Pre-purchase inspection

C

chris neis

New member
Aug 31, 2016
14
0
0
Hi. I have long admired the GMCs, but only recently have decided to try and find one to buy. I have been looking at a local offering, but feel that it will very likely need a lot of attention soon. (ALL original, 11 year old tires, needs brake work, A/C inop, Onan won't start.....) I would prefer to buy a coach that has had at least a few parts replaced. Stuff gets old. Stuff wears out. That being said, what do you think are the most important replacements/updates for a handy and fairly ambitious prospective owner to look for when shopping for a GMC coach? Are there repairs that are particularly expensive/ difficult? Which parts are the most difficult (and, therefore, probably also costly) to track down?

Thanks for any response you are willing to share! Happy camping!

Chris Neis
Empty driveway
Stillwater, MN
 
Where are you located???

> Hi. I have long admired the GMCs, but only recently have decided to try
> and find one to buy. I have been looking at a local offering, but feel
> that it will very likely need a lot of attention soon. (ALL original, 11
> year old tires, needs brake work, A/C inop, Onan won't start.....) I would
> prefer to buy a coach that has had at least a few parts replaced. Stuff
> gets old. Stuff wears out. That being said, what do you think are the
> most important replacements/updates for a handy and fairly ambitious
> prospective owner to look for when shopping for a GMC coach? Are there
> repairs that are particularly expensive/ difficult? Which parts are the
> most difficult (and, therefore, probably also costly) to track down?
>
> Thanks for any response you are willing to share! Happy camping!
>
> Chris Neis
> Empty driveway
> Stillwater, MN
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
OK, I guess jimk did not see "Stillwater MN" in your signature.

Anyway, I am sure others more qualified than me will comment. But here is my two cents. The 77 and 78 have (slightly) better dash a/c system that the
earlier coaches. The 73 and 74 had some differences in the front suspension, the control arms were beefed up in 1975. But some of that becomes moot
with the availability of the one-ton truck suspension upgrade.

As for things that are nice to have, IMO 16" wheels (even with old tires) are nice to have. It opens up your choice of what tires to buy and means you
do not need to buy 6 or 7 wheels in the future.

Others have said, you can get a nice reliable for about $20,000 - $25,000. You can either spend that up front all at once, or as a kit, starting with
a coach that needs work. AS for me, I have had mine for about 7 years, and am around halfway done. Honestly if I were to di it again, I would buy one
that already had most of the work done. But that said, I have learned a lot by tinkering on mine. And we do get to use it occasionally.

The big vendors are in California and Florida, but there is also a place in Maryville OH. If you have not already found it, take a look at
www.appliedgmc.com IT gives you an idea about what parts are available.

--
Paul Zerkel
'78 Eleganza II
Salisbury IL (near Springfield)
 
Hi Chris,
My recommendation would be to find a coach that is cosmetically what you
like and want. The paint and body and the interior are the most expensive
and difficult things to do. The mechanical and house systems are pretty
easy to do yourself or get done. Just what I think.

> Hi. I have long admired the GMCs, but only recently have decided to try
> and find one to buy. I have been looking at a local offering, but feel
> that it will very likely need a lot of attention soon. (ALL original, 11
> year old tires, needs brake work, A/C inop, Onan won't start.....) I would
> prefer to buy a coach that has had at least a few parts replaced. Stuff
> gets old. Stuff wears out. That being said, what do you think are the
> most important replacements/updates for a handy and fairly ambitious
> prospective owner to look for when shopping for a GMC coach? Are there
> repairs that are particularly expensive/ difficult? Which parts are the
> most difficult (and, therefore, probably also costly) to track down?
>
> Thanks for any response you are willing to share! Happy camping!
>
> Chris Neis
> Empty driveway
> Stillwater, MN
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> That being said, what do you think are the most important replacements/updates for a handy and fairly ambitious prospective owner to look for
> when shopping for a GMC coach?
> - these are 40 year old machines. Besides the usual first step of "change all the fluids", and I mean oil, trans, diff, coolant and brake, I'd
> strongly suggest you replace everything made of rubber - fuel lines, hoses, belts, tires, oil cooler lines, brake hoses.
> Then do brakes and wheel bearings. This will make the coach roadworthy and safe.
> You can worry about interior function and finish later.
>
> Are there repairs that are particularly expensive/ difficult?
> Nothing is terribly difficult if you are willing to get your hands dirty. You must respect that these vehicles weigh 11,000 lbs and you can be
> seriously injured if you don't consider this when jacking, removing wheels, etc.
> Most difficult? The engine and trans don't come out as readily as a conventional car of truck.
>
> Which parts are the most difficult (and, therefore, probably also costly) to track down?
> Most service parts are readily available. A lot of tune up parts, brake pads, switches are off the shelf GM parts and can be found at places like
> NAPA. More obscure parts are still supported by a dedicated bunch of GMC vendors (Applied, GMC coop, Cinnabar, Gateway)
> A few items like the vacuum formed plastic interior "headliner" over the front seats are made of "Unobtanium"
>
> Check out www.bdub.net
> You will find links to everything from buying tips to maintenance how-tos
>
> You are in the Twin Cities area. There are a number of us in the area that would be glad to provide advice, check out a prospective purchase,
> etc.

--
Chris Geils - Twin Cities
1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; Headers, Progressive Dynamics 9040, aux trans cooler, one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, 49k mi
 
Chris and others looking for a coach:

I have a 78 Royale rear bath that belongs to Alan Martin, owner of this
coach since 1994 (it had 94k miles on it). Alan is no longer able to drive
it (let alone a car) since he is in his mid 80's and in a wheelchair. He
asked me to help him sell it. I have put new tires on his Alcoas, a new
Norcold fridge, a new PD series smart charger, a combiner and new belts.
Alan had maintained his coach since he bought it and has spent over $20,000
in repairs and upgrades (Alan has kept a detailed notebook with receipts
and dates for the money he has spent). I installed a set of heated remote
control Ramco mirrors on it in 2000. The exterior looks great with the
original Imron paint and the interior is in very good shape. There is no
frame rust that I can see. Current mileage is under 140k and he is asking
$19,500 for it. If anyone is interested, send me a private email; the
coach is located in NC.

JR Wheeler 78 Royale NC/OR (currently sitting in my Oregon home).

On Wed, Aug 31, 2016 at 9:32 PM, Chris Geils
wrote:

> > That being said, what do you think are the most important
> replacements/updates for a handy and fairly ambitious prospective owner to
> look for
> > when shopping for a GMC coach?
> > - these are 40 year old machines. Besides the usual first step of
> "change all the fluids", and I mean oil, trans, diff, coolant and brake, I'd
> > strongly suggest you replace everything made of rubber - fuel lines,
> hoses, belts, tires, oil cooler lines, brake hoses.
> > Then do brakes and wheel bearings. This will make the coach roadworthy
> and safe.
> > You can worry about interior function and finish later.
> >
> > Are there repairs that are particularly expensive/ difficult?
> > Nothing is terribly difficult if you are willing to get your hands
> dirty. You must respect that these vehicles weigh 11,000 lbs and you can be
> > seriously injured if you don't consider this when jacking, removing
> wheels, etc.
> > Most difficult? The engine and trans don't come out as readily as a
> conventional car of truck.
> >
> > Which parts are the most difficult (and, therefore, probably also
> costly) to track down?
> > Most service parts are readily available. A lot of tune up parts, brake
> pads, switches are off the shelf GM parts and can be found at places like
> > NAPA. More obscure parts are still supported by a dedicated bunch of
> GMC vendors (Applied, GMC coop, Cinnabar, Gateway)
> > A few items like the vacuum formed plastic interior "headliner" over the
> front seats are made of "Unobtanium"
> >
> > Check out www.bdub.net
> > You will find links to everything from buying tips to maintenance how-tos
> >
> > You are in the Twin Cities area. There are a number of us in the area
> that would be glad to provide advice, check out a prospective purchase,
> > etc.
>
>
> --
> Chris Geils - Twin Cities
> 1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; Headers, Progressive Dynamics 9040,
> aux trans cooler, one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, 49k mi
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> Hi. I have long admired the GMCs, but only recently have decided to try and find one to buy. I have been looking at a local offering, but feel
> that it will very likely need a lot of attention soon. (ALL original, 11 year old tires, needs brake work, A/C inop, Onan won't start.....) I would
> prefer to buy a coach that has had at least a few parts replaced. Stuff gets old. Stuff wears out. That being said, what do you think are the
> most important replacements/updates for a handy and fairly ambitious prospective owner to look for when shopping for a GMC coach? Are there
> repairs that are particularly expensive/ difficult? Which parts are the most difficult (and, therefore, probably also costly) to track down?
>
> Thanks for any response you are willing to share! Happy camping!
>
> Chris Neis
> Empty driveway
> Stillwater, MN
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> Hi Chris
>
> The only suggestion I can give is by something you can use today even if it is ugly if it needs tires and a tuneup fine if you buy a project you
> may spend years getting it ready to discover it is not for you. Bought mine 14 years ago and managed to drive a couple of years before starting the
> upgrades still needs paint but we love it
> HTH

--
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010
Montreal Qc.
 
Chris
I am one of those in the twin cities and would love to go over a coach with you.
It would be fun.
I have a 76 that Ive spent a lot of time and money on and know it pretty well.

Where is the coach you are looking at?
Personally it sounds like a restoration project, but you might be surprised...

----------------------------------------
> Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2016 06:14:32 -0600
> To: gmclist
> From: jhbmjk
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Pre-purchase inspection
>

>> Hi. I have long admired the GMCs, but only recently have decided to try and find one to buy. I have been looking at a local offering, but feel
>> that it will very likely need a lot of attention soon. (ALL original, 11 year old tires, needs brake work, A/C inop, Onan won't start.....) I would
>> prefer to buy a coach that has had at least a few parts replaced. Stuff gets old. Stuff wears out. That being said, what do you think are the
>> most important replacements/updates for a handy and fairly ambitious prospective owner to look for when shopping for a GMC coach? Are there
>> repairs that are particularly expensive/ difficult? Which parts are the most difficult (and, therefore, probably also costly) to track down?
>>
>> Thanks for any response you are willing to share! Happy camping!
>>
>> Chris Neis
>> Empty driveway
>> Stillwater, MN
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>> Hi Chris
>>
>> The only suggestion I can give is by something you can use today even if it is ugly if it needs tires and a tuneup fine if you buy a project you
>> may spend years getting it ready to discover it is not for you. Bought mine 14 years ago and managed to drive a couple of years before starting the
>> upgrades still needs paint but we love it
>> HTH
>
>
> --
> John H. Bell
> 77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010
> Montreal Qc.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Chris,

Lots of local people around can help. Come out and visit and we can talk about our coaches and others, so you can make the best decision. Also a
big factor is how you plan to use your coach and how many people sleeping And age height.

Tell us what local coach you are looking at. And maybe some of us have already seen it and can give you an idea on our thoughts.

If not on facebook, you need to be, if you are coach hunting. They post there often.

If price is right, sometimes coaches that need some work is a good thing because if you donthat work yourself. It is done right and current. Like if
you get a coach and replace all brakes, you should be able to stop for many years. If the brakes are ok, you might have brake issues 3-5 years.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
If you don't need to take everything you own on trips, consider the 1973 23' Sequoia that I am trying to sell.

It has only been parked in the driveway for 4 years, and I give no guarantees, but it should be easier to put back in service than one that has been
sitting for a decade or so.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."
 
And if you want one that hasn't been sitting, I'll deliver my 23' for a buck a mile and redeye fare to Atlanta. PM for pics and details.

--johnny
--
'76 23' transmode Norris upfit, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.

"Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon
 
I live in Stillwater, MN. (NE of St. Paul).

Sent from my iPad

>
> Where are you located???
>

>>
>> Hi. I have long admired the GMCs, but only recently have decided to try
>> and find one to buy. I have been looking at a local offering, but feel
>> that it will very likely need a lot of attention soon. (ALL original, 11
>> year old tires, needs brake work, A/C inop, Onan won't start.....) I would
>> prefer to buy a coach that has had at least a few parts replaced. Stuff
>> gets old. Stuff wears out. That being said, what do you think are the
>> most important replacements/updates for a handy and fairly ambitious
>> prospective owner to look for when shopping for a GMC coach? Are there
>> repairs that are particularly expensive/ difficult? Which parts are the
>> most difficult (and, therefore, probably also costly) to track down?
>>
>> Thanks for any response you are willing to share! Happy camping!
>>
>> Chris Neis
>> Empty driveway
>> Stillwater, MN
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Thanks, Jon. The 26' Eleganza II coach I am looking at is in NE Minn=
eapolis. It has been on an outdoor storage lot for a year....and it has be=
en run routinely, but not driven much. I drove it off the lot to test driv=
e and do a more thorough visual inspection. It drove nicely.....but I don'=
t have experience with other GMCs for comparison. No obvious suspension/st=
eering issues. It appears to be mostly original. 403 engine doesn't seem =
to burn oil, old 16.5" tires (but low wear). Front suspension parts appear=
original. Only obvious replacement parts are the air bag suspension, engi=
ne belts, and one exhaust manifold gasket appears to have been replaced, as=
well. All batteries have been replaced within last 4 years. My hesitance=
is because the current owner doesn't know anything about the coach. He bo=
ught it from a gentleman named Willard Seeke (from Bessimer, MI) last year.=
....but he does not know how to reach him now. The coach was used for annu=
al travel to/from Florida, each spring and fall....so I do not think it has=
wintered much in the snowbelt. I haven't done a thorough frame member ins=
pection....but it appears to be in good condition. Willard Seeke was in th=
e HMCA. Coach number is/was 363460. Is there an old contact list that may=
have info on how to get in touch with Mr. Seeke? He is in his late 80s, a=
nd does not have any online presence. If anyone can help me contact him, t=
hat would be fantastic. I can attach a few pics of the coach when I =
am back in civilization on Tuesday. (I can't upload pics in the woods this=
weekend). Thanks much for your time and advise, Everybody! Happy Labor D=
ay weekend to my fellow Americans. Best, Chris Neis Stillwater, MN=
> On Sep 1, 2016, at 2:03 PM, Jon Roche wrote:=
> > Chris, > > Lots of local people around can help. Come out a=
nd visit and we can talk about our coaches and others, so you can make the=
best decision. Also a > big factor is how you plan to use your coach an=
d how many people sleeping And age height. > > Tell us what local co=
ach you are looking at. And maybe some of us have already seen it and can =
give you an idea on our thoughts. > > If not on facebook, you need t=
o be, if you are coach hunting. They post there often. > > If price=
is right, sometimes coaches that need some work is a good thing because i=
f you donthat work yourself. It is done right and current. Like if > you=
get a coach and replace all brakes, you should be able to stop for many y=
ears. If the brakes are ok, you might have brake issues 3-5 years. > =
-- > Jon Roche > 75 palm beach > St. Cloud, MN > http://lqqkatjon.=
blogspot.com/ > > _______________________________________________ > =
GMCnet mailing list > Unsubscribe or Change List Options: > http://list=
.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Johnny-
Sure. I will take a look. Do you have pictures of the coaches on-line someplace? Otherwise, my email is chrisneis Please send a few pics and price info. Thanks!

Chris Neis
Stillwater, MN

>
> And if you want one that hasn't been sitting, I'll deliver my 23' for a buck a mile and redeye fare to Atlanta. PM for pics and details.
>
> --johnny
> --
> '76 23' transmode Norris upfit, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
>
> "Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Chris, Give me a call this week. My number is on the blacklist. I think i remember the ad.

Six one two nine six one four one nine six.

Maybe we could find a time to go check it out in more detail.

If i remember i thought that one looked like a good deal. I wanted to reach out to help him sell it because of lack of info in the ad. From what you
say i dont think you could go wrong.

It depends on your abilities, and what you sant to do with the coach. If all good on that coach getting it at a good price then having some money
in the budget for tires, bags, ect. Is good because you start out in your ownership with new stuff, and dont have to worry about issues with those
sooner in your ownership.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
Jon- Wow. Checking it out together would be great. I have permission to take it to a mechanic, if I choose.....The owner has health issues that prevent him from using it. He is in an assisted living facility up in Hibbing, so we aren't constrained by his schedule. He is a character. I am still trying to figure out how to reach the long-time owner (it changed hands last year), but so far haven't had any luck. Do you come to the Twin Cities occasionally? Or, perhaps I could drive the coach toward you....and meet someplace up that way to look it over? I will give you a call this week. Thanks a lot, Jon. I appreciate your help.

Chris Neis
651-968-6490

>
> Chris, Give me a call this week. My number is on the blacklist. I think i remember the ad.
>
> Six one two nine six one four one nine six.
>
> Maybe we could find a time to go check it out in more detail.
>
> If i remember i thought that one looked like a good deal. I wanted to reach out to help him sell it because of lack of info in the ad. From what you
> say i dont think you could go wrong.
>
> It depends on your abilities, and what you sant to do with the coach. If all good on that coach getting it at a good price then having some money
> in the budget for tires, bags, ect. Is good because you start out in your ownership with new stuff, and dont have to worry about issues with those
> sooner in your ownership.
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I live in st. Cloud. Work in construction, so i get through cities randomly. And to look at a gmc, no big deal to come check it out.

I might be able to meet you tomorrow late morning/afternoon. I am south of rochester now and heading home tomorrow, But really depends on timing.
And the fact that i have family with may limit my attention span.

I dont think you want to drive it too far, if you are not committed to owning it. Would hate to see it die on you on the freeway. But if you want
to come up to look at another gmc to compare, let me know.

I should have cell service aftet 9-10 am tomorrow. We are going to try to get going early as we have been on the road for over a week.



--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
Hi, Jon.
I really appreciate your willingness to help me. Unfortunately, I will not be in the cities until about 6 pm tomorrow night. With a bit of notice, I can make myself available any day this coming week except for Wednesday. Evenings work, as well. I think 30-45 mins together would be plenty of time. I can point out what I have noticed about the rig....and would love to have your educated perspective on it. We can drive it off the lot to get a better perspective. (It is parked in tall weeds) It is insured, licensed, etc....and owner and I have a "gentleman's agreement" about driving it. If you can help guide me on what I should be looking for, potential pitfalls, etc.....that would be fantastic. I have also noticed this one on Ohio Craig's List: Low miles. What do you think? (It is incredible how little info some sellers provide.....)
http://mansfield.craigslist.org/rvs/5721188609.html
I have inquired by email, but have not heard back yet.

Thanks, again......I appreciate your time and assistance. I will try to call you tomorrow on my way back to town....and maybe we can get together sometime soon.

Safe travels home. -Chris Neis

Sent from my iPad

I live in st. Cloud. Work in construction, so i get through cities randomly. And to look at a gmc, no big deal to come check it out.

I might be able to meet you tomorrow late morning/afternoon. I am south of rochester now and heading home tomorrow, But really depends on timing.
And the fact that i have family with may limit my attention span.

I dont think you want to drive it too far, if you are not committed to owning it. Would hate to see it die on you on the freeway. But if you want
to come up to look at another gmc to compare, let me know.

I should have cell service aftet 9-10 am tomorrow. We are going to try to get going early as we have been on the road for over a week.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Chris,
I could possibly come look after work this week as well. I tried to send you a PM but your account says you do not accept them.
Chris
--
Chris Geils - Twin Cities
1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; Headers, Progressive Dynamics 9040, aux trans cooler, one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, 49k mi
 
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