My mom painted buses at GMC Truck and Coach. My brother and uncle ran presses in sheet metal there. I remember seeing the lot full of those at the plant as a kid.
I really appreciate your showing me your coach. I do not camp and have never had a mobile home- but enjoy looking for fun. Thorough and conversational style. A+. Note I'm a craftsman and restore very old motorcycles, so projects are fun to see. This looks like a pricey hobby.
Just fantastic! I loved these as a kid....the "Cadillac" of Motorhomes as far as I was concerned. Although I appreciate the orange retro interior as I well remember orange and "avacado" being the popular colors of the time, it would take some adjustment to me, someone who is used to subtle, calming colors. But don't tinker with the past! It reminds me of Howard Johnson's, and that is another great 70s icon. It saddens me that the General had such a limited run of these, although grateful how many survivors exist. May you have many more years of enjoyment cruising in this classic!
The GMC MOTORHOME DESIGN AND FEATURE FUNCTIONS is Outstanding. I'm just surprised to see a 77 with a vacuum brake assist booster as opposed to the Hydroboost that GM introduced in 1976
Your moniker “Eldorado George” says you know precisely what you’re talking about. Rumor has is, the only reason GMC stopped making this futuristic mobile camper, is bc they quit making the engines for the Tornado and El Dorados as your alluding ,were also used in these Motor Coaches. Are those engines bulletproof or what?
Awsome find. I’ve seen a resto video that replaced everything with modern everything inside. My dad retired from GM and out of all the vehicles he bought he never came home with one of these. Such a cool vehicle
Awesome motorhome, thanks for showing it. I love you tried to keep it all original, as much as practically possible. I like that you kept all the amenities, including propane. I see so many people remove the propane because it is old and they don't want to deal with it, but it makes the living in it so much more comfortable and practical. We have class-c and go camping often and do a lot of dry camping with limited generator usage campgrounds, and can't imagine going without having hot water, heat, stove, and 3 way fridge. Solar would be a nice upgrade, but just to keep the batteries topped up for lights, and other minor things so you don't need to fire up the generator.
Thanks for the comment! This is the first motorhome I have owned but I think it was really well designed and, other than some mechanical and safety things, I don't see much need to improve on the original design.
Great idea with the brake booster. My GMC Motorhome stalled on me at freeway speed and as i coasted off the exit, i found out how goddamn hard it is to stop that beast with no boosted brakes. Was a scary moment. Gonna have to look into that system for mine. 👍
Scarry! Before we had our carb rebuilt, she would die on the road some times and the vacuum pump would kick in and do it's job. It's bad enough not having power steering but at least you can stop.
@MrGMCMotorhome I love the GMC Motorhome community. So many good natured folks willing to help each other out with informative tips on some of the nuances of these feisty beasts. Suffice it to say...despite all the overwhelming work that needs to be done on em, they are awesome and worth the effort. 🇺🇸
Flexible solar would be of great benefit. No mileage penalty like rigid panels. There are ways to continue with a/c and Microwave type typically managed only with shore power to run on big battery systems. As to running air all the time, inside reflective shades could reduce your reliance on A/C. A 12v a/c unit could keep up with the heat if you had decent tint and reflective shades where you didn’t need windows.
I like the style of these old GM motorhomes much more than the new, on-chassis types that are too huge and yet cramped inside. Not to mention, rather dark in some areas. Of the different models/themes of these motorhomes, I like this one with the orange seats and sofas. They give a really nice warm feeling. It's too bad that GM wouldn't bring out a NEW "Vintage" model of these machines, following a similar sleek, open, bright design. I bet that they'd sell.
Only know about this beauty of a motorhome because of this show i used to watch when i was younger. "the aquabat super show". They basically lived in a gmc and i always wanted one after seeing it. But the scenes inside were obviously filmed in a studio so its a bit different interior
I'm thinking of getting one of these but the community of owners told me that they need constant upkeep... not sure your take on that. Thanks for the video!
I really like our motorhome and I think it's worth the maintenance, upgrades, and work. The reality is that it's a combination of a 50 year old collector vehicle and a 50 year old house. No matter how nice your example is, it will need work. You should go into ownership planning on spending time, technical knowhow, and/or money. This is not a cheap hobby. The good news is that parts are readily available and it's a pretty simple vehicle/house and every motorhome will need work. I have a neighbor with a brand new 30 foot camper and it has spent about 50% of it's time in the shop over the last year. Here is a video where I talk about how much we have spent and where the time/money has gone on our coach. ruclips.net/video/ybtEPoUEuYg/видео.html
Nice original coach - I have a '77 Eleganza bought 2 years ago and still sorting it out. I highly recommend the Digipanel gauge. What brand is your brake vacuum backup? Any info could be a lifesaver...
Another awesome video. I consider it unforgivable that GMC would discontinue the Motorhome after only 5 yrs. of production. Typical bean counter attitude. Always trying to save money at the expense of quality and reliability.
I think they should make these now ..they are perfect ..not too big not too small , and it's layout is really awesome, and the bathroom was pretty amazing for it's time it's still better than most even now. Upgrade the bathroom it would be so great .
@@mariamaria2751 I agree. Why they were ever discontinued in the first place is beyond me. It's perfect in size. It's perfect in shape. They got it right the first time. The only mechanical upgrades I'd make would be to install a GM 6.5 litre Turbo Diesel engine and a compatible 5 spd. automatic gearbox, preferably one that allows manual downshifting. 🙂
I’ve been watching all of your videos as I own a 1976 Eleganza II. I just found your stuff last night. I appreciate all of the info so far. Wondering where I might be able to find air cleaner assembly? I didn’t see them on applied website.
Thanks for watching the videos, I hope you find them useful! I haven't seen any OEM air filter housings. You may be able to find a Toronto air filter housing at a junk yard, I bet there are also lots of aftermarket Quadra Jet air cleaner housing. You may try a facebook post in some of the GMC Motorhome groups to see what others have done.
Thanks for the comment! My motorhome is not for sale but there are always some available. There are a few in Europe but most people who want one of these in Europe, will find one they like in the US and have it shipped home.
Does this machine of ODB2 or 1 or some kind of communications port? If so, a thought might be to see if an Android Tablet with an app called Torque (Engine Management Diagnostics and Tools). I'm not sure if it works with older ODB??, but if it does, it would be amazing to have a screen on the dash. I have Torque and what's amazing about it is that YOU design your own screens and which elements are on each screen (you can flip pages, as it were). Anything from monitoring things on the engine to speed, to Map View (gps shows where you are on Google Maps) and a ton of other features. I mean TONS! But again, I don't know for sure if that has a comms port and if so, which device would plug into it to communicate with Torque. Just a thought.
Thanks! I haven't driven our coach in the snow but I've been on many gravel or dirt roads and it does fine. Washboard roads are a bit rough on the old girl though.
I'm sure this question has been asked in your other videos but what kind of MPG do you get? Love the video, I am seriously considering buying a 1977 that is for sale near me...Thanks!
The mileage depends on a few things. Cursing on mostly flat roads at 60 mph we can get up to about 10mpg. If we are running the generator much or going over mountains we get closer to 8 mpg. We have tracked all our fill-ups and miles for the last 2 years and we are averaging 8.7 mpg over 3,200 miles. Good luck on the possible purchase, we have really enjoyed Edna!
Good question, the operators manual describes how the bunkbeds work but don't list a weight capacity. I have seen several people comment about having people weighing over 200lbs sleep up there so I think it must be at least 250lb but I don't know for sure.
I haven't got to new windshields on my "to-do" list yet. However, I think there is a company who still makes these still. There are windshield replacement clinics at rallies and I know someone who ordered new windshields and had them put in by a local body shop.
This is where it would be cool if there was some sort of electronic tinting system. Sort of like what's in the newer welding helmets. Where you can turn it off so the windows are clear and adjust the tint towards darker as needed. Or even set it to automatic so when the sun is bright, they tint darker. When it's dull out, they lighten up.
I'll need to do some research before I do any window tinting. I'm considering a ceramic tint like this: www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b5005118130/ It doesn't have to be dark to reduce IR and UV radiation and provide some privacy.
When you get...buy...a gmcer.... don't plan on travel... it's fix...fix...fix...$$$...$$$...$$$... never ends... WHY?... Bad electric and electronics... bad hood design as to placement... but I have 2... and still sitting...no travel...
@@wilfredvanvalkenburgh2874 sorry!!! Not a her... it's a general motors corporation Metal and fiber glass...I call it trouble!!! Trouble!!! Trouble!!! ...a NEVER ending trap. Labor ..$$$...mind... That is WHY they are found in the desert... woods... Back yards...Why ??? ... TROUBLE!!!
There are a few people who have done diesel swaps, I haven't heard of an LS swap. The challenge is the front wheel drive setup and limited height available to fit under the floor. Most people stay with the stock engine because it does the job well and is reliable and easy to repair or rebuild when needed. It's common to add fuel injection when people want to modernize it a little.
The new ones fall by the wayside compared to the older RVS. But doesn’t everything these days. I love this RV.
Thanks for the comment! We are loving Edna, she takes some work to keep in good shape but it's a joy to keep her on the road!
I enjoy your videos detailing your work on the GMC MOtorhome
My mom painted buses at GMC Truck and Coach. My brother and uncle ran presses in sheet metal there. I remember seeing the lot full of those at the plant as a kid.
Very cool! There are a lot of these still on the road. Thanks for the comment!
If I could have a motorhome, it would be a GMC. So cool
Thanks for the comment!
I really appreciate your showing me your coach. I do not camp and have never had a mobile home- but enjoy looking for fun. Thorough and conversational style. A+.
Note I'm a craftsman and restore very old motorcycles, so projects are fun to see.
This looks like a pricey hobby.
I'm glad you like the video! I'm mostly a mechanic and builder when it comes to the coach, I hope to be a craftsman someday :-)
Well this is one of the best walkthrough videos I've ever seen 🤘😎🤘
Just fantastic! I loved these as a kid....the "Cadillac" of Motorhomes as far as I was concerned. Although I appreciate the orange retro interior as I well remember orange and "avacado" being the popular colors of the time, it would take some adjustment to me, someone who is used to subtle, calming colors. But don't tinker with the past! It reminds me of Howard Johnson's, and that is another great 70s icon. It saddens me that the General had such a limited run of these, although grateful how many survivors exist. May you have many more years of enjoyment cruising in this classic!
MGM, Edna is awesome. Seems like you are taking good care of her. 👍👍👍
Thanks for the encouragement! It's been a lot of fun keeping her on the road and we expect to do more camping in the future.
Thank you for the tour. It is nice to see your coach in near original form.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The rear air-ride leveling system with dial-adjust airbags is so elegant
Nice RV, I really loved the design when they came out in the seventies.
The GMC MOTORHOME DESIGN AND FEATURE FUNCTIONS is Outstanding. I'm just surprised to see a 77 with a vacuum brake assist booster as opposed to the Hydroboost that GM introduced in 1976
Your moniker “Eldorado George” says you know precisely what you’re talking about.
Rumor has is, the only reason GMC stopped making this futuristic mobile camper, is bc they quit making the engines for the Tornado and El Dorados as your alluding ,were also used in these Motor Coaches.
Are those engines bulletproof or what?
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Very cool vehicles.
Glad you liked it!
Awsome find. I’ve seen a resto video that replaced everything with modern everything inside. My dad retired from GM and out of all the vehicles he bought he never came home with one of these. Such a cool vehicle
Glad these hipsters are keeping old stuff functional
So absolutley cool that you kept that (Groovy) 70"s colors,,Nice rig love it !
Awesome motorhome, thanks for showing it. I love you tried to keep it all original, as much as practically possible. I like that you kept all the amenities, including propane. I see so many people remove the propane because it is old and they don't want to deal with it, but it makes the living in it so much more comfortable and practical. We have class-c and go camping often and do a lot of dry camping with limited generator usage campgrounds, and can't imagine going without having hot water, heat, stove, and 3 way fridge. Solar would be a nice upgrade, but just to keep the batteries topped up for lights, and other minor things so you don't need to fire up the generator.
Thanks for the comment! This is the first motorhome I have owned but I think it was really well designed and, other than some mechanical and safety things, I don't see much need to improve on the original design.
Great idea with the brake booster. My GMC Motorhome stalled on me at freeway speed and as i coasted off the exit, i found out how goddamn hard it is to stop that beast with no boosted brakes. Was a scary moment. Gonna have to look into that system for mine. 👍
Scarry! Before we had our carb rebuilt, she would die on the road some times and the vacuum pump would kick in and do it's job. It's bad enough not having power steering but at least you can stop.
@MrGMCMotorhome I love the GMC Motorhome community. So many good natured folks willing to help each other out with informative tips on some of the nuances of these feisty beasts. Suffice it to say...despite all the overwhelming work that needs to be done on em, they are awesome and worth the effort. 🇺🇸
This is one of my favourite old Campers... So awesome!
Good video thank you
Flexible solar would be of great benefit. No mileage penalty like rigid panels. There are ways to continue with a/c and Microwave type typically managed only with shore power to run on big battery systems.
As to running air all the time, inside reflective shades could reduce your reliance on A/C. A 12v a/c unit could keep up with the heat if you had decent tint and reflective shades where you didn’t need windows.
That's the best layout have seen for the GMC. Thx for video.
I like the style of these old GM motorhomes much more than the new, on-chassis types that are too huge and yet cramped inside. Not to mention, rather dark in some areas.
Of the different models/themes of these motorhomes, I like this one with the orange seats and sofas. They give a really nice warm feeling.
It's too bad that GM wouldn't bring out a NEW "Vintage" model of these machines, following a similar sleek, open, bright design. I bet that they'd sell.
It would be great if GM would do a modern version of the 70's classic. I'm not going to hold my breath though.
Only know about this beauty of a motorhome because of this show i used to watch when i was younger. "the aquabat super show". They basically lived in a gmc and i always wanted one after seeing it. But the scenes inside were obviously filmed in a studio so its a bit different interior
I'm thinking of getting one of these but the community of owners told me that they need constant upkeep... not sure your take on that.
Thanks for the video!
I really like our motorhome and I think it's worth the maintenance, upgrades, and work. The reality is that it's a combination of a 50 year old collector vehicle and a 50 year old house. No matter how nice your example is, it will need work. You should go into ownership planning on spending time, technical knowhow, and/or money. This is not a cheap hobby. The good news is that parts are readily available and it's a pretty simple vehicle/house and every motorhome will need work. I have a neighbor with a brand new 30 foot camper and it has spent about 50% of it's time in the shop over the last year. Here is a video where I talk about how much we have spent and where the time/money has gone on our coach. ruclips.net/video/ybtEPoUEuYg/видео.html
Great video! These old GMC motor homes are so cool.
Nice original coach - I have a '77 Eleganza bought 2 years ago and still sorting it out. I highly recommend the Digipanel gauge. What brand is your brake vacuum backup? Any info could be a lifesaver...
Thanks for the comment! The vacuum pump is from Summit Racing (www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-760152) I'm very happy with it.
I dream myself travelling with this while towing behind a yellow C5 Z06
A C5 Z06 would be a fun way to get around when you have set up camp :)
Another awesome video. I consider it unforgivable that GMC would discontinue the Motorhome after only 5 yrs. of production. Typical bean counter attitude. Always trying to save money at the expense of quality and reliability.
I think they should make these now ..they are perfect ..not too big not too small , and it's layout is really awesome, and the bathroom was pretty amazing for it's time it's still better than most even now. Upgrade the bathroom it would be so great .
And it even came with its own vaccuum ?
@@mariamaria2751 I agree. Why they were ever discontinued in the first place is beyond me. It's perfect in size. It's perfect in shape. They got it right the first time. The only mechanical upgrades I'd make would be to install a GM 6.5 litre Turbo Diesel engine and a compatible 5 spd. automatic gearbox, preferably one that allows manual downshifting. 🙂
Bonjour il est très bien ce Motorhome
Outstanding.
I’ve been watching all of your videos as I own a 1976 Eleganza II. I just found your stuff last night. I appreciate all of the info so far. Wondering where I might be able to find air cleaner assembly? I didn’t see them on applied website.
Thanks for watching the videos, I hope you find them useful! I haven't seen any OEM air filter housings. You may be able to find a Toronto air filter housing at a junk yard, I bet there are also lots of aftermarket Quadra Jet air cleaner housing. You may try a facebook post in some of the GMC Motorhome groups to see what others have done.
Hello,
I’m French, I Watch your vidéos a lot, they are superb.
You made me want to buy a GMC.
Is it for sale ?
Thanks for the comment! My motorhome is not for sale but there are always some available. There are a few in Europe but most people who want one of these in Europe, will find one they like in the US and have it shipped home.
Does this machine of ODB2 or 1 or some kind of communications port?
If so, a thought might be to see if an Android Tablet with an app called Torque (Engine Management Diagnostics and Tools).
I'm not sure if it works with older ODB??, but if it does, it would be amazing to have a screen on the dash.
I have Torque and what's amazing about it is that YOU design your own screens and which elements are on each screen (you can flip pages, as it were).
Anything from monitoring things on the engine to speed, to Map View (gps shows where you are on Google Maps) and a ton of other features. I mean TONS!
But again, I don't know for sure if that has a comms port and if so, which device would plug into it to communicate with Torque.
Just a thought.
No electronics at all on ours. I don't think OBD was coming before the mid 80's and OBDII wasn't required in the US until 1996.
Like the pacer
Great video! Have you ever ridden this on snow? or on dirt roads?
Thanks! I haven't driven our coach in the snow but I've been on many gravel or dirt roads and it does fine. Washboard roads are a bit rough on the old girl though.
I'm sure this question has been asked in your other videos but what kind of MPG do you get? Love the video, I am seriously considering buying a 1977 that is for sale near me...Thanks!
The mileage depends on a few things. Cursing on mostly flat roads at 60 mph we can get up to about 10mpg. If we are running the generator much or going over mountains we get closer to 8 mpg. We have tracked all our fill-ups and miles for the last 2 years and we are averaging 8.7 mpg over 3,200 miles. Good luck on the possible purchase, we have really enjoyed Edna!
Awesome
Other than the tooth sucking tic u have, great vid and great RV
that couch that turns into a bed, how much can that bed hold with it connected to the roof like that?
Good question, the operators manual describes how the bunkbeds work but don't list a weight capacity. I have seen several people comment about having people weighing over 200lbs sleep up there so I think it must be at least 250lb but I don't know for sure.
added late model gm tail lights look good...
Good catch! That was done by a previous owner so I don't know much about them.
i didn't hear a mileage report. About what is your mileage on the highway at 65-60 mph?
Great question! We often will travel at about 60-65 on the highway and average about 8 mpg over the 1,700 miles we have driven so far.
Are windscreens available new old stock?
I haven't got to new windshields on my "to-do" list yet. However, I think there is a company who still makes these still. There are windshield replacement clinics at rallies and I know someone who ordered new windshields and had them put in by a local body shop.
I have a 1976 GMC RV
BACK UP CAM AND 3RD BRAKE LIGHT WOOD BE SAFE ADD ON
I have thought about both and will probably do them at some point. There is a reason most new cars have both, nice to have and improved safety.
@@MrGMCMotorhome yeah some new pick ups have the cam integrated into the 3rd light
You are talking about tinting your windows. Don't tint the drive side and front passenger side. It is illegal to go that. Cost a lot of money
This is where it would be cool if there was some sort of electronic tinting system.
Sort of like what's in the newer welding helmets.
Where you can turn it off so the windows are clear and adjust the tint towards darker as needed. Or even set it to automatic so when the sun is bright, they tint darker. When it's dull out, they lighten up.
I'll need to do some research before I do any window tinting. I'm considering a ceramic tint like this: www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b5005118130/ It doesn't have to be dark to reduce IR and UV radiation and provide some privacy.
Bro you didn’t. Show us the flipping undercharge yo I wanted to see every nut and bolt of the sub frame scam
Viair compressor is a great investment.
The orange 70s retro vibe has got to go.
When you get...buy...a gmcer.... don't plan on travel... it's fix...fix...fix...$$$...$$$...$$$... never ends... WHY?... Bad electric and electronics... bad hood design as to placement... but I have 2... and still sitting...no travel...
You don't buy a GMC, you adopt her.
@@wilfredvanvalkenburgh2874 sorry!!!
Not a her... it's a general motors corporation
Metal and fiber glass...I call it trouble!!!
Trouble!!! Trouble!!! ...a NEVER ending trap.
Labor ..$$$...mind...
That is WHY they are found in the desert... woods... Back yards...Why ??? ... TROUBLE!!!
AND YOU HAVE 2?🤣🤣🤣
@@tdmallet yes...a 78 royalty and a 77 the king... thanks cw
Do you know of anyone pulling the out the motor and upgrading to a diesel or an LS base motor?
There are a few people who have done diesel swaps, I haven't heard of an LS swap. The challenge is the front wheel drive setup and limited height available to fit under the floor. Most people stay with the stock engine because it does the job well and is reliable and easy to repair or rebuild when needed. It's common to add fuel injection when people want to modernize it a little.