Hope I Did the Right Thing - I Just Bought a GMC Motorhome

[tom winslow]

Well, we did it! We should have waited longer. We should have researched
more. We should have compared more. What the heck!

My wife and I just bought a 1976 GMC Eleganza II 26' Motorhome. We really do
not know if we got a deal or paid too much. We like what we saw and feel
good about the folks we bought it from (in Charlotte, NC).

This unit is all original. We bought from the original owner who paid around
$30,000 for it new. The inside needs nothing! No stains on the seats and
very little wear after 63,000 miles. We will probably clean the carpets. We
probably will NOT replace the original eight track tape player. It has two
ACs and a 6K ONAN, new converter and enough matching material to make new
curtains if needed (not needed yet). I cannot find anything wrong with this
unit. Although, I will probably paint it if I can make it look original. All
manuals (including the original maintenance manual) are with this unit along
with all maintenance records.

I have no idea what this unit is worth - yet. I hope to learn here if I did
OK, or not. Well, at least, it was cheaper than the new Dodge pickup I WAS
going to buy. I guess I can use the GMC to pull my '66 Triumph TR4A to the
next British Car Show.

Stuff I need to learn:
Where to get the beast painted.
Where to get the Eleganza II logo and other markings.
How to match the original colors.
Where to get a towing package.
Where to locate a local GMC owners club.
And, how much is the beast worth?

My wife, Judy, and I would really appreciate any good data and wise advise
that the folks on the list can provide. All comments welcome!

Regards,
Tom Winslow

- --
Thomas P. Winslow
189 Hicks Creek Road, Troutman, NC 28166
h704-528-5868 * f704-528-5868 * p704-878-157
E-Mail: winslow * tom_winslow
Web Page: http://www.iredell.com

 

[david l greenberg]

Hi Folks,

I sent you a note from the registry which is pretty much self
explanatory. Since you had so many interesting questions I decided to
give you my $0.02 worth.

David Lee Greenberg
GMC Motorhome Registry
200 MacFarlane Drive
Delray Beach, FL 33483-6829

On Mon, 29 Jun 1998 22:45:07 -0400 "Tom Winslow"

>Well, we did it! We should have waited longer. We should have
>researched
>more. We should have compared more. What the heck!

Someone wisely said we only get one grab at the Golden GMC-so go for it!
And it sounds like you did.
>
>My wife and I just bought a 1976 GMC Eleganza II 26' Motorhome. We
>really do
>not know if we got a deal or paid too much. We like what we saw and
>feel
>good about the folks we bought it from (in Charlotte, NC).
>
>This unit is all original. We bought from the original owner who paid
>around
>$30,000 for it new. The inside needs nothing! No stains on the seats
>and
>very little wear after 63,000 miles. We will probably clean the
>carpets. We
>probably will NOT replace the original eight track tape player. It has
>two
>ACs and a 6K ONAN, new converter and enough matching material to make
>new
>curtains if needed (not needed yet). I cannot find anything wrong with
>this
>unit. Although, I will probably paint it if I can make it look
>original. All
>manuals (including the original maintenance manual) are with this unit
>along
>with all maintenance records.
>
>I have no idea what this unit is worth - yet. I hope to learn here if
>I did
>OK, or not. Well, at least, it was cheaper than the new Dodge pickup I
>WAS
>going to buy. I guess I can use the GMC to pull my '66 Triumph TR4A to
>the
>next British Car Show.
>
>Stuff I need to learn:
>Where to get the beast painted.
There several places around. Two in Orkando, one in Okeechobee, Fl, in
fact almost every state has a shop that has painted a GMC or two.Costs
will run from about $2,500 up to $7-8,000 depending on how much has to be
done.

>Where to get the Eleganza II logo and other markings.

Gateway Motor Classics in Ohio has the graphics for the Eleganza II logo.
I'll find their number and send it to you.

>How to match the original colors.

Anyone can match the colors. Alex Sirum painted my 1977 Palm Beach to
look just like a 1978 Eleganza II. '78's had two tone paint.

>Where to get a towing package.

I just put a towing package on mine. I now tow a Satrun SW2 wagon. If you
are interested I can send you a brochure. I also added a vacuum brake
system for the toad as supplied by the same firm
.
>Where to locate a local GMC owners club.

Your nearest club and a great one it is, is the GMC Dixielanders. Contact
President Ed and Carol Smith, 1733 N Forest Ave, Hartwell, GA 30643-4052
706/376-5357. You will also have to join the Family Motor Coach Assn
(FMCA) as the GMC Clubs are chapters of FMCA. If you need an application
I can mail you one with the towing equiptment info.

>And, how much is the beast worth?

It is really hard to assess without seeing it. I would suggest however,
you have it professionally appraised as Alexander & Alexander insurance
will cover your coach for the appraised, i.e., replacement , value. If
you lost it most insurance companies will pay you the NADA or Ble Book
value which is probably around $15,000. Ask Ed Smith who in your area is
competent to do this. You can also talk to some of the other GMC owners
in your area. I find 46 GMCs in NC.

>
>My wife, Judy, and I would really appreciate any good data and wise
>advise
>that the folks on the list can provide. All comments welcome!

Just a final comment, I haven't seen any situations where keeping a GMC
original has enhanced it's value. This is strictly a personal thing, but
the coach seems not to be effected like an antique car would be. Perhaps
in another 20 years that could change. Most owners, including me, have
made substantial changes in the interiors and exteriors to modernize and
make the coach more confortable.

My GMC has over 565,000 miles on it and it has been redone a number of
times. Anyway, I wish you the very best ith your new (old) GMC. There is
a great rally coming up in Marion, NC from Oct 11-17th sponsored by the
GMC Motorhomes International chapter. Over 300 GMCs will be in
attendance. This would be one not to miss. For more info go to:
gmcmi.com

Thanks and best regards, to you and Judy.>

Dave

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> Well, we did it! We should have waited longer. We should have
> researched more. We should have compared more. What the heck!
>
> My wife and I just bought a 1976 GMC Eleganza II 26' Motorhome. We
> really do not know if we got a deal or paid too much. We like what we
> saw and feel good about the folks we bought it from (in Charlotte,
> NC).

Tom,

Value is a very subjective thing. IMO, what really matters is that you
liked what you saw, you felt good about the previous owners and *to you*
it was worth what you paid. Don't look back. Just enjoy your *new*
GMC.

Just remember, the going may get rough at times, but hang in there.
Arch likes to compare owning a GMC to marriage and that's a pretty good
match.

Welcome to the GMC gang!
Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[bartz paul]

Tom:

There is a place called Topeka Body Shop in Topeka IN, which is between
South Bend and Ft Wayne IN, that has been painting quite a number of
GMCs. Their price to paint, as I understand it, is in the vicinity of
$3000. One that has been painted by them is close to you and belongs to
Gene Dotson in Shelby NC. Call Gene (704-482-2098) and go see his
coach. Tell him I sent you.

I recall another individual telling that he went to a local paint shop
that paints truck semi trailers and got a good price (> $2000).

I sure wouldn't worry about keeping the exterior paint looking like the
original. That's living in the past and as Dave Greenberg pointed out
in his comments to you, I feel the same way as he, that keeping the
coach original does not enhance it's value. There are probably other
individuals who think just the opposite, though. You know the old
adage, opinions are like !##$%^&, everybody has one.

Paul Bartz

> From: Tom Winslow [SMTP:tom_winslow]
> Sent: Monday, June 29, 1998 10:45 PM
> Subject: GMC: Hope I Did the Right Thing - I Just Bought a GMC
> Motorhome
>
> Well, we did it! We should have waited longer. We should have
> researched more. We should have compared more. What the heck!
>
> My wife and I just bought a 1976 GMC Eleganza II 26' Motorhome. We
> really do not know if we got a deal or paid too much. We like what we
> saw and feel good about the folks we bought it from (in Charlotte,
> NC).
>
> This unit is all original. We bought from the original owner who paid
> around $30,000 for it new. The inside needs nothing! No stains on the
> seats and very little wear after 63,000 miles. We will probably clean
> the carpets. We probably will NOT replace the original eight track
> tape player. It has two ACs and a 6K ONAN, new converter and enough
> matching material to make new curtains if needed (not needed yet). I
> cannot find anything wrong with this unit. Although, I will probably
> paint it if I can make it look original. All manuals (including the
> original maintenance manual) are with this unit along with all
> maintenance records.
>
> I have no idea what this unit is worth - yet. I hope to learn here if
> I did OK, or not. Well, at least, it was cheaper than the new Dodge
> pickup I WAS going to buy. I guess I can use the GMC to pull my '66
> Triumph TR4A to the next British Car Show.
>
> Stuff I need to learn:
> Where to get the beast painted.
> Where to get the Eleganza II logo and other markings.
> How to match the original colors.
> Where to get a towing package.
> Where to locate a local GMC owners club.
> And, how much is the beast worth?
>
> My wife, Judy, and I would really appreciate any good data and wise
> advise that the folks on the list can provide. All comments welcome!
>
> Tom Winslow
> 189 Hicks Creek Road, Troutman, NC 28166
> h704-528-5868 * f704-528-5868 * p704-878-157
> E-Mail: winslow * tom_winslow
> Web Page: http://www.iredell.com
>

 

[thomas g. warner]

I had earlier checked with a shop in Rome New York that paints buses and
tractor trailers and they quoted me a price of about $1800 for the job in
two tone Emron paint. I am going to go in and talk with them further next week.

>Tom:
>
>There is a place called Topeka Body Shop in Topeka IN, which is between
>South Bend and Ft Wayne IN, that has been painting quite a number of
>GMCs. Their price to paint, as I understand it, is in the vicinity of
>$3000. One that has been painted by them is close to you and belongs to
>Gene Dotson in Shelby NC. Call Gene (704-482-2098) and go see his
>coach. Tell him I sent you.
>
>I recall another individual telling that he went to a local paint shop
>that paints truck semi trailers and got a good price (> $2000).
>
>I sure wouldn't worry about keeping the exterior paint looking like the
>original. That's living in the past and as Dave Greenberg pointed out
>in his comments to you, I feel the same way as he, that keeping the
>coach original does not enhance it's value. There are probably other
>individuals who think just the opposite, though. You know the old
>adage, opinions are like !##$%^&, everybody has one.
>
> Paul Bartz
>
>> From: Tom Winslow [SMTP:tom_winslow]
>> Sent: Monday, June 29, 1998 10:45 PM
>> Subject: GMC: Hope I Did the Right Thing - I Just Bought a GMC
>> Motorhome
>>
>> Well, we did it! We should have waited longer. We should have
>> researched more. We should have compared more. What the heck!
>>
>> My wife and I just bought a 1976 GMC Eleganza II 26' Motorhome. We
>> really do not know if we got a deal or paid too much. We like what we
>> saw and feel good about the folks we bought it from (in Charlotte,
>> NC).
>>
>> This unit is all original. We bought from the original owner who paid
>> around $30,000 for it new. The inside needs nothing! No stains on the
>> seats and very little wear after 63,000 miles. We will probably clean
>> the carpets. We probably will NOT replace the original eight track
>> tape player. It has two ACs and a 6K ONAN, new converter and enough
>> matching material to make new curtains if needed (not needed yet). I
>> cannot find anything wrong with this unit. Although, I will probably
>> paint it if I can make it look original. All manuals (including the
>> original maintenance manual) are with this unit along with all
>> maintenance records.
>>
>> I have no idea what this unit is worth - yet. I hope to learn here if
>> I did OK, or not. Well, at least, it was cheaper than the new Dodge
>> pickup I WAS going to buy. I guess I can use the GMC to pull my '66
>> Triumph TR4A to the next British Car Show.
>>
>> Stuff I need to learn:
>> Where to get the beast painted.
>> Where to get the Eleganza II logo and other markings.
>> How to match the original colors.
>> Where to get a towing package.
>> Where to locate a local GMC owners club.
>> And, how much is the beast worth?
>>
>> My wife, Judy, and I would really appreciate any good data and wise
>> advise that the folks on the list can provide. All comments welcome!
>>
>> Tom Winslow
>> 189 Hicks Creek Road, Troutman, NC 28166
>> h704-528-5868 * f704-528-5868 * p704-878-157
>> E-Mail: winslow * tom_winslow
>> Web Page: http://www.iredell.com
>>
>
>

 

[tom winslow]

Please send to:

Tom & Judy Winslow
189 Hicks Creek Road
Troutman, NC 28166

704-528-5868

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-gmcmotorhome
[mailtowner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of HLBF
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 1998 6:29 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: Hope I Did the Right Thing - I Just Bought a GMC
Motorhome

Welcome to the ranks - we know you'll like her.
Get me your mailing address and I'll send you a copy of the latest GMC
Dixielanders Newsletter which includes our upcoming rallies - be glad to
have
you join us.

Lanier Foote
FMCA 37894