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| 1975 Avion [message #179399] |
Tue, 07 August 2012 13:36  |
pickle4k
Messages: 129
Registered: January 2011
Location: San Leandro
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Can someone explain the advantages or disadvantages of an Avion? I have a seller who is willing to sell in a hurry. Maybe Rob M. could join in since he has two.
Thanks for your help,
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath and
75-26' Avion
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| Re: 1975 Avion [message #179400 is a reply to message #179399] |
Tue, 07 August 2012 14:02  |
rssbob
Messages: 259
Registered: January 2004
Location: La Mesa, Ca. (San Diego a...
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Just my opinion, they had been much sought after. Dry bath, rear twin beds and that cute little storage area for skis through that little access door on the passenger's side near the front. I have also seen some with knockout wood work on the inside.
Bob Sobrito
78 Palm Beach
La Mesa, Ca
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| Re: 1975 Avion [message #179413 is a reply to message #179400] |
Tue, 07 August 2012 14:49 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Since I have an Un-altered Avion, these are my thoughts.
Twin beds in back = no climbing over each other in the night when mother nature calls.
Beautiful wood paneling, with a share of sawdust board.
Handy small "ski locker", accessible from outside the body of the coach.
Dry bath, have not used it, but finally got it totally functional.
House battery under driver side twin bed, have to remember to check it.
Useful night stand between twin beds.
Minor downsides, hot water heater must be replaced with the same Atwood model. Anything else is a PITA. Frig is no longer made. If it fails, the Dometic "90% replacement" requires a rework of the compartment. Another PITA. I have worked both issues.
I would buy another one, if I had to. By the time that I get to a third one, I might know what I'm doing.
Tom Phipps, MS II, a 1975 GMC Transmode, outfitted by Avion, a Very expensive option.
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
[Updated on: Tue, 07 August 2012 15:00] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] 1975 Avion [message #179458 is a reply to message #179413] |
Tue, 07 August 2012 20:15 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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G'Day,
You did not mention which model Avion was for sale, there were two '26 footers - Provincial and Sunburst.
I have never seen a Sunburst and my comments relate to a Provincial.
Here's a link to the brochures Bill Bryant sent to Bdub for his website:
Brochure for both '26 models: http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion/Avion.htm
Brochure for '26 Provincial: http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion2/avion-int-261.htm
Brochure for '23 Provincial: http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion2/avion-int-231.htm
I saw Tom's Avion at the Young's before he bought and drooled over the fact that it had not been messed with and the woodwork was in
VERY good condition. Tom covered quite a few of the good and bad points so I'll expand on what he's noted then add a few.
Twin beds in back - ESPECIALLY handy for old farts that need to get up several times a night to . . . . . NO I am not calling Tom an
old fart; I am referring to my self!
Beautiful wood paneling - it's birch veneer over particle board. The clever buggers at Avion cut the sides at a 45° angle so you
can't see the particle board!
Everybody LOVES the curved wall that forms the front of the shower; Art Deco kinda sorta.
Ski locker - which can be modified to allow partial access inside the coach - John Richardson did that and I copied him.
Dry bath - which Tom will discover is fun to shower in for a guy our size!
House battery under driver side twin bed which becomes easy to service when you install a remote fill kit. ;-)
Useful night stand WITH a slide out folding table that is EXTREMELY handy!
Hot water heater - I replaced mine with the same style from JimB - Stainless Steel Case! WOW - BFD! ;-)
Fridge in Double Trouble had been replaced with a large two way Dometic that has two doors - Freezer and Fridge so I didn't have to
fight that fight!
Now for my own comments:
The love seat - isn't! It is useless! One person can sit there and that's it. Well maybe two undernourished souls could fit.
Lots of storage under dinette bench seats.
Four drawers at the end of the galley which are great for storing all kinds of kitchen stuff.
There is lots of space under the sink for kitchen appliances / pots / pans.
There are no upper storage cabinets in galley area on passenger side.
The clothes closet is more than adequate for two people.
Wired for fifty amp service through a single cable but fifty amp cable a PITA to wrestle with in cold temps!
Large storage box on drivers' side which along with the 50 amp cable can hold: one 25 foot 30 amp extension, two 25 foot 15 amp
extension cord, one 50 foot coax cable; four 18" long adapter cables and three small power adapters.
You can also store a fresh water filter and various and sundry bits and pieces useful for water filling / connections.
Storage area behind (rearwards) Onan that can hold all the junk required to dump and a fill / connect fresh water.
I have just about gotten Double Trouble the way we like it and will start putting The Blue Streak back together based on what we've
learned using Double Trouble.
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Thomas Phipps
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2012 1:50 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] 1975 Avion
Since I have an Un-altered Avion, these are my thoughts.
Twin beds in back = no climbing over each other in the night when mother nature calls.
Beautiful wood paneling, with a share of sawdust board.
Handy small "ski locker", accessible from outside the body of the coach.
Dry bath, have not used it, but finally got it totally functional.
House battery under driver side twin bed, have to remember to check it.
Useful night stand between twin beds.
Minor downsides, hot water heater must be replaced with the same Atwood model. Anything else is a PITA. Frig is no longer made.
If it fails, the Dometic "90% replacement" requires a rework of the compartment. Another PITA. I have worked both issues.
I would buy another one, if I had to. By the time that I get to a third one, I might know what I'm doing.
Tom Phipps, MS II, a 1975 GMC Transmode, outfitted bt Avion, a Very expensive option.
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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: 1975 Avion [message #179461 is a reply to message #179399] |
Tue, 07 August 2012 21:00 |
PettyVTX
Messages: 363
Registered: April 2011
Location: Winder Ga.
Karma: 1
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My Avion is the standard twins in back. I too love the slide out table between the beds. Like Rob said plenty of closet room. As far as the shower im going to remove my door and put a curtain up that might be a little better. But i do like the dry bath. My PO removed 1 section of the counter and installed a fold out couch wher the jump seat was behind the drivers seat. didnt lose much cabinet space but i now have seating for 4 not counting the drivers and pass. seat. For the Ski door I use mine for an extra water hose wheel chocks and jacks it is handy.
Ex Avion now looking for a 23'
Jeep Wrangler Towd
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| Re: 1975 Avion [message #179462 is a reply to message #179399] |
Tue, 07 August 2012 21:12 |
pickle4k
Messages: 129
Registered: January 2011
Location: San Leandro
Karma: 0
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Thanks for all the info.
I spoke this morning with Miguel from SoCal and asked him about the availability of an Avion. He called back with a line on a coach. After several calls back and forth...........now I own an Avion. Bought it sight unseen, only on the recommendation of Miguel's. He has serviced this coach for some time and will get it ready for me in two weeks.
OK, I now have joined the cult full tilt. Call me crazy.
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath and
75-26' Avion
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| Re: [GMCnet] 1975 Avion [message #179476 is a reply to message #179470] |
Tue, 07 August 2012 22:30 |
pickle4k
Messages: 129
Registered: January 2011
Location: San Leandro
Karma: 0
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Rob, you are correct. NO MORE SMOG, at least for the Avion, the Norris still needs to be smog-ed. The Norris has a new motor, so no sweat on the smog.
I am looking at TBI instead of the carb, for the performance not the MPG. Also a HEI dizzy and aluminum radiator for the heat with remote tranny cooler -Derale with pusher fan. This should keep the heat issue to a minimum. It already has an electric fuel pump and remote filter.
I will get the coach in two weeks and post pix then.
Thanks again for all the info. Keep it coming, the more I know about the Avion the better I will be at fixing things.
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath and
75-26' Avion
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| Re: [GMCnet] 1975 Avion [message #179480 is a reply to message #179476] |
Tue, 07 August 2012 23:24 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Avion are like peanuts and GMC's. Ya got to have more than one.
JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
>
>
> Rob, you are correct. NO MORE SMOG, at least for the Avion, the
> Norris still needs to be smog-ed. The Norris has a new motor, so no
> sweat on the smog.
> I am looking at TBI instead of the carb, for the performance not the
> MPG. Also a HEI dizzy and aluminum radiator for the heat with remote
> tranny cooler -Derale with pusher fan. This should keep the heat
> issue to a minimum. It already has an electric fuel pump and remote
> filter.
> I will get the coach in two weeks and post pix then.
> Thanks again for all the info. Keep it coming, the more I know about
> the Avion the better I will be at fixing things.
> --
> Nick R. NorCal
> 76-23'Transmode-Norris
> Rear Bath
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] 1975 Avion [message #179485 is a reply to message #179476] |
Wed, 08 August 2012 00:25 |
Kirk
Messages: 80
Registered: April 2008
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I'm envious. Is it a 23' or 26'?
Kirk & Eloise Yeager -
Motorcyclists/RVers/Dog Lovers -
77 Royale 455/TBI/3:55 -
49ers - N. Nevada -
NdnKirk at Gmail dot com
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| Re: [GMCnet] 1975 Avion [message #179487 is a reply to message #179485] |
Wed, 08 August 2012 00:53 |
pickle4k
Messages: 129
Registered: January 2011
Location: San Leandro
Karma: 0
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It' a 26'. I am dying to see it, but it has to wait two weeks.
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath and
75-26' Avion
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| Re: [GMCnet] 1975 Avion [message #179496 is a reply to message #179399] |
Wed, 08 August 2012 06:47 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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My only complaint - after tripping in Ted Petty's - is that the floor has a step up in it which clears a storage space under the floor which isn't in the GM built coaches. I wouldn't do to be drunk in it, I'd break my neck eventually. Actually, I'm sure you'd get used to it. Ted's is nice looking inside though, floor splitlevel notwithstanding.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: Nick Roenick <pickle4k@comcast.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, August 7, 2012 2:36 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] 1975 Avion
Can someone explain the advantages or disadvantages of an Avion? I have a seller who is willing to sell in a hurry. Maybe Rob M. could join in since he has two.
Thanks for your help,
--
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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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] 1975 Avion [message #179499 is a reply to message #179462] |
Wed, 08 August 2012 07:04 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Welcome to the 'Take a Chance and Buy It Anyway' club. I lucked out, since one of the Gurus has kept yours up, I';m sure you will also.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: Nick Roenick <pickle4k@comcast.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, August 7, 2012 10:12 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] 1975 Avion
Thanks for all the info.
I spoke this morning with Miguel from SoCal and asked him about the availability of an Avion. He called back with a line on a coach. After several calls back and forth...........now I own an Avion. Bought it sight unseen, only on the recommendation of Miguel's. He has serviced this coach for some time and will get it ready for me in two weeks.
OK, I now have joined the cult full tilt. Call me crazy.
--
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath
_______________________________________________
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
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] 1975 Avion [message #179519 is a reply to message #179496] |
Wed, 08 August 2012 10:17 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Johnny,
Funny you should mention this, when I was at Grandview Motorhomes and Tom Hampton was doing some work on Double Trouble he forgot
about the SECOND step down and went airborne. At the time we had the couch on the passenger side and he hit the end panel near the
door and it went flying. He apologized profusely for tearing off the end of the couch, however, all I was concerned about was if HE
was OK and hadn't broken anything. I knew I could fix the couch but broken bones are another story!
Even now I sometimes forget and stumble - SOBER! ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Johnny Bridges
My only complaint - after tripping in Ted Petty's - is that the floor has a step up in it which clears a storage space under the
floor which isn't in the GM built coaches. I wouldn't do to be drunk in it, I'd break my neck eventually. Actually, I'm sure you'd
get used to it. Ted's is nice looking inside though, floor splitlevel notwithstanding.
--johnny
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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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] 1975 Avion [message #179523 is a reply to message #179519] |
Wed, 08 August 2012 10:57 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Rob,
I took out the step and storage area altogether. I also am removing
the exterior door. I too fell several times just after I got the
coach and wife did not what it there also and it is a hazard.
JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
> Johnny,
>
> Funny you should mention this, when I was at Grandview Motorhomes
> and Tom Hampton was doing some work on Double Trouble he forgot
> about the SECOND step down and went airborne. At the time we had the
> couch on the passenger side and he hit the end panel near the
> door and it went flying. He apologized profusely for tearing off the
> end of the couch, however, all I was concerned about was if HE
> was OK and hadn't broken anything. I knew I could fix the couch but
> broken bones are another story!
>
> Even now I sometimes forget and stumble - SOBER! ;-)
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> USAussie - Downunder
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Johnny Bridges
>
> My only complaint - after tripping in Ted Petty's - is that the
> floor has a step up in it which clears a storage space under the
> floor which isn't in the GM built coaches. I wouldn't do to be
> drunk in it, I'd break my neck eventually. Actually, I'm sure you'd
> get used to it. Ted's is nice looking inside though, floor
> splitlevel notwithstanding.
>
> --johnny
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GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: 1975 Avion [message #179526 is a reply to message #179399] |
Wed, 08 August 2012 11:39 |
PettyVTX
Messages: 363
Registered: April 2011
Location: Winder Ga.
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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After Johnnys adventure with my step I now have lights that will at least let you know there is a step there. You get used to it but quests and drunks dont see it. Dont let Johnny fool you we only had a dozen each that day(just kidding). If i had the chance i would own a 23" as well the I could be in the 2fer club too.
Ex Avion now looking for a 23'
Jeep Wrangler Towd
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