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Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues.
[GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330320] Sun, 25 March 2018 00:21 Go to next message
BobDunahugh is currently offline  BobDunahugh   United States
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Registered: October 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
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!3 years, 52,000 miles, and 38 states. Never left us stranded to the side of the road even once. Did have an alternator belt brake once. Turned on the gen to run the roof A/C. And we went the next 75 miles home. Had a carb float sink 100 miles from Las Vegas. So what. It just ran rich that 100 miles. Never did put a lot of money in that GMC. The key was that the PO went to a lot of GMCMI events. Learned a lot about preventive maintenance. His log book listed oil changes at 2500 miles mostly. Trans, and FD at every 15,000 miles, and so on. I'm now trying to keep this GMC we have now to that dependability. The problem with this GMC. Is that it was parked next to a cornfield from Oct 1995 to Oct 2015. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
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Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330321 is a reply to message #330320] Sun, 25 March 2018 01:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
johnd01 is currently offline  johnd01   United States
Messages: 354
Registered: July 2017
Location: Sacrameot
Karma: -1
Senior Member
Bob,
What happened to the first GMC,
John Phillips
75 Avon VIN A26000
Rancho Cordova, CA

On Sat, Mar 24, 2018 at 10:21 PM, Bob Dunahugh wrote:

> !3 years, 52,000 miles, and 38 states. Never left us stranded to the side
> of the road even once. Did have an alternator belt brake once. Turned on
> the gen to run the roof A/C. And we went the next 75 miles home. Had a carb
> float sink 100 miles from Las Vegas. So what. It just ran rich that 100
> miles. Never did put a lot of money in that GMC. The key was that the PO
> went to a lot of GMCMI events. Learned a lot about preventive maintenance.
> His log book listed oil changes at 2500 miles mostly. Trans, and FD at
> every 15,000 miles, and so on. I'm now trying to keep this GMC we have now
> to that dependability. The problem with this GMC. Is that it was parked
> next to a cornfield from Oct 1995 to Oct 2015. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>



--

*John Phillips*
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Johnd01 John Phillips Avion A2600 TZE064V101164 Rancho Cordova, CA (Sacramento)
Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330322 is a reply to message #330321] Sun, 25 March 2018 03:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
94nubble is currently offline  94nubble   United States
Messages: 275
Registered: July 2011
Location: Chesapeake VA
Karma: 3
Senior Member
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/bob-dunahugh-coach/p59044-img-6504.html


Tom McManus
1977 Royale
Chesapeake VA

[Updated on: Sun, 25 March 2018 03:24]

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Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330324 is a reply to message #330320] Sun, 25 March 2018 10:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
BobDunahugh is currently offline  BobDunahugh   United States
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Registered: October 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
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Senior Member
John. I was at a road race track event with one of my Yenkos in Hastings Neb. We found it burning in the parking lot on Aug 28, 2015. We had bought a new refrigerator the year before. There was a fire recall that we never got. Bought another 78 Royale in Oct of 15. I then took that GMC completely, and I seriously mean completely apart. Got lucky that the fire was contained to above the floor. I was able to salvage the new tires, rims, Quad bags, and front knuckles. Then reused the 3:70 FD, rebuilt trans, gas tanks, bumpers, and now the trans shift cable.. The 403 had been rebuilt by the PO. It had just 1880 miles in it. By June of 2016. 8 months. $41,000 in parts. And all my lonely days in my shop. This latest 78 Royale went to the Summer GMCMI rally in Branson Mo with it's widened entry door, and wheelchair drive in bath. I was a man on a mission. Linda had a knee replaced. Got an infection. Then lost her leg. GMCMI. It's members, and the GMC have brought great enjoyment to our lives. A fire wasn't going to get in my way. Bob Dunahugh The Mouse House 78 Royale.


________________________________
From: Bob Dunahugh
Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2018 12:21 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues.


!3 years, 52,000 miles, and 38 states. Never left us stranded to the side of the road even once. Did have an alternator belt brake once. Turned on the gen to run the roof A/C. And we went the next 75 miles home. Had a carb float sink 100 miles from Las Vegas. So what. It just ran rich that 100 miles. Never did put a lot of money in that GMC. The key was that the PO went to a lot of GMCMI events. Learned a lot about preventive maintenance. His log book listed oil changes at 2500 miles mostly. Trans, and FD at every 15,000 miles, and so on. I'm now trying to keep this GMC we have now to that dependability. The problem with this GMC. Is that it was parked next to a cornfield from Oct 1995 to Oct 2015. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
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Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330326 is a reply to message #330320] Sun, 25 March 2018 10:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Brian K is currently offline  Brian K   United States
Messages: 75
Registered: May 2017
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Karma: 0
Member
I have a question: Is there any thing you should be doing, in between major uses, to run your GMC? The last time I actually drove it was about 2 months ago, although I have started it a couple times since. But idling costs gas, so does it make sense to just take it out and drive it a couple miles regularly?

Brian K 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261 Sherman Oaks, CA Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall apart (discovering more as I go along....)
Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330330 is a reply to message #330326] Sun, 25 March 2018 12:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
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Idleing the engine when cold is a worse thing to do.
Start it and in half a minute put it in gear and drive it slowly.
Engine will warm up twicw as fast this way than idle.
Once every few month is fine, but the oil tends to drain off so I have no
real answer on frequency.
New oils follow the SAE /SPE for oil adhesion on parts for time.
The tires need to warm up to keep adhesives alive.


On Sun, Mar 25, 2018 at 8:55 AM, Brian Krikorian wrote:

> I have a question: Is there any thing you should be doing, in between
> major uses, to run your GMC? The last time I actually drove it was about 2
> months ago, although I have started it a couple times since. But idling
> costs gas, so does it make sense to just take it out and drive it a couple
> miles regularly?
> --
> Brian K
> 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261
> Bellevue, WA
> Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall
> apart (discovering more as I go along....)
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330335 is a reply to message #330326] Sun, 25 March 2018 15:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Tom Lins is currently offline  Tom Lins   United States
Messages: 372
Registered: February 2004
Location: St Augustine, FL
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Brian K wrote on Sun, 25 March 2018 11:55
I have a question: Is there any thing you should be doing, in between major uses, to run your GMC? The last time I actually drove it was about 2 months ago, although I have started it a couple times since. But idling costs gas, so does it make sense to just take it out and drive it a couple miles regularly?



Take it out every month and go for a drive. Go to the grocery store. Give it some exercise. Drive to the grandkids house. Don't park it next to a cornfield for 20 years. Like people they need to move around to function well.

JMHO



Tom Lins
St Augustine, FL
77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455, Aluminum Radiator Quad-Bag Suspension Solar Panel
Manuals on DVD
YOUTUBE Channel: GMC Dealer Training Tapes
http://www.bdub.net/tomlins/
Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330358 is a reply to message #330335] Sun, 25 March 2018 23:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mike Kelley is currently offline  Mike Kelley   United States
Messages: 467
Registered: February 2017
Karma: -2
Senior Member
Brian K.:
I am not a mechanic, but was told by P O of my 1st of 5 GMC's to drive it regularly at least 20 continuous mins per month.
That is what I have done and it seems to have worked very well for me.
Hope this helps!
Mike/The Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 25, 2018, at 3:34 PM, Tom Lins wrote:
>
> Brian K wrote on Sun, 25 March 2018 11:55
>> I have a question: Is there any thing you should be doing, in between major uses, to run your GMC? The last time I actually drove it was about 2
>> months ago, although I have started it a couple times since. But idling costs gas, so does it make sense to just take it out and drive it a couple
>> miles regularly?
>
>
>
> Take it out every month and go for a drive. Go to the grocery store. Give it some exercise. Drive to the grandkids house. Don't park it next to a
> cornfield for 20 years. Like people they need to move around to function well.
>
> JMHO
>
>
> --
> Tom Lins
> Elkton, FL
> 77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330362 is a reply to message #330358] Mon, 26 March 2018 06:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Mike,

If I may make a suggestion: Sounds to me like your signature line should
be "Mike/The Corvair & GMC a holic". :-)

Ken H.


On Mon, Mar 26, 2018 at 12:28 AM, Mike Kelley wrote:

> Brian K.:
> I am not a mechanic, but was told by P O of my 1st of 5 GMC's to drive it
> regularly at least 20 continuous mins per month.
> That is what I have done and it seems to have worked very well for me.
> Hope this helps!
> Mike/The Corvair a holic
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Mar 25, 2018, at 3:34 PM, Tom Lins wrote:
>>
>> Brian K wrote on Sun, 25 March 2018 11:55
>>> I have a question: Is there any thing you should be doing, in between
> major uses, to run your GMC? The last time I actually drove it was about 2
>>> months ago, although I have started it a couple times since. But
> idling costs gas, so does it make sense to just take it out and drive it a
> couple
>>> miles regularly?
>>
>>
>>
>> Take it out every month and go for a drive. Go to the grocery store.
> Give it some exercise. Drive to the grandkids house. Don't park it next to a
>> cornfield for 20 years. Like people they need to move around to function
> well.
>>
>> JMHO
>>
>>
>> --
>> Tom Lins
>> Elkton, FL
>> 77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330366 is a reply to message #330320] Mon, 26 March 2018 09:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Brian K is currently offline  Brian K   United States
Messages: 75
Registered: May 2017
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Karma: 0
Member
Thanks everyone for the input. I like the idea of just taking it out to the grocery store, or whatever, once a month. I've never really thought about that (probably because of it's size!).

Brian K 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261 Sherman Oaks, CA Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall apart (discovering more as I go along....)
Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330383 is a reply to message #330366] Mon, 26 March 2018 13:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mike Kelley is currently offline  Mike Kelley   United States
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Senior Member
Ken H.:
Ya - I have thought about that!
But my goal is to get down to just 2 GMC's (from 5) - whereas my goal on Corvairs is still undetermined - maybe down to 5 from 13.
Either way they are both addictions that I thoroughly enjoy. Just wish I had lots of storage space - like you!
Mike/The Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 26, 2018, at 9:47 AM, Brian Krikorian wrote:
>
> Thanks everyone for the input. I like the idea of just taking it out to the grocery store, or whatever, once a month. I've never really thought
> about that (probably because of it's size!).
> --
> Brian K
> 1977 Eleganza II, TZE167V100261
> Bellevue, WA
> Rebuilt 455, New brake system, a lot of Original Equipment ready to fall apart (discovering more as I go along....)
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

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Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330400 is a reply to message #330320] Tue, 27 March 2018 08:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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Location: Braselton ga
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Senior Member
Bob and Mike will both appreciate - A perfectly restored down to the pipes black Corsa coupe with a kid driving it came by me on I 85 Sunday afternoon on the way home from Raleigh. He was flogging it pretty good through traffic, got off at Anderson SC. I hope he gets or has a GMC and does as good a job as someone did on his Corvair.

--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
Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330401 is a reply to message #330320] Tue, 27 March 2018 08:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RF_Burns is currently offline  RF_Burns   Mexico
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Senior Member
Here in the Great White North, I don't have much choice than to let it sit from late October to April. I don't want to take it out on the salt laden roads, or let it sit idling and loading the oil up on moisture. I remove the road liability insurance to save a few hundred dollars over the winter.

It does get to sleep in a heated shop up on blocks to take the weight off the suspension and tires.

I change the oil each fall then take it for a run to get everything covered in the engine with fresh oil before storing it, (Amsoil Z-Rod just to stir the pot here).

It does serve as the shop beer fridge and a place to take a snooze during the long winter months.

JWID


Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
Re: [GMCnet] Our first 78 Royale was so dependable. It's all in the mainenance. New owners. Ask for help here. with you issues. [message #330404 is a reply to message #330401] Tue, 27 March 2018 09:30 Go to previous message
Mike Kelley is currently offline  Mike Kelley   United States
Messages: 467
Registered: February 2017
Karma: -2
Senior Member
Johnny B.:
Ha - thanks Johnny. And I bet I know who was driving it. Anderson, S C is the home of a good friend and Corvair buff - In fact he sold me my first collector Vair in 2013.
Mike/The Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 27, 2018, at 8:39 AM, Bruce Hislop wrote:
>
> Here in the Great White North, I don't have much choice than to let it sit from late October to April. I don't want to take it out on the salt laden
> roads, or let it sit idling and loading the oil up on moisture. I remove the road liability insurance to save a few hundred dollars over the winter.
>
> It does get to sleep in a heated shop up on blocks to take the weight off the suspension and tires.
>
> I change the oil each fall then take it for a run to get everything covered in the engine with fresh oil before storing it, (Amsoil Z-Rod just to stir
> the pot here).
>
> It does serve as the shop beer fridge and a place to take a snooze during the long winter months.
>
> JWID
>
> --
> Bruce Hislop
> ON Canada
> 77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.1 ton front end
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
> My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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