New Owner in Washington State

[kbeefy]

Howdy. Been lurking for a month, became an owner 2 days ago.
Live in wheatland west of Spokane.

Bought a 78 Royale, original 403 @ 98k. Almost completely original. Previous owner had it about 27 years and stored in inside. Drove it 80 miles to home, worked as well (or better) then I would expect any 1978 vehicle to.

Side Kitchen, dry bath, rear lounge/dinnete. My favorite floorplan.

Alcoas, Birch screen door. Newer carpet and captains chairs 50% reupholstered. Updated buzzbox (3stage charger w/ 2000w inverter). Repaint in 1995.
I was told all the appliances work, though I haven't tested any of them yet. Still has the Onan 6k which does run.

Very pleased with the ride and handling, even nicer than I had hoped! Rides smoother than my BMW 540i. Makes my F350 feel downright barbarian.
Planning on a mild reno and alot of disassemble, clean and inspect over the next 4 months, then it's camping season!

 

[Matt Colie]

Ken,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....
I think you pulled a winning ticket there. I both don't know or came what you gave for it, but it sure looks like a good deal.
If you have been lurking a while, then you already know about the support and help you can get from this amazing community. You have also just acquired several hundred brand new old friends. So, if someone comes on way more forward than you might even expect from a used car salesman, that is just the friendly nature of the community.
Speaking of the community, it is well worth you while to join in. There is Cascaders and Western States at least, but only GMCMI has the Parts interchange and Assist (aka Black's) list. You do want those.
You have a good start on a sigfile already and do not hesitate to add to it. You will have questions, just try to include any background information that you can. We will do our best to provide what you need.
I am a lifelong waterman and this community so reminds me of that so much that I like to welcome those that show up here much as you might be welcomed there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Ken

Matt

 

[kbeefy]

Thanks for the welcome Matt!

I am a long time forum user and appreciate the good ones. No explanation needed.

 

[pvfjr]

Nice coach, congrats! Perhaps we'll see it at a rally someday.

 

[Kendra]

Looks amazing, great to see this was correctly cared for and will continue to be.

Sounds like you won't be needing much but there's a parts coach in Spokane, almost gone but has a complete 455 drivetrain road tested a year ago. In case you're looking for a local spare.

 

[kbeefy]

there's a parts coach in Spokane, almost gone but has a complete 455 drivetrain road tested a year ago. In case you're looking for a local spare.

I wasn't aware of that, any contact info?

 

[Kendra]

I wasn't aware of that, any contact info?

EricS in Spokane.

 

[kbeefy]

OK, I've talked with Eric. It's a 78 w/ 403, not 455. Unless he's got another one....

 

[EricS]

Nope, I don't have another one (at is writing!). Welcome Ken!

 

[1976GMC]

Hello Ken,
Welcome to the group. Geographically, I'm probably one of your closest neighbors. I am located just South of you in Pullman.
Vadim

 

[kbeefy]

Hello Ken,
Welcome to the group. Geographically, I'm probably one of your closest neighbors. I am located just South of you in Pullman.
Vadim

Howdy Neighbor!

You know the Pullmans then? Kimberly was very helpful while I was shopping for a coach.

Hope to see you out camping sometime, cheers!

Ken

 

[rodknu]

Hi Ken,
Welcome to the clan! I am just over the hill (Thompson Pass) from you east of Coeur d Alene in the little town of Thompson Falls, MT
Rod

 

[Kendra]

Hi Ken,
Welcome to the clan! I am just over the hill (Thompson Pass) from you east of Coeur d Alene in the little town of Thompson Falls, MT
Rod

Roads around Thompson Falls Montana are spectacular - especially the back road to Wallace Idaho.

 

[Jerry Wheeler]

Ken,
Congrats on your purchase. I have a 78 Royale side bath rear lounge coach also. I bought it in 2000 and removed all the cushions that make up the rear lounge and put in rear twin beds. I see your coach lounge colors are in what I call a southwest pattern (a brown and white herring bone pattern). My color is oyster, an off white. You or anyone else can have this compete set of cushions for free if you want to come pick them up at my home in Charleston, Oregon. The cushions were like new, but after 22 years stored in my garage, they should probably be cleaned. Again, free to anyone who wants them.
JR Wheeler 78 Royale 73 Painted Desert

 

[ScottC]

Welcome aboard Ken! Great looking Coach!

 

[kbeefy]

Ken,
Congrats on your purchase. I have a 78 Royale side bath rear lounge coach also. I bought it in 2000 and removed all the cushions that make up the rear lounge and put in rear twin beds. I see your coach lounge colors are in what I call a southwest pattern (a brown and white herring bone pattern). My color is oyster, an off white. You or anyone else can have this compete set of cushions for free if you want to come pick them up at my home in Charleston, Oregon. The cushions were like new, but after 22 years stored in my garage, they should probably be cleaned. Again, free to anyone who wants them.
JR Wheeler 78 Royale 73 Painted Desert

Hi Jerry, I was just near Charleston on a camping trip last month, Stayed at Cape Blanco and Cape Lookout.
I also go to the dunes in Florence a couple times a year.

I really appreciate the offer, but I think they would wind up in storage right next to my cushions.

Hopefully someone else can make better use of them, Cheers!