Building the Best Damn GMC Motorhome Ever E.6 - Buyer's Guide, Wood Lift Ramps, and Sagging Fuselage

[@nikscha]

i love how he is talking and sitting on the chair in the motor home and wears a sweater that fits perfectly with the old school interior of the motor home^^

[@GMCMoto-ko5eo]

Hello! The coach you reference at 13:22 is our coach. Jim had come up with solution for the frame sag that essentially involves metal trusses under the coach on the frame to give the walls of the fuselage support.

[@davidthomas4489]

Your boy is so adorable. A great little helper!

[@IndustriousPursuits]

Thanks David! I'm very proud of him.

[@brianjoyce9742]

Young fellas help just as remembered. Good dad award

[@jeremychristian1282]

I started watching this channel for the restoration, but I absolutely enjoyed watching you work with your son! Perfectly teachable and endearing!!

[@mattfalco4996]

Glad to see that someone else refers to the coach as a fuselage. Spaceship on wheels.

[@FormerArea51]

Yes you should definitely purchase one! Keep these alive! Great video thanks

[@xxof830]

Just had to say love to see you have your kid helping you out it well be a a great memory for him with his dad

[@theopinion9452]

I saw one of these driving around here in Las Vegas just a few days ago,looked pretty good,first time I see them and that's why am watching your video,just to learn about them.

[@cristianfederico2411]

This should be on your main channel, great content!

[@IndustriousPursuits]

I am turning it into my main channel. Thanks for the positivity Christian! Have a great day!

[@cbmirada]

Those ramps are awesome, and I don't know if you realized it, but backing up on them showed a good example of the independent suspension.

[@j8lech]

This guy reminds me of my cousin who’s been trying to get his vintage hot tub working for the past 5 years

[@jayson1505]

🤣🤣🤣

[@hoosierfatha]

What Great Project, and the ramps are very cool too. If you are worried about rot on the wood from the rain, you can get a good primer from a marine store or Glidden Hydra seal and apply to the bare wood.

[@duncanmillar1476]

The Ragusa step needs to be moved slightly aft of the entry door so when you step out of the coach it's a more comfortable transition down to the step surface. I clamped mine on and tried it in both positions and it made a large difference.

[@curth9879]

Can't wait to see more. I wish I had the knowledge and ambition to take on something like this.

[@StephenElves]

Check the date codes on those tyres before driving it any distance again, one of them seemed to be '06 so well age out (and the quite evident cracking on the side wall), take it from someone that has had a tyre go on an RV, I was lucky and only destroyed a wheel arch.

[@IndustriousPursuits]

Yeah, They definitely need to be replaced first thing once it starts rolling.

[@Oldmerk1]

You should use masking tape while putting on the sealant, then use a small metal spatula to get it looking factory. We do something similar in aviation. It make it look really nice :)

[@topprope]

For what it's worth, I used an 18" 2x4 for the stop block on top. I added a non-swivel wheel at each end. When done with them, I stand them up and wheelbarrow them to the shed.

[@scotthunt8826]

I just started making your ramps today. I didn't notice the length being cut down between the ramp levels. Ie between layers. In your case I think it's fine as you are on a really steep hill. However in my case where it's really flat that angle of approach puts a lot of stress on the motor trying to back them up. Mid way through the build I went back to the normal way of making them. The extra wood I had to buy to make it I will use to make a front ramp. Other than that keep up the good work.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

A suggestion; use chocks to keep those ramps from sliding back and always use a ground guide when backing up. I personally would enjoy watching the upgrades / repairs vice hearing about them then snap seeing the work done. I did notice it's Apr and you haven't posted anything new on the GMC, but you're posting on other projects. Curious why the switch

[@IndustriousPursuits]

>Curious why the switch Just living my life. The GMC is a long term project.

[@seansteede]

Great little helper there! Fun video. Tks.

[@chrischambers4513]

Hilarious seeing my posts sharing for sale adds I've found in your video! Good luck with your Motorhome!

[@IndustriousPursuits]

Thanks for sharing those. It's really helpful to the community/hobby.

[@JGUNW1R3D]

3M Eraser Wheels are the way to go.

[@gbmoves7902]

New subscriber. You have an awesome helper!

[@scotthalverson2763]

I bought one of those lights and wow you were right they are awesome

[@ssteele1812]

Love these things. Subscribed!

[@southhillfarm2795]

IMO, these are the best motor homes to retrofit.

[@andypsunshineisle5655]

How about drilling and tapping through either side of the hole to hold the back of the step together with 4-5mm threaded rod. Will hold together for the penny washers to clamp it up and share some loading to the broken end cap. Bit like fitting a bearing end cap on a piston con rod . Very interesting series so far.

[@williamhudson4938]

I recommend investing in a good 8 point crosscut hand saw and toss that Japanese pull saw for the work you were showing.

[@UglyFireMedic]

Your little one is so adorable! Great that you let the wee one in the workshop to “help”. Also, I was telling you when to stop when you were backing up on the ramps. You must’ve heard me. 🤣

[@PDX53]

If you're looking for an excellent sealant check out Dicor Lap Sealant which is used extensively in the RV industry. Gotta' love the PNW weather & that's why I'm at an RV park in AZ again. This is my 2nd year and even though not every day is perfect it's a lot better than being back home in McMinnville .

[@christianperspective9527]

use a heat gun on the stripe but be careful not to overheat and warp the body panel use a nylon scraper

[@do.it.better]

Did I hear you correctly that you want to install safety shoulder harness? Is this for the bench seating? If so, please share your idea of how to do this

[@IndustriousPursuits]

I'm installing Bucket seats there with a built in Shoulder Harness. There are a couple of options. I talked about one of the optons here in the very first video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH-lopaOn9qMjbc and I showed the reclining bucket seats I will use down in the passenger compartment here in episode 4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faaZY4V9ZtmeppY

[@detroitboy65]

The 2" off center is not to keep step from warping door. It is to ensure step is centered in the opening.

[@jeffhammers5677]

Having owned a number of coaches of various types, I have come to the conclusion that it is best to look for an RV with a roof not prone to leaking.

[@bobchiro1]

Use wood preservative (available at home improvement stores) on the leveling ramps, works great to avoid rot

[@Daveinet]

$30K to get it usable is crazy. That's probably more than I spent on my Revcon in the whole 16 years I had it and that includes the 502 and the 4L85e conversion.

[@lnxmachine]

Before you do the side seams, check the window frames and the front and rear seams, much easier to do first those first.

[@spiritualinsight]

Use butyl tape/caulkingfor sealing vents/and other surfaces. Has about a 20+ year life span average abd is great for waterproofing including waterproofing boats

[@oscarsandoval1579]

My name is Oscar, i recently purchased a 1977 gmc, the exact model you have. I’m having trouble getting the vehicle started. By looking at the front of the vehicle I noticed the fuse box looks damaged/broken. Would you mind sending me any wiring/replacement parts information sheet, for that connections. This was the information also provided by the first owners electrician. I can provide more info if you contact me.

[@justinmize4316]

You can weld that step or you can brazre it with alumaweld rods and propane torch. Super easy

[@gertraba4484]

you have to remove top layer of decal before using the wheel, only designed for getting rid of the glue adhesive and not the the vinyl

[@firozosman]

Hi! How's the restoration coming along? Can't wait for EP 7.

[@sgtpepper1138]

I'm kind of digging those front seats, it would be cool to have them reupholstered. I know you got those other ones though.

[@dennisgermain189]

great video, thank you

[@tomjoad1363]

we want episode 7 ! ^^

[@Happyfacehotwheels]

You are overthinking the step, they want it moved over two inches from the hinges so you use the whole step when you're getting in and out. When you're standing in the motorhome open the door and look down. The door will be over the step by about 2" because that's about how thick the door is.

[@skipperskipper2936]

I own this motor home. That said: I dont understand what the meaning your comment. I m wheelchair bnd need to make a double hinged ramp to fold out the door and then down to ground. I got it figgered but m to weak to make it now. THIS THING RIDES LIKE A BOAT OVER THE ROUGHEST ROADS. But its got 4.5 inch clearance. Impossible to get under it. It also gets stuck in soft ground abdolutly everytime .a 15,000lb winch should be standard equiptment. Yes its that bad.

[@Happyfacehotwheels]

@@skipperskipper2936 I have no clue what you're talkin about.

[@skipperskipper2936]

Well I understand that. But as for what I said: Open the door. Now fold down the wheelchair ramp. It cant be stored in the doorway. So how do you hing ramp at bottom and have it out of the way if someone wants in/out? I remove the one booth seat. (Cant use it with wheel chair) this gives me room to stand ramp vertical but not in doorway. So ramp is folded up then turned 180° against the wall with an L shaped hinge at bottom of doorway. Now do you understand?

[@mucholocodawg]

I wonder if a front-wheel-drive (FWD) LS4 power train from 2005-09, namely the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, the Chevy Monte Carlo SS and Impala SS, and the Buick LaCrosse Super would work on these. from the specs, the original factory engine and the LS4 got specs that are very close to each other.

[@IndustriousPursuits]

That's an interesting possibility. "The Wolfe Fam" is another KZbinr making GMC motorhome content. He recently installed a Diesel motor into his coach.

[@jbncnow]

Thats a high rpm engine, you need a 6.2 LS truck motor that makes its peak power down low to move all that weight

[@lnxmachine]

The issue is the front axel needs to go straight through the oil pan. The 455/403 is really the best motor for these. Its also much cheaper to have a 455 rebuilt then try to do a one off engine swap.

[@mucholocodawg]

The powertrain means it has a transmission. The transmission on that power train is the 4t65 a front-wheel-drive transmission. As to high RPMs on the engine that is not a good or bad thing. Tuning the transmission and the cooling system is all part of the solution. If the engine is cool and efficient the vehicle does not care if the same hp and torque comes from high or low RPMs. One has to consider the whole powertrain. GM made trucks on the 5.3 and the hot rodders for that year of Monte Carlo, impala or grand Prix commonly use parts from the truck models of the 5.3 to get more performance that is bolt-on. While the 455 with a 3-speed transmission was the solution back in the day there are more options now with a lot more modern engineering using advances in efficiency, manufacturing, and metallurgy. This is all a big what-if scenario as he stated on the video these motorhomes are old and they take a lot of effort and money to get them to tip-top shape. The beauty on the design of the power plant for these to me is that is all self-contained on the front of the coach.

[@jbncnow]

@@mucholocodawg The front drive set up kinda limits you on what you can put in there, ive seen people put 500 caddy engines in these things as the bellhousing is simular to the oldsmobile. Theres a dude on You Tube with a turbo charged gen 4 6.0 liter in a 70s old school Winnebago thats just a blast to drive but its rear wheel drive so it was a lot easier to put in as they simply removed the 440 Dodge and sat the engine and 4L60 trans from a junk yard put it where they thoght it should go and made some home fabbed engine mounts and a custom driveshaft and used a stand alone wiring harness that only needed a few wires from the RV to run, This is prettkzbin.info/www/bejne/pHbHeqileNqmabOt hillarious

[@jfr55man]

I wouldn't worry about them rotting... So long as you let them dry out occasionally, they will last year's. For example, a raw fir deck will last about 10 to 15 years no problem (in BC).

[@janlovig3371]

Not if you live in western WA or Oregon. It’s wet 9 months of the year.

[@fveggerby]

Would it be possible/easier to lift off the whole roof and seal all around in 1 session?

[@edwardwoods5977]

that lumber will last a year or 2 for sure. its the 5 year mark that will see rot. especially the way its kind of vented to dry quickly. worked with lumber more than 40 years

[@jeremykmieciak1515]

Are you gonna build a trailer to haul those around?

[@IndustriousPursuits]

No, they will stay at home. :)

[@skipperskipper2936]

I am going to make an L hinge for a wheelchair ramp just inside door. Fold up then turn in against dinning seat ( removed)

[@originalfiremancancelled7303]

40 degrees it's not even that cold inside my refrigerator that's insane anyways definitely it is one of the best motorhomes ever made but because of the year really the only way to do it correctly is completely gut the inside and rebuild the Skins because of the aluminum fiberglass joints lot of work but probably worth it if I could find them at a good price I would definitely go through it, unless you could find one that has been stored indoors its entire life

[@rickboretirementplan]

Cute kid and good video.

[@IndustriousPursuits]

Thank you!

[@1sheinz]

The step needs to be off center because you almost never open the door over 90 deg and always step in at a angle and also exit at a angle so that step being centered will make the step effectively 2 inches short.

[@onecarwood]

Lotta work. I'm wondering if your kid will be in college before it's roadworthy. (I know it may come off as snarky written but it's just a joke.) Please don't take offense! My point is that seems like a bunch of time-consuming work. How long do you think it will take?

[@IndustriousPursuits]

Thank you for qualifying your response. No offense taken. The RV is already road worthy. I drove it down to Portland from Seattle which tool 3.5 hours and I had no issues. Everything I'm doing is upgrades/rebuilds. I estimate I could get it all done in about 3 months if it was my full time project. Unfortunately, I have a lot of other irons in the fire. I'll get it done eventually.

[@skipperskipper2936]

I got piles of factory paperwork specs manuals etc.

[@jockosboy17]

EternaBond tape the seams. Do not pull it all apart as you will get way better results from EternaBond taping the seams.

[@MKHobson]

This is the most terrifying ARG I have ever encountered.

[@cody.flowart]

wish these were numbered

[@IndustriousPursuits]

Here is the playlist in order of when the videos were released: kzbin.info/aero/PLgkFf_pITyc50x8sgRI0QneQeIbgg19Tg

[@skipperskipper2936]

I want to reduce weight by 75% by replacing interior flake board with plywood

[@jcdahippie]

Use some water seal on your ramps.

[@LoneWolf-dv7ul]

January 2020. Just before the Covid nightmare.

[@skipperskipper2936]

I do have a gas leak at carb cause somebody cross threaded filter

[@quietpianist]

This is truly a labor of love, eh?

[@IndustriousPursuits]

At this point I would say so. It's all about enjoying the work. I'm rebuilding (resto-modding) something special that you literally can't buy a new version of because nothing like it has been built since they stopped production. That's why these RVs have a cult following, and I'm just another guy who has drank the Kool-aid.

[@quietpianist]

@@IndustriousPursuits I think when all is said and done, you'd have the makings of a good book or guide for those who wish to follow in your stead.

[@grosseileracingteam]

Everyone with kids should have them help their pop in the shop. Keeps them off of the computer and learn how to actually build something.

[@jayson1505]

My Rebuttal to that(as a 27 yo): this video is only accessable on the 'computer' and I'm learning how tedious this beautiful beast is.

[@grosseileracingteam]

@@jayson1505 Watching something on the confuser is not the same as measuring, cutting, welding, machining, grinding etc. in real life. Go hang out with one of us old guys and then you will really learn something.

[@jayson1505]

@@grosseileracingteam yeah, by WATCHING how they perform first(which this video also provides) and then practicing. I'm not deriding the expertise/wisdom of the masters, but I AM saying watching a video can also help, being on the computer isn't such a bad thing either. Those watching aren't less for learning from videos. Its unfair to say so.

[@muchodangerous8451]

i love this

[@williamhudson4938]

According to your pics of the flange you plan on bolting the step to, you don't have nowhere near enough edge distance for what looks like a 1/4" bolt. the leverage you will exert on that flange will definitely cause problems in the future. You need at least a diameter and a half from the center of your bolt hole to the inside edge of the flange, more if possible. Trust me, approach this build as if it were an airplane with regard to structure. I wish you much luck. Me, I'd ditch the step.

[@MidnightAmratha]

A tarp should be cheap and provide a rainfree workspace.

[@coolfrost6]

This is just an observation on American woodworking as seen on youtube. Why is nobody using a regular hand saw? if you ever see a manual saw being used its a Japanese pull saw. Do get that it is not the optimal tool for all situations but it's a good allrounder and does cut quite quickly.

[@IndustriousPursuits]

I bought that saw for like $10. I used to be a framer when I was in my 20's, and I did a short stint as a Timber Framer. I love Japanese hand tools. Specifically Pull saws, Chisels, and nail pullers.

[@Turk380]

cut on the pull is more accurate, they are sharper and leave a thinner kerf.

[@mattsmeanderings]

heyyo

[@Racerboy535]

Not a faulty wheel, you are over heating the wheel. If it works when it’s cool then common sense should tell you to slow the rotation down. The wheels are meant to break down so you don’t screw up the paint underneath.

[@nigel-Rollercam-channel]

I spy an old AMP front suspension fork...

[@IndustriousPursuits]

Good Eye. I have two of them. On is installed on the bike. They have both been modified for 700c wheels and disc brakes.

[@jimmclaughlin1065]

Consider using FMS=1044 sealant for all your seams and rivets. This is fuel tank sealer for aircraft that is flexible and has great properties for areas subject to thermal expansion. flamemaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/CS5500-B-10-2009.pdf or similar. qlso see:www.skygeek.com/ppg-aerospace-1750a002fm012pt-gray-fuel-tank-sealant.html

[@matthewanderson7766]

Cute kid

[@skipperskipper2936]

I got 1 same color as yours. I need exhaust pipe from manafold all way back. I cant run engine cause it blast directly at gas tank. ( I backed over a wood fence) How the h can I get under it to fix. Mine only leaks around window rubbers.256. Can you text404 so we can ate five 7nine. My number will change soon as I m getting new phone different carrier etc..text as I m 1 of those old farts u mentioned hard of hearing vietnam combat vet. Talladaga

[@IndustriousPursuits]

Skipper. You should definitely get a Facebook account and become a member of the GMC motorhome groups. GMC motorhome groups is the only reason I use Facebook. There are lots of helpful people and parts for sale over there to help you out: 1) facebook.com/groups/183025891821956/ 2) facebook.com/groups/354604151348488/ 3) facebook.com/groups/1422767631350956/ 4) facebook.com/groups/1834729043484643/ Also, here is video where Jim Bounds talks about the Exhaust system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j33CZYVvqbqmd6c

[@TimTurner115]

Soak, paint or spray them in down in boiled linseed oil.

[@GSC727]

$195.70 CDN after tax to build those ramps at today's lumber prices :( , plus screws. Yikes!

[@patrickstarnes2355]

45 dollars! Wood is cheap in the states!

[@IndustriousPursuits]

Especially in the Pacific Northwest where so much of the wood is harvested. Strangely, for a lot of our lumber, we cut down our trees put them on boats to China where they mill the boards, then they get shipped back to us.

[@stevenlight5006]

I have one for sale

[@jbncnow]

For the money you spent on all that wood you could have gone to camping world ad bought something like this and they are made from material that wont rot sitting on the ground

[@jbncnow]

www.campingworld.com/fasten-xl-leveling-blocks-set-of-10-107115.html I think you can stack several kits together

[@Turk380]

@@jbncnow you'd have to buy at least 6 of those block sets to get the height he needed.. but whoops, tandem wheels.. make that about dozen sets of blocks. $480. I think he did just fine.