Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Possible OT - Toad suggestions
| Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234071] |
Thu, 26 December 2013 21:16  |
cbryan
Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Looking at adding a toad to pull behind our Royale GMC Motorhome. I don't want a new vehicle but a 'cute' one appealing to the wife is a plus. I see how Gene Fisher has a nice looking Geo Tracker. Those are getting long in the tooth, but that can mean they are easy on the wallet. I see some for sale around here in Texas that have problems with setting "check engine" codes. Head gasket and overheating issues are not unheard of. EGR seems to be a biggie. My goal is to have a light vehicle with air conditioning with automatic. 2wd might be just fine. I have gathered that it's desirable to have the hard top option. I live in Texas with a yearly smog test requirement on a newer vehicle. What is the maximum mileage folks would consider? What says the collective wisdom?
Carey Bryan
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234077 is a reply to message #234071] |
Thu, 26 December 2013 21:42  |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Our '99 Honda CRV AWD has served very well as a toad, as well as HER
favorite every day driver. I consider it too heavy (at about 3280 lb dry),
but must admit that it's never been a problem behind the 23'. It IS
noticeable, in acceleration, handling and braking, but not objectionably
so. I would not tow it without toad brakes -- but I still use the "$30
toad brake" I installed in 2007:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3291-30-toad-brake.html
It would be of NO value during a true panic stop because it's SLOW, but
during ordinary braking, it is very effective.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Thu, Dec 26, 2013 at 10:16 PM, Carey Bryan <chbryan@bigfoot.com> wrote:
>
>
> Looking at adding a toad to pull behind our Royale GMC Motorhome. I don't
> want a new vehicle but a 'cute' one appealing to the wife is a plus. I see
> how Gene Fisher has a nice looking Geo Tracker. Those are getting long in
> the tooth, but that can mean they are easy on the wallet. I see some for
> sale around here in Texas that have problems with setting "check engine"
> codes. Head gasket and overheating issues are not unheard of. EGR seems to
> be a biggie. My goal is to have a light vehicle with air conditioning with
> automatic. 2wd might be just fine. I have gathered that it's desirable to
> have the hard top option. I live in Texas with a yearly smog test
> requirement on a newer vehicle. What is the maximum mileage folks would
> consider? What says the collective wisdom?
>
> Carey Bryan
> --
> Carey from Ennis, Texas
> 78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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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] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234078 is a reply to message #234071] |
Thu, 26 December 2013 22:24 |
Nelson Wright
Messages: 147
Registered: May 2004
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Carey,
Get a "Smart" car. I have had one for over five years and tow it with a simple tow bar, no extra brakes as it only weighs 1600#. And you want "cute"? We think our "Gumby" (name we gave to the Smart car) has a personality and cute to us. Also I can't see any change in my milage when towing.
Nelson Wright
Orlando FL
78 Royale rear bath
On Dec 26, 2013, at 10:16 PM, Carey Bryan wrote:
>
>
> Looking at adding a toad to pull behind our Royale GMC Motorhome. I don't want a new vehicle but a 'cute' one appealing to the wife is a plus. I see how Gene Fisher has a nice looking Geo Tracker. Those are getting long in the tooth, but that can mean they are easy on the wallet. I see some for sale around here in Texas that have problems with setting "check engine" codes. Head gasket and overheating issues are not unheard of. EGR seems to be a biggie. My goal is to have a light vehicle with air conditioning with automatic. 2wd might be just fine. I have gathered that it's desirable to have the hard top option. I live in Texas with a yearly smog test requirement on a newer vehicle. What is the maximum mileage folks would consider? What says the collective wisdom?
>
> Carey Bryan
> --
> Carey from Ennis, Texas
> 78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234114 is a reply to message #234071] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 08:52 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Look to older VWs if you can stand a manual shift. If you have to have automatic, your choices are much more limited. Have a look at the FMCA tow link, and see what could be towed with an automatic fitted. My 88 Ranger hotrod tows beautifully. My 05 Ranger Edge can't be towed 4 down, it's an automatic. I wish it could - A/C, good tunes, and power everything. My ideal toad would be an '11 or '12 Ranger 5 speed stretch cab with a 4liter cammer motor in it.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
88 Ranger 302 toad
________________________________
From: Carey Bryan <chbryan@bigfoot.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2013 10:16 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions
Looking at adding a toad to pull behind our Royale GMC Motorhome. I don't want a new vehicle but a 'cute' one appealing to the wife is a plus. I see how Gene Fisher has a nice looking Geo Tracker. Those are getting long in the tooth, but that can mean they are easy on the wallet. I see some for sale around here in Texas that have problems with setting "check engine" codes. Head gasket and overheating issues are not unheard of. EGR seems to be a biggie. My goal is to have a light vehicle with air conditioning with automatic. 2wd might be just fine. I have gathered that it's desirable to have the hard top option. I live in Texas with a yearly smog test requirement on a newer vehicle. What is the maximum mileage folks would consider? What says the collective wisdom?
Carey Bryan
--
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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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] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234115 is a reply to message #234114] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 09:18 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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The hot vehicle now is the Honda FIT for a 4 wheel down towed. We have towed our 2009 FIT since new and it is a 5 speed auto trans Sport model. It is a peppy car with a lot of storage space with the rear seats down. We use it as a trailer when we go south to get out of the snow and cold. Car weights in at just under 2500# empty and you leave the key in the first position so the steering wheel turns and the trans in neutral. I start and run the trans thru the gears at each fuel stop, but the book says once a day or 500 miles.
You can tow a lot of vehicles, but rule of thumb #1 is lighter the better. I have towed Trackers for almost 9 years until the FIT. If your coach is set up right you can tow big trailers and some have done and heavy vehicles. I have several fellow GMCers that tow the Saturn VUE @ 3700# empty.
FMCA has great towing guides and other towing articles on line in the members area. Just read the Dinghy Towing Articles.
http://www.fmca.com
JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
1975 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On Dec 27, 2013, at 9:52 AM, Johnny Bridges <jhbridges@ymail.com> wrote:
> Look to older VWs if you can stand a manual shift. If you have to have automatic, your choices are much more limited. Have a look at the FMCA tow link, and see what could be towed with an automatic fitted. My 88 Ranger hotrod tows beautifully. My 05 Ranger Edge can't be towed 4 down, it's an automatic. I wish it could - A/C, good tunes, and power everything. My ideal toad would be an '11 or '12 Ranger 5 speed stretch cab with a 4liter cammer motor in it.
>
> --johnny
> '76 23' transmode norris
> 88 Ranger 302 toad
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Carey Bryan <chbryan@bigfoot.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2013 10:16 PM
> Subject: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions
>
>
>
>
> Looking at adding a toad to pull behind our Royale GMC Motorhome. I don't want a new vehicle but a 'cute' one appealing to the wife is a plus. I see how Gene Fisher has a nice looking Geo Tracker. Those are getting long in the tooth, but that can mean they are easy on the wallet. I see some for sale around here in Texas that have problems with setting "check engine" codes. Head gasket and overheating issues are not unheard of. EGR seems to be a biggie. My goal is to have a light vehicle with air conditioning with automatic. 2wd might be just fine. I have gathered that it's desirable to have the hard top option. I live in Texas with a yearly smog test requirement on a newer vehicle. What is the maximum mileage folks would consider? What says the collective wisdom?
>
> Carey Bryan
> --
> Carey from Ennis, Texas
> 78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
> _______________________________________________
> 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:
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_______________________________________________
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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: Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234117 is a reply to message #234071] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 09:52 |
Don A
Messages: 895
Registered: October 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Karma: 0
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Carey, I have Arch's Suzuki Sidekick / Tracker, 1990. Love it, everyone loves it, DW calls it a cute toy car.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/time-for-a-paint-job/p11686.html
No idea the miles on it, towed miles turn the odometer. It was showing 39K when I got it. But that is about what Arch put on the coach so he may have reset it when they fixed it up. So maybe 139, maybe more or less. Iy runs great and strong with only a little oil leak I haven't fixed yet. The removable hard top is great.
Only two negatives. It is 4WD, 5 speed stick shift, fat tires and without power steering. So city parking lots are a handfull. But it is great fun to drive. Solid as a rock even at 75 ill advised mph. Other neg is I have no soft top, so leaving the hard top off all summer is risky.
And even though Ssuzuki is out of the auto market in USA, there are plenty of parts available. I recently had to replace the plastic inside one of a kind door handle for 23 year old vehicle. Internet search found co. in CA, $30, arrived in less than a week.
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: Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234141 is a reply to message #234071] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 12:39 |
cbryan
Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Thanks to everyone who replied. There appears to be a number of ways to go. I didn't know that Ken's $30 toad brake setup had hysteresis like that. I liked that one with the railroad rail section weight on rollers behind the toad brake pedal. It might be quicker. Adds 150 pounds to the toad. Wouldn't enjoy moving it out every time I wanted to use the toad independently. I don't know if it originally appeared on the Red Green Show. Must have a lumbar support seat in the toad if I had the rail modification. Can't remember where I saw it, but it was a hoot.
Thanks again.
Carey Bryan
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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| Re: Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234154 is a reply to message #234071] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 13:40 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Toad information...
I have been looking at lots of options. I never thought I would want one, but traveling with the family, they like to venture out, and do not want to take down camp to drive the gmc.
I do not like the idea of having another vehicle around, but I do not think my wife or i want to downsize our daily drivers either.
so I am also looking for all suggestions. I do not want to spend that much money on one, but I know I need something somewhat reliable, and easy to repair, because I definitely do not need another project.
I always thought an air cooled vw would be the way to go, but I am not sure the wife and kids will survive without heat or A/C. my long term goal would be a vw thing, in such that driving it would be so cool, that I can deal without heat or A/C.
tracker, sidekick, samarai would also be a great towd, however in Midwest, they are all rusted, or made into off road machines. not too many in any good shape for a decent price.
I might buy a jeep wranger, but I think that is heavier then I would like to be. I do not want to have to upgrade the coach in order to enjoy towing.
I am leaning toward a vw rabbit convertible, or vw cabriolet. seem pretty inexpensive, seem reliable, and I have seen some with A/C. We get a handfull of some really hot and humid days, where taking the top down does not help you cool off. my problem is when I have seen nice ones for a good price, they turn out to be automatics.
with my wagoneer accident, I came out pretty good on the insurance in the end, and even though the wife does not know it, I am trying to figure out how to get my wagoneer fixed up enough, and pick up a towd.
My last thought, is to buy a vw tdi. like a 2003/2004 model year. but that I think is a little on the heavier side, then I would hope to be. anybody pulling those around, who have fairly stock driveline?
it is my personal choice, and might be ill advices for safety, but I want to avoid a towd brake system, and it think if I can keep the weight of the towd really low, I can do that. I do not live in the hills. we are only putting on maybe a few thousand miles a year, mostly short trips.
I think a vw air cooled, a 2 door style tracker/samarai, or a vw cabriolet, would be able to be pulled without a towd brake, or really would not make the gmc work too hard at all hauling it around.
a wrangler or jetta TDI, I am thinking gets a little heavier.
I have towed my friends 94 wrangler, and did not think there was any issue with brakes or pulling. but you did notice it back there being a little heavy. I did not do any testing to see how much the jeep pushed the gmc when braking, I just took it easy and did not go too far.
I tow my dune buggy on a trailer, and there is no effect on how it handles or drives. But my dune buggy is no good for anything but fair weather, and not good for my family.
just my thoughts on towds.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
[Updated on: Fri, 27 December 2013 13:48] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234165 is a reply to message #234154] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 16:25 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
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I probably screwed up. I just bought a 2014 CRV with the idea that we'd tow it 4 down, but I just hate to do that to this brand new car. I sold our 2004 Jetta TDI that was equipped for towing and kept my old Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. I really should have kept the VW and reluctantly parted with my old friend.
The VW is now in Canada being towed by a Bluebird Wanderlodge and I wonder if I've made a big mistake. I'll probably just bite the bullet and put the tow/brake stuff on the new CRV.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234179 is a reply to message #234165] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 18:08 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Stick,
Don't worry about towing the CRV. You know our '99 CRV doesn't really look
all that bad and it's got at least 80K towed miles in addition to the 120K
on the odometer. Most of the dents, dings, and scratches did NOT occur
during towing. Even the front of the CRV shows little if any sign of its
towed experience. I do have "mud flaps" on the rear of the GMC, but no
"debris brush" across the rear -- 'though we did have that on the Safari
which towed the CRV 40k miles or so.
Just be darned sure you ALWAYS move the gearshift from D to N before towing
with the key in ACC. NEVER let the last shift lever movement be from R to
N.
Ken H.
On Fri, Dec 27, 2013 at 5:25 PM, Stick Miller <stickmiller@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I probably screwed up. I just bought a 2014 CRV with the idea that we'd
> tow it 4 down, but I just hate to do that to this brand new car. I sold our
> 2004 Jetta TDI that was equipped for towing and kept my old Cadillac
> Fleetwood Brougham. I really should have kept the VW and reluctantly parted
> with my old friend.
>
> The VW is now in Canada being towed by a Bluebird Wanderlodge and I wonder
> if I've made a big mistake. I'll probably just bite the bullet and put the
> tow/brake stuff on the new CRV.
> --
> Stick Miller
> '78 Royale - she left me for another man
> '76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie"
> Americus, Georgia
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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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: Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234197 is a reply to message #234154] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 20:38 |
LNelson
Messages: 335
Registered: December 2008
Location: Springfield, MO
Karma: 0
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I pull a Samurai, 1700#, 4wd....fun, but nothing fancy and no A/C other than what you get by putting the top down.
I have also pulled a Jeep Wrangler, 3200# and my coach sure does notice the difference.
I use the Brake Buddy with the Jeep, but nothing with the Sammy.
Larry Nelson Springfield, MO
Ex GMC'er, then GM Busnut
now '77 Eleganza ARS WB0JOT
[Updated on: Fri, 27 December 2013 20:39] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234198 is a reply to message #234071] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 20:44 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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We have towed my old Jeep XJ, but at 3800 lbs, I thought it a bit too heavy:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/towing-etc/p34786-towing.html
Then we traded in a beautiful low mileage loaded luxury car (a 2002 Chrysler 300-M Special) for a 2003 Chevy Tracker. It weighs about 900 lbs less than the Cherokee, and tows four down without any problems. Although it is a lesser vehicle in almost every way (Except that it IS 4-WD), it has an auto trans, PS, PB, PDL, PW, CD, cruise control, and four wheel drive. I recently had seat heaters installed in it for the cold mornings. Kathy drives it to work every day and it is our weekend transportation. As a four door model, we can even carry two passengers in limited comfort.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/trips/p42501-along-the-101.html
Before we had either the coach or the Chrysler, we had a Saturn SL2 which would have made an excellent towd as well.
Although these vehicles are all old, that is the norm for us. Newer towable vehicles are available, just none of them interest me.
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
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| Re: Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234210 is a reply to message #234071] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 21:55 |
cbryan
Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Carl,
Thanks for the post. What a beautiful shot of your coach and toad and the blue Pacific. Nice ad for the GMC, too.
I just saw where the old circa 1995 Geo Metro was at 1685 pounds, about like a Smart car. One of those was at 50 plus miles per gallon on the highway. Only three cylinders to worry about.
Best,
Carey
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234226 is a reply to message #234210] |
Sat, 28 December 2013 06:53 |
scott cowden
Messages: 170
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Well, Lads and Lasses, we've talked all about 'toads,' without even coming close to mine.
I towed a Tracker for about 4 years as many of you did, until the rust and crazy parts prices put him out of his misery.
I then transitioned to an enclosed trailer and my current, 'towed,' at 2009 Harley Davidson Road Glide.
Using a bike isn't like having a car in terms of, 'grocery getter,' while parked but from my perspective at least, no car can match the bike in terms of 'seeing,' the world when we're out exploring. With a car, you drive past the world. With a bike, you're surrounded by the world you ride in. The sights, sounds and aromas of the world are exponentially more intense on a motorcycle. It should be said that this includes getting wet when it rains, of course.
If I was buying a bike just to take with the coach, I'd look at an 'adventure,' type with more off-road capability than the Harley, but I travel a fair bit with the big Harley on its' own so it's a bit of a compromise.
The plus side of the enclosed trailer is the ability to carry the stuff thats inconvenient inside the coach like the bbq and other stuff. I bought an all-aluminium trailer and the combined bike-trailer weight is just over 2,000 lbs.
Another great option, I think, is a bike light enough to ride on a bumper mount and forego the trailer altogether. From a larger scooter to a mid-size dual purpose bike, you could keep the total added weight under 3-400 lbs.
Maintenance costs of a light bike are only a fraction of maintaining another car, esp. if that car is one you only use as your tow-behind and not as a regular driver when you're at home.
Just a different take on things this Saturday morning.....
Scott
'74 x-Glacier
2009 Harley FLTR
2010 Blizzard Mfg. 6x12 trailer
Newmarket ON
Sent from my iPad
On 2013-12-27, at 10:55 PM, "Carey Bryan" <chbryan@bigfoot.com> wrote:
>
>
> Carl,
>
> Thanks for the post. What a beautiful shot of your coach and toad and the blue Pacific. Nice ad for the GMC, too.
>
> I just saw where the old circa 1995 Geo Metro was at 1685 pounds, about like a Smart car. One of those was at 50 plus miles per gallon on the highway. Only three cylinders to worry about.
>
> Best,
>
> Carey
> --
> Carey from Ennis, Texas
> 78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234229 is a reply to message #234071] |
Sat, 28 December 2013 08:30 |
petemosss
Messages: 221
Registered: August 2008
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Karma: 0
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My 2 cents. Rabbit/ Cabrio
I own a 98 Cabrio (Gen. 3) and it is with out a doubt the biggest POS Ive ever seen or worked on next to a Yugo. Trying to get it fixed up enough to sell without bankrupting me even just paying for parts.
I regularly work on a 81 and 83 Rabbit Convertibles (Gen. 1) and love em. Run great, easy to work on but are getting impossible to find interior or trim parts.
Everyone I know that has been stupid enough to buy newer VW's has some form of electrical problems. Some escalating into ludicrous dealings with dealers over warranties.
Pete
74 Canyon Lands 26' "Emery"
[Updated on: Sat, 28 December 2013 08:36] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234234 is a reply to message #234229] |
Sat, 28 December 2013 09:03 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Don't forget the Audi Pete. Them things are great til the warranty expires.
Todd Sullivan
Sully
77 royale
Seattle
> On Dec 28, 2013, at 6:30 AM, pete <petemossss@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> My 2 cents. VW
>
> I own a 98 cabrio and it is with out a doubt the biggest POS Ive ever seen or worked on next to a Yugo. Trying to get it fixed up enough to sell without bankrupting me even just paying for parts.
>
>
> I regularly work on a 81 and 83 Rabbit Convertibles and love em. Run great, easy to work on but are getting impossible to find interior or trim parts.
>
> Everyone I know that has been stupid enough to buy newer VW's has some form of electrical problems. Some escalating into ludicrous dealings with dealers with warranties.
> --
> Pete
> 74 Canyon Lands 26' "Emery"
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234237 is a reply to message #234210] |
Sat, 28 December 2013 09:38 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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I rented one of those on The BIg Island once. It's like my 3:07 GMC - fine on the flat, but a bit wheezy up in the air. On the way up to the observatories, I had to pull over to let a couple of concrete truck pass.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
________________________________
From: Carey Bryan <chbryan@bigfoot.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 10:55 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions
Carl,
Thanks for the post. What a beautiful shot of your coach and toad and the blue Pacific. Nice ad for the GMC, too.
I just saw where the old circa 1995 Geo Metro was at 1685 pounds, about like a Smart car. One of those was at 50 plus miles per gallon on the highway. Only three cylinders to worry about.
Best,
Carey
--
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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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] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234238 is a reply to message #234229] |
Sat, 28 December 2013 09:51 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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My experience has been up thru '91 at least, they're reasonable and cheeep to fix - as long as you stick to aftermarket parts. I haven't owned one any newer - but my guru isn't enchanted with the newer ones. OTOGH my supervisor just bought a Passat wagon which looks just like its Audi counterpart and has a hell of an engine in. Double tuned intake runners, and phased cams. One hopes the control module doesn't go Dixie on it.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
________________________________
From: pete <petemossss@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2013 9:30 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Possible OT - Toad suggestions
My 2 cents. VW
I own a 98 cabrio and it is with out a doubt the biggest POS Ive ever seen or worked on next to a Yugo. Trying to get it fixed up enough to sell without bankrupting me even just paying for parts.
I regularly work on a 81 and 83 Rabbit Convertibles and love em. Run great, easy to work on but are getting impossible to find interior or trim parts.
Everyone I know that has been stupid enough to buy newer VW's has some form of electrical problems. Some escalating into ludicrous dealings with dealers with warranties.
--
Pete
74 Canyon Lands 26' "Emery"
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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] Possible OT - Toad suggestions [message #234242 is a reply to message #234226] |
Sat, 28 December 2013 10:43 |
cbryan
Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Scott,
The motorcycle is on plan B. First I have to get the DW either a 4 wheels down automatic (she came to driving late in life and isn't too confident, or rather is too confident, but the end result is kind of choppy and the car finds itself in unusual situations.) Hard to exactly explain. She IS a safe driver except for some scratches on the passenger side. Origin an enigma.
I don't have much room to talk, myself. I drive smoother, but backing up is a mystery to me, apparently, at times, and my lapses have to do with lazy seat belt use, etc.
But, back to the motorcycle. I have ridden a Sportster once. Most I have owned have been rice burners. (Except for a 67 Montesa Scorpion). I now own a 1987 Kawasaki Voyager with fuel injection 6 (count 'em) cylinders. It's got "issues" like the GMC. Er, more issues than the GMC. (Is that even possible?) I claim that the Kawasaki is an example of what the GMC is, an incomplete engineering job (compared to say, Rolls-Royce of yore.) I plan to get the GMC sorted out, toad sorted, motorcycle sorted, and then get the wife acclimated to riding pillion. I can predict that the first time we lean into a turn, she will not react well, and if something alarms her the first time, she really might not ever go there again. She has agreed in principle to the motorcycle, hence my getting a big one (875 lbs) that gives the most opportunity for comfort. Then comes the trailer for the times we can just motor around. On more serious trips in cold weather, it will be the four wheels down towed. So runs the dream.
So, I am jealous of you for not having the delicate negotiations. I see the Harleys are coming out now with fuel injection, I think, so they may be worth another look. Money is an object, though. I am a little allergic to constant vacuum carburetors. Doggone fiddly, clogging, conundrum-ridden things. And the Tillotson, that was a deal. I remember driving behind a Harley with one of those, I think, he had to reach down and adjust the mixture as he went. Not my idea of fun. Rather, it impressed me, but a little heavy on workload, and that pot metal must not have been designed for the constant fiddling. Actually, my memory of this isn't too clear. I remember him reaching down with his left hand, but aren't Harley carbs on the right? He had to keep one hand on the throttle, his right hand. I am pretty sure it was a very big V-twin. Maybe it was a dream, you aficionados can straighten me out. Be sure to mention a toad in your reply.
You are right about the motorcycle experience. I also imagine that it helps my allergies or lung function or some other effect that I will be disappointed to learn that it is a placebo effect.
I beg everyone's pardon for this digression.
Carey Bryan
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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