Gmc owners question

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Lewgar

Lewgar

New member
Feb 28, 2023
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Hi everyone
New to the forum and currently not an owner but would like to be.
An ad on eBay has a listing for a 1977 23 footer looks to be in good condition
They want $18999 for it
My question to the group is what would be a fair price in today’s market? What to look for and what to be wary of based on your experiences.
Thanks
Lew
 
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Lew,
Welcome - I am glad you found you way here.

First off, a 1977 23' is not a GMC interior design. It could easily be any of six (iirc) possible upfits and some are more desirable than others or may fit your life and intentions better.

Unfortunately, the asking price has about as much of a benchmark as the depth of a river......

I tried to locate the posting, but was unable to do so.

The biggest issue here is how well taken care of has this been for the 46 years since it left Pontiac. There are advantages and dis- to all things.

You did find your way here and that is good, because you already have to know that we have a very supportive community and the calendar age of any particular unit is just a point of interest. (The coach pictured in my sig is a 73-23 with over 180K on it and it will be out on the road again as soon as I finish the break-in on my aftermarket knee.

My advice from here is that you go to <gmcmi.com> and download the GMC Assist (aka Black's) list to find someone in striking range to help you look it over with an experienced eye. The price may be real good (as said), but you should still be aware that we have a line we drop a lot.
"A reliable and ready to travel GMC will cost about 35K$us." What this does not say is two important things:
1 - That is all at once or as a kit....
2 - Sweat gets credited at full shop rate.
If you are literate and know which end of a screwdriver to hold, at the 100+$/hr, you can fill that remainder in really fast.

If you think that cost is high, go looking at what you might get for less and be ready to sit down. (35K is a nominal pickup truck these days.)

Please let us know where you are on the idea and try to get us the item number from the posting.

Matt_C
 
I can't offer any advice about the asking price, but I was able to find a link for the auction. Auction

A couple of observations: If the VIN sticker is correct, this is a 1976 model, not '77. It appears to be a Birchaven Rear Bath model (I own one myself). It has a "reverse floor plan". Birchaven interiors were outfitted by Coachmen Industries. GM provided what they called a Transmode (empty shell). The interior looks like it's been updated to some extent.

Good luck in your search!
 
Lewgar said:
Hi everyone
New to the forum and currently not an owner but would like to be.
An ad on eBay has a listing for a 1977 23 footer looks to be in good condition
They want $18999 for it
My question to the group is what would be a fair price in today’s market? What to look for and what to be wary of based on your experiences.
Thanks
Lew
Click to expand...
That's a rather strange Rear Bath Birchaven with a semi reversed floorplan. I don't think I've ever seen one like it. But it is in very nice shape. The headliner looks original and shows no sign of water damage which is a very good sign. The Alcoa wheels with good looking Cooper tires, Ragusa Step, very minor windshield fogging, wind wings, fiberglass spare tire cover, new paint and stripes indicate someone has taken loving care of it. Oh, and the new, seemingly never used frig makes me think they weren't really planning on getting rid of it this soon. In Euclid, Ohio. Where are you?

I gotta say if it runs, shifts, stops, ... it's a good deal.
Last listed in the registry as in Washington state in 2018 when the owner there joined the Black List. And yes, it IS a '76 model.

Here's one in Oklahoma that's been in the family for over 10 years.

oklahoma city rvs - by owner - craigslist

oklahoma city rvs - by owner - craigslist
oklahomacity.craigslist.org
 
Gentlemen,
Thanks very much for your input.
Matt, I think your number $35k is right on. I’m restoring a scout and getting it to a reliable state is not cheap. A motor home would need to be all that and more.
Royce found the ad on eBay item number (295538421774). It appears to be well taken care of. That says a lot. But that $18999 price tag is substantial.
As an amateur mechanic, when considering a unique front wheel drive motor home such as the GMC my mind immediately goes to the reliability of that drive train. Is it robust? What maintenance needs does it require? Can I do some of that work myself?
Also, the olds engine. Never worked on one. Are they well received by the owners? Reliable?
Anyone that has an opinion on your their rig and what you like or don’t, I would love to hear them.
I know one thing already. I like this GMC owners group and this forum.
Lew
 
Lew,
I am very glad that we got a link to the posting.
Glad to see that you are approaching this without stars in your eyes.
As an "Amateur" mechanic, this vehicle is an amazing platform. NO Computers!! You do the diagnosis (if needed) with your brain. There are a very few specialized tools required, and she seems to have the maintenance manuals onboard. That is good sigh.
As to the reliability of the drivetrain, is the least of your worries. The drivetrain is extremely robust. This one will have HEI and that means you should also carry a full set of low cost spares (and a starter - another story).
More than a few owners that did the periodic maintenance as required ran the original engine to 150K+. Mine had been "rebuilt" in Mexico at about 100K (no hint why). It was just over 170K (70K more) when a piston broke some of the lands off. As I did not have a build book and did not know what was done apart from what I could see or measure, I did a major. If I had had a full build book, I could have bought one (Just 1) new piston and screwed her back together.
Yes, it is a nearly 50yo (Mine is) vehicle and it will require the same periodic maintenance that all vehicles did that are made in that time period. I believe you can work a grease gun and change oil. The only big thing that should be done if it has not, it the knuckle update. There is an owner in Michigan that does this the right way and while it is not cheap, it is final. (Cost is like 1200$ exchange).
Please keep us in the loop and let us know if we can be of assistance.
Matt
 
Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I’m currently negotiating with the dealer the rig mentioned above.
My quandary is getting a 23 footer transported to me here in Oregon. I’m in Springfield and the gmc is in Euclid Ohio.
Anyone know of a reasonable transporter?
 
Lewgar said:
Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I’m currently negotiating with the dealer the rig mentioned above.
My quandary is getting a 23 footer transported to me here in Oregon. I’m in Springfield and the gmc is in Euclid Ohio.
Anyone know of a reasonable transporter?
Click to expand...
Uship.com is a service I've used to transport vehicles, you create an ad/post with all the details let shippers put in bids. You can set criteria to your liking as far as how the vehicle is delivered and timeframe. Also can view the shippers feedback as well to see who may be most reliable.
 
One of the statements I noticed in the description is "HAS NOT RUN FOR 3 YEARS". Before you start or even turn this engine over, please read this.

Then take some vacation time and fly out there. With the help of a local GMC'r found on the "Black List", change the oil and filter (I'd use 5w30 Quaker State full synthetic and a Wix filter) check the date code on the tires (no more than 6yrs old) and air them up, new coolant, grease job, fill her up, and drive it gently home. The money you'd save from shipping will pay for the flight, and fuel, and it would give you real time to get aquatinted with your new found friend. Pay particular attention to the article and oil used. JWID
 
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I'd estimate it being towed one-way is going to be $3K+ based on a quick uShip estimate.
If I were retired I'd even offer to drive it out to you as it's only about 3 hours away from me.
 
Last edited:
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bdub said:
That's a rather strange Rear Bath Birchaven with a semi reversed floorplan. I don't think I've ever seen one like it. But it is in very nice shape. The headliner looks original and shows no sign of water damage which is a very good sign. The Alcoa wheels with good looking Cooper tires, Ragusa Step, very minor windshield fogging, wind wings, fiberglass spare tire cover, new paint and stripes indicate someone has taken loving care of it. Oh, and the new, seemingly never used frig makes me think they weren't really planning on getting rid of it this soon. In Euclid, Ohio. Where are you?

I gotta say if it runs, shifts, stops, ... it's a good deal.
Last listed in the registry as in Washington state in 2018 when the owner there joined the Black List. And yes, it IS a '76 model.

Here's one in Oklahoma that's been in the family for over 10 years.

oklahoma city rvs - by owner - craigslist

oklahoma city rvs - by owner - craigslist
oklahomacity.craigslist.org
Click to expand...
I like the kitchen layout more than my ‘74 layout. I haven’t seen many GMC interiors with the exception of a few during the GMCWS Rally last October.
 
Well guys after a series of messaging with the seller it appears that he is unwilling to negotiate any further.
He wants what he wants and I have to respect that.
To all that gave insight, greetings and encouragement I just want to say thanks a bunch. This group is great and I felt like one of the gang right off the bat.
So I’m going to continue my search and lord willing the clouds will part and the sun will shine down on a:

Any year 23 foot coach with good bones and a seller who treated her like one of the family. Preferably here in Oregon or a neighboring state.

Thanx again
Lew
 
They're out there. I checked 6 sites daily for a half year, flew to Pennsylvania and decided no after a closer look, barely missed one in Colorado, found what I wanted in Arizona and drove it home.
 
Lewgar said:
Well guys after a series of messaging with the seller it appears that he is unwilling to negotiate any further.
He wants what he wants and I have to respect that.
To all that gave insight, greetings and encouragement I just want to say thanks a bunch. This group is great and I felt like one of the gang right off the bat.
So I’m going to continue my search and lord willing the clouds will part and the sun will shine down on a:

Any year 23 foot coach with good bones and a seller who treated her like one of the family. Preferably here in Oregon or a neighboring state.

Thanx again
Lew
Click to expand...
Be prepared for a lengthy search, but OTOH it may not take so long. When I decided I wanted a GMC, I didn't know anything about the various models and floor plans.The first coach I looked at was ny '78 Birchaven Rear Bath. I hadn't ever even seen a 23 footer, but as soon as I stepped inside, I knew I'd never find another interior that I liked any better. It needs a lot of work but it was priced accordingly and I'm happy. Best of luck in your search.
 
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