1973 Canyonlands Awning

charles boyd

New member
Jul 8, 2007
3,462
2
0
http://www.awningsbyzipdee.com

> Could anyone tell me if the 1973 26' Canyonlands where available with an awning? Also, does anyone know where I could get a new awning for this
> vehicle (not just the replacement fabric, but the whole awning frame)? Thanks

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
Start at JmK. Always the place to start. Get his GMC catalog (dream book), and keep it handy.
Awnings do show up from parts donor coaches. GMC awnings are special to the GMC curved body. If you get one from a donor coach, get all of the little
parts. Good luck with the hunt. Difficult to move an awning. I built a 2x4 frame and lashed it to the top of my pick-up. It was later moved tied to
the top of a GMC. Not heavy, just big and long.
Tom
--
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
 
The GMC Motorhome did not come with an awning originally. Like Chuck Boyd
stated ZipDee makes one that works great. I have a '73 Canyon Land that I had
ZipDees installed on both sides which I would recommend. I would recommend
also that unless you really know what you are doing (and have a lot of friends
will help you fit it) have someone like JimK, JimB, JeffS or Someone who has
done this before. Awnings ain't cheap but worth every cent.

P.S.
Where do you live?

jim Galbavy
'73 x-CL ANNIE
Lake Mary, Fl

i
 
Sir, it is my understanding that all awnings were owner, dealer or awning manufacturer installed. I have never seen a GMC awning. The curved sides
of the GMC are unique and cause mounting issues for some awnings. I believe most prefer the Zip-Dee. Our Crestmont had a Carefree awning without
metal sheath and the fabric deteriated in the first turn. Our Eleganza has a Zip-Dee with the metal cover on Pass side. I found a used drivers side
Zip-Dee that was quite a few years old and the canvas was still in good usable shape but did have to replace spring. Usually any awning that is on a
26' GMC will fit another 26' and can be shortened to fit a 23.

> That's great. Thanks guys.Could anyone tell me if the 1973 26' Canyonlands where available with an awning? In other words, was this an available
> option on this year and model?

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
Chavez,

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum....

What you apparently do not know is that many of the optional things were not installed by GMC in Pontiac, but were install at the dealerships just
prior to actual delivery. You are also asking about awnings and have not mentioned whether the coach is a 23 or 26. Of course the bet would be 26
and 23s are a smaller population.

As far as making it as close to stock as practical, don't bother. You should use the coach and not try to have a museum piece because if it is a
collector's item, you will not want to use its full capability. If it is not used, it will deteriorate at a faster pace.

I think you said it is a 73. If it has the original distributor, replace the points with Pertonix 1181LS. If someone has hammerer the air filter
housing into submission, then carry at least one full rebuild kit for that.

If you have noticed, most of us have a sigfile. It has a real name (so we don't have to guess who you are when we do meet, a short bit about the
coach and major mods, and geographic reference so others will know if you are near enough to assist.

Now, this is a community that enjoys providing support for others. It is unlike most that way. It is so much like that of the watermen that are my
world thing I like to welcome the new here much as they might be welcomed there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Chavez.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
even though the awnings were not factory installed. a nice zip dee awning would not deter it from it's originality. You put the interior, and
exterior looking factory, and upgrade the rest, I am sure you will win trophy's. a new zip dee has not changed too much over the years. I have an
pre-84 awning on my coach, and it looks the same as the one's they build today.

the registry has some information on #'s and you can see how close your's is to the beginning.

http://www.gmcmhregistry.com/

Looks like I am 288 some miles east of you in MN. There are a few owners up near you.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/