Introduction and... [Ramp Design / Compartment Lining - Any Suggestions?

[david horowitz]

hello all,

as far back as i can trace, my 1975 Avion was owned by Alan Singleton, who sold it to Joe Echols, and then to me.

here are some pix of my TZE: http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6985-1975-avion.html

so far as i can tell the only updates so far are:

- installation of a 3.70 final drive
- installation of a dashboard instrument panel: http://custominstrumentpanels.com/
- relocation of the 'under the bunk' house batteries to the genset compartment using two 6v's
- alcoa's all around
- running lights upgraded to LED's
- heavy duty through the bumper tow hitch
- blinds, fabrics and flooring updates (in the 90's)

i love this coach, and plan to bring all the systems up to date, then set about refurbishing the interior. i am grateful for the help and support of
my mechanic Peter Merkin and others including Nick Roenick, Gordon Nichol and the team at Applied GMC. and especially Frank Condos without whom i'd be
lost!

so far i have:

-replaced the final drive
-replaced the air ride valves at the height control valves on both sides
-repaired a leaky holding tank, and installed a macerator and new flush system
-replaced the passenger side axle, and boots on the driver side axle
-replaced the main sink faucet
-replaced the fridge thermocouple
-had Applied GMC replace worn front end bushings and the boomerang arm, and adjust alignment

now i am working on:
-replacing the alternator which just went out
-cleaning and refurbishing the interior of the genset compartment...
QUESTION:what do you use to line the compartment after scraping off the old deteriorated foam?

next i will:
-replace all window gaskets
-review all wiring and connections of the electrical systems
-make modifications to the existing battery systems as recommended by Nick Roenick and Henry Wolfe
-replacing the buzz box
-replace the guts of the side-bath ventair vent
-confirming proper operation and maintenance of the genset, water heater, and furnace

my next order of business is to:
-build a set of service ramps based on these plans show below...
QUESTION:do you have any suggestions or modifications i should consider?

thanks all for your time, and in helping me to make my TZE as good as she can be!

sincerly,
dave

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6984/ramp_diagram1.jpg

--
David del Rio
Raymond, CA
75 Avion

 

[matt sladek]

Dave - I used the same plans to build ramps last year. I think they work great as designed. I know some have added casters for improved mobility. I
have a small hand cart that makes it a piece of cake to move the ramps around. Very easy to work on the back end items with the coach lifted up in the
air.
--
Matt Sladek
1976 Eleganza II
Coralville, IA

 

[RF_Burns]

I made a set using 5/4 deck boards I had on hand. That made them about 12" wide so about 2" wider than the diagram.

I was amazed how easily the coach climbed the ramp. They made dropping and re-installing the gas tanks very easy. Once the coach was up on the ramps,
I used my 6x6" blocks under the bogie mounts to set the weight of the coach on.

I had a set of Rhino Ramps for a few years. Getting the fronts up on the rhino ramps takes some nerve. You need to measure and place the front ramps
further forward. The rears are climbing before the front wheels start up the rhino ramps.
--
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
Hubler 1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that

 

[steve southworth]

> -cleaning and refurbishing the interior of the genset compartment...
> QUESTION:what do you use to line the compartment after scraping off the old deteriorated foam?

Foil faced fiberglass duct board. I had my HVAC guy order me a 4X8 sheet.

I also put up a sheet of mirror finish stainless steel adjacent to where the exhaust manifold and pipe are located. Leave an air gap between the SS
and the duct board. 1/4" should be enough..
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI