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GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #59984] Tue, 13 October 2009 13:53 Go to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
I found this posted in a hijacked thread under "Oil Consumption" so I am re-posting this for this new email user.

Hello everyone. I currently purchased a 1978 transmode with a fiberglass hatchback door that was custom made. Well, 31 years later and the door is collapsing and it is time for a new one. I am however considering looking for an original aluminum door that I can rig with hinges and lift/assist cylinders but I am having trouble looking for either. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions to where I can find a fiberglass door or an original aluminum to work into my GMC?



Thanks for your input.



JMAC



1978 Transmode "No name" for now.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #59990 is a reply to message #59984] Tue, 13 October 2009 14:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Sounds like the easiest way to go would be to contact Mike Bozart (GMCRECS)or one of the two Jims (Bounds or K@Applied GMC) to see if anyone has a rear panel from a wrecked/abandoned coach. That would at least fit and be a workable start on the project. Depending on your location, shipping would probably be the biggest expense.

Someone had posted pictures of a working hatch on a GMC that was converted into a "toybox", to haul around dirtbikes or something similar.


George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #59991 is a reply to message #59990] Tue, 13 October 2009 14:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Tripp 33 is currently offline  Tripp 33   United States
Messages: 99
Registered: October 2009
Karma: 0
Member

Thanks guys.

My door is a reinforced fiberglass with a small window and I will be happy to post more pictures. I was thinking of converting it into dutch doors or a drop down ramp but that might cause leak problems and I live in Toledo Ohio with lots of rain and snow!

The door can be fixed with lots of bondo/fiberglass repair and some aluminum framing. I was just hoping that their might be another alternative to repairing the door.



This 1978 Transmode was a limo and is being converted into a tailgaiting/golf trip mobile. I will post pictures asap. Thanks for all the tips and keep them coming.



Best Regards,



JMac











> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: GeorgeRud@aol.com
> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:31:54 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions
>
>
>
> Sounds like the easiest way to go would be to contact Mike Bozart (GMCRECS)or one of the two Jims (Bounds or mailto:K@Applied GMC) to see if anyone has a rear panel from a wrecked/abandoned coach. That would at least fit and be a workable start on the project. Depending on your location, shipping would probably be the biggest expense.
>
> Someone had posted pictures of a working hatch on a GMC that was converted into a "toybox", to haul around dirtbikes or something similar.
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_________________________________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #59992 is a reply to message #59991] Tue, 13 October 2009 14:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Sounds to me like youi're going to have to find someone to make you some custom doors.....or modify something that is already on the market.

Ray

Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale Center Kitchen
The Malosco Cruiser (TZE368V101144)
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/




________________________________
From: Tripp 33 <trippguy@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 2:41:28 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions


Thanks guys.

My door is a reinforced fiberglass with a small window and I will be happy to post more pictures. I was thinking of converting it into dutch doors or a drop down ramp but that might cause leak problems and I live in Toledo Ohio with lots of rain and snow!

The door can be fixed with lots of bondo/fiberglass repair and some aluminum framing. I was just hoping that their might be another alternative to repairing the door.



This 1978 Transmode was a limo and is being converted into a tailgaiting/golf trip mobile. I will post pictures asap. Thanks for all the tips and keep them coming.



Best Regards,



JMac











> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: GeorgeRud@aol.com
> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:31:54 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions
>
>
>
> Sounds like the easiest way to go would be to contact Mike Bozart (GMCRECS)or one of the two Jims (Bounds or mailto:K@Applied GMC) to see if anyone has a rear panel from a wrecked/abandoned coach. That would at least fit and be a workable start on the project. Depending on your location, shipping would probably be the biggest expense.
>
> Someone had posted pictures of a working hatch on a GMC that was converted into a "toybox", to haul around dirtbikes or something similar.
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/
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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #59993 is a reply to message #59991] Tue, 13 October 2009 15:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
there are some pictures in here
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=1892

gene


On Tue, Oct 13, 2009 at 12:41 PM, Tripp 33 <trippguy@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
> Thanks guys.
>
> My door is a reinforced fiberglass with a small window and I will be happy
> to post more pictures. I was thinking of converting it into dutch doors or
> a drop down ramp but that might cause leak problems and I live in Toledo
> Ohio with lots of rain and snow!
>
> The door can be fixed with lots of bondo/fiberglass repair and some
> aluminum framing. I was just hoping that their might be another alternative
> to repairing the door.
>
>
>
> This 1978 Transmode was a limo and is being converted into a
> tailgaiting/golf trip mobile. I will post pictures asap. Thanks for all
> the tips and keep them coming.
>
>
>
> Best Regards,
>
>
>
> JMac
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> > From: GeorgeRud@aol.com
> > Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:31:54 -0500
> > Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions
> >
> >
> >
> > Sounds like the easiest way to go would be to contact Mike Bozart
> (GMCRECS)or one of the two Jims (Bounds or mailto:K@Applied GMC) to see if
> anyone has a rear panel from a wrecked/abandoned coach. That would at least
> fit and be a workable start on the project. Depending on your location,
> shipping would probably be the biggest expense.
> >
> > Someone had posted pictures of a working hatch on a GMC that was
> converted into a "toybox", to haul around dirtbikes or something similar.
> > --
> > George Rudawsky
> > Chicago, IL
> > 75 Palm Beach
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > List Information and Subscription Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
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Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #59996 is a reply to message #59984] Tue, 13 October 2009 15:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
Randy Johnson, in Aberdeen, SD, has a drop or lift on his. Uses it to haul original Mini Cooper. I think he told me that he may drive it to Montgomery. I am anxious to see it. He and his father, Joe, do excellent work.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #59997 is a reply to message #59984] Tue, 13 October 2009 16:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
seven is currently offline  seven   Canada
Messages: 322
Registered: July 2008
Location: Calgary Canada
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Hers a youtube video of a full rear lift,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTQpEfT3HOk

I'm in the process of building a trailer out of a parts Transmode, With plans to split the rear in half top and bottom like an old station wagon, loose the rear window for weight and security.(Thats a big door to lift)

The goal is to make this while matching my coach.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=28626


Jay Fox Calgary AB
73 Painted Desert (Turtle)
78 Transmode (Trailer Donor)
Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #60021 is a reply to message #59991] Tue, 13 October 2009 20:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Bounds is currently offline  Jim Bounds   United States
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Have not followed all of this thread but I have done several different rear opening coaches, lower tail gate, top opening panel, side opener, etc.  .  There are several issues to consider, actually, I have a 23' stretch (thats no typo) with an engineered top opening tail gate on my lot for sale right now.  It's on my gallery page called "C-130".  It is for sale, probably for less than you can build up the coach you have.  There is over $24K in what is done, you can buy it for $10K.  Below is a list of the unique features  Call me if you are interested

2' stretch on a 23' 73 coach
body lift 3/4"
auto trunk style rear hatch hinge with "halo" structure support.
rear hatch support sctructure
load bearing floor members
aluminum gusset support wheel wells
160 amp Leece-Navelle alternator with a snow mobile cog belt drive.
floor shifter
relocated steering column.
center wheel disc brake
4 bag rear suspension

Still much left to do

Jim Bounds
------------------------------------



----- Original Message ----
From: Tripp 33 <trippguy@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tue, October 13, 2009 3:41:28 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions


Thanks guys.

My door is a reinforced fiberglass with a small window and I will be happy to post more pictures.  I was thinking of converting it into dutch doors or a drop down ramp but that might cause leak problems and I live in Toledo Ohio with lots of rain and snow!

The door can be fixed with lots of bondo/fiberglass repair and some aluminum framing.  I was just hoping that their might be another alternative to repairing the door.



This 1978 Transmode was a limo and is being converted into a tailgaiting/golf trip mobile.  I will post pictures asap.  Thanks for all the tips and keep them coming.



Best Regards,



JMac











> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: GeorgeRud@aol.com
> Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:31:54 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions
>
>
>
> Sounds like the easiest way to go would be to contact Mike Bozart (GMCRECS)or one of the two Jims (Bounds or mailto:K@Applied GMC) to see if anyone has a rear panel from a wrecked/abandoned coach. That would at least fit and be a workable start on the project. Depending on your location, shipping would probably be the biggest expense.
>
> Someone had posted pictures of a working hatch on a GMC that was converted into a "toybox", to haul around dirtbikes or something similar.
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
                       
_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/
_______________________________________________
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Re: GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #60082 is a reply to message #59984] Wed, 14 October 2009 12:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
seven is currently offline  seven   Canada
Messages: 322
Registered: July 2008
Location: Calgary Canada
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Jim I would like to see pictures of this 23 stretch but can't find it on your gallery page?

Jay Fox Calgary AB
73 Painted Desert (Turtle)
78 Transmode (Trailer Donor)
Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #60084 is a reply to message #60082] Wed, 14 October 2009 12:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dennis S is currently offline  Dennis S   United States
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member

Look here and scroll down...



http://gmccoop.com/on_the_lot.htm



Dennis Sexton

73 GMC

Germantown, TN USA


-----Original Message-----
From: Jay Fox <amra@shaw.ca>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wed, Oct 14, 2009 12:53 pm
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions




Jim I would like to see pictures of this 23 stretch but can't find it on your
allery page?
-
ay Fox
algary AB Canada

3 Painted Desert (Turtle)
ifes 75 Transmode (Unutter1)
8 Transmode (Donor)
Official Club Haulers
http://www.amra.ca
ttp://www.amra.ca/Club%20Hauler.htm
ttp://www.amra.ca/Pictures/Club%20Haulers%202/
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
Re: GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #60086 is a reply to message #59984] Wed, 14 October 2009 13:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
seven is currently offline  seven   Canada
Messages: 322
Registered: July 2008
Location: Calgary Canada
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Thanks Dennis!

Jay Fox Calgary AB
73 Painted Desert (Turtle)
78 Transmode (Trailer Donor)
Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #60294 is a reply to message #60082] Fri, 16 October 2009 07:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Bounds is currently offline  Jim Bounds   United States
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Sorry, you are right I thought I had pics posted.  I'll put up a couple of pics at the bottom of my galley page this morning.  it is still rough but the engineering of it is sound, it needs to be finished up.

Jim Bounds
-----------------------------



----- Original Message ----
From: Jay Fox <amra@shaw.ca>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wed, October 14, 2009 1:53:02 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions



Jim I would like to see pictures of this 23 stretch but can't find it on your gallery page?
--
Jay Fox
Calgary AB Canada


73 Painted Desert (Turtle) 
Wifes 75 Transmode (Unutter1)
78 Transmode (Donor)

Official Club Haulers

http://www.amra.ca
http://www.amra.ca/Club%20Hauler.htm
http://www.amra.ca/Pictures/Club%20Haulers%202/
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Re: [GMCnet] GMC motorhome back door/lift gate suggestions [message #60314 is a reply to message #60294] Fri, 16 October 2009 10:20 Go to previous message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Jim Bounds wrote on Fri, 16 October 2009 05:16

Sorry, you are right I thought I had pics posted.  I'll put up a couple of pics at the bottom of my galley page this morning.  it is still rough but the engineering of it is sound, it needs to be finished up.

Jim Bounds


http://www.gmccoop.com/c-1301.htm

Kind of reminds me of the 5th wheel trailer project of Bert and Faye Curtis. Made from a fire damaged GMC it was designed to carry 2 Formula Vee race cars while providing a place to stay for the drivers. I haven't heard if it was ever completed... but I also haven't talked to them in years.


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
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