New List Member

[dan winchester]

Hello

I have owned my 1998 GMC Royal since 1981. I am in the process of doing a
restoration and am looking for sources of materials such a head liners,
cabinate hardware, window coverings, sugestions on paint for exterior and
different potential graphics for exterior.

Does any one know of any independent tests that have been done on the all
wheel disk brakes that show the real effects under different conditions?
Bing an engineer I would like to see test results before investing.

Also what types of awnings have been found to be most appropriate on the GMC?

Dan Winchester

 

[david l greenberg]

Hi Dan,

See comments below:

On Sat, 31 Oct 1998 11:30:19 -0700 Dan Winchester

>Hello
>
>I have owned my 1998 GMC Royal since 1981. I am in the process of
>doing a
>restoration and am looking for sources of materials such a head
>liners,
>cabinate hardware, window coverings, sugestions on paint for exterior
>and
>different potential graphics for exterior.

For materials and sources you might talk to some of the owners in your
part of Oregon. Contact the GMC Cascaders. If you don't already belong, I
will provide the club secretary's contact info.

Also try www.gmcmh.com This is Alex Sirum GMC and they have an on-line
catalog that may help a little with the questions.

For an interesting graphic look at page 73 of the last two issues of FMCA
magazine. The GMC coach, I believe, was painted by Topeka Body Shop in
Topeka, IN. I have seen their work and they do a nice job. I can't seem
to put my finger on their contact info but surely someone on the "Net"
will have it.

Also contact Jim Bounds at Coop Motors for advice on paint types. He can
be reached toll free on Fridays at 1-877-ask4-gmc or
jimbounds He is also a good source of info on material
choices, head liners, etc as that is his main business.

>
>Does any one know of any independent tests that have been done on the
>all
>wheel disk brakes that show the real effects under different
>conditions?
>Bing an engineer I would like to see test results before investing.
I agree with you...I would like to see some independant data before I
would consider changing my brake system. One concern we all should have
is, what are the legal liability ramifications of altering the original
brake system.>

>Also what types of awnings have been found to be most appropriate on
>the GMC?
The most popular seem to be the Zip Dee and the A&E 8500 or 9500, altho I
see quite a few Carefree of Colorado awnings also. I have always used the
A&E. It not only looks stronger but it is very sturdy and probably
heavier.

Good luck with your project. You will get lots of help on the GMCnet and
if you haven't already looked at the various GMC oriented web sites, that
should probably be a priority.

I will send you a seperate note regarding the GMC Motorhome Registry.

Regards and welcome to the "Net"

Dave Greenberg
GMC Motorhome Registry
200 MacFarlane Dr PH4
Delray Beach, FL 33483-6829

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> Does any one know of any independent tests that have been done on the all
> wheel disk brakes that show the real effects under different conditions?
> Bing an engineer I would like to see test results before investing.

Well, I'm not an engineer, nor do I play one on television, but after
working on the rear brakes on mine once, I'm convinced that discs would
be better all around. First is unsprung weight - the rear drums must
weigh close to 40 pounds each. Second - there's no way for heat to
escape except conducting out through that massive drum. Remember, the
capacity to shed heat is what prevents fade. Third, and worst IMO, is
that there's no sure way to replace the rear hub and be certain that you
haven't contaminated the rear bearing. After working on the rear brakes
once, I was entirely disgusted with the design.

I don't know that the difference with the TSM conversion would be as
obvious, but try driving Leigh Harrison's coach. I was reminded of the
old Gallagher line, "Vans are great. If you want something that's in
the back, stomp the brakes and it will hit you in the back of the
head." Again, I'm sure that it has a lot to do with that massive front
rotor and caliper that he uses. What the three of us did to his brakes
during our test drive probably would have been considered abuse of the
factory system and we never once smelled hot brakes.

Like I said, I'm not an engineer, but I've worked with enough of them to
know that the "desire for absolute proof" can be paralytic. Visit
Leigh, he'd love to have you drive his coach, and I guarantee the seat
of your pants will supply adequate proof!

Of course, you'll have to come to terms with the lack of a parking
brake. I'm not sure the "johnson bar" in the GMC qualifies as an
"emergency brake". Pulling on it would basically give you something to
do until impact, IMO. I'll probably go with a hydraulic lock for
parking until I chock the wheels.

My $.02,
Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

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

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> In a message dated 10/31/98 6:00:01 PM Central Standard Time, patri63

>
> weigh close to 40 pounds each. Second - there's no way for he >>
> Patrick, I noticed recently several people have expressed concern about the
> amount of weight in the back. Water, tank, generator, etc. Getting rid of
> the weight for performance reasons is one thing. If the concern is the coach's
> ability to handle the weight that's another thing.

Reducing unsprung weight does two things for you. First, it does reduce
the total weight of the coach, which is a *good* thing. Second, and
more important, it improves suspension "compliance". Less mass swinging
on the end of the suspension means the suspension can respond quicker to
irregularities in the road surface.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

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