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[GMCnet] Newbie with a 23' 76 Birchaven 455 - floor jack size? [message #296172]

Thu, 25 February 2016 14:27

Anonymous

Have been lurking on the gmcl web site - all the information about the ‘Classic’ and how to do it! Thank you members that I have contacted for information and parts. Now I finally can get my hands dirty.

We adopted a 1976 23’ Birchaven TZE336V100703, 455 the end of Sep from Winlock, WA. The PO got a 26’ to handle the grand kids and did not need this one. Drove it down I-5 to it’s new home in Lake Oswego, OR (just south of Portland).It handled so much better than those other rigs I had test driven. It has almost 54K miles but needed some work: aluminum rims, 16” Michelin tires, tire pressure and temperature sensors, KYB front shocks, replaced front end bearings when alignment was done and just passed Oregon DEQ test. The rig’s photo is under vpearce on gmcl. More photos will follow. Still some issues with the 4K Onan. Also have access to another 455 engine - getting it will take some time. Also have 9 - 16.5 steel rims and 6 GMC hubcaps - don’t fit the new rims - damn!

I finished the concrete pad, and now have time to ‘devote’ to safety issues and cosmetic upgrades. Thanks to Applied (Nick) and Jim Pounds, i’ve gotten parts and now comes the work. Presently I have a 2.25 T floor jack - will that handle the ‘Aluminum Falcon’ when lifting it on 6T jack stands and doing the following projects -

brake system flush (item from J Hupy to facilitate) and master cylinder replacement,
rear brakes (keeping drums) with stainless steel hose replacement,
emergency brake replacement (from Albert B) -,
quad bag installation,
new KYB rear shocks,
foam fire extinguisher from J Pounds - the fireman! for engine compartment,
Ramco power mirrors
maybe renovation of fuel line just getting to that ethanol issue,
maybe rear bearings,

While the bogies are apart, will pack the rear bearings - any recommendation on check bearing condition - and also any other method of packing the bearings, like the extended zerk fittings or something else?

Also will be replacing the shag, gold carpet and cockpit rug with something easier to keep the pine needles from sticking into feet here in the NW. Recommendation are appreciated - cockpit covering with 3/4” horse stall matting, and vinyl on the floor - noticed that on the site.

Is long, but I will have time as well as some trips this year - have to get busy.

Thank you for your comments ahead of time - what an amazing source of information from all of you to pass on to newbies!

Virgil Pearce
handle is vpearce

And thank you Rob
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