Greetings from Columbia SC.

[Joe Weir]

Purchased a 1976 GMC Birchaven in 2013 that just needed a little "TLC". 6 years later, "Wicked Mistress" is just about ready to get out on the road with new engine, transmission, fuel system, braking system, exhaust and selected interior bits.

Test run after new mechanicals:


Interior remodel updates:

 

[traveler1980]

Very nice!

 

[gmc260]

hi Joe Weir, yes very nice! and welcome here.

all the best

 

[Mike_H]

Looks awesome. Well done! What did you use for paneling on the walls?

 

[Russell]

Looks good Joe! I like the bucket seats at the dinette. Keep up the good work.

 

[Joe Weir]

Looks awesome. Well done! What did you use for paneling on the walls?

Vinyl floor planks.

 

[ACTCGMC]

Purchased a 1976 GMC Birchaven in 2013 that just needed a little "TLC". 6 years later, "Wicked Mistress" is just about ready to get out on the road with new engine, transmission, fuel system, braking system, exhaust and selected interior bits.

Test run after new mechanicals:
View attachment 1166

Interior remodel updates:
View attachment 1167View attachment 1168View attachment 1169

Wow. I am searching for our own 26' GMC and really like what you have done. Any changes my wife wants to make on the interior is fine with me as she has decorated our homes beautifully, an RV is new territory. Yours is a good reference for what can be done.

 

[Matt Colie]

Wow. I am searching for our own 26' GMC and really like what you have done. Any changes my wife wants to make on the interior is fine with me as she has decorated our homes beautifully, an RV is new territory. Yours is a good reference for what can be done.

ACT,
The first thing to get connected with the local chapter. Coaches come on the market all the time and the good one go very quickly. You can also connect with the other 15 chapters and regularly read the news letters. When you see something anywhere, ask about it here or at the other forum and there is a good chance that someone will know all about it.
There is a market place site on FB now, but be cautious there as there is a great deal of bad information from those pages
When you do get something, use it as it was built before you start to change it. These coaches were designed from the get-go and they can often be hard to improve. (ie, I have yet to see a 23 that makes better use of the space than does the early GMC fit.)
What ever, I wish you luck.
Matt

 

[ACTCGMC]

ACT,
The first thing to get connected with the local chapter. Coaches come on the market all the time and the good one go very quickly. You can also connect with the other 15 chapters and regularly read the news letters. When you see something anywhere, ask about it here or at the other forum and there is a good chance that someone will know all about it.
There is a market place site on FB now, but be cautious there as there is a great deal of bad information from those pages
When you do get something, use it as it was built before you start to change it. These coaches were designed from the get-go and they can often be hard to improve. (ie, I have yet to see a 23 that makes better use of the space than does the early GMC fit.)
What ever, I wish you luck.
Matt

I actually have several coaches in Lancaster County area. One owner was nice enough to bring his 26' by to give me an introduction to the GMC life. My wife has seen my burn money on my classic cars and insists we get one that's as done as possible.

 

[Matt Colie]

Actcgmc,
The plan is good, but kind of like dealing with old cars, they are never really done. (Says the guy that has a friend's '55 Chevy on his lift and parts won't be in for maybe a week.) Those things happen. We found a lower control arm was damaged more than we liked.
There are owners all over the country, and depending on which Lancaster county you are in, there is a good chance that you can find one to help you.
Ready to travel coaches can be found, but be ready. We have an expression that has proved very solid and true...
"A reliable and ready to travel GMC will cost you 30k$us, that is all at once or as a kit."
(Those that think it is less than this, are older and have not recently bought many parts.)
What this does not say is that sweat gets billed in a full shop rate. (That 100+$/hr can buy a lot of tools you won't regret having.)
If you have to do anything to keep it reliable, look to the dedicated suppliers to provide what you need. They know the stories.
Matt

 

[ACTCGMC]

Actcgmc,
The plan is good, but kind of like dealing with old cars, they are never really done. (Says the guy that has a friend's '55 Chevy on his lift and parts won't be in for maybe a week.) Those things happen. We found a lower control arm was damaged more than we liked.
There are owners all over the country, and depending on which Lancaster county you are in, there is a good chance that you can find one to help you.
Ready to travel coaches can be found, but be ready. We have an expression that has proved very solid and true...
"A reliable and ready to travel GMC will cost you 30k$us, that is all at once or as a kit."
(Those that think it is less than this, are older and have not recently bought many parts.)
What this does not say is that sweat gets billed in a full shop rate. (That 100+$/hr can buy a lot of tools you won't regret having.)
If you have to do anything to keep it reliable, look to the dedicated suppliers to provide what you need. They know the stories.
Matt

Matt,
I get it but finding one with as many as the current uogrades already installed would be a good start in my opinion. I don't want to tell you about the classics I have in limbo...
I have several classics I want to sell to make room.

 

[MarkR]

That looks awesome Joe. Enjoy it.

 

[MarkR]

What did you use for the track covering the edges of the blinds?

 

[Joe Weir]

What did you use for the track covering the edges of the blinds?

Plastic composite baseboard molding. Planning on re-doing as I need something with more depth(reach) over the window.

 

[Kendra]

For curved window shade tracks I'm planning to use Bruce's method with PVC fence post material:
New shades with window-hugging valences

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g7336-new-blinds.html

 

[boybach]

For curved window shade tracks I'm planning to use Bruce's method with PVC fence post material:
New shades with window-hugging valences

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g7336-new-blinds.html

Nice! I went ultra simple with automatic pull down and raise then fastened the bottoms with velcro

 

[Joe Weir]

For curved window shade tracks I'm planning to use Bruce's method with PVC fence post material:
New shades with window-hugging valences

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g7336-new-blinds.html

The problem that I see now, is that the span on the 60" window is too great for any roller shade without some kind of support in the center (not enough body in the vinyl to keep it from drooping). I am looking into a clear post (like a 2" plexiglass strip) that can be fixed to the center without spoiling the view.

It is either that or try a thicker shade material. Inside space is such a premium, I don't want thick shades eating it up.

 

[Kendra]

I've ordered Bali double cellular shades thru Costco - those might span the back window better than a roller. Power rechargeable.

 

[boybach]

I have cellular shades too, single though and they work just fine. Mine are friction type, just pull them up or down and they stay in position. I only have them installed in the rear bedroom sides, kitchen and door windows. At the moment I use curtains on the large windows but will install these if I find them at the Re-Store for $5-10 each like I did with the ones I already have.