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Still working on it [message #172323] Wed, 06 June 2012 21:37 Go to next message
grif339 is currently offline  grif339   United States
Messages: 19
Registered: May 2012
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Hello again,
I purchased my first GMC, actually my first motor home of any kind, about three weeks ago now, 75 Eleganza II. After countless hours cleaning and refreshing my mechanical skills that I haven't used since everything went to electronics, I've decided to gut it and start fresh. I was able to get the 455 running pretty smooth, although it still needs some carburetor work. You guys might have known the previous owner, Dave Fugit from Auburn, Washington. According to his great-nephew, who lives in Nebraska, his uncle bought this new and put 165,000 miles on it in his lifetime. He passed away and his aunt wanted to sell it. He flew out to Boise about a month ago, put new tires on it, checked the fluids and drove it 1200 miles back to Nebraska. I'm a little suprised it made it that far with the condition of the air bags and the fact it had been in storage for about three years. Against my wifes input, my brother and I drove to Nebraska, and brought it home. I've been out in the driveway most nights and part of the weekends tinkering, and bleeding, and cursing, and questioning my purchase. You've been a great help so far in my venture, and I will continue to pester you with questions throughout the refurbish. I'd like to get the inside done by this fall, depending on finances. From what I've read in previous posts, I'd be better off rewiring and replumbing it as well. I was a plumber in my younger days, so that shouldn't be an issue, electrical might be another situation all together though. I've included a couple of exterior pics as she currently sits at http://s1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh515/grif339/ and will update as I progress. Any input or advice is always appreciated. Thanks


Kelly G 75 Eleganza II Central Iowa
Re: Still working on it [message #172327 is a reply to message #172323] Wed, 06 June 2012 21:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dennis S is currently offline  Dennis S   United States
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Not so directly related to rebuilding -- but I would encourage you to register on the GMC photo site and consider posting your photos there. That way when another owner is looking for help or ideas they are more likely to find your pictures.

http://gmcmhphotos.com/photos/

There are lots of ideas there for you to view as well while you plan your interior rebuilds.

Gene's site also has links to ideas and materials used in rebuilds...

http://gmcmotorhome.info/list.html

Regards,
Dennis

grif339 wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 21:37

Hello again,
I purchased my first GMC, actually my first motor home of any kind, about three weeks ago now, 75 Eleganza II. After countless hours cleaning and refreshing my mechanical skills that I haven't used since everything went to electronics, I've decided to gut it and start fresh. I was able to get the 455 running pretty smooth, although it still needs some carburetor work. You guys might have known the previous owner, Dave Fugit from Auburn, Washington. According to his great-nephew, who lives in Nebraska, his uncle bought this new and put 165,000 miles on it in his lifetime. He passed away and his aunt wanted to sell it. He flew out to Boise about a month ago, put new tires on it, checked the fluids and drove it 1200 miles back to Nebraska. I'm a little suprised it made it that far with the condition of the air bags and the fact it had been in storage for about three years. Against my wifes input, my brother and I drove to Nebraska, and brought it home. I've been out in the driveway most nights and part of the weekends tinkering, and bleeding, and cursing, and questioning my purchase. You've been a great help so far in my venture, and I will continue to pester you with questions throughout the refurbish. I'd like to get the inside done by this fall, depending on finances. From what I've read in previous posts, I'd be better off rewiring and replumbing it as well. I was a plumber in my younger days, so that shouldn't be an issue, electrical might be another situation all together though. I've included a couple of exterior pics as she currently sits at http://s1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh515/grif339/ and will update as I progress. Any input or advice is always appreciated. Thanks



Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
Re: Still working on it [message #172334 is a reply to message #172327] Wed, 06 June 2012 22:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
Kelly, make sure you register and come to Amana this Fall. You will see lots of stuff and get to ask lots of questions. Come with or without the GMC. You will be welcome.
If I have not welcomed you, WELCOME to our friendly group.
Dan
just one state south of you


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: Still working on it [message #172336 is a reply to message #172323] Wed, 06 June 2012 22:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
Senior Member

If you are going to gut the whole interior, I guess you might as well re-plumb and rewire it, although that is not strictly necessary. My coach is also a '75 and could use some plumbing work, as the PO patched a lot of stuff together. I live in a warm area so don't have to worry about freeze damage, so I have fixed problems as they have come up. I have not had any problems with the house wiring and would not really see any reason to completely rewire it. Check the connections and terminations, yes, but a complete rewire??? Up to you, of course.

If you have not gutted the interior yet, you might want to hold off on that and use the coach as is for a while. Then you can make improvements as you come across things you would like to have different. Also, you will be less likely to get discouraged and quit in the middle.


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
Re: Still working on it [message #172337 is a reply to message #172334] Wed, 06 June 2012 22:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
CardinalNSB is currently offline  CardinalNSB   United States
Messages: 13
Registered: September 2011
Location: Daytona Beach, FL
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Same situation here, 6 months ago bought my running/functional GMC, took carpet out to freshen it up, found rats nest, leaking pipes, lots of little things that pushed me to gut it all except the bath fixtures.

When I was taking it apart I saw how even trivial repairs are made into major dramas because these were built on assembly lines without much apparent thought to the maintenance needs 40 years later. For instance, just getting to the breaker box is more trouble than replacing a breaker; wires and pipes intertwined, systems buried within inaccessible crevaces in the cabinetry, inaccessible screws to the water pump without removing the entire gaucho, etc.

As I put it back together, I hope to implement a strategy that allows for easy maintenance later. I would appreciate any ideas along those lines from anyone. Regards.



Re: Still working on it [message #172344 is a reply to message #172323] Wed, 06 June 2012 23:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Chr$ is currently offline  Chr$   Taiwan
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I also live in Arizona like Carl, but my plumbing was a lost cause. All the fittings were cracked from the heat, and the lines didn't really look too clean inside. I replaced the entire plumbing system with one roll of 1/2" PEX and the nice reusable fittings at Lowes. Not cheap, but worth it. My coach is a 77. The Plumbing was the grey Polybutylene crap.

As for Electrical, I left the House wiring alone. It is pretty good as is, and I only added stuff where I wanted it. Just check all the connections at the breakers, and the outlets. I replaced all the outlets with nice clean new ones.

Good luck, Welcome, and sorry your next door neighbor stopped talking to you!!!


-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172348 is a reply to message #172323] Thu, 07 June 2012 00:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Kelly,

It is very easy to get that panic attack questioning your judgement on the wisdom of your gmc purchase. That attack proves that you are not completely insane only partially so. I have had many of those throughout my continuing restoration of the WarPig. Many nights waking up or not able to go to sleep due to my mind trying to organize the process or solve a problem. Don't look at the whole project at one time as it can be overwhelming. Break it into smaller chunks based on your own priorities and chip away at it. After pushing the rock up the hill long enough you eventually crest the summit.

Sully
77 royale

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 6, 2012, at 7:37 PM, Kelly <grif339@msn.com> wrote:

>
>
> Hello again,
> I purchased my first GMC, actually my first motor home of any kind, about three weeks ago now, 75 Eleganza II. After countless hours cleaning and refreshing my mechanical skills that I haven't used since everything went to electronics, I've decided to gut it and start fresh. I was able to get the 455 running pretty smooth, although it still needs some carburetor work. You guys might have known the previous owner, Dave Fugit from Auburn, Washington. According to his great-nephew, who lives in Nebraska, his uncle bought this new and put 165,000 miles on it in his lifetime. He passed away and his aunt wanted to sell it. He flew out to Boise about a month ago, put new tires on it, checked the fluids and drove it 1200 miles back to Nebraska. I'm a little suprised it made it that far with the condition of the air bags and the fact it had been in storage for about three years. Against my wifes input, my brother and I drove to Nebraska, and brought it home. I've been out in the dri
ve
> way most nights and part of the weekends tinkering, and bleeding, and cursing, and questioning my purchase. You've been a great help so far in my venture, and I will continue to pester you with questions throughout the refurbish. I'd like to get the inside done by this fall, depending on finances. From what I've read in previous posts, I'd be better off rewiring and replumbing it as well. I was a plumber in my younger days, so that shouldn't be an issue, electrical might be another situation all together though. I've included a couple of exterior pics as she currently sits at http://s1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh515/grif339/ and will update as I progress. Any input or advice is always appreciated. Thanks
> _______________________________________________
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172349 is a reply to message #172336] Thu, 07 June 2012 00:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Some of the best advice I received when I bought my coach was USE IT!

Like you, I wanted to gut the thing and make it my own without regard to the pleasure of just using it. Well, here I am a few years later as happy as can be with my un-done coach. We love using it. My wife loves it as much as I do, though I have as much fun working on it as I do driving and going in it.

Frankly if its big work to be done I take it Jim K. I work for a living so I dont have all that time to give to the coach.

Use it. Drive it. Camp in it. Take it to the grocery store. Go visit your Mother-In-Law! Dont be afraid. My fan clutch died on the way down to Los Angeles and I used my iPhone to ask these great folks, and the telephone to talk with Jim K who told me what to buy. We were back on the road in about an hour. Heck, you coach made it all the way out from the Best Coast - whats to worry about!

After a few months you will know what works for you, and what doesnt. Then if you have the gumption youll change those things. If you are lazy youll just get used to them!

Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA

On Jun 6, 2012, at 8:26 PM, Carl Stouffer wrote:

>
>
> If you are going to gut the whole interior, I guess you might as well re-plumb and rewire it, although that is not strictly necessary. My coach is also a '75 and could use some plumbing work, as the PO patched a lot of stuff together. I live in a warm area so don't have to worry about freeze damage, so I have fixed problems as they have come up. I have not had any problems with the house wiring and would not really see any reason to completely rewire it. Check the connections and terminations, yes, but a complete rewire??? Up to you, of course.
>
> If you have not gutted the interior yet, you might want to hold off on that and use the coach as is for a while. Then you can make improvements as you come across things you would like to have different. Also, you will be less likely to get discouraged and quit in the middle.
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> ___________
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: Still working on it [message #172353 is a reply to message #172323] Thu, 07 June 2012 03:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
grif339 wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 19:37

... I purchased my first GMC, actually my first motor home of any kind, about three weeks ago now, 75 Eleganza II. After countless hours cleaning and refreshing my mechanical skills that I haven't used since everything went to electronics, I've decided to gut it and start fresh. ...

...I'd like to get the inside done by this fall, depending on finances. ...

... Any input or advice is always appreciated. Thanks


Welcome aboard!

I always try and give people advice to NOT gut a coach when they first get it. (Unless you really KNOW what you are doing...) I know it is easy to get carried away, I almost did it to my first one...

The Eleganza II was one of the more popular models for a good reason. It had a more "timeless" selection of colors and fabrics. Please just make it "usable" and use it a little while before doing major changes. Pulling the old dirty (smelly) carpet and replacing with new (or hardwood) isn't what I am talking about.... Just do not turn the coach into a bowling alley!

Use it a bit, short trips at first, then a few longer ones. See if there are any GMC'ers near and go look at their coaches. stop at a rally or two. Then when you have an idea of what really works, then gut your coach and re-do it. You'll be more likely to FINISH it if you have used it before.

I am always amazed at how many new GMC'ers/rv'ers gut out and change something that they have no experience with. Look around and see how many coaches are for sale after they have been gutted. Look at what they are being sold for....

While this advice is good for you it also helps the rest of us... We do not need another gutted coach with a owner who has lost the motivation to finish it... then selling it at a big loss. Lowering the resale prices of all the coaches. Rolling Eyes

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
Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172359 is a reply to message #172349] Thu, 07 June 2012 08:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
powerjon is currently offline  powerjon   United States
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
Senior Member
Great advise Larry,
We used our coach for a couple of years before we decided how we
wanted to upgrade it. Even while all the interior work was being done
we still went to rallys. The first rally in the spring we used a card
table and chairs and air mattresses to sleep on. Over that summer
between club rallies we completed more each time. By the time fall
arrived we had completed most of the interior. Even while working on
your coach use the coach. The most popular coaches at GMCMI rallies
were the one that the interiors were gutted, everyone what to see how
the interior was being installed.

JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan


> Some of the best advice I received when I bought my coach was USE
> IT!
>
> Like you, I wanted to gut the thing and make it my own without
> regard to the pleasure of just using it. Well, here I am a few
> years later as happy as can be with my un-done coach. We love using
> it. My wife loves it as much as I do, though I have as much fun
> working on it as I do driving and going in it.
>
> Frankly if its big work to be done I take it Jim K. I work for a
> living so I dont have all that time to give to the coach.
>
> Use it. Drive it. Camp in it. Take it to the grocery store. Go
> visit your Mother-In-Law! Dont be afraid. My fan clutch died on
> the way down to Los Angeles and I used my iPhone to ask these great
> folks, and the telephone to talk with Jim K who told me what to
> buy. We were back on the road in about an hour. Heck, you coach
> made it all the way out from the Best Coast - whats to worry about!
>
> After a few months you will know what works for you, and what
> doesnt. Then if you have the gumption youll change those things.
> If you are lazy youll just get used to them!
>
> Larry Davick
> The Mystery Machine
> 1976(ish) Palm Beach
> Fremont, CA
>
> On Jun 6, 2012, at 8:26 PM, Carl Stouffer wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> If you are going to gut the whole interior, I guess you might as
>> well re-plumb and rewire it, although that is not strictly
>> necessary. My coach is also a '75 and could use some plumbing
>> work, as the PO patched a lot of stuff together. I live in a warm
>> area so don't have to worry about freeze damage, so I have fixed
>> problems as they have come up. I have not had any problems with
>> the house wiring and would not really see any reason to completely
>> rewire it. Check the connections and terminations, yes, but a
>> complete rewire??? Up to you, of course.
>>
>> If you have not gutted the interior yet, you might want to hold off
>> on that and use the coach as is for a while. Then you can make
>> improvements as you come across things you would like to have
>> different. Also, you will be less likely to get discouraged and
>> quit in the middle.
>> --
>> Carl S.
>> '75 ex Palm Beach
>> Tucson, AZ.
>> ___________
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172366 is a reply to message #172353] Thu, 07 June 2012 08:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Bounds is currently offline  Jim Bounds   United States
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I have to say the same thing & i'm in the business of doing that. Go use the thing a bit, you may find the floorplan really effective.

"Gutting" the coach will cause more cost and complexity of putting the interior in. The plumbing, electrical, main bulkhead walls are all part of the value of the coach. Building 'all new" can get involved-- trust me on this.

Look, this is partly a labor of love but I tell you now this is the largest project you will see. Can't tell you how many have started and given up. If you have it cleaned up, go camp in it and truly find out what you like and not before you go at it.

Good luck,

Jim Bounds
-----------------


________________________________
From: Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 4:09 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it



grif339 wrote on Wed, 06 June 2012 19:37
> ... I purchased my first GMC, actually my first motor home of any kind, about three weeks ago now, 75 Eleganza II. After countless hours cleaning and refreshing my mechanical skills that I haven't used since everything went to electronics, I've decided to gut it and start fresh. ...
>
> ...I'd like to get the inside done by this fall, depending on finances. ...
>
> ... Any input or advice is always appreciated. Thanks


Welcome aboard!

I always try and give people advice to NOT gut a coach when they first get it. (Unless you really KNOW what you are doing...) I know it is easy to get carried away, I almost did it to my first one...

The Eleganza II was one of the more popular models for a good reason. It had a more "timeless" selection of colors and fabrics. Please just make it "usable" and use it a little while before doing major changes. Pulling the old dirty (smelly) carpet and replacing with new (or hardwood) isn't what I am talking about.... Just do not turn the coach into a bowling alley!

Use it a bit, short trips at first, then a few longer ones. See if there are any GMC'ers near and go look at their coaches. stop at a rally or two. Then when you have an idea of what really works, then gut your coach and re-do it. You'll be more likely to FINISH it if you have used it before.

I am always amazed at how many new GMC'ers/rv'ers gut out and change something that they have no experience with. Look around and see how many coaches are for sale after they have been gutted. Look at what they are being sold for....

While this advice is good for you it also helps the rest of us... We do not need another gutted coach with a owner who has lost the motivation to finish it... then selling it at a big loss. Lowering the resale prices of all the coaches. :roll:

Good luck.
--
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172370 is a reply to message #172359] Thu, 07 June 2012 09:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
Kelly, you are getting a lot of good advice here about not gutting the coach. Like John, we worked on our's while using it. The PO had already redone all of the plumbing. I have added outlets and inspected wiring but did not strip it out. I gutted the kitchen a week before we took off to Az. for the winter. Made it easier to replace furnace. While living in the coach my bride rebuilt the kitchen to her liking. It was "fun". Moved stuff every morning to the rear, then every night to the front. Pictures are on the photo site, which I also recommend you familiarizing yourself with. Any mod you may want to attempt, someone has done it and photographed for the rest of us.
Good luck on whatever you decide. I would make sure the running gear is up to snuff first and replace those bags. Inspect the brakes and steering. If the rubber brake lines have not been replaced I would start there. You can use the GMC with no couch or carpet but no can do without brakes.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172371 is a reply to message #172323] Thu, 07 June 2012 09:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

I have two GMC's the first one I bought here in Australia, it was in good
shape but it drove horribly wandering all over the road.

I saw lots of pictures of guys that had gutted their GMC's to make them just
the way they wanted them so I jumped in and did the same thing. I am still
working on it and that was four years ago!

Later I bought a second GMC in the USA and was smart enough NOT to do that
again. I started rebuilding the mechanical systems brakes, steering, front
suspension, and so on. I have done a fair amount of work in the interior too
but I haven't gotten to the make it look pretty stage yet.

BOTTOM LINE - BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET OVER ENTHUASTIC AND MESS UP A PERFECTLY
GOOD COACH THAT YOU COULD USE.

Regards,
Rob "the voice of experince" M.
Sydney, Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly

Hello again,
I purchased my first GMC, actually my first motor home of any kind, about
three weeks ago now, 75 Eleganza II. After countless hours cleaning and
refreshing my mechanical skills that I haven't used since everything went to
electronics, I've decided to gut it and start fresh. I was able to get the
455 running pretty smooth, although it still needs some carburetor work. You
guys might have known the previous owner, Dave Fugit from Auburn,
Washington. According to his great-nephew, who lives in Nebraska, his uncle
bought this new and put 165,000 miles on it in his lifetime. He passed away
and his aunt wanted to sell it. He flew out to Boise about a month ago, put
new tires on it, checked the fluids and drove it 1200 miles back to
Nebraska. I'm a little suprised it made it that far with the condition of
the air bags and the fact it had been in storage for about three years.
Against my wifes input, my brother and I drove to Nebraska, and brought it
home. I've been out in the drive
way most nights and part of the weekends tinkering, and bleeding, and
cursing, and questioning my purchase. You've been a great help so far in my
venture, and I will continue to pester you with questions throughout the
refurbish. I'd like to get the inside done by this fall, depending on
finances. From what I've read in previous posts, I'd be better off rewiring
and replumbing it as well. I was a plumber in my younger days, so that
shouldn't be an issue, electrical might be another situation all together
though. I've included a couple of exterior pics as she currently sits at
http://s1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh515/grif339/ and will update as I
progress. Any input or advice is always appreciated. Thanks
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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_______________________________________________
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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
Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172393 is a reply to message #172371] Thu, 07 June 2012 10:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jw mills is currently offline  jw mills   United States
Messages: 199
Registered: September 2006
Karma: -30
Senior Member
But, but, but Rob, the paneling behind the dinette was coming apart,
then I found the wood on the end of the step was kind of rotted and the
insulation was really bad - some places only yellow color . . . . . . .
--
Jim Mills KD0NPU
Greeley, CO
1973 CanyonLands 260
TZE-063V100731(under renovation)



On Fri, 2012-06-08 at 00:06 +1000, Robert Mueller wrote:

> G'day,
>
> I have two GMC's the first one I bought here in Australia, it was in good
> shape but it drove horribly wandering all over the road.
>
> I saw lots of pictures of guys that had gutted their GMC's to make them just
> the way they wanted them so I jumped in and did the same thing. I am still
> working on it and that was four years ago!
>
> Later I bought a second GMC in the USA and was smart enough NOT to do that
> again. I started rebuilding the mechanical systems brakes, steering, front
> suspension, and so on. I have done a fair amount of work in the interior too
> but I haven't gotten to the make it look pretty stage yet.
>
> BOTTOM LINE - BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET OVER ENTHUASTIC AND MESS UP A PERFECTLY
> GOOD COACH THAT YOU COULD USE.
>
> Regards,
> Rob "the voice of experince" M.
> Sydney, Australia


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Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172399 is a reply to message #172393] Thu, 07 June 2012 11:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
jw mills wrote on Thu, 07 June 2012 08:41

But, but, but Rob, the paneling behind the dinette was coming apart,
then I found the wood on the end of the step was kind of rotted and the
insulation was really bad - some places only yellow color . . . . . . .


I know how it is... While I have this out I might as well take this out and fix that thing over there! Pretty soon the coach is gutted and not usable.

First make the coach stop and move safely and reliably.

Then fix ONLY what is needed to make it "usable." (Dry rotted wall paneling is cosmetic... unless something you need is/was attached to it.) Ugly colors are the worst reason to gut a coach. Cover up "the ugly" with some kind of blanket or seat covers. Fabreeze (sp?) helps with the musty smells.

Next do the "no-brainer" upgrades, replace the buzz-box and the like. You might do some SMALL, simple, easy to reverse, upgrades at this time.

Use the coach a while.

If you still want to... you then have my blessing to gut the coach.

.
..
... AS IF you really need my blessing. Twisted Evil

Bottom line... It is your coach. It is your money. All the advice you get here may only be worth what you paid for it (nothing) OR it could be the most valuable thing you have ever received. It is up to you to figure out what is what... to you.



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] Still working on it [message #172408 is a reply to message #172349] Thu, 07 June 2012 11:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Then again, when SHE says, "I'm not sleeping where those ...(HER choice of
most undesirables)... have been sleeping..."

Soooo, instead of heading off to Alaska in the summer of '98, we went in
the summer of 2000 -- with the only "old" stuff inside being the water
heater, kitchen sink, and the cabinet doors. EVERYTHING else replaced,
And for about 12 months of the delay, I did little else than work on it.

Clean it up & use it.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com



On Thu, Jun 7, 2012 at 1:40 AM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:

> Some of the best advice I received when I bought my coach was “USE IT!”
>
> Like you, I wanted to gut the thing and make it my own without regard to
> the pleasure of just using it. Well, here I am a few years later as happy
> as can be with my un-done coach. We love using it. My wife loves it as
> much as I do, though I have as much fun working on it as I do driving and
> going in it.
> ...
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: Still working on it [message #172452 is a reply to message #172344] Thu, 07 June 2012 16:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
grif339 is currently offline  grif339   United States
Messages: 19
Registered: May 2012
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Thanks, How did you know about my neighbor giving me the stink eye? Laughing

Kelly G 75 Eleganza II Central Iowa
Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172454 is a reply to message #172393] Thu, 07 June 2012 16:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mickeysss is currently offline  mickeysss   United States
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
Senior Member


Do not gut and rut if possible, drive and strive.

It is easier to think of a project than do it. Like years of difference.

Choose and use, buyer beware, buy it already done in the first place

do a little at a time, so you can use and abuse as you pay and stray.

My little poem for those that want to gut and rut.

edger allen mickey



On Jun 7, 2012, at 8:41 AM, J Mills wrote:

> But, but, but Rob, the paneling behind the dinette was coming apart,
> then I found the wood on the end of the step was kind of rotted and the
> insulation was really bad - some places only yellow color . . . . . . .
> --
> Jim Mills KD0NPU
> Greeley, CO
> 1973 CanyonLands 260
> TZE-063V100731(under renovation)
>
>
>
> On Fri, 2012-06-08 at 00:06 +1000, Robert Mueller wrote:
>
>> G'day,
>>
>> I have two GMC's the first one I bought here in Australia, it was in good
>> shape but it drove horribly wandering all over the road.
>>
>> I saw lots of pictures of guys that had gutted their GMC's to make them just
>> the way they wanted them so I jumped in and did the same thing. I am still
>> working on it and that was four years ago!
>>
>> Later I bought a second GMC in the USA and was smart enough NOT to do that
>> again. I started rebuilding the mechanical systems brakes, steering, front
>> suspension, and so on. I have done a fair amount of work in the interior too
>> but I haven't gotten to the make it look pretty stage yet.
>>
>> BOTTOM LINE - BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET OVER ENTHUASTIC AND MESS UP A PERFECTLY
>> GOOD COACH THAT YOU COULD USE.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Rob "the voice of experince" M.
>> Sydney, Australia
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: Still working on it [message #172457 is a reply to message #172323] Thu, 07 June 2012 16:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
grif339 is currently offline  grif339   United States
Messages: 19
Registered: May 2012
Karma: 0
Junior Member
Okay boys, you convinced me..... baby steps, baby steps. For now, I'll just do the cosmetic items that need fixed to get the boss off my back and start using it. Will hold off until I can look at some of your masterpieces in the Amanas this fall. Thanks,

Kelly G 75 Eleganza II Central Iowa
Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it [message #172477 is a reply to message #172457] Thu, 07 June 2012 17:44 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Excellent.

Baby steps start with new fuel and brake lines and an APC on the Alternator.

<http://appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/557>


Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kelly" <grif339@msn.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 2:38:00 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Still working on it



Okay boys, you convinced me..... baby steps, baby steps. For now, I'll just do the cosmetic items that need fixed to get the boss off my back and start using it. Will hold off until I can look at some of your masterpieces in the Amanas this fall. Thanks,
--
Kelly G
75 Eleganza II
Central Iowa
________________
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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