Considering buying a GMC Motorhome, looking for advice.

[zackduguid]

Hello everyone.

As the main page stated, I saw one of these beauties a few years ago at a racetrack and have been a fan ever since. I obviously don't need to tell
this forum about the cool factor they have, but I definitely have some questions before I consider an actual purchase.

So first off, let me tell you the little I know about the vehicle. It is a 1975 (the owner is unsure, which scares me a tiny bit), lighter blue at the
bottom and white up top. The interior has been completely gutted. All that remains is what I think is the original flooring. Owner says it runs and
drives fine, he has had it for 3 years and said he doesn't have the time anymore. Owner says it has 126,000 kms (about 80k miles) and he is asking
just over 3k for it.

I am a relatively handy person as far as renovations, carpentry etc goes. Certainly not a master but I consider myself capable. Mechanically I would
rate my skills a bit lower, I can change the oil or an alternator if I have to, but beyond that I would be in a little over my head.

It looks ok in pictures. Definitely needs a clean and is missing a piece of exterior trim. I like the colour scheme so wouldn't change it.

What I am hoping the fine people here can help me with is some general guidance and giving me the right things to look for if I do decide to go and
take a look. The vehicle is a few hours away so it isn't too big a trek but I would be going cash in hand and driving it home if I did end up
buying.

I am fine with putting a lot of labour in, and to be honest the part of making something your own and starting with a blank slate is a definite plus.

I have so many questions but I will leave it at this for now. Any help or advice offered would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Ken B]

First thing you might do is change the location in your profile. Just Canada cover an awful lot of territory. City and province would be much
better.

Second would be to build a signature file with similar information. We have email only users out there that do not see your profile but they will see
your signature file.

We have a lot of Canadians on this list. They just need to know if they nearby.


--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

 

[Ken H.]

The sentence Ken left out is: "Once they know where you are, chances are
someone will volunteer to look at the coach with you -- you DO need that
knowledgeable help."

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

> First thing you might do is change the location in your profile. Just
> Canada cover an awful lot of territory. City and province would be much
> better.
>
> Second would be to build a signature file with similar information. We
> have email only users out there that do not see your profile but they will
> see
> your signature file.
>
> We have a lot of Canadians on this list. They just need to know if they
> nearby.
>
>
> --
> 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
>

 

[kingsley coach]

So where do ya live, Bud ?

Mike in NS

On Sun, Aug 26, 2018 at 10:10 AM Ken Henderson
wrote:

> The sentence Ken left out is: "Once they know where you are, chances are
> someone will volunteer to look at the coach with you -- you DO need that
> knowledgeable help."
>
> 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
>
>

>
> > First thing you might do is change the location in your profile. Just
> > Canada cover an awful lot of territory. City and province would be much
> > better.
> >
> > Second would be to build a signature file with similar information. We
> > have email only users out there that do not see your profile but they
> will
> > see
> > your signature file.
> >
> > We have a lot of Canadians on this list. They just need to know if they
> > nearby.
> >
> >
> > --
> > 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
> >
> _______________________________________________
> 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 !

 

[Carl Stouffer]

I know a couple in Alberta who might be able to help. I don't know how close they are to you, but they have been GMC owners for years. They are
Carlo and Janice Culig. Email for Janice is - janiceculig Hopefully she won't mind me giving out her email.

One of the main issues to look out for, in northern coaches, is frame rust. Check the frame thoroughly, especially around the rear suspension and the
front subframe. also, check the condition (color, smell, etc) of the fluids. If you DO buy the coach, change all the fluids just so you have a base
to start from. Also, rubber hoses, belts, etc can be problematic, especially if they haven't been change in the last 20 years.

It is a shame that the coach has been gutted. This is a common mistake new owners make. They start out all gung ho, gut the inside, and soon lose
their enthusiasm and then the project languishes. The only good part of that is that they eventually sell their project for what may seem like a
bargain price to the new buyer.

Conventional wisdom states that you will need to end up with somewhere around 25K into a coach to make it comfortable and dependable. A lot of us
have considerably more into our rigs.

Good luck
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[richshoop]

First thing is go look at it WITHOUT cash in hand. Take lots of pictures, including the all important TZE number off of the nameplate. Pass that information back to the forum.

Once you have a better idea of exactly what you are looking at, THEN you are ready to talk about money.

This is an adventure you are embarking on. Finding the right coach, even if it involves some longer distance travelling, and more time, will serve you very well. The wrong coach could easily become a piece of yard art, which does not benefit anyone.

Because of the dedicated group here, there are virtually every part available for the coach.

>
>
> Hello everyone.
>
> As the main page stated, I saw one of these beauties a few years ago at a racetrack and have been a fan ever since. I obviously don't need to tell
> this forum about the cool factor they have, but I definitely have some questions before I consider an actual purchase.
>
> So first off, let me tell you the little I know about the vehicle. It is a 1975 (the owner is unsure, which scares me a tiny bit), lighter blue at the
> bottom and white up top. The interior has been completely gutted. All that remains is what I think is the original flooring. Owner says it runs and
> drives fine, he has had it for 3 years and said he doesn't have the time anymore. Owner says it has 126,000 kms (about 80k miles) and he is asking
> just over 3k for it.
>
> I am a relatively handy person as far as renovations, carpentry etc goes. Certainly not a master but I consider myself capable. Mechanically I would
> rate my skills a bit lower, I can change the oil or an alternator if I have to, but beyond that I would be in a little over my head.
>
> It looks ok in pictures. Definitely needs a clean and is missing a piece of exterior trim. I like the colour scheme so wouldn't change it.
>
> What I am hoping the fine people here can help me with is some general guidance and giving me the right things to look for if I do decide to go and
> take a look. The vehicle is a few hours away so it isn't too big a trek but I would be going cash in hand and driving it home if I did end up
> buying.
>
> I am fine with putting a lot of labour in, and to be honest the part of making something your own and starting with a blank slate is a definite plus.
>
>
> I have so many questions but I will leave it at this for now. Any help or advice offered would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[Ken B]

OK, He is in Cold Lake, AB.

Wrong side of the country for you Mike.

About 200 miles ENE of Edmonton in the oil/tar sands area.

Too far for me to go help or look at a coach. .
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

 

[scott nutter1]

There are a few websites that specialize in the GMC's for sale. Seems like the common price for a good one is around $20,000-$25,000 USD. Or you can
expect to put in at least that to get it to your liking. If I wasn't at least half way mechanical, I'd opt for the buy already done one.
If you snowbird down here in the south, that might be a good time to buy!
Good luck,
Scott.
--
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

 

[shaun]

There are a few GMC guys around Edmonton area (John Heslinga and Carl Harr come to mind). You should try and connect with both if you can (John is on
FB and I can get you Carl's number). Lots of great info and resources there. It would really help to bring someone along because they will know what
to look for. The frame rust is likely a deal breaker (unless you've got lots of moolah and the coach has sentimental value).

--
1977 Palm Beach, 455, mostly stock and original

 

[zackduguid]

Thanks for all the responses, I am still weighing my options. Some of the estimates to bring it back to roadworthiness are a little bit intimidating
to be honest. I work in the demolition/salvage industry so I could potentially get building materials for free/cheap but this would only lower the
cost so much.

I will give it some more thought and will reach out to the people suggested if I do indeed go and take a look.

Thanks again.

 

[richshoop]

Be very SURE that you are using OEM quality materials or better. Note that the floor is specified as 'marine grade' plywood.
Be sure you do. Helping a friend with an SOB rebuild, frame up. The orange box 'just as good' ACX plywood did not even last until his rebuild was complete.

>
>
> Thanks for all the responses, I am still weighing my options. Some of the estimates to bring it back to roadworthiness are a little bit intimidating
> to be honest. I work in the demolition/salvage industry so I could potentially get building materials for free/cheap but this would only lower the
> cost so much.
>
> I will give it some more thought and will reach out to the people suggested if I do indeed go and take a look.
>
> Thanks again.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org