MY New 1978 GMC Cruise Master

[ltlluck]

Well, we were on our way to the grocery store and came home with this. Have no idea what we got into but we are really excited. If anyone has any comments on this model I would love to hear it (GMC VanDura 1978 Cruise Master) It has 46,000 miles on it and drives as smooth as on could imagine.
I know absoutly nothing about rv,s so I am looking for any comments good or bad about this unit.
PS I paid $2,000. for it and think I did OK

[TXiceman]

GMC is the chassis manufacturer. At one time Georgie Boy had an RV called a Cruise Master. Maybe this is where GB wound up with the name.

Let's see some interior photos. 46,000 miles is low mileage for a 1978 model. She looks good from the outside.

Ken

[ltlluck]

Your right!! Just found a mfg. sticker inside a cabinet door (Georgie Boy). Well needless to say I started snooping under suff, cushions and cabinets and have found some water damage. Mostly in the back inderneath the storage cabinets on the floor near the bulkhead. Doesent look like anything I cant fix. Also some ligh water damage on the ceiling close to the vents and AC. Wood all feels solid though from what I can tell.
Ill get some pics of interier posted tomorrow but for now the cab seats are allmost in new condition, dash is flawless, temp gage and aftermarket cab ac dont work, some rust under the drivers door Very Minimal, and the bumper and hitch is shot(Rusted). Compartments are all extremly clean and in good shape.

So far the plan is to pull the 1979 shag carpet out this weekend and replace with something other than carpet but not sure what yet. Paint about everything and have fun. Local trips hour or less untill we feel confident in the machine.

Hard telling what I find when the weekend comes but hopefully nothing serious. Very much open to any advise on any aspect of this. and thanks for the responce Ken

[TXiceman]

Do a through inspection of the roof and make sure you stop all of the leaks. Being as old as it is, you may need to pull the A/C off and replace the seal there. You do not want to use any sealants or adhesives on that seal.

Hop you have fun.

Ken

[RedneckExpress]

Shame she's got water damage, cause that's one My-Te-Fine Motorhome right there and I'm not to normally comment on Motorhomes .

["007"]

You'll fine much info in this forum from the good folk in it they have seen it all. Plenty of pics as their rebuild progressed.
Welcome to irv2, now let the fun begin.

[ltlluck]

Well I have the carpet and most of the cabinets out. Everything looks solid And I still havent found any major issues. Everything should have a new coat of paint by tomorrow and then I will put a new floor in. Cant believe the sub floor is in such good shape with no water damage anywear, other than by the entrance door . I am going to beef that up with a alluminum plate because that is where the steps are and it takes alot of abuse there. the cushions are in the process of geting re upholsterd. We are having alot of fun so far and are really excited to get her on the road for our first trip.
I have some pretty good pics I will load tonight.
O ya I was on the roof and noticed the AC was sweating and the water was running to the vent a couple feet away and sitting there. Sure enough that is where the water spot on the interier is. should be a easy fix.

[ltlluck]

Mabey you guys can point me in the right direction as far as what I need to look for mechanically, such as filters or anything else that a newbie should know. Definetly going to take kens advise with the roof.

[Twotenda]

Nice unit , I also bought a 1978 Georgie Boy , 28' Cruize Air.. ( from my Dad ,who bought it new when we were kids) .. We took the 30 yr old carpet out and replaced with 1/2 burber carpet and 1/2 textile in the kitchen part.. Wow , what a differance than the burnt orange RETRO carpet .. My wife and 2 boys (11 and 5) just got back from a 1925 mile trip to Mt Rushmore (during Sturgis Week) had a blast.. A little slow in the hills ,but what to expect from the ol" girl.. We took it to the Jimmy Buffett concert at Alpine Valley ( WI.) and almost sold her for 6500.00 cash last week... Now we bought a 40' Toyhauler , for the next road trip ..
The trip is part of the adventure..Have FUN!! Paul

[George Schweikle]

We bought a new 1976 "GMC Mini Motorhome" (really just a Midas Mini with different stripes but very similar to your new rig), and put 97,000 happy miles on the rig. Going from memory:

1. The engine was a small block chevvy 400 CID. these were loved by hot rodders, but had siamesed water jackets around the individual cylinders - resulting in uneven expansion and piston ring sealing - and oil consumption. I think it used a quart every 600-800 miles when new, and did the same thing when we sold it 8 years later.

2. I added a transmission oil temperature gauge and found that it ran well over 225 degrees even when not towing. We intended to tow a race car trailer and added a supplementary tranny oil cooler. This brought the temperature way down, and we never had a transmission problem.

3. The biggest problem was with the trailer hitch. We added a class 3 hitch; thinking that the rear chassis frame extended beck to the bumper mounts. What I thought was the frame was just a welded on extension, and it broke just behind the rear spring mount crossover brace. If you intend to tow anything, have a good hitch shop take a very close look at the rear frame.

4. The front suspension capacity on the mini chassis is relatively low. The manufacturers compensate by extending the coach behind the rear axle; cantilevering the load so it kinda pivots on this axle. This requires really good shock absorber control. Our original shocks were worn out by 45,000 miles, and the coach rocked, pivoted, swayed with very little control. We tried big Monroe shocks with little success, and finally installed KYB gas shocks upon the recommendation of a friend who maintained the local fleet of police cars. Problem solved

Your unit looks great. A very handy size, and suitable for lots of travel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltlluck Mabey you guys can point me in the right direction as far as what I need to look for mechanically, such as filters or anything else that a newbie should know. Definetly going to take kens advise with the roof.

[TheDubs]

Great looking find, with minimal damage. Everyone on the forum is very helpful so post any questions you might have. They have helped me out alot. Hope to see some finished pics soon, have fun.

Justin

[GOLDWINGER2]

Looking good, have fun.

[fatmanobx]

you need to check the age of the tires. If over 5 or 6 years old you may want to think about replaceing them. Clean looking rig. Good luck and have fun.

[ltlluck]

Well sorry I havent posted recently, but we have been busy enjoying the RV. We went on six trips this summer and into fall. The best summer the family has ever had. We have definetly got our moneys worth so far. The longest trip was about 300 miles round trip, so nothing of any distance yet. Only problem was I sprung a small leak in the radiator on one outing. Put a lttle stop leak and off we went without any further problems.
Projects for next spring are
1= New Radiator
2= New Tires
3= Roof Top AC seal
4= New gages, Oil pressure, and Temp
5= Awning
I do have completed pics of the inside but unfortunatly they are on the home computer and I am at work. Thanks for all the advice and I will get them pictures posted.

O ya I forgot to mention I winterized Monday and just in time as temps dropped into the teens on tuesday. Talk about last minute!