Bringing the PB home after winter storage

boybach

boybach

Well-known member
Dec 9, 2020
1,031
192
63
Hi guys

My "new to me" 36,000 mile '77 Palm Beach was driven across the country from eastern Canada to the BC interior and parked up in August of this year.
The coach is in a storage yard (outdoor) in the North Okanagan/Shuswap, covered with a tarp. So far all I know is the batteries were fully charged
before they were disconnected.

Because of the road conditions and high mountain passes on the routes down to Vancouver Island and the fact she has summer tires on, the initial plan
was to leave her there until April when the snow has gone then go up and get her OR have the guy that drove her across Canada bring her down. He
wasn't the owner so I'm a bit concerned he may not know the routine for bringing her back to life after sitting all winter. The trip to Vancouver
Island through the mountains is about 300 miles and there are three possible main routes, the Fraser Canyon, the Coquihalla, or through Manning park.

Any ideas?

Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
 
> Hi guys
>
> My "new to me" 39,000 mile '77 Palm Beach was driven across the country from eastern Canada to the BC interior and parked up in August of this
> year. The coach is in a storage yard (outdoor) in the North Okanagan/Shuswap, covered with a tarp. So far all I know is the batteries were fully
> charged before they were disconnected.
>
> Because of the road conditions and high mountain passes on the routes down to Vancouver Island and the fact she has summer tires on, the initial
> plan was to leave her there until April when the snow has gone then go up and get her OR have the guy that drove her across Canada bring her down.
> He wasn't the owner so I'm a bit concerned he may not know the routine for bringing her back to life after sitting all winter. The trip to Vancouver
> Island through the mountains is about 300 miles and there are three possible main routes, the Fraser Canyon, the Coquihalla, or through Manning
> park.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Larry

Larry,
If it has been more than a year since the engine has run, read this before starting the motor.

https://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/weidner-starting-engine.pdf

At a mimimum, pull the ignition wire and turn the engine over until the oil pressure needle comes up.

Personally, not knowing for sure what the oil is or how long it has been there, I would change the oil and filter to a good brand name of
5w30....somethning like Quaker state ultimate durability synthetic and a Wix filter. Carry a couple of quarts with you to add as you go. Check the
trans fluid for it's color. Is it pink? If not, take it somewhere and have the fluid changed before you leave. Also check Radiator fluid and radiator
for leaks, and fix before you leave. Might take a look at belts and change if they are cracked, or maybe just change them. Don't want to run into
trouble with them on some route through Fraser Canyon.

JWID as a minimum. Good luck in your travels.
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
Thanks Larry, great tips, all added to the "to do" list!

Any advice as to the on-board systems after a layup? I've been reading a bit about the air compressor and the suspension stuff - I think my biggest
fear would be to lose air in the bags on the way home - but maybe that's just me being a worry wart because I've never actually stepped on board my
(or any other) coach as yet ... 8o

cheers

(another) Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
 
Isn't the "Coquihalla" that road featured on Ice Road Truckers
where the wrecker drivers have to extricate the wrecks from
impossible situations?

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 Larry via Gmclist
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 12:59
To: gmclist
Cc: Larry
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Bringing the PB home after winter storage

> Hi guys
>
> My "new to me" 39,000 mile '77 Palm Beach was driven across the country from eastern Canada to the BC interior and parked up in August of this
> year. The coach is in a storage yard (outdoor) in the North Okanagan/Shuswap, covered with a tarp. So far all I know is the batteries were fully
> charged before they were disconnected.
>
> Because of the road conditions and high mountain passes on the routes down to Vancouver Island and the fact she has summer tires on, the initial
> plan was to leave her there until April when the snow has gone then go up and get her OR have the guy that drove her across Canada bring her down.
> He wasn't the owner so I'm a bit concerned he may not know the routine for bringing her back to life after sitting all winter. The trip to Vancouver
> Island through the mountains is about 300 miles and there are three possible main routes, the Fraser Canyon, the Coquihalla, or through Manning
> park.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Larry

Larry,
If it has been more than a year since the engine has run, read this before starting the motor.

https://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/weidner-starting-engine.pdf

At a mimimum, pull the ignition wire and turn the engine over until the oil pressure needle comes up.

Personally, not knowing for sure what the oil is or how long it has been there, I would change the oil and filter to a good brand name of
5w30....somethning like Quaker state ultimate durability synthetic and a Wix filter. Carry a couple of quarts with you to add as you go. Check the
trans fluid for it's color. Is it pink? If not, take it somewhere and have the fluid changed before you leave. Also check Radiator fluid and radiator
for leaks, and fix before you leave. Might take a look at belts and change if they are cracked, or maybe just change them. Don't want to run into
trouble with them on some route through Fraser Canyon.

JWID as a minimum. Good luck in your travels.
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Yep, that's the place. High altitude, remote, weather extremes. I've been
over it several times, never in wintery conditions with my GMC. Have good
friends up there.
Jim Hupy
Salem,

On Mon, Dec 14, 2020, 11:12 AM D C _Mac_ Macdonald via Gmclist <

> Isn't the "Coquihalla" that road featured on Ice Road Truckers
> where the wrecker drivers have to extricate the wrecks from
> impossible situations?
>
> 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 Larry via
> Gmclist
> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2020 12:59
> To: gmclist
> Cc: Larry
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Bringing the PB home after winter storage
>

> > Hi guys
> >
> > My "new to me" 39,000 mile '77 Palm Beach was driven across the country
> from eastern Canada to the BC interior and parked up in August of this
> > year. The coach is in a storage yard (outdoor) in the North
> Okanagan/Shuswap, covered with a tarp. So far all I know is the batteries
> were fully
> > charged before they were disconnected.
> >
> > Because of the road conditions and high mountain passes on the routes
> down to Vancouver Island and the fact she has summer tires on, the initial
> > plan was to leave her there until April when the snow has gone then go
> up and get her OR have the guy that drove her across Canada bring her down.
> > He wasn't the owner so I'm a bit concerned he may not know the routine
> for bringing her back to life after sitting all winter. The trip to
> Vancouver
> > Island through the mountains is about 300 miles and there are three
> possible main routes, the Fraser Canyon, the Coquihalla, or through Manning
> > park.
> >
> > Any ideas?
> >
> > Larry
>
>
> Larry,
> If it has been more than a year since the engine has run, read this before
> starting the motor.
>
>
> https://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/weidner-starting-engine.pdf
>
> At a mimimum, pull the ignition wire and turn the engine over until the
> oil pressure needle comes up.
>
> Personally, not knowing for sure what the oil is or how long it has been
> there, I would change the oil and filter to a good brand name of
> 5w30....somethning like Quaker state ultimate durability synthetic and a
> Wix filter. Carry a couple of quarts with you to add as you go. Check the
> trans fluid for it's color. Is it pink? If not, take it somewhere and have
> the fluid changed before you leave. Also check Radiator fluid and radiator
> for leaks, and fix before you leave. Might take a look at belts and change
> if they are cracked, or maybe just change them. Don't want to run into
> trouble with them on some route through Fraser Canyon.
>
> JWID as a minimum. Good luck in your travels.
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
If the age / condition of the airbags is in question carrying a spare bag
or pre prepped 4x4 and lag bolts would be a good idea.
Also a pair of 1/4” not Schrader valves and a portable compressor in case
your air lines or compressor system fails.
A good quality floor jack.
A lug wrench and ascertain the condition of your spare.

Sully
Bellevue wa

On Mon, Dec 14, 2020 at 11:10 AM twlldeen--- via Gmclist <

> Thanks Larry, great tips, all added to the "to do" list!
>
> Any advice as to the on-board systems after a layup? I've been reading a
> bit about the air compressor and the suspension stuff - I think my biggest
> fear would be to lose air in the bags on the way home - but maybe that's
> just me being a worry wart because I've never actually stepped on board my
> (or any other) coach as yet ... 8o
>
> cheers
>
> (another) Larry
> --
> Larry - Victoria BC -
>
> 1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Npt

> If the age / condition of the airbags is in question carrying a spare bag
> or pre prepped 4x4 and lag bolts would be a good idea.
> Also a pair of 1/4” not Schrader valves and a portable compressor in case
> your air lines or compressor system fails.
> A good quality floor jack.
> A lug wrench and ascertain the condition of your spare.
>
> Sully
> Bellevue wa
>
> On Mon, Dec 14, 2020 at 11:10 AM twlldeen--- via Gmclist <

>
>> Thanks Larry, great tips, all added to the "to do" list!
>>
>> Any advice as to the on-board systems after a layup? I've been reading a
>> bit about the air compressor and the suspension stuff - I think my biggest
>> fear would be to lose air in the bags on the way home - but maybe that's
>> just me being a worry wart because I've never actually stepped on board my
>> (or any other) coach as yet ... 8o
>>
>> cheers
>>
>> (another) Larry
>> --
>> Larry - Victoria BC -
>>
>> 1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
 
Larry,

One fluid Larry W. didn't remind you to check is the radiator coolant. And
while on that subject, you being a "newbie", I must warn you: Under the
right (passenger side) front hood is where you'll find the radiator filler
cap -- 'way back under the firewall ON TOP OF THE RADIATOR. I emphasize
that location because there's another filler cap under that hood -- right
by the forward edge of the opening -- for ENGINE OIL! I know of at least
one engine destroyed because a supposed repair shop filled that engine oil
receptacle with antifreeze! DON'T confuse the two!

Ken H.

On Mon, Dec 14, 2020 at 2:00 PM Larry via Gmclist
wrote:

> > Hi guys
> >
> > My "new to me" 39,000 mile '77 Palm Beach was driven across the country
> from eastern Canada to the BC interior and parked up in August of this
> > year. The coach is in a storage yard (outdoor) in the North
> Okanagan/Shuswap, covered with a tarp. So far all I know is the batteries
> were fully
> > charged before they were disconnected.
> >
> > Because of the road conditions and high mountain passes on the routes
> down to Vancouver Island and the fact she has summer tires on, the initial
> > plan was to leave her there until April when the snow has gone then go
> up and get her OR have the guy that drove her across Canada bring her down.
> > He wasn't the owner so I'm a bit concerned he may not know the routine
> for bringing her back to life after sitting all winter. The trip to
> Vancouver
> > Island through the mountains is about 300 miles and there are three
> possible main routes, the Fraser Canyon, the Coquihalla, or through Manning
> > park.
> >
> > Any ideas?
> >
> > Larry
>
>
> Larry,
> If it has been more than a year since the engine has run, read this before
> starting the motor.
>
>
> https://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/weidner-starting-engine.pdf
>
> At a mimimum, pull the ignition wire and turn the engine over until the
> oil pressure needle comes up.
>
> Personally, not knowing for sure what the oil is or how long it has been
> there, I would change the oil and filter to a good brand name of
> 5w30....somethning like Quaker state ultimate durability synthetic and a
> Wix filter. Carry a couple of quarts with you to add as you go. Check the
> trans fluid for it's color. Is it pink? If not, take it somewhere and have
> the fluid changed before you leave. Also check Radiator fluid and radiator
> for leaks, and fix before you leave. Might take a look at belts and change
> if they are cracked, or maybe just change them. Don't want to run into
> trouble with them on some route through Fraser Canyon.
>
> JWID as a minimum. Good luck in your travels.
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Larry:

Are you planning this trip soon - or still in the spring?

Depending on what your plans are and what your current level of confidence is with the GMC Motorhome - if you think there is value in meeting to look at my GMC, we could likely make that happen.

My GMC has been modified from stock to a large degree - but the basics would be the same. Let me know.

Rob
76 Royale Twin Beds, Dry Bath
Victoria, BC

>
> Larry,
>
> One fluid Larry W. didn't remind you to check is the radiator coolant. And
> while on that subject, you being a "newbie", I must warn you: Under the
> right (passenger side) front hood is where you'll find the radiator filler
> cap -- 'way back under the firewall ON TOP OF THE RADIATOR. I emphasize
> that location because there's another filler cap under that hood -- right
> by the forward edge of the opening -- for ENGINE OIL! I know of at least
> one engine destroyed because a supposed repair shop filled that engine oil
> receptacle with antifreeze! DON'T confuse the two!
>
> Ken H.
 
All great tips and no idea if the Coq is featured in that TV show, haven't had a TV in years! It is 4000ft at the summit though.

However - I've driven it and the Kelowns-Merrit "connector" (even higher?) summer and winter many times but never in a GMC, just gotta watch the
weather forecast I guess...

will check rad/oil caps tips etc - thanks guys, keep 'em comin'

Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
 
Looking at the wheels it appears to me that you have 16.5" tires. Do you
know the age of the tires?
Missing one wheel cover as well on the intermediate wheel.
Nice looking coach.

On Mon, Dec 14, 2020 at 2:52 PM twlldeen--- via Gmclist <

> Hi Rob, love to go have a look at your coach if poss!
>
> Mine has been modified quite a bit too, as Shawn informed me - here's a
> pic of the outside.
>
> https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50710210908_46780bc952_h.jpg
>
>
> --
> Larry - Victoria BC -
>
> 1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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
 
I'll try and find out how old the tires are tonight, but I doubt they are recent, I'm assuming they're old - the feller who drove it out from Ontario
was the PO's brother.

The coach was stored inside a hangar with a GMC school bus fleet of 80 buses the PO ran, so there's a good chance it had good maintenance while back
east - story is, it was seldom, if ever used.

I'll be getting the ownership papers shortly so I'll have the VIN etc.

Perhaps Tirerack has 16-1/2" tires? What's the standard tire with 16-1/2" rims?

Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
 
Twlldeen:
Lots of us GMCers w/ 16.5” wheels run Firestone Transforce tires. Reasonably priced, readily available, and hold up well!
Mike/the Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

>
> I'll try and find out how old the tires are tonight, but I doubt they are recent, I'm assuming they're old - the feller who drove it out from Ontario
> was the PO's brother.
>
> The coach was stored inside a hangar with a GMC school bus fleet of 80 buses the PO ran, so there's a good chance it had good maintenance while back
> east - story is, it was seldom, if ever used.
>
> I'll be getting the ownership papers shortly so I'll have the VIN etc.
>
> Perhaps Tirerack has 16-1/2" tires? What's the standard tire with 16-1/2" rims?
>
> Larry
> --
> Larry - Victoria BC -
>
> 1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Sir, 8.75Rx16.5 is correct OEM size. We got ours from Walmart. There is a very very slim chance that they are 225x75x16 since that wheel was
offered in 16” size for a few years and that hubcap was offered in 16” size on the 30 series Vans.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Milestar-Steelpro-MS597-LT8-75-16-5/830462668
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p67811-c36de0db-42e9-46d9-b11a-3dcfdea1448f.html

> I'll try and find out how old the tires are tonight, but I doubt they are recent, I'm assuming they're old - the feller who drove it out from
> Ontario was the PO's brother.
>
> The coach was stored inside a hangar with a GMC school bus fleet of 80 buses the PO ran, so there's a good chance it had good maintenance while
> back east - story is, it was seldom, if ever used.
>
> I'll be getting the ownership papers shortly so I'll have the VIN etc.
>
> Perhaps Tirerack has 16-1/2" tires? What's the standard tire with 16-1/2" rims?
>
> Larry

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
Thanks for the info and links, C Boyd!

Good info!

Larry

--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
 
> Looking at the wheels it appears to me that you have 16.5" tires. Do you
> know the age of the tires?
> Missing one wheel cover as well on the intermediate wheel.
> Nice looking coach.
>
> On Mon, Dec 14, 2020 at 2:52 PM twlldeen--- via Gmclist <

>
> > Hi Rob, love to go have a look at your coach if poss!
> >
> > Mine has been modified quite a bit too, as Shawn informed me - here's a
> > pic of the outside.
> >
> > https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50710210908_46780bc952_h.jpg
> >
> >
> > --
> > Larry - Victoria BC -
> >
> > 1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > 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
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

Is it the profile of the rim that makes it a 16-1/2"? I'm guessing 16" wheels look different then?
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
 
> Is it the profile of the rim that makes it a 16-1/2"? I'm guessing 16" wheels look different then?

Larry,

Unless you know what you are looking for, it is very difficult to see the difference between 16.5 and 16 rims. There is an offset to the rim just at
the bead that makes it a 16.5. To my knowledge, nobody have been able to make the 16.5 wheel covers stay on a 16 rim. I haven't even tried.

I have steel 16s and I had to buy 16 to get 7 out of the final 13 that cleared testing to true. Given the difficulty and expense, were I to do it all
again, I would not bother. I would try to acquire alloy wheels to bolt up. If I could not get them with the correct center bore, I would make up
shim rings to do that.

A quick pass with Google Earth looks like there is enough agriculture on the island that 8.75x16.5 might be very available. This was a common tire
size for medium trucks for decades. Framers tend to not wear out trucks that they really only use for a couple of weeks a year. This could work in
your favor.

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
 
Larry:

Looks great! Let me know when works.

A few years ago - a GMC owner up island was able to source 16.5” tires at both Sidney Tire and KalTire (and likely others). In the end he bought them from Sidney Tire, after verifying that the rims were 16.5”.

I’d assume you’ll be sourcing tires up in the Okanagan, if they’re required? If the tires are old and/or have been sitting for a long time, they likely need attention/replacement. LOTS of potential fibreglass damage from a blowout!

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

>
> Hi Rob, love to go have a look at your coach if poss!
>
> Mine has been modified quite a bit too, as Shawn informed me - here's a pic of the outside.
>
> https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50710210908_46780bc952_h.jpg
>
>
> --
> Larry - Victoria BC -
>
> 1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
 
Hey Matt, Interesting points about picking up 16" steelies - sounds like it's a bit hit and miss locating a bunch of them to get a set of good ones
and might be a bit more of a hassle than I'm up for.
The alloy wheel suggestion with the centre bore shim "option" sounds more like something an old scrounger like myself might be the best answer if I do
decide to ditch the 16.5's ....So just to be clear, these shim rings you'd make up (if necessary), would they be welded to the alloy rims or what?

Larry

> Larry,
>
> Unless you know what you are looking for, it is very difficult to see the difference between 16.5 and 16 rims. There is an offset to the rim just
> at the bead that makes it a 16.5. To my knowledge, nobody have been able to make the 16.5 wheel covers stay on a 16 rim. I haven't even tried.
>
> I have steel 16s and I had to buy 16 to get 7 out of the final 13 that cleared testing to true. Given the difficulty and expense, were I to do it
> all again, I would not bother. I would try to acquire alloy wheels to bolt up. If I could not get them with the correct center bore, I would make
> up shim rings to do that.
> Matt

--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach - 39,000 original miles so far
 
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