Onboard Kit (tools, parts etc)

77 RainbowRoadie

77 RainbowRoadie

New member
Oct 12, 2020
24
1
3
Howdy,

Anyone have a list of the onboard kit one should have?

Looking for tools, parts etc - JIC.
Thanks for looking.

D & C
77 Eleganza II 455
Portland, Or
 
D & C:
A reliable phone and a copy of the black list for us non mechanics!
Actually I do carry a set of belts, a plug in module, and enough tools to change a tire if needed - but that is about it for me!
Been driving them for 8 years now and go cross country at least 2 times per year - been stuck overnite once, had to cancel one convention, and had to drive home non stop for 16 hrs one time.
The key is top quality maintenance on a regular basis - just my non mechanic opinion!
Mike/the Corvair a holic

Sent from my iPhone

>
> Howdy,
>
> Anyone have a list of the onboard kit one should have?
>
> Looking for tools, parts etc - JIC.
> Thanks for looking.
>
>
> D & C
> 77 Eleganza II 455
> Portland, Or
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Rainbow,

Mike gave you a start, and someplace in GMCMI land there is a very complete list. You cannot carry tools and spares for everything, but a basic set
of hand tools is a good start. You also have to put a calibration on your capability. That can be anything from yellow canary to magic wrench and we
don't know.

The idea is to have enough to get you home if there is a minor issue. For spares, I will say that I carry two large items (not counting the tool
box), but I have a 23 and so have limited storage for such.

What Mike mentioned:
A working phone,
A copy of the Black (aka GMC Assist) list,
A thick credit card.

What I do carry and have served me well:
Full copies of the maintenance and service manuals. I carry the hard copy because I am paranoid and have had the lights go out at bad times. (During
our last adventure our laptop took a critical and finally fatal hit.) If you can get help, you may need what is there to get things right.
A spare starter - The starter is common only to the TH425 transmission that is now 40 years out of production, and if dies, you aren't going any
where.
A spare airbag (airspring) this is light, but it takes up space.
A collection of bulbs and fuses is not a bad idea, but in all honesty this is not a critical item.
A semi-random collection of things like duck tape and soft iron wire and such, and a lot of things that only make sense because they are small.
I do carry belts because I took a set off recently and these could get me home.

With the support that the community can muster, it is amazing what can be managed.

The thing that cannot be over stated is the need for continual and conscientious preventative maintenance. I carry a grease gun just to do the bogie
pins every thousand miles. We have made excursions where this was every third day.

Do you have a maintenance log? If you do not, you should start one because if you do this right, in a short time, this will all be a blur.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Hey almost neighbor, here is a good site for that info and more:

https://gmcidiotsguide.com

Chapter 3 has a list of items to carry. but remember everyone
individualizes it to suit their own comfort/skill levels.

Fay Curtis
'76 Glenbrook
Kneeland, CA in as I like to call it upstate California

On Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 8:04 PM Rainbow Roadie via Gmclist <

> Howdy,
>
> Anyone have a list of the onboard kit one should have?
>
> Looking for tools, parts etc - JIC.
> Thanks for looking.
>
>
> D & C
> 77 Eleganza II 455
> Portland, Or
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Keep my contact info as I return ALL calls and if I cannot seem to help
you, I will have people that are more in tuned to that type of a problem'
Knowing you have assistance available is valuable.
We give out part #s and speak with professional mechanics and tow truck
people people and assist you, cost you nothing.
Probably why we are a major supplier of parts and kit.
Black List is great as when you're in a strange town, it really helps to
know someone that lives there. Always call at least three people as most do
not keep their phone handy.

On Sat, Oct 24, 2020 at 8:57 AM Matt Colie via Gmclist <

> Rainbow,
>
> Mike gave you a start, and someplace in GMCMI land there is a very
> complete list. You cannot carry tools and spares for everything, but a
> basic set
> of hand tools is a good start. You also have to put a calibration on your
> capability. That can be anything from yellow canary to magic wrench and we
> don't know.
>
> The idea is to have enough to get you home if there is a minor issue. For
> spares, I will say that I carry two large items (not counting the tool
> box), but I have a 23 and so have limited storage for such.
>
> What Mike mentioned:
> A working phone,
> A copy of the Black (aka GMC Assist) list,
> A thick credit card.
>
> What I do carry and have served me well:
> Full copies of the maintenance and service manuals. I carry the hard copy
> because I am paranoid and have had the lights go out at bad times. (During
> our last adventure our laptop took a critical and finally fatal hit.) If
> you can get help, you may need what is there to get things right.
> A spare starter - The starter is common only to the TH425 transmission
> that is now 40 years out of production, and if dies, you aren't going any
> where.
> A spare airbag (airspring) this is light, but it takes up space.
> A collection of bulbs and fuses is not a bad idea, but in all honesty this
> is not a critical item.
> A semi-random collection of things like duck tape and soft iron wire and
> such, and a lot of things that only make sense because they are small.
> I do carry belts because I took a set off recently and these could get me
> home.
>
> With the support that the community can muster, it is amazing what can be
> managed.
>
> The thing that cannot be over stated is the need for continual and
> conscientious preventative maintenance. I carry a grease gun just to do
> the bogie
> pins every thousand miles. We have made excursions where this was every
> third day.
>
> Do you have a maintenance log? If you do not, you should start one
> because if you do this right, in a short time, this will all be a blur.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL,
> GMCES
> Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum
> Brakes with Applied Control Arms
> SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
A good known starter is a good spare part
To have.

Also a complete distributor. At a minimum, a coil and module. But having a complete distributor to part down will have all you need there as well
as it is easier
To swap a distributor then it is to take apart one if problem happens to be a pickup.

For tools I have fell in love with my milwaukee 3/8” sae socker set. And a set of ratchet wrenches.

Items you NEED to have is a volt
Meter. And a timing light. I use timing light
To check for spark. Can find out if a non running engine is a fuel or spark
Problem in a minute with a timing light without having to take anything apart.

I am also a proponent for airbag isolation valves and shrader valves.

Also a couple good test/jumper wires. About 24”
Of
Wire with aligator clips is very handy.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
A spark tester is handier than a timing light which requires 12v power.

https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=ignition%20spark%20tester

I also like the 6 in 1 screwdrivers as the bit holders can be used for 5/16
and 1/4 nut drivers for hose clamps.

On Sun, Oct 25, 2020 at 6:58 PM Jim via Gmclist
wrote:

> Rainbow Roadie....in the context of Ritchie, Ronnie and Cozy?
> --
> Jim Owens,
>
> 78 Royale,
>
> Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
 
Thanks everyone for your input.

These are great!!!

We don't presently have a covered area to park her (when home) and were
thinking of a cover.

Any suggestions- so many out there and the $ varies. We are in Oregon- so
get tons of rain, frost and occasional snow,

Thanks for looking!

On Mon, Oct 26, 2020 at 8:15 AM Bruce Hart via Gmclist <

> A spark tester is handier than a timing light which requires 12v power.
>
> https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=ignition%20spark%20tester
>
> I also like the 6 in 1 screwdrivers as the bit holders can be used for 5/16
> and 1/4 nut drivers for hose clamps.
>
> On Sun, Oct 25, 2020 at 6:58 PM Jim via Gmclist

>
> > Rainbow Roadie....in the context of Ritchie, Ronnie and Cozy?
> > --
> > Jim Owens,
> >
> > 78 Royale,
> >
> > Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
> --
> Bruce Hart
> 1976 Palm Beach
> Milliken, Co
> GMC=Got More Class
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Haha, No but I do know the reference.

Dio is rad- a little hard on my ears nowadays!

On Sun, Oct 25, 2020 at 5:58 PM Jim via Gmclist
wrote:

> Rainbow Roadie....in the context of Ritchie, Ronnie and Cozy?
> --
> Jim Owens,
>
> 78 Royale,
>
> Out skirts of Kitchener, Ontario
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I have to disagree with the “spark tester” vs timing light. 4 out of 5 gmc motorhomes have spark plug boots almost welded to the spark plug.
Have seen way too many broken spark plug wires while
Trying to figure out if you have spark.

Induction clamp of a timing light is the way to go.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
Cheap and dirty - but you have to do it with things reasonably dark - Acquire an NE-2 neon bulb which has pigtail leads. Solder a clip on one and
several inches of bare wire on the other. Clip the clip to a ood engine ground and wrap the few ibnches of wire around a spark plug wire tightly.
The bulb will flash every time the plug fires. Try it, you'll like it :)

--johnny

--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
I have a set of "noid" lamps with different connectors that plug into
things like fuel injector harnesses and the like. Anything with 5 volts or
more will trigger them. They flash brightly when triggered. There is a set
for plug wires, too. Just snap them onto a plug wire and crank it. If spark
is present, they flash brightly. Great diagnostic tool on efi. Not as much
detail as a scope, but for on the road troubleshooting, they work great.
(THEY WEREN'T CHEAP)
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Mon, Oct 26, 2020, 3:58 PM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> Cheap and dirty - but you have to do it with things reasonably dark -
> Acquire an NE-2 neon bulb which has pigtail leads. Solder a clip on one and
> several inches of bare wire on the other. Clip the clip to a ood engine
> ground and wrap the few ibnches of wire around a spark plug wire tightly.
> The bulb will flash every time the plug fires. Try it, you'll like it :)
>
> --johnny
>
>
>
> --
> Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
The NE 2>is< cheap :) 30 cents.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
> The NE 2>is< cheap :) 30 cents.
>
> --johnny

But if you, like I, carry a timing light as part of the standard kit.....
Settable offset lights are available at Hazard Fright for 30$us.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
I don't carry a timing light. I consider the mudule and coil field replaceable, the pickup and such want a shop anyhow. My approach.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
Those that carry a timing light where do you get the 12volts for power

On Tue, Oct 27, 2020 at 8:49 AM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> I don't carry a timing light. I consider the mudule and coil field
> replaceable, the pickup and such want a shop anyhow. My approach.
>
> --johnny
> --
> Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
 
I don't carry mine, but... the cigar lighter.

Russ

On Tue, Oct 27, 2020, 1:19 PM Bruce Hart via Gmclist <

> Those that carry a timing light where do you get the 12volts for power
>
>
> On Tue, Oct 27, 2020 at 8:49 AM Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

>
> > I don't carry a timing light. I consider the mudule and coil field
> > replaceable, the pickup and such want a shop anyhow. My approach.
> >
> > --johnny
> > --
> > Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> > Braselton, Ga.
> > I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> > in hell
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
> --
> Bruce Hart
> 1976 Palm Beach
> Milliken, Co
> GMC=Got More Class
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
I took the alligator clips off and wired a cigarette lighter plug to the timing light. If it is a stock GMC panel, the cigarette lighter outlet is
easy to reach.

JohnS
--
John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA, ncserv;
77 Eleganza, bought it new, can't blame PO; and
78 Buskirk stretch, "What were we thinking?"
 
usually have to drop cables down to ground through the engine compartment, and grab them, and up to the front battery. you can also grab 12v off
the fuse panel in some glove boxes,
or this little guy here is very handy to have:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SRDBY/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

you have to be a little careful when getting the leads to the battery to keep away from the manifold. I have never had trouble hooking up a timing
light hooked up pretty fast.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
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