ABANDONED GMC TransMode Rescue! Will it Run after 15+ Years?

[@jsilvareverbnation]

Welcome to the GMC Motorhome owners club from Miami ! I have a 1973 as well . Can go 70 mph once you repair it properly. Well worth restoring not many left …

[@RichardEberhart_Rialta]

THE most exciting rescue thus far! She has heart and stories to tell and can make more memories for you and that's cute little girl of yours! Do her justice!

[@BudgetBuildz]

😃😃 Can’t wait to bring her back!! Excited to get the family involved and make many more memories! 😊

[@jamesmyers3773]

These RV’s are so cool. I watch so many videos about them. The engineering that went into these was just amazing. The view from the front seat is unparalleled.

[@BudgetBuildz]

We definitely think so too! They put so much into designing them, that’s for sure! We cannot wait to bring this one back!

[@rsprockets7846]

@@BudgetBuildz epic find and YT content GOLD....................................missing the Olds tornado steering wheel and put the bucks into the disc brake conversion in rear , plus check the timing chain

[@lizburgess4398]

I wish GM would bring them back. I like these better than modern styles.

[@johnmaki3046]

They COULD STILL be featured in FUTURISTIC MOVIES! The look/concept was FAR ahead of the 1970s!

[@rsprockets7846]

@@johnmaki3046 hell no featured in Bill Murrey movie STRIPES in 1981 or so

[@joeydube2195]

Absolutely love that your Dad is fulltime with you now. The dynamics between you is awesome.

[@BudgetBuildz]

It’s definitely been so much fun!! 😃 Thanks 😊

[@mikaeljonsson4686]

Yeah, dad and son make a really good team!

[@illegal_opinions]

The little kid is adorable . Made me miss my daughter being that age .

[@beernor]

What a cool camper. Muxh more style than the new rigs. Would love to have one my self. Please put some love in to that rig.

[@DachsAutos]

25:25 - this is what it's all about. getting our kids involved, and teaching them to appreciate turning bad cars into good cars! Perfectly said.

[@BudgetBuildz]

You got that right 😊

[@peteroeland5796]

8 I worked on one of those that have been converted to fuel injection it can't be done you must have a 4 Barrel injection system. The carburetor is by itself and very unusual it is a 1150 CFM carburetor other than that bear super fun to drive I'm being a front-wheel drive it is very responsive to the steering.

[@liquidflorian]

Oh man! I love these old RVs! Its an Eleganza, reach out to Jim Bounds if you have any questions about them. He's a wealth of knowledge for them!

[@grayhounddaddy62leake83]

You definitely have your work cut out for you!! But with you and your Dad working on it, and the technology that you both have, you'll have this rig up and running in no time! Will be following along on this journey, for sure!

[@slap_A_flamingo]

What a beautiful vehicle. These kind of things need to be saved from the scrap pile. What a find.

[@daniellawson9302]

There are at least 2 of them in my neighborhood. They actually came with the Toronado engine and transmission. I'm trying to put my hands on one as well. Looking forward to the rebuild.

[@ArmySigs]

It's crazy to think of these monster V8s as FWD engines!

[@isfeldt34]

I love the promotional film for these. Manufactured from 1973 to 1978 by the GMC truck in coach division. There's all kinds of upgrades for them. Aftermarket upgraded suspension's etc. The whole back panel unscrewed, which allows the interior and furnishings to be put in easily.. it was even equipped with a generator manufactured by Onan.

[@DarkFlamage]

What's so unique about that? Onan supplied generators to a lot of motorhomes back then.

[@rhodesm6683]

My father retired from General Motors Truck and Coach Division back in the 70's. I remember seeing these brand new on the assembly line at "Family Day". As an 8 year old they looked like space ships back then. Cheers from Guam USA👍

[@thisguy2720]

​@@DarkFlamagedidnt say anything about being unique

[@PapaTanGh0stNI9htM4R3S0nMaInSt]

Its surprisingly similar in shape and layout to the BMC model apart from having a 455 instead of a wheasy lil 6pot.

[@JoE_Songs]

25:37 how sweet & passionate can a daughter be! warms my heart.. so cool.

[@stephenvose6359]

You’ve got something special there that deserves a long term multi episode effort.

[@jasonmorales1846]

You two were pretty brave cleaning out the inside without gloves!

[@hauke4651]

And without masks either 😷💀

[@jasonmorales1846]

@@hauke4651 I didn't even think of that haha!

[@Robbie-mw5uu]

and didnt use an ozone generator to eliminate the smell and potential living creatures like rats and spiders

[@skyjammer]

I hit the like button before the play button!! Haven’t been this excited about a series since the 911! These old GMC Motorhomes are just awesome. It was ahead of its time...and they have never lost their cool factor. Especially the sofa/bunk! Source a set of Alcoa wheels to replace those steel wheels....or maybe you’ll find the hubcaps stored away!

[@avioncamper]

Michael, you have a real collector's item in the RV world. These motorhomes have a huge following. Can't wait till you have her and hooked up the shore power to see if the ac and fridge works. In a couple months I bet you all will be camping down at Myrtle Beach SC. The unit will clean up great.

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Mr Budget Great video on the old camper. Great start on bringing it back, looking forward to wash job and more repairs. Be well

[@leevanskiver816]

These were great motorhomes in their day. I worked for a Buick GMC dealer in the late 70's the owner had one . He would race cars from stoplight to stoplight with it! IT was suprisingly fast for all the weight involved. The thermostat housings were known for splitting. Really Enjoy your videos!!

[@robertcoulthard2746]

Mr Budget Builds ,is the drive line,engine set up like a Tornado set up .I am from Australia and these vehicles if in Australia are as rare as rocking horse crap , looking very much forward to next edition , cheers, Rob

[@BennBirch]

So cool! I used to work at a rv dealership and once we had one of these come into the shop for a service. There was one mechanic who was familiar with them. His joke the whole day was that he was conceived in one. Im so looking forward to this series. Its going to be a big job and would definitely be something that youll wish you had a lift for because theres no room to crawl around to fix those brake lines. It would be a true miracle if they didnt all need to replaced by the look of that master cylinder. But you will have us along for the adventure!

[@briankelly5503]

Been waiting on this one for awhile! Saw you guys working on it in the yard, I hollered Budget Builds! Awesome to have a local KZbin channel!

[@michaelnevanssr206]

I love the GMC motorhome for style and room. Fuel economy is abysmal but when you're cruising, you may not worry about it. Looking forward too more vids on this magnificent motorhome. Your presentation is so enjoyable.

[@libertysgarage8411]

Those are the coolest RVs! The body is completely seamless other than in the very back I believe. That is a great design because there will be no water damage from leaky roof seams unless the fiberglass is cracked or compromised in some way.

[@johnmaki3046]

A fellow I knew had a '76! AWESOME RIDE!

[@TheThriftyWoodworker]

I don’t think it would take too much to turn this into an Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile. Very excited. 😊

[@markbennett6658]

Super cool project. I’m in the UK and love classic motor homes particularly old American ones. These GMCs just exude 70s cool and this one looks like a great candidate. Michael this may well be your finest hour. I’m looking forward to the old gal moving under her own steam 🔥👍

[@Fordsrock]

This is my dream vehicle. I would love to have one with all the 70’s flair! Like my own overtime capsule. I was born in 1960. Wow please redo it , make this a series restoration like sleeper dude

[@LeighPankhurst]

That is the coolest camper van I've ever seen, can't wait to see it fully rescued!

[@hbzandbergen]

Would be nice to have some pictures of the family enjoying holidays with this camper

[@richarddawson2892]

Even if the thing isn’t safe for trips you will have the coolest playhouse for the kids. Hope you have better luck than Sleeperdude in trying to revive a motor home.

[@joevincenti5807]

The Olds 455 is legendary for excellent reliability. If well maintained it will give you many more years of trouble free service. Thanks for saving it and the GMC.

[@johnmaki3046]

Except for the HORRID "231" V-6; ANY OLDS-BUILT MOTOR WAS THE BEST OF G.M.!

[@GWBergen61]

My Grandpa had one of those and let me tell you they were the Cadillac of motorhomes back in the day, love this beauty.👍

[@lizburgess4398]

They are amazing. Better design than many modern motorhomes.

[@jg6579]

For some crazy reason I'm obsessed with these GMC Motorhomes so was super excited when I saw this on your channel! I really hope you save this and restore it so you can enjoy years of making memories with your family. (Bonus: They're also highly collectible and I think the prices are only going to go up for a good example, so definitely worth the effort.) Good luck!

[@bekindandrewind1422]

The EM-50 "Urban Assault Vehicle" from the movie "Stripes" ..

[@nikolakurjakovic2188]

I absolutely love seeing you start vehicles step by step from checking if the engines are stuck, what kind of oil is there, then the spark and of course the fuel. Someone would start directly with the brake cleaner and turn the key, which is unacceptable in my opinion. Congratulations guys greetings from Croatia

[@SILSKY]

This is a fun one. I have always loved the unique styling of these old GMC Motorhomes. Would love to see this thing cleaned up.

[@rickmillertx]

Many years ago I stumbled upon a gathering of these RVs at a city park. That was the first time I focused on what they were. They are really cool machines so I am glad you are rescuing this one. Make it nice and share your adventure.

[@EricV63]

Love the enthusiasm you and your Dad have for these projects. Keep having fun and making videos. Bonus learning for the kids on the adventures you can have by bringing old stuff back to life!

[@guymanicone7921]

That thing is very cool. Hope you take it all the way. Would like a multi part series.

[@Laxkid97]

If I remember from a tv show, this engine needs a special L engine hoist that only 1 garage has, so good luck if that baby ever needs to come out. Keep it up guys 👍

[@brianshull9053]

What a sweet little girl! “We don’t buy nice cars” ❤

[@simonoldroyd5037]

I have had this vehicle on my Ebay watch list for years.....they very rarely turn up....in the UK! Epic 70's design....one day! Always enjoy your content, but this is special!

[@valerycarpentier852]

LOVE those GMC campers, it’s my dream to own one, nowhere to be found in the UK.

[@furrymess5957]

This Old Lady was Hooting & Hollower ING all alone in my bedroom when she started!! I'm going to follow the complete work over & face-lift she's going to get! Congratulations on getting her started!😀

[@lateefcarrere1649]

This might cost you more than the Porsche, but the memories it will create will be worth it - especially if you find some reproduction carpet for it!😁

[@johnmaki3046]

This would be TOTAL COOL with ANY TYPE CARPETING!

[@nodak81]

Personally, I love the idea of restoring the look of the original 70's interior. Shag carpet is comfy on the toes! I always liked the look of these things, they had a futuristic look. I had no idea they were FWD.

[@Grisa77]

Wow! Would love to see this thing redone properly and actually made usable!

[@98foxx]

You're the best builder I've ever seen. From worst to best. Love From South Africa 🇿🇦

[@65bug519]

This was a revolutionary design at the time and they drive and handle better than any other RV. The engine and drive train were taken from the Olds Tornado so it is easier to get parts if you say Olds first, slap a Holley carb on there as well and it will run better and get good mileage.

[@iamthetarget52]

We had the best luck with TBI and O2 sensors for power and mileage. The Holley carbs didn't fit under the floor well.

[@d.dolphinstriker5737]

Nice Camper guy’s. This thing is vintage and rare. It would be nice if you can fix it up and have fun with it. I’m looking forward to the next part of this fix 👍

[@TruckzNTrainz]

Front wheel drive and motor home, something you don't see everyday. This is so cool.

[@michaelbrinkley9323]

Paint it back in its original colors. The seventies had so much character!

[@MrZZeroG]

Before you rebuild that carb - know that there are specific serial numbers and jetting for the gmc Motorhome. Once you lose those parts they are impossible to buy other than $$$ rebuilt exchanges. A better bet is to move to fuel injection. Been watching you since the beginning and I own two of these. One barn find and one I drove to Alabama from CA. You’re going to have a ball. Huge community of supporters.

[@lizburgess4398]

I love those old GM motorhomes! They were ahead of their time. I'd love to see it saved. Hopefully, you can get it renovated in time for the total eclipse coming in April!

[@lawrencepevitts2434]

They were quite the thing back in its day. The best part was the fiberglass body. I think some of them had a central vacuum cleaner system in them.

[@Beatle4]

First time seeing one of your videos and I must tell you I was blown away when you discovered the original carpeting. When I bought my house in 1981, the living room and dining room were covered in that same carpeting. Wish you all the best on the restoration of the camper.

[@jonathanbowles2577]

Good morning to you both. What a really Beautiful RV. She does have Potential, Character, Admiration, Great curbside appeal. She deserves a Full Restoration and then a Super Long American road trip with Yourself and Your Family. I look forward to watching the next Professional video from You my Friend. Kindest Regards from Jonathan. 😁😁👍👍

[@justinraystyles3537]

Glad your the one that saved it I seen the ad removed from facebook and thought the old GMC got scrapped!!💗💗

[@GilsonJr.Whitout.Numbers]

I am Brazilian. And I love the peculiarities of this GMC. Its shape is unique! 🤩

[@philrosner1406]

This is my new favorite channel! It's so satisfying to watch the crud blast out of the exhaust pipe. Thanks for sharing the experience with us!

[@billpar]

awesome build glad to see you revive this great rare motor home

[@Sockieknowshockey]

What a great find. Looking forward to this one.

[@sneville44]

I like your careful approach to getting an old engine started. Remove and inspect plugs, get lubricant in each cylinder, change oil, disconnect old fuel line etc. I hope you can make this “blast from the past” a family fun RV! The original owner had fun with his family with this RV…now you’re going to have fun in it with your family. BTW…there’s a guy in Empire, Nevada who’s got a dozen of these rigs sitting out in the desert. You can see them on Google Earth. They are just east of the main town/gypsum board factory along Highway 447.

[@Butter615s]

These were WAY ahead of their time. My parents looked at a new one in 1978 in the pale green version (with gold pinstripes!) and my Mom wanted that thing bad. They ended up buying a brand new 1979 Town Car. Lol I can’t wait to see the next video! I almost want to come help get her cleaned up!

[@oldgeezer3269]

Great find guys Cant wait to see this one come back

[@redneckbryon]

I would be checking the electrical system and trying the AC, so you can work in comfort. When the starter went out on my Winnebago we had the AC running while we were changing it, it definitely helped. EFI, would be a good upgrade.

[@dennisbrown2571]

So cool. Glad to see you guys are gonna revive it.

[@rich_edwards79]

Cool design, and presumably much more aerodynamic than the slab-fronted Winnebagos and the like. It would be cool to see the interior fully restored to its early Seventies orange and brown shag pile glory, but first those brakes... i don't envy you based on the state of that master cylinder alone!

[@DaveRoss-hl3vj]

Hi guys. To let you know that the trolls out there expect everyone to have newer RV. The best part of buying an older RV is you can be your own mechanic. Only wish I could find an older motorhome like this, but less than a grand a month won't buy one Great to see you rescued it. Thanks

[@markcorboy8528]

Looking forward to seeing this one happen. Cheers from NEW ZEALAND.

[@parkerposey8155]

I have a 1983 , 37 foot, Coachman Camper, diesel pusher. Runs strong! Carpet is nasty! So the first thing I did was pull it all out and then installed rubber flooring that eventually will be “hardwood” flooring. It still needs some TLC and interior design but it’s all functional and inhabitable. I love old RVs! I intend on living in it for awhile.

[@thomaswells6491]

That's definitely a great save a lot of work. Good luck, I'll be waiting to see.

[@lepepus]

Man that thing deserves a full restoration, I think it could fetch a good price in today's market

[@bastiaoemmiami]

This RV is my dream... Unfortunately here in Brazil there isn't any and I don't have the money to buy and import one either. This RV deserves a programmable injection system and current ignition coils. Congratulations on the project and God bless!

[@stanleyclef3783]

enjoyed this video. that old RV is awesome

[@mikeromine6495]

Absolutely love that you show the exhaust when you first start them up.

[@LS1LE]

I’ve always liked and thought the GMC campers were cool! I can’t wait to see the rest of the build of it!

[@cdw3663]

i want one of those gmc motor homes man your lucky to find one

[@TheSleepingonit]

Awesome find best of luck with it

[@aaronaikman7141]

I can't wait to see this one driving thanks for bringing us along!

[@aaronhunt1616]

I loved when your daughter said, “that’s fancy” about the toilet shower combo 😆

[@LaunceBugbee]

I’ve owned two of these! What a wonderful beast… I lived and traveled for two years in one. This one is not a trans mode, that was the stripped down version, like a work van… And not all of them had 455s in them. There’s a whole hardcore community for these on Facebook, if you haven’t already found them… And I admin a full time gmc group…

[@mwatkins2464]

These are the best built motor homes ever made.

[@MrBigMalT]

Really impressive how you just methodically went through the various steps to get it running. Many people would be so put off by such a huge project, but not you guys. I’m gonna enjoy watching this resto :)

[@nairblooc]

You need to make it the EM-50 Urban assault vehicle from the Stripes movie!

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! That engine Oldsmobile 455 cid 270 hp if it’s 1973 ! If mileage is high it will need timing ! Clean it up house wash one time will work ( Home Depot ) . Helps get the smell out ! Good luck !

[@RedRuffinsore]

I remember going to the Houston Boat and RV show as a teenager in 1973 and touring through one of these. I worked and worked on talking my Dad into getting one. He didn't, but said "if I ever got a motor home, this would be the one I get".

[@timothyguilford6897]

This one is definitely going to be fun to watch!

[@RetroWasteLand81]

I’m really excited about this one! I remember seeing a few of them on the road during the late eighties and I thought they were so cool looking. As a kid I thought they were spaceships with wheels.

[@billdyke9745]

That was brilliant. I think you've got yourself a fine camper. 🇬🇧👍

[@jacquietrundy3891]

I want to see every step you take to restore this big ole baby. Love every minute!

[@John-zi4ii]

Guy's please put PPE ,face masks on when cleaning out that germ box , the rebuild will be great to watch !😊

[@Ryanfantana]

Pull the rocker covers and make sure it’s oiling, clean up the rocker shafts and adjust, it should quiet down

[@bradsnyder8802]

My wife and I have a '76 Palm Beach. They are a lot of work, but are very cool. Love that you hope to use it and great to see it coming back to life! Stress points: brakes, front wheel bearings, fuel (dirty tanks/selector valve), A/C is terrible, 70's sloppy steering just to name a few. There is a very healthy family of Motorhome users on the internet. Lots of resources. Don't be afraid to ask. Shower and toilet = "shoilet"

[@wilfredvanvalkenburgh2874]

Don't forget the Achilles's heal, the Turbo hydramatic 425 transmission. It's sorta one of a kind. It's not impossible, but it is "special". The GM Unified Power Plant was used on Cadillac Eldorados and Oldsmobile Toronados in a slightly modified version. To the best of my knowledge this is the most powerful front wheel drive automobile drive trains ever manufactured by anyone, anywhere. The GMC motorhome was designed in a wind tunnel, by an aircraft engineer and held the World Land Speed Record for MotorHome twice. Lower Coefficient of Drag (CD) than a "73 Corvette, but with much more frontal area. The Corvette guys did the "fiberglass" (SMC) for the GMC .

[@robertdragoff6909]

I guess this is chapter one in this saga on this GMC camper…. Looking forward to seeing more of it.

[@nvdb-77]

Very cool project! Hope you can restore it to former glory! And have cool family holidays. Maybe install a efi kit instead of the old carb, can improve performance in a huge way.

[@kentevans4218]

I enjoy the RV builds of any type!!! This is gonna be a good one!!

[@jaystax-x]

You have created a future restorer there!

[@pclayton5063]

When I was in the military 30 years ago we had four of the Revcon versions of this GMC. Same basic layout but with a Chevy 454 and front wheel drive system. We were using them as mobile computer systems for emergency backup back then. I drove one of them down from Virginia to Alabama at 80mph most of the way. They usually ran about 210 degrees but no hotter. Also needed the brakes done but being military that wasn't a problem and we got them back with all new wheel bearings and brakes. They were really a good driving vehicle for their size and being FWD. Can't wait for yours to get a wash. ;-)

[@mayflowerlash11]

Those GMC RVs from the '70s are so cool, even today. Front wheel drive, dual rear wheels on airbags and long. I wish I had one in the 70s.

[@birdnv4547]

That's some great GM engineering, there. After a tire blowout took out one of my new 800 dollar airbags, I put on standard truck airbags (50 bux) after poking a couple holes in the aluminum airbag cones to make them fit - i can send U guys pix if U want. Replaced the carb staked seals on the bottom with epoxy so it doesn't flood and become hard starting - maybe yours was done w that rebuild. I replaced exhaust manifold gasket with the copper one (jegs) and copper goop (permatex). Filled one manifold crack w weld and ground flat. The old 455 has a beaut of a rumble doesn't it? Massive low torque. But it's all about that transmission - wow. I've taken it up mountain campsite roads in Vermont and New Hampshire that I thought it could never climb. But it does, slowly, and you sit there and just wait. Amazing strength. Replaced top original current sucking ac w a Coleman Mach 8 (low watt start). U guys have Fun - Great Pick. The GMC motorhome website is a wealth of knowledge from the old guys who run them