Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » A note to the new TZE owners
| A note to the new TZE owners [message #311123] |
Wed, 30 November 2016 16:14  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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This is a note to David and Adam and all the other new GMC/TZE owners that have found their way here.
We were all new owners at one time. Though it may seem like it, none of us were born knowing all that we can now share. We are actually glad to be able to be able to share this knowledge in the hope that you may enjoy both the coach and the community as we have. I was thinking that if we were to set up a support group for all of us, I really don't know if it would be "Friends of Ken(2), Emery, or other, but both the emotional and technical support here is just not available elsewhere. If you need assistance, please say so. I happen to have a very personal story here, but I will not burn the bandwidth for that just now. Suffice it to say, you are not alone. Not nearly.
In complete candor, it is very hard to know all that you needed to know when you agreed to take on your coach. What I will ask of each of you is that you carefully prioritize your effort. (Yeah, I know, when you are up to your ass in alligators it is hard to remember that your intent was to drain the swamp.) Please, get the coach safe and then reliable and then make it pleasant. This may seem a long ways off, but it is a manageable task. As soon as you can, get to a rally. Even if for a single day. (Our first was the last day at Berrien Springs, and it was a day that we will never forget.)
These old girls want to be run. As soon as you can, drive it. If you don't any place important to go, take the coach anyway. It will get used and you will get the needed driving experience and confidence.
I my case with the coach, I will be honest and say that I lucked out and found one that had been well maintained for most of its life and had not been molested to any extent. It still needed some love and attention. This was not my first rodeo (voyage). I have had my share of problems with such things. If you are willing to supply the beer, the stories could go on for a very long time....
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: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311124 is a reply to message #311123] |
Wed, 30 November 2016 16:30  |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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And remember the old adage, certainly applicable here "Experience is directly proportional to ruined equipment."
--johnny
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: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311141 is a reply to message #311123] |
Wed, 30 November 2016 22:00 |
David del Rio
Messages: 49
Registered: April 2016
Location: Raymond CA
Karma: 0
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Thanks for this note Matt... assuming I'm the 'David' you were addressing 
My TZE is a fine coach, but several areas have been neglected in recent years and so I'm taking those on one at a time. I'm NOT a mechanic... though I am mechanically inclined and willing to take on most any challenge. I have a helper for the larger automotive mechanic projects, though this is his first TZE to work on. I'm trying to do as much of the work on the coach that I can myself. Also I have a guardian TZE angel that is advising me so as to get up to speed on things.
Since purchasing the coach I've had to R&R the final drive and both drive shafts, along with replacing worn bushings and the boomerang arm. Much of this work done with the assistance of Jim K in an effort to get the steering under control. I repaired the worn and leaking holding tank and waste dump system, and added a maceraor as well. I built a set of ramps, then moved onto servicing and replacing worn parts on the Onan along with reconditioning the Onan compartment. That work is underway now.
Next I'll tackle the buzz box, poorly terminated and insulated wiring, and other bubble gum type repairs I've found. Then on to checking for all known fire prevention projects to include adding fire extinguishers to the engine and fridge compartments. Oh yea, updated fuel lines, and replacing damaged propane lines too. This is a very abreviated list of repairs which exceeds both my budget and the time I have available to spend on this... but I'll push forward none the less.
The presence and support of the wonderful folks here and also on Facebook keeps me going! My goal is to have the coach well road worthy by next summer during which time I plan to make it to a few GMC gatherings.
Many thanks!
Dave
David del Rio - 75 Avion - Raymond, CA
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| Re: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311143 is a reply to message #311133] |
Wed, 30 November 2016 22:13 |
Deb
Messages: 349
Registered: October 2016
Location: Logan Lake, BC
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I can only say that I have found the members here to be extraordinarily helpful, welcoming and willing to go so much more than the extra mile to be of any and all assistance.
Case in point the post from Germany (?) with the non-GMC looking for help.
Even though I haven't even laid hands on my coach yet, I have already found a few folks up this side of the border (and a couple just south of the 49th) who have had my back all the way (and held my leash, as Matt put it  )
Once I am officially on the road in the spring, I plan to make a few pit-stops along my way across Canada, to say thanks and talk coaches;. Then it will be a rally or two.
I have a lot to learn, and you people have a lot to share.. Looking forward to getting "under the hood" of my own coach, and with the guidance of everyone here, should be a long and happy relationship.
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
GMC Alumnus
It's Bigger on the Inside!
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| Re: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311144 is a reply to message #311143] |
Wed, 30 November 2016 23:08 |
Adrien G.
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Deb wrote on Wed, 30 November 2016 20:13I can only say that I have found the members here to be extraordinarily helpful, welcoming and willing to go so much more than the extra mile to be of any and all assistance.
Case in point the post from Germany (?) with the non-GMC looking for help.
Even though I haven't even laid hands on my coach yet, I have already found a few folks up this side of the border (and a couple just south of the 49th) who have had my back all the way (and held my leash, as Matt put it )
Once I am officially on the road in the spring, I plan to make a few pit-stops along my way across Canada, to say thanks and talk coaches;. Then it will be a rally or two.
I have a lot to learn, and you people have a lot to share.. Looking forward to getting "under the hood" of my own coach, and with the guidance of everyone here, should be a long and happy relationship.
Deb,
If you haven't downloaded the maintenance manuals do so, and start reading each chapter. That will give you a knowledge start on each of the
systems, which should make it a little easier when you get the coach.
Manuals download at http://www.bdub.net/manuals/index.html
and in this sites http://gmcmotorhome.info/
What I did at the start.
Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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| Re: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311170 is a reply to message #311144] |
Thu, 01 December 2016 21:00 |
Deb
Messages: 349
Registered: October 2016
Location: Logan Lake, BC
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Adrien G. wrote on Wed, 30 November 2016 21:08Deb wrote on Wed, 30 November 2016 20:13I can only say that I have found the members here to be extraordinarily helpful, welcoming and willing to go so much more than the extra mile to be of any and all assistance.
Case in point the post from Germany (?) with the non-GMC looking for help.
Even though I haven't even laid hands on my coach yet, I have already found a few folks up this side of the border (and a couple just south of the 49th) who have had my back all the way (and held my leash, as Matt put it )
Once I am officially on the road in the spring, I plan to make a few pit-stops along my way across Canada, to say thanks and talk coaches;. Then it will be a rally or two.
I have a lot to learn, and you people have a lot to share.. Looking forward to getting "under the hood" of my own coach, and with the guidance of everyone here, should be a long and happy relationship.
Deb,
If you haven't downloaded the maintenance manuals do so, and start reading each chapter. That will give you a knowledge start on each of the
systems, which should make it a little easier when you get the coach.
Manuals download at http://www.bdub.net/manuals/index.html
and in this sites http://gmcmotorhome.info/
What I did at the start.
Thanks Adrien. I have downloaded a few manuals but haven't had a lot of time to dive into them yet (end of the semester and I am up to my armpits in grading and assembling final exams!) Once that rush is over, and the loose ends are tied up, I plan to spend a lot of my Christmas break reading! I am bookmarking a lot of GMC url's, including bdub's manual index,
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
GMC Alumnus
It's Bigger on the Inside!
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| Re: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311171 is a reply to message #311170] |
Thu, 01 December 2016 21:07 |
Atom Ant
Messages: 170
Registered: October 2016
Location: Austin, TX
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Thanks for the kind words of encouragement Matt.
I got two jack stands finished today, and my rebuilt vapor seperator is drying.
1976 Palm Beach
Austin, TX
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| Re: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311180 is a reply to message #311123] |
Fri, 02 December 2016 09:03 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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This forum, and the greater GMC community, are the reason that I bought a (then) 35 year old motorhome. The advantage of getting a rig that still had "shade tree mechanic-friendly technology", and the fact that the US (and beyond) is well-covered with folks ready and willing to help out in the event of an on-the-road failure made it all the easier. Finally, the tireless efforts of those who spend their time updating and improving the archives of GMC info, and who work to make obsolete parts available to us (whether through finding parts or the vendors who build them).
The advice that is offered to the potential GMC buyer is amazing, and should be heeded (these folks know what they're talking about). I know they helped steer me from a frenzied carpet-bombing search for almost anything US-wide, to a calmer, more rational (and more regional) search for a narrow range of years and models, with very specific characteristics (in my case, a '77-8 Royale Center Kitchen with gobs of updates and maintenance, within 500 miles of Phoenix). Just be patient, keep beating the bushes, and you'll find what you're looking for.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311486 is a reply to message #311484] |
Wed, 14 December 2016 02:46 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Welcome to the group.
I had a good friend in Kamloops that I talked to on Skype at least once a week. Unfortunately he died last year.
We are here to help you whenever we can.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311487 is a reply to message #311484] |
Wed, 14 December 2016 08:20 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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kbehrns wrote on Wed, 14 December 2016 00:37I too am just new to GMC TZE ownership and I have not just stuck a toe in the water but jumped in head first. I purchased a 1976 Eleganza II that is bit of a basket case. An older gentleman had started to work on it and unfortunately passed away and I have since carried on with it. It has been amazing the support that I have been given over the last couple of months from both owners and suppliers and their willingness to give support and advise. It seems unusual that you can call up Jim Kanomata from Applied GMC (busy guy) and he is willing to chat with you for a good half hour or more about your coach and is willing to share advise anytime. I thought I had reseached these coaches before ever buying one but I now find I have just scratched the surface and it is obvious that I will have numerous questions as I get further into the restoration. It is nice to know there is a forum to go to for help and to share ideas.
Kym and Nancy Behrns
Kym and Nancy,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum...
If you would please, take the time to <Control Panel/Account Settings> and scroll down to where you can fill in a sigfile. You are already going by a real name and that is good. Sometimes people come here without a recognizable name and I turns out to be quite a surprise when they meet others and nobody knows who they are. If you also include a short about the coach, that helps a lot as there are differences with years and models that can really matter. Also include major mods as that can be important. And lastly, a geographic reference. This is needed because only half the readers here use the forum so they don't get to see the header where I see Kamloops. One of them may want to stop by to help you with something. This can happen - even in northern BC. Well, if you read back this thread aways, you can find some.
I will suggest without knowing your situation, that once the coach is travel ready, you plan to get to a rally. You think the remote help you get here is something, Hang On.....
The old girl is really lucky to have found a good new home. Sitting and rusting it the dirt is such a dreadful thing. When you do get her out on the road, she will reward you with memories that are priceless.
The fact that you found your way to us is (as you have already found) a great thing. Yes, JimK is amazing, and he is one of many. When I found the group, I knew I was in the right place real fast. Things like, I thought I needed parts that Dave Lenzi could supply. I was wrong, he could supply them but he would not until I did as he instructed during an lengthy telephone conversation to correct the underlying problem. When I did, (it only took a day and an half) I didn't need any parts at all. This is the way it is here. This is a community of helping and supporting people that are so rare in the world these days. The only other like it that I know of is that of the watermen that are my world. For that reason, I have taken to welcoming new owners much as a new owner or vessel would be welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.
Welcome Kym and Nancy
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: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311498 is a reply to message #311487] |
Fri, 16 December 2016 12:00 |
kbehrns
Messages: 16
Registered: November 2016
Location: Kamloops,BC just north ea...
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hi Matt
Thanks for the reply. I haven't used many forums so I am a little new to this. I appreciate the support.
Kym
There is always time to meet new friends.
1976 Elaganza II mostly stock.
Kamloops,BC Can.
Just north of Vancouver,BC
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| Re: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311500 is a reply to message #311498] |
Fri, 16 December 2016 12:15 |
Deb
Messages: 349
Registered: October 2016
Location: Logan Lake, BC
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Hi Kym. One newbie to another! Dave Ireland in Williams Lake passed your number along to me a couple of weeks ago when I was up to visit him. I'm around the corner here in Logan Lake! Love to get together over the Christmas break, chew the fat and see your coach. Jealous - haven't got mine yet; she's still down in Washington and I won't have her up here till spring. Welcome!
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
GMC Alumnus
It's Bigger on the Inside!
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| Re: A note to the new TZE owners [message #311501 is a reply to message #311500] |
Fri, 16 December 2016 12:19 |
kbehrns
Messages: 16
Registered: November 2016
Location: Kamloops,BC just north ea...
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hi Deb
I would love to get together with you for a coffee or a drink. Let me know when you will be in Kamloops. We will be away for a couple of days over Christmas 23 to 26, but will be at home otherwise. I have been reluctant to show anyone the coach at this time as it is a project but if you can see past that I would be happy to take you through it.
Kym
There is always time to meet new friends.
1976 Elaganza II mostly stock.
Kamloops,BC Can.
Just north of Vancouver,BC
[Updated on: Fri, 16 December 2016 12:30] Report message to a moderator |
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looking for as much information and advice as I can absorb.
