stretch

It certainly ain't a "70 model".

--johnny
--
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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
Nope, not a Buskirk stretch!

J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLakerTech Editor
78 Buskirk 30’ Stretch Chassis #5
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan (On Location In Tucson)

>
> Is this a Buskirk? Doesn't look awful.
>
> https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/rvs/d/gmc-eleganza/6373944013.html
>
> --johnny
>
> --
> 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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I have to say that i love the idea of this thing. Wonder how well it was
duct taped together

> Nope, not a Buskirk stretch!
>
> J.R. Wright
> GMC GreatLakerTech Editor
> 78 Buskirk 30’ Stretch Chassis #5
> 75 Avion Under Reconstruction
> Michigan (On Location In Tucson)
>
> > On Jan 2, 2018, at 1:15 PM, Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> >
> > Is this a Buskirk? Doesn't look awful.
> >
> > https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/rvs/d/gmc-eleganza/6373944013.html
> >
> > --johnny
> >
> > --
> > 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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
JR,

However, it was stretched between the front and rear wheels like Clarence did.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of John Wright
Sent: Wednesday, January 3, 2018 8:05 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stretch

Nope, not a Buskirk stretch!

J.R. Wright
 
Looks like the front was cut off just at the door, and the back was cut behind the driver's seat. Which would make ~~32 feet would it not? I'd want
to weigh it and run it over a pit and have a good look at the underpinnings.

--johnny
--
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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
Rob,
Nope! Not done like Clarence did them either. His was a proportional stretch as to keep the balance and look of the coach the same only bigger. Put a stretch and a 26 foot in the proper relationship they will look the same length. This coach is just longer and probably handle badly, especially going around corners, I would be concerned that the frame is a patchwork job instead of a set of one piece HD rails

JR

>
> JR,
>
> However, it was stretched between the front and rear wheels like Clarence did.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of John Wright
> Sent: Wednesday, January 3, 2018 8:05 AM
> To: gmclist
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stretch
>
> Nope, not a Buskirk stretch!
>
> J.R. Wright
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
JR,

Sorry, my intent was to point out the overhang behind the rear wheels was not increased which in my opinion was a good thing.

How's this for a more accurate statement? Clarence's stretches were 3' making the GMC 29 feet long, he had new frame rails made of
heavier gauge "C" channel steel and relocated the rear bogies so that there was a 2 foot increase between the front and rear wheels
and 1 foot behind the rear wheels which as you noted kept it proportional.

Johnny,

I agree, before I bought this coach I'd want to inspect the frame to see how it was stretched and if this coach has fish plated
frame rails I would be concerned depending on the quality of the welding.

I also noted that it has OEM airbags and aluminum cones whereas Clarence used a beefed up version of Lee Harrison's 4 bag system (no
longer available as Lee has passed away).

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
 
This version of the stretch would also increase front wheel load. aren't the front tires pretty close to max already?

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Rob Mueller
Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2018 6:31:10 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stretch

JR,

Sorry, my intent was to point out the overhang behind the rear wheels was not increased which in my opinion was a good thing.

How's this for a more accurate statement? Clarence's stretches were 3' making the GMC 29 feet long, he had new frame rails made of
heavier gauge "C" channel steel and relocated the rear bogies so that there was a 2 foot increase between the front and rear wheels
and 1 foot behind the rear wheels which as you noted kept it proportional.

Johnny,

I agree, before I bought this coach I'd want to inspect the frame to see how it was stretched and if this coach has fish plated
frame rails I would be concerned depending on the quality of the welding.

I also noted that it has OEM airbags and aluminum cones whereas Clarence used a beefed up version of Lee Harrison's 4 bag system (no
longer available as Lee has passed away).

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I called & talked to "Dwayne", offering to sign him up for the new
GA-GMCers Google Group I've started. He really wasn't interested, saying
he was definitely getting rid of the coach. The ad had given me the
impression he might keep it. He "got another call" so we didn't discuss
the coach.

Ken H.

> This is a known coach. Runs/drives as i understand, but needs everything
> addressed. Says it is usuable, but his wife is no fan of putting the
> needed money into this to get it back to glory.
>
> I believe then owner is Cory Sinard.
>
 
Keith,

Below you will find an email I send in whenever the subject of driving a GMC on three rear wheels, it contains information that may
answer your query.

G'day,

Below you will find an email e-mail I wrote years ago which provides information regarding driving a GMC on less than four rear
wheels.

OPERATING A GMC ON LESS THAN FOUR REAR WHEELS/TIRES

REFERENCE: GMC Motorhome Operating Manual X-7821A Page 1 - IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON VEHICLE LOADING.

http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7821A.zip

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) represents the maximum permissible loaded weight of the vehicle.

26 foot GMC GVWR = 12,500 lbs

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) the maximum weight that an axle can carry.

26 foot GMC GAWR

GAWR = 4,500 lbs Front Wheels
GAWR = 8,000 lbs Rear Wheels

REFERENCE: Tire Load Range: http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/tires.html

Tire Load Range: The max load a tire can carry and the pressure required to carry that load.

D load range max load @ 65 PSI = 2,235 pounds

E load range tire max load @ 80 psi = 2,680 pounds

REFERENCE: Alcoa Light Truck, SUV, RV and Motorhome Wheels Fitment Guide

http://www.southwestwheel.com/pictures5/LTFitment-Screen_10-18-01.pdf

P/N: 160231
Style: Classic
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2780
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial

P/N: 160251
Style: LTS 5
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2440
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial

P/N: 161251
Style: Hot Shot
Max Wheel Load Pounds: 2780
Capacity ratings as dual or single in highway service - bias-ply or radial

COMMENTS:

The weight distribution per tire would be dependant on the how much pressure was supplied to the air bag supporting the remaining
tire. For ease of calculations we'll divide the rear GAWR of 8,000 lbs as noted above by four which results in a load per tire of
2,000 lbs. Operating the GMC with one wheel removed the load on the remaining tire would double; going from 2,000 to 4,000 lbs. This
is an overload of 1,765 pounds (~79%) on a D range tire at the maximum pressure of 65 psi and an overload of 1320 pounds (~49%) on
an E load range tire at the maximum pressure of 80 psi. If the tires are not inflated to the pressures noted in the previous
sentence the overload would be even higher.

CONCLUSION:

If you drive your GMC with less than four rear tires supporting the load you WILL be operating the GMC with OVERLOADED TIRE(S) and
OVERLOADED WHEELS!

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Keith V
Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2018 2:40 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stretch

This version of the stretch would also increase front wheel load. aren't the front tires pretty close to max already?
 
I wonder whether the Buskirk proportioned stretch also maximizes bump clearance, both breakover and driveaway. This one looks like the lack of
breakover will ground it at more than one local strip center entrance. The driveaway is unchanged from stock.

--johnny
--
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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
Johnny,

Doesn't GMC folklore note that GMC had a 29 foot model on the drawing board?

Hopefully Bill Bryant will see this email and comment.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Johnny Bridges via Gmclist
Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2018 7:27 AM
To: gmclist
Cc: Johnny Bridges
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stretch

I wonder whether the Buskirk proportioned stretch also maximizes bump clearance, both breakover and driveaway. This one looks like
the lack of breakover will ground it at more than one local strip center entrance. The driveaway is unchanged from stock.

--johnny
 
Johnny & Rob

The extra length of the Buskirk Stretch ( Actual 29.5 feet ) does change the turning radius a little as it can be more difficult to get into some gas station layouts, our 26 foot was easier to maneuver. as for the rear overhang or driveway issues it totally depends on how sharp the drop is. The coach has 2 big skip plates behind the rear wheels.

I had talked with Clarence a number of times on the stretch coaches and actually saw and toured the coach we owned when it was being finished. When he was designing the stretch coaches he told me that he had talked to several GMC engineers on the best way to lengthen the chassis. Who they were I don’t know but I suspect that one was Alex Birch.

J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLakerTech Editor
78 Buskirk 30’ Stretch (Act 29.5’)
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan (On Location in Tucson)

>
> I wonder whether the Buskirk proportioned stretch also maximizes bump clearance, both breakover and driveaway. This one looks like the lack of
> breakover will ground it at more than one local strip center entrance. The driveaway is unchanged from stock.
>
>
> --johnny
> --
> 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" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
JR,

For the record what's the wheelbase of your stretch as measured from the middle of the front wheel to the middle of the bogies?

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of John Wright
Sent: Friday, January 5, 2018 6:58 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stretch

Johnny & Rob

The extra length of the Buskirk Stretch ( Actual 29.5 feet ) does change the turning radius a little as it can be more difficult to get into some gas station layouts, our 26 foot was easier to maneuver. as for the rear overhang or driveway issues it totally depends on how sharp the drop is. The coach has 2 big skip plates behind the rear wheels.

I had talked with Clarence a number of times on the stretch coaches and actually saw and toured the coach we owned when it was being finished. When he was designing the stretch coaches he told me that he had talked to several GMC engineers on the best way to lengthen the chassis. Who they were I don’t know but I suspect that one was Alex Birch.

J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLakerTech Editor
78 Buskirk 30’ Stretch (Act 29.5’)
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan (On Location in Tucson)
 
Rob,
The coach is in storage here at Rincon West RV Park. I will go and try and measure it today

JR

>
> JR,
>
> For the record what's the wheelbase of your stretch as measured from the middle of the front wheel to the middle of the bogies?
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of John Wright
> Sent: Friday, January 5, 2018 6:58 AM
> To: gmclist
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stretch
>
> Johnny & Rob
>
> The extra length of the Buskirk Stretch ( Actual 29.5 feet ) does change the turning radius a little as it can be more difficult to get into some gas station layouts, our 26 foot was easier to maneuver. as for the rear overhang or driveway issues it totally depends on how sharp the drop is. The coach has 2 big skip plates behind the rear wheels.
>
> I had talked with Clarence a number of times on the stretch coaches and actually saw and toured the coach we owned when it was being finished. When he was designing the stretch coaches he told me that he had talked to several GMC engineers on the best way to lengthen the chassis. Who they were I don’t know but I suspect that one was Alex Birch.
>
> J.R. Wright
> GMC GreatLakerTech Editor
> 78 Buskirk 30’ Stretch (Act 29.5’)
> 75 Avion Under Reconstruction
> Michigan (On Location in Tucson)
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Rob,
A semi accurate measurement using tape measure and an eyeball to check the measurement from the middle of the bogie to the centerline of the front wheel is 192 inches or 16 feet. If you look at the pictures of the side of the coach Majority was added between entry door and the leading edge of the wheel well of the middle bogie. A smaller amount was added after the trailing edge of the rear part of the rear bogie and the LP Door.

29.5 foot coach
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/1978-buskirk-stretch/p48947-pa252055.html
Notice the big difference between the trailing edge of the door and the leading edge of the wheel well. 2 foot 9 inches and about 9 inches after the rear bogie trailing edge of the wheel well.

26 foot coach
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/77-gmc-exterior/p37090-mvc-014s1.html
The 26 foot coach has about 2” on each side of the wheel wells.

JR

>
> JR,
>
> For the record what's the wheelbase of your stretch as measured from the middle of the front wheel to the middle of the bogies?
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> Sydney, Australia
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of John Wright
> Sent: Friday, January 5, 2018 6:58 AM
> To: gmclist
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stretch
>
> Johnny & Rob
>
> The extra length of the Buskirk Stretch ( Actual 29.5 feet ) does change the turning radius a little as it can be more difficult to get into some gas station layouts, our 26 foot was easier to maneuver. as for the rear overhang or driveway issues it totally depends on how sharp the drop is. The coach has 2 big skip plates behind the rear wheels.
>
> I had talked with Clarence a number of times on the stretch coaches and actually saw and toured the coach we owned when it was being finished. When he was designing the stretch coaches he told me that he had talked to several GMC engineers on the best way to lengthen the chassis. Who they were I don’t know but I suspect that one was Alex Birch.
>
> J.R. Wright
> GMC GreatLakerTech Editor
> 78 Buskirk 30’ Stretch (Act 29.5’)
> 75 Avion Under Reconstruction
> Michigan (On Location in Tucson)
 
JR,

The wheel base of a 26' (312") GMC according to the drawings provided by Boyd Mooney is 160 inches from the center of the front wheel to the center of the bogie pivots.

A Buskirk Stretch is 29.5" (354") and 192" from the center of the front wheel to the center of the bogie pivots.

Therefore 32" was added between the bogie and the front wheel leaving 10" behind the rear wheel.

Do these numbers make sense to you?

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808


-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of John Wright
Sent: Friday, January 5, 2018 11:56 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] stretch

Rob,
A semi accurate measurement using tape measure and an eyeball to check the measurement from the middle of the bogie to the centerline of the front wheel is 192 inches or 16 feet. If you look at the pictures of the side of the coach Majority was added between entry door and the leading edge of the wheel well of the middle bogie. A smaller amount was added after the trailing edge of the rear part of the rear bogie and the LP Door.

29.5 foot coach
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/1978-buskirk-stretch/p48947-pa252055.html
Notice the big difference between the trailing edge of the door and the leading edge of the wheel well. 2 foot 9 inches and about 9 inches after the rear bogie trailing edge of the wheel well.

26 foot coach
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/77-gmc-exterior/p37090-mvc-014s1.html
The 26 foot coach has about 2” on each side of the wheel wells.

JR
 
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