Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » New Member, New GMC Owner (Lots Of Work Ahead)
| New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252413] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 21:24  |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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HI, I'm a new member here and also a new GMC owner. I have a 1974 GMC 26 footer. It is pretty much all original as you can date it to the 70s...lol.. A little background..the motorhome sat for about 5 years, mice invaded, engine and generator would not start and no brakes. I found the engine wasn't getting fire or fuel so replaced coil, condenser and cleaned and filed points. I then hooked up a fuel line directly to the fuel pump from a portable gas tank, and after replacing the starter and all 3 batteries, it fired right up. As it isn't getting any fuel from the main fuel tank to either the engine or generator I surmise there is a broken line somewhere (with my luck probably on top of the tank. The brake pedal goes all the way to the floor and the front half of the master cylinder was empty...so even with filling no brakes..will have to bleed the lines. The transmission worked great after adding 3 quarts of transmission fluid. The oil level in the engine was fine. Tires are fine except for the front right which is showing some cracking. They all held air. The air bags held air and the pump works but there is an air leak near the air tank in a component with 2 wires going to it...the air line then trails off from there. I found no leaks around the airbags or any other connections. I started the unit today to move it and the alternator belt removed itself from the system...was going to replace the belts anyway...lol.. So other than this just a lot of cleaning and replacing dirty,worn,outdated carpeting and some paneling from window leaks.
I do have a couple of questions. Was there originally something mounted on the front engine hatch doors to keep them open when either replacing batteries or checking air compressor. I have a couple of holes there but nothing. I would also like to replace the sofa that had been put in in place of the recliners with either recliners or a bunk setup. Where could I find the bunk assembly with all the hardware? I do have all the original manuals (Owner, Maintenance..etc).
Any ideas or help would be appreciated.
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252417 is a reply to message #252413] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 21:42  |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Glen, welcome aboard. It is amazing how these old units can come back to life after sitting a long time.
Let us know your general location so we can recommend service providers or other local owners. Most put general location in their signature block.
Have fun. It does sound like you are off to a good start.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252428 is a reply to message #252417] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 22:40 |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Updated my info...thanks and I look forward to helping when I can.
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252429 is a reply to message #252418] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 22:45 |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I checked with Randy but he doesn't have the hardware for the bunks. As I'm a New Owner I'm still formulating my attack plan..lol.. I have taken all the stained curtains down and am replacing with new window coverings. I don't know if I want to leave original and just recover everything or take everything out and update it from the ground floor up. Electrical works..AC works, supposedly the Fridge works. Haven't checked the plumbing yet but will get to it eventually.
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252431 is a reply to message #252417] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 22:55 |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I am always up for a challenge and that's why I took this project on. I had just redone a 1988 Rockwell Class C camper so wasn't really looking for another project but this kind of fell in my lap...lol..The GMC only has 46,000 original miles on it but the sun and weather was hard on it. She runs like a top but until I get all the safety and reliability issues corrected I won't be venturing out...lol I'm missing one dust cap, it still has original 16.5 wheels. The door window had been broken out by vandals but there was a replacement still in the box inside the camper so I changed that out. The awning is in bad shape but there is a new one in the box in the camper, just never put on. Some assorted other parts I haven't needed yet..lol.. It looks like the paint will come back to life with cleaning and waxing. Found that out when replacing the door window. It's the desert sand color. Lots of work ahead..
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252449 is a reply to message #252445] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 06:33 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Glen,
Welcome to the wonderful world of GMC ownership.
I just did the fuel and brake hard line replacement boogie. It is not especially difficult if you have a nice level piece of flat concrete to work on, and build yourself some wood ramps out of 2x8's (plans are on the net) to get the necessary clearance under the coach.
Good luck, and keep us posted. We also serve as a mental health support network...My wife says I'm an enabler. 
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252465 is a reply to message #252445] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 10:14 |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Hello and thanks, yes I am familiar with the Black List and hope to never use it except to maybe meet fellow GMCers...lol.. or to lend a hand when able.
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: [GMCnet] New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252467 is a reply to message #252449] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 10:23 |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Hello and I can appreciate where your wife is coming from. Mine is the same way about me purchasing campers and rehabbing them then selling them and getting something different. She does like that I make money off of each one though.. This will be my 3rd motorhome and 1st Class A. To my credit they have gotten cheaper each time...lol..It does help your sanity anytime you can do what you enjoy doing and at the same time enjoy the benefits from your labors. I hope to get started on the Fuel Lines today and maybe the Brakes tomorrow, don't want to overdo it with this heat we have had lately. Hopefully it will be cool under the Motorhome...lol..I'm thinking there is a break or loose fuel line at the rear Master tank as it feeds both the Engine and Generator so will start there. I'm thinking I'll blow air back through the line first and maybe see if I can hear where it is leaking...I had the same problem (except to the generator) on the last motorhome I redid and blowing air through the line is all it took and I had gas flowing to the generator. Crossing my fingers....lol
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252477 is a reply to message #252413] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 11:13 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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glenn2726 wrote on Tue, 17 June 2014 22:24HI, I'm a new member here and also a new GMC owner.
<snip>
Glenn,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....
We do go by real names around here and you need to do up a sigfile (control panel, account settings - scroll down) that has your name, short thing about the coach and a geographic reference. Most of this I know but those that do e-mail instead of the forum didn't see the Topeka.
Count on all the rubber being shot. Fuel, brake and coolant lines are all problems as well as belts and tires.
The tanks are not that hard to get down once you get the coach jacked up. I like to use cargo straps to lower are raise them. I find it is easier if you remove the fill plumbing first. I went to metal lines, if you don't plan to, just buy spools of J30-R14 3/8 fuel line. This is for both the draw and the fill vent.
About the points, look up a Pertronix, 1181 put that in and never worry about points again.
Do Not run long on that oil. The corrosion inhibitors are dead.
Yes, there were knee braces that held the doors open. These could be replaced with the spring kind things pretty easily.
Do you have the service manuals?? If no, they can be downloaded at Bdub's site.
And, you are now part of a friendly community like so few others. I liken it to the watermen that I lived among for so long. Because of that, I like to welcome a new owner as one would be welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and those that set forth within her.
Welcome Glenn and Family
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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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252481 is a reply to message #252477] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 11:36 |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Hello Matt, thank you for your kind welcome. The replies here have been great and I appreciate everyones patience as I try and get the old girl back in shape. The oil change and transmission fluid change are on my to do list. Just down the line a bit..lol.. The points were a temporary repair in order to get her home. The PO was amazed (as was I since I'm not a mechanic) that I got the generator running and the engine started and was able to drive it home instead of having it towed. It was some fun with only a little front wheel braking...but I made it safe and sound but was very careful. I'm sure the front disc brake pads will need replacing after the trip home...lol.. I will look up the Pertronix and see how that works as it will probably be an improvement in points..one less thing to break down. Thanks again, Glenn
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252492 is a reply to message #252484] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 12:52 |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Thanks will be researching that as soon as fuel, brakes, belts, transmission leak, air leak at air tank...etc have been corrected..lol..
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252497 is a reply to message #252413] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 13:28 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Glen - as has been stated, welcome to the asylum. Remember, if you are not a danger to yourself or others you can not be institutionalized. Danger to bank accounts or credit cards does not count.
I also have a '74 and would write about what I have done but there are posting limits. I would be more than willing to discuss my 7 year, so far, project with you and share some of the insights I've learned on my own and from the net/forum.
If you wish to give me a call I'm on the black list, use the cell phone #. Don't wanna post the number here.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252498 is a reply to message #252497] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 13:32 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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midlf wrote on Wed, 18 June 2014 13:28Glen - as has been stated, welcome to the asylum. Remember, if you are not a danger to yourself or others you can not be institutionalized. Danger to bank accounts or credit cards does not count.
I also have a '74 and would write about what I have done but there are posting limits. I would be more than willing to discuss my 7 year, so far, project with you and share some of the insights I've learned on my own and from the net/forum.
If you wish to give me a call I'm on the black list, use the cell phone #. Don't wanna post the number here.
Or you can PM me with your number on the forum Private messaging system.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252499 is a reply to message #252497] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 13:38 |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Thanks midlf, yes I would definitely like to find out more about these old rigs...I have been a camper hobbyist since I retired over 7 years ago, so fairly new to it. This is my first GMC and only because a friend made me an offer I couldn't refuse ..even though he tried his best to talk me out of it...lol.. I just enjoy the challenge and something new. Trying something we haven't done before is what keeps us young...lol These units were ahead of their time in the 70s and I bet if it weren't for the gasoline shortages etc...they would still be made. However gasoline prices were quite a bit lower back then..compared to what they have been the last several years. I will give you a shout in the near future after I have got the fuel and brakes issues sorted out. Glenn
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252505 is a reply to message #252499] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 14:00 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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glenn2726 wrote on Wed, 18 June 2014 13:38Thanks midlf, yes I would definitely like to find out more about these old rigs...I have been a camper hobbyist since I retired over 7 years ago, so fairly new to it. This is my first GMC and only because a friend made me an offer I couldn't refuse ..even though he tried his best to talk me out of it...lol.. I just enjoy the challenge and something new. Trying something we haven't done before is what keeps us young...lol These units were ahead of their time in the 70s and I bet if it weren't for the gasoline shortages etc...they would still be made. However gasoline prices were quite a bit lower back then..compared to what they have been the last several years. I will give you a shout in the near future after I have got the fuel and brakes issues sorted out. Glenn
Don't mean to be pushy, but I've been through both the fuel and brake issues, so call now.
a five O one and then a 2 six too and then a 4 fiver plus the number of a famous highway that also has a song and had a TV show. 66 (I hate having to play games to get around the spam bots.)
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252508 is a reply to message #252505] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 14:07 |
glenn2726
Messages: 234
Registered: June 2014
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Thanks, I would have found you on the Black List...but yes the spam is terrible. Talk to you in a minute..
Glenn W
Topeka, KS
1974 GMC 26 ft. Color:Camel Interior:Canyon Land
Side Bath, Rear Sitting Area
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| Re: New Member, New GMC Owner [message #252512 is a reply to message #252413] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 14:13 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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One bit of valuable advise I got here and will repeat. Do not do any extensive work to the interior other than to make what is there useable. As you use the coach you will get a better idea of what you really need/want. Look through the GMC photo archive ( http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/index.php ) for interior ideas. View other coaches (get with local clubs/owners they will be happy to assist) and determine what you want. The CFO had all kinds of ideas and I told her "I will do anything you want - ONCE." She decided to live with it first.
Start out with safe, both rolling and fire.
Then move onto reliable.
(Only exception, for the CFO make sure the plumbing works.)
Then come improvements and inhancements.
DO NOT GUT THE COACH BEFORE GETTING IT RUNNING AND USEABLE!!!!
If you want to see what I've got posted on the photo site so far my user name there is MIDLF.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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