Accessory Grounding????

A

austenm606

New member
Dec 14, 2017
7
0
0
Hey, it has been a while since I posted on here. And lord help me I was soooo much an annoying novice.

I am installing LED fog lights on my bumper and a wireless rearview camera. Both need a good ground in the cockpit area. I can send pictures if
necessary.

So, my question is: Where can I find the best ground for the switch for my foglights and my backup camera????

I am sure that I am missing it somewhere. It's getting painted on Friday, I'd like to have this hooked up before the new stripe and touch up is done.

Update, I have abandoned my solar stuff. I am actually going to sell this rig and buy a 23ft shorty or outfit a t1n Sprinter. The 26fter is a bit too
much space for just me. Perfect for 2 though.

Too much work has been done.... Quadrabags installed (not impressed with some of the hardware--has anyone taken their rig to a lowrider shop? I
figured they would know really good fittings and whatnots), reconfigured the rear bedroom area to accommodate a Queen or pull up into the U shaped
dinette/ lounge area. New custom curtains throughout. Um, blade fuse box and 3 stage smart charger with a new AGM 100ah battery. If I were going to
keep it, I'd take out the 3 way fridge and put in a residential fridge running on a dedicated inverter off a 300 watt solar panel. Oh, and new master
cylinder, some new lines and a new sensitized brake booster (brake system flushed and filled with DOT3). Of course belts and plugs. Also, new
countertop, large/ deep industrial style sink and sprayer with a pot filler. New vanity light and waterfall faucet in bathroom. Also, new industrial
vinyl tile flooring throughout. Still being put together but it's finally coming along.
--
1977 Eleganza II,

26 Foot,

403 Engine,

Full time boondocking,

New Owner with Plans (deadly last words),
 
Inside the dash is a metal area that is grounded. Or the aluminum plate on the passenger side under the front hood is also a main ground point.

The "Mother of all grounds" is the engine block. quoted from Ken Burton.

--
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
 
Thanks so much for your response!

"Inside the dash" is behind the gauge cluster? Or would I be fine to drill into the metal behind the glove box? That would be super convenient with my
taps being right there!

I would feel very strange running that tiny little wire to the block. Although, I was struggling finding something to ground it to and ran a wire from
the negative bus in the back to test the switch and accessories. So, I am not beyond ridiculousness.

Thanks again.
--
1978 Royale,

26 Foot,

403 Engine,

Quadrabags,
 
Inside the dash, behind the radio on my '77pb.

You can drill a hole in the metal plate up front on the passenger side. Just use a short screw since its less than 1/2" clearance behind, again on my
'77.
--
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
 
Out of courisitoty. what parts of the hardware, and why, in reference to the quadrabags are you not "impressed" with?
--
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera
installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
 
First thanks so much for your help!

I was sort of let down with the cheap air pressure gauge, the fittings, and the air manifold. The riseres are a genius peice of engineering and that's
what you are paying for. I think it is definately worth the money and considerring the functionality that they serve, it is a good deal. I also think
you're paying for technical phone calls (which I didn't need). I would also like if they threw in bag isolators for the money.

All the mounting stuff for the risers and the risers themselves are amazing.

I would recomend them for anyone and installing them isn't difficult with the right tools there's a dreaded step. And that one can frustate you but it
isn't too complicated.

If I were to keep it, I would take out the old air compressor and electro level. Then, I would take it to a lowrider shop where they could run new
lines, fittings, isolator valves, air manifold a "bling bling" mechanical switch in the current electro level switch board location.

I don't think they're ripping people off. My only suggestion for Applied would be to drop the price $300-$400 and offer a deluxe model for
$1800-$2000.
--
1978 Royale,

26 Foot,

403 Engine,

Quadrabags,
 
As Bruce stated there are 2 convenient engine side grounds in the area where you are working.

1. Under the passenger side hood there is a metal plate that the isolator and boost solenoids are mounted on. I would connect any accessory that runs
off of the engine battery and alternator to that plate for ground.

2. The aluminum plate on the drivers side that the gauges are mounted in is also a good engine side ground.

Do NOT try to pick up ground right off of the bumper. It will not usually work because of the shock mounting devices that hold the bumper attached.

--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
> Hey, it has been a while since I posted on here. And lord help me I was soooo much an annoying novice.
>
> I am installing LED fog lights on my bumper and a wireless rearview camera. Both need a good ground in the cockpit area. I can send pictures if
> necessary.
>
> So, my question is: Where can I find the best ground for the switch for my foglights and my backup camera????
>
> I am sure that I am missing it somewhere. It's getting painted on Friday, I'd like to have this hooked up before the new stripe and touch up is
> done.
>
> Update, I have abandoned my solar stuff. I am actually going to sell this rig and buy a 23ft shorty or outfit a t1n Sprinter. The 26fter is a bit
> too much space for just me. Perfect for 2 though.
>
> Too much work has been done.... Quadrabags installed (not impressed with some of the hardware--has anyone taken their rig to a lowrider shop? I
> figured they would know really good fittings and whatnots), reconfigured the rear bedroom area to accommodate a Queen or pull up into the U shaped
> dinette/ lounge area. New custom curtains throughout. Um, blade fuse box and 3 stage smart charger with a new AGM 100ah battery. If I were going to
> keep it, I'd take out the 3 way fridge and put in a residential fridge running on a dedicated inverter off a 300 watt solar panel. Oh, and new
> master cylinder, some new lines and a new sensitized brake booster (brake system flushed and filled with DOT3). Of course belts and plugs. Also, new
> countertop, large/ deep industrial style sink and sprayer with a pot filler. New vanity light and waterfall faucet in bathroom. Also, new industrial
> vinyl tile flooring throughout. Still being put together but it's finally coming along.

Austen,

If you really want it to be zoomy, Look Up the system that Keith Vaselakes has built.
His system does everything it should and everything you want and is real clean.

Good luck at finding a 23, they were only 11% of the build and still are about that. Those that have them tend to want to keep them.

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
 
I figured it'd be tough to find a 23 footer in decent shape. I am probably going to build out an old t1n Sprinter Van and wait for the perfect one to
come up for sale. Might take a few years. I do really like these things. The one I bought was in a little worse shape than I would buy again. Live and
learn. Probably going to lose money selling this thing. But, at least the new owners will get a rig that has been completely gone over and an honest
seller.

But, I think just looking around. That if you're spending less than $15k on a rig, it's going to have some issues. And if you spend less than 10k
(like I did) it's a whole mess of problems.
--
1978 Royale,

26 Foot,

403 Engine,

Quadrabags,
 
> I figured it'd be tough to find a 23 footer in decent shape. I am probably going to build out an old t1n Sprinter Van and wait for the perfect one
> to come up for sale. Might take a few years. I do really like these things. The one I bought was in a little worse shape than I would buy again.
> Live and learn. Probably going to lose money selling this thing. But, at least the new owners will get a rig that has been completely gone over and
> an honest seller.
>
> But, I think just looking around. That if you're spending less than $15k on a rig, it's going to have some issues. And if you spend less than 10k
> (like I did) it's a whole mess of problems.

Austen,

I am glad to see that you are not a dreamer as far as the Cost/Value relationship.

We have a standard line here....
A reliable and ready to travel coach will cost 30k$... All at once or as a kit....
What this does not say is that sweat is included at a shop rate.

If you want a 23, set book marks at all the individual chapter "For Sale" places and run that search religiously. They show up here too, but be ready
to jump, because you are not the only one looking and when an known good coach shows up, it is usually at a good price and is not on the board for
very long.

Good Luck

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
 
I would probably just run a heavy copper wire from the battery ground terminal to a location under the dash that I could use for a reliable common
ground there.

Im looking at the lower end coaches to do a restoration on myself so I can be sure everything is done right. also looking at the older 5 cyl sprinter
duallys to convert myself. they are really good base machines for sure but not nearly as cool as GMCs though ;)
 
Austinm60:
You would have to be very careful and scrutinizing to get a good, safe, and reliable coach for 15k let alone money spent just
personalizing it.
The rule of thumb is 25 to 30k for a good, safe, and reliable coach - then spend what you want in personalizing it to your tastes.
Ask me how I know!
Bought 5 coaches in 5 years - 4 road ready (or so they said) and one project. 3 - 26's, 1 - 23', and 1 - 28' (2' stretch at rear). Still spending on the project coach (26'), but headed towards the upper limit of "rule of thumb".
My experience says the "rule of thumb" guys really know their stuff!
Mike/The Corvair a holic
But not a GMC a holic - don't have 13 of them yet!

Sent from my iPhone

>
> I figured it'd be tough to find a 23 footer in decent shape. I am probably going to build out an old t1n Sprinter Van and wait for the perfect one to
> come up for sale. Might take a few years. I do really like these things. The one I bought was in a little worse shape than I would buy again. Live and
> learn. Probably going to lose money selling this thing. But, at least the new owners will get a rig that has been completely gone over and an honest
> seller.
>
> But, I think just looking around. That if you're spending less than $15k on a rig, it's going to have some issues. And if you spend less than 10k
> (like I did) it's a whole mess of problems.
> --
> 1978 Royale,
>
> 26 Foot,
>
> 403 Engine,
>
> Quadrabags,
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Thanks for all the information as usual. I typically just search this forum and don't post but I was getting frustated finding a ground and I didn't
want to drill holes into something and have it be an issue for the next owner.

Okay, rule of thumb is $30k. Nice to know. There's a lot of derilicts out there and mine is coming back from the brink.

If anyone wants to answer this fine if not, cool. I have an AE awning that is is really good shape but it has black spots on the aluminum gaurd thing
that attaches the body to the fabric (I'm sure there's a name for it).

Is there something to clear that up? I've scrubbed it countless times but I think it might be an issue during the anodizing process.
--
1978 Royale,

26 Foot,

403 Engine,

Quadrabags,
 
Given the failure rate of the 5 cyl Merc Sprinter, I don't think you can run fast enough to catch me to give me one. My electrician is on the third
engine - supplied free by Mercedes. He said the first one took a couple weeks for the dealer to get the engine in, but the next two times they had a
stock of them and turned the truck in a day and a half. The 6cyl seems to be a better choice for longevity.

--johnny

--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Get your shine on at www.cruzingear.co
GMCMI Fall 2026 Rally

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back