First Start in 20 years
- Thread starter Bodie Miller
- Start date
Well this looks like an amazing find--congrats! I commend you for stopping and asking for advice on waking up the engine; that was a smart move. It looks like it was stored well, and I'm sure you could get it on the road in no time.
I'd recommend attacking everything that's rubber. Replace tires; inspect belts, airbags, hoses, possible exhaust hangers, engine mounts, and don't forget to check on the body pads.
For the suspension, just get a couple 1/4" NPT to shrader valve adapters, screw them directly into the bags, and fill the bags manually. That'll get it moving around, make it easy to push/pull/tow/load. You can worry about the automatic system later.
I'd recommend attacking everything that's rubber. Replace tires; inspect belts, airbags, hoses, possible exhaust hangers, engine mounts, and don't forget to check on the body pads.
For the suspension, just get a couple 1/4" NPT to shrader valve adapters, screw them directly into the bags, and fill the bags manually. That'll get it moving around, make it easy to push/pull/tow/load. You can worry about the automatic system later.
Thank you Paul, That is fantastic advice on the airbags I've been worrying about loading it on the flat bed because of that. Since I haven't tried to start it I wasn't sure about how to get the air bags inflated. Does it work electronically or from the engine to air it up. I literally have not investigated at all at this point. Where do I get the shrader valve adapters.
I just got this unit and the previous owner is gracious enough to let me keep it stored till I can coordinate picking it up.
You're welcome. Onboard compressors are 12V electric, so you can improvise with jump boxes or shore power if your power converter works.
I've ordered shrader valves on Amazon, and gotten them from Ace hardware. Auto parts stores are as possibility. It depends on what you have in your area.
Thank you, I have all of the above to check with. I will get them today. I am heading down to Texas this weekend to inspect further. Currently it is located about 4.5 hours away. This motorhome was in an estate sale so I have some time to get it unless the entire property sells, and the family have been great to work with. I was actually friends with the grandson that's how I found it.
Thank you, I thank so too, this one is immaculate. It only has 15k miles total and was converted in 2000 and then only driven 7000 miles after the conversion. Interior still looks new.
Congrats! Looks like a very nice rig and well cared for, even if it did only sit for the last 20 years.
You'll have her fired up in no time. What is your mechanical background? Been playing with old cars or are you going to have to pay to have work done?
You'll have her fired up in no time. What is your mechanical background? Been playing with old cars or are you going to have to pay to have work done?
Hey there, no I can do a lot of the work myself, along with help from my brothers. We have played with and restored older vehicles off and on. I may ask questions that sound like I don't know a lot but I want the full opinion from experts with these awesome motorhomes. I really enjoy this kind of work, it takes my mind off my stressful job. lol
You'll be a great fit. It sounds like you've got the skills and experience necessary to be a caretaker of one of these rigs. My hope is that they outlive us all, and I'm just the one keeping mine going "for now".
Don't worry about asking lots of questions. Even seasoned mechanics shy away from these coaches quite often. They're a bit different from most things, but skills you've acquired will translate. The rest is just trivia.
Good! In my opinion, you need to be able to work on them yourself. No mechanic is going to care about it as much as you do and caring about them is the kind of attitude it takes to own and use one of these big, beautiful girls. It needs to mean more than a paycheck or a job because anything else just doesn't make sense.
Plus, breakdowns are bound to happen and the more you know about the coach, the better off you'll be in getting rolling again.
Absolutely appreciate the encouragement, really looking forward to meeting you guys at one of the rallies. I’m having an Rv lean too built to store it in. It’s funny I never really knew how admired these coaches were, I’ve always thought they were awesome, but some of my old car buddies are just as excited about my find as I am.
Oh, so you haven't had your GMC out on the road yet... just wait! You'll frequently have people approaching you to ask questions, tell you how their grandfather had one, give you thumbs up as they're driving by. Some will ask the year and be shocked with the answer.
You might start to think you're a minor celebrity, but you'd be wrong - you're a major celebrity with a GMC MotorHome!
Glad to have you aboard.
May all your travels be safe!
It can be a pain at time.... I had someone in the next lane taking pictures of mine, but not allowing me to change lanes to make a turn....
