Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome

B

blur911sc

New member
Dec 26, 2020
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Hi Folks
Earlier this week we brought home a 1976 GMC 26' motorhome. I don't even know what model it is as it had an extensive rebuild about 24 years ago.
I've been keeping my eyes open for them for a while, this is the 3rd one I've looked at and the first one I seriously considered buying, which we did
after a bit of spousal discussion. (she's all in)

It needs CV boot covers and a couple of water leaks fixed, brakes either needed adjusting or bleeding, had to push pretty hard. I'm sure I'll find
more mechanical issues, hopefully nothing crazy.
Anyhow, I took a chance and drove it home under it's own power and made it the 150km or so with no drama. It was rarely used after the rebuild and not
at all in at least the last 12 years or so but the elderly owner had the wheels, tires, one airbag, brake master cylinder, brake lines and rear brakes
replaced, they're all new.

We both recently retired earlyish and want to explore Canada to start and the US eventually with it and our dogs (shelties). We're based out of the
Kingston, Ontario area, but I have roots in NB and that would be our first trip with it. We have no previous experience RV'ing.

I've been reading some of the forum and glad I found it. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions.

Burl
 
Burl,
I'm near London Ontario and a Heritage Cruiser, However Al Hamilton is a long time active member near Kingston. He is very knowledgeable on GMC's and
will know where to get parts and service around Kingston.

Drop him an email at mailto:gmchc

If you haven't already, download the service manuals at:
http://www.bdub.net/manuals/index.html

There are lots more GMC links at:
http://www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html

--
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
 
Don't forget to look at Gene Fisher's site as well.
INDEX LIST (gmc motorhome.info) http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/list.html

On Sun, Dec 27, 2020 at 4:16 AM Bruce Hislop via Gmclist <

> Burl,
> I'm near London Ontario and a Heritage Cruiser, However Al Hamilton is a
> long time active member near Kingston. He is very knowledgeable on GMC's
> and
> will know where to get parts and service around Kingston.
>
> Drop him an email at mailto:gmchc
>
> If you haven't already, download the service manuals at:
> http://www.bdub.net/manuals/index.html
>
> There are lots more GMC links at:
> http://www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
>
> --
> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
 
Burl,

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

I am very glad that you found your way here. There are other online groups too, there is another forum that is a more modern format and has many
younger members. There are also multiple FaceBook groups that are great for social contact, but there are some there that profess great knowledge
that does not seem to be supported by any real experience, so be cautious of advice from there.

You got a good start here while I slept. As said, if you don't have any of the service documentation, It can all be downloaded at GMCMI.com. The
response you got today was actually kind of weak for this crowd, but then it is the Holiday season. This is a very helping and supportive group.
Even scary that way sometimes, but if you need it, you should welcome it. To this end, please do both us and yourself a favor. Build a complete
sigfile. This is needed so the important information is in every post. The problem is that over the six years of production and the forty plus years
of owner modifications there can be a lot of differences that matter. So, please include a real name for two reasons, we like to know who it is we
are helping and when you meet other owners (and you will) they will recognize who you are. Second should be a short about the coach including serious
mods so you get better information returned and finally a geographic reference. You already have a local contact, but I bet that there are more in
striking range. You might mention that you are at the west end of the St. Lawrence just for those that don't know Canada.

You don't hint what your technical capability is, but learn to grease the front end and the rear bogies right now. The front end will need regular
attention and the rear almost constant attention. Grease (even the expensive stuff that I use) is always cheaper than parts.

Do not let the bad CV boot go long. If the joint gets damaged by the lack of grease or water gets in, that is not cheap. It is a nasty job, not a
difficult one. It is something that most of us have done and some more than once. You will need, an 1-1/2 socket and 3/4 drive bar or ratchet, a
7/16 or 3/8 12 point socket for the screws at the drive flange. (The size can vary based on the source of the replacement parts.) Buy a full set of
those screws too. They are stressed to very near yield at installation.

These old girls can be completely dependable if you do all the required maintenance. They are not like the modern "appliance" cars because they are
from a different age. Not much of what they really need is expensive or difficult, but it all needs to be done and it needs to be done right. You
may discover that there is no local person that you can trust to do this. The good part is that the more you do, the better you will know her and
that familiarity will pay off with big dividends.

You have to grasp early on that you coach is more than just a new big toy. Its biggest value is really the community that it connects you to. And if
you think the the instant friends you got when you came to the forum is something, grab something and hold on tight.... You just collected a thousand
new old friends. This level of community spirit is frightening to many, but to me it was so much like that of the watermen that are my world that I
just settled right in. Been that way for quite a while now. Because it is so like that, I have taken to welcoming those that arrive here with a
paraphrase of the greeting you would get there. So,

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

Welcome Burl,

Matt

--
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Hi Everyone, thanks for the warm welcome.

I added some info to my profile, but I will add more here.
Just a few months ago I retired from working for Goodyear Canada for 30 years in a tire factory. I'm a Millwright/Industrial Electrician, so I know
how to swing big hammers. I've worked on motorcycles and cars all my life, still have too many of each. My wife worked for Canadian Cancer Society
as a Clinical Trials Co-ordinator for many years. We have 2 shelties at the moment, they are the best, how many dogs can fit in a GMC?

We bought the beast last week, unfortunately it's too tall to fit through my garage door and I haven't found inside storage (everything is full), so I
think I'll throw a tarp over it and park in the backyard for this winter. My priority is mechanical and electrical systems, as well as the water
leak. Of course, it's too cold to do any of that now.

So, I'll soon be asking about CV boot covers, airbag systems, roof sealing, etc.
I have some friends who are truck and coach mechanics, they can help me out if I need it. I have a fairly well equipped garage and no problem with
buying more tools if needed.

BTW, anyone else into dual-sport motorcycling? Autocross?
 
> Hi Folks
> Earlier this week we brought home a 1976 GMC 26' motorhome. I don't even know what model it is as it had an extensive rebuild about 24 years ago.
> I've been keeping my eyes open for them for a while, this is the 3rd one I've looked at and the first one I seriously considered buying, which we
> did after a bit of spousal discussion. (she's all in)
>
> It needs CV boot covers and a couple of water leaks fixed, brakes either needed adjusting or bleeding, had to push pretty hard. I'm sure I'll
> find more mechanical issues, hopefully nothing crazy.
> Anyhow, I took a chance and drove it home under it's own power and made it the 150km or so with no drama. It was rarely used after the rebuild and
> not at all in at least the last 12 years or so but the elderly owner had the wheels, tires, one airbag, brake master cylinder, brake lines and rear
> brakes replaced, they're all new.
>
> We both recently retired earlyish and want to explore Canada to start and the US eventually with it and our dogs (shelties). We're based out of
> the Kingston, Ontario area, but I have roots in NB and that would be our first trip with it. We have no previous experience RV'ing.
>
> I've been reading some of the forum and glad I found it. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions.
>
> Burl

Burl, welcome to the group!! You've come to the right place, these guys know their stuff so never hesitate to ask.

If you need any help, info etc dont hesitate to contact me....we live in Athens, ON and travel frequently to Ktown. Im also a licensed vehicle tech
and am more than willing to help you out when im not on the road working (which isnt much these days....lol)

Cheers
Rich

--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
Don’t miss the important search function on the top right of the forum web page...twenty years of discussion at the top of your fingers. And the
gmcmhphotos web page too.
--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
 
burl,
I am available for you to contact me via phone to assist you .
Two way conversation is lot better than one way on the net.
I do not have all the answers, but know lot that are into those area of
the coach and never hesitate to refer you to them.
We have a toll free line: 800-752-8702

On Sun, Dec 27, 2020 at 7:35 PM Tyler via Gmclist
wrote:

> Don’t miss the important search function on the top right of the forum web
> page...twenty years of discussion at the top of your fingers. And the
> gmcmhphotos web page too.
> --
> 1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
> Raleigh, NC
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Best resource you'll ever have ^^^^^
--
Shawn Harris
North Vancouver,
Canada
1977 Palm Beach 403
 
That said, I've had my coach down to the frame. Flintstone style. Call/text me with any questions. I know all the little secrets many don't. My
favourite game to play with new owners is what is factory and what is not.

seven seven 8- 5 eight0-516one.
--
Shawn Harris
North Vancouver,
Canada
1977 Palm Beach 403
 
Thanks guys. Right now my ambition is to get it into my backyard. I had to trim trees and now I'm trying to get some gravel put down, but I think
landscapers might be part of "The Covid Shutdown" here in Ontario, nobody is answering their phones. GMC is sitting in the church parking lot next
door which nobody is using.

I've already been searching through the archives for information, but, things change over the years and sometimes new products or methods come up, so
I'll still post questions when need be.

I think a lot of stuff isn't "stock" on my machine, especially electrical. Good think I have 30+ years experience figuring out new machinery using
vague drawings and prints.
 
> Thanks guys. Right now my ambition is to get it into my backyard. I had to trim trees and now I'm trying to get some gravel put down, but I
> think landscapers might be part of "The Covid Shutdown" here in Ontario, nobody is answering their phones. GMC is sitting in the church parking
> lot next door which nobody is using.
>
> I've already been searching through the archives for information, but, things change over the years and sometimes new products or methods come up,
> so I'll still post questions when need be.
>
> I think a lot of stuff isn't "stock" on my machine, especially electrical. Good think I have 30+ years experience figuring out new machinery using
> vague drawings and prints.

Burl,

We love answering questions. Please be as specific as you can when posting.

Buy a label maker. When you figure out what a wire does, label it. Initially this will slow marginally slow your progress, but that issue will be
short-lived.

I have decided that I have two primary piss-offs in wiring:
A - Wires that change description mid-run. (The red wire turns to blue someplace along the way!)
B - Hidden in-line fuses.....

Matt

--
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
The previous owner also included a nice torque wrench for "making sure the wheels are tight"
--
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC, gotta check the VIN
 
Burl,

You're partially right with "...some of this is not stock." -- Almost NONE
of it is stock! It all appears to be of good quality and well done,
however. I think I can identify some of it for you, 'though the specific
equipment is new to me:

On your first photo (under the right (passenger)side hood, the two relays
to the left (looking in) of the fiberglass heating duct, are the shutoff
relays for the chassis and house batteries. They're controlled by the wall
panel (labelled "Battery Disconnect") in your last photo. The device
labelled "Bidirectional Isolator Delay Relay" is apparently what we
generally call a "Combiner" (as I discussed here a couple of days ago).
This one is unusual in that it apparently uses the OEM "Boost Relay" as the
contactor between the batteries -- not a bad idea, provided the boost relay
is rated for continuous duty (as I believe all GMC OEM relays are). In
case you're not familiar with combiners, they monitor the voltage on both
of the connected batteries. When either battery is at or above the charge
voltage (usually around 13.8 VDC), a high current relay (in this case the
boost relay) is closed and remains so until both batteries are again below
the fully charged voltage for both of them. In other words, if there's
charge voltage available, the batteries share it, but if they're not being
charged, neither can discharge the other -- they're "isolated".

Your second photo is, obviously, of an aftermarket "tanks monitor panel",
beside an OEM Onan control panel from other than a GMC-fitted coach.

The third photo has the AC circuit breaker panel on the left and the DC
circuit breaker panel on the right -- a much nicer installation than I've
seen in any OEM GMC. Considering the sophistication of the other wiring in
the coach, I'd expect to find an automatic AC transfer switch somewhere to
select either the shore power or the Onan. There may well be an inverter
stashed away somewhere too, possibly with a second transfer switch.

You've got a lot of tracing to do. Unless you find everything labelled, I
encourage you to acquire a Brother label maker and put a "flag" label on
EVERY wire as you identify it. I'm notorious for that habit, and prefer
the Brother label tapes because of their legibility, durability and ease of
production.

Congratulations, you seem to have acquired a nice coach.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com

On Sun, Jan 3, 2021 at 3:50 PM Burl Vibert via Gmclist <

>
>
> The previous owner also included a nice torque wrench for "making sure the
> wheels are tight"
> --
> Burl Vibert
> Kingston, Ontario
> 1976 GMC, gotta check the VIN
>
>
 
NOT STOCK is an understatement!

D C "Mac" Macdonald
Amateur Radio K2GKK
Since 30 November '53
USAF and FAA, Retired
Member GMCMI & Classics
Oklahoma City, OK
"The Money Pit"
TZE166V101966
'76 ex-Palm Beach
k2gkk + hotmail dot com

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Burl Vibert via Gmclist
Sent: Sunday, January 3, 2021 14:48
To: gmclist
Cc: Burl Vibert
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome

I thought I'd post a few pictures of what I can see of the electrical in this rig. I'm guessing some of this is not stock.

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpostimg.cc%2FzbVBfNs1&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce487a05100094b74cf8008d8b0290311%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637453037474226306%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=IOp7QeDNitIPiwA3sEPgLe%2BlM4PdpotfYBFMp7p80%2B0%3D&reserved=0

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--
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC, gotta check the VIN

_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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> Burl,
>
> You're partially right with "...some of this is not stock." -- Almost NONE
> of it is stock! It all appears to be of good quality and well done,
> however. I think I can identify some of it for you, 'though the specific
> equipment is new to me:
>
> On your first photo (under the right (passenger)side hood, the two relays
> to the left (looking in) of the fiberglass heating duct, are the shutoff
> relays for the chassis and house batteries. They're controlled by the wall
> panel (labelled "Battery Disconnect") in your last photo. The device
> labelled "Bidirectional Isolator Delay Relay" is apparently what we
> generally call a "Combiner" (as I discussed here a couple of days ago).
> This one is unusual in that it apparently uses the OEM "Boost Relay" as the
> contactor between the batteries -- not a bad idea, provided the boost relay
> is rated for continuous duty (as I believe all GMC OEM relays are). In
> case you're not familiar with combiners, they monitor the voltage on both
> of the connected batteries. When either battery is at or above the charge
> voltage (usually around 13.8 VDC), a high current relay (in this case the
> boost relay) is closed and remains so until both batteries are again below
> the fully charged voltage for both of them. In other words, if there's
> charge voltage available, the batteries share it, but if they're not being
> charged, neither can discharge the other -- they're "isolated".
>
> Your second photo is, obviously, of an aftermarket "tanks monitor panel",
> beside an OEM Onan control panel from other than a GMC-fitted coach.
>
> The third photo has the AC circuit breaker panel on the left and the DC
> circuit breaker panel on the right -- a much nicer installation than I've
> seen in any OEM GMC. Considering the sophistication of the other wiring in
> the coach, I'd expect to find an automatic AC transfer switch somewhere to
> select either the shore power or the Onan. There may well be an inverter
> stashed away somewhere too, possibly with a second transfer switch.
>
> You've got a lot of tracing to do. Unless you find everything labelled, I
> encourage you to acquire a Brother label maker and put a "flag" label on
> EVERY wire as you identify it. I'm notorious for that habit, and prefer
> the Brother label tapes because of their legibility, durability and ease of
> production.
>
> Congratulations, you seem to have acquired a nice coach.
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
> Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
> On Sun, Jan 3, 2021 at 3:50 PM Burl Vibert via Gmclist <

>
> >
> >
> > The previous owner also included a nice torque wrench for "making sure the
> > wheels are tight"
> > --
> > Burl Vibert
> > Kingston, Ontario
> > 1976 GMC, gotta check the VIN
> >
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Thanks. The wiring upgrades were one of the things I saw when checking her out that I knew looked professionally done. It even came with spare
relays amongst other bits.
I got a binder with manuals and receipts, the original GMC parts and maintenance manuals, but no actual circuit diagrams of the modifications.
I do have a Brother labeler around here somewhere, guess I'll make use of it.

I still haven't found an inverter hidden anywhere. It does have a new in box modern charger, a Truecharge 40, so I might want to install that and an
inverter (should I not locate one). Right now I'm still assessing what I have before planning on more mods. Although, that said, I'd like to add
some solar panels, if not to the coach, to my enclosed motorcycle trailer.
Forget if I mentioned, it has all new batteries, including two 6-volt deep cycle.

--
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC, gotta check the VIN
 
I have been told I have a penchant for understatement :d

> NOT STOCK is an understatement!
>
> D C "Mac" Macdonald
> Amateur Radio K2GKK
> Since 30 November '53
> USAF and FAA, Retired
> Member GMCMI & Classics
> Oklahoma City, OK
> "The Money Pit"
> TZE166V101966
> '76 ex-Palm Beach
> k2gkk + hotmail dot com
>
> ________________________________
> From: Gmclist on behalf of Burl Vibert via Gmclist
> Sent: Sunday, January 3, 2021 14:48
> To: gmclist
> Cc: Burl Vibert
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Another Canadian new owner of a GMC Motorhome
>
> I thought I'd post a few pictures of what I can see of the electrical in this rig. I'm guessing some of this is not stock.

--
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC, gotta check the VIN
 
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