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| [GMCnet] Windshield replacement [message #343988] |
Thu, 06 June 2019 21:02  |
Stu Rasmussen
Messages: 130
Registered: January 2019
Location: Silverton, OR
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I was looking at another GMC (thinking it would be less hassle to start
with one a bit less 'gutted' than my '74) - I haven't bought it yet because:
It's a '77 with a crack in the driver side windshield - and both
windshields are a bit 'fogged' around the edges.
I've perused the GMCMI suppliers to find replacement curved windshield
glass and didn't see any. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places.
If glass is available, who has it and are they the same for all years or
different from year to year?
If glass isn't available and the sizes match would it be smart or dumb
to cannibalize the good glass from my gutted '74 ? Seems to me after the
cannibalizing the unit with no windshields would not be particularly
valuable. Also, I doubt I could swap glass between them as trying to
re-install a pre-cracked window would be a losing proposition.
Of course there are other considerations - with my current gutted coach
I can start from zero and re-fit and re-wire and know exactly what's in
there - starting with a relatively complete coach I wouldn't have that
luxury / burden.
What's the consensus? Is there one?
Stu Rasmussen
Silverton, OR
gutted '74 Eleganza II
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Stu Rasmussen W7QJ
Silverton, OR
'77 Birchaven
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| Re: [GMCnet] Windshield replacement [message #343991 is a reply to message #343988] |
Thu, 06 June 2019 21:55  |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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If hindsight has any value I recommend the following.
Start with the best coach in the most ideal layout for U that you can
afford with as many of the s.o.a.b. (Son of a...) repairs/ refreshing
already completed.
If you’re not buried in the gutted coach cut your losses and get “the right
“ one.
Windshield removal and installation in the gmc is an atypical operation for
glass installers. If you want to do front glass your best off to coordinate
with Ken B for a group install/rate. See him for cost.
Most remaining parts of original coaches are not worth the effort to try
and salvage as they are probably marginal at best. The little bits that
are worn out or aged out in one coach will be the same in the donor.
Exceptions here are body and frame sections, suspension, maybe appliances
which have been updated in the donor etc.
Get a later model 75-78 as all of the customer testing was completed by
now.
My 2 c
Sully
Bellevue wa
On Thu, Jun 6, 2019 at 7:02 PM Stu Rasmussen (97381.com) via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
> I was looking at another GMC (thinking it would be less hassle to start
> with one a bit less 'gutted' than my '74) - I haven't bought it yet
> because:
>
> It's a '77 with a crack in the driver side windshield - and both
> windshields are a bit 'fogged' around the edges.
>
> I've perused the GMCMI suppliers to find replacement curved windshield
> glass and didn't see any. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places.
>
> If glass is available, who has it and are they the same for all years or
> different from year to year?
>
> If glass isn't available and the sizes match would it be smart or dumb
> to cannibalize the good glass from my gutted '74 ? Seems to me after the
> cannibalizing the unit with no windshields would not be particularly
> valuable. Also, I doubt I could swap glass between them as trying to
> re-install a pre-cracked window would be a losing proposition.
>
> Of course there are other considerations - with my current gutted coach
> I can start from zero and re-fit and re-wire and know exactly what's in
> there - starting with a relatively complete coach I wouldn't have that
> luxury / burden.
>
> What's the consensus? Is there one?
>
> Stu Rasmussen
> Silverton, OR
> gutted '74 Eleganza II
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Windshield replacement [message #343995 is a reply to message #343993] |
Thu, 06 June 2019 22:59 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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You need to go to our site as we hae most everything. www.gmcrvparts.com
I spend lot of my time advising people on tech assistance.
The Fogged glass is minimal, call me so I can give you solid advise as I
have owned a GMC coach since 1980 and very active in the GMC community ad
know all the major players.
Were in Northern CA.
Call me toll free (800) 752-7502
On Thu, Jun 6, 2019 at 8:23 PM Larry via Gmclist
wrote:
> I always recommend to those installing new windshields in our GMC's to be
> there when they do it. Not to supervise the work, but to do one thing while
> the windshields are out. After they are out, remove all of the screws up
> next to the windshield holding the dashboard in place, clean them up and
> reinstall with a little white lithium. Torque down screws to a LIGHT SNUG
> only. These screws are very difficult to get at with the windshields in.
> While you may think that you don't need to do this, I can tell you that
> GMC life has a habit of taking unintended twists. If this does not pay off
> for
> you, It may for the next owner and is an easy thing to do now. JMHO
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Windshield replacement [message #343998 is a reply to message #343995] |
Fri, 07 June 2019 02:56 |
GatsbysCruise
Messages: 261
Registered: January 2017
Location: Waukegan, Illinois
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I can't comment on the windshields other than what I have read from posts. The rubber seal must be a concern as mine has shrinked and I really doubt that it will be reusable.
I expect to replace both sides in the near future.
If you have a coach that is gutted but still runs and suspension is good, I'd give some thought.....
Some campers like to camp in the cold weather. The GMC motorhomes were spray foamed, but if my 74 is
an example of the quality of work, or how foam holds up over time, you need to replace the foam insulation.
I mention this because no coach will be well insulated unless you do it yourself. Keep in mind you need
to consider insulating the floor also.
The GMC coaches have this old age problem of sagging in the middle. The sides of the coach seem to move outwards
and the roof lowers just a little. This is why the doors seem to bow out at the top and bottom, and the middle
is closer to the frame. They all do it. If you were reworking the coach, you could correct that problem also.
I have not had a problem with the electrical from the factory but if you wanted to upgrade the wiring, your
coach would be the ideal target.
Also television cables, computer cables, new LED lighting wiring/dimmers are easier to run when the coach is apart.
All the GMC motorhomes have a pressure potable water fitting to hook up to camp water sources. They are made
of plastic and they are old. Every so often I read of reports where someones GMC got water inside because
one of these fittings cracked or just fell apart. Keep in mind for replacement.
If you have the time to do this, you'd have a better coach when you were done. If not or if you just plan to
travel in the summer when weather is nice (not hot or cold) than any GMC you find may work.
Mileage and running condition is a big consideration of what you have, and not knowing what you may get.
Just my thoughts
GatsbysCruise. \
74GMC260 Former Glacier Model style. \
Waukegan, Illinois \ Keep those MiniDiscs Spinning \ MY GREYHOUND IS FASTER THAN YOUR HONOR ROLL STUDENT \ WindowsXP-Win7-Win8.1-UBUNTU STUDIO - UBUNTU VOYAGER - Berzin Auto Center
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| Re: [GMCnet] Windshield replacement [message #343999 is a reply to message #343988] |
Fri, 07 June 2019 04:24 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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OK, here is they deal at the GMCMI rallys. I have a glass installation company that has done over 100 GMC windshield installations over the years. Usually once a year I get them to come to a GMCMI rally and install windshields. They usually install around 20 pre-ordered sets on a Saturday and Sunday during the rally. They will be at the Mansfield rally this fall. I coordinate the taking of reservations for them.
They are based out of NW Indiana (Chicago area) and will also do LOCAL installations during the year on Saturday and Sunday. During the week they are doing regular glass business which is primarily trucks and buses and a few RVs that are built on a bus frames.
I will start taking orders somewhere around the end of July for the Mansfield rally. Cut off will be when we deplete the warehouse stock or around Sept 1.
So if you are not local and are not coming to the rally, then your next option is to call Jim K. at Applied GMC and an order one delivered to your location from him. Then find a local experienced installer. A truck and bus windshield installer would be a good choice.
Make sure your installer adds sealant across the top and down the sides but not on the bottom of the windshields. Also make sure the installer thoroughly cleans the track where the new window goes and adds sealant inside the track. Also make sure that the installer paints the edge of the windshields with a special sealant for this purpose. I do not know what it is called, I just know that they carry it in their installation trucks. I have heard of people using black fingernail polish for this purpose. None of these things were done on original factory GMC installations. Doing these these things will delay future fogging of the windows and prevent future water leaks.
The gasket is seldom replaced but the beaded lock ring is. Gaskets a few years ago were around $300 (plus labor) and require (as per the Glass manufacturer) internal support of the roof because both windshields have to be removed at the same time. This is an in the the shop only procedure with this company. You stand a good chance of breaking a windshield on installation or cracking the roof fiberglass (a major repair) if this support is not done. I have only seen them do it once in the shop many years ago.
I will start taking orders on PM or my email address around the end of July.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Windshield replacement [message #344004 is a reply to message #343999] |
Fri, 07 June 2019 08:54 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Ken,
You know that it is not a big deal to have the windshield done, as long as
the installer have done a curved glass unit.
We drop ship glass all over the US and even supply the gaskets.
Insurance will cover the complete job less the deductible , so I can coach
you on that as well.
On Fri, Jun 7, 2019 at 2:42 AM Ken Burton via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> OK, here is they deal at the GMCMI rallys. I have a glass installation
> company that has done over 100 GMC windshield installations over the years.
> Usually once a year I get them to come to a GMCMI rally and install
> windshields. They usually install around 20 pre-ordered sets on a Saturday
> and
> Sunday during the rally. They will be at the Mansfield rally this fall.
> I coordinate the taking of reservations for them.
>
> They are based out of NW Indiana (Chicago area) and will also do LOCAL
> installations during the year on Saturday and Sunday. During the week they
> are
> doing regular glass business which is primarily trucks and buses and a few
> RVs that are built on a bus frames.
>
> I will start taking orders somewhere around the end of July for the
> Mansfield rally. Cut off will be when we deplete the warehouse stock or
> around
> Sept 1.
>
> So if you are not local and are not coming to the rally, then your next
> option is to call Jim K. at Applied GMC and an order one delivered to your
> location from him. Then find a local experienced installer. A truck and
> bus windshield installer would be a good choice.
>
> Make sure your installer adds sealant across the top and down the sides
> but not on the bottom of the windshields. Also make sure the installer
> thoroughly cleans the track where the new window goes and adds sealant
> inside the track. Also make sure that the installer paints the edge of the
> windshields with a special sealant for this purpose. I do not know what
> it is called, I just know that they carry it in their installation trucks.
> I have heard of people using black fingernail polish for this purpose.
> None of these things were done on original factory GMC installations. Doing
> these these things will delay future fogging of the windows and prevent
> future water leaks.
>
> The gasket is seldom replaced but the beaded lock ring is. Gaskets a few
> years ago were around $300 (plus labor) and require (as per the Glass
> manufacturer) internal support of the roof because both windshields have
> to be removed at the same time. This is an in the the shop only procedure
> with this company. You stand a good chance of breaking a windshield on
> installation or cracking the roof fiberglass (a major repair) if this
> support
> is not done. I have only seen them do it once in the shop many years
> ago.
>
> I will start taking orders on PM or my email address around the end of
> July.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
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| Re: [GMCnet] Windshield replacement [message #344011 is a reply to message #343993] |
Fri, 07 June 2019 12:19 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Larry wrote on Thu, 06 June 2019 22:20I always recommend to those installing new windshields in our GMC's to be there when they do it. Not to supervise the work, but to do one thing while the windshields are out. After they are out, remove all of the screws up next to the windshield holding the dashboard in place, clean them up and reinstall with a little white lithium. Torque down screws to a LIGHT SNUG only. These screws are very difficult to get at with the windshields in. While you may think that you don't need to do this, I can tell you that GMC life has a habit of taking unintended twists. If this does not pay off for you, It may for the next owner and is an easy thing to do now. JMHO
OH yes, one more thing, Before they install the new windshield, get to the windshield and apply some kind of sealer to the edge of the glass. Sealing the edge will stave off fogging of the edges. So....two things....dash screws and seal edges.
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Windshield replacement [message #344018 is a reply to message #344011] |
Fri, 07 June 2019 16:28 |
Dolph Santorine
Messages: 1236
Registered: April 2011
Location: Wheeling, WV
Karma: -41
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Senior Member |
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Larry:
What size are those screws, and might we want to change from Phillips head to a Allen socket (easier to get to on an angle).
Just over thinking it.
Dolph
> On Jun 7, 2019, at 1:19 PM, Larry via Gmclist wrote:
>
> Larry wrote on Thu, 06 June 2019 22:20
>> I always recommend to those installing new windshields in our GMC's to be there when they do it. Not to supervise the work, but to do one thing
>> while the windshields are out. After they are out, remove all of the screws up next to the windshield holding the dashboard in place, clean them up
>> and reinstall with a little white lithium. Torque down screws to a LIGHT SNUG only. These screws are very difficult to get at with the windshields
>> in. While you may think that you don't need to do this, I can tell you that GMC life has a habit of taking unintended twists. If this does not pay
>> off for you, It may for the next owner and is an easy thing to do now. JMHO
>
> OH yes, one more thing, Before they install the new windshield, get to the windshield and apply some kind of sealer to the edge of the glass. Sealing
> the edge will stave off fogging of the edges. So....two things....dash screws and seal edges.
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Windshield replacement [message #344022 is a reply to message #343988] |
Fri, 07 June 2019 17:52 |
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Tom Lins
Messages: 372
Registered: February 2004
Location: St Augustine, FL
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Stu Rasmussen (97381. wrote on Thu, 06 June 2019 22:02
I was looking at another GMC (thinking it would be less hassle to start
with one a bit less 'gutted' than my '74) - I haven't bought it yet because:
It's a '77 with a crack in the driver side windshield - and both
windshields are a bit 'fogged' around the edges.
I've perused the GMCMI suppliers to find replacement curved windshield
glass and didn't see any. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places.
If glass is available, who has it and are they the same for all years or
different from year to year?
If glass isn't available and the sizes match would it be smart or dumb
to cannibalize the good glass from my gutted '74 ? Seems to me after the
cannibalizing the unit with no windshields would not be particularly
valuable. Also, I doubt I could swap glass between them as trying to
re-install a pre-cracked window would be a losing proposition.
Of course there are other considerations - with my current gutted coach
I can start from zero and re-fit and re-wire and know exactly what's in
there - starting with a relatively complete coach I wouldn't have that
luxury / burden.
What's the consensus? Is there one?
Stu Rasmussen
Silverton, OR
gutted '74 Eleganza II
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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A 77 is a good choice for a few reasons, the heating/air conditioning is the newer design and can actually cool the cab (with a curtain in place), most of the GM updates already incorporated. early 77's are 455 and later 77's are 403. JMHO
We had Jeff Sirum replace both sides on our 77 in January partially because there was not going to be a group buy at the Tallahassee rally and partly because we were there for other work.
I wouldn't even try to transfer the glass too much of a chance to break it taking it out
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/
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