In the literature it was mentioned that the frame was strengthened. Now when I read that, I'm assuming strengthened compared to a typical stretch like you find on limos and such.

Anyone had any frame sag issues? Did they box the frame over the area they stretched?

No way will these frames ever sag. The extension was done at the Dodge factory and includes over-sized fishplates welded to the stock frame members. The work is obviously well engineered and performed, so no worries, mate!

Well that's good to know. Since I may occasionally carry more than 6 people on day trips, it was a thought.

Also keep in mind that these chassis have a steel deck on top of the frame. My '79 doesn't, on it, you can see the plywood floor from underneath.

The claim to fame of the GTC is that they extended the frame instead of having a huge overhang. Take a look at some American Clipper class C motorhomes and you'll see that they have a problem with the back end sagging and ripping the fiberglass body apart.

_________________
Nick Taylor - Green & White 1974 Hall GTC.
www.NicksGarage.com == www.HallGTC.com == www.NicksTeardrop.com

I didn't know they have a steel plate floor. I was thinking they were like the 79 you mentioned.

Was it just a change in the standard chassis offered or is the floor specific to just the Hall?

It's not specific to the Hall, it's the standard design of the early chassis. I don't know when they eliminated it. When they extended the frame for Hall, they extended the floor but that section is not corrugated. I think I have a picture from mine that kind of shows it.

_________________
Nick Taylor - Green & White 1974 Hall GTC.
www.NicksGarage.com == www.HallGTC.com == www.NicksTeardrop.com

Good to know. I was mentioning on another forum about quality difference in 70s vehicles between early and late... even if it was the same model.

Having both I know a lot of the differences. Spent a lot of time crawing all over Vans and class Cs at the junkyard. For driving and service, I definitely prefer the 1979. There is so much more room under the hood to work and the ability to have a tilt steering wheel is great for me. Of course I haven't driven my Hall GTC on any long trips since I got it and it does feel a lot more ponderous than my smaller and lighter Brougham. Plus I rebuilt all the mechanicals on the Brougham so it's like brand new in that regard.

I prefer the styling of the earlier body, especially with the electric razor grille. The dash is cool but the gauges are so low it's destracting but Not too bad.

When I was first looking for a camper I looked at Chinooks, Transvans (was within 15 minutes of buying one), Travcos, Xplorers, American Clippers and all manner of wood framed Class Cs and Chassis Mounts. I'd seen the GTCs online but since they were so rare I didn't even think I'd find one. Of course one turned up after I dumped a bunch of money into my Brougham.

_________________
Nick Taylor - Green & White 1974 Hall GTC.
www.NicksGarage.com == www.HallGTC.com == www.NicksTeardrop.com

Yeah, that's kind of my thing. IF I can find one for a reasonable price...

There's a couple Chinooks I wouldn't mind. Travcos as I have mentioned. Most of what I see around here are the later 70 class Cs (big aluminum things that leak at every seam) and class A's. Lots and lots of class As. If I wanted a 30 footer, there's plenty within 30 minutes of me.

Ah well, I really hadn't planned on buying until later in the year, but as all the things I am looking at are rather uncommon... I figured I best start looking now.