A note to the new TZE owners

[Matt Colie]

This is a note to David and Adam and all the other new GMC/TZE owners that have found their way here.

We were all new owners at one time. Though it may seem like it, none of us were born knowing all that we can now share. We are actually glad to be
able to be able to share this knowledge in the hope that you may enjoy both the coach and the community as we have. I was thinking that if we were to
set up a support group for all of us, I really don't know if it would be "Friends of Ken(2), Emery, or other, but both the emotional and technical
support here is just not available elsewhere. If you need assistance, please say so. I happen to have a very personal story here, but I will not
burn the bandwidth for that just now. Suffice it to say, you are not alone. Not nearly.

In complete candor, it is very hard to know all that you needed to know when you agreed to take on your coach. What I will ask of each of you is that
you carefully prioritize your effort. (Yeah, I know, when you are up to your ass in alligators it is hard to remember that your intent was to drain
the swamp.) Please, get the coach safe and then reliable and then make it pleasant. This may seem a long ways off, but it is a manageable task. As
soon as you can, get to a rally. Even if for a single day. (Our first was the last day at Berrien Springs, and it was a day that we will never
forget.)

These old girls want to be run. As soon as you can, drive it. If you don't any place important to go, take the coach anyway. It will get used and
you will get the needed driving experience and confidence.

I my case with the coach, I will be honest and say that I lucked out and found one that had been well maintained for most of its life and had not been
molested to any extent. It still needed some love and attention. This was not my first rodeo (voyage). I have had my share of problems with such
things. If you are willing to supply the beer, the stories could go on for a very long time....

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit

 

[johnny]

And remember the old adage, certainly applicable here "Experience is directly proportional to ruined equipment."

--johnny
--
'76 23' transmode Norris upfit, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"The road goes on forever, and the party never ends" --Robert Earl Keen

 

[mike]

Thanks Matt and all the other members who offer their help and wisdom. I am very new to the GMC community and have asked for help on several
occasions, never once was I made to feel as though I was wasting anybody's time, in fact I was told there is no such thing as a dumb question and to
keep on asking.

The encouragement is critical to newbies like myself who want and need assistance but don't want to become a PITA. One day perhaps I can pay it
forward and share an experience that can help others.

I'm looking forward to completing my project with your help, taking it on short and long drives and meeting up at a rally or two, thanks again for
this forum and the collective knowledge offered.

Stay well,
Mike

 

[david horowitz]

Thanks for this note Matt... assuming I'm the 'David' you were addressing :lol:

My TZE is a fine coach, but several areas have been neglected in recent years and so I'm taking those on one at a time. I'm NOT a mechanic... though
I am mechanically inclined and willing to take on most any challenge. I have a helper for the larger automotive mechanic projects, though this is his
first TZE to work on. I'm trying to do as much of the work on the coach that I can myself. Also I have a guardian TZE angel that is advising me so
as to get up to speed on things.

Since purchasing the coach I've had to R&R the final drive and both drive shafts, along with replacing worn bushings and the boomerang arm. Much of
this work done with the assistance of Jim K in an effort to get the steering under control. I repaired the worn and leaking holding tank and waste
dump system, and added a maceraor as well. I built a set of ramps, then moved onto servicing and replacing worn parts on the Onan along with
reconditioning the Onan compartment. That work is underway now.

Next I'll tackle the buzz box, poorly terminated and insulated wiring, and other bubble gum type repairs I've found. Then on to checking for all
known fire prevention projects to include adding fire extinguishers to the engine and fridge compartments. Oh yea, updated fuel lines, and replacing
damaged propane lines too. This is a very abreviated list of repairs which exceeds both my budget and the time I have available to spend on this...
but I'll push forward none the less.

The presence and support of the wonderful folks here and also on Facebook keeps me going! My goal is to have the coach well road worthy by next
summer during which time I plan to make it to a few GMC gatherings.

Many thanks!
Dave
--
David del Rio - 75 Avion - Raymond, CA

 

[Deb]

I can only say that I have found the members here to be extraordinarily helpful, welcoming and willing to go so much more than the extra mile to be of
any and all assistance.
Case in point the post from Germany (?) with the non-GMC looking for help.

Even though I haven't even laid hands on my coach yet, I have already found a few folks up this side of the border (and a couple just south of the
49th) who have had my back all the way (and held my leash, as Matt put it )
Once I am officially on the road in the spring, I plan to make a few pit-stops along my way across Canada, to say thanks and talk coaches;. Then it
will be a rally or two.

I have a lot to learn, and you people have a lot to share.. Looking forward to getting "under the hood" of my own coach, and with the guidance of
everyone here, should be a long and happy relationship.

--
It's Bigger on the Inside!

 

[adrien genesoto]

> I can only say that I have found the members here to be extraordinarily helpful, welcoming and willing to go so much more than the extra mile to
> be of any and all assistance.
> Case in point the post from Germany (?) with the non-GMC looking for help.
>
> Even though I haven't even laid hands on my coach yet, I have already found a few folks up this side of the border (and a couple just south of the
> 49th) who have had my back all the way (and held my leash, as Matt put it )
> Once I am officially on the road in the spring, I plan to make a few pit-stops along my way across Canada, to say thanks and talk coaches;. Then
> it will be a rally or two.
>
> I have a lot to learn, and you people have a lot to share.. Looking forward to getting "under the hood" of my own coach, and with the guidance of
> everyone here, should be a long and happy relationship.

Deb,
If you haven't downloaded the maintenance manuals do so, and start reading each chapter. That will give you a knowledge start on each of the
systems, which should make it a little easier when you get the coach.
Manuals download at http://www.bdub.net/manuals/index.html
and in this sites http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/

What I did at the start.

--
”When we avoid the mistakes we might have made, we sometimes make the mistakes that we might have avoided.”

Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook 26-3
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6

 

[kingsley coach]

Mike
You wrote, "...don't want to become a PITA."

If being a PITA was a problem on here, I'd have been given the boot years
ago. An extremely pleasant group these people!!

Mike in NS

> > I can only say that I have found the members here to be extraordinarily
> helpful, welcoming and willing to go so much more than the extra mile to
> > be of any and all assistance.
> > Case in point the post from Germany (?) with the non-GMC looking for
> help.
> >
> > Even though I haven't even laid hands on my coach yet, I have already
> found a few folks up this side of the border (and a couple just south of the
> > 49th) who have had my back all the way (and held my leash, as Matt put
> it )
> > Once I am officially on the road in the spring, I plan to make a few
> pit-stops along my way across Canada, to say thanks and talk coaches;. Then
> > it will be a rally or two.
> >
> > I have a lot to learn, and you people have a lot to share.. Looking
> forward to getting "under the hood" of my own coach, and with the guidance
> of
> > everyone here, should be a long and happy relationship.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Deb,
> If you haven't downloaded the maintenance manuals do so, and start
> reading each chapter. That will give you a knowledge start on each of the
> systems, which should make it a little easier when you get the coach.
> Manuals download at http://www.bdub.net/manuals/index.html
> and in this sites http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
>
> What I did at the start.
>
>
>
>
> --
> ”When we avoid the mistakes we might have made, we sometimes make the
> mistakes that we might have avoided.”
>
>
>
> Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
> 75 Glenbrook 26-3
> Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !

 

[Deb]

> > I can only say that I have found the members here to be extraordinarily helpful, welcoming and willing to go so much more than the extra mile
> > to be of any and all assistance.
> > Case in point the post from Germany (?) with the non-GMC looking for help.
> >
> > Even though I haven't even laid hands on my coach yet, I have already found a few folks up this side of the border (and a couple just south of
> > the 49th) who have had my back all the way (and held my leash, as Matt put it )
> > Once I am officially on the road in the spring, I plan to make a few pit-stops along my way across Canada, to say thanks and talk coaches;.
> > Then it will be a rally or two.
> >
> > I have a lot to learn, and you people have a lot to share.. Looking forward to getting "under the hood" of my own coach, and with the guidance
> > of everyone here, should be a long and happy relationship.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Deb,
> If you haven't downloaded the maintenance manuals do so, and start reading each chapter. That will give you a knowledge start on each of the
> systems, which should make it a little easier when you get the coach.
> Manuals download at http://www.bdub.net/manuals/index.html
> and in this sites http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
>
> What I did at the start.

Thanks Adrien. I have downloaded a few manuals but haven't had a lot of time to dive into them yet (end of the semester and I am up to my armpits in
grading and assembling final exams!) Once that rush is over, and the loose ends are tied up, I plan to spend a lot of my Christmas break reading! I
am bookmarking a lot of GMC url's, including bdub's manual index,
--
It's Bigger on the Inside!

 

[adam metzger]

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement Matt.

I got two jack stands finished today, and my rebuilt vapor seperator is drying.


--
1976 Palm Beach
Austin, TX

 

[mark1]

This forum, and the greater GMC community, are the reason that I bought a (then) 35 year old motorhome. The advantage of getting a rig that still had
"shade tree mechanic-friendly technology", and the fact that the US (and beyond) is well-covered with folks ready and willing to help out in the event
of an on-the-road failure made it all the easier. Finally, the tireless efforts of those who spend their time updating and improving the archives of
GMC info, and who work to make obsolete parts available to us (whether through finding parts or the vendors who build them).

The advice that is offered to the potential GMC buyer is amazing, and should be heeded (these folks know what they're talking about). I know they
helped steer me from a frenzied carpet-bombing search for almost anything US-wide, to a calmer, more rational (and more regional) search for a narrow
range of years and models, with very specific characteristics (in my case, a '77-8 Royale Center Kitchen with gobs of updates and maintenance, within
500 miles of Phoenix). Just be patient, keep beating the bushes, and you'll find what you're looking for.
--
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen

 

[dan borlase]

Deb...look me up on the black list here in Kelowna. I would welcome any question or word of encouragement that I may be helpful with.

We have enjoyed our 78 Palm Beach for 10 years and look forward to the next 10, especially with our many GMC friends.

Dan and Judi
Kelowna B.C.

 

[Deb]

Hi Dan! Thanks for the contact. I saw your name on the Blacklist - have managed to get in touch with Dave Ireland in Williams Lake but haven't
headed in your direction yet. The semester is always wicked busy this time of year (and the weather is getting a little iffy too) Still can't
believe the tightness of the GMC network!

I have found my GMC, but, since she's in Washington, I won't have her in hand till spring. Once she's home I will have to take her for a few short
shake-down runs to get the feel of her. I would love to be able to head in your direction when the time comes, meet you & Judi & talk coaches. I'm a
happy sponge at this point in time looking for as much information and advice as I can absorb.

It will be much easier to appreciate once I actually have a coach in front of me to refer to!

Thanks for the contact and the help offered. I will take you up on it & look forward to meeting you.
--
It's Bigger on the Inside!

 

[kym behrns]

I too am just new to GMC TZE ownership and I have not just stuck a toe in the water but jumped in head first. I purchased a 1976 Eleganza II that is
bit of a basket case. An older gentleman had started to work on it and unfortunately passed away and I have since carried on with it. It has been
amazing the support that I have been given over the last couple of months from both owners and suppliers and their willingness to give support and
advise. It seems unusual that you can call up Jim Kanomata from Applied GMC (busy guy) and he is willing to chat with you for a good half hour or more
about your coach and is willing to share advise anytime. I thought I had reseached these coaches before ever buying one but I now find I have just
scratched the surface and it is obvious that I will have numerous questions as I get further into the restoration. It is nice to know there is a forum
to go to for help and to share ideas.

Kym and Nancy Behrns

 

[Ken B]

Welcome to the group.

I had a good friend in Kamloops that I talked to on Skype at least once a week. Unfortunately he died last year.

We are here to help you whenever we can.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

 

[kingsley coach]

Kym...I'm on email and have no idea where you live? Could you make a 'sig'
file that you attach to your message in the future.
And...welcome to the cult!

Mike in NS

> Welcome to the group.
>
> I had a good friend in Kamloops that I talked to on Skype at least once a
> week. Unfortunately he died last year.
>
> We are here to help you whenever we can.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !

 

[Matt Colie]

> I too am just new to GMC TZE ownership and I have not just stuck a toe in the water but jumped in head first. I purchased a 1976 Eleganza II that
> is bit of a basket case. An older gentleman had started to work on it and unfortunately passed away and I have since carried on with it. It has been
> amazing the support that I have been given over the last couple of months from both owners and suppliers and their willingness to give support and
> advise. It seems unusual that you can call up Jim Kanomata from Applied GMC (busy guy) and he is willing to chat with you for a good half hour or
> more about your coach and is willing to share advise anytime. I thought I had reseached these coaches before ever buying one but I now find I have
> just scratched the surface and it is obvious that I will have numerous questions as I get further into the restoration. It is nice to know there is
> a forum to go to for help and to share ideas.
>
> Kym and Nancy Behrns

Kym and Nancy,

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

If you would please, take the time to and scroll down to where you can fill in a sigfile. You are already going by a
real name and that is good. Sometimes people come here without a recognizable name and I turns out to be quite a surprise when they meet others and
nobody knows who they are. If you also include a short about the coach, that helps a lot as there are differences with years and models that can
really matter. Also include major mods as that can be important. And lastly, a geographic reference. This is needed because only half the readers
here use the forum so they don't get to see the header where I see Kamloops. One of them may want to stop by to help you with something. This can
happen - even in northern BC. Well, if you read back this thread aways, you can find some.

I will suggest without knowing your situation, that once the coach is travel ready, you plan to get to a rally. You think the remote help you get
here is something, Hang On.....

The old girl is really lucky to have found a good new home. Sitting and rusting it the dirt is such a dreadful thing. When you do get her out on the
road, she will reward you with memories that are priceless.

The fact that you found your way to us is (as you have already found) a great thing. Yes, JimK is amazing, and he is one of many. When I found the
group, I knew I was in the right place real fast. Things like, I thought I needed parts that Dave Lenzi could supply. I was wrong, he could supply
them but he would not until I did as he instructed during an lengthy telephone conversation to correct the underlying problem. When I did, (it only
took a day and an half) I didn't need any parts at all. This is the way it is here. This is a community of helping and supporting people that are so
rare in the world these days. The only other like it that I know of is that of the watermen that are my world. For that reason, I have taken to
welcoming new owners much as a new owner or vessel would be welcomed there. So,

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

Welcome Kym and Nancy

Matt

--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit

 

[kym behrns]

Thanks Ken.

Kamloops isn't that large a community so I might have known him, what was his name?

--
There is always time to meet new friends.

 

[kym behrns]

Hi Matt

Thanks for the reply. I haven't used many forums so I am a little new to this. I appreciate the support.

Kym
--
There is always time to meet new friends.

 

[Deb]

Hi Kym. One newbie to another! Dave Ireland in Williams Lake passed your number along to me a couple of weeks ago when I was up to visit him. I'm
around the corner here in Logan Lake! Love to get together over the Christmas break, chew the fat and see your coach. Jealous - haven't got mine
yet; she's still down in Washington and I won't have her up here till spring. Welcome!
--
It's Bigger on the Inside!

 

[kym behrns]

Hi Deb

I would love to get together with you for a coffee for drink. Let me know when you will be in Kamloops. We will be away for a couple of days over
Christmas 23 to 26, but will be at home otherwise. I have been reluctant to show anyone the coach at this time as it is a project but if you can see
past that I would be happy to take you through it.

Kym
--
There is always time to meet new friends.