| Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225438] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 12:14  |
jme8ro
Messages: 34
Registered: October 2013
Location: Arkansas
Karma: 0
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I just bought my first GMC RV. It is a 1975 Gleenbrook. I am in love with my new little home on wheels. Had it inspected before purchase and the engine and tranny etc are in remarkable shape. She runs like a champ and I plan on a much needed road trip soon. I have did need to replace the engine belts. I found this website most helpful and was pleased by the amount of knowledge and support supplied by it's members. So here I am a new member and eager to be part of the group. The belts went on great and besides the busted bolt that held me up everything worked beautifully. However the air ride system was not rigged correctly. The compressor was bypassed to allow filling and deflation directly at the bags. One bag was a Cinitech and the other a Goodyear. They did not sit right and were placed with what looked like a homemade bracket part to fill an unwanted gap. I had one blow and now I am looking to replace the air bags. I am unsure if the compressor works. I have checked out your lists of comparisons and I need to purchase new bags. The work will be done myself. With that in mind and time being a factor I need to know. Should I replace the entire system including the compressor or will it be just as good to install bags that fill manually? I really need to get it on the road without breaking the bank or running into weeks worth of new problems with the compressor etc. Also ease of install would be a huge consideration as I am new to working on my GMC. Is there any advice you can offer on this subject that might help a newbie out? Any other advice would also be much appreciated. Thanks
Excited and clueless!! 
Jeanette E., Central Arkansas-1975 GMC Glenbrook
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| Re: Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225443 is a reply to message #225438] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 12:52  |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Clueless in Arkansas,
Welcome to our world!
Since time and money are prime considerations I suggest that the simplest,least expensive, and fastest route is to repair the OEM system.
Used OEM bags in good condition are available from GMC'ers who have changed to newer systems-
New OEM bags are available from Jim K, Jim B, Cinnabar ect.
You can install OEM bags, aluminum cones, and Schrader valves at the bags. Fill the bags from an external compressor and you can drive on this isolated system while you check out and repair the balance of the system at your leisure.
If too many parts of the original system require replacement it MAY be more cost effective to change to the Wireless system and one of the newer bag set-ups; but the simple OEM bag replacement will get you mobile.
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225444 is a reply to message #225438] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 12:53 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Oh boy, Asking about air bags here is like asking about tires or motor oil. There will be many opinions and solutions.
Some people bypass the original automatic air system and just fill them with an air hose. Others, like me, like the automatic leveling system and they fix their coach back to OEM operation.
Then there are the air bags themselves. There are several 2 and 4 bag systems offered. Each with their individual claims of greatness.
OEM bags (made by Firestone) went out of production last year and the few new replacements still out there are very expensive. When you say that your existing bags were made by someone other than Firestone, that tells me you have something different than OEM.
I guess we need to understand more of exactly what you have now before we can determine what can be salvaged and what option(s) for replacement / upgrade you would like to pursue.
In the end you will need to get the compressor operational. I suggest you work on repair or replacement of that as a different project.
Can you take a picture of the bags you have installed now and post it to gmcmhphotos.com so we can see where you are starting from?
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225447 is a reply to message #225446] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 13:02 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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| jim kanomata wrote on Sun, 13 October 2013 12:57 |
If you like, you can send me a picture of your bag system , then I can tell you what you have and advise you some options as we are familiar with most systems out there.
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IT IS SUNDAY.
Does anyone know where Jim Kanomata is?
He is at work.
Take the day off Jim.
Go fishing.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225449 is a reply to message #225438] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 13:07 |
jme8ro
Messages: 34
Registered: October 2013
Location: Arkansas
Karma: 0
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wow thank you all. I knew I came to the right place. I am looking into the Sully system now. I really appreciate the advice. That was my thought also due to lack of time. I look forward to becoming more knowledgeable and working on my GMC. As of now considering I am still an armature I am sure you all will be hearing from me throughout the process. Are the systems you recommend universal to all years of the GMC motorhome or will they vary from year to year? Is there anything specific I need to know concerning the 1975? You guys are awesome. I look forward to my first Rally.
Jeanette E., Central Arkansas-1975 GMC Glenbrook
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| Re: Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225452 is a reply to message #225449] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 13:11 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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| jme8ro wrote on Sun, 13 October 2013 13:07 |
wow thank you all. I knew I came to the right place. I am looking into the Sully system now. I really appreciate the advice. That was my thought also due to lack of time. I look forward to becoming more knowledgeable and working on my GMC. As of now considering I am still an armature I am sure you all will be hearing from me throughout the process. Are the systems you recommend universal to all years of the GMC motorhome or will they vary from year to year? Is there anything specific I need to know concerning the 1975? You guys are awesome. I look forward to my first Rally.
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As far as the air bags go, all years are the same. There are some difference in the inflation system based on year of production.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225453 is a reply to message #225438] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 13:14 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Jeanette -
Let us know where yu are located. Then GMCers close by can help as needed. Welcome to the world of lunacy. Advice:
A credit card with a high limit. Tires less than 5 years old. A copy of The Black List for travelling. A taste for icecream and friendship.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
Chestnut Mountain, Ga.
--------------------------------------------
On Sun, 10/13/13, jeanette Edmiston <jme8ro@gmail.com> wrote:
Subject: [GMCnet] Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Sunday, October 13, 2013, 5:14 PM
I just bought my first GMC RV. It is a 1975 Gleenbrook. I am
in love with my new little home on wheels. Had it inspected
before purchase and the engine and tranny etc are in
remarkable shape. She runs like a champ and I plan on a much
needed road trip soon. I have did need to replace the engine
belts. I found this website most helpful and was pleased by
the amount of knowledge and support supplied by it's
members. So here I am a new member and eager to be part of
the group. The belts went on great and besides the busted
bolt that held me up everything worked beautifully. However
the air ride system was not rigged correctly. The compressor
was bypassed to allow filling and deflation directly at the
bags. One bag was a Cinitech and the other a Goodyear. They
did not sit right and were placed with what looked like a
homemade bracket part to fill an unwanted gap. I had one
blow and now I am looking to replace the air bags. I am
unsure if the compressor works. I have checked out y
our lists of comparisons and I need to purchase new bags.
The work will be done myself. With that in mind and time
being a factor I need to know. Should I replace the entire
system including the compressor or will it be just as good
to install bags that fill manually? I really need to get it
on the road without breaking the bank or running into weeks
worth of new problems with the compressor etc. Also ease of
install would be a huge consideration as I am new to working
on my GMC. Is there any advice you can offer on this subject
that might help a newbie out? Any other advice would also be
much appreciated. Thanks
Excited and clueless!! :)
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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: Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225457 is a reply to message #225438] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 13:32 |
jme8ro
Messages: 34
Registered: October 2013
Location: Arkansas
Karma: 0
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Good to know I was weary of purchasing bags with the wrong specs. I am located in central Arkansas. But will be traveling cross country asap in a westerly direction. Soon as I get my new air bags in and on!
Jeanette E., Central Arkansas-1975 GMC Glenbrook
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| Re: Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225460 is a reply to message #225438] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 13:54 |
Don A
Messages: 895
Registered: October 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Karma: 0
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Jeanette
Welcome to the group!!
First step should be to ask an owner close to you to come take a look. The "Black List"
http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/GMCAssist.pdf
will show you there are several in Ark, in Little Rock, about 60 miles South of there, over near Memphis and up along the Northern border; all volunteering to help. The best benefit of this group.
Don Adams Dallas, TX
'76 26' Glenbrook, '90 Sidekick
rebuilt by R Archer, powered by J Bounds, Koba
[IMG]http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6109/G2.jpg[/IMG]
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| Re: Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225465 is a reply to message #225460] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 14:22 |
jim kanomata
Messages: 257
Registered: March 2007
Location: fremont,ca
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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Jeanett,
If you like, I can send you one of our free catalogs.
We have most everything for your coach, The caalog only show the popular parts and kit. Call us for the catalog.
Should you have any qustions, we have a toll free line to call (800)752-7502.
It is Sunday, but I have few things to complete before Monday., so Ken, You caught me at the office again.
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225481 is a reply to message #225438] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 16:51 |
jme8ro
Messages: 34
Registered: October 2013
Location: Arkansas
Karma: 0
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Member |
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What a wonderful list! That is awesome the support of this group shows. I had no idea the enthusiasm until I found my GMC. I am sure it will come in really handy for questions and advice. It is much appreciated. Does anyone have any used bags that would fit my needs? If so lemme know. thank you all for your help. It is very hard to find any info on these rides and I sure have looked. I am always referring to past forums and questions for advice. Its got me pumped about my purchase. Thanks again
Jeanette E., Central Arkansas-1975 GMC Glenbrook
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| Re: Advice needed!!!! Newbie just bought my first GMC RV [message #225483 is a reply to message #225438] |
Sun, 13 October 2013 17:15 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Jeanette,
First - Welcome to the group/family/cult/asylum.....
¿Do you have the full set of Maintenance Manuals? (Here after referred to as MM)
If you do not, you can download them (and almost anything else of interest relative to TZE coaches at . When you get there, look around. Download anything you think you might need. Write it to a CD and keep it in the coach always. (A computer is good to because CDs are hard to read on their own.)
You replaced the belts, that was good, but we also have a saying..
"If you didn't do it, don't bet on it having been done."
All the rubber parts, and I do mean all, should be suspect. They are all capable of aging out. Fuel and brake lines tend to be real gotchas because people don't tend to think about them.
If you have the MM and a decent set of tools, there is almost nothing that you can't fix. If you need a part, that is why most of us have JimK on speed dial. The important thing to remember is that you are literate (it would seem) and probably have an IQ over 80... That puts you head of most of the people you would have to pay to try to fix things the first time.
You are not the only solo lady with a TZE, but they are sure not common. But, as you must have just read, there are people that will help in striking distance.
There is another thing that you are already discovering about being a GMC (TZE is the prefix of the VIN for only these coaches) owner. Being an owner makes you a part of a community like few others. The coach will very soon be much more a part of your life than you ever expected - in a good - way because of this community. One of the other communities like this is where I am from, and that is waterman. I liken the way we relate to out coaches as how watermen relate to their boats. That being the case, I decided to start welcoming new owners much as one would welcome a new owner or vessel at home. So,
May the good lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Jeanette
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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