Seeking an Edgeucation on 73-78 GMC Motorhomes

71ChevySWB402

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Aug 9, 2023
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I'm new to the topic. Have decent mechanical knowledge and to some extent RVs in general. I like vintage, what's not to like, and have considered another RV for a long while. I've only had trailers past.

Dropped my seat off for restoration, we walked across the street to greet an 85 yr. old man with the disposition of someone in their 50s. We popped some cans. He's an engineer type, DYI and then some, and has quite a shop with restorations in progress, he does everything from paint to rebuilding an engine.

He has a 73 GMC that's in remarkable condition. It's been in storage since at least 2004ish. Says the paint is bullet proof and it looks it, the exterior is fantastic. New gas tanks, rebuilt 455. Real clean drivetrain, aluminum wheels so you can change a tire within reason, perfect chrome and glass everywhere. Sounds like everything works short it needs a fan switch and the propane indicator doesn't work in the panel, easy fix if you have too. I haven't dove that deeply into it yet. Even the orig. AC works. Lots of improvements inside and out, this old man is something else. He even invented a method to air-cool the engine and dash. 2000W Inverter, generator with improvements, and lots of elect. upgrades. He basically kept it original short complementing mechanical and elect. improvements. Everything looks clean.

I thought against it due space concerns, but now I'm giving the rig serious thought. It would be a blast to remodel the interior to suit, though it's intact as is. Sounds like he'll take 25K, thoughts?

How difficult is it to find parts, windshield etc. etc. should replacements be needed in the future? How are the transmissions, never heard of a 425TH, but if they're anything like the 400TH they're golden. Sounds like these motorhomes are reliable as heck.

Other then basic structural, mechanical, and say test the air bags, what kinds of things should I look for?

Thank you for any input.
 
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25k would be one you wouldn't have to redo the interior, there's lots out there for less if you're going to gut it
Came here to say the same thing. If the interior is nice and original, you're paying for it. There are tons of coaches for sale that have been gutted, where someone has "done the hard work for you". If you want to build your own interior, start with one of those. Save a gutted unit, rather than gutting a nice original one. It'll cost you less, you'll save some time and effort removing and throwing things away.
 
Came here to say the same thing. If the interior is nice and original, you're paying for it. There are tons of coaches for sale that have been gutted, where someone has "done the hard work for you". If you want to build your own interior, start with one of those. Save a gutted unit, rather than gutting a nice original one. It'll cost you less, you'll save some time and effort removing and throwing things away.

Point taken, I appreciate original as well. At this point the only thing holding me back is the commitment. If I decide to pursue it I'll post some pics for sure.

The fabric in it is this, I'm pretty sure. He's made a few alterations, like pull the bunk beds in favor of a couch with matching upholstery, and the back was changed somehow to favor a more permanent platform with memory foam.
 

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There are a lot of people who gutted/rebuilt to suit and came to realize the wisdom in the original layout. (There were a lot of layouts) You're looking at a motorhome that likes touring as much as sitting and the compromises to do that are very well thought out. Personally, I like camping more than rehabbing and my view is that you should buy it, make it safe to drive (always the first thing) and live with it before committing the kind of time and money required to redo the interior. The more long-term owners you talk to, the more you'll find who like it just the way it came from the factory. With appropriate updates, of course. (Who doesn't love an LED?) JWIT.