| New Timer trip report [message #337765] |
Wed, 10 October 2018 12:53  |
Ken Shaffer
Messages: 89
Registered: September 2017
Location: Marion Iowa
Karma:
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Thought I would report some successful trips from a new timer that has received much help from this group. I purchased my 73 Canyonlands from an emailed pic and a hope and prayer. (Not advised to anyone considering buying a GMC motorhome.) I got lucky, however, with so many willing to help you in this group...... ask for help purchasing.
After several years of planning and waiting for the right time, I tore into it big time last winter. With the inside totally gutted, I renovated the interior to my liking. (walnut cabinetry, corian tops, hardwood floors, and a new layout.)
Mechanical items include: rebuilt heads, water pump, timing gear/chain set, all fuel lines, removed fuel tanks and cleaned, sending units, EFI Howell system w/ EBL, electric fuel pumps, exhaust, removed horse collar and installed two piece shroud, oil cooler lines, tranny cooler lines, aluminum radiator..... etc.
The first trip after the build was 2 weeks ago to Amana (40 miles) for my first rally. I had ordered new windshields so I had a deadline to have it roadworthy. After many late nights, and some close calls, I made it! The coach ran beautifully! Alex Ferrara was kind enough to tweek my steering and she handled even better on the way home.
Second trip, last weekend, I took a group of my sons friends (bachelor party) to St Louis. Navigating the 45 year old coach thru 5 lanes of busy traffic, tight cobblestone streets downtown, and parking lots were no problem. I got some great photos of my coach with Budweiser brewery, cobblestone streets with the Arch in the background, and Busch stadium in the background. Driving a GMC coach is a blast! 700 miles later I arrived back to Marion Iowa without any major issues. I did change out one of my electric fuel pumps with a spare while at a truck stop. I had some surging under load. 10 minutes later, it ran perfectly!!
Looking forward to a third trip this weekend. Considering heading up into Wisconsin with my wife to see the beautiful fall colors up there. I love traveling in my new/old coach! Thanks again for everyone's help and encouragement from this group.
Ken Shaffer
Marion Iowa
73 Canyon Lands, 455, Micro-level, Alum radiator, Alcoa wheels, Lenzi hubs/bearings, Howell EFI/EBL, Rostra Cruise, Custom interior
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