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| New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to pay? [message #234120] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 11:07  |
Ultravan Owners
Messages: 443
Registered: March 2013
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Hello Everyone,
Some of you may already know that I need to get some items that are out west, back east to our place.
Right now I’m seriously looking at purchasing 2 GMCs to do so.
I’ll also end up with something for my money over renting a truck and trailer to do the same job.
One to use in the future and one for all the parts stuff I need/want and I should be able to drive both back east.
The following is for my education and to hopefully help me from over paying when I do purchase.
I have been looking for something to suit my needs and I could use some guidance.
Because I’m new to the GMC MH world I have no clue what GMC MH coaches and parts coaches are going go.
I do understand that a lot has to do with what someone is willing to pay.
(FYI – I have been paying $1,000 to $1,500ea for our (6) Ultravans that need full restoration. My feeling is that they are rare compared to the GMC. There were only around 375 Ultravans made compared to what around 8,000 GMCs. So my way of thinking may be way off – But why would a GMC coach for parts or that needs restoration cost more?)
What would a knowledgeable GMC person be willing to pay for the following 3 items – if you were interested in buying any of them?
Item #1
The first one I looked at was a 73 GMC HM rolling frame only with a complete 455 power plant.
Small Bonus: It does have a Rockwell aluminum intake
Bad it has no rear air bags.
At one point I was interest – but I felt it was too pricey for what one was getting.
Owner asking $1,800 for item #1.
I would have paid $500 and maybe $750. (How close am I with my value?)
What I wanted #1 for:
I wanted the power plant, the wider front frame section than what one would find in the Toronado car and the rear frame section to turn into a trailer.
I needed a way to haul a rare boat back east and I thought I might put a platform on the rear frame section to place the boat and trailer on top of and use a tow bar to tow it all back east.
(However, that would mean I had to (a) drive out there and back or (b) fly out rent a truck and tow it back = either way I felt I was wasting money and with (a) I would have been away from home too long.)
Item #2 (I do plan to purchase #2 – if an agreement can be reached that both parties can live with.)
While looking for other options I came across a 73 GMC that runs.
It is in sad shape, good for parts; it runs but might not be fully road worthy at this time.
It also has front end play – to be figured out.
It might need a steering box to get it across country.
But I should be able to get it on the road for at least one trip back east and then I could part it out – like I want.
I would use what I wanted, sell what I could to recoup some of the cost and give way (pay it forward to help others with some stuff too).
Things that are missing or it never had:
It has no awnings. The generator, some interior and the front grill have been removed.
I have no idea how old the tires are.
I believe it was last driven (kind of local) in 2009 to get it to the current owner’s house.
One Bonus and why I’m interested: It has a 455 with TBI and Electronic distributor.
What I want #2 for:
I want to use the same stuff as with item #1.
However, I would tow the rare boat and trailer and end up with a TBI system over a carburetor.
Owner wants: $2,500 firm for item #2.
I would like to pay $1,500 and maybe $2,000 as a parts coach. (More so if it does need a steering box?)
Item #3 (I also plan to purchase #3 - if an agreement can be reached by all parties.)
A 76 GMC MH I came across a couple of weeks after talking to the owner’s of item #2.
I was told this GMC was last used 2 years ago.
This GMC looks nicer inside and out than #2 and it has a generator and 3 awnings which #2 does not.
It should be saved and used for what it was meant for and not to become a parts coach.
The interior is original and from pictures it looks clean. However, the headliner is falling down in places.
I was told it has a newer refrigerator and roof AC both less than 5 years old was their guess.
This coach I would not only use it to get back east but we should be able to start camping much sooner than any of our other coaches.
They want $3,500 for item #3.
I’m thinking more like $2,500 and maybe $3,000 for what I know and have seen in pictures.
Are my valuations close or would I be over paying?
Thank you so much for your advice!
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
[Updated on: Fri, 27 December 2013 11:08] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to pay? [message #234124 is a reply to message #234120] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 11:25  |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
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I would say if you reeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaally like working on things, go for it. The only one that sort of turns me off is the rolling frame. Sounds like more trouble to transport it than it is worth.
Only other thought is that if you put together all the money you plan to spend on the three coaches (~$6000) you should be able to find a nice complete coach in working condition that you could use almost immediately.
So again, if you really like working on things (and have the space to store 3 coaches), go for it. Personally I would go the one good coach route, and maybe pick up a parts coach later. Whatever makes you happy. - Dave
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: New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to pay? [message #234127 is a reply to message #234120] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 11:34 |
Ultravan Owners
Messages: 443
Registered: March 2013
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Dave thank you for your input.
BTW - I'm a retired mechanic and I'm only looking at purchasing #2 and #3..
Number 2 gives me a way to get the second boat and rest of the stuff in late summer or early fall, that could not come with me on the first trip. It will also replace all parts I would have gotten with #1 and then some while hopefully giving me a way to (no guarantee) recoup some of my cost buy selling parts I don't need.
Number 3 gives me a way to get most of my stuff back earlier in 2014 and should provide a MH that we could start using.
I have been looking and doing searches for a while now.
But what I'm after is the fair market price - value..
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
[Updated on: Fri, 27 December 2013 11:37] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to pay? [message #234131 is a reply to message #234120] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 11:44 |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
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| Ultravan Owners wrote on Fri, 27 December 2013 10:07 |
Hello Everyone,
Some of you may already know that I need to get some items that are out west, back east to our place.
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I see great added expense buying part-coaches or questionable GMCs across country with the idea to bring them a couple or three thousand miles straight away. There are enough GMCs scattered about that you'd certainly be able to find something that would work for you within a few hundred miles at most. One of the worst things that could happen is that you buy one of the "almost road-worthy" coaches and find out halfway home, which of course will be in the middle of nowhere, that you're broken down and there's an expensive problem. Your financial calculations and budget would go out the window.
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Because I’m new to the GMC MH world I have no clue what GMC MH coaches and parts coaches are going go. I do understand that a lot has to do with what someone is willing to pay.
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Not some of it, all of it. The only valid valuation that isn't predicated on someone with cash in hand is used for insurance purposes.
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My feeling is that they are rare compared to the GMC. There were only around 375 Ultravans made compared to what around 8,000 GMCs.
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There were almost 13,000 GMCs made.
| Quote: |
What would a knowledgeable GMC person be willing to pay for the following 3 items – if you were interested in buying any of them?
Item #1
The first one I looked at was a 73 GMC HM rolling frame only with a complete 455 power plant.
{snip}
Owner asking $1,800 for item #1.
I would have paid $500 and maybe $750. (How close am I with my value?)
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To give you an idea, there's several hundred dollars of scrap aluminum in a GMC. I've also found that a number of people have a lingering idea of what the coach was once worth and haven't quite gotten that number recalibrated for its current condition. I've driven by coaches that have obviously been sitting outside for years, stopped to inquire, and found that some people will say they need to get $20K for it.
It would be best if you used current and past GMC owners as bird dogs to locate a coach much closer to you. Contact the GMC chapters nearest to you and ask. Ask here...which I guess you are sorta kinda doing now.
Best of luck with your search.
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
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| Re: New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to pay? [message #234135 is a reply to message #234127] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 11:50 |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
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Here's how I would approach it. This is all must my opinion.
Any coach that is more or less complete in any condition is probably worth $1000. They are beasts to tow so keep that in mind for a non runner.
Any coach that starts and drives is worth $2500. More if it has good tires, less if you need to put wheels on it to move it.
Any coach that you can start and drive 1000 miles with only minor repairs (new battery(s), belts, so on) $3000 to $5000.
After that, you start getting into interiors, paint, tires and wheels, etc and thing get very subjective.
One thing this forum and personal experience has taught me is new tires with 1000 miles on them aren't new if they are more than 5 to 7 years old. Rebuilt engine and transmission may not mean much if the work was done in 1998 and the coach hasn't run in 10 years.
And last, if the frame is straight and rust free, the aluminum and fiberglass is good, and you love her, anything is possible.....
Capt. Malcolm Reynolds: "Love. You can learn all the math in the 'Verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurtin' 'fore she keens. Makes her a home."
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."
[Updated on: Fri, 27 December 2013 11:52] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to pay? [message #234140 is a reply to message #234135] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 12:33 |
Ultravan Owners
Messages: 443
Registered: March 2013
Karma: 0
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| Otterwan wrote on Fri, 27 December 2013 12:50 |
Here's how I would approach it. This is all must my opinion.
Any coach that is more or less complete in any condition is probably worth $1000. They are beasts to tow so keep that in mind for a non runner.
Any coach that starts and drives is worth $2500. More if it has good tires, less if you need to put wheels on it to move it. Good to hear. That is why I'm at $1,500 to $2,000 for #2; because we know it has a good amount of play in the front suspension ($400 plus for rebuilt steering box - if needed) and I think the tires are old too.
Any coach that you can start and drive 1000 miles with only minor repairs (new battery(s), belts, so on) $3000 to $5000.
After that, you start getting into interiors, paint, tires and wheels, etc and thing get very subjective.
One thing this forum and personal experience has taught me is new tires with 1000 miles on them aren't new if they are more than 5 to 7 years old. Rebuilt engine and transmission may not mean much if the work was done in 1998 and the coach hasn't run in 10 years. Anything I decide to drive back east I will go over before hand. ( I use to do PM in the US Army and I owned my own auto business before I moved up here to be cold - Marie twisted me arm - LOL ) I will change all fluids, filters and belts. Tires will be replaced - IF the DOT on any tire(s) are older than 5 years.
And last, if the frame is straight and rust free, the aluminum and fiberglass is good, and you love her, anything is possible.....
Capt. Malcolm Reynolds: "Love. You can learn all the math in the 'Verse, but you take a boat in the air that you don't love, she'll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurtin' 'fore she keens. Makes her a home."
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Dave thanks again.
My rear tire blow-out at 70mph.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p52194-dot-on-a-tire-is-very.html
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
[Updated on: Fri, 27 December 2013 12:34] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be wi [message #234145 is a reply to message #234124] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 12:53 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Basically, that's what I did, and the parts coach showed up nearly a year later locally at part prices. That it was found to be sound and traded for a toad is another story.
As to value. Would you use a $1500 pickup to haul your boat home and/or your tires back? If not, what makes a GMC for that price any more seaworthy? The pickup would be easier to sell - assuming it makes it - and a hell of a sight cheaper for the trip.
So, economically, your technique falls a little short. However, from the point of view of fun and adventure, it's a worthwhile endeavor. The caveat being, the pickup is waaaaay cheaper to resurrect if it dies on the road than the GMC. Realize, nobody but me and perhaps Ken Henderson have had one croak within a couple of blocks of a qualified service center who could and did fix it posthaste.
-johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
________________________________
From: David Orders <dao@oarsllc.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 12:25 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to pay?
I would say if you reeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaally like working on things, go for it. The only one that sort of turns me off is the rolling frame. Sounds like more trouble to transport it than it is worth.
Only other thought is that if you put together all the money you plan to spend on the three coaches (~$6000) you should be able to find a nice complete coach in working condition that you could use almost immediately.
So again, if you really like working on things (and have the space to store 3 coaches), go for it. Personally I would go the one good coach route, and maybe pick up a parts coach later. Whatever makes you happy. - Dave
--
1976 Royale "Twinkie II", 1978 Palm Beach with front end fire. 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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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] New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be wi [message #234148 is a reply to message #234127] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 13:01 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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When we get to 35 - 40 year old stuff, FMP is basically what it's worth to you. There really aren't enough comparables sold to determine.... each is different based on its condition and location. I bought my coach out of Florida. A purchase out of the Left Coast would need to be somewhere around $3500 less expensive for the same quality to be an equal. You're in Canada, no? So a northern tier coach is already cheaper than a southern when it's added up. Unfortunately, the 'parts' coaches tend not to get the publicity the4 finished products do, it's harder to find them locally.
As to the Ultravans, they have value more for a collector than a user it seems to me. Parts and service, other than the engine/trans/diff will be a hell of a lot harder to come by than the GMC ones.
--johnny
'76 23' transmiode norris
braselton GA
________________________________
From: Tony <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 12:35 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to pay?
Dave thank you for your input.
BTW - I'm a retired mechanic and I'm only looking at purchasing #2 and #3..
Number 2 gives me a way to get the second boat and rest of the stuff in late summer or early fall, that could not come with me on the first trip. It will also replace all parts I would have gotten with #1 and gives me a way to hopefully (no guarantee) recoup some of my cost buy selling parts I don't need.
Number 3 gives me a way to get most of my stuff back earlier in 2014 and should provide a MH that we could start using.
I have been looking and sdoing searches for a while now.
But what I'm after is the fair market price - value..
--
Tony Ontario Canada 70 Ultravan #520 with an Olds Toronado 455 under the bed, in back. Like to have a 78 GMC, twin beds in back, one couch up front. If you have one that is on the road & you're willing to sell it - let us know.
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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] New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to p [message #234150 is a reply to message #234140] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 13:11 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Parts from a 73 can be different than in a 76. The rear boggie pins
could be 1.25" instead of 1.50", the windows in a 73 slide opposite of
a 76, the lower control arms of a 73 are weaker than a 76 and may need
to be strengthened. Air ride system is going to be different,
switches, floor lights, window trim, even how you add water to the
reservoir is different. These are minor changes but you might want to
consider getting a 76 as a parts coach.
These are only the changes off the top of my head and there are more.
On 12/27/13, Tony <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Otterwan wrote on Fri, 27 December 2013 12:50
>> Here's how I would approach it. This is all must my opinion.
>>
>> Any coach that is more or less complete in any condition is probably worth
>> $1000. They are beasts to tow so keep that in mind for a non runner.
>>
>> Any coach that starts and drives is worth $2500. More if it has good
>> tires, less if you need to put wheels on it to move it. Good to hear. That
>> is why I'm at $1,500 to $2,000 for #2; because we know it has a good
>> amount of play in the front suspension ($400 plus for rebuilt steering box
>> - if needed) and I think the tires are old too.
>>
>>
>> Any coach that you can start and drive 1000 miles with only minor repairs
>> (new battery(s), belts, so on) $3000 to $5000.
>>
>> After that, you start getting into interiors, paint, tires and wheels, etc
>> and thing get very subjective.
>>
>> One thing this forum and personal experience has taught me is new tires
>> with 1000 miles on them aren't new if they are more than 5 to 7 years old.
>> Rebuilt engine and transmission may not mean much if the work was done in
>> 1998 and the coach hasn't run in 10 years. Anything I decide to drive back
>> east I will go over before hand. ( I use to do PM in the US Army and I
>> owned my own auto business before I moved up here to be cold - Marie
>> twisted me arm - LOL ) I will change all fluids, filters and belts
>> changed. Tires will be replaced - IF the DOT on any tire(s) are older than
>> 5 years.
>>
>> And last, if the frame is straight and rust free, the aluminum and
>> fiberglass is good, and you love her, anything is possible.....
>>
>> Capt. Malcolm Reynolds: "Love. You can learn all the math in the 'Verse,
>> but you take a boat in the air that you don't love, she'll shake you off
>> just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when
>> she oughta fall down, tells you she's hurtin' 'fore she keens. Makes her a
>> home."
>
>
>
> Dave thanks again.
>
> My rear tire blow-out at 70mph.
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p52194-dot-on-a-tire-is-very.html
>
> --
> Tony Ontario Canada 70 Ultravan #520 with an Olds Toronado 455 under the
> bed, in back. Like to have a 78 GMC, twin beds in back, one couch up front.
> If you have one that is on the road & you're willing to sell it - let us
> know.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: New to GMCs – Asking what these should go for or what most of you would be willing to pay? [message #234164 is a reply to message #234120] |
Fri, 27 December 2013 16:05 |
Ultravan Owners
Messages: 443
Registered: March 2013
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Thank you Bruce. It is nice to have the information.
Just so you and others know:
I'm not planing to use any parts from the 73 for the 76.
The parts I do want to use, from the 73, will be for UV520 and the rear frame section I plan to make a trailer out of. Any stuff I do not use I hope to sell and/or pay it forward - helping others with their 73 GMC.
I want the 73 because it comes with a 455 that has TBI.
The GMC 455/TBI will make it easier to deal with at all kind of altitudes over the current carb setup UV520 now has. Having the extra 455 will also give me a spare to rebuild at some point and without having to rush to get UV520 back on the road again. I will use the better of the two for now. Whichever one has the worst compression and leak down readings I will set a side to rebuild some day. Once rebuilt I can then do an engine swap in a week or less. No waiting on parts and/or a machine shop to get UV520 back on the road when i do rebuild the engine.
The wider front frame section on the 73 parts GMC will allow me to correct the narrow rear stance that UV520 currently has. Whoever did the 455 Toronado conversion did not take the time to widen it before they installed it and the rear tires sit in way too far. The rear wheel wells, on UV520, have enough room to move both rear tires out a full tire width or 7 to 8" per side.
I will also being using the roof AC and some appliances, if I can.
If anyone cares to see - you might be able to tell just how far the rear axle sits in on UV520.
This picture was taken when I was getting it ready to tow her home.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/9372619676_7bbd0b4d14_z.jpg
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
[Updated on: Fri, 27 December 2013 16:14] Report message to a moderator |
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