Drinking the Koolaide... 😊

[Tybalt39]

Tybalt39: You need to download the wiring diagram for your coach:

Electrical - GMCMI

A list of downloadable files/links of GMC Motorhome Electrical. Including wire/circuit diagrams, cruise control (Rostra), lightbulb usage, living on 12 volt and the battery charger.

www.gmcmi.com

Already have it. I was looking at it last night and found the light-green wire going all the way to the rear. Unfortunately, the diagram doesn't show pictures of the physical switches, etc, so I don't always know what I am looking at.

 

[Tybalt39]

Just seeing this post now (I am onto on this forum very often). I am curious on some of the original planned upgrades as relates to the dash. your notes were;

• "NGMC" dashboard replacement
• Dakota Digital instrument cluster w/EVIC
• Vintage Air Gen IV HVAC with Dakota Digital temperature controls

if you can give any details on those items I would very much appreciate it. my dash is terrible (73 Painted Desert had beige on brown gauges with a blue back light. *completely* unreadable in anything but broad daylight) I was looking at the replacement from http://www.custominstrumentpanels.com/gmc.htm but I am not sure what you are referring to with the "NGMC" replacement. and my AC control doesnt work, so also curious there.

thanks!
Cameron

NGMC is often called "MAC Daddy". Its the largest replacement dash from CIP.

That said, I've since decided to go one step smaller and use the Supreme II dash with the angled pod next to it instead.

However, I won't be using their gauges. Instead, I want an integrated display with additional information like my daily-driver with the EVIC display.

HVAC controls (link) also from Dakota Digital. They work with a Vintage Air AC system to automate temperature control. There are sensors that are installed in the air ducts to monitor temperature. Then, just like modern vehicles, the temperature can be set and maintained automatically.

 

[Tybalt39]

Worked on the coach over the weekend.

Replaced two broken hinges on the generator hatch cover and removed the funky PO "fix" for a missing SouthCo latch. Now I have to repair the crack in that hatch cover and patch the holes left from the screws from the "fix". Lower priorities....


Replaced defective headlight switch to recover the dashboard illumination. Then replaced the dash lights with LEDs.

Removed much PO-added non-OEM wiring from the dash.

Discovered my wipers won't stay on; they wipe a couple of times when I press the "spray" button then stop. I have the electric wiper upgrade installed (PO) with the included switch and potentiometer for delay.

UPDATE:
(May 12th 2024)

Replaced the rotary wiper switch with integrated washer button with a on-off-on paddle switch (looks similar to the Battery and Fuel switches) and will mount it next to those switches (the metal dash has an opening for it; just have to cut the plastic panel). This is just to regain the wiper function until I upgrade to everything on the column. The washer button will go back to the factory location and the delay potentiometer will go back to the PO-drilled hole near the washer hole.

The root cause of failure was probably a combination of loss of chassis ground at the switch and defective switch (lost lo-speed). Removing the rectifier, replacing the pot (the original was non-functional), and simplifying the switching resolved the issues and I now have reliable wipers with delay on low-speed.

 

[RF_Burns]

Worked on the coach over the weekend.

Replaced two broken hinges on the generator hatch cover and removed the funky PO "fix" for a missing SouthCo latch. Now I have to repair the crack in that hatch cover and patch the holes left from the screws from the "fix". Lower priorities....
View attachment 9862

Replaced defective headlight switch to recover the dashboard illumination. Then replaced the dash lights with LEDs.

Removed much PO-added non-OEM wiring from the dash.

Discovered my wipers won't stay on; they wipe a couple of times when I press the "spray" button then stop. I have the electric wiper upgrade installed (PO) with the included switch and potentiometer for delay. I'll try bypassing the pot to see if that helps. Next step would be bypassing the switch and using a test switch instead (perhaps obtain a stalk controller like in the steering column upgrade for testing).

I don't believe the electric wipers were integrated with the washer... At least my Ken Henderson kit wasn't.

 

[Tybalt39]

I don't believe the electric wipers were integrated with the washer... At least my Ken Henderson kit wasn't.

The switch on mine has a push function. Push it and the washers spray (operates the pump). While spraying, the wipers will run for a couple of cycles. Once complete, no other positions on the wiper switch will make them function. They did a few weeks ago....

As all of these switches are basic mechanical devices, are the actual controls for the wiper functions inside the wiper motor? Perhaps I have issues with the motor? Not impacting basic movement, but impacting WHEN it moves. To be determined....

 

[RF_Burns]

The switch on mine has a push function. Push it and the washers spray (operates the pump). While spraying, the wipers will run for a couple of cycles. Once complete, no other positions on the wiper switch will make them function. They did a few weeks ago....

As all of these switches are basic mechanical devices, are the actual controls for the wiper functions inside the wiper motor? Perhaps I have issues with the motor? Not impacting basic movement, but impacting WHEN it moves. To be determined....

Interesting, must have been a newer version or someone figured out how to integrate the washer. Mine still uses the OEM washer button on the dash.
The delay etc is built into the motor. I had the Lumina wiring diagram once but I think it went down with a hard drive crash a couple years ago during an infamous Win 10 update.

 

[pvfjr]

The delay etc is built into the motor. I had the Lumina wiring diagram once but I think it went down with a hard drive crash a couple years ago during an infamous Win 10 update.

I've got an old laptop I can probably pull that diagram from tonight if anyone needs it.

 

[Tybalt39]

Interesting, must have been a newer version or someone figured out how to integrate the washer. Mine still uses the OEM washer button on the dash.
The delay etc is built into the motor. I had the Lumina wiring diagram once but I think it went down with a hard drive crash a couple years ago during an infamous Win 10 update.

From the wiper kit manual:

NOTE: As of 28 Nov 05, I’ve relented and implemented the “Wipe-with-Wash” (WwW) function, which causes the wipers to run during, and 3 sweeps after, the Wash switch is depressed. At the switch end of the wiring harness there is now a Red wire with a faston connector on the end. If you want WwW, plug that faston onto the center (W) pin on the back of the switch. Disconnect the original washer switch connector and just stow it out of the way; it has no further function. Later, you’ll see another NOTE to change the washer motor wiring. Leave the Red wire loose if you don’t want WwW.

Are these the diagrams mentioned? Looks like a SPDT and a momentary-on SPST switch in the kit vs. a DP5T rotary switch in the donor vehicle. I may have to acquire a stalk control (used in steering column upgrade) for testing. As I found a bridge rectifier in the dash, I'm assuming I have the SPDT installed.



UPDATE:
(May 12 2024)

Issues resolved. See update on original post.

 

[Tybalt39]

Sign me up! I'll be one of the 25

I see Applied is taking pre-orders for a production-run in 2024. $20 deposit to get on the list.

NEW STYLE FULL HEIGHT COCKPIT WINDOW

We are a major supplier of GMC Motor Home, RV Parts. Serving GMC MOTORHOME owners everywhere.

www.gmcrvparts.com

 

[tmsnyder]

I see Applied is taking pre-orders for a production-run in 2024. $20 deposit to get on the list.

NEW STYLE FULL HEIGHT COCKPIT WINDOW

We are a major supplier of GMC Motor Home, RV Parts. Serving GMC MOTORHOME owners everywhere.

www.gmcrvparts.com

LOL minimum order is $25 on the website, hmmmm

 

[Tybalt39]

LOL minimum order is $25 on the website, hmmmm

It's been updated to $25 reserve. Now they've also added shipping of at least $75 to the pre-order. I'm hoping that will be removed and calculated at the time of shipment. If enough folks in the PNW are interested, perhaps we can get a special shipping rate.

Paul... Kelvin...

 

[tmsnyder]

It's been updated to $25 reserve. Now they've also added shipping of at least $75 to the pre-order. I'm hoping that will be removed and calculated at the time of shipment. If enough folks in the PNW are interested, perhaps we can get a special shipping rate.

Paul... Kelvin...

Phew, I thought I was going to have to 'go shopping' to make up that $5 shortfall, it had the potential to get very expensive LOL

 

[pvfjr]

It's been updated to $25 reserve. Now they've also added shipping of at least $75 to the pre-order. I'm hoping that will be removed and calculated at the time of shipment. If enough folks in the PNW are interested, perhaps we can get a special shipping rate.

Paul... Kelvin...

I'm tempted, but concerned about the aspect ratio for sliding windows. They sure look prone to bind. I'm also wondering if that extra vertical bar in my field of view would bug me. I might mock it up with electrical tape and see how I feel.

 

[Kendra]

I'm tempted, but concerned about the aspect ratio for sliding windows. They sure look prone to bind. I'm also wondering if that extra vertical bar in my field of view would bug me. I might mock it up with electrical tape and see how I feel.

My full height cockpit windows work great. Previous owner had them installed in 2016. They open and close correctly at any speed, doesn't block field of view. My cockpit A/C doesn't work and these provide a nice breeze without turbulence.

The only gotcha is make sure cockpit curtains are all the way back before opening these windows on the road. I call it the Dumbo Ears effect.

 

[Tybalt39]

Just placed my order. I'm told they are accumulating orders to meet a minimum quantity before placing a production order. They are not yet there (they wouldn't say how close or what that minimum might be). If all goes to plan, we could see windows around March-April .

 

[ScottC]

I talked to Nick last week and he said they had 10 pre-orders, I will probably get on the list because I am like Kendra and removed factory Heat/AC plus I got all my other window leaks stopped except for the cockpit windows.

Shouldn't we start a new thread for this?

 

[Tybalt39]

Shouldn't we start a new thread for this?

Indeed. I initially mentioned the windows as there was interest expressed earlier in this thread. If there isn't already a thread for them, then it may be time to start one.

Update: Two threads that cover this
I found this thread from January 2023 specific to these windows. I necro-posted an update.
And this thread (ongoing) dedicated to the windows.

 

[tmsnyder]

How do you get on the $25 preorder list without paying the $100 shipping cost?

Just by phone? Online it wont check out unless you pay shipping. Shipping on a pre-order??? wtf

 

[Tybalt39]

How do you get on the $25 preorder list without paying the $100 shipping cost?

Just by phone? Online it wont check out unless you pay shipping. Shipping on a pre-order??? wtf

I did have to call it in. I was told via email that only the $25 charge would be applied, but I assume anything that can go wrong will ...

FYI, they only charged the original $20.

 

[Tybalt39]

I didn't find any information with a (admittedly brief) search in the forum.

Has anyone tried to use off-the-shelf home-store kitchen base cabinets for a kitchen renovation in their coach? I'm looking at these from Lowe's ($400 total):
24" door cabinet, 18" drawer cabinet, and 18" door cabinet for a total of 60" (original kitchen size).



These are particle-board boxes with hardwood frame and face. Keep in mind, I have no upper cabinets except in the kitchen, and I don't pack for more than 2-4 days at events. So, if there is a marginal weight increase it shouldn't matter. I'm looking for convenience in the build as I'm not a cabinet maker. I will have to add latches so they don't come open on the road.

I will be removing the gas stove/oven and adding a combination microwave/convection/air-fryer above the 85L fridge and 32L drawer freezer on the opposite wall (the face panels are customizable at the time of installation). An induction dual-burner stove-top will be mounted into the countertop.


Still deciding between an Aquahot gasoline-fired hydronic system or some other solution (many options), but there is still room under either the 24" or 18" door cabinet for that.