Considering purchase, have questions

[Matt Colie]

Jon,
I read somewhere that Alcoa no longer made GMC wheels. Do you know if this is/is not True?
KimK doesn't list them anymore.
Matt

 

[LQQKatJon]

Jon,
I read somewhere that Alcoa no longer made GMC wheels. Do you know if this is/is not True?
KimK doesn't list them anymore.
Matt

Correct. No new correct alcoas. So when shopping for a used gmc, finding one that has the alcoa wheels on it already is worth much more. If a used coach does Not have 16” aluminum rims, everything else on it better be in pretty good condition,
Or price should reflect.

 

[PaulTFenton]

Just FYI, the '73 that just sold in Linden, MI was being offered with six extra Alcoa wheels.

 

[TerryD]

Hello, all! New to this community!

Am looking at buying a 1973, 26' Glenbrook, 43K miles, looks like it's all original, kept in garage, hasn't been started in an unknown amount of years. It's presently about 15 minutes from our home. They originally asked $13K, but it's now $9K. Questions:

1. How do I get more info re this particular vehicle?
2. I've read comments about poor traction for theses vehicles in certain circumstances. Our home has a fairly steep gravel drive. Should this be a concern?
3. I am familiar with where this vehicles is stored. I doubt a big flatbed trailer could be brought in there. Still, what would be a ballpark figure for moving this vehicle 10 miles in mid-Michigan?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

I have a 1973 Canyonlands. 10 miles? Drive it! Get somebody to crank it, check tires and other essentials, then GO! Biggest issue to me is your air pump. Ground clearance is an isssue in back getting from level to uphill. A scrape will get your attention.

 

[Keith V]

Who TF says "most would say that this is the most valuable one."
looks like trash to me. that headliner, wheels, it's going to be $$ to make liveable

 

[kbeefy]

Who TF says "most would say that this is the most valuable one."
looks like trash to me. that headliner, wheels, it's going to be $$ to make liveable

That seller seems to bit a bit on the harsh side, the business is labeled a 'liquidator', so likely an Estate cleanout.

I think he was referring to it being a Coachmaster Royale, some people say it has the nicest cabinetry and as a '78 it had the most updated parts of the GMC's. I can't say how accurate any of that is, just what I've read.

 

[PaulTFenton]

That seller seems to bit a bit on the harsh side, the business is labeled a 'liquidator', so likely an Estate cleanout.

I think he was referring to it being a Coachmaster Royale, some people say it has the nicest cabinetry and as a '78 it had the most updated parts of the GMC's. I can't say how accurate any of that is, just what I've read.

I'm going to look at it. Generally speaking, would a '78 be better/ more desirable than a '73? What about the 455 vs the 403?

 

[Kendra]

We love all '73-78 GMCs but late models benefitted from a long list of technical improvements. Design changes include the seam between upper and lower body sections, entry door, front suspension, air leveling controls, dash vent air flow, etc. 1973-74 GMCs left the factory with front lower control arms that must be updated - original lower arms have failed and caused wrecks.

So the answer depends on how well it was maintained, and receipts or other proof of essential improvements.

 

[kbeefy]

77/78 has a better dash HVAC and some updated electronics.

403 vs 455 seems to be a wash, I'd rather have whichever one was better maintained.
If my 403 does need to come out, a 455 or 500 is going back in.

 

[PaulTFenton]

Hello, all!

Any thoughts on this listing?

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455 c.i. vs. 403?

Hello, all!

I looked at this GMC yesterday. I am not buying it, but if anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer.

 

[PaulTFenton]

We love all '73-78 GMCs but late models benefitted from a long list of technical improvements. Design changes include the seam between upper and lower body sections, entry door, front suspension, air leveling controls, dash vent air flow, etc. 1973-74 GMCs left the factory with front lower control arms that must be updated - original lower arms have failed and caused wrecks.

So the answer depends on how well it was maintained, and receipts or other proof of essential improvements.

Is there any way of telling if a '73s lower control arms have been updated?

 

[Matt Colie]

Paul,
If you dig through all the stuff in Eastern States and GMCMI, you should find the recall order for the early LCA. The reinforcing parts are pretty plain to see, but what is called for was not enough for out coach. One failed on the high way and there was significant collateral damage. If you get that far, get back to me for real and usable suggestions.
Matt

 

[PaulTFenton]

Paul,
If you dig through all the stuff in Eastern States and GMCMI, you should find the recall order for the early LCA. The reinforcing parts are pretty plain to see, but what is called for was not enough for out coach. One failed on the high way and there was significant collateral damage. If you get that far, get back to me for real and usable suggestions.
Matt

Matt,

Thanks! I can imagine the "collateral damage". Ouch!

 

[PaulTFenton]

Hello, all!

For reference, I am looking at this listing:

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FWIW, I think that $4,350.00 is asking far too much, and the statement that "...one of the brake lines has breached." means that the entire brake system is probably shot.

Owner says it is completely gutted, and the parts are gone.

Questions: What are chances of obtaining a largely original interior, and equipment? What would that cost?

My thoughts are that this may be an opportunity to obtain a usable base unit for very little up front cost.

What do you all think?

 

[PaulTFenton]

Hello, all!

For reference, I am looking at this listing:

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FWIW, I think that $4,350.00 is asking far too much, and the statement that "...one of the brake lines has breached." means that the entire brake system is probably shot.

Owner says it is completely gutted, and the parts are gone.

Questions: What are chances of obtaining a largely original interior, and equipment? What would that cost?

My thoughts are that this may be an opportunity to obtain a usable base unit for very little up front cost.

What do you all think?

And yes, it's sad to see another gut and run.

 

[kbeefy]

Absolutely not. You can have a complete driver for $10k. Keep looking, you'll find one!

 

[kbeefy]

$10k in Kentucky

$10.5k in Kentucky

You'll travel alot further than that tracking down interiors....

 

[PaulTFenton]

Absolutely not. You can have a complete driver for $10k. Keep looking, you'll find one!

I am looking at this one:

1973 Sequoia 26FT in Brighton, MI

Vintage Class A RV Classifieds in US and Canada on Direct Seller Ads - 1973 GMC Sequoia 26FT Motorhome For Sale in Brighton, Michigan.

www.gmcrvforsale.com

Seller has said online he'd take $8K. However, getting $8K together will take time, and it'll still need work.

I appreciate all the input. I have a lot to learn.

 

[kbeefy]

$8k for that is a much better deal than a gutted one.

Remember, most of these neglected, unused coaches will need tires and maybe even wheels.

 

[Matt Colie]

Paul,
At 8K, that is a workable deal. Yes, it will need all the rubber everything replaced but that is not an unmanageable set of task and will include some things that should happen by age anyway.
Matt_C