Hello all. Always interested, but never ready. Until "soon?"

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BlkTopTrvl

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Aug 17, 2021
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Hello All,

I first saw a GMC rolling down I-95 around 25-30 years ago. All the blinds were up, the young family was in the back riding at the (rear) table while the driver tooled along. I waved at him, and then circled the GMC letting him pass me to the left while I slowed, getting behind him, and then moving to his left side and creeping up to wave at the driver again. From then, I've known that if I were to buy a motorhome, this would be the one. It has always reminded me of a cross between the "Mammoth Car" (Speed Racer) and the "Chariot" (Lost in Space) although in reality it really doesn't looks like either.

I never made the commitment to buy one although I have kept my eyes on them over the years; mainly because even though I spent a LOT of time on the road as an Information Technology Consultant, I never took the time to sort out how I could use one at the various cities I've lived in over the years, and also because I have always been single and a Hotel seemed easier.

I traveled a couple times to see Buddy Bethune about a hundred miles from my home (in Charlotte) and each time, I found the coaches he restored to be beautiful, and at what I considered to be the right price. But again, living in a neighborhood that restricted parking a RV on your property made it an impractical idea.

Well, I retired 7 years ago and now at 61 I still have the bug. Getting married soon, I decided I am coming to a now or never moment soon. So, with this in mind I have a few questions to ask. I am sure you have heard them all before, so I will do a bit of reading here first, and then ask my questions as they come to mind in the appropriate sub forum.

For now, I will just say that my wife to be and I plan to build a house with a drive out basement tall enough to house the RV and then use the RV to travel from state parks to national parks all over the country. Anyway, that's the plan, now I have to get moving on execution.

Thanks and happy motoring.
 
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BlkTopTrvl said:
For now, I will just say that my wife to be and I plan to build a house with a drive out basement tall enough to house the RV and then use the RV to travel from state parks to national parks all over the country. Anyway, that's the plan, now I have to get moving on execution.

Thanks and happy motoring.
Click to expand...
Congrats on the retirement and the upcoming marriage! I wish you luck bringing your long-time dream to fruition. It sounds like an exciting phase of life.
 
BlkTop,
Welcome to the group - The rest of this line only pertains to owners...
You are very welcome here even if you are not (yet) an owner.
To this end, get to the websites of as many of the local chapters as you can, keep an eye out there for any coaches that become available. Warning, the good ones go FAST.
If you even get close, get out a copy of the GMC Assist list (available over on GMCMI.com) and see if you can find someone close by to look at any coach you might consider.
Small warning, do not be put off by the forwardness of any GMC owner. This is a community that is massively supportive and helping.
Finally and not unimportant, build a sigfile. It should have your name so we know who we are helping, you don't have a coach yet, but include a short about that when you do and finally a geographic reference. When it comes to GMC things, you may already have an old friend nearby that you need to meet.
Matt
 
Welcome! As a relative newcomer with little mechanical experience (software architect by trade), I can tell you that you will find no better group of people willing to help and guide you on your journey. Once you acquire
your coach, the key will be to have a flexible mindset that acknowledges things can and will go wrong with a 50 year old vehicle, but that every setback and issue is an opportunity to learn and build your GMC skill set. It took me a while to adjust my outlook and not get discouraged, but once you get there, you will have a blast!

Also, congratulations on your upcoming marriage! Having a spouse on board with your hobby is absolutely critical. My DW is still in the “toleration” stage. She doesn’t really understand why I want, “more work as a hobby,” but she is supportive, generally. 😁
 
I have to say ditto to most of the comments you are receiving but, I might add.... Our coach exists in our family purely because of "dear wife". It was her idea and her "bottom line". We were happily driving and living part time in a Luxury Newmar Mountain Aire 40' diesel pusher with 4 slide outs... A beautiful and dependable machine. SHE wanted a GMC like the one we had years ago for 12 years. Now the Mountain Aire is gone and WE are the proud owners of a1975 Eleganza II with all the associated joy, repairs, upkeep and pride of ownership!
 
tmsnyder said:
If you get a GMC I hope you know how to turn a wrench! Or have deep pockets.
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Yes, I think this is an appropriate warning for any old vehicle... But I will say that over the past 35 years or so, I have owned only 5 Vehicles, and of those five, I still have three. So, yes, I am used to the idea and the problems associated with maintaining an older vehicle.

I have been of the opinion/mindset all my life that no dealer/mechanic will ever touch any of my vehicles if I can avoid it. Of course, this rule goes out the window when you are 3500 miles from your home and your complete toolset. Also, now that I am past 60, I think this is generally a harder commitment to keep for myself.
As for the deep pockets aspect, can you give an estimate of how much you think you average each year in coach repair and maintenance? I'm guessing based on your statement, it must be a lot.
 
Hal, (Now we have a Name!!)

I am close to 70 (and not getting any closer). One of the many charms of a GMC is that it is a mechanic's dream. There is little that can go wrong that has to be diagnosed with an black box. All of the original service documentation is available to download, and really truly, if you have an IQ near normal, then you must be literate and can follow instructions. That means that (with very few exceptions) you are already ahead of those people you would get stuck paying to have work on your modern megabuck coach.
Example, we just had an owner that is an insurance adviser repair a transmission problem when he was 600 miles and a lake (big lake) away from home. It took some effort on several people's part, but the coach is back to road worthy again.
We have a operation here called the "Black's" list because it was named after the owner that started it. It is actually the GMC Assist list. We all love it and many of it (including yours truly) have been on both sides of it.
In a typical year, we travel a lot. I carry a single one handle tool box (there are a few things that aren't in it) and two big spare parts. Those two big spares (only one is heavy) are a starter and a airspring. I could do a work around for the airspring, but without a starter (not that hard to swap) you aren't going anywhere. The only reason I actually carry the starter is that with the 425 now 30+ years out of production, even rebuilds can be a serious delay.
<Rant ON>
I am very much with you on not letting others work on my cars. At one time in my life I could easily afford to pay someone to do what the family rolling stock needed. With few exceptions, I would later find that what was needed was not done correctly and completely. (So, What did I pay that AH FOR??)
I have a lift in my barn, if you have the build, a car size lift is can be had used and it not expensive. People think I like working on cars..... I DON'T. I would rather be sailing or off in the coach. But if I do it and it isn't right, at least I didn't pay to have it done wrong and I can make it right.
<Rant OFF>
Matt
 
Matt Colie said:
...I am very much with you on not letting others work on my cars. At one time in my life I could easily afford to pay someone to do what the family rolling stock needed. With few exceptions, I would later find that what was needed was not done correctly and completely. (So, What did I pay that AH FOR??)
I have a lift in my barn, if you have the build, a car size lift is can be had used and it not expensive. People think I like working on cars..... I DON'T. I would rather be sailing or off in the coach. But if I do it and it isn't right, at least I didn't pay to have it done wrong and I can make it right.
...
Matt
Click to expand...
Yes, I agree whole-heartedly. When I have had cars worked on it has been very rare that I don't find new damage that I will increase my costs or make another job more difficult later. So, I prefer to do it myself - even though when starting each new job - especially on newer cars - I haven't a clue what I am doing when I begin. But I have always gotten it accomplished.

And yes, a lift is in the plans for the new house... along with a 13' high basement ceiling.
 
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BlkTopTrvl said:
As for the deep pockets aspect, can you give an estimate of how much you think you average each year in coach repair and maintenance? I'm guessing based on your statement, it must be a lot.
Click to expand...

I'm just talking an emergency budget, not even regular maintenance. Regular maintenance isn't that much; tires every 6-8 years, brakes, oil/filters etc.

I'm sure you can handle the emergency budget looking at your sigfile. But some people blow the bank to buy $2-$4000 GMCs and then they end up abandoning them on the side of the road; scrapped b/c they run into one little issue on the way home.

I'm thinking that a GMC owner ought to have the ability to afford $5-10k in repairs or towing as an emergency. With proper maintenance and preparation they should never need it, but just in case you get to the other side of the continent and blow a tranny for example....
 
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tmsnyder said:
I'm just talking an emergency budget, not even regular maintenance. Regular maintenance isn't that much; tires every 6-8 years, brakes, oil/filters etc.

I'm sure you can handle the emergency budget looking at your sigfile. But some people blow the bank to buy $2-$4000 GMCs and then they end up abandoning them on the side of the road; scrapped b/c they run into one little issue on the way home.

I'm thinking that a GMC owner ought to have the ability to afford $5-10k in repairs or towing as an emergency. With proper maintenance and preparation they should never need it, but just in case you get to the other side of the continent and blow a tranny for example....
Click to expand...
5K - 10K as an emergency fund sounds about right to me. Also, do yourself a favor and get emergency towing (AAA, Coach-Net, etc). I have had to use it once (EFI component failure) and the money saved from the tow was the equivalent of about 10 years of membership fees.

As far as startup costs, if you don’t have the tools to work on the coach, you’ll be laying out some money for that. There’s also the initial, “I wanna do this/that or I don’t like and wanna replace this/that” factor that will have a tendency to stretch your budget. I am also currently paying for covered parking at a storage facility near me. The cost of that can vary depending on where you live. Oh..I’m also having my driveway extended and paved to accommodate parking the GMC alongside my house. I also plan to get a carport for it. That will cost $$$.

Hope you get the picture.

If you set a budget and stay within it, you will be fine. Just know that you will be tempted to throw money at the GMC, just like a boat or any other toy.
 
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traveler1980 said:
5K - 10K as an emergency fund sounds about right to me. Also, do yourself a favor and get emergency towing (AAA, Coach-Net, etc). I have had to use it once (EFI component failure) and the money saved from the tow was the equivalent of about 10 years of membership fees.

As far as startup costs, if you don’t have the tools to work on the coach, you’ll be laying out some money for that. There’s also the initial, “I wanna do this/that or I don’t like and wanna replace this/that” factor that will have a tendency to stretch your budget. I am also currently paying for covered parking at a storage facility near me. The cost of that can vary depending on where you live. Oh..I’m also having my driveway extended and paved to accommodate parking the GMC alongside my house. I also plan to get a carport for it. That will cost $$$.

Hope you get the picture.

If you set a budget and stay within it, you will be fine. Just know that you will be tempted to throw money at the GMC, just like a boat or any other toy.
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"Just know that you will be tempted to throw money at the GMC"

That's what I am trying to figure out, where to throw the money and where not, LOL
 
Scott,
Where to throw money is actually a pretty simple choice. In this order:
Get her safe to drive. (As in steers and stops when required)
Get her ready to be reliable. (This means all the rubber in important places)
Maker her comfortable for travel. (water leaks and HVAC)
Take her places and enjoy what she can give you.
You think fuel is expensive? Price a motel these days.
Matt
 
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Matt,
That is the plan but I can get her back on the road with a stock final drive for $500 as compared to $3,000 for the 3.70 with LSD, that's what is messing with my head. I just got to say go for it but it is tough for a frugal (cheap) newbie. As always thanks for the advise I am soaking it all up but sometimes I get a blockage, LOL:)
 
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