Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » GMC coaches
| GMC coaches [message #176066] |
Sun, 08 July 2012 16:35  |
Errol
Messages: 4
Registered: July 2012
Location: Beech Grove, Tn
Karma: 0
|
Junior Member |
|
|
I am new here so am looking for advise on what to look for in buying a gmc motorhome. I have owned RV"s since the late 70"s but never a GMC, and I do really like the looks of them. We had fulltimed in a Allegro diesel pusher, and a Montana fifthwheel for the last 12 yrs. Now we have settled down in middle Tn built a small cottage and will soon be in the process of selling our fifthwheel and ford 350; therefore soon as the sale, we will be looking at gmc's for our camping needs. I thought you fellows could give me some tips and pointers in what to look for in these coaches as far as troubles. I would really thank you for any advise.
thanks
Errol
|
|
|
|
| Re: GMC coaches [message #176070 is a reply to message #176066] |
Sun, 08 July 2012 17:07  |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| Errol wrote on Sun, 08 July 2012 16:35 |
I am new here so am looking for advise on what to look for in buying a gmc motorhome. I have owned RV"s since the late 70"s but never a GMC, and I do really like the looks of them. We had fulltimed in a Allegro diesel pusher, and a Montana fifthwheel for the last 12 yrs. Now we have settled down in middle Tn built a small cottage and will soon be in the process of selling our fifthwheel and ford 350; therefore soon as the sale, we will be looking at gmc's for our camping needs. I thought you fellows could give me some tips and pointers in what to look for in these coaches as far as troubles. I would really thank you for any advise.
thanks
Errol
|
Errol,
Welcome to the GMCnet forum ...
here is a great place to start...
http://gmcmotorhome.info/buygmc.html
http://www.gmceast.com/about/guide/index.html
Nest week there is a rally of GMC's in Crossville, TN -- might be a good time to stop by and see folks first hand.
Dennis
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] GMC coaches [message #176073 is a reply to message #176070] |
Sun, 08 July 2012 17:22 |
 |
hnielsen2
Messages: 1434
Registered: February 2004
Location: Alpine CA
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Errol;
Welcome
Yes go to the meet at Crossville.
You will come away with more then enough information.
Just remember we have a tenancy to only talk about the bad stuff.
We have driven our GMC across country up the in to the Sierra's, Denver Co,
and over to Las Vegas lots and lots of times.
With out one problem.
The biggest problem I'm working on now is re-wiring after the rats got in to
the underside of our GMC.
Howard and Susie
Alpine Ca
74 Canyon Lands
Not Quite Stock
All is well with my Lord
Please remove email address when you forward.
It helps to keep SPAM out of our computers.
Thank You
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis Sexton" <dennisfsexton@aol.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2012 15:07
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC coaches
>
>
> Errol wrote on Sun, 08 July 2012 16:35
>> I am new here so am looking for advise on what to look for in buying a
>> gmc motorhome. I have owned RV"s since the late 70"s but never a GMC, and
>> I do really like the looks of them. We had fulltimed in a Allegro diesel
>> pusher, and a Montana fifthwheel for the last 12 yrs. Now we have settled
>> down in middle Tn built a small cottage and will soon be in the process
>> of selling our fifthwheel and ford 350; therefore soon as the sale, we
>> will be looking at gmc's for our camping needs. I thought you fellows
>> could give me some tips and pointers in what to look for in these coaches
>> as far as troubles. I would really thank you for any advise.
>> thanks
>> Errol
>
>
>
> Errol,
>
> Welcome to the GMCnet forum ...
>
> here is a great place to start...
>
> http://gmcmotorhome.info/buygmc.html
>
> http://www.gmceast.com/about/guide/index.html
>
> Nest week there is a rally of GMC's in Crossville, TN -- might be a good
> time to stop by and see folks first hand.
>
> Dennis
>
> --
> Dennis S
> 73 Painted Desert 230
> Germantown, TN
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
All is well with my Lord
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] GMC coaches [message #176077 is a reply to message #176070] |
Sun, 08 July 2012 17:38 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Errol,
For information on the rally in Crossville, starting on 19 July, go to
www.gmcdixielanders.org and check "Events".
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sun, Jul 8, 2012 at 6:07 PM, Dennis Sexton wrote:
>
>
> Errol wrote on Sun, 08 July 2012 16:35
> > I am new here so am looking for advise on what to look for in buying a
> gmc motorhome. I have owned RV"s since the late 70"s but never a GMC, and I
> do really like the looks of them. We had fulltimed in a Allegro diesel
> pusher, and a Montana fifthwheel for the last 12 yrs. Now we have settled
> down in middle Tn built a small cottage and will soon be in the process of
> selling our fifthwheel and ford 350; therefore soon as the sale, we will be
> looking at gmc's for our camping needs. I thought you fellows could give me
> some tips and pointers in what to look for in these coaches as far as
> troubles. I would really thank you for any advise.
> > thanks
> > Errol
>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: GMC coaches [message #176270 is a reply to message #176066] |
Tue, 10 July 2012 22:12 |
Michael Bozardt
Messages: 367
Registered: January 2007
Location: College Station, Texas
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hi, For the past four years I have been buying GMC motorhomes and removing parts for sale-as a business. I stopped selling used parts last year, but I have learned a lot about the coaches inside and out. As an RV owner, you already know a lot about motorhomes and GMCs are no different except they are a lot older than most and were/are the most exquisite designed motorhome one is likely to find. Once you get one, it won't let you go. Currently, the most serious problem we face is not parts shortage or even reliability, but ethanol. I have been stopped on the road twice by ethanol. I do not know of a total solution but the word is to change the old rubber fuel lines, drop and clean the tanks, add an electric fuel pump and extra in-line filters.
There are sample floor plans on the GMC sites on the internet for both 23 and 26 foot models. The 1977 and 1978 models had the best dash A/C units but the smaller engines, 403 vs 455c.i. The 455 has 235hp and I think 335ft lb. of torque. In 1976 they began installing an aluminum sub frame not in my '74 model and this was continued through 1978. The 73-76 coaches(minus the 76 sub-frame models) were lighter. My '74 has a gross weight of 9978 pounds on the scales with some fuel and water on board though the plaque under the hood shows 11,700.
Now many are going to 16 inch wheels vs the standard 16.5 inch wheels because the tires are getting harder to find in 16.5 with the E rating. Alcoa has stopped making our favorite 16 aluminum wheels though there are other aluminum wheels available. Get 7 and not 6 when/if you buy.
All the original plastic inside the coach is brittle, especially the dash. In models through 75, expect problems with the dash air if not already addressed by the Prior Owner (PO). My coach had a rebuilt engine as indicated by a metal tag on the engine. If original engine, expect a possible cracked intake manifold. Expect to replace the carburetor(from Dick Paterson in Canada).
If tires are 5-6 years old, they should be replaced-if on 16.5 wheels, consider that in your calculations of what to replace.
Many of the original coaches will need suspension work and steering work. Mine cost about $1600 in 2003 and included new ball joints. I installed new shock absorbers and redid all the brakes also.
I 10 years, I have receipts for parts and work done totalling over $30,000 and the GMC cost $14,500. You may find one that has had most work done and a price of $14-25,000. There are many for sale through GMC clubs across the country, Bethune on the internet, Alex Sirum in Florida, The "for sale" listing for the Coopmotorworks also in Florida, Jim Kanomata at Applied GMC in California has one occasionally for sale. Some are for sale in Canada even.
Call me if you want to talk more about them as I have taken enough of the net time here. Michael Bozardt at GEMRECS
713-373-7775 and yes, go to the GMC rally in Tennessee where you will learn much.
[Updated on: Tue, 10 July 2012 22:16] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] GMC coaches [message #176313 is a reply to message #176270] |
Wed, 11 July 2012 08:40 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
thank you for this over view - the larger view of owning and updating the gmc is so very valuable for us all. please post more if you can.
mickey
anaheim ca.
77 palm beach
what would your project list look like if you bought one now a-days.
best regards to you Mr. Bozardt, thank you.
On Jul 10, 2012, at 8:12 PM, Michael Bozardt wrote:
>
>
> Hi, For the past four years I have been buying GMC motorhomes and removing parts for sale-as a business. I stopped selling used parts last year, but I have learned a lot about the coaches inside and out. As an RV owner, you already know a lot about motorhomes and GMCs are no different except they are a lot older than most and were/are the most exquisite designed motorhome one is likely to find. Once you get one, it won't let you go. Currently, the most serious problem we face is not parts shortage or even reliability, but ethanol. I have been stopped on the road twice by ethanol. I do not know of a total solution but the word is to change the old rubber fuel lines, drop and clean the tanks, add an electric fuel pump and extra in-line filters.
>
> There are sample floor plans on the GMC sites on the internet for both 23 and 26 foot models. The 1977 and 1978 models had the best dash A/C units but the smaller engines, 403 vs 455c.i. The 455 has 235hp and I think 335ft lb. of torque. In 1976 they began installing an aluminum sub frame not in my '74 model and this was continued through 1978. The 73-76 coaches(minus the 76 sub-frame models) were lighter. My '74 has a gross weight of 9978 pounds on the scales with some fuel and water on board though the plaque under the hood shows 11,700.
>
> Now many are going to 16 inch wheels vs the standard 16.5 inch wheels because the tires are getting harder to find in 16.5 with the E rating. Alcoa has stopped making our favorite 16 aluminum wheels though there are other aluminum wheels available. Get 7 and not 6 when/if you buy.
>
> All the original plastic inside the coach is brittle, especially the dash. In models through 75, expect problems with the dash air if not already addressed by the Prior Owner (PO). My coach had a rebuilt engine as indicated by a metal tag on the engine. If original engine, expect a possible cracked intake manifold. Expect to replace the carburetor(from Dick Paterson in Canada).
> If tires are 5-6 years old, they should be replaced-if on 16.5 wheels, consider that in your calculations of what to replace.
> Many of the original coaches will need suspension work and steering work. Mine cost about $1600 in 2003 and included new ball joints. I installed new shock absorbers and redid all the brakes also.
>
> I 10 years, I have receipts for parts and work done totalling over $30,000 and the GMC cost $14,500. You may find one that has had most work done and a price of $14-25,000. There are many for sale through GMC clubs across the country, Bethune on the internet, Alex Sirum in Florida, The for sale listing for the Coopmotorworks also in Florida, Jim Kanomata at Applied GMC in California has one occasionally for sale. Some are for sale in Canada even.
>
> Call me if you want to talk more about them as I have taken enough of the net time here. Michael Bozardt at GEMRECS
> 713-373-7775 and yes, go to the GMC rally in Tennessee where you will learn much.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] GMC coaches [message #176314 is a reply to message #176270] |
Wed, 11 July 2012 09:38 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
thank you for this over view - the larger view of owning and updating the gmc is so very valuable for us all. please post more if you can.
mickey
anaheim ca.
77 palm beach
what would your project list look like if you bought one now a-days.
best regards to you Mr. Bozardt, thank you.
On Jul 10, 2012, at 8:12 PM, Michael Bozardt wrote:
>
>
> Hi, For the past four years I have been buying GMC motorhomes and removing parts for sale-as a business. I stopped selling used parts last year, but I have learned a lot about the coaches inside and out. As an RV owner, you already know a lot about motorhomes and GMCs are no different except they are a lot older than most and were/are the most exquisite designed motorhome one is likely to find. Once you get one, it won't let you go. Currently, the most serious problem we face is not parts shortage or even reliability, but ethanol. I have been stopped on the road twice by ethanol. I do not know of a total solution but the word is to change the old rubber fuel lines, drop and clean the tanks, add an electric fuel pump and extra in-line filters.
>
> There are sample floor plans on the GMC sites on the internet for both 23 and 26 foot models. The 1977 and 1978 models had the best dash A/C units but the smaller engines, 403 vs 455c.i. The 455 has 235hp and I think 335ft lb. of torque. In 1976 they began installing an aluminum sub frame not in my '74 model and this was continued through 1978. The 73-76 coaches(minus the 76 sub-frame models) were lighter. My '74 has a gross weight of 9978 pounds on the scales with some fuel and water on board though the plaque under the hood shows 11,700.
>
> Now many are going to 16 inch wheels vs the standard 16.5 inch wheels because the tires are getting harder to find in 16.5 with the E rating. Alcoa has stopped making our favorite 16 aluminum wheels though there are other aluminum wheels available. Get 7 and not 6 when/if you buy.
>
> All the original plastic inside the coach is brittle, especially the dash. In models through 75, expect problems with the dash air if not already addressed by the Prior Owner (PO). My coach had a rebuilt engine as indicated by a metal tag on the engine. If original engine, expect a possible cracked intake manifold. Expect to replace the carburetor(from Dick Paterson in Canada).
> If tires are 5-6 years old, they should be replaced-if on 16.5 wheels, consider that in your calculations of what to replace.
> Many of the original coaches will need suspension work and steering work. Mine cost about $1600 in 2003 and included new ball joints. I installed new shock absorbers and redid all the brakes also.
>
> I 10 years, I have receipts for parts and work done totalling over $30,000 and the GMC cost $14,500. You may find one that has had most work done and a price of $14-25,000. There are many for sale through GMC clubs across the country, Bethune on the internet, Alex Sirum in Florida, The for sale listing for the Coopmotorworks also in Florida, Jim Kanomata at Applied GMC in California has one occasionally for sale. Some are for sale in Canada even.
>
> Call me if you want to talk more about them as I have taken enough of the net time here. Michael Bozardt at GEMRECS
> 713-373-7775 and yes, go to the GMC rally in Tennessee where you will learn much.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Thu Oct 10 07:18:18 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.00805 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
