Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches
| [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256610] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 14:38  |
David Gardner
Messages: 62
Registered: June 2014
Karma: 0
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So far I have been limiting my GMC search to the 1973 to 1975 model years. My reason being that California DMV does not require a smog check on them. They do require smog test on 1976-78. I also figured that if I ever wanted to (or needed to) put in a new engine that it would be a lot easier not having to deal with the smog test / regulations.
My question….Is it hard to keep these later years smoged in California? Since I am looking for a 23 footer which already severely limits my choices, looking just for a 73-75 23 footer has been, so far, very frustrating and time consuming.
Any and all advice / experience is greatly appreciated.
David Gardner
2012 MB Diesel
1982 Corvette
Los Angeles (West Hollywood)
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256612 is a reply to message #256610] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 14:58  |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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David Gardner wrote on Sat, 26 July 2014 12:38So far I have been limiting my GMC search to the 1973 to 1975 model years. My reason being that California DMV does not require a smog check on them. They do require smog test on 1976-78. I also figured that if I ever wanted to (or needed to) put in a new engine that it would be a lot easier not having to deal with the smog test / regulations.
My question....Is it hard to keep these later years smoged in California? Since I am looking for a 23 footer which already severely limits my choices, looking just for a 73-75 23 footer has been, so far, very frustrating and time consuming.
Any and all advice / experience is greatly appreciated.
David Gardner
2012 MB Diesel
1982 Corvette
Los Angeles (West Hollywood)
One other consideration is if you ever wanted to convert to fuel injection, California is not interested in testing the coach. Atomic EFI has passed CARB for cars and pickups. There is a question as to whether the GMC motorhome is allowed. We have a car engine and transmission and we are sorta like a huge 454 pulling a giant toy hauler. On the other hand we are registered as motor homes. I would not count on it.
I had a 78 converted to EFI and had to put it back to original. It then passed with flying colors. The engine had about 138K miles on it and was a sweet heart.
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256614 is a reply to message #256610] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 15:07 |
mrgmc3
Messages: 210
Registered: September 2013
Location: W Washington
Karma: 2
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FYI the gmc motorhome falls into the >8500 lb GVW class so the current CARB executive order does not count, despite the fact that DMV registers it as a car. I had my '78 GMC successfully CA smogged in January. It is stock except for headers. I tuned it up and rebuilt the carb and fine tuned the APT and idle mixture screws with a lambda (A/F) meter. The smog tech looked over the vac hose routing pretty carefully and also verified the base timing was set at 12 BTDC. He saw the headers and I said (I think) they are covered by Calif EO. My coach is registered in California, so it can be done.
Chris Geils - Twin Cities / W Wa
1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; PD9040, aux trans cooler, one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, Alcoas, 54k mi
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256617 is a reply to message #256610] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 15:31 |
Len Novak
Messages: 676
Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Karma: -3
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We had a 76 Birchaven, rear bath......way too small for the two of us. We
went to a 78 Kingsley.
In either case getting them smogged was a piece of cake.
None of the techs had any idea what to look for.
He asked me how I knew it was 403, told him the label on the air cleaner
said so.
Good enough for him. One tech tried to put the probe in the Onan exhaust.
Cheers,
Len and Pat
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52Rule@Roadrunner.Com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of David Gardner
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2014 12:38 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches
So far I have been limiting my GMC search to the 1973 to 1975 model years.
My reason being that California DMV does not require a smog check on them.
They do require smog test on 1976-78. I also figured that if I ever wanted
to (or needed to) put in a new engine that it would be a lot easier not
having to deal with the smog test / regulations.
My question..Is it hard to keep these later years smoged in California?
Since I am looking for a 23 footer which already severely limits my choices,
looking just for a 73-75 23 footer has been, so far, very frustrating and
time consuming.
Any and all advice / experience is greatly appreciated.
David Gardner
2012 MB Diesel
1982 Corvette
Los Angeles (West Hollywood)
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Len and Pat Novak
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Las Vegas, NV new email: B52sRule@Gmail.com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256623 is a reply to message #256610] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 16:19 |
David Gardner
Messages: 62
Registered: June 2014
Karma: 0
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Len:
Tooooo funny, best laugh I have had all day.
There are just me, myself and I that will be traveling in the 23. The three of us get along just fine, so the 23 is perfect size.
Thanks!
David Gardner
2012 MB Diesel
1982 Corvette
Los Angeles (West Hollywood)
__________________________________________________________________
We had a 76 Birchaven, rear bath......way too small for the two of us. We
went to a 78 Kingsley.
In either case getting them smogged was a piece of cake.
None of the techs had any idea what to look for.
He asked me how I knew it was 403, told him the label on the air cleaner
said so.
Good enough for him. One tech tried to put the probe in the Onan exhaust.
Cheers,
Len and Pat
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52Rule@Roadrunner.Com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of David Gardner
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2014 12:38 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches
So far I have been limiting my GMC search to the 1973 to 1975 model years.
My reason being that California DMV does not require a smog check on them.
They do require smog test on 1976-78. I also figured that if I ever wanted
to (or needed to) put in a new engine that it would be a lot easier not
having to deal with the smog test / regulations.
My question..Is it hard to keep these later years smoged in California?
Since I am looking for a 23 footer which already severely limits my choices,
looking just for a 73-75 23 footer has been, so far, very frustrating and
time consuming.
Any and all advice / experience is greatly appreciated.
David Gardner
2012 MB Diesel
1982 Corvette
Los Angeles (West Hollywood)
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256635 is a reply to message #256610] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 18:36 |
George B.
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Just my opinion but I would not let the smog test requirement sway you away from the other benefits of a newer coach. I have a 1973 and although it is a really nice looking and upgraded unit it still has the exposed wood floor underneath that looks like charcoal from the heat from the mufflers. On 1973s the front A-arms need to be reinforced to avoid a lurking dangerous failure. The body has rivets along some of the seams as the factory did not have the right bonding procedure for the early coaches. The dash air & heat was worthless until the 1977 models. Several other changes were made along the way that others here can elaborate on.
I think the consensus among the "masters of the universe" of GMC Motorhomes is, all other things equal (condition features etc), get an early 1977 that has the 455 in it before they switched over to the 402 in mid 1977 until the end of production in 1978.
George Butts
Las Vegas Nevada
73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven
71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256644 is a reply to message #256641] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 20:55 |
Guy Lopes
Messages: 499
Registered: April 2004
Location: Sacramento, CA
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Just be careful with this method. It's not as easy as it used to be. Now the
CA DMV has instituted (or will be soon) a whistle blower program. Anyone can
call a number or go to a web site and anonymously turn in their coworker or
neighbor for doing this very thing. I just read the press release a couple
of weeks ago.
Guy Lopes
76 Birchaven "Orion"
Sacramento, CA
W6TOL
www.GMC-Guy.com
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Sammy Williams
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2014 5:47 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches
Tag your GMC out of California. End result: No CARB, No referee, no
problems. :)
S. Williams
I know a few people (military) who maintain tags on vehicles they use in CA
out of Ca.
On Sat, Jul 26, 2014 at 6:36 PM, GEORGE BUTTS wrote:
> Just my opinion but I would not let the smog test requirement sway you
> away from the other benefits of a newer coach. I have a 1973 and
> although it is a really nice looking and upgraded unit it still has
> the exposed wood floor underneath that looks like charcoal from the
> heat from the mufflers.
> On 1973s the front A-arms need to be reinforced to avoid a lurking
> dangerous failure. The body has rivets along some of the seams as the
> factory did not have the right bonding procedure for the early
> coaches. The dash air & heat was worthless until the 1977 models.
> Several other changes were made along the way that others here can
> elaborate on.
> I think the consensus among the "masters of the universe" of GMC
> Motorhomes is, all other things equal (condition features etc), get
> an early 1977 that has the 455 in it before they switched over to the
> 402 in mid 1977 until the end of production in 1978.
> --
> George Butts
> Las Vegas Nevada
> 73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven
> 71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Guy Lopes
76 Birchaven "Orion"
Sacramento, CA
W6TOL
www.GMC-Guy.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256676 is a reply to message #256610] |
Sun, 27 July 2014 08:20 |
MIGUEL MENDEZ
Messages: 179
Registered: August 2004
Location: Montclair, California
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I smog so many GMC's every year and just do not see what the problem is, 99.9% pass perfect, so what if you need to smog, good god, it is every 2 years, just do it and get over the smog issues, spend the 80.00 bucks and get on down the road, reg out of state is a pian in the @#%, many states now are going to the smog thing also following CA smog stuff, it is just what we have to do, now, if smog really is such a heart burn issue, go get the "HISTORICAL PLATES", no matter what year your GMC is, and we do qualify for them, you no longer have to smog, but, there are a few draw back, but, you can read about them on cadmv.org, just look it up, simple fix or just go get a nice unit, go get it smogged and go camping
Miguel
1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, side bath w/ a 403 that i love.
GMC name : The other woman
http://www.mgmgmc.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256687 is a reply to message #256676] |
Sun, 27 July 2014 10:24 |
Sammy Williams
Messages: 522
Registered: August 2010
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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This is my case:
Out of state registration was a phone call and a credit card number to the
DMV. Waited 2 weeks, tag was in hand. Done.
Many states are smog check free regardless of what the CA DMV says. Many
states only require one tag on the back bumper. Done.
Just one reason why I am glad to be out of California. (Im not slamming the
state or its residents, but the laws there are VERY restrictive.)
Your mileage may vary.
Sammy
On Sun, Jul 27, 2014 at 8:20 AM, MIGUEL MENDEZ wrote:
> I smog so many GMC's every year and just do not see what the problem is,
> 99.9% pass perfect, so what if you need to smog, good god, it is every 2
> years, just do it and get over the smog issues, spend the 80.00 bucks and
> get on down the road, reg out of state is a pian in the @#%, many states now
> are going to the smog thing also following CA smog stuff, it is just what
> we have to do, now, if smog really is such a heart burn issue, go get the
> "HISTORICAL PLATES", no matter what year your GMC is, and we do qualify
> for them, you no longer have to smog, but, there are a few draw back, but,
> you
> can read about them on cadmv.org, just look it up, simple fix or just go
> get a nice unit, go get it smogged and go camping
> --
> Miguel
>
> 1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, side bath w/ a 403 that i love.
>
> GMC name : The other woman
>
>
> http://www.mgmgmc.com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256688 is a reply to message #256610] |
Sun, 27 July 2014 10:29 |
Sammy Williams
Messages: 522
Registered: August 2010
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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One last thing. CA law allows for military non-residents to tag their
vehicles in their home of record. In that case mine was KS. Any
"whistleblower" reporting them will just be waste-ing their time.
Cost to register at home in KS? 32.00, along with proof of insurance.
Did it for the entire 12 years I was stationed out there. Never "had to
smog" once.
Sammy
On Sun, Jul 27, 2014 at 10:24 AM, Sammy Williams wrote:
> This is my case:
>
> Out of state registration was a phone call and a credit card number to the
> DMV. Waited 2 weeks, tag was in hand. Done.
>
> Many states are smog check free regardless of what the CA DMV says. Many
> states only require one tag on the back bumper. Done.
>
> Just one reason why I am glad to be out of California. (Im not slamming
> the state or its residents, but the laws there are VERY restrictive.)
>
> Your mileage may vary.
>
> Sammy
>
>
> On Sun, Jul 27, 2014 at 8:20 AM, MIGUEL MENDEZ wrote:
>
>> I smog so many GMC's every year and just do not see what the problem is,
>> 99.9% pass perfect, so what if you need to smog, good god, it is every 2
>> years, just do it and get over the smog issues, spend the 80.00 bucks and
>> get on down the road, reg out of state is a pian in the @#%, many states now
>> are going to the smog thing also following CA smog stuff, it is just what
>> we have to do, now, if smog really is such a heart burn issue, go get the
>> "HISTORICAL PLATES", no matter what year your GMC is, and we do qualify
>> for them, you no longer have to smog, but, there are a few draw back, but,
>> you
>> can read about them on cadmv.org, just look it up, simple fix or just
>> go get a nice unit, go get it smogged and go camping
>> --
>> Miguel
>>
>> 1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, side bath w/ a 403 that i love.
>>
>> GMC name : The other woman
>>
>>
>> http://www.mgmgmc.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256691 is a reply to message #256688] |
Sun, 27 July 2014 10:38 |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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It was common a few years ago for Washington residents to buy and register motorhomes in Oregon to avoid paying state sales tax. Then the state started cracking down. All they did was note the plates of rigs getting on the ferries. If a rig came back on the same ferry withing 48 hours, they figured it was not an Oregonian on vacation and investigated further. Worked very well. Back license fees, taxes, and big fines. So be very careful about out of state registration.
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] Smog test on California Coaches [message #256693 is a reply to message #256676] |
Sun, 27 July 2014 10:49 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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California & Michigan have similar rules for Historical Vehicles and What we call Authentic License plates under Historic plates section which the plate is the same year as the coach. Ours is a $35 one time fee and never expires as long as you own the coach. I have used these plated since 2000 on all our coach and even have the Authentic 1975 plate with 75 sticker and paperwork ready for Avion when it is ready for sale.
For General Information.
California Rules for Historical Vehicle plates:
Issued to a motor vehicle manufactured after 1922, which is at least 25 years old or older and of historic interest. Vehicle may only be driven in historical exhibitions, parades, or historic vehicle club activities.
Fees are $25 for original plate and $18 for substitute plate.
Michigan rules are almost identical except for the cost and expiration date.
Being a club officer of the GMCGL I am always traveling on club business and I do attend rallies and festivals out of state. A large number of our club uses the Authentic plates or the Historical plates on their coaches. Michigan does not have smog inspections.
As Miguel has stated, get them tagged, smoged and enjoy your coach, that is was you bought it for.
J.R. Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
Newsletter Editor/Publisher
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
75 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On Jul 27, 2014, at 9:20 AM, MIGUEL MENDEZ wrote:
> I smog so many GMC's every year and just do not see what the problem is, 99.9% pass perfect, so what if you need to smog, good god, it is every 2
> years, just do it and get over the smog issues, spend the 80.00 bucks and get on down the road, reg out of state is a pian in the @#%, many states now
> are going to the smog thing also following CA smog stuff, it is just what we have to do, now, if smog really is such a heart burn issue, go get the
> "HISTORICAL PLATES", no matter what year your GMC is, and we do qualify for them, you no longer have to smog, but, there are a few draw back, but, you
> can read about them on cadmv.org, just look it up, simple fix or just go get a nice unit, go get it smogged and go camping
> --
> Miguel
>
> 1978 Royale Pain in the %$@, side bath w/ a 403 that i love.
>
> GMC name : The other woman
>
>
> http://www.mgmgmc.com
> _______________________________________________
> 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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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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