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| [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves! [message #160941] |
Sun, 19 February 2012 22:49  |
Robin Hood
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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obPoncho Content: Maybe I can drive this up to the next Hugentoberfest. :)
http://youtu.be/97khvXpHMGk
Ok GMC netters, The Plan(tm) is currently this: my wife likes the Palm
Beach more than the Royale. She has a big family reunion coming up in
May, and it's possible that I might get a job in DC at some point, and
having the Queen available would be a cheap way to live and work till
I could figure out a more permanent solution.
I want a Hubler (or whatever the current version is) front end, and an
updated air bag solution like the Quadra Bag, with disc brakes,
Reaction Arms, and Alcoa wheels, while my wife wants to redo the
interior with a bunch of decorating terms that make my eyes glaze
over. Unfortunately, I think what I"m going to wind up with is
swapping out the rims from the Royale, and just getting the drum brake
system redone by my mechanic.Also, one of the cheaper air bag
replacements.
Let's play Spend Robin's Money. Assume for now that the powertrain is
sound and that I need brakes and airbags. What parts do I need to
freshen up the stock drum system so that I can lock up the rear wheels
if it comes to it? Yes, I know discs are better, and better brakes are
almost always a good investment. I just need to see what a
rebuild/refresh that is at least adequate, if it's close to the
expense of a modern upgrade to discs I'd be a fool not to spend the
extra money. Stock bags look like I may as well get one of the
600-700 dollar upgrade solutions. The Todd Sullivan one looks
interesting.
--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2003 Buick Lesabre
1968 Pontiac Catalina
1978 GMC Royale motorhome
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves! [message #160963 is a reply to message #160941] |
Mon, 20 February 2012 08:18  |
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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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Robin,
IMO the order of priority the systems should be gone through:
1) Brakes
2) Steering
3) Suspension
How's that for demonstrating an acute grasp on the obvious!
As far as what will be needed to freshen up the rear brake drum system goes
go to JimK's website http://www.appliedgmc.com/ and look at the prices for:
Rear wheel cylinders
Brake shoes
Brake spring kit
Brake drums - MAYBE
Combination valve
Master cylinder
You can do the same thing with the other systems and you'll get a feel for
how much you're going to spend.
You need to find a mechanic that is familiar with a thirty year old vehicle
and is willing to mess with it. If he doesn't know how something works he
need to be willing to read the manuals and work to them or contact the
GMCnet.
You have to decide what you want to do with the GMC long term. If you go
through it and fix everything and then decide to keep it long term you do it
all again and throw out all the fixes you did with improvements.
The best thing might be to get the GMC to Southland Motorhomes in Buford, GA
as that's the closest facility to you in Jackson (472 miles).
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Robin Hood
obPoncho Content: Maybe I can drive this up to the next Hugentoberfest. :)
http://youtu.be/97khvXpHMGk
Ok GMC netters, The Plan(tm) is currently this: my wife likes the Palm
Beach more than the Royale. She has a big family reunion coming up in
May, and it's possible that I might get a job in DC at some point, and
having the Queen available would be a cheap way to live and work till
I could figure out a more permanent solution.
I want a Hubler (or whatever the current version is) front end, and an
updated air bag solution like the Quadra Bag, with disc brakes,
Reaction Arms, and Alcoa wheels, while my wife wants to redo the
interior with a bunch of decorating terms that make my eyes glaze
over. Unfortunately, I think what I"m going to wind up with is
swapping out the rims from the Royale, and just getting the drum brake
system redone by my mechanic.Also, one of the cheaper air bag
replacements.
Let's play Spend Robin's Money. Assume for now that the powertrain is
sound and that I need brakes and airbags. What parts do I need to
freshen up the stock drum system so that I can lock up the rear wheels
if it comes to it? Yes, I know discs are better, and better brakes are
almost always a good investment. I just need to see what a
rebuild/refresh that is at least adequate, if it's close to the
expense of a modern upgrade to discs I'd be a fool not to spend the
extra money. Stock bags look like I may as well get one of the
600-700 dollar upgrade solutions. The Todd Sullivan one looks
interesting.
Robin Hood
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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] The Barn Queen moves! [message #160965 is a reply to message #160941] |
Mon, 20 February 2012 08:21 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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New master cylinder and wheel cylinders plus rebuilt calipers and fittings will be less than $200. Shoes maybe another hundred, and there's the brake parts.
That's my plan for my Palm Beach anyhow.
when it's seaworthy (needs considerable inside rehab) I'll get one (cout it, one) set of good 16 inch wheels and tyres, and offer both the Palm Beach and the roadworthy Norris I'm unsing for sale. Selloff gets the original; wheels and dress - up caps with good Firestones on, keeper gets new wheels and tyres.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
________________________________
From: Robin Hood <loxley@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org; The Poncho Power Mailing List <poncho@thegarage.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2012 11:49 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves!
obPoncho Content: Maybe I can drive this up to the next Hugentoberfest. :)
http://youtu.be/97khvXpHMGk
Ok GMC netters, The Plan(tm) is currently this: my wife likes the Palm
Beach more than the Royale. She has a big family reunion coming up in
May, and it's possible that I might get a job in DC at some point, and
having the Queen available would be a cheap way to live and work till
I could figure out a more permanent solution.
I want a Hubler (or whatever the current version is) front end, and an
updated air bag solution like the Quadra Bag, with disc brakes,
Reaction Arms, and Alcoa wheels, while my wife wants to redo the
interior with a bunch of decorating terms that make my eyes glaze
over. Unfortunately, I think what I"m going to wind up with is
swapping out the rims from the Royale, and just getting the drum brake
system redone by my mechanic.Also, one of the cheaper air bag
replacements.
Let's play Spend Robin's Money. Assume for now that the powertrain is
sound and that I need brakes and airbags. What parts do I need to
freshen up the stock drum system so that I can lock up the rear wheels
if it comes to it? Yes, I know discs are better, and better brakes are
almost always a good investment. I just need to see what a
rebuild/refresh that is at least adequate, if it's close to the
expense of a modern upgrade to discs I'd be a fool not to spend the
extra money. Stock bags look like I may as well get one of the
600-700 dollar upgrade solutions. The Todd Sullivan one looks
interesting.
--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2003 Buick Lesabre
1968 Pontiac Catalina
1978 GMC Royale motorhome
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome
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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
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves! [message #160999 is a reply to message #160941] |
Mon, 20 February 2012 12:01 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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This will probably be an unpopular suggestion, but it's my take
after spending 2+ years of my life and more time and money than I would
ever have imagined:
Sell both coaches, put aside the money you would have spent fixing
them up, and buy a coach that already has the work done. You can
probably get $1-3K for each coach, maybe a little more for the Royale. You will
spend thousands doing even the most basic repairs to get one coach safe to use,
especially if you can't do the work yourself.
In this market, you can get a darn nice coach for under $10K, one
that already has had a ton of work done and is immediately usable.
In the not very long term, it'll be a heck of a lot cheaper,
not to mention less scary and time intensive. The only reason to buy
a fixer coach is if you really need a hobby and have the time, space,
and money to do the work.
You would have to come up with a cool name for a new coach, but I've
no doubt you'd be up to the task :-)
Just my two cents,
Karen
1973 23' (an expensive yard ornament/storage shed with really good "bones")
1975 26' (starting to look presentable, at least on the outside, and drives so much better now)
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves! [message #161002 is a reply to message #160999] |
Mon, 20 February 2012 12:30 |
Robin Hood
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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A rational person would do that, yes. :) But I'm not rational, and
besides, it's about the journey, not the destination. :) To get all
reductio ad absurdum, I could just rent an RV whenever I need one
(which to date has been zero times). :)
I understand the wisdom of your suggestion and I do take it in the
spirit it was intended. :)
On Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 12:01 PM, KB <kab7@sonic.net> wrote:
> The only reason to buy
> a fixer coach is if you really need a hobby and have the time, space,
> and money to do the work.
>
--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2003 Buick Lesabre
1968 Pontiac Catalina
1978 GMC Royale motorhome
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves! [message #161004 is a reply to message #160943] |
Mon, 20 February 2012 12:55 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Robin,
When The Mystery Machine was at Tom Hampton's in Ohio, months before I laid eyes on her, my direction to his was first to make it safe, then we'll see if I have any money left. I wanted to make sure it would stop, that it could roll, and then that it could power itself.
Since he is the king of stainless steel brake lines I had him replace all the brake lines, hard and soft, along with a complete rebuild of the rear brakes and new pad in front. He reported that the calipers looked good.
Now I could stop.
Then I asked him to service all the bearings - well, the rear bearings were done with the brakes, but the fronts are a specialty, so I wanted his able hands at work on them. Also, I didn't want to take any chances with the air bags so he installed the (once available) 4-bag system that I still have. I agonized over what to do about the tires. They were 11 years old, so they had to be replaced - but my dilemma was 16.5" or 16" with new wheels. I didn't know how much we would use the coach so I went conservative (cheap) and bought the Firestone Transforce 16.5" tires on my steel wheels and decided to buy new wheels if we really loved the coach.
Now I could roll.
Next his check of the engine suggested that the carb was plumbed badly but the compression was okay so a tune up and fluid change was in order. Since it made the hundred miles from Cleveland to Marysville I thought the fuel lines could wait 'till I got home to California. It was not my best decision - we dribbled gasoline at every fill-up. Dribbled like the Exxon Valdez.
Once we got home I had the old girl detailed and that was the frosting on the cake. That imron paint has 9 lives and it polished up beautifully. The interior shampooed well and we were living large. I can imagine it as a mobile honeymoon cottage!
GM did a great job engineering these girls and we're a pretty smart bunch for buying them ;-)
That's just what I did.
Larry Davick
Sent from my iPad
On Feb 19, 2012, at 8:56 PM, Robin Hood <loxley@gmail.com> wrote:
> I forgot to mention... the ride was scary as all hell. The wheels were
> prolly not centered, and they were junkyard rims with the wrong size
> hubs. The engine cover was off, and the engine was roaring away. A
> fuel can was my copilot. I had almost no brakes to speak of. We
> filled up the reservoir but the pedal still went almost all the way to
> the floor and provided very little braking.
>
> I told Dana that SHE was driving home, I was DONE driving for the day!
> --
> Robin Hood
> Jackson, MS
> 2003 Buick Lesabre
> 1968 Pontiac Catalina
> 1978 GMC Royale motorhome
> 1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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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] The Barn Queen moves! [message #161030 is a reply to message #160941] |
Mon, 20 February 2012 17:34 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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> A rational person would do that, yes. :) But I'm not rational, and
> besides, it's about the journey, not the destination. :)
well then, Party ON!!!! ;-)
> To get all
> reductio ad absurdum, I could just rent an RV whenever I need one
> (which to date has been zero times). :)
Nah, GMC's are cool. I'd do without rather than rent one of those big box
ugly boring things, especially one that's been used by lots of other people
with questionable health and hygiene. A hotel room might be cleaner, nicer,
and cheaper. The abundance of bedbugs lately makes that unappealing as well.
I would suggest you go carefully over your chosen one and look at all the small
stuff. Swap out anything from the discard coach that's better condition
or quality if it's reasonable to do so. Obviously you don't want to make
the other unsalable, but those little fiddly bits (like trim pieces, for example)
add up to big bucks and you'll never have cheaper availability of those parts.
But you've probably already thought of that.
Once you get real wheels on the coach you'll be able to better assess the
handling. You can look at the lower ball joints to see if they've ever
been changed; if they've got rivets, they're original (and for sure bad).
If they've got bolts, they *might* be OK. You can also look at the ends of the
a-arm bushings. If they're all cracked and nasty, they're probably original.
I'm with Gene on that -- by the time you swap out all the OEM stuff on the frontend,
you're better off with Manny's 1-ton kit. Just my hard earned $.02.
Nice to have your entertaining posts back on the forum. We've missed you :-)
Karen
1973 23'
1975 26'
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves [message #161032 is a reply to message #160941] |
Mon, 20 February 2012 17:54 |
Richard Brown
Messages: 281
Registered: May 2009
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I know this is likely to get me a few bad responses, but I used the Mt. Everest decision when I bought my GMC. It was there & I had the money at the time. Honestly, that was pretty much the extent of it. I had no idea about how unique the coach was until after I bought it. I would have likely bought a good travel trailer if it had been available. Mine will likely move about as much once I find out why it don't run right. I suspect that when the handyman I found poked a hole in the radiator & didn't tell me (I found out quick enough the first time I tried to use it) & it overheated that it may have developed a cracked intake or worse. I'll play the cards I was dealt & move on. Between doctors & car trouble I haven't done much to it lately. I like the old girl but I must admit that if someone pulled up with a travel trailer in equal shape inside & wanted to do an even swap, I'd likely do it. I wouldn't pay more to get one, however. If all fails, I'll have
it transported to where we are buying a lake lot and park it there where I can repair as time & money allows. It will primarily use it as a primary retirement home, so being driveable is secondary for now. Being liveable is more important.
Richard & Carol Brown
1974 Eleganza SE
"DILLIGAF"
Lindale, Tx. 75771
903-881-0192
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Richard & Carol Brown
1974 Eleganza SE
1174 Hickory Hills Dr.
Murchison, TX. 75778
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves! [message #161037 is a reply to message #161004] |
Mon, 20 February 2012 18:42 |
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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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Larry,
When I bought Double Trouble Ken Frey met the PO's son 1/2 between
Quakertown, PA and Hagerstown, MD. He got halfway home and one of the
suspension lines blew and then the generator belt failed. He was not a happy
camper.
I called him up and instructed him to fix anything that could kill us and
once that was done move on to anything that would leave us sitting by the
side of the road.
We picked it up four months later and attended the Harrington, DE GMCMI
Convention. From there we went all the way up to Maine, over to Niagara
Falls, then to Detroit, and then down to Houston.
Since I'm typing this message he met half the requirements. I can assure you
he met the second half as well.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Larry Davick
Robin,
When The Mystery Machine was at Tom Hampton's in Ohio, months before I laid
eyes on her, my direction to his was first to make it safe, then we'll see
if I have any money left. I wanted to make sure it would stop, that it
could roll, and then that it could power itself.
Since he is the king of stainless steel brake lines I had him replace all
the brake lines, hard and soft, along with a complete rebuild of the rear
brakes and new pad in front. He reported that the calipers looked good.
Now I could stop.
Then I asked him to service all the bearings - well, the rear bearings were
done with the brakes, but the fronts are a specialty, so I wanted his able
hands at work on them. Also, I didn't want to take any chances with the air
bags so he installed the (once available) 4-bag system that I still have. I
agonized over what to do about the tires. They were 11 years old, so they
had to be replaced - but my dilemma was 16.5" or 16" with new wheels. I
didn't know how much we would use the coach so I went conservative (cheap)
and bought the Firestone Transforce 16.5" tires on my steel wheels and
decided to buy new wheels if we really loved the coach.
Now I could roll.
Next his check of the engine suggested that the carb was plumbed badly but
the compression was okay so a tune up and fluid change was in order. Since
it made the hundred miles from Cleveland to Marysville I thought the fuel
lines could wait 'till I got home to California. It was not my best decision
- we dribbled gasoline at every fill-up. Dribbled like the Exxon Valdez.
Once we got home I had the old girl detailed and that was the frosting on
the cake. That imron paint has 9 lives and it polished up beautifully. The
interior shampooed well and we were living large. I can imagine it as a
mobile honeymoon cottage!
GM did a great job engineering these girls and we're a pretty smart bunch
for buying them ;-)
That's just what I did.
Larry Davick
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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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] The Barn Queen moves! [message #161055 is a reply to message #160941] |
Mon, 20 February 2012 22:15 |
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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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| Robin Hood wrote on Sun, 19 February 2012 20:49 |
http://youtu.be/97khvXpHMGk
Ok GMC netters, The Plan(tm) is currently this: my wife likes the Palm
Beach more than the Royale. She has a big family reunion coming up in
May, and it's possible that I might get a job in DC at some point, and
having the Queen available would be a cheap way to live and work till
I could figure out a more permanent solution.
I want ...
|
Are we talking about THIS May? ... Like in two months and not like May... of next year?
There is a saying: "Fast, reliable and inexpensive... pick two." While they where talking about race cars and fast=speed, they could just as easily have been talking about repairs. (fast=quickly) If you have the money, either of the coaches could be ready for a trip within two months. (They both currently run and move under their own power.) BUT... that will not be cheap. (OBTW: How far of a trip would it be? Short trips would be more do-able.)
With todays prices for good coaches, Karen's idea about selling and picking up a "rolling" coach has a LOT of merit. BUT... Could you sell both and pick-up a third in two months???
That said and with the disclaimer that I know nothing about either coach that did not come from your messages and vids:
I am in agreement with your wife, the Palm Beach (Barn Queen) has more potential. (I also agree that it is "green" in more ways than one! But she should see the Parrot green used in 1973... THAT was GREEN!) It is possible that the Queen might need more to make it road worthy, but it might be less to make it livable. (I understand it still has all the plumbing for the output of the black tank.) Besides cleaning the coach and moving your "best" tires and wheels onto the Queen, you MIGHT get by for a short trip with only TWO major projects: Brakes and Fuel tanks/lines.
For the brakes, I would start with a good POWER bleeding and flush all the old gunk out of the lines. I would expect on replacing both front rubber lines and maybe a caliper or two. I would pull the drums and inspect the brakes. (Repack the bearings and adjust the brake shoes while in there.) If the rear brakes have linings, do not leak and move like they should, they should "stop" you. The front calipers are common parts found on lots of GM vehicles. It might be easier and quicker just to replace both... with all new hardware. Note that you do not want to damage the rotors or drums. Replacement is a pain... for different reasons.
See JimK/JimB for parts and JimH for power bleeder tools. <http://bdub.net/jhupy/>
For the fuel tanks, bite the bullet and drop the tanks. Replace the fuel lines with quality hose or steel line. You'll need to get the coach high enough to work under comfortably. (There are plans for wooden "25ton" jack stands on the photo site.) One good thing, if you need a part... your other coach is right there... Put your cleanest/best tanks in the coach you'll be using. Repair or replace (as needed) the tanks for the other coach.
Other questions about the Barn Queen: Is the dash back together? What are you using for a steering wheel?
Watch your paid mechanic closely... If for no other reason than you get to repeat his actions on your second coach. To reduce overall cost. You might be able to get BOTH coaches into a "rough but usable" state without spending to much then sell them and follow Karen's plan.
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: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves! [message #161066 is a reply to message #161055] |
Tue, 21 February 2012 06:06 |
Robin Hood
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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You pretty much hit the nail on the head, Mike. :) The whole "good,
cheap, quick, pick any two" thing has been on my mind. Yes, the family
reunion is this coming Memorial Day weekend. I am going to have to hop
to it if the Queen is going to be ready. The trip is about 360 miles.
The Queen's four rear tires are new, so I need only buy two more tires
and I'll have brand new rubber for all the wheels. I've been looking
at those 25 ton jack stands. I'm going to get pretty good at making
those, because I've got TWO coaches that I have to lift off the ground
at the same time. The rims off the Royale will be transferred to the
Palm Beach, and the Royale will be left high and dry on the jack
stands against the day that I find either replacement steelies for
CHEAP or bite the bullet at get Alcoas for the Palm Beach. With brand
new rubber and adequate rims, though, I can't justify the expense
right now.
Bypassing the fuel tanks and rigging the fuel cell was a precaution. I
don't know what kind of shape they were in. I suppose 20 year old gas
plus condensation plus evaporation leaving residue behind... they HAVE
to be dropped, and I'm going to have the Queen up on stands anyway.
Right? How do I go about cleaning them out? Definitely get new fuel
line, preferably steel. Damn ethanol.
Thanks for the heads up on the power bleeder system, I'll definitely
get one of those. I've never done my own brake work, leaving that to
the pros; when I changed out the front end of my Pontiac Catalina, I
had her towed to the shop. Redoing the bearings, however, will be old
hat indeed. I think one of the resource pages has the part number for
the bearings I'll need. Brakebleeding is a two man job, so I'll be
helper on that I reckon.
The dash is still partially disassembled, and the steering wheel is
nothing but a bare ring of metal. Somewhere I printed off the
schematics for the chassis and the house electrical but hell if I can
find them right now. There's a Pull-A-Part junkyard right across the
highway, though. What am I looking for as a donor vehicle?
The Royale would make a kick-ass food truck. :)
@Larry, yes, I want to make some memories. What good is a gold plated
wheelchair that I sit in, filled with regret at all the things I
didn't do or at least try when I had the energy? (But being old and
broke sucks, too, so I'm not gonna bankrupt myself over any of my
hobbies.)
--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2003 Buick Lesabre
1968 Pontiac Catalina
1978 GMC Royale motorhome
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves! [message #161069 is a reply to message #161066] |
Tue, 21 February 2012 06:50 |
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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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| Robin Hood wrote on Tue, 21 February 2012 04:06 |
You pretty much hit the nail on the head, Mike.  The whole "good,
cheap, quick, pick any two" thing has been on my mind. ...
... Brakebleeding is a two man job, so I'll be
helper on that I reckon.
The dash is still partially disassembled, and the steering wheel is
nothing but a bare ring of metal. ... What am I looking for as a donor vehicle? ...
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With a power bleeder, you can bleed with one person... IF that person knows what he is doing.  ...Really it isn't that hard... with the right equipment. I think you could figure out the brakes, but with that schedule, and we are talking about being able to STOP! ...work with your mechanic.
The easiest way to put the dash together is to take the "pod" cover off the Pinto Bean's dash, then study the wiring through the windshield. As long as no one has CUT on the Queen's wiring, it is just figuring out what plug fits where. Almost all the plugs are unique and keyed to fit only one way. so just looking at something "complete" should be all you need. (Hint: look at the color of the wires on the end of each connector then compare.) I doubt you'll need your mechanic on this. I would still get a label maker and label everything as you find out what it is. (I had to figure out my '77's wiring without anything to look at... Plus the dash itself had been removed and partially replaced with something that didn't fit correctly and the wiring had been rerouted differently.)
For steering wheels, almost any GM car or truck before driver's side airbags will work. But look at S-10/S-15 type pick-ups and Blazer/Jimmy" SUV's or Astro vans for the "best" steering wheels. Within styles, you can mix and match the best wheels (even if Chevy) with the best GMC horn buttons. I can get them from time to time for about $5... so expect to pay about $20.
The only tanks I have taken down where on my '73. They where clean inside. So I just replace the lines. It is possible yours are clean also... Others will have to fill you in on how to clean them if you need it. I'll listen in... as I KNOW my 77 has lots of rust. (I had to use the "fuel cell" for a lot farther than you did!)
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] The Barn Queen moves! [message #161074 is a reply to message #161066] |
Tue, 21 February 2012 09:13 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I spoke to the owner of seattle radiator about fuel tanks as I saw a bunch there being rebuilt when dropping of my radiator. He made a suggestion that I look into the tanks with a fiber optic illuminated inspection scope(he demonstrated with one he has) to see if they need rebuilding as you need only to access at the fill tube to get an idea. Most mechanical shops will have a scope like this which you might be able to "rent" for a day if you left a credit card as collateral.
Sully
77 royale
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
-----Original Message-----
From: Robin Hood <loxley@gmail.com>
Sender: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:06:13
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Reply-To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves!
You pretty much hit the nail on the head, Mike. :) The whole "good,
cheap, quick, pick any two" thing has been on my mind. Yes, the family
reunion is this coming Memorial Day weekend. I am going to have to hop
to it if the Queen is going to be ready. The trip is about 360 miles.
The Queen's four rear tires are new, so I need only buy two more tires
and I'll have brand new rubber for all the wheels. I've been looking
at those 25 ton jack stands. I'm going to get pretty good at making
those, because I've got TWO coaches that I have to lift off the ground
at the same time. The rims off the Royale will be transferred to the
Palm Beach, and the Royale will be left high and dry on the jack
stands against the day that I find either replacement steelies for
CHEAP or bite the bullet at get Alcoas for the Palm Beach. With brand
new rubber and adequate rims, though, I can't justify the expense
right now.
Bypassing the fuel tanks and rigging the fuel cell was a precaution. I
don't know what kind of shape they were in. I suppose 20 year old gas
plus condensation plus evaporation leaving residue behind... they HAVE
to be dropped, and I'm going to have the Queen up on stands anyway.
Right? How do I go about cleaning them out? Definitely get new fuel
line, preferably steel. Damn ethanol.
Thanks for the heads up on the power bleeder system, I'll definitely
get one of those. I've never done my own brake work, leaving that to
the pros; when I changed out the front end of my Pontiac Catalina, I
had her towed to the shop. Redoing the bearings, however, will be old
hat indeed. I think one of the resource pages has the part number for
the bearings I'll need. Brakebleeding is a two man job, so I'll be
helper on that I reckon.
The dash is still partially disassembled, and the steering wheel is
nothing but a bare ring of metal. Somewhere I printed off the
schematics for the chassis and the house electrical but hell if I can
find them right now. There's a Pull-A-Part junkyard right across the
highway, though. What am I looking for as a donor vehicle?
The Royale would make a kick-ass food truck. :)
@Larry, yes, I want to make some memories. What good is a gold plated
wheelchair that I sit in, filled with regret at all the things I
didn't do or at least try when I had the energy? (But being old and
broke sucks, too, so I'm not gonna bankrupt myself over any of my
hobbies.)
--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2003 Buick Lesabre
1968 Pontiac Catalina
1978 GMC Royale motorhome
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Barn Queen moves! [message #161093 is a reply to message #160941] |
Tue, 21 February 2012 15:32 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Dropping the tanks is really not that bad a job. The hardest
part is getting the coach up high enough -- 4 layers of 2x lumber
as ramps worked for me. If you're working on gravel as I was,
put a piece of plywood underneath so you can roll a floor jack around
to support the tanks as you're working on them. If you have an
electric fuel pump, it's the easiest way to pump them out and reduce
the weight/mess. I wasn't able to get the drain plugs out at all
on our '75 coach (rust). You have to remove the front tank first
and install it last because of how the supports are bolted.
As you're working, mark which port on the tank goes to what.
Once the tanks are out, remove the lock ring to pull the sender/pickup
and you can look inside. (the lock ring can usually be pried
gently out, or tap on the the tabs alternately to move it.)
I'd replace the o-rings (AC/Delco G10 = GM #22515965). The lock rings
might be reusable if they're not too rusted (AC/Delco TR11 = GM #25124032).
Gene's site lists how much fuel hose you'll need.
All four of our tanks were clean inside, though the '75 tanks were
really rusty on top. If it's rusty inside, I'd suspect a leaky
tank. The senders can usually be rehabbed or replaced and it's
easy to test them with a meter. Just read the resistance as
you manipulate the float -- should go from about 0 to 90 ohms.
Often it's the wire connector on top that's the culprit --
it loses its grip on the little plug.
Stainless fuel lines seem like overkill to me -- PolyArmour line is
easy to work, cheap, and will likely outlast the coach. Or use good
quality rubber hose and make the job easier.
I used to be paranoid about only having "pros" work on brakes.
Then I figured out that most mechanics are a) too rushed,
b) don't give a darn, or c) incompetent. With a little care,
you can do a better job than most pros. The parts are cheap,
the labor is expensive.
Karen
1973 23'
1975 26'
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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