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Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301846]

Wed, 08 June 2016 12:26

jor

Messages: 43
Registered: June 2016
Location: Tucson

Karma: 0

Member

I'm looking for some advice on a GMC I'm considering. It's the one running on LP that I asked about in my previous post. I've had several Class A motorhomes (Foretravel) so I'm familiar with RVing. I'm also mechanically inclined and love working on them. My objective is to find a very good GMC. I can fix things so it doesn't have to be perfect but I definitely do not want a project. Anyhow, this rig is a 76 and it's in Spokane, Washington (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/rvs/5617363000.html). Here's the deal.

It is, by all accounts, pristine. The fella that owned it just died and this was his baby. He bought it 25 years ago and took a few trips. However, for the last 20 years or so it has been sitting in his garage. Every year, he would take it out and drive it for a couple of hours and every month he would start it and use all of the systems. Right now, everything works and looks perfect. The only thing his wife could think of that he changed since he bought it was the addition of a green stripe to match the two tone green VW bug he was towing and replacement of both air bags (different times).

If I were looking for a DP like I used to own, I would be very leery of a rig that had this little use but I'm not sure about a smaller gas rig like the GMC. Get this. The tires are likely 20 years old! So... it runs great; looks almost perfect, has been indoors for its life and has run on only propane for 25 years. Would you experts consider a rig like this? Don't hold back; I can take it. Thanks.
jor

John O'Reilly 76 Eleganza II (quad bags, disc brakes w/ reaction arm. 3.70 gears, manny trans, headers, Patterson dist.) Tucson, AZ

[Updated on: Wed, 08 June 2016 12:27]

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Re: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301847 is a reply to message #301846]

Wed, 08 June 2016 12:31

Glover, Brian K.

Messages: 87
Registered: October 2015
Location: Griffin Georgia

Karma: 0

Member

Just wondering, are you looking in that area or all over US ?

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of John O'Reilly
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2016 1:27 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering

I'm looking for some advice on a GMC I'm considering. I've had several Class A motorhomes (Foretravel) so I'm familiar with RVing. I'm also
mechanically inclined and love working on them. My objective is to find a very good GMC. I can fix things so it doesn't have to be perfect but I
definitely do not want a project. Anyhow, this rig is a 76 and it's in Spokane, Washington (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/rvs/5617363000.html).
Here's the deal.

It is, by all accounts, pristine. The fella that owned it just died and this was his baby. He bought it 25 years ago and took a few trips. However,
for the last 20 years or so it has been sitting in his garage. Every year, he would take it out and drive it for a couple of hours and every month he
would start it and use all of the systems. Right now, everything works and looks perfect. The only thing his wife could think of that he changed since
he bought it was the addition of a green stripe to match the two tone green VW bug he was towing and replacement of both air bags (different times).

If I were looking for a DP like I used to own, I would be very leery of a rig that had this little use but I'm not sure about a smaller gas rig like
the GMC. Get this. The tires are likely 20 years old! So... it runs great; looks almost perfect, has been indoors for its life and has run on only
propane for 25 years. Would you experts consider a rig like this? Don't hold back; I can take it. Thanks.
jor

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Brian G. Griffin Ga. 1978 Eleganza II TZE168V101637

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Re: Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301848 is a reply to message #301846]

Wed, 08 June 2016 12:42

lqqkatjon

Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Hmmm.... It really depends on your intentions on owning a motorhome. If you are set on having a older looking classic machine, vs having one that is very user friendly, I think you can do better for that price. Unless you can live with the non-original outdated interior forever, or if the LP conversion is important to you and worth the extra money. I would guess even though he has maintained it, you would be looking at new tires and rims, and other plastic rubber parts such as brake lines, fuel lines, ect...

Just my opinion he is pretty high on the asking price. when this can be bought for 1/2 price:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/5599050469.html

Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

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Re: Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301849 is a reply to message #301846]

Wed, 08 June 2016 12:43

77Royale

Messages: 461
Registered: June 2014
Location: Mid Michigan

Karma: 6

Senior Member

If its been started regularly and moved, thats a bonus. The photos do look very nice. Both front and rear bumpers appear to be moved out from the coach. Dont know what thats all about. The price is the price, and what someone is willing to pay is what its worth. It appears to have the original steel wheels which are 16.5" diameter. You have one real option for new rubber Firestone Transforce, and those run about $140.00 ish a piece. So your into it for a grand on 6 new tires immediately. If the tires are 20 years old that would be my first stop. The tire shop. There may be some others on the board who may have known the owner who passed. They could provide some valuable insight.

Looks like a fine coach though.

77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy. Mid Michigan

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Re: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301850 is a reply to message #301846]

Wed, 08 June 2016 12:45

James Hupy

Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010

Karma: -62

Senior Member

John, current market price seems a bit on the high side from where I sit.
Tires will hit you $900.00 or so. I have seen that coach, I think at
Eastsiders rally, years ago. It was nice then. But sitting around, even in
dry areas like Spokane, does not do coaches or people much good. I am
thinking the value is nearer to $17,500.00 or so. Worth a shot anyway.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Jun 8, 2016 10:27 AM, "John O'Reilly" wrote:

> I'm looking for some advice on a GMC I'm considering. I've had several
> Class A motorhomes (Foretravel) so I'm familiar with RVing. I'm also
> mechanically inclined and love working on them. My objective is to find a
> very good GMC. I can fix things so it doesn't have to be perfect but I
> definitely do not want a project. Anyhow, this rig is a 76 and it's in
> Spokane, Washington (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/rvs/5617363000.html
> ).
> Here's the deal.
>
> It is, by all accounts, pristine. The fella that owned it just died and
> this was his baby. He bought it 25 years ago and took a few trips. However,
> for the last 20 years or so it has been sitting in his garage. Every year,
> he would take it out and drive it for a couple of hours and every month he
> would start it and use all of the systems. Right now, everything works and
> looks perfect. The only thing his wife could think of that he changed since
> he bought it was the addition of a green stripe to match the two tone
> green VW bug he was towing and replacement of both air bags (different
> times).
>
> If I were looking for a DP like I used to own, I would be very leery of a
> rig that had this little use but I'm not sure about a smaller gas rig like
> the GMC. Get this. The tires are likely 20 years old! So... it runs great;
> looks almost perfect, has been indoors for its life and has run on only
> propane for 25 years. Would you experts consider a rig like this? Don't
> hold back; I can take it. Thanks.
> jor
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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Re: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301851 is a reply to message #301846]

Wed, 08 June 2016 12:56

bdub

Messages: 1578
Registered: February 2004
Location: Central Texas

Karma: 5

Senior Member

I'd go look if it were nearby and if he agreed to consider $10k less before
I even left the house. There's much better GMCs available in that price
range that are much less likely to need replacement rubber parts at every
turn.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/permalink/1562636174030767/?sale_post_id=1562636174030767
for one but it's in Indiana.

Where do you live?

bdub
www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/

On Wed, Jun 8, 2016 at 12:26 PM, John O'Reilly wrote:

> I'm looking for some advice on a GMC I'm considering. I've had several
> Class A motorhomes (Foretravel) so I'm familiar with RVing. I'm also
> mechanically inclined and love working on them. My objective is to find a
> very good GMC. I can fix things so it doesn't have to be perfect but I
> definitely do not want a project. Anyhow, this rig is a 76 and it's in
> Spokane, Washington (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/rvs/5617363000.html
> ).
> Here's the deal.
>
> It is, by all accounts, pristine. The fella that owned it just died and
> this was his baby. He bought it 25 years ago and took a few trips. However,
> for the last 20 years or so it has been sitting in his garage. Every year,
> he would take it out and drive it for a couple of hours and every month he
> would start it and use all of the systems. Right now, everything works and
> looks perfect. The only thing his wife could think of that he changed since
> he bought it was the addition of a green stripe to match the two tone
> green VW bug he was towing and replacement of both air bags (different
> times).
>
> If I were looking for a DP like I used to own, I would be very leery of a
> rig that had this little use but I'm not sure about a smaller gas rig like
> the GMC. Get this. The tires are likely 20 years old! So... it runs great;
> looks almost perfect, has been indoors for its life and has run on only
> propane for 25 years. Would you experts consider a rig like this? Don't
> hold back; I can take it. Thanks.
>
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bdub
'76 Palm Beach/Central Texas
www.bdub.net
www.gmcmhphotos.com
www.gmcmotorhomemarketplace.com
www.gmcmhregistry.com
www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes
www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm

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Re: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301853 is a reply to message #301846]

Wed, 08 June 2016 13:05

Rob

Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC

Karma: 3

Senior Member

I recall seeing this coach listed for sale a VERY long time ago. So - the pics are likely old…

I couldn't find the oldest ad that where I recall seeing this one (Craigslist kills their old ads), but this one is over a year old:

http://gmcrvforsale.com/1976-26ft-spokane-wa/

"This entry was posted on Monday, January 19th, 2015"

So - keep that in mind!

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

On 2016-06-08, at 10:26 AM, John O'Reilly wrote:

> I'm looking for some advice on a GMC I'm considering. I've had several Class A motorhomes (Foretravel) so I'm familiar with RVing. I'm also
> mechanically inclined and love working on them. My objective is to find a very good GMC. I can fix things so it doesn't have to be perfect but I
> definitely do not want a project. Anyhow, this rig is a 76 and it's in Spokane, Washington (http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/rvs/5617363000.html).
> Here's the deal.
>
> It is, by all accounts, pristine. The fella that owned it just died and this was his baby. He bought it 25 years ago and took a few trips. However,
> for the last 20 years or so it has been sitting in his garage. Every year, he would take it out and drive it for a couple of hours and every month he
> would start it and use all of the systems. Right now, everything works and looks perfect. The only thing his wife could think of that he changed since
> he bought it was the addition of a green stripe to match the two tone green VW bug he was towing and replacement of both air bags (different times).
>
> If I were looking for a DP like I used to own, I would be very leery of a rig that had this little use but I'm not sure about a smaller gas rig like
> the GMC. Get this. The tires are likely 20 years old! So... it runs great; looks almost perfect, has been indoors for its life and has run on only
> propane for 25 years. Would you experts consider a rig like this? Don't hold back; I can take it. Thanks.
> jor
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Rob - Victoria, BC - 76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

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Re: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301854 is a reply to message #301850]

Wed, 08 June 2016 13:12

jor

Messages: 43
Registered: June 2016
Location: Tucson

Karma: 0

Member

Quote:

current market price seems a bit on the high side from where I sit.

That's what I was thinking from what I've seen. She already lowered the price from what her husband wanted. I think it was stratospheric. She said he had put in on the Robb Report which I've never heard of.

Quote:

Both front and rear bumpers appear to be moved out from the coach.

Didn't catch that. Thanks.

Quote:

If you are set on having a older looking classic machine, vs having one that is very user friendly, I think you can do better for that price. Unless you can live with the non-original outdated interior forever,

I like the older classics (my Foretravels were 93, 95 and 99) and I am set on getting a GMC as I have admired them for years. What you say about the interior is interesting. I was thinking it was original but Carl mentioned a disconnect between the exterior and interior scheme. Her husband had mentioned an older restoration. I'm thinking maybe it was restored before he bought it.

Tires: I'm onboard. I wouldn't drive it on the highway with those babies.

Quote:

other plastic rubber parts such as brake lines, fuel lines, ect...

This is sounding more and more like a project.

Quote:

are you looking in that area or all over US ?

I'd love to find one locally (I'm in Tucson) but I am looking nationally on craigs. The fact that this one is so far from me is really what prompted my question. If I could get a close look at it I could probably get a good idea of what I'd be dealing with. If I buy one out of state, I need one that will carry us home, not one that needs a ton of stuff to get safely on the road. This one, for example, is more than I intended to spend which would be OK if if was first class and ready to go.

Thanks to all. I have to say, you guys on this group are great. I'm used to a very involved and helpful group but you guys have them beat.
jor

John O'Reilly 76 Eleganza II (quad bags, disc brakes w/ reaction arm. 3.70 gears, manny trans, headers, Patterson dist.) Tucson, AZ

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Re: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301858 is a reply to message #301851]

Wed, 08 June 2016 13:42

jor

Messages: 43
Registered: June 2016
Location: Tucson

Karma: 0

Member

Quote:

There's much better GMCs available in that price
range that are much less likely to need replacement rubber parts at every
turn.

That's what I was hoping to hear. I really had no intention of going this high unless this coach was something really special. You know... the skies brightening and the choir singing as you open the barn door to see the 1911 Franklin up on blocks. Anyhow, from what everyone is saying I think I will continue to look.

Rob, thanks for that link. She had mentioned that her husband had listed it. She said she lowered the price when she reposted.
James, interesting that you saw that coach.

So, I'm lookin' for a good one. I don't want to pay too much but I'll pay what it's worth. That one in Indiana is a beauty. Now this is going to sound kinda funny but I wouldn't really want one that doesn't need anything as screwing around with the rig is as much fun for me as using it. I'm really hoping to get one that is mechanically sound and maybe have a few of the popular upgrades (3.70, Alcoa wheels). Anyhow, if anyone has a line of such a coach, let me know. My email is itinerantjor at gmail dot com and my phone is fve20 - nine04 - 00onethree. Thanks.
jor

John O'Reilly 76 Eleganza II (quad bags, disc brakes w/ reaction arm. 3.70 gears, manny trans, headers, Patterson dist.) Tucson, AZ

[Updated on: Wed, 08 June 2016 13:44]

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Re: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301860 is a reply to message #301858]

Wed, 08 June 2016 14:00

lqqkatjon

Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN

Karma: 5

Senior Member

front seats may be original. That flowery upholstery on the couch and dinette, I do not believe is at all original, as is the zig zag stuff on the walls and fridge.

other things, would be that compartment just rear of the door, that is odd. I would believe this to be a custom interior... locations of the fridge/bathroom seem odd to me, like he moved the fridge from passenger side to driver side, and added the shower/bath. The shower/bath door seems really out of place to my eyes. and he has some funky stuff going on with the range hood vent or the upper fridge vent.

I do not see that lay out on the GMC sites for available floor plans.

Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

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Re: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301861 is a reply to message #301858]

Wed, 08 June 2016 14:00

Olly Schmidt

Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...

Karma: 8

Senior Member

John,

I looked at three GMC in person (every time flying in from Europe). And
ended up buying the one that looked the worse cosmetically, but to my
unprofessional eye, seemed to be the most cared for technically. Apart
from new tires (on 16,5" rims) everything that was needed to drive
2500mls to the new parking lot was in good working condition. Little
things still need to be fixed, like the cruise or the air bags, but it
never let me down on the trip, nor on the 2nd trip I took with my wife.

Your idea of making sure to get a mechanical sound GMC had been my
priority as well, and so far (knock on wood), everything is coming along
nicely.

--
Best regards

Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA

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Best regards

Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany

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Re: [GMCnet] Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301864 is a reply to message #301861]

Wed, 08 June 2016 14:39

jor

Messages: 43
Registered: June 2016
Location: Tucson

Karma: 0

Member

LQQ, it's starting to make sense now. According to the wife, the original owner had a shower installed. Must have moved the frig and had to create a vent and so on. Also, I've now seen more photos and see that the front bumper stickout is for an extra propane tank.
Peer, you got it. I would love to have a similar experience. Good mechanicals, a few upgrades and fixable everything else for a reasonable price.

In looking all morning I can see that the Spokane unit is, as bdub indicated, WAY overpriced. Thanks to all for your input on this. After we got rid of our last one (40 footer) I didn't plan on buying another but I'm back in with the GMC search!
jor

John O'Reilly 76 Eleganza II (quad bags, disc brakes w/ reaction arm. 3.70 gears, manny trans, headers, Patterson dist.) Tucson, AZ

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Re: Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301866 is a reply to message #301846]

Wed, 08 June 2016 15:32

77Royale

Messages: 461
Registered: June 2014
Location: Mid Michigan

Karma: 6

Senior Member

An extra propane tank on the front of a 12,000+ pound, 40 year old coach with probably 4 drum brakes in the back does not sound like an ideal situation......

77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy. Mid Michigan

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Re: Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301867 is a reply to message #301866]

Wed, 08 June 2016 15:38

Carl S.

Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.

Karma: 13

Senior Member

Yeah, I'm not sure I'd want a propane tank for a front bumper either.

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: Comments on GMC I'm Considering [message #301868 is a reply to message #301867]

Wed, 08 June 2016 15:54

Carl S.

Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.

Karma: 13

Senior Member

I went back and took another look at this after we talked on the phone last night and Jon is right, the front seat upholstery looks like it could be original and appears to be a color used in the Kingsley, but the exterior looks kind of Palm Beach with a custom stripe. The rest of the interior is definitely far from original with the fridge relocated to make room for a shower, the kitchen moved forward, and the couch replaced with a love seat. That and the fabric on the dinette and love seat are not something that GMC used.

Bottom line is that, although original survivors exist, they are few and far between. Even if you find a coach with original upholstery it will be well worn by now. The best you can hope for is a nice retro look restoration, if that's what you want, or a more modern interior like Bob's (Steve Ferguson's old coach).

John, if you want to take a look at my coach and go over some of the systems in person, I will be changing the oil, etc this weekend and will probably be working on it most of Saturday. You're welcome to stop by. You probably have my home phone number on your caller ID. Give me a call any time.

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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