is a reply to message #126815] Fri, 20 May 2011 17:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
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Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
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Fuel filters and a wrench to change them! Also, you can never go wrong with duct tape!

George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] newbie again [message #126819 is a reply to message #126815] Fri, 20 May 2011 17:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
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Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
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The HEI module is a more common failure item than the coil or the
distributor cap. A set of V-belts is always a good investment. I'd rather
have a set of combination wrenches, 5/16"-1", even Harbor Freight, than any
adjustable wrench. Don't forget the screwdrivers.

Ken H.



On Fri, May 20, 2011 at 6:38 PM, brian <chasingsummer@triad.rr.com> wrote:

>
>
> sometime in next week or so i will be driving my new coach from iowa to
> central n.c.
> any input reference to best route over n.c. mountains is appreciated,
> also, when is timing chain due for replacement,
> and,
> for emergency tool kit, i am thinking coil, dist cap, multi meter, couple
> feet 12 ga wire. socket set and adjustable wrench.
> any other suggestions is greatly appreciated, soon to be proud owner of 75
> model, and only 1200 miles from home.
> thanks bgk
> _______________________________________________
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> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: newbie again [message #126825 is a reply to message #126815] Fri, 20 May 2011 18:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
chasingsummer wrote on Fri, 20 May 2011 18:38

sometime in next week or so i will be driving my new coach from iowa to central n.c.
any input reference to best route over n.c. mountains is appreciated,
also, when is timing chain due for replacement,
and,
for emergency tool kit, i am thinking coil, dist cap, multi meter, couple feet 12 ga wire. socket set and adjustable wrench.
any other suggestions is greatly appreciated, soon to be proud owner of 75 model, and only 1200 miles from home.
thanks bgk

Brian,

Two important things have not been mentioned:
* A copy of the GMC Assist List (also called the Black List after the originator) - find it at Bdub's site
* The complete service manual and parts list set - find how to order on Bdub's site or maybe still on E-bay (I bet Jimk had that - too)

And some other things
* A cell phone and 12V charger
* Several lightly used credit cards
* A GPS (or maybe your laptop running SA or S&T with inverter and GPS
* A nearly full bottle of Good Luck

Tell us when you have a departure time from Iowa.

I wish you a completely dull and boring 1200 mile journey.

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: newbie again [message #126828 is a reply to message #126815] Fri, 20 May 2011 19:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jodist is currently offline  jodist   United States
Messages: 30
Registered: April 2011
Location: pottstown,pa
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Member
I"M also a newbie picking my coach up next weekend in Southern Ca and bringing it to Pa. Wishing you well on your trip and hope you have an exciting adventure [only in a good way of course].

John
78 Royale


John Stehle 78 royal by coachman Pottstown,Pa
Re: [GMCnet] newbie again [message #126833 is a reply to message #126828] Fri, 20 May 2011 20:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Stoneking is currently offline  Gary Stoneking   United States
Messages: 42
Registered: April 2011
Location: Minneapolis
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Member
Newbie III checking in. I'm hoping to pick up my coach in Dayton on June
1st. My current plan is to drive about sixty miles south of Dayton for a
work rally on the weekend of June 4 and then head back to Minnesota.
Thanks to Black Listers Bob Swartz and Bob Burkett, my "eyes in Dayton".
Also Tom Hampton at Grandview Motorhomes, Inc. All these guys have been
extremely helpful.
Gary Stoneking

On Fri, May 20, 2011 at 7:07 PM, john stehle <jodist@aol.com> wrote:

>
>
> I"M also a newbie picking my coach up next weekend in Southern Ca and
> bringing it to Pa. Wishing you well on your trip and hope you have an
> exciting adventure [only in a good way of course].
>
> John
> 78 Royale
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Re: [GMCnet] newbie again [message #126837 is a reply to message #126828] Fri, 20 May 2011 20:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
Road Trip Weekend!!  I'm headed to Sarasota in the morning, heading back to N Ga Sunday with a new to me 23' coach.  I got a bud following me in my truck with tools, etc.  Vids to follow.
 
--Johnny


--- On Sat, 5/21/11, john stehle <jodist@aol.com> wrote:


From: john stehle <jodist@aol.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] newbie again
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Saturday, May 21, 2011, 12:07 AM




I"M also a newbie picking my coach up next weekend in Southern Ca and bringing it to Pa. Wishing you well on your trip and hope you have an exciting adventure [only in a good way of course].

John
78 Royale
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: newbie again [message #126849 is a reply to message #126815] Fri, 20 May 2011 23:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Peg is currently offline  Peg   United States
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Registered: April 2011
Location: Montana
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Senior Member
chasingsummer wrote on Fri, 20 May 2011 17:38

sometime in next week or so i will be driving my new coach from iowa to central n.c.
any input reference to best route over n.c. mountains is appreciated,
also, when is timing chain due for replacement,
and,
for emergency tool kit, i am thinking coil, dist cap, multi meter, couple feet 12 ga wire. socket set and adjustable wrench.
any other suggestions is greatly appreciated, soon to be proud owner of 75 model, and only 1200 miles from home.
thanks bgk


So? What did you buy, Brian? '75 What?


Montanan with a Dream ...
Dreams do come TRUE don't they?

Mark & Peg
South Central Montana

1974 Sequoia 722/1,496
1974 Excella 500 RT
Re: [GMCnet] newbie again [message #126850 is a reply to message #126819] Sat, 21 May 2011 00:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Luvn737s is currently offline  Luvn737s   United States
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Registered: June 2007
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Senior Member
[quote title=Ken Henderson wrote on Fri, 20 May 2011 15:55 I'd rather
have a set of combination wrenches, 5/16"-1", even Harbor Freight, than any
adjustable wrench. [/quote]

Ken-

I read one mechanic that said if you only have enough money for one set of wrenches to buy a metric set as the metrics can work for SAE (close enough), but the opposite isn't true. Do you agree?


Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
Re: [GMCnet] newbie again [message #126853 is a reply to message #126850] Sat, 21 May 2011 01:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
KRDietz is currently offline  KRDietz   United States
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Registered: July 2010
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Senior Member
On 5/20/2011 10:24 PM, Randy wrote:
>
>
> [quote title=Ken Henderson wrote on Fri, 20 May 2011 15:55 I'd rather
> have a set of combination wrenches, 5/16"-1", even Harbor Freight, than any
> adjustable wrench. [/quote]
>
> Ken-
>
> I read one mechanic that said if you only have enough money for one set of wrenches to buy a metric set as the metrics can work for SAE (close enough), but the opposite isn't true. Do you agree?

There are a number of wrenches that cross - but most Metric kits don't
come with 16mm, which would be close to 5/8". And there's not a good
fit for 3/8".

And quality 9/16" air system fittings are too big to slip a 14mm wrench
on.

Buy metric and add those three wrenches and you're doing pretty good.

Kelvin
'73 23' and '71 Datsun
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Re: newbie again [message #126859 is a reply to message #126815] Sat, 21 May 2011 06:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tgeiger is currently offline  tgeiger   United States
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Registered: February 2006
Location: kansas city
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Senior Member
Welcome all...great to see new GMC owners. I would bring a portable air compressor and long extension chord,for the air suspension pillows...I brought mine back from NC and had leaks in the air system and the original compressor couldn't keep the pillows filled. Bit of a problem...also related, I know some carry a 4x4 piece of wood, about a foot long or so, (correct me guys on the length), this would be used in place of a air suspension pillow, in the case of one exploding on you during the drive.

Tom Geiger 76 Eleganza II KCMO

[Updated on: Sat, 21 May 2011 06:11]

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Re: newbie again [message #126860 is a reply to message #126815] Sat, 21 May 2011 06:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jodist is currently offline  jodist   United States
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Location: pottstown,pa
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Member
Looks like the newbies will be all over the country over the next couple of weeks. Good luck to everyone may you travels turn out well.. Does anyone know the NAPA # for the fuel filters and what wrenches we need if other than the normal set.
John
78 Royale


John Stehle 78 royal by coachman Pottstown,Pa
Re: [GMCnet] newbie again [message #126861 is a reply to message #126859] Sat, 21 May 2011 06:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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I know some carry a 4x4 piece of wood, about a foot long or so, (correct me
guys on the length), this would be used in place of a air suspension pillow,
in the case of one exploding on you during the drive.

there are a couple of options
http://gmcmotorhome.info/rear.html#bagrod

http://gmcmotorhome.info/rear.html#BAGS

gene

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--
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] newbie again [message #126862 is a reply to message #126860] Sat, 21 May 2011 06:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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here are some list of things to carry ( none of these will happen if you
carry them;>)
http://gmcmotorhome.info/SPARES.html

gene


On Sat, May 21, 2011 at 4:28 AM, john stehle <jodist@aol.com> wrote:

>
>
> Looks like the newbies will be all over the country over the next couple of
> weeks. Good luck to everyone may you travels turn out well.. Does anyone
> know the NAPA # for the fuel filters and what wrenches we need if other than
> the normal set.
> John
> 78 Royale
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List 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: newbie again [message #126866 is a reply to message #126815] Sat, 21 May 2011 08:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
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Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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chasingsummer wrote on Fri, 20 May 2011 15:38

... for emergency tool kit, i am thinking coil, dist cap, multi meter, couple feet 12 ga wire. socket set and adjustable wrench.
any other suggestions is greatly appreciated, soon to be proud owner of 75 model, and only 1200 miles from home.
thanks bgk


1. A copy of the Black list.

2. Another copy of the Black list.

3. Maybe a cell phone? (with a copy of the black list pre-loaded.)

4. While I would not buy one if I didn't already own one, A boat tank for an outboard motor. (More of something for sitting coaches... rust in the tanks.)

5. Did I mention it is a good idea to have a copy of the Black list? (Maybe with the members highlighted along your projected route.)

6. A sense of humor. It could be an adventure.

Quote:

Looks like the newbies will be all over the country over the next couple of weeks. ...


I take that as a good sign. Maybe the market is going to start and recover... or at least find a new "normal."

It is good to see coaches being put back to use.

Good luck to everyone.


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
Re: [GMCnet] newbie again [message #126871 is a reply to message #126866] Sat, 21 May 2011 09:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
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Registered: January 2004
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Senior Member
Coils don't go bad very often but the module does (if you have the HEI
system). If you have points get a spare set.

Also take screwdrivers, pliers and vicegrips, a roll of wire and duct
tape.

Do you have a jack and lug nut socket?

Take a length of 18 ga electric wire and some crimp on terminals and
connectors.

Dave Greenberg used to say his toolkit was a cell phone and a credit
card!

Emery Stora

On May 21, 2011, at 7:35 AM, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> chasingsummer wrote on Fri, 20 May 2011 15:38
>> ... for emergency tool kit, i am thinking coil, dist cap, multi
>> meter, couple feet 12 ga wire. socket set and adjustable wrench.
>> any other suggestions is greatly appreciated, soon to be proud
>> owner of 75 model, and only 1200 miles from home.
>> thanks bgk
>
>
> 1. A copy of the Black list.
>
> 2. Another copy of the Black list.
>
> 3. Maybe a cell phone? (with a copy of the black list pre-loaded.)
>
> 4. While I would not buy one if I didn't already own one, A boat
> tank for an outboard motor. (More of something for sitting
> coaches... rust in the tanks.)
>
> 5. Did I mention it is a good idea to have a copy of the Black
> list? (Maybe with the members highlighted along your projected
> route.)
>
> 6. A sense of humor. It could be an adventure.
>
> Quote:
>> Looks like the newbies will be all over the country over the next
>> couple of weeks. ...
>
>
> I take that as a good sign. Maybe the market is going to start and
> recover... or at least find a new "normal."
>
> It is good to see coaches being put back to use.
>
> Good luck to everyone.
> --
> Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
> '73 26' exPainted D. -- `78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- `77 23'
> Birchaven Side Bath
> http://m000035.blogspot.com
> _______________________________________________
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Re: newbie again [message #126901 is a reply to message #126815] Sat, 21 May 2011 14:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
John Hunt is currently offline  John Hunt   United States
Messages: 70
Registered: January 2011
Location: Orange County, CA
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Member
A few months ago I was initiated into the GMC world by driving my new purchase from South Carolina to So Cal. All the advice given here was a huge help.

I brought Ragusa rear suspension blocks and suspension jack hook, as well as a governor gear from Jim K. I didn't know about the ignition module or I would have brought that as well.

The PO gave me a really nice tool kit as well as a box of fuel filters. I picked up all the pertinent fluids as I headed out of town.

Ended up using a lot of fuel filters - probably 8 on the trip. Early in the trip the engine died just as I was getting back on the fwy due to a clogged filter, so after that I changed filters regularly to prevent surprises.

And I used a lot of oil, so I recommend vigilant checking 'till you get the feel of your engine's oil consumption.

Finally, the piece of used carpeting the PO gave me as I was leaving was very useful - it made roadside fuel filter servicing a lot more comfortable.

Good luck and safe travels!

John


1976 Eleganza II, 1969 Lotus Elan Plus 2, 1978 Merlyn Formula Ford, 1981 Lola Sports 2000
Re: [GMCnet] newbie again [message #126903 is a reply to message #126901] Sat, 21 May 2011 15:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
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Location: Fremont, CA
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Senior Member
My only break-down in the coach was when my fan clutch gave out on the freeway. No problem on the freeway, but when we started getting in to Southern California traffic it was a big deal. I pulled over in a shady spot and used the cell phone to call Jim K. He gave me the correct part number and some tips for changing out the clutch. We called a few parts stores nearby - one of the parts stores regularly delivers parts to their accounts and with a little cajoling from my wife they delivered the part to us.

All totalled we were only down for an hour. Jim was such a comforting helping hand that we were mostly calm through the entire ordeal.

Keep your cool and you'll get 'er home!

Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: newbie again [message #126914 is a reply to message #126901] Sat, 21 May 2011 19:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
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Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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Mr. Magoo wrote on Sat, 21 May 2011 12:30

... And I used a lot of oil, so I recommend vigilant checking 'till you get the feel of your engine's oil consumption.
...


Not to take anything away...

If over filled, our motors burn off the excess oil fairly quickly. This wouldn't be a problem but many have dipsticks that are not set correctly. If the dipstick is set to where you have to put 'excess' oil in to reach the 'full' mark, you'll see higher than normal oil use.

There are methods to calibrate the dip stick. But until you do, check it often, but do not stress the oil being a "little low" as long as it is stable.


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
Re: newbie again [message #126917 is a reply to message #126815] Sat, 21 May 2011 20:24 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
g.winger is currently offline  g.winger   United States
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Electrical tape, assortment of glass fuses. I ALWAYS take 4-8 feet of #12 solid copper wire.(electrician for over 30yrs)meter,,,vom. all these are small and cheap,,,scotch locks(wire nuts) too,,,,,GL,,,PL
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