Critical maintenance

T

terry1

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Oct 26, 2013
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Our recent purchase is what would be considered a survivor coach I think it is a 75 Glenbrook that is largely original and well maintained over the
years some updating to the electrical system, new smart charger/converter and new viiair compressor , ss tank and new power level 2 controls but
original air bags. Suspension and mechanics are all working but no updates. When we first bought it we were just thinking about using it to make short
camping trips locally in Manitoba but we have always wanted to load up our cats and visit each coast. My question is what would be the basic updates
we should do if we were going to take extended trips. Still have 16.5 wheels but Firestones are available at any Kal tire across Canada so will put on
new tires and put the $1,500 for 16 inch wheels into mechanics. I am not very mechanical so most work on motor and suspension would be hired. Any
suggestions from seasoned travelers appreciated.
--
Terry
75 Glenbrook
Dauphin, Manitoba
 
> Our recent purchase is what would be considered a survivor coach I think it is a 75 Glenbrook that is largely original and well maintained over
> the years some updating to the electrical system, new smart charger/converter and new viiair compressor , ss tank and new power level 2 controls but
> original air bags. Suspension and mechanics are all working but no updates. When we first bought it we were just thinking about using it to make
> short camping trips locally in Manitoba but we have always wanted to load up our cats and visit each coast. My question is what would be the basic
> updates we should do if we were going to take extended trips. Still have 16.5 wheels but Firestones are available at any Kal tire across Canada so
> will put on new tires and put the $1,500 for 16 inch wheels into mechanics. I am not very mechanical so most work on motor and suspension would be
> hired. Any suggestions from seasoned travelers appreciated.
You don't need any updates. It was made for long trips. Perform any maintenance (like greasing all the bearings and zerks, changing/topping off
fluids) get those new tires, print a copy of the assist list and hit the road. If they are old, replace belts and hoses, check brake linings, etc. If
it is mechanically sound, you can expect the house systems to increase the adventure like lights blowing bulbs and fuses, fresh water pump refusing to
pump, water heater element going bad. Maybe none of those specifically, but at the age they are, they get creative with the inconveniences they spring
on you. Depending on your attitude, it either endears them to you or puts you off them.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"When I grow up I am going to be a curmudgeon."
 
I have taken several major this where we have been gone 6 weeks or more at
a time. The further you are from home, the louder those squeaks and rattles
and knocks get. If you do not know how old your belts, hoses, and
thermostat is, treat them as worn out and replace them. Same for wear items
like brake pads and shoes and tires. Then drive it.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or

> > Our recent purchase is what would be considered a survivor coach I think
> it is a 75 Glenbrook that is largely original and well maintained over
> > the years some updating to the electrical system, new smart
> charger/converter and new viiair compressor , ss tank and new power level 2
> controls but
> > original air bags. Suspension and mechanics are all working but no
> updates. When we first bought it we were just thinking about using it to
> make
> > short camping trips locally in Manitoba but we have always wanted to
> load up our cats and visit each coast. My question is what would be the
> basic
> > updates we should do if we were going to take extended trips. Still have
> 16.5 wheels but Firestones are available at any Kal tire across Canada so
> > will put on new tires and put the $1,500 for 16 inch wheels into
> mechanics. I am not very mechanical so most work on motor and suspension
> would be
> > hired. Any suggestions from seasoned travelers appreciated.
> You don't need any updates. It was made for long trips. Perform any
> maintenance (like greasing all the bearings and zerks, changing/topping off
> fluids) get those new tires, print a copy of the assist list and hit the
> road. If they are old, replace belts and hoses, check brake linings, etc. If
> it is mechanically sound, you can expect the house systems to increase the
> adventure like lights blowing bulbs and fuses, fresh water pump refusing to
> pump, water heater element going bad. Maybe none of those specifically,
> but at the age they are, they get creative with the inconveniences they
> spring
> on you. Depending on your attitude, it either endears them to you or puts
> you off them.
> --
> 73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
> 73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
> Upper Alabama
> "When I grow up I am going to be a curmudgeon."
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Thanks sounds about right I am having it safetied right now so things like the brakes etc will be looked at mostly concerned with things that will
make it reliable mechanically the house systems I can handle one thing about having a few years under your belt is that most things have happened to
you at some point. I find remembering my youth driving 69s and 70s cars is coming in handy.
--
Terry
75 Glenbrook
Dauphin, Manitoba
 
> Thanks sounds about right I am having it safetied right now so things like the brakes etc will be looked at mostly concerned with things that will
> make it reliable mechanically the house systems I can handle one thing about having a few years under your belt is that most things have happened to
> you at some point. I find remembering my youth driving 69s and 70s cars is coming in handy.
When I was almost 5 years old, my dad loaded the family in a ten year old pickup with a wooden cap and headed 2,000 miles across country to his
childhood home. A wife, and 4 kids, before interstates and cell phones, across places with "settlements" along the way in some places more than 50
miles apart.

I have sometimes considered if that truck stranded us in the Arizona heat at noon 30 miles from anywhere on a road that might go several hours between
cars.

The old man either never considered it, or knew he would get us out of that situation if it happened.

I remember standing on the side of the road in the salt flats while he fiddled with something under the truck. And I don't know how many times he was
under the hood. But we made it there and back.

Now we have cell phones and interstate highways patrolled by law enforcement and what-not.

You'll be way better off than we would have been, even if the engine catastrophically distributes itself along a short stretch of road.

Its 40+ year old 1970s mechanical technology. You can do a BobDonahugh and make it all new, or you can jump in one that hasn't been moved in ten
years, and the probability of ending up on the hook is about the same in either case. Bob might disagree with me, but those are my thoughts on it.

There used to be a member here that bought field finds and drove them more than a thousand miles home with nothing more than a new battery and an
outboard motor tank with electric pump to the carb. He would slap whatever bandaid it needed to get it rolling under its own power (like a 4X4 block
for an airbag). Sometimes he coasted to a stop on the side of the road and had to effect "expedient" repairs, but he always made it home.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"When I grow up I am going to be a curmudgeon."
 
If it was me, I 'd put reaction arms on the back brakes. Which I have done on the two I've owned. A worthwhile mod.--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
 
OK Terry,

Do you realize that if you are talking about Winnipeg to Vancouver to Quebec to home that is a 5000mi+ (8000Km). This is not out of the realm of
possibility, but it will take some serious consideration.

Eleven years ago, we had just acquired the coach and after some work set off for a 4000+ mile excursion. Fortunately fate intervened and a weather
report forced a change in the plan. It got shortened to 2500mi. and became a wonderful creator of memories. I didn't know then what I know now. The
newest tire was 8 years old. But she came along and has been a faithful friend all these years.

First thing: You are clearly literate and of reasonable intelligence (even if you did by a 40yo motorhome). That can actually put you ahead of the
people you might pay to do things on your coach. There is nothing about a GMC that approaches brain surgery or rocket science. These things are
strictly 20th century. That is both good and bad. The good part is that you can buy some tools and read the book and figure it out. If your
technical capability is above "Yellow Canary", with care and diligence you can do what she is likely to need. The bad part is that the people that
really know what they are doing with these old girls are retired (if they survive at all) or are here. That is why you print a hard copy of the Black
(aka GMC assist) list to carry with you. Speaking of "here", you do have a local mentor (I love Ken's program), Brian answered you a few threads
back. Do not ignore him. I can tell you stories of owner assistance that would surprise those that are unfamiliar with the community.

Do you have the service manuals in a readable form? If no, download them now. There is no way you can absorb all that at once. Just sit down with a
something and look at the pictures and read the headings so you know what is there.

Get the Owner's Manual too...

If you read the maintenance schedule, you will see that they recommend an engine lube oil service at 3000mi (~4kKm). With new engine oils and if you
are running, that is not a big issue. But, the same interval is called for for the front end, and while new greases are better, they still just don't
stay in place any better. So, you should make plans along the way to get to a rack to get the 14 grease fittings along the route. If you don't have
a grease gun, go get one and wrap it in a plastic bag and carry it along. That is for the rear bogie pins. Yours are better than mine, but even
still, they (at least mine do)want grease about every 2000 miles. It try to hit mine every 1000 because grease is cheaper than parts.

Now, About tires. I have had no problems with Firestone Transforce, but they are a radial tire. There is a very good chance that not all your wheels
are radial rated. If your experience is like mine, and this is an issue, it will start as a slow leak. I put 30K+ on mine before a wheel cracked.
If you are capable, get on here or the Black list and start calling. There is probably a GMC friend in striking range that will have a good 16.5
wheel and tire to give you.

Now, here comes another important part.
Take lots of pictures. One of you needs to keep a daily running log. This is important because if you are like the rest of us the memory core will
soon suffer both overflow and bleed through. (Mary, was the Balloon Fiesta 2008 or 2010 and when were we in St. Louis the first time?) This is not a
critical issue, but it can be embarrassing.

Most of all. Enjoy the road and the people you meet.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
As Matt said, you may have non-radial rims. The change to radial rims/tires was made during the 1975 model year. There is a factory sticker in the
glove box in my '75 PB #1431 that states not to use radial tires on the rims. So be sure to double check that your rims are for radials.
--
Mike K.
'75 PB
Southeast Michigan
 
I'll add my thinking - I have been restoring and using a 75 Glenbrook for the last three and a half years.

If you have not checked your coach to see if you have metal or plastic cones in the rear suspension air bags, do it before you go ANYWHERE. The
plastic ones have degraded over time, and will break catastrophically, and cut the air bag on the way out. Ask me how I know. Fortunately mine blew up
parked and not driving. Shards were thirty feet away. Again, you can hit the search bar in this forum to find more threads, but I think the metal ones
have fins radiating outward. You can usually tell by tapping with a wrench for the metal on metal sound, too. If plastic, then you have to find some
used metal ones or call one of the main vendors.

One piece that isn't very expensive, but made a big difference early on (before the full three year learning curve) was a new steering damper. Some
argue you don't need one, but believe me, it helped mine a lot. Moog SSD-55 at most auto places, it is like a sideways shock absorber. Now that I have
replaced my steering box, blue shaft connection thing, relay arm, etc (thanks Alex Ferrara) its pretty nice. But dollars to donuts, the $25 and at
most half hour install for the stabilizer shouldn't be overlooked.

I did six Transforce tires on what I learned later were not radial rated wheels. No problems at all so far, but the next set will be sixteen inch
somethings - I have two Chevy 2500 wheels waiting to go on front (offset wrong for rear) (I will use conical lug nuts), and will be looking for four
steel, Alcoa, or something over the next two years to make the switch when these tires age out.

http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=290688&rid=3615&srch=narrow+belt

The above thread is about the three drive belts. If you have not tried to replace them, you may end up surprised when you think you can go to an auto
store and give them the number and end up with the right belts. The common test is if you can slip a 10 mm open end wrench over it, it isn't fat
enough. So, replacing them on the road is only simple if you have the right belts with you. I'd suggest ordering what you think is right, try to put
them on and if they fit, keep the old ones for spares (better to order a new similar set, but hey).

Install AT LEAST one smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, and probably a propane detector. I run two each of smoke and CO: back by bedroom,
and one up middle/front of coach. The two smoke detectors are one each of the two types, ionization and photoelectric. It would be better if they were
RV rated, but I have standard house version ones.

Adventure awaits! Prepare, be flexible, and head out!

--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
 
Thanks everyone I am keeping track of all the suggestions, I am a compulsive reader so have done lots of digging the PO gave me a lot of good stuff
not only are my cones metal I have an extra set and a couple of used air bags as spares and two emergency metal rods so good that way. I also have a
Total of 9 rims so I hope during the mounting of the new tires to make sure I do not have any cracks. The PO assured me all will take radials the two
that I have off the coach are marked radial. I have all the manuals as well as I am making hard copies of any good how to stuff I find. I see that the
hard part is finding parts so I am studying the parts manual and the exchange I plan to put together lists of stuff I can get at places like napa etc.
I have already had an interesting time finding wiper blades as I did not realize I had the lumina arms not the OEM arms, still not sure whether I need
the 24 inch or the 22s but that's all part of the fun of it. Next fillters and belts. We plan to spend june and July on local get acquainted trips and
if all goes well we will join the brother in law and his 40 ft Newmar diesel pusher for a trip to the martimes in August.
--
Terry
75 Glenbrook
Dauphin, Manitoba
 
About Wipers.

Terry,

I am very glad you are not going to dive in head long..
In actual fact, I always advise new owners of any RV to camp at least the first night in the drive way. There is a very steep initial learning
curve.

Having Lumina arms makes it very easy to buy wipers. 22 will work, some 24s bump the my windshield gasket.
I got very tired of non-passcar wipers with my 1965 Jeep Gladiator. Wipers were available, but had to be ordered at a real parts store, not a store
front kind and cost about 20$us EACH.

Another thing to think about if you are going to the Maritines.....
Rain-X will do better than the wipers in the Nova Scotia fall's "not quite rain". The only problem is that it takes about 35MPH (~60Kph) for it to
work right on a GMC.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Good morning Matt and all, the lumina wiper blade fasteners are actually off center. The 24" blade on the drivers side needs to be flipped around so
the short side is on the windshield side.

> About Wipers.
>
> Terry,
>
> I am very glad you are not going to dive in head long..
> In actual fact, I always advise new owners of any RV to camp at least the first night in the drive way. There is a very steep initial learning
> curve.
>
> Having Lumina arms makes it very easy to buy wipers. 22 will work, some 24s bump the my windshield gasket.
> I got very tired of non-passcar wipers with my 1965 Jeep Gladiator. Wipers were available, but had to be ordered at a real parts store, not a
> store front kind and cost about 20$us EACH.
>
> Another thing to think about if you are going to the Maritines.....
> Rain-X will do better than the wipers in the Nova Scotia fall's "not quite rain". The only problem is that it takes about 35MPH (~60Kph) for it
> to work right on a GMC.
>
> Matt

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
I checked the pic I have of the glove box tags and it indicates that I have 16.5 rims RR which I assume means radial ready. Every time I visit my new
coach I take more pics of all the bits and pieces so I can sit and pore over them for tidbits like this. It will be so much easier when it's home in
my drive way.
--
Terry
75 Glenbrook
Dauphin, Manitoba
 
Terry, you've been advised by the best on what you need to do to make your
coach road worthy.

From my perspective, the wife who sleeps with her mechanic, we bought our
coach at the end of January 2005 and took it straight to Gordon Dunlap (now
deceased) to install fuel injection for us. The next five months Bob was
out working on "The Roadhouse" every day and most days he came in and said
"you're not going to believe what I found today...".

As planned, we left to drive from Huntsville, TX to Alaska on July 1,
2005. We had never slept in the coach or camped in any way before we got
on the road. We rushed to AK and sort of rushed home by September 3. (We
also didn't know how to "take time to smell the roses".) We only had one
problem--our gear shifter cable broke in Williams Lake. Not to worry, Bob
could lift the engine hatch and shift gears when we were stopped. When I
misrouted us over Monarch Pass in Colorado, he couldn't downshift... But
my trusty mechanic husband brought us up 23,000' and over safely.

When we got back to Lanny and Billie Young's home in Kingsland, TX, Lanny
had the new gear shifter cable, which good guy, Jim Kanomata, had sent to
him for us.

We took two trips to AK and one to the Maritimes (you'll love that trip)
plus to GMCMI conventions in California, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama,
Louisiana, and North Dakota with no troubles that left us on the road.

On our way to Oregon in 2015, our gear shifter cable broke again just
outside of Portland about 3:30 p.m., so we called Jim K. and ordered a
gear shifter cable (evidently, you need one of those every 10 years😋) to
be sent to our RV park. The next day about noon I went to the office to
tell them we were expecting a package. She said, "I believe it's
here...". That tells you about Jim Kanomata's service. Service like that
is rare, but you can expect it from Jim and his staff.

Sounds like you got a good coach. Hoping you will enjoy yours as much as
we have.

Also, you will not find better people than GMCers. Look forward to seeing
you somewhere on the trail. Let us know if you plan a trip to Texas. We
have room for guests at our little log cabin.

Sandra Price

> I was lucky they are all RR
> --
> Terry
> 75 Glenbrook
> Dauphin, Manitoba
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Sandra
Neat trick!
Monarch Pass is about 11,000 feet. Mt. Denali (formerly McKinley is 20,300 feet but no roads to the top..

I have always enjoyed stories about Bob and your trips!

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

>
> Terry, you've been advised by the best on what you need to do to make your
> coach road worthy.
>
> From my perspective, the wife who sleeps with her mechanic, we bought our
> coach at the end of January 2005 and took it straight to Gordon Dunlap (now
> deceased) to install fuel injection for us. The next five months Bob was
> out working on "The Roadhouse" every day and most days he came in and said
> "you're not going to believe what I found today...".
>
> As planned, we left to drive from Huntsville, TX to Alaska on July 1,
> 2005. We had never slept in the coach or camped in any way before we got
> on the road. We rushed to AK and sort of rushed home by September 3. (We
> also didn't know how to "take time to smell the roses".) We only had one
> problem--our gear shifter cable broke in Williams Lake. Not to worry, Bob
> could lift the engine hatch and shift gears when we were stopped. When I
> misrouted us over Monarch Pass in Colorado, he couldn't downshift... But
> my trusty mechanic husband brought us up 23,000' and over safely.
>
> When we got back to Lanny and Billie Young's home in Kingsland, TX, Lanny
> had the new gear shifter cable, which good guy, Jim Kanomata, had sent to
> him for us.
>
> We took two trips to AK and one to the Maritimes (you'll love that trip)
> plus to GMCMI conventions in California, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama,
> Louisiana, and North Dakota with no troubles that left us on the road.
>
> On our way to Oregon in 2015, our gear shifter cable broke again just
> outside of Portland about 3:30 p.m., so we called Jim K. and ordered a
> gear shifter cable (evidently, you need one of those every 10 years😋) to
> be sent to our RV park. The next day about noon I went to the office to
> tell them we were expecting a package. She said, "I believe it's
> here...". That tells you about Jim Kanomata's service. Service like that
> is rare, but you can expect it from Jim and his staff.
>
> Sounds like you got a good coach. Hoping you will enjoy yours as much as
> we have.
>
> Also, you will not find better people than GMCers. Look forward to seeing
> you somewhere on the trail. Let us know if you plan a trip to Texas. We
> have room for guests at our little log cabin.
>
> Sandra Price
>

>
>> I was lucky they are all RR
>> --
>> Terry
>> 75 Glenbrook
>> Dauphin, Manitoba
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> 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
 
> ...we left to drive from Huntsville, TX to Alaska on July 1, 2005.... We only had one problem--our gear shifter cable broke in Williams Lake. Not
> to worry, Bob could lift the engine hatch and shift gears when we were stopped. ...
> When we got back to Lanny and Billie Young's home in Kingsland, TX, Lanny had the new gear shifter cable, which good guy, Jim Kanomata, had sent
> to him for us.
> ...
> On our way to Oregon in 2015, our gear shifter cable broke again just outside of Portland about 3:30 p.m., so we called Jim K. and ordered a gear
> shifter cable (evidently, you need one of those every 10 years😋) to be sent to our RV park. The next day about noon I went to the office to tell
> them we were expecting a package. She said, "I believe it's here...". That tells you about Jim Kanomata's service. Service like that is rare, but
> you can expect it from Jim and his staff. ..
I should have included Jim Ks number with the advice to carry a copy of the assist list (AKA the blacklist). AppliedGMC - 1-800-752-7502. Jim is there
a lot outside business hours. I don't know how many people have said they called on a Sunday and he answered the phone.

Jim K is not only the biggest service center in the world, he is also an owner who travels thousands (tens of thousands?) of miles a year in his. He
knows what it is like to need parts 2,000 miles from home, and he doesn't want anyone stuck waiting days for parts.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"When I grow up I am going to be a curmudgeon."
 
What is the "windshield side"?
Do you mean toward the outside of the coach?

Emery Stora

>
> Good morning Matt and all, the lumina wiper blade fasteners are actually off center. The 24" blade on the drivers side needs to be flipped around so
> the short side is on the windshield side.
>
>
>
>

>> About Wipers.
>>
>> Terry,
>>
>> I am very glad you are not going to dive in head long..
>> In actual fact, I always advise new owners of any RV to camp at least the first night in the drive way. There is a very steep initial learning
>> curve.
>>
>> Having Lumina arms makes it very easy to buy wipers. 22 will work, some 24s bump the my windshield gasket.
>> I got very tired of non-passcar wipers with my 1965 Jeep Gladiator. Wipers were available, but had to be ordered at a real parts store, not a
>> store front kind and cost about 20$us EACH.
>>
>> Another thing to think about if you are going to the Maritines.....
>> Rain-X will do better than the wipers in the Nova Scotia fall's "not quite rain". The only problem is that it takes about 35MPH (~60Kph) for it
>> to work right on a GMC.
>>
>> Matt
>
>
> --
> C. Boyd
> 76 Crestmont
> East Tennessee
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I see Emery got on this already.

The 23000' got me. Naturally aspirated engines don't put out much power (if they run at all) over 15000'. (And Most people can't breath either.)

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
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