Fall 2018 | Issue 145
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
A magazine dedicated to promoting the legacy and use of GMC Motorhomes Brought to you by GMC Motorhomes International
Exploring the GMC Motorhome History
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2018 Fall Convention in Amana, Iowa
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GMC Motorhome Vendor Profile
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GMC Motorhome Chapters
president’s corner
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
GMC Motorhomes International was founded in 1982 by Ralph Luby
It is a special honor for me to write this column, and be the president of your chapter, GMCMI.
>> GMC Motorhomes International 1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit 273 Pharr, TX 78577 | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com | gmcmi.com
It is a remarkable group of diverse, talented, very social people. Everyone of us is important, as is the way we interact with each other and share. We have a machine in common that was (and still is) well ahead of its time, but like the GMC Motorhome, what we do together as GMCMI is far more than the sum of its parts.
>> GMC Vintage RVing Magazine Published quarterly for members of GMC Motorhomes International. A chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). Managing Editor | Graphic Designer Kimberlea Weeks | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com
Dolph Santorine
Editor Janet Frey | 215-536-9064 freyjanetr@yahoo.com
Make plans to be at the GMCMI Spring Convention at the North Florida Fairgrounds in Tallahassee, Florida, March 22-28, 2019. The theme is “Tallahassee Treasures”, and we will all need to brush up on our best pirate speak in preparation for the event!
>> Online and Digital Delivery Magazine Versions A digital flipbook version of the magazine is available online at gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving/.
There has been a considerable concern about the effect of Hurricane Michael on the site. The fairgrounds had minimal damage, and we have been assured that it has been completely repaired. Some of the places we were to visit did not fare so well, but there is much to do in the area, and a full and interesting schedule is coming together. Besides, Tallahassee has generally glorious weather in March.
For delivery of your magazine by email (pdf format), send an email to admin@ gmcmi.com. It will then not be delivered via the postal service.
This is the first time we have had a convention in the Sunshine State of Florida in over a decade, and since many of you will be traveling through the state, it is a great time to stop and visit with some of our vendors in Florida. I know from first hand experience that the vendors are welcoming and happy to see you.
>> GMC Article and Part Number Submission Please send article contributions and newly found part number crossovers to the editor for publication. >> GMCMI.com Website 612-501-4600 | admin@gmcmi.com >> Disclaimer Articles are contributed by members and others which are published as a service to members. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Independent verification is urged.
“It is a remarkable group of diverse, talented, very social people.”
2018-19 GMCMI Board of Directors Dolph Santorine President
Gary Coaster VP Western
Margie McLaughlin Jerry Work VP Northeast VP Northwest David Blackshear VP Eastern
Kim Weeks VP Administration
Lou Boone VP Southeast
Janet Frey Secretary
Randy Van Winkle VP South Central
Fred Hudspeth Treasurer
Dale Ropp VP Great Lakes
John Smyrski National Director
Lucy Weidner VP Midwest
Keith Weeks Alt. Nat. Director
Emery Stora VP Rocky Mountain
Stan Edwards Past President
GMCMI is specific to the GMC Motorhome. We do welcome those with other vintage marques, including Revcon, Airstream, Travco, FMC, and others from the same era. Do not hesitate to invite them to the Convention. While their coaches may be different, the spirit of those who keep forty-year-old machines viable is much the same.
Your 2018-19 board of directors were nominated and elected at the GMCMI membership meeting held at the Fall Convention in – DOLPH SANTORINE, Amana, Iowa. We all need to thank those who have served, and GMCMI PRESIDENT welcome the new board members (see pages 11-13). They spend their time and effort to further the goals of GMCMI.
©2018 GMC Motorhomes International
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My aim at the helm of your chapter is to foster this amazing level of cooperation and leave it a little better (and bigger) than when I started. I hope you will join me in that endeavor. It is going to be a great time!
GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM
This past summer and fall there were what seemed to be more fires in GMC Motorhomes than we have seen in the past. There will be a special article about this in the upcoming issue of this magazine, and a panel discussion at the Convention in Tallahassee. It is a subject that effects all of us in the Community, and we will pull together experienced people to discuss keeping us and our coaches safe. Look for it on the Convention schedule, and contact me if you would like to participate. This is an important issue. It is that time of year to send in your membership dues (see page 21). Those dues keep the activities, including this publication coming. Know anyone who is becoming a new GMC’er? A membership would be an ideal gift! I hope to see many of you at the Convention, and at the rallies in the Midwest and East Coast. Let’s make 2019 fantastic, fun, and safe.
2019 Dues Notice
GMCMI Chapter Status
If you have not paid your 2019 GMCMI dues, please do so today.
Membership stands at 1,103. We have 97 new members since our last publication.
A dues reminder is on page 21 which can be accompained with a check and returned by mail. Or you can renew online at gmcmi.com/join-renew-2. Online payment is made via a PayPal account or major credit card.
Refer a new member today! Receive a $10 voucher which can be used towards renewal of GMCMI dues, products, apparel, or fees for a Convention. Eight members received certificates since last publication.
CONTENTS FA L L 2 0 1 8
Keep informed about GMCMI Events and Members. Join us at facebook.com/ GMCMI
OTHER STORIES 10 Letter from an Amana Convention Attendee 1 3 Attention...Pineblock Derby Fans
4 | EXPLORING THE GMC MOTORHOME HISTORY
Read the flipbook version of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine online at gmcmi.com
DEPARTMENTS 2 President’s Corner 8 FMCA Report 9 GMCMH Vendor Profile 10 Sunshine Report 14 Technical Corner 28 GMCMH Suppliers List 30 Classified Ads 34 GMCMH Chapters 35 GMCMH Events Calendar
2019
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22 | GMCMI 2018 FALL CONVENTION
GMCMI IN 2019
Be part of the GMC Community Facebook page by sharing photos of our GMCs, adventures and those important technical questions. Join us at facebook.com/ groups/vintage gmcmotorhomes/
11 | 2018-19 GMCMI BOARD OF DIRECTORS 12 | MEET THE NEW GMCMI BOARD MEMBERS 21 | 2019 GMCMI DUES NOTICE
Technical Support, Parts Interchange, History and More!
ON THE COVER Pictured infront of Morton Building at the GMCMI Fall Convention in Amana, Iowa is the 1978 Royale owned by Tim Kennelly and Carole Landry of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. This twin bed, dry bath, side kitchen coach is mostly original with some upgrades was purchased in 2009 from Don and Barbara Wirth from Hartville, Ohio. The coach has six wheel disc brakes, alcoa wheels, 403 engine, 3.70 final drive, three Zipdee awning, four solar panels, and covered bumpers and sun visor from Alex Sirum GMC. The horns were purchased by Don Wirth at a GMCMI parts exchange, mounted, connected to his train horn (under the hood) but funny enough did not work, just for decoration.
FALL 2018
GMCMI.com
Shop for specialized GMCMH items and previous magazines! thegmcmhstore.com
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Exploring the
GMC Motorhome History GMC Vintage RVing magazine is pleased to announce that Bill Bryant, GMC Motorhome Historian, has agreed to share tidbits of the GMC Motorhome history with us. In this issue he will share information on the suspension and body shape. Watch for this new column in future issues.
GMC Motorhome Development History: Air Spring Suspension Based on conversation with two of the original GMC engineers, Ralph Merkle and Claude White, who were involved with the air bag patent memos as well as early sketches, the following is offered. The tandem rear wheel hydro-air rear suspension had been the key design element for this vehicle. It allowed for the low floor as well as a measured improvement in ride and handling. Less intrusion into the living area than dual wheels would have caused, was a feature as well. Tooling costs for the hydropneumatic spring from the Saginaw Division of GM Saginaw had come in much higher than anticipated. A less costly design was requested as a backup and work began on a replacement. A back-up was requested and both Goodyear and Firestone were initially involved in the development and evaluation. A full air spring was designed to replace the earlier hydro-pneumatic version. A Goodyear design using a long cylindrical (air) spring, one piston and one bag convolution, had been found to have interference problems. Another design was initiated using a rolling lobe principal with two tapered pistons and a floating air spring between them, the tapered pistons keeping the spring centered. A prototype spring of this design was delivered by Firestone in March of 1971 and became the production air spring with only minor modifications, a slightly larger diameter and slightly shorter in length.
A hydro-pneumatic spring supporting bell crank type legs on the rear suspension arms provided an improved ride and shock isolation.
Hydro-pneumatic spring suspension used in the Pie Wagon.
Left side of hydro-pneumatic spring suspension used in the Pie Wagon. 4
GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM
GMCMH Development The “Pie Wagon”
1971 first-sketch of air bag by R. Merkle as replacement for hydro-pneumatic spring.
In 1970, this initial vehicle was built to demonstrate the unique features of the GMC Motorhome. The ideas were primarily from Ralph Merkle, where he incorporated the Olds front-wheel drive tandem rear wheels using a hydro-pneumatic suspension. A modified van body built by Union City Body Co., Union City, Indiana was mounted on the frame. This prototype chassis had been designed with only four inches of ground clearance. This development mule was called the “pie wagon” or the “chicken coop” by those working on the project. Windows and bus seats were installed and sand bags were strategically placed inside to represent the weight of an equipped motorhome. Full fender skirts covered the wheels to hide the unique suspension since spy photographers often took pictures of test vehicles being run around the GM Proving Grounds. The primary purpose of this vehicle was to demonstrate to GM management the much superior handling and ride in comparison to the truck chassis normally used for motorhomes. It is reported that GM management was favorably impressed and the project was given approval to proceed with further development.
Photo of early air bag.
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GMC Motorhome Development History: Body Shape Many of us have seen images of designer Mike Lathers’s clay models of the GMC Motorhome would recall a rounded upper shape as we own in our production line GMC Motorhomes. But did you know that the first prototype did not look that way? It turned out that GMC engineers thought the upper storage cabinets should be able to hold a twelve-inch plate and the tumble-home (body side curve) design of Mike Lathers’ did not allow for that. The front end was nearly the same, but the sides had become vertical and straight. This particular vehicle was to become known as “straight sides”, not usually uttered in a complimentary tone. When Lathers got a look at “straight sides” it is reported he “went straight up in the air”. The design looked a lot like any other motorhome of the era. In selling the design to GM management, he had made the point that anybody could make an ordinary looking motorhome, what GM needed was “style” to sell. And style is what they got. Mike lobbied for and won the argument to have his design reinstated. That was the last to be seen or heard of “straight sides”.
GMC Designer Mike Lather, 1/8 scale clay model of GMC Motorhome.
Hydro-pneumatic spring from the Saginaw Division of GM Saginaw
At the rear of the body, the large removable back panel had not yet been implemented.
At the Society of Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition in 1977, Lyn C. Hollis from General Motors Corp. presented the GMC Motorhome Body Construction. Booklet available at: gmcmi.com > basic history.
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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM
The production of the “straight sides” GMC Motorhome prototype.
The only known images of the completed “straight sides” are found in the GMC Motorhome Mini Theatre video, A New Standard of Motorhome Performance at the 7 minute 10 second point in the film and only lasts for a few seconds. The images were taken during testing at the GM Proving Grounds.
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fmca report
FMCA Question Q. Is there any new FMCA member benefit I should know about? John Smyrski
A. Keep Your Furry Family Members Safe. Pet Monitoring Made Simple.
Conventions and Area Rallies From its beginning, FMCA has been centered on bringing people together. To make friends, learn about their RVs, travel to parts unknown, and have fun. While much has changed since those early days, FMCA continues to unite RV enthusiasts through its conventions and area rallies.
Let’s face it, our furry friends are more than just a pet – they are a part of our family. We feed them, bathe them, and even talk to them as if they fully understand! (Maybe they do, who knows…)
And while we wish they could always come with us wherever we go, there are times when they have to stay behind. Whether it is a quick trip to the grocery store or a dinner with friends, it only takes a few minutes for your RV to reach dangerous temperatures as a result of an electrical or HVAC failure.
Now, with the RV PetSafety monitor by Nimble, you can finally relax and enjoy that long-overdue date night. Monitor the temperature of your RV in real time. Set the temperature at which you want to be alerted, ensuring you always get back to your home-on-wheels before the temperature reaches alarming levels. Here are a couple features:
FMCA’s biannual international conventions bring together thousands of people for four days but if that is too big of an event for you, try one of the smaller area rallies. Western Area Rally January 9-13, 2019 Indio, California 99th International Convention & RV Expo March 13-16, 2019 Perry, Georgia Registration is open! Great Lakes Area Rally June 5-8, 2019 Allegan, Michigan Northwest Area Rally June 6-9, 2019 Albany, OR South Central Area Rally September 18-21, 2019 Shreveport, LA
For more information and registration: site.fmca.com/fmca-event-registration
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• • • • • • •
Small and compact so it won’t take up space in your RV or car Use the peel-and-stick mounting bracket to install in minutes Works on your cellular signal – no Wi-Fi needed Receive alerts through text message or email Real-time alerts with all major cellular carriers Built-in battery to act as a power backup Include up to five people to also receive alerts when you are not able to quickly reach the RV • Find your parked RV in minutes with the built-in GPS tracker
Installation and setup are a (cool) breeze and the best part is that FMCA members receive a discount on the purchase of the device!
Retail price for a month-to-month (pay as you go) plan is $15/month plus $249 for the device. Or $369 for the full year, which equates to $10/month and $249 for the device.
FMCA members will receive $40 off the cost of the device for a month-to-month plan and $60 off the cost of the device if you sign up for the annual plan. The device and plan is purchased and billed through RV PetSafety.
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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM
Go to fmca.com, sign in and go to membership-benefits and click on the icon (pictured at left). There you will receive promo codes and a direct link to savings!
A GMC Motorhome Vendor Profile BY BYRON SONGER | FULL-TIMER | PREVIOUS OWNER 1978 ROYALE
For those of you relatively new to the GMC Motorhome Community, you may not be fully aware of the vendor nor of the two people behind the privately held company. With that in mind, I will introduce you to two, long-time friends of GMCers and the products they represent. I will start with the names and then go on from there.
Gene Dotson, Jim Buchanan, and their wives (Joan and Peggy) have been friends for quite some time. The couples live in Conover, North Carolina. Both couples have been owners of GMC Motorhomes for nearly as long as the TZE has been around. The Dotsons bought their Canyon Lands in 1974 and the Buchanans acquired their 1975 Eleganza II in 1976. What is curious is that the Buchanans have been members of GMCMI longer than the Dotsons according to their membership number. They have both enjoyed memberships in GMCMI, Dixielanders, Eastern States, and the Classics. Though they had attended local rallies as well as GMCMI Conventions, they did not always carry a line of products. In fact, Motorhome Enhancements Inc. (MEI) got its start, like others, out of need. That need arose out of an annual inspection on the Buchanan’s motorhome when green streaking was discovered on the radiator. Jim immediately started discussing the issue with a local repair shop. After a brief look by the shop owner Buchanan heard the words: “Jim, this is fatal.” Within a few hours of that visit, Jim and Gene immediately got in contact with Griffin Aluminum Products to inquire about a replacement for the failing radiator. Within two weeks, they had a design developed and a prototype in their possession. The prototype turned out to be of higher quality than the stock GMC radiator and lighter, too. To be specific, it only weighs 40 pounds. Thinking that other GMCers might also benefit from the superior design, they developed an exclusive contract with Griffin that is still standing to this day. Gene and Jim are particularly proud that they have enjoyed a good relationship with Griffin Radiator. It has allowed them to carry a superior
For more information on the radiator, contact Jim at 828-464-5105 | gmcmei@charter.net.
Gene Dotson (left) and Jim Buchanan of Motorhome Enhancements, Inc. product while holding to a stable pricing arrangement. In fact, there has only been one price increase over their 20-year period of operation. With a core product to sell, the pair then turned their attention to other products including replacement windows. By now, custom and conversion vans were very popular. They spotted the design of one manufacturer and decided it would be a fit for their business. MEI then became the representatives of a line of windows that featured sliding windows (vents with screens) on the lower across the lower portion while leaving a one-piece pane on the upper twothirds. The design conquered the problems of rattling and leaking encountered from GMC’s original design in addition to enhancing the appearance of the coach. As design and styling concepts changed, so did MEI’s replacement windows. They added “frameless, all glass” design in which the window mounts nearly flush to the side of the body while still fitting in the same cavity. Instead of sliding vent windows, the vent windows are hinged on the top edge and open from the bottom. Due to increased costs of materials and production of the windows it became cost prohibited to continue production. MEI also sold macerators and 12 oz. glasses with the GMC logo and motorhome outline permanently affixed in red or black. These products were sometimes offered as door prizes at GMCMI Conventions. Sadly, Gene Dotson has been dealing with the effects of dementia. Gene and Joan have not been able attend Conventions of late. Jim and Peggy, however, still enjoy good health which allows him to continue to monitor the market as to the need for a quality, lightweight radiator as well as the replacement windows. By the way, the radiator can be purchased with or without the stacked plate coolers. The radiator and additional coolers increase the cooling capacity of the engine, oil, and transmission by 30%. And, since the radiator is tested to 36 psi, owners can rest assured that it can hold up for the long haul. Jim and Peggy are planning on attending the 2019 Spring GMCMI Convention in Tallahassee, Florida.
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sunshine report
THANK YOU!
Letter from an Amana Convention Attendee Diane Dugger
Autumn Is Here! Behold the changing leaves and enjoy the crisp breeze. Let your eyes take in the bursts of color. Transformation is afoot and hope is in the air. ——— It is time to put away the shorts and put on a sweater. The Fall Convention in Amana, “Christmas In September” was a blast. If you were not able to attend, you really missed a great time. We had Santa and his elves and of course, the New Year’s Eve Party. A great time was had by all. ——— Everyone needs to know they are cared about. Knowing someone does care can mean the world to them. If you have any information regarding a member that would benefit from a card (illness, hospitalization, sympathy, etc.) please contact me: cell, text, email, snail mail.
Jim Mayne | 1976 Eleganza II | Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
My coach with not much inside has so far attained status as a fairly reliable 26 foot car (it would be nice if the bathroom worked) but it got me safely over 5,000 miles on this journey. The Route: Kelowna, British Columbia to middle Alberta (fierce snowstorm – me in a snowmobile suit for two days). Then to Winnipeg, then Minneapolis to visit my 92-year-old-aunt. Onward to the GMCMI Convention in Amana, then Illinois and Wisconsin (to pick up some parts that I bought from some great folks at the convention). Then finishing my route back to Minneapolis and then to Vancouver and home to Kelowna. The trip basically went great with the exception of hitting a deer five miles south of the Canada/U.S. boarder crossing. The coach and I were only gently damaged but the deer did not have a good time. The Convention: One of the unbelievable things that happened at the Convention is captured in these photos of Alex Ferrara and his crew overhauling the steering on my coach. Jim and Grace from Applied GMC (thank you for your help and advice) supplied an adjustable suspension link to allow an amazing resetting of everything needed for the guys to make my coach drive and track straight down the road. It worked first try...just amazing! There was no charge for this by the crew and apparently my coach was number 208 that Alex has corrected...so far.
Cell: 620-802-1200 Email: sunshinelady48@cox.net Mail: 4510 Nickerson Blvd Hutchinson, KS 67502 Diane Dugger, GMCMI Sunshine Lady
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Alex Ferrara pictured left with Ty.
Ty Hardiman assisting Alex with the steering repair.
your GMCMI 2018-19 Board of Directors Emery Stora | Michelle Vice President Rocky Mountain emerystora@mac.com Cell 505-660-9507 3409 Red Hawk Ln, Frederick, CO 80504
A special thank you to Sharon Hudspeth, David Blackshear, Jim Kanomata, Ken Henderson, and Joanna Tanner for volunteering and serving on the nominating committee. Sharon Hudspeth presented the slate of officers at the Fall GMCMI Business Meeting in Amana, Iowa and the following individuals were elected to the 2018-19 GMCMI Board of Directors.
Gary Coaster | Terry Vice President Western garycoastermail@yahoo.com Home 810-364-4213 Cell 810-650-5111 2600 Knob Hill Dr, Reno, NV 89506
Dolph Santorine | Lora Kaye President dolph@dolphsantorine.com Home 304-233-1230 Cell 304-219-3100 134 Falls Rd, Wheeling, WV 26003-1759
Jerry Work | Sharon Vice President Northwest glwork@mac.com Home 541-592-5360 Cell 541-499-1027 PO Box 3195, Kerby, OR 97531-3195
Margie McLaughlin | Larry Vice President Northeast larryele125@gmail.com Home 506-382-3525 Cell 506-863-7250 125 Edmonton Ave, Moncton, NB, Canada E1C-3C1
Kim Weeks | Keith Vice President Administration kimweeksgmc@gmail.com Cell 612-501-4600 1402 So Cage, Unit 273, Pharr, TX 78577
David Blackshear | Sue Vice President Eastern dlblackshear@att.net Home 410-798-9853 Cell 443-716-5282 3309 Strawberry Run, Davidsonville, MD 21035-1708
Janet Frey | Ken Secretary freyjanetr@yahoo.com Home 215-536-9064 Cell 215-353-1033 PO Box 4 | 2230 Milford Ave, Milford Square, PA 18935-0004
Lou Boone | Martha Vice President Southeast louboone@msn.com Home 678-984-5195 Cell 678-984-5195 108 Whitfield Run, Peachtree City, GA 30269-3327
Fred Hudspeth | Sharon Treasurer fbhtxak@sbcglobal.net Cell 903-312-9109 5919 Quail Creek Dr, Tyler, TX 75703-4532
Randy Van Winkle | Margie | Pro tem Vice President South Central rlvanwin@gmail.com Home 417-429-5925 Cell 417-429-5925 5211 S Old Wire Rd, Battlefield, MO 65619-9782
John Smyrski National Director for FMCA grandpasmy@aol.com Home 651-437-3415 Cell 651-334-3962 1968 Manor Ln, Hastings, MN 55033-3320
Dale Ropp | Jane Vice President Great Lakes daleropp1@gmail.com Home 810-364-5117 Cell 810-300-0490 1633 New Jersey, Marysville, MI 48040-1655
Keith Weeks | Kim Alternate National Director for FMCA keithweeksgmc@gmail.com Cell 612-978-7243 1402 So Cage, Unit 273, Pharr, TX 78577
Lucy Weidner | Larry Vice President Midwest weidnerl@wwt.net Cell 715-497-2998 E3478 378th Ave, Menomonie, WI 54751-5335
Stan Edwards | Eileen Immediate Past President edwards_stan@msn.com Home 303-423-8129 Cell 720-917-9703 12560 W 60th Ave, Arvada, CO 80004-3904
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meet the GMCMI new board members Lou Boone
Gary Coaster
Lou Boone was born and raised in Miami, Florida. After graduation from Coral Gables Senior High School, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1957.
Gary is a Michigan born GMCer whose passion in life revolves around family, golf, and GMC travel. Fortunately, owning a GMC allow these three to integrate well together.
He retired after over 20 years as a M/Sgt Combat Controller. As a pilot, he obtained multiengine instrument/instructor rating and flight instructed out of Orlando for about three years.
Gary and his wife, Terry, purchased their 1977 GMC Eleganza in 2013 and have since traveled extensively including visits to grandchildren in Manitoba, Canada and Tennessee, playing golf at some amazing courses, and experiencing our great country.
He also worked for Providence Town Boston Airlines out of Marathon in the Florida Keys. In 1984, he went to Atlantic Southeast Airlines in Atlanta and bought a home in Peachtree City. He retired from flying the line when he turned 60, and went into the training department, instructing and giving type ratings to new Captains.
Gary is a retired licensed professional civil engineer whose career was spent in the construction industry as a manager/ project engineer. “I was fortunate to work on some challenging projects including a nuclear plant construction project, the Alaska Pipeline, and as a project engineer for one of the last major coal fired electrical generation plants in the country.”
Lou and his wife of 40 years, Martha, got deeply involved in the Ironman Triathlon and did a total of ten (she did seven, he did three). She still trains hard, but he is retired. In 2008, they decided to hike the Appalachian Trail in its entirety. They started the last day of February, and finished on his birthday, September 8. He says it was quite an experience.
Gary’s first involvement in the GMC Community was through his friendship with Dale and Jane Ropp, 13 years prior to he and Terry purchasing their GMC.
Vice President Southeast
About four years ago, they got the RV bug and purchased a truck camper. Their Rottweiler puppy started to get really big, and they just would not all fit. They started looking and found that a GMC was a perfect fit – he could work on it, and they all fit. As he says, “little did he know!” They have a very nice 1978 Royale that runs great (touch wood, he says). They have been to the last nine GMCMI Conventions, assisted with the Convention set-up crew and have learned so much from their new old friends. He looks forward to serving on the board of directors as the Southeast Vice President.
Vice President Western
“Through the years, Terry and I have been amazed and often times mildly humbled at the level of knowledge, experience, and passion that the GMC Community possesses. What is even more incredible is that everyone so willingly shares their talent and knowledge with others so graciously. This is a very unique organization I’m proud to belong to and help make it grow.” Gary says, “The best part of owning a GMC is the, ‘youthful’ feeling you get while driving with all that glass wrapped around you. The second best part is the expression on people’s faces when you tell them about this 40-year-old engineering marvel and describe all the fun we are having.” In 2017, Gary and Terry became the owners of GMC RV SHADES. They serve the GMC Community as a vendor furnishing interior day/night shades, front interior windshield wraps, and front and rear exterior window covers. Gary and Terry currently reside in Reno, Nevada.
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Attention... Pineblock Derby Fans
Margie McLaughlin
To enhance your fan excitement and participant experience the Pineblock Derby officials are opening up a Modified Class. Do not worry, the traditional Men and Women Stock Classes are still in tact. Race officials expect that the stock classes (after all, most like to keep their GMC Motorhomes fairly stock) will continue to be the predominant classes. But, for those who like to install an 8.1 liter, Cadillac, or diesel engine; highly modify wheels and suspension; or use ground effects the modified class is for you.
Vice President Northeast Margie and Larry McLaughlin joined GMCMI in 1983 at the FMCA Rally in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They have attended 52 GMCMI Conventions over the years. They have owned three GMC Motorhomes: a 1974, 1975 and their present 1976. In their 1976 GMC they traveled across Canada twice and visted all 48 states and even made two trips to Alaska.
During weigh-in, officials will be inspecting racers for adherence to the rules as described in the rules available at gmcmi.com. The following offers some clarifications of those rules.
They both have been active in the setup team at GMCMI Conventons for most of these years. Larry has served as the GMCMI Vice President Northeast retiring this year. So, now it is Margie’s turn.
For the stock classes, axles and wheels must be those included in the kit (instructions reference the part number for wheels).
All classes will continue to adhere to the pineblock size and weight requirements. After all, it is important that the racers “look” like a GMC Motorhome – that is what we are all about.
If you have to put your racer into the pit, race officials can provide replacement axles and wheels. Wheels must not be modified. Many have raised the center wheels so they do not touch and even only had three wheels touching – these changes will continue to be allowed in the stock classes. If different axles or wheels are used, then your racer will be put into the modified class.
Margie was instrumental in starting the “Ladies’ Page” for the GMCMI Newsletter and continued to be the author for many years. In private life, Margie is a retired nurse, in between raising five children and working at the local hospitals while filling the position as secretary/treasurer for the family business, Larry Electric, Ltd.
For all classes, when placing racers on the track, at least three wheels must be touching the track and there can be no special changes to the racers where contact is made with the starting gate. No special starting devices or springs are allowed.
Over the years, they have made many wonderful friends and have many, many memories of being GMCMI members.
So, rev up your racers and join the fun in Tallahassee!
For a copy of the Pine Block Derby rules go to: gmcmi.com/gmcmi-pineblock-derby/
Many thanks to outgoing board members Kerry Pinkerton, Marilyn Peltzer, and Larry McLaughlin for their years of service, and contributing their time and effort to the activities of the GMCMI.
Order your Pineblock Derby Kit for $20 (includes shipping) at: thegmcmhstore.com
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Technical Corner
MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE
Installing a Propane Refrigerator Jon Roche | St. Cloud, Minnesota | 1975 Palm Beach
This is not to be an instruction manual to install a refrigerator in the GMC, but he is providing some items to ponder and some pictures. He noted that he would be willing to discuss further. Jon says changing from an original fridge to a propane fridge is not as basic as one might expect. There are some things to learn and understand. He had an original Norcold 110v/12v fridge in the GMC and it worked fine, except it was a little loud, and it drained the batteries down quickly. After installing solar and increasing the battery bank, it was obvious that he could not go for more than a couple days running on 12 volt as the batteries would go dead. He tried putting ice in
the fridge, but he felt the real answer was to upgrade to a propane fridge. He delayed doing the change because there were other things to spend money on (!) rather than replacing a working refrigerator. Plus, describing himself as “cheap”, he could not see himself spending $1,000+ on a new fridge. He began looking for a Dometic model 2652 because there seemed to be more available, parts were easier to find, and it was a model that had been made for years. In addition, it would fit between the wheel well and the ceiling with only minor adjustments made to allow it to fit.. He noted that parts were available on ebay and the Dometic looked more common as compared to Norcold.
6 3
Had to redo the entire back plane of the opening, a very tight fit for the top rear of the new fridge.
Looking from the outside in after the fridge was removed.
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Original fridge removed. It was a tight fit to get it out the door.
Had to make a spacer to move the fridge toward the hallway by about 3/4" to 1" in order for top rear of fridge to fit.
4 Fridge opening had to be enlarged a little bit. Cutting out this piece made the opening correct.
2 Ridge hole after it was removed. He installed a 110 outlet that ran off an inverter to power the fridge at one point.
5 Cut
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7 Started cutting, ended up removing the entire rear plywood panel, and rebuilding.
9 Made a piece of aluminum to direct the heat up to the top vent.
EDITOR’S NOTE: When working with propane, be sure to perform the required leak tests, and follow all safety and code requirements. If in doubt, consult a qualified technician.
For technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
GMCMH Parts Interchange ONAN Generators
After picking up the Dometic refrigerator, he learned that there were three manuals: owner’s, installation, and service. He also noted that each one has a little bit more information on exactly how to install it, and what clearances are needed.
Bob Burkitt | Cincinnati, Ohio | 1977 Palm Beach
Here are some additional part numbers for the Onan generators in our GMCs, they might be of interest to other owners:
Notes from Jon: This is not shown on my photos, but I installed a shower drain at the bottom rear of the refrigerator compartment that goes into the wheel well to the outside. That would allow any propane build up a route to escape. I also ran a copper propane line from the propane compartment, behind the bath module (under sink) and into the fridge compartment.
Onan front gear cover crankshaft oil seal: Onan 509-0040 or 5090040 National 470162 Onan rear crankshaft oil seal: Onan 509-0041 or 5090041 CR (Chicago Rawhide) 538037 According to the Onan parts book these fit both the 4 KW BF and the 6 KW NH models.
Booster Vacuum Hose Nelson Secord | Brighton, Michigan | 1976 Palm Beach
While putting Applied TBI on our GMC, I found that we should probably add a number. This would be for the “hose-power brake booster to engine vacuum” part number 724548 found under brakes 4.007 Booster Power Brakes page 4-9 in the green parts book.
10 Lined rest of opening with reflectix, and used metal backed foam board for the rear. You can see my valterra thermostatic controlled fan to help pull air up and out mounted in the roof vent.
The NAPA equivalent number is H1450 and is manufactured by Gates. If you go to your local parts store they will probably give you regular 3/8 inch gas line hose because very few stores stock the thicker walled booster line vacuum hose. It is special order if they can even order it. It seldom needs replacement. My original hose was 81 inches long and was hard on the engine end and cracked apart when pried off the intake manifold nipple. Vacuum hoses are generally sized in thirty two seconds of an inch and examining the new hose, it measures 11/32 = .344 inches I.D. It is a tight fit to the fittings on both ends. My old hose was down to 10/32 inch diameter in the mid length of the hose, and 2 inch from the engine end it had swelled down to 7/32 inch. At the nipple on the engine, the inside diameter of the hose was down to 11/64 inch I.D. The new NAPA hose O.D. is .675. My original old piece was .665 O.D. mid length and at the engine restricted location the O.D. was .680-.685. Must be the rubber swelled due to heat, gasoline vapor, and 42 years of aging.
12 Installed.
13 Rear view of angled foam board to direct the air.
With such a restriction in the vacuum line at the engine, pumping the brakes or close repeated application of the brakes will reduce the vacuum at the booster to levels that would significantly decrease the boost force available for braking. The first brake application stroke would not be affected because the booster check valve retains the highest sustained vacuum which happens every time you coast.
11 Ready for new fridge. You will see angled metal backed foam to direct air to the fridge and up over the coils. This was described in one of the three manuals that talked about installation methods and clearances.
Parts Interchange: Call for Current Parts Numbers The GMCMH Community would most appreciate your help in making the listings in the Parts Interchange as current as possible. So, when you use or otherwise discover a part number that does not exist (or is incorrect/obsolete) in the Interchange, please provide that information to admin@gmcmi.com. Thank you.
FALL 2018
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Technical Corner
MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE
A Short Discussion About Fasteners and Gaskets Things you should know about all mechanical joints. Matt Colie | 1973 Glacier 23' | Belleville, Michigan
Matt did a presentation at the GMCMI Fall Convention in Amana, and what follows is part of his presentation. Please note that although he used the title, “A Short Discussion about Fasteners and Gaskets,” it is by no means short in the amount of information presented. And, there is nothing short in the amount of time Matt took to carefully compile and introduce the information. So, thanks to Matt, and be prepared to be amazed! Two Rules That are Inviolate 1. Everything Leaks It is just a matter of degree.
Fasteners Come in Grades SAE Grades are commonly 2, 5, and 8 SAE Grades 10 and 12 also exist but are rare
2. Everything Bends That deformation just may not matter today.
Din Grades of 8.8 and 10.8 are close equivalents to SAE 5 and 8, but the .8 specifies a thread tolerance.
Why are these two together? Gaskets and Bolts are very different things.
Aircraft grades are another story I will ignore them completely in this summary.
This is very true, but the vast majority of sealing failures of mechanical joints has been shown to be caused by fact the that the required fastener tension was never effectively established.
What do the grades mean?
If the screws are not tight, it is going to leak. A Bolt Any piece of material can qualify as a bolt.
SAE Proof Minimum Minimum Grade Load Yield Tensile ___________________________________________ 2 33,000 psi 6,000 psi 60,000 psi ___________________________________________ 5 74,000 psi 1,000 psi 105,000 psi ___________________________________________
And? What does that mean in practical terms?
Shear: The fastener is important to the structure of the assembly. The structure may use the inter-element friction as added joint stabilizer. Examples: Flywheels, Cam gears, GMC Drive axles How Fasteners Really Work When you torque a fastener, you are imbuing it with tension.
How Bolts (aka HHCS) Are Made These processes are very fast and effective.
You are, in fact, cocking a spring.
Machines are fed wire stock Stock is cut to length Wire is clamped and cold headed Threads are rolled on the shank
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Type of Loads on Fasteners Tensile: The fastener is important to the integrity of the final assembly. Examples: Bearing caps and cylinder heads
This is why I will refer to all of these as fasteners because that is what they are and as I so often wrote for legal depositions, that is what I will probably always call them.
They may go on to further treatment. I watched a line spit out the long side Chevy SB head bolts at a rate of ~120 per minute. Bins that were about half a yard were filled while I watched.
Disadvantages of higher grade fasteners are: • COST! • Propensity to Gall • The temper required to make a high strength fastener can get “blown out” by exposure to high temperatures
8 120,000 psi 130,000 psi 150,000 psi ___________________________________________
If it is threaded and has a head shaped such that it can be turned by that head, it is a screw.
• • • •
Why Choose one and not the other? Advantages of higher grade fasteners are: • Better dimensional controls • More consistent alloy controls • Higher yield strength
Why do you want stretch? A very valid question. Stretch in any fastener is a response to the load on said fastener. In the case of steel, the elastic modulus is about 30,000,000. This is what this means to you when you are trying to build something.
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If you do the math, that means that a 4" grip length Gr.8 fastener at proof load (~120kpsi) can be expected to stretch 0.012" without any permanent yield.
For technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
Tensioning Fasteners by Measured Torque Only According to an ASTM study, there are 54 variables that significantly affect the torque/tension relationship. Calibration of the instrument is critical. Condition of the components is critcal. Final tension can still be target +/- 30%. This is a short list of those variables that affect the torque/tension relationship: • Dimensional control of all components x12 • Material quality control of all components x6 • Thread profile of the fastening components x2 • Thread finish of the fastening components x2 • Surface finish of the related components x4 • Quality of provided lubricant x 3 • Quantity of provided (or not) lubricant x 2 • Component temperature at assembly x4 ** The x numbers can vary by joint type. Torque and Turn Method Much more consistent than torque only. Have a friend help you to keep track. • An initial load compresses the crushable elements of the structure. • A second operation hopefully causes a known fastener elongation. This elongation allows the fastener to accommodate both thermal movement and relaxation in the joint. Relaxation (creep) can be expected in all assembled joints whether hard (like main journals) or soft (like a composite gasket). A Fastener for a Special Place It has two very special features. The thick washer is to extend the grip length to allow more stretch in the assembly. The nut is a prevailing torque lock nut. A Dozen of these hold the front clip frame to the rest of the main frame of a TZE.
Creating Proper Tension in Fasteners How do we stretch them the right amount? • • • • •
Pull and Guess Torque only Torque and Turn Torque to Yield Measured Elongation
Establishing Fastener Tension Without Any Calibrated Instrument An experienced mechanic may be as reliable and as accurate as the situation requires in very many cases. Wrenches are shorter and longer for a reason. Pay attention to what you are doing. (Listen to the little voice.)
Torque to Yield Always starts as Torque and Turn. Fasteners are good for a single assembly only. • An initial load compresses the crushable portion of the assembly • A second operation causes a known fastener elongation into the yield area of the fastener’s known properties • Requires fasteners have known properties Measured Elongation Requires very specific instruments. • The length of a prepared fastener is recorded • The fastener is then installed and tensioned until the desired length increase is reached. The change in length can be determined by actual measurement or by the rotation of the thread engagement.
A downloadable pdf of this article/technical handout is available at: gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
FALL 2018
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Technical Corner
Ultrasonic Extensometer The elongation type on technological steroids: • A fastener is prepared and its length is measured from one end with an ultrasonic device while being tensioned in an instrumented system • The fastener is then installed and tensioned until the required extension is reached This process is restricted to critical assemblies and laboratory testing. Assembling Mechanical Joints A successful joint assembly requires many different issues to be accommodated effectively.
MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE
Sealing Elements Any part added to the joint to faciltate a seal. • All sealing elements must have some compliance to make allowance for the mating surface’s imperfections. • Any joint that includes a sealing element should have some capability for recovery from expected variations. • An elastomeric element will have a lot, and an embossed shim will have very little. These are features that I refer to as “Sense of Humor”.
Embossed metal like soft steel or copper that will get flattened during assembly but will retain some possible recovery. These gaskets always require coating to have any chance at micro-seal. This type of gasket requires that the mating parts be extremely ridgid. Laminated Systems How most of the replacement important gaskets are made. Typically a steel core with facing paper adheared to or mechanically bonded to one or both surfaces. The facing “Paper” may be flexible graphite sheets or other unfamiliar material. These may include combustion seal armor and other load balancing features.
We can put it together, but now to keep it leak free. Remember, eveything leaks!
Formed in place gaskets This includes all sealing products that are liquid when used.
Leakage is essentially an ongoing condition. We attempt to mitigate this with a number of different methods that are: • Surface finish • Compliant sealing element* • Appropriate connection strength and load
There are four general categories and it is important that you know what you are using: • Solvent carrier • Anaerobic cure (air is excluded) • Presence of oxygen (or other) • Presence of moisture
*May be omitted if some super finish parts are capable.
Elastomeric Element Good for sealing where leakage is critical.
Multiple layers of embossed spring tempered stainless steel with an elastomeric coating and assembled to form a single unit. This type of sealing element has very low relaxation and so is often the choice with torque to yield assemblies. These have become very common in spite of the cost. They survive well in multi-metal engine.
Just what is meant by Leak Free ? Leak Free simply means that what is supposed to be contained by the final assembly will not permeate the mechanical joint at a rate that causes any maintenance or aesthetic issue.
• May be good for sealing low to moderate pressures when low clamping available. • Higher pressures require very careful dimensional control. • Always temperature limited
Surfaces Three Classes of surface conditon: • Flatness • Waviness • Surface finish
Translation: If it doesn’t look ugly or drip where it matters – Who Cares?
Types of Deformable Matrix Materials • Specialty Paper • Deformable Solid Shim • Laminated Systems • Multi-Layer Steel • Metal Filler Metal – This is an obsolete construction used for some cylinder head and exhaust flanges. It is a metal – usually copper – formed around a soft core that most often contained an asbestos filler.
These are actually all the same thing, but the length of measurement varies.
Sealing Methods • Perfect surface match • Formed in place gasket • Elastomeric element • Deformable matrix Perfect Surface Match • Requires an incredibily fine surface finish and parts with an absolute dimensional match • Think of the glass stopper in a chemical bottle • This is only common in diesel injection parts
Specialty Paper – Hardly “Paper” While it is processed as a paper, it is usually much thicker to enhance comformability. Most have an elastomeric binder and may contain reenforcing fibers like glass or kevlar. Deformable Solid Shim What the Olds engines had for head and intake.
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Multi-layer Steel Might look like an embossed shim.
Flatness A simple feature that can be critical. This is a relatively simple measurement. Using a certified straight bar, place it on a surface and try to rock it. If you cannot feel it rock, then place a piece of gauge stock or shim on the center of the surface and try to rock the bar. Heads always curl toward the fire deck, the amount of warp the manfacturer believes is acceptable should be in the rebuild specifications. Waviness A feature that many are not familiar with. This can best be evaluated with light under a ground straight edge or plastigage and clamps. Again, the specification should be in the rebuild
For technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
data. This is a very common problem with resurfaced cylinder heads on newer engines. The instrument that can actually measure this is expensive and rare. This is a very important issue to MLS gaskets because if any more than minimum exists, the joint may very well fail. Surface Finish Is a record surface smooth? Best to learn to work with a comparitor plate. If you have no fingernails left, learn to use a guitar pick. Save that pick. When you break into an engine, make a note of the deck and head finish that you find. If you have to have the castings resurfaced, be certain the shop knows the requirements. Using a Comparitor Plate The cheap ones are really cheap. These will provide a solid basis for evaluating final finishes. If you are dealing with any competent machining source, do not be afraid to quote the numbers you have found and state an expected final for this.
• Fasteners should be inspected for distress and then lightly oiled
Things That Are Not True. I don’t care where you heard it.
Care at Assembly • Do not drop the parts together. • Use guide pins when you can. • Inspect and clean all fasteners • Chase and solvent wash all tapped holes • Inspect and clean all mating surfaces
• Some surface roughness will keep a gasket from sliding out of a joint. • Full size ground thread studs are better • You have to use new gaskets • You have to put something on most gaskets • If castings are the same material – they will expand and contract together • Retorque is a waste of time • Torque sequence has to be like the book
A Word of Caution This is specific to those reading the Oldsmobile manual. The manual recommends that important fasteners be dipped in engine oil before installing.
Surface Finish “There has never been a documented sealing failure attributed to too smooth a surface finish.”(Richard Russel – Chief Engineer at McCord Gasket)
If there is too much oil in the assembly of a fastener in a blind tapped hole, the fastener can “Hydrolock” on that oil and thus create a torque load where little or no actual fastener tension exists.
Surface finish roughness is more likely to cause a gasket to “crawl” out of a joint than it is to hold it in place. It can also be a preformed path for future leakage at that joint.
In the engine assembly shops, it was found to be best to oil the fasteners and then place them on a rag to let the excess oil run off. The tapped holes were lubricated with a single drop that was allowed to run down the threads. Also be certain that there is some oil under the fastener head and washer as well.
A Terrific Example Of a case of poor finish, but it was good enough
Torque Sequence Try to use the manufacturer’s recommended pattern for tensioning. Cylinder head sequences may have been developed to minimize bore distorion caused by bolt loading and gasket issues. Intake manifolds often require special care.
This is after working it with a hand stone for a while. Assembly Issues Preparation is the key. • Clean the mating surfaces • Level surfaces with an oil stone (a stone can remove only high spots) • Threads should be chased and then the bottom cleaned
If you are dealing with a cylinder block that has been bored and honed with a honing plate in place, then the final tensioning of the cylinder head fasteners should dupicate the installation of the plate. All tensioniong has to be from the center out If you are on your own use a circle or cross... same same
FALL 2018
Full Size Ground Thread Studs Memory Test:
In this full size shank fastener, the maximum load is still limited by the root area of the thread. But now the fastener stretch is reduced because of the larger body diameter and this will make the joint less compliant. (Less sense of humor.) Any Gasket That is Removed Undamaged Can be Reused • It does have to go back the same way between the same two parts. • It has already accommodated the irregularities of the mated parts. • The fasteners do have to be tensioned as originally required. • You were told the other story by the people that want to sell new gaskets. Many New Gaskets Have a Microseal Coating Many modern gaskets are suppied with a very thin coating to enhance the surface microseal. This coating may not be very visible, and applying anything to the coated surface could at least be a waste of effort and it could possibly make the provided coating ineffectve.
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Technical Corner
If a gasket is coated on one side only, it may be intended to allow the parts to slide without damaging the integrity of the joint. Head and Block Expand at the Same Time if the Same Material Not happening in a running engine. The head always runs hotter than the block/crankcase. In a set of engineering lab experiments, I measured .015" joint movement on a Ford 4 cylinder tractor engine for each thermal cycle. Retorque Always Helps Clamp load is essential to a sound joint. Joint relaxation reduces the final clamp load. Would you like to get that back for Free?**
MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE
Advantages: • The all time price leader • Calibration is inherent Easy to use • Can be used to measure installed torque
Disadvantages: • Calibration is not inherent • Require more care and maintenance • Require a battery or power supply
Disadvantages: • Requires that user can see the scale • No tactile indicator
Measuring Installed Torque This can be an effective diagnostic.
Deflecting Beam A Flexible Beam with a visual and tacticle indicator.
There are Three Common Methods: • Break Away Torque • Torque to Tighten • Torque to Align (Mark)
Advantages: • Operator does not have to see the scale • Calibration is inherent
Torque to Align (Marks) The best way to evaluate retained tension.
Disadvantages: • Sensor element can become inconsistent • No direct calibration Does not self reset
Approved Method 1. Put the socket on the fastener head and turn to tighten to very near design load. 2. Make a reference mark on the socket while it is loaded. 3. Back the fastener off until load is relieved. 4. With a torque wrench, return the socket to align the marks. 5. Record that torque value.
Dial Face with Pointer A flexible beam with clock gears in a case. Advantages: • Clean appearance • Can be used to measure installed torque • Can be preset to end value Disadvantages: • The indicator mechanism is fragile • Operator has to be able to see the indicator The name of the game with cylinder head gaskets is the ratio of bolt load to fire pressure **It does require that you do a little more work. If you can’t do a hot retorque, let it sit a day. Types of Torque Wrenches • Flexible beam with floating pointer • Deflecting Beam • Dial face with pointer • Preset click type • Computer controlled with strain beam and angle sensor Each of these have some advantages and disadvantages and some specific value Flexible Beam With a floating pointer.
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Preset Click Type Very good for repetitive tensioning Advantages: • Presets to a precise value • Can produce highly consistent torque • Tactile indication • Most include a ratchet head Disadvantages: • Calibration is not inherent • Require more care and maintenance No current value display Computer Controlled With Strain Bridge and Angle Sensor Advantages: • Presets to a precise value • Can produce highly consistent torque • Can have Audio and Tactile indication • Can display current value • Most include a ratchet head
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Faster & Simpler Method This works just as well. Uses a flexible beam torque wrench. 1. Put the socket on and pull at near final torque 2. Make a clear mental note of the location in space of the end of the wrench pointer. 3. Loosen the fastener until the load is relieved. 4. Pull the wrench until the end of the pointer is where it was in step 2. 5. Record that torque value. Summary Things I hope you didn’t miss... • Everything leaks, bends and stretches • Fastener grades are not interchangable either way • Thinking of fasteners as springs is pretty close • There are lots of ways to get to the right tension • Nothing always works in the gasket world • Surface finish almost always matters • Care and Cleanliness both matter a lot • Gaskets that are not damaged can be reused • Torque wrenches are not the same, shop carefully
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FALL 2018
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Technical Corner
MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE
Fall GMCMI Convention Tech Sessions • change the oil before storing the coach • do not start the coach monthly after storing.
>> “Leaks and Mice” in the GMC | Forest Crow
>> Aligning and Adjusting the GMC’s Steering Column | Alex Ferrara Alex graciously repeated his remarks from several Conventions on this topic. He described the characteristics of misalignment and the steps required to correct it. Alex always concludes his remarks by imploring all owners to correct any misalignment they may have as doing so will result in greatly improved drivability.
>> Engine Oiling | Dick Paterson This was an “encore” presentation for Dick from prior Conventions. This is a summary of his presentations on this subject: Dick described the flow paths of the oil in the engine and the operation of the oil pump. He reminded the audience that most engine wear occurs on startup and described how that occurs. He noted that the service manual prescribed a straight 30W engine oil when the coaches were new. Today’s oils are much advanced and multigrade oils are much preferred (he recommends use of synthetic oils and required them in engines he remanufactured/sold to the owner Community). Viscosities can be selected from 10W-30, 10W-40 and 15W-40. He advises that there is no need for a high viscosity oil such as 20W-50. He stated for extended engine life: • reduce the idle RPM • use quality oil and filters • consider using a filter magnet
many shortly after being serviced”. He stated that he finds more “people problems’ in the failed assemblies that he receives for service, “than purely mechanical failures”. He added that “most failures can be traced to improper bearing fit on the hub, improper seal position, improper bearing retainer dimensions, lack of/contaminated lubricant and improper parts used in the rebuild.” After doing that part of his presentation, he did a hands-on demonstration (with video projection) of knuckle/ hub/bearing/rotor disassembly/assembly, using “an improved method of assembly”.
Forest cited numerous locations for leaks in the motorhome. Among those he emphasized are the following: • Drains in window channels – must be kept open. Coaches stored outside are very susceptible to drains plugging and causing leaks. • Front cap – must seal at top of windshield >> 12 Volt Battery Monitoring and • Rear cap – insure integrity of sealing gasket AC Electrical Management Systems • Electrical cord compartment drain – insure that it is open to avoid build-up/drainage | Richard Waters inside coach Richard presented ways to measure the charge state • Cockpit side window – the middle bar of house batteries with the objective of maximizing at rear is susceptible to leakage. battery life. He additionally addressed AC Insure that it is sealed. Electrical Management Systems and use • Floor at rear wheels – of surge protectors to help prevent insure that it is electrical damage. On the latter, sealed. Otherwise, he showed a video that described water enters an array of surge protectors unimpeded. that will protect the coach’s AC Forest then electrical system from damage Wow! addressed entry due improperly wired electrical Much more than expected. points for rodents. hookups at RV parks and out-ofThank you! A few that he control coach AC generators (i.e., joined at Convention, cited are: a malfunctioning Onan!). He closed first Convention • Fresh air inlet at heater his presentation with a discussion of box – consider screening devices to maintain proper electrolyte to eliminate risk of nests levels in wet cell house batteries. being built in the heater housing. >> Installation Guide for the • Galley drain at floor above holding tank – often not adequately sealed. EBL System | Randy Van Winkle Randy addressed the steps for installing and • Refrigerator top vent – must be screened. starting up EBL and EFI systems in general. >> Front Wheel Bearing He provided a handout on internet information Design and Failure Modes, sources that he used as basis for his presentation. As Randy himself serves as a resource for the Disassembly/Assembly of Hub, owner Community on EFI system installation/ Knuckle, Bearing, and Rotor | Dave Lenzi startup, ‘said he gets 10-12 calls/month for Dave advised that the purpose of his presentation guidance. ‘Intends to reduce to writing the salient was to “make owners/repair facilities aware of aspects of his guidance and make that available to the most common causes of bearing failures, the owner community.
Attendee Comment
Thank you to all of our tech session presenters! 22
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For technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
The benefits of blocking it in the motorhome far more than offset any impact on warm-up time. Randy did a fine job explaining the importance of proper cam timing, how the cam system >> Hydro Boost Roundtable | works and describing replacement of the cam Moderators Bob Stone and Jim Kanomata timing chain on his coach that he and George Bob and Jim explained how the Beckman did. He provided excellent Hydro-Boost system can be handout illustrations of his installed to provide more remarks. Among key details he pressure at the wheels – addressed are the following: either drum brakes or • Crankshaft timing disk brakes. Each (advance and retard of component of the 4 degrees – should be system was shown. advance 4 degrees) – Each Convention gets better. The hydro-boost replaces and which crankshaft Learn something each time the vacuum booster. keyway slot to use for member twelve years, To support the hydrothe camshaft chain ninth Convention boost as provided in this drive gear kit, the power steering pump • Gasket sets available (and, in is replaced with a new unit with particular, securing the crankcase a remote fluid reservoir, new hoses, and gasket to avoid oil leakage) the brake pedal is replaced with a new modified • Use of degree wheel (but engine needs version. The handout showed the pressures that to be out of frame to use it!) could be obtained with this braking system • When timing chain needs replacement versus the vacuum assisted booster. (he changed his at about 140 K mi.) – but acknowledged prevailing advice to change at >> Tips and Tricks for Tackling the about 80K mi. Said, upon inspection of lash Interior of Your GMC | Forest Crow of his chain, he was surprised at the apparent Forest described some things he has done to lack of wear. make the interior of his coach more livable • Acknowledged service manual instructions for him and his wife, Patricia. He provided a for the job – but described exceptions that handout that illustrated some of the changes can/should be taken. he has made. Among them are: • Addressed harmonic balancer and issues • Changes to heights of seating surfaces to with it to look for. make rotation from sitting to standing easier. He demonstrated that using elevated >> Exhaust Block-off Presentation and non-elevated chairs that were in the | Dick Paterson seminar room. Dick described the effect of the exhaust • Changed wall color from dark to light crossover through the intake manifold has on the to give the illusion of more space. motorhome engine operation. He advised that • Customized the dinette for his and blocking the crossover aids in vapor lock control Patricia’s needs/comfort. and eliminates the need for the intake manifold • Added a step for access to and from the valley pan (AKA “turkey tray”). He described driver/passenger level to living level how to block the crossover path. The crossover • Revised bedding to twin beds. was long provided on many V-8 engines used in • Relocated the spare wheel/tire from outside passenger cars to aid in warm-up. The load on to underfloor inside the coach with access the motorhome engine is much greater than that door through rear wall (to make storage and in passenger cars resulting in a much greater heat removal easier). flow through the manifold compared to cars.
>> Camshaft Timing | Randy Van Winkle
Attendee Comment
FALL 2018
>> What’s Your GMC Motorhome Question OR “Two Old Codgers Asking Questions” | Moderators: Ken Henderson and John Nicholls
This session was similar to those of the past with the audience invited to ask questions on any aspect of the motorhome. It was a lively session with much valuable information exchanged among the moderators and the audience. Among the topics of discussion were: • the Onan ignition system and upgrade for it • front suspension service • bathroom plumbing • water tubing and tendency to fail – best to use onboard pump rather than “city water” hookup • OEM coolant temperature indicator and its inaccuracy • gearshift indicator • plus more.
>> Bolts and Gaskets | Matt Colie Matt advised that the purpose of his presentation was to “provide an understanding of bolted joints and the issues of sealing them”. Check out the article on page 16.
>> Windshield Replacement Clinic | Ken Burton
Once again organized the windshield replacement clinic. There were 11 coaches that received windshield replacement(s).
A big thank you to Ken Frey (pictured right) and Friends who made chili for the men’s lunch and ladies luncheon.
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GMCMI FALL 2018 CONVENTION
September 21-27 | Amana, Iowa
Convention Numbers
127
Is the number of registrations; 8 were partial attendees, 18 staying offsite, 16 first timers plus 28 additional day passes!
96 GMC Motorhomes!
17.5
Is the number of hours of technical sessions, plus the Windshield Clinic and Correcting Your Steering with Alex Ferrera
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Regional GMC Chapters utilized the Convention as their fall rally. They were the GMC Flatlanders, GMC Great Lakers, GMC 6 Wheelers, and GMC Greater Midwest Classics.
The Convention The GMCMI held its Fall Convention in Amana Colonies, Iowa, with a theme of “Christmas in September.” The weather felt more like July 4th as temperatures soared into the high 80s. But we quickly got in the mood as we were surrounded by Christmas stockings, brightly lit and decorated Christmas trees, and activities such as “Baby, it’s Cold Outside” Ladies Social. Nearly 100 GMC Motorhomes joined a few s.o.b.s (some other brands) and were decorated for the “season.” As usual, there were numerous technical seminars to inform our members regarding maintenance and upgrades on our 40-year-old beauties, and there were non-tech seminars that covered subjects such as strength and balance, health information, and is it delirium or dementia? Catered meals provided a chance to party with our “Ugly Holiday Sweaters,” and celebrate “New Years Eve!” Our GMC Community had a chance to bond over food, too! In addition to our catered meals that featured local favorites, we were treated to chili, omelets-to-order, and chicken marsala. Each morning an array of items were offered including fresh Belgium waffles, fresh fruit, donuts, oatmeal, and more. In addition, there were two tours. A big thank you to Bob Dunahugh whom made arrangements for us to visit a spectacular private car collection, and another to Kinze Manufacturing, an incredible plant that creates and produces innovative farm machinery. And, attendees enjoyed visiting the surrounding area with its friendly residents, quaint homes and businesses, and rolling, golden, corn fields. Although we enjoyed relaxing, there was also some intense competition during the Pineblock Derby. This fun activity allows members of all ages to compete with their miniature versions of the GMC motorhomes, and it is always exciting. What a great week as we made new friends, reconnected with old ones, and enjoyed our vintage motorhomes once again.
A Big Thank You ! GMCMI would like to extend a warmfelt thank you to all of you who volunteered to make this Convention a big success!
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UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER PARTY The Convention was kicked off with the “Ugly Holiday Sweater Party”. What a hoot! There were bought and handmade sweaters. There was a special appearance by Santa and Elves along with prizes for the “ugliest sweater”.
SHE SHED Gathering of attendees making crafts, working on their own craft, sharing memories, snacking, and having fun! The group made 16 blankets lead by Teresa Dall. Five of the 16 were made by Sara Halley.
FALL 2018
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THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION VENDORS A big thank you to our vendors for all of the time and support that they give our members! When looking for that part or information, check out this list and give them a call. Applied GMC Jim & Grace Kanomata 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.appliedgmc.com Specializing in GMC Service, Repairs, and Parts
GMC PINEBLOCK DERBY Men’s Division Richard Smith – 1st Ken Burton – 2nd Gary Coaster – 3rd Ladies’ Division Laurie Burton – 1st Diane Dugger – 2nd Margie Van Winkle – 3rd
Classic Coaches & Accessories, LLC J.R. & Jeanne Slaten 502-836-2097 | Jrslaten@aol.com Stainless Steel Braided-Teflon Lined Oil New Brass Leveling Valves, Stainless Steel Braided, Teflon Lined, Oil Cooler Hoses, Lighted Handles for Door Entry, etc. Dick Paterson Dick & Jan Paterson 705-325-4554 | dick@paterson-gmc.com www.paterson-gmc.com Ignition, Carburetor, and Miscellaneous
Turtle Award Bob Dunahugh
People’s Choice Tie for 1st: Ed Mannin Sonya Null Terry Null – 3rd Charlie Geuin – 4th
Thanks to all of the derby helpers and the “Vanna Ladies”!
Attendee Comment
Really didn’t want to come, but had a great time with all of my new friends. member two years, first Convention
Ken L. Frey Auto Repair Ken & Janet Frey 215-536-1246 | freyautoken@yahoo.com www.kenlfreyautorepair.com Service and repair of GMC Motorhomes. GMC Motorhome Parts & Service GMC RV Shades Gary & Terry Coaster 810-650-5111 | gmcshades@gmail.com GMC RV Shades, Day/Night Shades, Exterior Window Covers
Grandview Motorhome Inc. Tom & Nina Lee Hampton 937-644-4238 | info@grandviewmotorhome.com grandviewmotorhome.com Restoration, service, and repair exclusively for GMCs Ken Henderson 229-924-0851 | hend4800@bellsouth.net www.gmcwipersetc.com Electric Windshield Wiper Kits Dave & Mary Lenzi 810-653-3902 | mlenzi@charter.net Hubs, Knuckles, Brakes, Steering Gears, and Copper Gaskets
More photos of the Convention available at: gmcmi.com/2018-fall-photos/
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Overall Fastest Time Laurie Burton
GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM
“BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE” LADIES LUNCHEON The ladies had a wonderful time learning about snowflakes, snowmen and women, fun facts, great food, and door prizes! Ladies brought mittens to adorn the “mitten tree” which were donated to the local area. A big thank you to the Ladies of GMCMI, our first lady of GMCMI Emcee Eileen Edwards, Ken Frey and Friends who made the chili, and Lori Ferrara who prepared the remainder of the luncheon.
Raffle Winners Special thank you to all that donated items, as well as those who purchased tickets at Amana. A special thank you to JR and Jeanne Slaten, Teresa Dall, and Bill Helmore for conducting the raffle. All of the proceeds from the raffle go directly to Convention costs which results in keeping the Convention fees down. First Place Prize: 10-$100 dollar bills ($1,000) donated by GMCMI and the winner is Dolph Santorine Second Place Prize: Quadra Bag System (gift certificate value of $1,200) donated by Applied GMC and the winner is Lori Adams Third Place Prize: GMCMI Convention for Two within the Next Two Years donated by GMCMI and the winner is Marvin Miller
Other Raffle Items: “I Like Pig Butts...” Apron Katie Geuin Jackie Barker GMCMI Merchandise Package (value of $100) GMCMI Grace Kanomata Solarpuff Origami Solar Lantern Katie Geuin Mike Kelley Lighted GMC Handle JR & Jeanne Slaten, Classic Coach Lori Ferrara Collapsible Bucket Men’s Gift Basket GMCMI Forest Crow “King of Grill” Apron Katie Geuin Dolph Santorine Collapsible Bucket Women’s Gift Basket GMCMI Mary Lenzi Copper Manifold Gaskets Dave Lenzi Alex Ferrara GMC Pillow Cover Gary & Terry Coaster, GMC RV Shades Lori Adams Leather Wallet Katie Geuin Dennis Carpenter Chantilly Lane Singing Chipmunk GMCMI Christine Moss 50% off Windshield Cover Gary & Terry Coaster, GMC RV Shades Eric Tanner Wood GMC Sign made by Terry Terry & Sonya Null John Reddington
Participants shared titles of books they liked and recommended. Thank you to Sharon Hudspeth for putting together a list of “good reads”. Check out the many book lists available at gmcmi.com/community-book-list/
Two Oil Elbows Springfield Ignition Lori Adams
A big thank you to all that donated items and bought tickets!
FALL 2018
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GMC Motorhome Suppliers List >> FULL SERVICE, PARTS & REPAIR FACILITIES
>> SERVICE & REPAIR FACILITIES
Alex Sirum GMC Jeff Sirum | 863-763-1121 | sirum@gmcmh.com | www.gmcmh.com 1800 Hwy 70E, Okeechobee, FL 34972-3279 Specializing in GMC Motorhome sales, service, repairs & hard to find parts. We ship to all states & Canada. New updates available.
Bob Stone 618-964-9124 Carbondale, IL Service and repair.
Applied GMC Jim Kanomata | 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.appliedgmc.com 38424 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560 Specializing in GMC Service, Repairs and Parts. Final Drives with various gear ratios, Headers, 3" Mandrel Bent Exhaust Parts, Mufflers. Tranny & Engine Replacement. Low every day prices on thousands of RV parts...plus tips and a “free” tech line for assistance.
DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhome Service 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@embarqmail.com | www.djsgmcs.com 233 Northwest Olive, Sheridan OR 97378 Cinnabar certified service and repair. Frank Borrman 519-335-3857 | Fax 519-325-6263 | frank@borrmannsgarage.com 86924 Brussels Line, Bluevale, ON N0G 1G0, Canada Complete gmc mechanical service and repair.
Cooperative Motor Works Jim Bounds | 407-857-5777 | 877-275-4462 coopmotorworks@yahoo.com | www.gmccoop.com 6101 Anno Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809 Information, parts & service for the GMC Motorhome. Repair and maintenance to Full Renovations available. Read more on our web site.
Grandview Motorhome Tom Hampton | 937-644-4238 | info@grandviewmotorhome.com www.grandviewmotorhome.com 13880 Weaver Road, Marysville, Ohio 43040 Restoration, service, and repair exclusively for GMCs. SS brake and tranny lines.
Golby Motor Corp 352-793-7000 | golby@golbymotorcorp.com www.golbymotorcorp.com 3375 County Rd 528, Sumterville, FL 33585 Specializing in GMC Motorhome service, repairs and original body parts. Check out our website today!
Ken L. Frey Auto Repair 215-536-1246 | freyautoken@yahoo.com www.kenlfreyautorepair.com 1669 N. Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown PA 18951 Service and repair of GMC Motorhomes.
Visit the GMC Motorhome Store www.thegmcmhstore.com 28
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>> COMMERCIAL PARTS SUPPLIERS Alex Sirum GMC Jeff Sirum | 863-763-1121 | sirum@gmcmh.com | www.gmcmh.com 1800 Hwy 70E, Okeechobee, FL 34972-3279 Specializing in GMC Motorhome sales, service, repairs & hard to find parts. We ship to all states & Canada. New updates available. Applied GMC Jim Kanomata | 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.appliedgmc.com 38424 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560 Specializing in GMC Service, Repairs and Parts. Final Drives with various gear ratios, Headers, 3" Mandrel Bent Exhaust Parts, Mufflers. Tranny & Engine Replacement. Low every day prices on thousands of RV parts...plus tips and a “free” tech line for assistance. Cooperative Motor Works Jim Bounds | 407-857-5777 | 877-275-4462 coopmotorworks@yahoo.com | www.gmccoop.com 6101 Anno Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809 Information, parts & service for the GMC Motorhome. Repair and maintenance to Full Renovations available. Read more on our web site. Gateway Motorhome 636-931-8282 | 800-654-0374 | www.gmcmotorhomeparts.com 4897 Schumacher Rd, High Ridge, MO 63049 Large selection of GMC parts. Ship daily. Golby Motors 407-859-9000 info@golbymotorcorp.com | www.golbymotorcorp.com 485 E. Donegan Avenue, Kissimmee, FL 34744 Specializing in GMC Motorhome service, repairs and original body parts. Check out our website today!
>> OTHER PART SUPPLIERS Alan Henderson | Large Format Electrical Diagrams info@midgacomputers.com www.bdub.net/GMC_Motorhome_Wiring_Diagrams.pdf Large format electrical diagrams. Honda EV4010 and EV6010 mounting templates at full scale. Albert Branscombe | Parking Brakes | $525 519-368-7129 | branscoa@bmts.com | www.bdub.net/branscombe/ 33 Rae Street, P.O. Box 44,Tiverton, ON, N0G 2T0 CANADA All SS/Alum/Teflon kit, includes all cables, pulleys, brackets. Also, Air Powered Actuator kit – $575. Disc brake parking caliper kit -$475. Complete instructions included. 10 year warranty. Bill Bryant 914-475-2916 | gmc.bill@gmail.com 374 Overlook Road, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 GMC Motorhome Historian. DVDs and CDs available on the history, dealer showroom videos and workprint. Flashdrive now available with the history, dealer showroom videos, and workprint for $45. Blaine Merrell 765-522-3241 | dsekula@tds.net | www.bdub.net/blainemerrell/ 101 Way West Airpark, Bainbridge, IN 46105-9449 Front window screens, wind wings, lower radiator guard.
Bob Burkitt 513-530-5021 | Fax 513-530-5023 | rburkitt@cinci.rr.com www.bdub.net/bobburkitt/ 11382 Marlette Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249-2210 New screen door and Birch door replacement parts. Classic Coaches & Accessories, LLC JR Slaten | 502-836-2097 | jrslaten27@gmail.com www.bdub.net/slaten 7702 Old Third Street Road, Louisville KY 40214-0341 Engine Oil Cooler Lines, Engine Oil Cooler Stainless Steel Rigid Tube Set Exact, Lighted Entry Handles, Power Level II Leveling Valve Set (1973 thru early 77) Custom Instrument Panels Mac McNeal | 704-985-0171 | cipdash@sbcglobal.net www.custominstrumentpanels.com 28585 Valley Drive, Albemarle, NC 28001 Custom instrument panels and instruments. Dave Lenzi 810-653-3902 | mlenzi@charter.net 2285 Montague Road, Davison MI 48423-9103 Steering components, leveler linkage, leveler valve rebuilding, embossed copper exhaust gasket. DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhomes DJ Eberhart| 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@embarqmail.com www.djsgmc.com 233 NW Olive, Sheridan, Or 97378 New and used GMC parts. DL Design Store Terry Taylor | 510-276-5111 | n6mon@pacbell.net www.dldesignstore.com 801 Via Manzanas, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 GMC Model Name Emblems, personalized GMC paraphernalia. DMAR Enterprises | Stainless Steel Tanks Jim DeMaere | 403-329-3091 2812 – 48th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B3 SS replacement air and water heater tanks. Frank Jenkins | Fiberglass & Aluminum Parts 352-485-1397 | NEW NUMBER – 352-281-8082 Cell gmcfrank@yahoo.com | http://geocities.ws/gmcfrank/ 18214 NE 21st Street, Gainesville, FL 32609 GMC fiberglass & aluminum fabrication. Instrument panels, bumper covers, toolboxes, grills, skirts and flares, radiator fan shrouds. Gary Bovee 530-200-6247 | gary.bovee@gmcidiotsguide.com www.gmcidiotsguide.com 12495 Muller Avenue, Red Bluff, CA 96080 Alternator & A/C belt tensioners, Electronic Ignition Kit (Onan 4KW & 6KW), GMC valve stem caps, and Headlight & Turn Signal alarms. Gary Kosier 740-366-1833 | gkosier@roadrunner.com | www.bdub.net/kosier 534 Welcome Drive, Newark, OH 43055-9615 Bogie Greaser Kit, Awning Protector. GMC RV Shades (formerly Guske Sales) Gary Coaster | 810-650-5111 | gmcshades@gmail.com 2600 Knob Hill Drive, Reno, NV 89502 “Guske” Day/Night shades custom fitted for GMC Motorhomes, outside window covers.
GMC Motorhome Suppliers List | continued Jim Hupy 503-362-1583 | jamesh1296@gmail.com | www.bdub.net/jhupy/ 1754 82nd Avenue SE, Salem, OH 97317 | Master Cylinder Power Bleeder and Remote Controlled Wireless Air Suspension System. John Biwersi | Engine Cooling Fan | Direct Replacement 651-779-6498 | jbiwersi@mac.com 2938 N Mary St, Maplewood, MN 55109-1671 For all GMCMH that have the original steel blade fan. It is the same OD and pitch but has 10 blades instead of 7. Hub is steel and blades are molded nylon, this is not a “flexfan”. “Made in the USA” and is 100 % precision balanced to minimize vibration to the fan clutch and water pump. John Richardson 850-830-6100 | jrichsr@aol.com | P.O. Box 5191, Niceville, FL 32578 AMSoil synthetic motor oil. CamShield ZDDP motor oil additive. Ken Henderson | Electric Windshield Wiper Kit | $300 229-924-0851 | hend4800@bellsouth.net | www.gmcwipersetc.com 110 O’Hara Road, Americus, GA 31719-2140 GMC Motorhome Electric Windshield Wiper Kit. All mechanical and electrical parts to install your locally purchased electric motor w/ intermittent sweep. Free shipping for GMC Club members.
Variety Ventures Dan Stuckey | 519-844-2083 | stuckey@brktel.on.ca Box 105 3249 Inwood Road, Inwood, Ontario Canada N0N 1K0 New Main Frame Components (side rails, cross members, H-frames) DIY or I install, Macerator kits.
Classifieds >> GMC MOTORHOMES FOR SALE 1973 Custom GMC Canyon Lands Handicap Accessible OH | $27,900 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Rebuilt final drive, transmission, good frame, sleeps 4, new dash, handicap shower and toilet, Alcoa wheels. tom@grandviewmotorhome.com | 937-537-1612
Kerry Pinkerton – K.I.S.S. Shelf | $21.50 A simple aluminum tray that hooks over the lip under either of your front hoods to hold tools, parts, or whatever. Kerry Pinkerton | 256-859-2999 | pinkertonk@mchsi.com
1973 Canyon Land IA | $17,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Entire interior removed, refinished as needed, and reinstalled. New roof A/C unit, Magic Chief 4 burner cook top, Domedic frig/freezer, Suburban furnace, and a Surflow water pump. Outside paint is older. But nice. Bob Dunahugh | 319-521-4891 | yenko108@hotmail.com
Manny’s Transmissions | Torsion Bar Unloading Tool Manny Trovao | 408-937-1583 | mannystrans@gmail.com Rebuilt THM425 Transmission, Switch Pitch Converter, Power Drive, 3.21:1 Final Drive, One-Ton Front End, New Steering Box, Reaction Disk Brake System, Torsion Bar Pork Chops
1975 Eleganza II FL | $18,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Turn key, ready to go! Many upgrades, new vinyl flooring, day/night shades, twin beds with lots of storage. Mike | MGMauch@gmail.com | 561-718-2614
New Aluminum Radiator | $799 Jim Buchanan | 828-464-5105 | gmcmei@charter.net PO Box 893, Conover, NC 28613-0893 Modern radiator designed specifically for your GMC Motorhome. Easy installation, dependable cooling. Ships for less than $40.
1975 Glenbrook – Price Lowered IN | $18,900 $19,900 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Oldsmobile 455 engine, 105,000 miles on chassis, Onan generator, engine is up-to-date and well-maintained, plus stored inside. Check gmcmi.com for additional information. Dan Funk | dan.funk@yahoo.com | 812-453-4988
Paul Bennett 803-799-4323 | bennettpz@aol.com | www.bdub.net/paulbennett 216 Old Forge Road, Chapin, SC 29036-9751 Jack pads, air bag lifters. Center line hitch ($439.50 plus shipping) designed exclusively for the GMC. Mounts through center of the bumper. Easy bolt on install with no welding. Rance Baxter 814-228-3800 | rancefi@frontiernet.net | www.rancefi.com 230 Mountain View Road, Genesee, PA 16923-9725 Port fuel injection, Cadillac and Oldsmobile engine cores, and 425 transmission/ final drive cores. Springfield Performance Ignition Dick Paterson | 705-325-4554 | Fax 705-325-3569 dick@paterson-gmc.com | www.paterson-gmc.com 3956 Line 11 North, RR#3, Coldwater, Ontario, Canada LOK 1EO Re-curved distributors. Rebuilt carburetors, engines, transmissions. Wire sets, HEI conversion. TZE Zone Restorations John R. Wright | 989-859-0715 | powerjon@chartermi.net 1196 E Olson Road, Midland, MI 48640-8610 Front Air Dam, Bolt kits for bumpers, axles, exhaust manifolds, and header. 30
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1975 Glenbrook & 1978 VW Karman Convertible! photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com WA | $22,500 GMC and $14,000 VW | GMC-custom exterior paint, new dash, floors furnace, refrig, sink, faucet, countertop, headliner, see website for complete list. VW-70,910 miles, fuel injection, original paint, interior dash, etc. Stored in garage. Elaine | 509-375-3432 1976 Glenbrook – Price Lowered photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com MN | $21,000 $27,000 | 93,000 miles. This coach is road worthy. We have spent almost two years having professions make repair and improvements. This spring, the coach was reviewed by a professional for all kinds of little things to get all systems as perfect as possible. See website for complete list. Greg | gmc.bus@yahoo.com 1976 Glenbrook – Price Lowered NY | $13,000 entertain all offers $14,999 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com About 54K mi; owned by former GMCMI board member, George DelVecchio. Dinette w/captain chairs; kitchen w/stove, oven, refrig/freezer, sink; rear full-sized bed. Wet bath. Please help George’s wife, Joan, find a new owner for this lovely motorhome! Suzanne (DelVecchio) Glenn | sglenn@juno.com | 214-616-9792
Classified Ads 1976 Palm Beach – Refurbished MI | $20,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com A $35,000 GMC – Dragon Lady for only $20,000! Ready to be driven to Alaska! Engine excellent, Wallace bearings, hub and knuckles great, Alcoa wheels, Zip Dee awnings both sides, Ramco mirrors, maintenance and service records, Cinnabar stored and maintained. Dale Ropp | 810-300-0490
1976 Palm Beach MI | $8,000 OBO | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Front Wheel Drive, Onan Generator, 454/455 Engine, 114,871 miles, Rebuilt and upgraded final drive transmission at 85,000 miles, Roof air, Not driven much in last 10 years, original manual and updated information from GMC International. Located in Mesa, AZ. Rolly Bloomfield | 480-357-8699 1976 Royale OH | $18,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Major mechanical upgrades, original owner, stored inside, spare parts, shop manuals and part manuals. Dan Rouster | danrouster@gmail.com | 513-312-1906 1977 Eleganza II OR | $29,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com This motorhome is completely original and in amazing condition! Having always been garage kept, it is as-new inside and out as they come. Upholstery is fantastic! Mechanically ready with only 65,000 miles. Newer chrome wheels with good tires, flatscreen TV. Tow package and air conditioning that works very well! We are selling this vehicle for a life-long friend. Elan Davis | 503-231-1940
1978 Royale CA | $26,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 116,000 approx. miles. Many upgrades. Engine replaced at 55,000. Has been lovingly cared for with most all systems replaced or upgraded. Well known in the GMC Community and she has seen many rallies.We have had many wonderful memories in the 11 years we have owned this coach and have met a great many people in the GMC Community. Our life has taken us in a different direction and we have decided to go with a bigger coach. Jackie or Paul Jones | jmariejo@msn.com | 661-821-9815 or 360-813-4919 1978 Royale CT | $17,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Very good condition, ready to travel. Has many extras including awnings and shower. Call for more information. Roderick White | roderick.m.white@snet.net | 860-434-2673 1978 Royale photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com OR | $20,000 | Beautiful coach inside and out. No mechanical issues. All systems work. Dave Tolle | 661-904-6781 | dave.tolle@sweethome.k12.or.us 1978 Royale – Giant Price Slash! PA | $21,700 $26,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Joe Ekl’s coach, the “Key Man”. Rebuilt 403 engine with 100 miles. Thorley headers, 4 bag suspension, macerator, great paint job, rear bath with tub and shower, new gas/elec frig and new blinds. Check gmcmi.com for additional information. Frances Ekl | 724-864-1233
1977 Royale BC | $22,900 USD | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Dry side bath, rear twin beds with new custom mattresses, 97,500 miles, over 20 years of maintenance records. Doug Brown | dbca@telus.net | 250-307-0661 “Just wanted to inform you that the GMC Royale I listed sold today [one monthly later] for the k asking price of $29,900! I can’t than – this on help r you for you enough ers what a GREAT service to GMC own hes! coac who are trying to sell their can Thanks again for the help and you ” ads! sold the to now move the ad – Jim
1977 Royale MO | $10,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 53,000 miles, rear full bath, many updates, cabinet doors removed for refinishing. Needs a good home. I bought to refurbish, but found that I’m not up to the task. Larry | turtlebutt_k@yahoo.com | 651-260-9037 or 651-343-0046 1978 Eleganza MI | $25,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Mechanically sound with 40,000 miles on the engine and 120,000 on the coach. The coach drives like a dream, check website ad for list of many upgrades. Greg Smith | gsmith7859@aol.com | 313-886-8546 1978 Eleganza II NY | $10,000 entertain all offers | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Original w/ 112K Mi; Wet hot kit and bath; rear bedroom w/full; sofa and dinette convert to sleep many; lots storage; owned by mechanical engineer, George DelVecchio. Suzanne (DelVecchio) Glenn | sglenn@juno.com | 214-616-9792
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GMCMI members can place an ad in this quarterly magazine and on the gmcmi.com website free-of-charge! HH HHH GMC Motorhome classified ads can include MEMBER up to nine photos on the website. BENEFIT HH HH H Email your ad to admin@gmcmi.com.
FALL 2018
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Classified Ads | continued
Checked Inventory | OH I have new 26 ft side frame rails $795.00 each. Good used front engine clips. $1000.00 to $1200.00. Used rear bumper clips $500.00 to $650.00. Rear window panel one with glass one with out glass $400 to $600. Tom Hampton | 937-644-4238 Parts from 1977 Kingsley | SC Six side windows, propane tank, three-burner stove w/oven, furnace, over stove vent w/lights, front dinette seats, table and engine air cleaner. Duane Weber | 843-817-1120 Transmission | TX Used transmission for 455 – unknown condition for $200. Craig Bennett | 940-387-6258 | srvhm1@gmail.com
>> WANTED Zip Dee Awning Factory Original Good condition for a 1973 Painted Desert. Frank Shepherd | candoez007@aol.com
Original Front Seats for 75 -78 TZE I have the angle base and will probably need the late base, I can make new base if necessary. Carl Shemwell | 517-499-3862 Stretched GMC Stretch done ahead of the rear wheels. Any year considered. No Projects. Norm Shier | 510-703-1620 | essasiv@aol.com GMCMH Cockpit Table Peg Colf | 716-542-3661 | gma2cstc@yahoo.com Want to sell your GMC Motorhome? Want to sell your GMC Motorhome? Call Buddy Bethune at Bethune Sales Co. We cover the US and Canada. Buddy Bethune | 704-892-1234 | www.bethunesales.com
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Your GMC Motorhome Information Source... gmcmi.com
Clean Chrome Bumpers For 26' 1973 GMC Canyonlands (both front and back) If found in the Midwest, I can pick them up. Doug Smith | 402-416-3585 (Lincoln, NE) | dsmithy18@gmail.com
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Engine Gantry/Hoist | NV GMC engine installation and removal gantry. Used once and works well. (For removal through the entry door.) Comes with chain hoist and dolly. Evan Jones | type3yel@yahoo.com | 702-334-7008
Driver Area Parts Needed Had fire inside 1976 driver side due to a mouse eating the wires. Need dash, front windows, front side windows, front driver side panel, front interior top panel, dash wiring harness… maybe more. Virgil Niess | 206-660-6707
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Parts from Royale and More! | IA Many Royale parts and more! Complete list on gmcmi.com Bob Dunahugh | 319-521-4891 | yenko108@hotmail.com
23' Side Bath Preferred, 26' Considered 455 motor and all mechanical upgrades. Dave Clements | 562-900-4814 | h2ohobo@gmail.com
GMC
>> PARTS/TOW VEHICLES/ETC. FOR SALE
MEMBER
BENEFIT HH HH H
GMCMH Suppliers List, GMCMH Marketplace, Parts Interchange, Manuals, Technical Papers & Presentations, GMCMH History, GMCMH Community Calendar & Cookbook, Photos Community Links to the GMCMH Regional Chapters – GMCMH Registry – GMCMH Black List, and more!
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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM
Order today at thegmcmhstore.com All prices include FREE SHIPPING in the United States and Canada.
2019 Calendar
2019 GMC MOTORHOME COMMUNITY CALENDAR
NEW ITEMS!
2019 GMC Motorhom
e Calendar
8.5" x 11" wall calendar $ 20 each
GMCMH ACTIVITY BOOK
Grandchildren love to work the puzzles and color them! $ 8 each
PINEBLOCK DERBY KIT!
Includes official wood blank, axels, wheels, and instruction sheet. 20 each
$
BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE
Make your collection complete. $ 10 each
GMC MOTORHOME PIN 20 each
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GMCMI FLASHDRIVE
8 gig drive with manuals, drawings, technical info, and more! $ 20 each
GMCMI MEMBERSHIP – PLUS MORE! Give the Gift of Membership and Save Money! Order a GMCMI Membership for only $40 and include the GMCMI Flashdrive for an additional $10!
Gift certificate available via email.
>> Regional GMC Chapters...Join in on the Fun! >> All-GM Show And the Winner is.... 1st place Pete & Patty Robinson | Smithfield, Pennsylvania 2nd place Tom Mraz | Mechanicsville, Virginia 3rd place Philip & Kelly Thompson | Alexandria, Virginia
Had a good time on Saturday, August 11 at the All GM Show in Rockville, Maryland. The logo this year included a GMC Motorhome!
>> GMC 6 Wheelers Celebrate 42 Years! Our October rally consisted of seven GMCs, a sob, and a towable. A good time was had by all and we wished each other a happy and healthy winter until we meet again.
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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM
Best of Show Model of GMC Motorhome was awarded to Eric and Joanna Tanner from Mc Lean, Virginia.
>> GMC Colonial Travelers The October rally took place in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. A typically brisk fall weekend made our small but happy group appreciate the warm meeting room at the campground. We enjoyed some delicious snacks, main entrees, and desserts supplied by our hosts. We posed next to a member’s GMC for a group picture, trying not to show our chattering teeth!
GMCMH Events Calendar
DECEMBER 2018 1 Greater Midwest Classics Holiday Party | gmcmidwestclassics.org 6-8 GMC Saguaro Jetset Rally | gmcsj.com 6-9 GMC Cascaders Christmas Rally | gmc-cascaders.com 7 Tulsa Lunch Bunch 7-9 GMC Sunshine Statesmen Rally | gmcss.com 10-14 GMC Dixielanders Rally | gmcdixielanders.org 11 GMC Central Great Lakers Lunch Bunch
JANUARY 2019 4 Tulsa Lunch Bunch 8 GMC Central Great Lakers Lunch Bunch 10-12 GMC Saguaro Jetset Rally | gmcsj.com 10-13 GMC Sunshine Statesmen and GMC Dixielanders Joint Rally | gmcss.com 24-27 GMC Classics Rally | gmcclassics.com 25-27 GMC Hertiage Cruisers Rally | gmcheritagecruisers.com 25 East Texas Lunch Bunch Read the article in the Charlotte Sun pages A20 and A21 (http://charlottesun.fl.newsmemory.com/) featuring the GMC Sunshine Statesmen’s October rally at the Creekside RV Resort.
>> GMC Heritage Cruisers Rally On November 9-11, the GMC 49ers celebated their 42nd Anniversary in Colfax, California. SPRING 2019 CONVENTION March 22-28 Tallahassee, Florida The GMC Dixielanders and GMC Sunshine Statesmen are utilizing the Convention as their Spring Rally.
FALL 2019 CONVENTION October 4-10 Mansfield, Ohio
REGIONAL CHAPTER OPPORTUNITY Consider utilizing one of the GMCMI Conventions as one of your rallies, it comes with benefits! Contact admin@gmcmi.com for more information.
>> North of Germany An informal GMC gathering in St. Michalisdoon where four GMCs were present. Three from Germany and one from the Netherlands.
FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION Go to gmcmi.com/gmc-calendar/ TO SUBMIT A DATE Email date and information to admin@gmcmi.com
FALL 2018
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 93723
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