Finally joined the club!

[old_skool_luvr]

Hello all!

Like my into title says, i've finally joined the club of GMC TVS-4 Motorhome enthusiast! I've luv'd these big girls since i first found out about them, close to 30 yrs ago.

Short back story to my (our) latest acquisition ('cause i can ramble on with the greatest of ease, LOL!) I first saw this truck 8 yrs ago, when i inadvertently took a wrong turn to a friend's BBQ, and this thing was sitting in the driveway. Current plates on it, so i knew it wasn't one of those "Nop, not for sale! I'm going to restore it one day!" situations. Fast forward to a couple of months ago, and said friend is now moving out West, and was having a going away BBQ. I made myself a bet - if it's still sitting there, today is the day i'll stop and ask."

So now i'm now the third owner (in Canada, truck is originally from Virgina) of a '73 230 (with 73K miles) in the wonderful orange & white colour scheme! She's an ol' girl, with some beauty marks, but the paint still buffs up to a shine. Picking it up on the 9th of next month.

*more photos to follow after physical acquisition

 

[Matt Colie]

You have lots of friends in Canada. You still need to join GMCMI and get the complete documentation. You also need to load a sigfile (go to the little round O on the top right) and put in a name you won't be embarrassed by, a short about the coach including major mods, and a geographic reference (Canada is a bit vague) because you just acquired a bunk of brand new old friends and they can be a real help when you need it.
If you are in western Ontario, plan to come down to Michigan for an international Convention in three weeks.
Matt_C

 

[bdub]

Hello all!

Like my into title says, i've finally joined the club of GMC TVS-4 Motorhome enthusiast! I've luv'd these big girls since i first found out about them, close to 30 yrs ago.

Hello all!

Like my into title says, i've finally joined the club of GMC TVS-4 Motorhome enthusiast! I've luv'd these big girls since i first found out about them, close to 30 yrs ago.

Welcome to the family! She's a keeper. Lots a folks have have done a lot with a start like that.


For the purpose of locating and keeping track of all Classic GMC Motorhomes.
Please fill out and submit the online form at www.gmcmhregistry.com/contact/form.html
(There are currently over 8,960 GMCs accounted for)


Find the VIN tag is on the firewall behind the passenger side hood.
Or on the inner glove box door tag.
Or on the title.


* Note about the Build Date of your GMC: From the decal on the inside of the glove box door - look for a number on the top line just left of center, similar to "032174". The example indicates the build date as March 21st, 1974. *


Thank you
Billy Massey
The GMC Motorhome Registry
www.gmcmhregistry.com

 

[boybach]

I see brick houses in the background so probably not out west LOL

 

[tyler]

A 1973 may still have plastic air bag cones in the rear. Tap with a little wrench for sound, and check for multiple little "ribs" inside the cone that are only present on aluminum cones. Change them immediately if plastic or you risk catastrophic failure. Plenty of folks have upgraded to a completely different style, so used metal cones are available. Join a club and someone likely has some.
Also check the large "battery boost" cable that runs along the front radiator support for insulation degradation. Even if it looks good you should put a wire wrap on it from the battery side to where it goes in the firewall under driver's feet.
Welcome!

 

[Russell]

Congratulations! Welcome to the Group.
Russell

 

[old_skool_luvr]

You have lots of friends in Canada. You still need to join GMCMI and get the complete documentation. You also need to load a sigfile (go to the little round O on the top right) and put in a name you won't be embarrassed by, a short about the coach including major mods, and a geographic reference (Canada is a bit vague) because you just acquired a bunk of brand new old friends and they can be a real help when you need it.
If you are in western Ontario, plan to come down to Michigan for an international Convention in three weeks.
Matt_C

Hi Matt.

Thanks for the welcome!

My apologies on the lack of information in my bio, i'm usually really thorough at filling all that in as soon as i create a profile on a forum. It's been crazy the last 3-4 months for me (hence why i'm only just now getting back to replying to all the members who welcomed me).

The truck is pretty much stock (save for some bad carpet replacement) it just needs some good elbow grease, and some TLC to get her shining once again. For the most part, it's just the usual tune-up and full fluid changes needed, with the brakes receiving a full & thorough inspection, as well as addressing the dropping master cylinder fluid level. The brakes still function, but there is definitely something leaking somewhere.
We're located in the GTA of Ontario, so not too far from Michigan. But, your government doesn't want me visiting any more, so no more State-side adventures for me. It sucks, 'cause i'm sure that would've been one truck show my wife would actually want to attend, LOL!

The previous owner had registered with GMCMI (i believe) as, among the numerous binders of manuals & paperwork, is a typed list (yes, TYPED, not printed!) of Ontario members who were available for emergency help when away from home, as well as quite a few years worth of newsletters.

 

[old_skool_luvr]

Welcome to the family! She's a keeper. Lots a folks have have done a lot with a start like that.


For the purpose of locating and keeping track of all Classic GMC Motorhomes.
Please fill out and submit the online form at www.gmcmhregistry.com/contact/form.html
(There are currently over 8,960 GMCs accounted for)


Find the VIN tag is on the firewall behind the passenger side hood.
Or on the inner glove box door tag.
Or on the title.


* Note about the Build Date of your GMC: From the decal on the inside of the glove box door - look for a number on the top line just left of center, similar to "032174". The example indicates the build date as March 21st, 1974. *


Thank you
Billy Massey
The GMC Motorhome Registry
www.gmcmhregistry.com

Hi Bill.

Thanks for the welcome!

I filled out the registry, but the build date is only July 1973 (taken from the blue, GM GVWR sticker on the driver's, side panel [under the window]). The build sheet sticker isn't anywhere to be found inside the glovebox (on either the door itself, or the lower part).

Honestly....as weird as this may sound, it doesn't even look like one was on it. No glue residue, no ghost outline, no nothing. I'll do some looking around in there when i'm back working on it, as i've encountered some weird places that GM assemblers have slapped those stickers before.

Looking forward to finding out more on the history of this ol' girl we've affectionately named "CITRUSY".

Cheers!

 

[old_skool_luvr]

I see brick houses in the background so probably not out west LOL

LOL, i think that's more of an old wives tale.

 

[old_skool_luvr]

A 1973 may still have plastic air bag cones in the rear. Tap with a little wrench for sound, and check for multiple little "ribs" inside the cone that are only present on aluminum cones. Change them immediately if plastic or you risk catastrophic failure. Plenty of folks have upgraded to a completely different style, so used metal cones are available. Join a club and someone likely has some.
Also check the large "battery boost" cable that runs along the front radiator support for insulation degradation. Even if it looks good you should put a wire wrap on it from the battery side to where it goes in the firewall under driver's feet.
Welcome!

Hi Tyler.

Thanks for the welcome - and the advice!

The bags are not original, and the previous owner had (2) BNIB bags for the truck, so i'm sure we're good there.

I'm no stranger to air suspension systems (designed & built the bag set-up on my squarebody 'Burb) so the air-ride system will be gone through from front to back. I functions properly currently, but i want to ensure the whole system is in A-1 condition come Spring, as i plan to put a few miles on the clock, before we head to Vancouver Island in the Summer. I'm still blown away that the original air compressor is still performing it's duty!

In case yourself (or anyone else) is wondering, there is 73,823 5/10 miles on the odometer. Kinda weird that i buy a '73, with 73K miles on it!

Cheers!

 

[old_skool_luvr]

Congratulations! Welcome to the Group.
Russell

Hi Russell.

Thanks for the welcome!

 

[boybach]

LOL, i think that's more of an old wives tale.

I must live in an old wives tale then - no brick houses out here

 

[old_skool_luvr]

I must live in an old wives tale then - no brick houses out here

Really? I saw plenty of brick houses in Calgary/Edmonton when i was out there in the early 80's. I also have a friend who does real-estate in Calgary, and 98% of his listings are brick homes.

Now....i'm talking in non-countryside homes here, so, yeah, they're probably all wood framed/siding styled homes compared to wood framed/brick homes.

Anyways, my apologies to all for signing up like a noob, and not filling everything out.

 

[ScottC]

Welcome aboard!!!!

 

[old_skool_luvr]

Welcome aboard!!!!

Thanks Scott!

 

[boybach]

Really? I saw plenty of brick houses in Calgary/Edmonton when i was out there in the early 80's. I also have a friend who does real-estate in Calgary, and 98% of his listings are brick homes.

Now....i'm talking in non-countryside homes here, so, yeah, they're probably all wood framed/siding styled homes compared to wood framed/brick homes.

Anyways, my apologies to all for signing up like a noob, and not filling everything out.

Sorry, when I say "out west" I'm talking west of the Rockies, although I appreciate that easterners view "out west" as anything west of Kenora LOL