Ahhhh the old nail board and wire spools.....been there, done that....as long as you have good crimping tools its usually fun but without its a PITA.
1975 GMC Palm Beach Restomod
- Thread starter Mike Perez
- Start date
Very clever with the Tbolts as hangers I like it.
Wiring is always the fun part lol Ialways have good intentions and start clean and fancy but by the time im to the end it's "just get this last damn wire in here"
Wiring is always the fun part lol Ialways have good intentions and start clean and fancy but by the time im to the end it's "just get this last damn wire in here"
Today is a bitter-sweet day……and sorry in advance for the long post.
I just got back from a two-week vacation away from work, my house, and my GMC Project. Somewhere along the way, I had an epiphany…..the GMC Motorhome and especially my GMC Motorhome is not for me and my family and here is why.
The first thing is that I don’t have the love for the coach and the nostalgia that many have. That is one of the many reasons why I had no problem making massive mechanical and interior changes. The GMC was ahead of its time, and the styling is still amazing to this day, but ultimately, I purchased a GMC only because the European-style small class A motorhomes are not able to be imported to the US and there are no great made in US options. If there were, I would not have even considered buying a GMC.
At this point, I honestly don’t think any amount of money can get my coach to a place I am happy with it. I want a coach for camping and outdoor activities. That means I want a compartment for mountain bikes, I want storage for chairs, I want rear or all wheel drive so I can drive to my wife’s horse events without the fear of getting stranded on wet grass, I want double-pane windows so the heat isn’t a constant issue, and on and on and on. Because of the aluminum structure configuration, I can’t change it enough for what I really want to achieve.
More importantly, I want a modern drivetrain. The 455 is a great engine, but I just don’t want to spend time dealing with 3000 mile oil changes, wheel bearing issues, questionable brakes or upgrades to make them good where today, transmissions are 10 gears, engines go 100K without a tuneup, and brakes that have ABS and stability control. Second alternators can be added for $600 to OEM mounting.
During my vacation, I had the chance to help out a family member with his classic Italian roadster. We had to order some weather-stripping, and while cruising through the catalog and to my surprise, most parts for that car are actually easy to get and affordable. I worry that as fewer and fewer of these GMCs are left, it will get even more difficult get simple parts. That’s a hassle I just don’t need.
Another thing I have realized is that I really don’t enjoy the act of “restoring” things. I enjoy creating things from scratch. I like the idea of building from a clean sheet; but taking something old and “fixing” it is not something I really enjoy. In the case of the GMC, the list of items that I need to do to “restore” window seals, roof caps, side trim, broken interior plastic, etc…is just something I don’t want to deal with. I’ve considered just taking it to @JimBounds or Cinnabar, but ultimately, I don’t think I would be happy even with a completely reworked coach due to some of the limitations I’ve listed above.
The last reason is time. Time is precious and with limited supply. Some members of my family are not getting any younger, and I’ve realized that I don’t want to sacrifice the next 3-5 years spending the majority of my free time restoring an RV. In just the last 2.5 years since I’ve started the build, I could have gone on dozens of short trips and 4 or 5 long ones. Realistically, If I were to finish the coach to my satisfaction it would be a minimum of 3 more years. There are too many places I want to see, too many things to do, and too many Jeep trails to find to spend that much time to restore a 45 year old motorhome. If I were to buy a new higher-end RV today, it would be 20 years old when I turn 65. If I were to keep the GMC, it would also be 65 years old when I turn 65. Just when I’ll want to use it the most, it will be 65 years old. That would be like driving a 1955 model all over the country today. I’m just not going to want to deal with a 65 year old motorhome when I approach retirement.
So the question is what to do now? I have a very unusual, partially built RV that has a one-off engine build with custom injection, a huge lithium pack, a new transmission, Dave Lenzi knuckles, hydroboost brakes, a custom dash AC and otherwise completely empty. I’m going to have to decide over the next weeks and months how best to part with the project. I know what I will not be able to recoup a fraction of what I have in it….and that’s OK. It has been a great life lesson and I have learned quite a bit from it. If anyone out there has an interest in any or all of the build, message me directly and we’ll talk.
I just got back from a two-week vacation away from work, my house, and my GMC Project. Somewhere along the way, I had an epiphany…..the GMC Motorhome and especially my GMC Motorhome is not for me and my family and here is why.
The first thing is that I don’t have the love for the coach and the nostalgia that many have. That is one of the many reasons why I had no problem making massive mechanical and interior changes. The GMC was ahead of its time, and the styling is still amazing to this day, but ultimately, I purchased a GMC only because the European-style small class A motorhomes are not able to be imported to the US and there are no great made in US options. If there were, I would not have even considered buying a GMC.
At this point, I honestly don’t think any amount of money can get my coach to a place I am happy with it. I want a coach for camping and outdoor activities. That means I want a compartment for mountain bikes, I want storage for chairs, I want rear or all wheel drive so I can drive to my wife’s horse events without the fear of getting stranded on wet grass, I want double-pane windows so the heat isn’t a constant issue, and on and on and on. Because of the aluminum structure configuration, I can’t change it enough for what I really want to achieve.
More importantly, I want a modern drivetrain. The 455 is a great engine, but I just don’t want to spend time dealing with 3000 mile oil changes, wheel bearing issues, questionable brakes or upgrades to make them good where today, transmissions are 10 gears, engines go 100K without a tuneup, and brakes that have ABS and stability control. Second alternators can be added for $600 to OEM mounting.
During my vacation, I had the chance to help out a family member with his classic Italian roadster. We had to order some weather-stripping, and while cruising through the catalog and to my surprise, most parts for that car are actually easy to get and affordable. I worry that as fewer and fewer of these GMCs are left, it will get even more difficult get simple parts. That’s a hassle I just don’t need.
Another thing I have realized is that I really don’t enjoy the act of “restoring” things. I enjoy creating things from scratch. I like the idea of building from a clean sheet; but taking something old and “fixing” it is not something I really enjoy. In the case of the GMC, the list of items that I need to do to “restore” window seals, roof caps, side trim, broken interior plastic, etc…is just something I don’t want to deal with. I’ve considered just taking it to @JimBounds or Cinnabar, but ultimately, I don’t think I would be happy even with a completely reworked coach due to some of the limitations I’ve listed above.
The last reason is time. Time is precious and with limited supply. Some members of my family are not getting any younger, and I’ve realized that I don’t want to sacrifice the next 3-5 years spending the majority of my free time restoring an RV. In just the last 2.5 years since I’ve started the build, I could have gone on dozens of short trips and 4 or 5 long ones. Realistically, If I were to finish the coach to my satisfaction it would be a minimum of 3 more years. There are too many places I want to see, too many things to do, and too many Jeep trails to find to spend that much time to restore a 45 year old motorhome. If I were to buy a new higher-end RV today, it would be 20 years old when I turn 65. If I were to keep the GMC, it would also be 65 years old when I turn 65. Just when I’ll want to use it the most, it will be 65 years old. That would be like driving a 1955 model all over the country today. I’m just not going to want to deal with a 65 year old motorhome when I approach retirement.
So the question is what to do now? I have a very unusual, partially built RV that has a one-off engine build with custom injection, a huge lithium pack, a new transmission, Dave Lenzi knuckles, hydroboost brakes, a custom dash AC and otherwise completely empty. I’m going to have to decide over the next weeks and months how best to part with the project. I know what I will not be able to recoup a fraction of what I have in it….and that’s OK. It has been a great life lesson and I have learned quite a bit from it. If anyone out there has an interest in any or all of the build, message me directly and we’ll talk.
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Your assessment of time is accurate. That's the most precious commodity we have, and the project you created is going to take a whole lot of it to make it complete.
Somewhat related, my brother just bought a GMC, same year as mine but a Palm Beach, and it's a 'runner'. He paid $12k for it. He's just going to use it and enjoy it right away. It's in pretty decent condition, and he'll just refinish what needs finishing as needed and as time allows. But in the meantime he's going to use it, b/c as you say we only have so much time and kids grow up fast, so it's better to have the thing out on the road than in the driveway in pieces.
Mine was a $4k unit and it's in pieces in my driveway. Obviously not the project you took on, my philosophy is that GM engineers knew what they were doing and I like things that are stock, or at least appear stock. After two years it's starting to go back together but I've lost 2 years of memories with my family. We did a few trips but it was a bit sketchy. I think we would have been better off buying one that was a runner.
Good luck whatever route you decide to go. I'm sure you could build a European style Class A motorhome of your own. In the meantime, maybe pick up a beater / runner of any make/model and get out there and do the trips you want to do immediately. I had an absolute fugly class A Holiday Rambler that was a real beater but we took it all over the US 3 years ago, it was fantastic.
I'm sure you'll figure it out. Cheers.
Somewhat related, my brother just bought a GMC, same year as mine but a Palm Beach, and it's a 'runner'. He paid $12k for it. He's just going to use it and enjoy it right away. It's in pretty decent condition, and he'll just refinish what needs finishing as needed and as time allows. But in the meantime he's going to use it, b/c as you say we only have so much time and kids grow up fast, so it's better to have the thing out on the road than in the driveway in pieces.
Mine was a $4k unit and it's in pieces in my driveway. Obviously not the project you took on, my philosophy is that GM engineers knew what they were doing and I like things that are stock, or at least appear stock. After two years it's starting to go back together but I've lost 2 years of memories with my family. We did a few trips but it was a bit sketchy. I think we would have been better off buying one that was a runner.
Good luck whatever route you decide to go. I'm sure you could build a European style Class A motorhome of your own. In the meantime, maybe pick up a beater / runner of any make/model and get out there and do the trips you want to do immediately. I had an absolute fugly class A Holiday Rambler that was a real beater but we took it all over the US 3 years ago, it was fantastic.
I'm sure you'll figure it out. Cheers.
I am afraid that I very much understand your situation.
As sad as this is, I have also had to abandon several plans, projects and dreams. That is just part of life.
We had two issues with our coach in close succession. A piston shed some rings and that prompted an overhaul that ate most of a season, and then last spring a lower control arm failed and we hit the ditch in the median at 60. That required replacing the front frame. I know you have some feeling for that.
The big difference is in two very important things:
We were not missing time with the kids because they have been gone a while.
The coach had already provided 14 seasons of travel and a 70k miles of wonderful memories.
I can tell you for a fact (and prior experience with other things) were it not for those two, she would have been gone after those.
Now, you have a saleable coach, and be sure to collect all the parts lists and invoices. No buyer will even slow down without those. If you have the time and material to replace the main floor, you should do that as a minimum. Put the seats in and make it driveable. If she cannot be driven safely, she will be relegated to the "scrap coach" market. You will not get your investment back, so resign yourself to that right now.
Photography is cheap these days. Try to take too many pictures. Have a good friend and/or hopefully another owner look thought them and throw out about half. Your pictures posted are really good (I so hate the posting full of fuzzy cell phone pics). Open a DropBox.com account. You can load the pictures in a single album and any interested person can be given the link to download those pics and anything else that matters.
Plan to work with and within the GMC community to find her a new and loving home. The support of this community is awesome. If there is a Black List friend nearby, request assistance. While there is the GMC marketplace on FB, also take advantage of the FB resident marketplace and Craig's List. All of this is no cash out of pocket and will get the project exposure.
If a perspective buyer appears, be sure to point him at this forum, GMCnet and the local chapter so he knows that there is support. If the plague is over, direct him to a nearby rally. Lots of coaches get sold at rallies. When he meets others and sees what can happen, he may decide he has the motivation.
As said, I have been there and done that. I have some regrets, not so many that I would like to go back there. And yes, you will cry a little when she leaves, but the memory of the accomplishments will be a good guide for your future.
Matt & Mary Colie often aboard Chaumière
As sad as this is, I have also had to abandon several plans, projects and dreams. That is just part of life.
We had two issues with our coach in close succession. A piston shed some rings and that prompted an overhaul that ate most of a season, and then last spring a lower control arm failed and we hit the ditch in the median at 60. That required replacing the front frame. I know you have some feeling for that.
The big difference is in two very important things:
We were not missing time with the kids because they have been gone a while.
The coach had already provided 14 seasons of travel and a 70k miles of wonderful memories.
I can tell you for a fact (and prior experience with other things) were it not for those two, she would have been gone after those.
Now, you have a saleable coach, and be sure to collect all the parts lists and invoices. No buyer will even slow down without those. If you have the time and material to replace the main floor, you should do that as a minimum. Put the seats in and make it driveable. If she cannot be driven safely, she will be relegated to the "scrap coach" market. You will not get your investment back, so resign yourself to that right now.
Photography is cheap these days. Try to take too many pictures. Have a good friend and/or hopefully another owner look thought them and throw out about half. Your pictures posted are really good (I so hate the posting full of fuzzy cell phone pics). Open a DropBox.com account. You can load the pictures in a single album and any interested person can be given the link to download those pics and anything else that matters.
Plan to work with and within the GMC community to find her a new and loving home. The support of this community is awesome. If there is a Black List friend nearby, request assistance. While there is the GMC marketplace on FB, also take advantage of the FB resident marketplace and Craig's List. All of this is no cash out of pocket and will get the project exposure.
If a perspective buyer appears, be sure to point him at this forum, GMCnet and the local chapter so he knows that there is support. If the plague is over, direct him to a nearby rally. Lots of coaches get sold at rallies. When he meets others and sees what can happen, he may decide he has the motivation.
As said, I have been there and done that. I have some regrets, not so many that I would like to go back there. And yes, you will cry a little when she leaves, but the memory of the accomplishments will be a good guide for your future.
Matt & Mary Colie often aboard Chaumière
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Matt,
Unfortunately that is just not going to happen. The parts are worth much more than the whole. If someone were to buy this entire project, they would have to have an understanding of modern GM LS-type engine management. There are a ton of muscle car Olds types that would love to have this engine. A GMC'er could use the transmission if they didn't want the engine. Hell, a GMC'er could take the engine and transmission and just undo a few things and have an awesome carbureted setup. I'd rather not part it out because the time to remove stuff is more than I'd like to spend so I'd give anyone who wants it all a good deal.
Mike it pains me to read this as i was hoping to see "YOUR" version of this coach but having restored 2 cars myself, both of which parts could not be purchased, forcing me to fabricate everything myself, i know exactly were you are coming from. I can appreciate these coaches for what they are and honestly the only thing that keeps me sane when i work on this [ours runs and is somewhat drive-able] is the trip to the RV store, inevitably we look at something "new and shiny" but i cant wrap my head around the price nor can i responsibly purchase one since i'm not usually home 265 days a year.
I know from my car restoration business that you have 2 roads to choose: Get it together with a floor etc so that it runs/drives and stops or part it. From the sounds of things your not interested in getting it mobile [i understand totally the position, been there with a 71 GTX one of one....i just couldnt do it anymore or really cared to] so parting it is really your only option [and best money return] the only caveat here is time....i have found that if you sell things in pieces it will take a while to move stuff....of course the good stuff goes first then the rest just takes for ever.
Mike, it is the correct decision, life is to short not to enjoy it and we are not getting any younger!
I know from my car restoration business that you have 2 roads to choose: Get it together with a floor etc so that it runs/drives and stops or part it. From the sounds of things your not interested in getting it mobile [i understand totally the position, been there with a 71 GTX one of one....i just couldnt do it anymore or really cared to] so parting it is really your only option [and best money return] the only caveat here is time....i have found that if you sell things in pieces it will take a while to move stuff....of course the good stuff goes first then the rest just takes for ever.
Mike, it is the correct decision, life is to short not to enjoy it and we are not getting any younger!
I hear you on the "lost time" consideration. I've attempted to mitigate that by buying a cheap 1993 27 foot Thor motorhome for $2k before we purchased a GMC. We are still using it for the second season now, and are loving it. I'm glad I was able to find a way to enjoy each RV season. This is basically a throwaway motorhome at some point, but I've breathed a little life into it as well and will be able to pass it on to its next owner with a profit.
Sometimes I find the key to happiness for me is lower standards. Our Thor is a bit of a junker with some mild water damage here and there. I made sure it was mechanically sound and all systems work--took me about 2 weeks of long evenings after work. We used it 5 times in the month that followed. The wife and I keep reminding each other that it's better than a tent, but we look forward to getting the GMC up and running so we can get rid of the Thor. The kids definitely don't notice or care about the wear and tear it shows.
I'll miss following your build, but you've gotta do what's right for you. I hope you can find a new home for it. I certainly wouldn't shy away from finishing what you started personally (I love the LS engine management you've started), but I don't think we'd ever come to terms on price.
Sometimes I find the key to happiness for me is lower standards. Our Thor is a bit of a junker with some mild water damage here and there. I made sure it was mechanically sound and all systems work--took me about 2 weeks of long evenings after work. We used it 5 times in the month that followed. The wife and I keep reminding each other that it's better than a tent, but we look forward to getting the GMC up and running so we can get rid of the Thor. The kids definitely don't notice or care about the wear and tear it shows.
I'll miss following your build, but you've gotta do what's right for you. I hope you can find a new home for it. I certainly wouldn't shy away from finishing what you started personally (I love the LS engine management you've started), but I don't think we'd ever come to terms on price.
Well, my guess is that the coach will end up parted out, but there is a possibility of someone taking the front clip and moving forward with the engine. We'll see.
For anyone following this build, it is going to a good home. @JodyPackerfan has purchased the entire project including all the extra GMC parts I have obtained. Also, I'm going to bow out of the forum management business and I believe @Christo is going to take over that. I'll post some final pictures as it gets loaded for its ride up north.
Well even though I don't get to pounce on the available parts like a vulture, this makes me happy!
Hopefully you'll check back in now and then. I think we'll all miss having the founder around. Best of luck with your goals!
OUTSTANDING work on the site and your build - this has deffinetly been my favorite GMC site and I've enjoyed watching your build updates - oh and by the way - thanks for the coach and everything else
Thanks Mike, you've set a very high bench mark for all of us Please follow up with your next coach so we can see and watch what you do to it, because as a fellow gear head i know you wont be able to leave it alone....lol. 
Thanks Mike, you've set a very high bench mark for all of us Please follow up with your next coach so we can see and watch what you do to it, because as a fellow gear head i know you wont be able to leave it alone....lol.
Don't tell my wife.
