Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Torsion bars
| [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232569] |
Sat, 07 December 2013 15:03  |
p.huber
Messages: 73
Registered: June 2012
Location: Oakland
Karma: 3
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Member |
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I had lots of problems getting up my front end several years ago and tried
all kinds of used torsion bars. This however did not work for me, the front
end stayed low!
Therefore I redesigned a new torsion bar and had them made approximately 20%
stronger. I found an outfit who was willing to produce them and ordered
quiet a lot and resold them at the same price I paid mostly to Royale
owners, since Royale coaches are more heave especially in the front then
other GMC's. With the new heavy duty torsion bar, which was also powder
coated it worked very well. The same torsion bar is still in use after 18
years and my front end is up to specification.
After I resold all my inventory I got a lot of requests for these torsion
bars, but when I contacted the manufacturer the price went up and the price
increase killed the interest. If there is still interest in a stronger new
torsion bar set for the GMC I could again inquire what the cost will be,
however I would have to know a substantial number of requests for a new
production, say 20 to 30 set in order to produce a reasonable price per set.
If interest exists I like to hear from you and if a production of 20 or 30
sets is adding up I will contact the manufacturer and see what the price
will be per set plus shipping.
Regards
Peter D. Huber
1978 Royale with a new Mondello 403 engine, single beds rear and side bath,
Manny Transmission and one ton front end, all disk brakes, electronic Cruise
control, electronic hand break and a lot more gadgets.
1969 Oldsmobile Show car
1979 MGB Show car
1979 Ford Truck Show truck
Zappy 2013
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232570 is a reply to message #232569] |
Sat, 07 December 2013 16:35  |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
Karma: 0
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| p.huber wrote on Sat, 07 December 2013 13:03 |
since Royale coaches are more heave especially in the front then
other GMC's.
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Why would a Royale be any heavier in the front than other GMC's? Other than perhaps an extra battery, they are the same. I'm not disputing what you say, I'd just like to hear you reasoning.
1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232584 is a reply to message #232570] |
Sat, 07 December 2013 17:29 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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When we weighed coaches at GMCWS, the 78 Royales were consistently heavier
in the front end than the earlier coaches were.
Armand Minnie published the results of our weigh-ins in the Newsletter
following the CasaDeFruta Rally. Don't know if it still is available or not.
Jm Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC Royale 403
On Dec 7, 2013 2:35 PM, "David Orders" <dao@oarsllc.com> wrote:
>
>
> p.huber wrote on Sat, 07 December 2013 13:03
> > since Royale coaches are more heave especially in the front then
> > other GMC's.
>
>
> Why would a Royale be any heavier in the front than other GMC's? Other
> than perhaps an extra battery, they are the same. I'm not disputing what
> you say, I'd just like to hear you reasoning.
> --
> 1976 Royale "Twinkie II", 1978 Palm Beach with front end fire. Lynnwood WA
> - “If you could reason with religious people there would be no
> religious people” - House, MD
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232599 is a reply to message #232584] |
Sat, 07 December 2013 18:46 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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The nearly 24 gallon LPG tank mounted forward in Coachmen has to have some
influence. Add the weight of forward kitchen cabinets in some, plus the
heavy materials they used, and the average forward bias is probably
significant.
Ken H.
On Sat, Dec 7, 2013 at 6:29 PM, James Hupy <jamesh1296@gmail.com> wrote:
> When we weighed coaches at GMCWS, the 78 Royales were consistently heavier
> in the front end than the earlier coaches were.
> Armand Minnie published the results of our weigh-ins in the Newsletter
> following the CasaDeFruta Rally. Don't know if it still is available or
> not.
> Jm Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC Royale 403
> On Dec 7, 2013 2:35 PM, "David Orders" <dao@oarsllc.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > p.huber wrote on Sat, 07 December 2013 13:03
> > > since Royale coaches are more heave especially in the front then
> > > other GMC's.
> >
> >
> > Why would a Royale be any heavier in the front than other GMC's? Other
> > than perhaps an extra battery, they are the same. I'm not disputing what
> > you say, I'd just like to hear you reasoning.
> > --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232650 is a reply to message #232569] |
Sun, 08 December 2013 16:57 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Please put me on the list. Also sent you a private message
| p.huber wrote on Sat, 07 December 2013 16:03 |
I had lots of problems getting up my front end several years ago and tried
all kinds of used torsion bars. This however did not work for me, the front
end stayed low!
Therefore I redesigned a new torsion bar and had them made approximately 20%
stronger. I found an outfit who was willing to produce them and ordered
quiet a lot and resold them at the same price I paid mostly to Royale
owners, since Royale coaches are more heave especially in the front then
other GMC's. With the new heavy duty torsion bar, which was also powder
coated it worked very well. The same torsion bar is still in use after 18
years and my front end is up to specification.
After I resold all my inventory I got a lot of requests for these torsion
bars, but when I contacted the manufacturer the price went up and the price
increase killed the interest. If there is still interest in a stronger new
torsion bar set for the GMC I could again inquire what the cost will be,
however I would have to know a substantial number of requests for a new
production, say 20 to 30 set in order to produce a reasonable price per set.
If interest exists I like to hear from you and if a production of 20 or 30
sets is adding up I will contact the manufacturer and see what the price
will be per set plus shipping.
Regards
Peter D. Huber
1978 Royale with a new Mondello 403 engine, single beds rear and side bath,
Manny Transmission and one ton front end, all disk brakes, electronic Cruise
control, electronic hand break and a lot more gadgets.
1969 Oldsmobile Show car
1979 MGB Show car
1979 Ford Truck Show truck
Zappy 2013
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John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232741 is a reply to message #232569] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 16:08 |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
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Senior Member |
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| p.huber wrote on Sat, 07 December 2013 14:03 |
If there is still interest in a stronger new
torsion bar set for the GMC I could again inquire what the cost will be,
however I would have to know a substantial number of requests for a new
production, say 20 to 30 set in order to produce a reasonable price per set.
If interest exists I like to hear from you and if a production of 20 or 30
sets is adding up I will contact the manufacturer and see what the price
will be per set plus shipping.
|
Hello, Peter. I'm interested, for sure, but the interest would of course be tempered by the cost.
I know the original sets you had made up will have little to do with the price of new sets, but out of curiousity what was the price for a pair of beefed up torsion bars from the first run?
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232745 is a reply to message #232741] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 16:31 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I too would be looking for a set for my stretch coach.
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Dec 9, 2013, at 5:08 PM, Richard <GMC77Birchaven@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> p.huber wrote on Sat, 07 December 2013 14:03
>> If there is still interest in a stronger new
>> torsion bar set for the GMC I could again inquire what the cost will be,
>> however I would have to know a substantial number of requests for a new
>> Production, say 20 to 30 set in order to produce a reasonable price per set.
>>
>> If interest exists I like to hear from you and if a production of 20 or 30
>> sets is adding up I will contact the manufacturer and see what the price
>> will be per set plus shipping.
>
>
> Hello, Peter. I'm interested, for sure, but the interest would of course be tempered by the cost.
>
> I know the original sets you had made up will have little to do with the price of new sets, but out of curiousity what was the price for a pair of beefed up torsion bars from the first run?
>
> Richard
> --
> '77 Birchaven TZE...777
> _______________________________________________
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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] Torsion bars [message #232751 is a reply to message #232569] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 16:53 |
bwevers
Messages: 597
Registered: October 2010
Location: San Jose
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Peter,
Put me on the list for a pair.
Thanks,
Bill Wevers
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232769 is a reply to message #232650] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 19:23 |
Brian Waddell
Messages: 409
Registered: March 2010
Karma: -4
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Senior Member |
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Put me on the list...nrian 77 ele 455
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: jhbmjk@gmail.com
> Date: Sun, 8 Dec 2013 16:57:21 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars
>
>
>
> Please put me on the list. Also sent you a private message
>
> p.huber wrote on Sat, 07 December 2013 16:03
> > I had lots of problems getting up my front end several years ago and tried
> > all kinds of used torsion bars. This however did not work for me, the front
> > end stayed low!
> >
> > Therefore I redesigned a new torsion bar and had them made approximately 20%
> > stronger. I found an outfit who was willing to produce them and ordered
> > quiet a lot and resold them at the same price I paid mostly to Royale
> > owners, since Royale coaches are more heave especially in the front then
> > other GMC's. With the new heavy duty torsion bar, which was also powder
> > coated it worked very well. The same torsion bar is still in use after 18
> > years and my front end is up to specification.
> >
> > After I resold all my inventory I got a lot of requests for these torsion
> > bars, but when I contacted the manufacturer the price went up and the price
> > increase killed the interest. If there is still interest in a stronger new
> > torsion bar set for the GMC I could again inquire what the cost will be,
> > however I would have to know a substantial number of requests for a new
> > production, say 20 to 30 set in order to produce a reasonable price per set.
> >
> > If interest exists I like to hear from you and if a production of 20 or 30
> > sets is adding up I will contact the manufacturer and see what the price
> > will be per set plus shipping.
> >
> >
> >
> > Regards
> >
> >
> >
> > Peter D. Huber
> >
> > 1978 Royale with a new Mondello 403 engine, single beds rear and side bath,
> > Manny Transmission and one ton front end, all disk brakes, electronic Cruise
> > control, electronic hand break and a lot more gadgets.
> >
> > 1969 Oldsmobile Show car
> >
> > 1979 MGB Show car
> >
> > 1979 Ford Truck Show truck
> >
> > Zappy 2013
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
> --
> John H. Bell
> 77 Royale
> Montreal Qc.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232784 is a reply to message #232569] |
Mon, 09 December 2013 21:36 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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If the price is around $300 for a pair plus shipping, I'll buy a pair of them if they are made the way you specify, better than stock.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232801 is a reply to message #232569] |
Tue, 10 December 2013 07:30 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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>$300
Well, I'm not going to be the ONLY guy here that doesn't sign up for a pair, so put me on the list.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232847 is a reply to message #232569] |
Tue, 10 December 2013 17:27 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I am in for a pair at around that price. OBTW I just replaced Manny chops with Susp Maxx from Jim K, after replacing the OEM with the Mannys. The Maxx chops seem pricey, but made it easy to pick the front end up about 2" to spec, made up for the wear on the t bars. It would be nice to start with fresh t bars.
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232849 is a reply to message #232847] |
Tue, 10 December 2013 17:33 |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
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Senior Member |
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Hey Jeff. Your coach was down 2"? That's a lot! Did installing the one ton front end drop it much?
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232880 is a reply to message #232849] |
Wed, 11 December 2013 08:56 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I do not recall the height difference before/after the 1 ton, but it started out low and got a little lower, maybe 0.5" or so. But, there were other problems solved in the process, including a bad/wrong torsion bar on the passenger side, so hard to say the impact of the 1 ton install. I was a real newbie and so lucky this was done in Dr. Hubler's garage, with expertise and his spare parts shed nearby.
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #232883 is a reply to message #232880] |
Wed, 11 December 2013 09:25 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Point of information: I have installed many of the Hubler 1 ton Version 2.
After install, they are seldom any lower than before the install. It is
often hard to tell what causes what because of the worn control arm
bushings, ball joints etc. As a matter of procedure, ride height is always
checked after the install, as is alignment, tie rod ends, relay arm joints,
front sway bar links and bushings, shocks, tire wear, etc. A chain (or a
steering system) is only as strong as it's weakest link, so it all must be
checked.
Jim Hupy
On Dec 11, 2013 6:56 AM, "jeff sugheir" <jeff.sugheir@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I do not recall the height difference before/after the 1 ton, but it
> started out low and got a little lower, maybe 0.5" or so. But, there were
> other problems solved in the process, including a bad/wrong torsion bar on
> the passenger side, so hard to say the impact of the 1 ton install. I was
> a real newbie and so lucky this was done in Dr. Hubler's garage, with
> expertise and his spare parts shed nearby.
> --
> 1973/94 GMCII in Boise 76 455 with headers & Paterson distributor,1 ton
> front, 4 bags back, Precision Steering Gearbox
>
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #233055 is a reply to message #232569] |
Fri, 13 December 2013 23:34 |
John Hunt
Messages: 70
Registered: January 2011
Location: Orange County, CA
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Hi Peter,
I'm interested in a pair! Please put me on the list.
Thank you.
John Hunt
'76 Eleganza II
Orange County, CA
1976 Eleganza II,
1969 Lotus Elan Plus 2,
1978 Merlyn Formula Ford,
1981 Lola Sports 2000
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bars [message #233947 is a reply to message #232883] |
Wed, 25 December 2013 01:20 |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
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Senior Member |
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| James Hupy wrote on Wed, 11 December 2013 08:25 |
Point of information: I have installed many of the Hubler 1 ton Version 2.
After install, they are seldom any lower than before the install. It is
often hard to tell what causes what because of the worn control arm
bushings, ball joints etc. As a matter of procedure, ride height is always
checked after the install, as is alignment, tie rod ends, relay arm joints,
front sway bar links and bushings, shocks, tire wear, etc. A chain (or a
steering system) is only as strong as it's weakest link, so it all must be
checked.
Jim Hupy
On Dec 11, 2013 6:56 AM, "jeff sugheir" <jeff.sugheir@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I do not recall the height difference before/after the 1 ton, but it
> started out low and got a little lower, maybe 0.5" or so. But, there were
> other problems solved in the process, including a bad/wrong torsion bar on
> the passenger side, so hard to say the impact of the 1 ton install. I was
> a real newbie and so lucky this was done in Dr. Hubler's garage, with
> expertise and his spare parts shed nearby.
> --
|
Jim/Jeff,
I worked on my front ride height today and thought I should provide a little feedback for the difference in pork chop adjusting bolt length after the changeover to the one ton.
My old front end was OEM, and the adjusting bolts protruded downwards from the nut 1 7/32" on the passenger side and 1 8/32" on the driver's side with the coach at the proper ride height. After the one ton installation, and with my first two go-rounds of adjusting bolt tweaks, both adjusting bolts now protrude 3/4" and I'm pretty close to the proper ride height. I won't be able to determine the final change in adjusting bolt depth until after I load the coach and put some more miles on the coach and do the final readjust.
I knew there'd be some change to the bolt depth due to the longer lever arm from the spacers, but it surprised me that it was that much.
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
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