| Bringing another one back from the brink... [message #351409] |
Fri, 17 January 2020 13:22  |
Silvernort
Messages: 95
Registered: June 2019
Location: Rock Springs, WI
Karma:
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Hello all. I bought my late 73 26 footer back in May (2019) and tho I have posted a little and lurked a lot, I haven't formally said "Hi". I live in Wisconsin, north of Madison an hour or so. Last year I started looking for a GMC and long story short found one in Tuscon, Arizona that looked pretty good and after many emails and so on, flew out there and bought it. Note: even after you think you've committed, walk if it don't look right. I didn't walk and probably should have, but it's mine now... I drove it to Phoenix to an RV specialist to have it looked over and make "safe" to drive back home. New radiator, water pump, air compressor, etc,etc. Later I headed out and immediately had a blow out. So next all new tires and try again. Going over Loveland pass something went BANG then engine was much louder (the driver side center exhaust manifold bolt had popped off, the others were loose). Kept going, taking it real easy going back down the grades as the brakes were not confidence inspiring. Handling was scary to say the least.
But I made it home and began to go over it. In the process of fixing the manifold issue I found the brake lines leaking and on the verge of total failure. As visions of alternate outcomes going down the mountains run thru my head, those were replaced. Replaced the steering shaft, did a few other things, took it on short trips to Door County and around, with more fixing between trips.
Come fall I started working on the interior, finding much rotten wood, tracked down leaks and deciding to go all in and redo it. This is where I am at currently with plans to build new furniture and cabinets, fix the leaks and rotten sections of plywood. Also I will be rebuilding the boggies, rear bearings (fronts done last year) and hopefully have it out and about by summer.
Anyway, I want to say I appreciate this group being here for all the great info. Jim K has also been very helpful with advice. Hope to see some of you down the road.
Cheers!
Shane Harvey
1973 26' "Packer Backer", 1976 Palm Beach, 1965 Dart
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