GMC Vintage RVing magazine – Fall 2021 by CEVA Design

Fall 2021 | Issue 157

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

A magazine dedicated to promoting the legacy and use of GMC Motorhomes

This Famous Team and a GMC

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There and Back Again Tour Retracing GMCMH Test Trip

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A Big Success! The “Welcome Back Convention”

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Technical Corner

president’s corner

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

GMC Motorhomes International was founded in 1982 by Ralph Luby

We did it! We’re Back!

>> GMC Motorhomes International Admin:1214 N Jefferson Way Ste 352 Indianola, IA 50125 Corporate: 1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit 273 Pharr, TX 78577 | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com | gmcmi.com >> GMC Vintage RVing Magazine Published quarterly for members of GMC Motorhomes International. Managing Editor | Graphic Designer Kimberlea Weeks | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com Editor | Janet Frey | 215-536-9064 freyjanetr@yahoo.com Technical Editor | Randy Van Winkle 417-429-5925 | rlvanwin@gmail.com >> Online Version Flipbook of the magazine is available online at gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving >> Submission Please send articles and newly found part numbers to the managing editor. >> 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. ©2021 GMC Motorhomes International

2020-21 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

John Pryzbylek VP Great Lakes

John Smyrski Director

Lucy Weidner VP Midwest

Keith Weeks Director

Emery Stora VP Rocky Mountain

Stan Edwards Past President

Non-Discrimination Statement: GMCMI is committed to maintaining an environment of non-discrimination and noncoercion on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, handicap, or political preferences.

Dolph Santorine

The Welcome Back Convention in Chippewa Falls was a resounding success. It was a fun time for all that attended. We had 100 registrations and 75 coaches were on-site, which just happened to adjoin the Leinenkugel brewery. Truly great camaraderie and fun! We are all happy that we are free to move around the country again, and I am hoping that our Canadian friends will be with us at upcoming events. Believe me, you were missed.

Every time I think that the technical sessions can’t get any better, they do. We had presentations of the highest calibre put on by members who are passionate about their motorhomes and sharing with other members. The technical program is the flagship presentation of GMC Motorhomes International. The summaries in this issue of GMC Vintage RV’ing are here as a review for those who attended. I hope that they might encourage those of you who have not joined us at a Convention to come on by! There are things that you just can’t get from a video or online. Knowledge that is conveyed faceto-face, person-to-person has a special dimension. Questions and comments that would never be asked in a Zoom call or online are common. Also, you can’t get “hey, come look at this” from a forum posting. In this issue is a feature with a terrific first hand account of Anheuser Busch’s use of a GMC Motorhome as another “mobile ambassador” back in the day. It was originally scheduled to be a presentation at Chippewa Falls, but was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute.

“We Did it! We’re Back!” – DOLPH SANTORINE, GMCMI PRESIDENT

Greg and Rainy Birch did entertaining and informational presentation about re-tracing his grandparents road trip to test the GMC Motorhome. The third installment of the written version is in this issue of GMC Vintage RV’ing!

The next Convention is Cajun Crazy in Patterson, Louisiana April 22-28, 2022, followed by our Fall gathering in September in Lebanon, Tennessee. I urge you to get them on both on your calendar.

Also, if you know GMC Motorhome owners who are not members of GMCMI, ask them to join. It’s the best investment they can make in their motorhome. Plus you receive a $10 GMCMI gift certificate for the referral! It’s a good time to renew your membership as well (it’s that time of the year). Like I said, it’s the best investment you can make in your motorhome. The current GMCMI leadership team has been carried over, and we are maintaining the same Board of Directors. The next election will be at the GMCMI 40th Anniversary Convention this fall in Tennessee. Organizations like GMCMI thrive because people like you step up and bring fresh enthusiasm and perspective to the living, breathing thing that is our Board. Can I count on seeing you on the leadership team?

GMCMI Membership Status stands at 982.

Chippewa Falls was the Convention that had to be. Now it’s time to pick up where we were before we were rudely interrupted by COVID. Onward. What’s Next? Cajun Crazy in Patterson, Louisiana. It will also be used as a rally for the GMC Classics, the GMC Dixielanders and the GMC Flatlanders. See you there! That sounds like new friends, great tech discussions and a party to me. I hope to see you there!

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CONTENTS WINTER 2020

CONTENTS

GMCMI . . . A New Era

FA L L 2 0 2 1

The Anheuser-Busch Sales DEPARTMENTS Training and Hospitality Coach 2 President’s Corner

10 FMCA Report

11 GMCMH Vendor Profile 12 GMC Motorhome History 13 Technical Corner 22 12

GMCMH Suppliers List

24 Classified Ads 26 Regional GMCMH Activities

BEWARE OF CONTENTS SCAMS WINTER 2020 DEPARTMENTS

27 GMCMH Events Calendar

GMCMI . . . A New Era

2 9 21 22 30 32 34 35

President’s Corner GMCMH Member Profile 2022 GMCMI Dues Notice Technical Corner GMCMH Suppliers List Classified Ads Regional GMCMH Activities GMCMH Events Calendar

DEPARTMENTS There and Back Again Tour

2 President’s Corner Retracing the Cross Country Test Trip 10 FMCA Report

BEWARE OF Reminiscing The Past, Living the Present, andSCAMS Looking Forward to the Future.

11 GMCMH Vendor Profile

12 GMC Motorhome History

13 Technical CornerON THE COVER Pictured along the banks of Lake Pepin on the 2021 Minnesota

22 18

sideList looking at Wisconsin is a 1976 Palm Beach owned by WELCOME Tim and Niki GMCMH Suppliers BACK GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Anderson of Hugo, Minnesota. This coach features a rear bed, wet bath, side CONVENTION kitchen with oak countertop along with bunks above the sofa. The coach is mostly original interior with the original paint job on the outside plus Alcoa 26 Regional GMCMH Activities wheels, recently rebuilt 455 engine, Carefree awning, Sully style air bags, Held September 24-30, 2021 | Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin 27 GMCMH Events Calendar and air horn. They purchased it in 2013 with ~40,000 miles on the odometer from friends of the original owners in Kansas. They plan on installing fuel injection this Spring in preparation for a trip from Minnesota to California. When not on vacation, almost every other weekend from spring thru fall they travel to campgrounds, car shows, parades, pumpkin patch, tailgating at the racetrack, GMC rallies, and all sorts of other activities. They proudly show their coach at the car shows. Pictured are Cooper (9), Logan (7), Nash (5), and Remington aka Remi the golden doodle (3 months).

24 Classified Ads

SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2021 CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN

WINTER 2020

FALL 2021

GMC MOTORHOMES

Keep informed about GMCMI Events and Members. Join us at facebook.com/ GMCMI

Read the flipbook version of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine online at gmcmi.com

Beinformed part of the Keep about GMC Community GMCMI Events Facebook page by and Members. sharing photos of Joinour us at our GMCs, facebook.com/ GMCs, adventures adventures andand GMCMI those important technical questions. Join us at facebook.com/ groups/vintage gmcmotorhomes/ Read the flipbook version of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine online at gmcmi.com Technical Support, Parts Interchange, History and More! GMCMI.com Be part of the GMC Community Facebook page by sharing photos of our GMCs, adventures and Shop for specialized those important GMCMH items and technicalmagazines! questions. previous Join us at thegmcmhstore.com facebook.com/ groups/vintage INTERNATIONAL 3 gmcmotorhomes/

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The Anheuser-Busch Sales Training and Hospitality Coach BY TOM MICHALSEN | FISH CREEK, WISCONSIN | FUTURE GMC MOTORHOME OWNER

Dear GMCMI members, I regret missing the GMCMI Fall Convention in Chippewa Falls, as Sharon and I were looking forward to meeting you all and rekindling our happy times with the GMC Motorhome. It was extremely thoughtful to receive the very kind sympathy card for the loss of my colleague to Covid. Thank you. Now, however, I would like to share my experiences with the GMC/Anheuser-Busch Motorhome. But first a little background on how I became involved with the coach.

I was hired by the St. Louis brewery in late 1977 just after my 23rd birthday. In those years Anheuser-Busch (A-B) was critically concerned with the success of Miller Lite and the market share gains it was making; especially within the young adult/college market segments. Those gains, along with the market perception of Budweiser being your “Father’s Beer”, led them to hire a national task force of recent college grads to promote new brands. After six weeks of six days a week product training in St. Louis, and promoting the new brands (Natural Light and Busch Premium) across the country I was assigned to the Chicago Branch to initiate sponsored brand events and develop relationships with the DePaul, Loyola, and Northwestern university athletic departments. Because as we all know from the commercials, the elite athletes all drink beer! In April 1978 my boss told me I was being sent to California to train on some new coach the company bought that ultimately would be based in Chicago. I had no idea what it was all about, but when the vehicle picked me up at Los Angeles International Airport, I was stunned! I had never seen a motorhome like this before. The gold “A in Eagle” logo was set into a jet-black gloss reverse and the tan branding in red reverse script. And what was all over the roof? My trainer said, “get in, you are going to learn everything this coach has and how to drive it”. All through southern California expressways, highways, and two-lane roads! I guess it was baptism by fire…if I passed driving it here, they would maybe say I was good to go. That afternoon I became acquainted with what was on board, and was advised the coach ran the brewery $65,000, “so don’t screw anything up”.

1980 Mickey Mantle and 1979 Natural Light Beer print ads.

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I am sure my first drive experience was a lot like other GMCMI members. Other than learning to account for the length when turning, changing lanes, parking, and relying on all your mirrors, it was an absolute ease to drive with well-mannered handling, acceleration, and stopping. And what a ride! So composed and quiet. Well, I passed, and can now describe some of my unique “on the road experiences with the GMC Motorhome”.

Here is what the GMC “Sales Training and Hospitality Coach” was equipped with: Rooftop • Two A/C units • 6’ x 8’ Clamshell Storage unit • Crank-up TV Antenna • Front and sides speaker system Inside (I later learned this was a 1977 Kingsley.) • Microphone to use roof speakers as a PA system • 8-track player for inside or the roof speakers • Numerous tapes of A-B jingles and commercial songs. Remember “Here Comes the King, Here Comes the Big Number One”?! Or how about “Weekends Were Made for Michelob”?! I must have heard those 3,000 times. • A three-sink system to train on-premise accounts in cleaning beer glasses • Sony Trinitron TV which rolled out of its cabinet on a drawer; then swiveled to face front seating • Sony Beta-Max! Yes…more commercials and stars encouraging everyone to drink A-B products. Ed McMahon, Paul Newman, Lou Rawls, Norm Crosby.

Young Tom Michalsen at a mere 220 lbs with dark hair. How things have changed in 42 years!

A gorgeous pic of the coach in front of “Chances R” in Hyde Park Chicago. Not every tavern got the full window paint treatment. One of the largest Michelob draught accounts in the city long ago. No graphics wrap on the coach those days! All stencil painted. The account manager pictured, Herbie Butler, and I put on a “beer clean glass” seminar inside the coach. A 3-sink system: Soak, TSP brush wash, Rinse. And of course, with a Betamax video playing on the Sony Trinitron of Ed McMahon speaking of the virtues of beer clean glassware!

Ed McMahon Budweiser commerical: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQe2h5xmUI4

• Quarter barrel refrigerator to serve draught beer • Large refrigerator (no freezer) for packaged beer • Vacuum System Outside • Just the gorgeous paint • Rear ladder • Entry side awning. Dometic as I recall. Also printed with the A in Eagle logo in red. • Onan generator

A little better look at the sound system. Played 8 track Anheuser-Busch music from TV and radio commercials. Or one could use the microphone from inside to speak to the crowds. I’m here with Mike Bragg, punter from the Washington Redskins.

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The Clydesdales Did You Know...

• The Budweiser Clydesdales are given short names, such as Duke, Mark, and Bud; to make it easier for the driver to give commands to the horses during a performance. • Each of the Clydesdales’ handcrafted harnesses and collars weigh approximately 130 pounds. • Budweiser Clydesdales’ horseshoes measure more than 20 inches from end to end and weigh about 5 pounds. • Expert groomers travel on the road with the hitch at least 10 months out of the year. Another team oversees their diet; each hitch horse will consume as much as 20 to 25 quarts of whole grains, minerals, and vitamins; 50 to 60 pounds of hay, and up to 30 gallons of water on a warm day. • When it comes time to travel to an appearance, 10 horses; the famous red, white, and gold beer wagon; and other essential equipment are transported in three 50-foot tractor-trailers. The horse trailers have air-cushioned suspension, thick rubber flooring, and cameras for monitoring. The team stops each night at local stables so the “gentle giants” can rest. • The team also travels with hitch drivers, who endure a lengthy training process before they assume the prestigious role of a Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch Driver. Driving the combined 12 tons of wagon and horses requires expert skill and physical strength. The 40 pounds of lines held by the driver plus the tension of the horses pulling creates a weight of more than 75 pounds. • The turn-of-the-century beer wagons are equipped with two braking systems: a hydraulic pedal device that slows the vehicle for turns and downhill descents, and a hand-brake that locks the rear wheels when the wagon is at a halt. • They first appeared in the Super Bowl in 1986, and have since appeared in more than 25 Super Bowl commercials for the company.

Mardi-Gras 1978 and 1979

The assignment was to follow the Clydesdale hitch during two weeks of parades each year. The very first day I get a call at the motel. Two of New Orleans finest are there to give the Hitch Team and Motorhome a motorcycle escort to the parade start! As we know, anything goes in “Naahlins” so when they ask for a roadie, it’s granted which is promptly secured between their thighs on the Harleys, and off we go, sirens blazing. The parades are all the same; creep behind the horses, hand out necklaces, play the music, and avoid the horse plops. However, one day, to our amazement a woman came rushing from the crowd and scooped up barehanded a Clydesdale leave-behind! Then stuck it in her purse and fell back into the crowd. I told my passenger, “take the wheel, I have to go find this lady”. When I did, she was elated to finally have the prize. It was to be dried, shellacked, and mounted on a plaque for display in her den. OK then! Some nights are spent with hitch team members on the GMC relaxing with a cold one and listening to their stories of life on the road with the horses. The love they had for those animals was so evident. They would spend 16 hours a day feeding, grooming, readying them for semi travel, and hitch duty. I think they enjoyed the comfort of the GMC after a long day, and my memories of them, especially Mr. Walt Brady, are joyous.

• Dalmatians were known as coach dogs because they ran between the wheels of coaches or carriages and were companions to the horses. Since the 1950s, Dalmatians have traveled with the Budweiser Clydesdales hitch, perched atop the wagon proudly seated next to the driver.

On the way back from Mardi Gras 1979 in the GMC. Saw this at a gas station in central Illinois and thought it would be fun to get it developed before returning to the A-B office. Gave it to my boss saying I encountered a small propane issue on the way back. He stared at it seriously for five seconds before getting the joke. 6

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National Restaurant Show, McCormick Place 1978. My job was to entice restaurant owners to have A-B products on tap. Lots of sample tastings. But who walks down the aisle but recent decathlon winner Bruce Jenner with his girlfriend on his arm. I ask If I can take a picture of them, and he says no but he’ll take one of me with his girlfriend! Hmmmmm.

The Sales Training and Hospitality Coach in full hospitality mode pregame Notre Dame vs. Miami 1979. Note the top of the coach; two roof air conditioners, a large clamshell storage unit between them, and a full speaker system at the front, just ahead of a crank up TV antenna.

Harry Caray for Mayor of Rush Street Promotion 1979 We printed up promotional ballots for all the Rush Street Bars asking patrons to elect Harry the official Mayor of all his haunts. Little did they know that we would be bringing Harry by on election day for persuasion. I picked up Harry and his wife Dutchie in the GMC at the ballpark after he had just finished calling a doubleheader. I had previously hosted him at three Notre Dame football games on the GMC, so I was a familiar face and he was good with names. “Haay Tommy…how the heck are ya”? Great, of course, but not 100 yards down the road, a car pulls up on our right with the driver waving a can of Stroh’s out the window at us. “Tommy! Curb that guy now”!! “Tommy! Where’s that Microphone”?! He gets on the mic…” Hey you! Pull Over”! So, I do end up curbing the guy. At which point Harry goes in the fridge, pulls out a six-pack of Bud, jumps out of the coach, and approaches the Stroh’s guy. “Why don’t you stop drinking that horse piss and drink a real beer”? And gives him the six-pack. To this day I am sure that guy is telling the story of the GMC/A-B Motorhome, Harry Caray, and the command to drink Budweiser. Later in the evening, Harry signed autographs in the GMC after hitting all the polling places. And he was duly elected!

Unfortunately, a blurry pic of A-B branch manager Don Niestrom, Harry Caray, and baseball great Jimmy Piersall. Had them and their spouses aboard for three ND games. I’d be laughing so hard at times I had to concentrate on staying on the road! But the GMC was my coach and responsibility which I took seriously. Never once enjoyed the product when performing my training or hospitality duties.

Akron, Ohio Summer 1979 This was not a trip I looked forward to. The sole function was to drive to the Akron/Canton Airport and transport President and CEO August Busch III and his executive team to the Firestone Country Club. Then the following day to the dedication of a new environmentally controlled distributor warehouse. I am on the tarmac with the GMC and when August walks up he immediately says “give me the keys”. At once the responsibilities of my training and obligation to care for this expensive vehicle caused me to pause. I could just imagine giving them to him and being hit with “do you let any untrained individual drive my motorhome?” At last he demanded “GIVE ME THE KEYS”, so I did. He then proceeded to drive fast and recklessly to the golf club. All his team had seating. I stood arms braced between the closet and bathroom doors, hanging on to avoid falling.

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Churchill Downs 1980. My bride 6 months pregnant with our first son. (photo had damage to the “u” in Anheuser. That script was gold!). The Derby is a separate story altogether.

Kentucky Derby May 1980 Here, I was tasked to figure out a way to get the motorhome positioned directly in front of the main spectator entrance to Churchill Downs – strictly as an advertising strategy. The owner of the distributorship in Louisville (Luavul) suggested I find out who ran the parking there and speak to him. Driving the GMC down I-65 in one shot was a breeze, even though that stretch is still notorious for being narrow with a lot of crosswinds, high rig traffic, and constant construction repairs. Such secure feedback from the GMC! And the big rig drivers absolutely loved the coach. Always many air horn blasts from them on the interstates! Anyways, I am there a week before actual Derby Day, find the parking head, and reach an agreement if I show up every day prior to and including race day, and give him $40 each morning, he would keep me at that pole position at the entrance. He was good to his word. My bride was six months pregnant with our first for race day. Many A-B big shots showed up, so my hospitality face was full on. And as usual, my role was to care for the coach and stay with it; I rarely attended actual events such as football games, marathons, tennis tournaments, etc. So, all the brewery people go in, my wife included. But lucky me stays behind, vacuuming, picking up cups, wiping down surfaces, and emptying ash trays. While doing this there is a knock on the open coach door and a well-dressed gentleman asks if I can do him a favor. I ask what, and he says, “Will you be so kind to keep Miss Eden’s champaign chilled while we attend the race”? I look behind him and there standing four feet away is the beautiful Barbara Eden in all her Derby glory. She smiles and says “Please”? I almost melted away right there and am pretty sure I would have had she blinked her eyes. You bet I kept that bottle chilled and made sure not to tell any A-B big shot about it for fear they would steal my moment giving it back to her! Well, she returned, looked inside the coach and noted how lovely it was while thanking me. Absolutely the best event I never attended!

Having just pulled into the Notre Dame football parking lot, Harry Caray was eager to ensure all the security workers were aware that the coach should be toured for a free Budweiser. 8

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A GMCMI Member Profile BY JANET FREY | GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE EDITOR

Kansas City Fall 1980 Like Akron, my job was to drive the GMC from Chicago to Kansas City to transport August Busch Jr. (Gussie) and his entourage to the American Horseman Show. He was the patriarch of the empire, famously growing the brewery to the world’s largest from the 1920’s to 1970’s. When prohibition ended in 1933, he commanded the Clydesdale Team to haul the first case of Budweiser down Pennsylvania Avenue and deliver it to President Roosevelt. He was 80-years-old now, but in my mind the III’s apple probably didn’t fall too far from the tree. Well, thankfully it was a completely opposite experience. When I drove the party of 12 to the fairground, he told me “you’re coming with us”. I sat with his friends during the show and they all treated me as if I belonged. When later dropping them off for dinner at the famous steak house, Gussie again said I was to join them, so there I sat a few chairs down from this gregarious magnate and his very nice friends. Gussie was the man who coined the company slogan “Making Friends is our Business”, and he lived by that. And all I knew was that I couldn’t help but make friends driving a GMC Motorhome packed with Budweiser!

And who are GMCMI members TOM & SHARON MICHALSEN? Tom and his wife, Sharon, live on a small peninsula north of Green Bay, Wisconsin. They do not presently own a GMC but have begun their search by joining the GMCMI. Tom, of course, has some experience with a GMC Motorhome as he explained in the article. Tom and Sharon met in 1973. They were both from suburban Chicago and went to a small college (Western Illinois University). When they attended a mutual friend’s birthday party, it was love at first sight! They were married in 1977. They have two sons and two granddaughters. Both sons are involved with science and engineering which Tom attributes to the influence of their grandfather. They also have a precocious mini goldendoodle named Kristy. This 2-year-old member of the family has quite a personality, and even enjoys getting her teeth brushed – with an electric toothbrush and doggie toothpaste! Tom had retired from his job as VP of Marketing with Weber Packaging, but has continued with the company (where he has worked for 40 years) as a consultant. He expects to fully retire at the end of the year. Then, he is hoping to find a GMC Motorhome and begin his travels – again. Sharon is retired from her 32-year career in teaching. Her degree was in El Ed/LD, and she also received a Master’s in Instruction and Curriculum. She likes to read, participates in several book clubs, and loves theatre, Mahjong, travel, and wine! As a follow-up to his story with Anheuser Busch, I asked Tom if he knew where that GMC is today. He said that there were actually four GMCs, but he does not know what happened to them. His best efforts have yielded no information. Tom wanted to point out that he has enjoyed being a member of GMCMI already. He was sorry he could not attend the Convention in Wisconsin, but has encountered very considerate people so far. He was surprised to receive a sympathy card from Convention attendees when they learned that he did not attend due to the death of a close friend. To him, that represented the personality of the group, and he is looking forward to going to a future Convention.

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The Jingle

“Here Comes the King of Beers” • This well-known advertising jingle was written for Budweiser, whose slogan is “The King of Beers.” • Copyrighted in 1971, the music and lyrics are by Steve Karmen, who also wrote six other jingles for Anheuser-Busch. • A Budweiser commercial featuring the jingle appeared in the 1977 film, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” on Roy Neary’s (Richard Dreyfuss) TV, as he models Devil’s Tower in his living room. Subsequently, it also appeared in the 1985 film “Beer”, a comedy film that satirizes advertising.

There were so many other events where the GMC took center stage such as: • DePaul at Notre Dame Basketball • Notre Dame Football • Illinois at Ohio State Football (my boss let me have it for personal use this time!) • Chicago Ultramarathon • Chicago Bears Racquetball with Walter Payton • National Women’s Rugby Tourney • LaGrange Pet Parade • University of Minnesota Homecoming • National Restaurant Show • Mexican Independence Parade • And My Neighborhood Block Party!

• During the period when Anheuser-Busch owned the St. Louis Cardinals, “Here Comes the King” was played at home games instead of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch. It could also be heard at different times during the game, mainly when the team was in a rally. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was played in the eighth-inning. • Many other universities played “Here Comes the King” during games.

Winner of the Chicago Ultramarathon 1980 being interviewed by ABC-7. He averaged 5.15 minute miles over 50 miles. GMC in background serving Natural Light to participants.

Listen to the “Here Comes the King, Here Comes the Big Number One”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6hV9we_3E0

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Hard to say which is more stunning. “Big John” (the Chicago Art Institute building) or the GMC/A-B Coach.

Final Memory... I wanted to close with the most meaningful one to me, as it involved family and the GMC. I have a feeling those two components go together well with GMCMI member experiences. In the spring of 1980, I was asked to take the GMC to Washington, DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival. My dad’s older brother Stan had recently moved to Annapolis to be close to his daughter and family. My dad was 65 at the time, my uncle Stan 71. I asked my boss if it would be ok to take my dad along on the trip so he could see his brother. “Of course,” he said. One thing about Anheuser-Busch; it actually was a close-knit group of “family” like people. Hard to believe about a huge company but very true back then.

National Women’s Rugby Tournament, Oakbrook, Illinois 1980. Note the microphone for the powerful rooftop speaker system. Coach is a 1977 Kingsley. A-B bought four of these at $65K each I was told.

While on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, my father confirmed a suspicion of mine. He had been losing weight but wouldn’t discuss it. Now, while with Pictured above at our wedjust him and me in the ding on August 20, 1977 are motorhome, we had Mom and Dad: Florence & Roy Michalsen and below Aunt and the first meaningful adult relationship talk Uncle: Esther & Stan Michalsen. of our lives. He had colorectal cancer, but was very grateful we were together, in the here and now, and he was also being given the chance to say goodbye to his brother. Just me and dad for 1,600 miles, talking all along. Dad was in the hospital by September and died in January 1981 at age 66. I can still visualize him sitting beside me in the GMC while we went up and down the passes and curves of the turnpike. What better memory could any vehicle possibly bestow?

My beautiful bride of 44 years with Jeff, the largest Clydesdale at 18 hands and 2,400 lb. The GMC accompanied the Clydesdale hitch to showings/ parades throughout the Midwest and Southcentral Regions.

And now, I am 66 and look back on how much enjoyment it was driving the GMC during my four years at Anheuser-Busch. What could be better than re-kindling that joy and embarking on a new set of experiences touring this wonderful country of ours? We hope to be starting very soon. As Harry Caray often said...“You know Tommy, it’s later than you think it is”!

Sharon atop the hitch with the famous Walt Brady. Walt was the very first hitch driver hired by the brewery in 1939. Walt had hands and fingers made of granite, having to control the reins of 8 horses…..four in each hand. The GMC was always directly behind the team in parades. And always playing the theme song “Here Comes the King, Here Comes the Big Number One” through its speaker system.

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PART THREE

There and Back Again Tour Retracing the Cross Country Test Trip BY GREGORY BIRCH | PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON | 1977 BIRCHAVEN

In 2020, we met Gregory Birch, who is the grandson of GMC icons Alex and Bea Birch. Alex worked for General Motors and was very involved with the GMC Motorhome and was asked to do a cross country trip to test the motorhome. Greg told the story of Alex’s adventures in a two-part article, published in the 2020 Spring and Summer issues of GMC Vintage Rving. Here, Greg recounts his own adventures as he and his wife Rainy took a cross country trip in a GMC Motorhome to retrace the route taken by his grandfather and grandmother in 1973.

Bang! That is how our trip started. After months of preparation on the GMC Birchaven my wife, Rainy, now affectionately calls “Bea” after my grandmother Beatrice Birch. We just left the garage. After packing for over a month, years of research on the route, camps, events, and emergency preparation we just rolled away. I am only highlighting this because if someone spends as much time (five years) preparing for a trip like this, when you roll away that pit in your stomach gets bigger. We maybe should have stopped once or twice, or even planned on going back at least once giving us a chance to remember what was forgotten, but we double checked the list in our head and nodded some reassurance and we left, headed South.

Read Part One and Two in the Spring and Summer 2020 issues of GMC Vintage RVing.

Our first night was at my cousin Tom’s house in Portland, Oregon. Arriving late into the night (our joke was we always show up at 11pm) I remembered him telling me to park on one particular side of the driveway. I mistakenly parked on the other side of the driveway. We were awaken by the sound of very large acorns banging on the roof, not small acorns;

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we are talking the size of walnuts acorns. Stepping out of the door of the GMC beneath the largest oak we would see on our trip, we spied a village of squirrels rustling those acorns loose. It is always good to catch up with family and Tom and his wife Mary were gracious hosts, with an abundance of family news. Tom even helped us troubleshoot our radiator pressure problem and the oil pressure gauge failure. At this point, as wonderful as it was to be with family, we were itching to be on the road. Theoretically our trip did not really start until we found the park in Santa Nella, California where grandpa and grandma went in 1973. The coach was running well. The aluminum radiator that took so much work and fabrication to get secure and correct was doing what I had hoped. Steering was solid and predictable. Tires were perfect and we had just the right amount of supplies, tools, spares, and comfort to go the distance, I hoped. On our second fuel stop in Oregon something else hit home. When my grandparents did this trip it was funded by General Motors. Having the support of GM would have been very nice as I watched dollars turn into fuel, lots of dollars, lots of fuel. All the preparation, all the expense, all the time, at the beginning here and now there was no going back, and the “is this worth it?” question starts poking its way into my psyche. Being with Tom and Mary, talking about family, grandpa, grandma, experiences with them helped to quell the doubts,

and those acorns slamming into the roof as big as they were did not make any dents. However, if I do find a dent someday it will only make me smile and remember the start of what was to come. South We hit the coast. We are familiar with the Oregon coast. Thirtytwo-years-ago when we were first married, we honeymooned along the Oregon coast. We had stayed at the Inn at Otter Crest, still a wonderful resort. We had to stop there and take a photo for nostalgia. Next was the California border. Far enough from home, this state would normally be a destination all its own, but not this trip. This time it marked our point of no return. This time around California seemed like a small step to the moon and back. We had aspirations of getting a photo of every sign from every state we would go through, a sort of photographic trophy: California! Arizona! Utah! At night, or in traffic or on a bridge, photographic timing is critical to getting a picture that is not a blurry smudge. Rainy is sort of photographically challenged this way, and pretty soon it was more fun to see how bad the photos were than to actually stop and get a good one of the sign. We have smudgy blurry signs of maybe eight or nine states. I love them all because that is how trips and memories are made. Grandma and Grandpa had hiccups along the way and so would we. Another reason we hugged the coast was because of our campground membership. A majority of the campgrounds available to us were coastal so it made sense. Discounts on campground fees are nice, but with crowded campgrounds these days sometimes just having a guaranteed space is worth some extra miles. We found ourselves at Cloverdale, California, two days into the trip (right off highway 101). After two laps around the campground we found a spot and plugged in, power and water. Our neighbor walked over as I was hooking up and doted on the GMC. I remember he mentioned owning a GMC is what started him on the road to full time RV life. After a little while we settled and drew the curtains. Some crazy person drove through the camp with their car alarm honking their horn. We did not give it a second thought. Next we heard a rapping on the door. I opened the door and our neighbor pointed behind him and said “FIRE! Pack up!” Looking out of our door and across the road, the hillside was an inferno. We packed, unhooked, and were wheels up so fast I think we were the third camper out. With the highway closed we worked our way through town and found a cozy parking lot at a hardware store. There were fires all over California at the time and these would eventually prove to guide our route. Our trip through California started with a

walk in the Redwood Forest, a stop for an In and Out Burger, an impressive hillside forest fire near Cloverdale, the mandatory stop to stare at the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, a visit to the Monterey Aquarium, and stop to take in Pismo Beach azure waves. As we are GMC’ers it was practically mandatory to stop at Applied GMC in Newark, California. It is never a bad idea to pick up a few spare parts. For us it was a water pump, almost the only thing we had not replaced related to the radiator. To have the part on board is insurance that you will not need it. Our cousins in Monterey and Los Angeles were off on their own adventures, so we opted to skirt Los Angeles and mapped our way to Santa Nella in search of the site of the National Hiker & Camper Convention that the Grands had attended years ago. There were two parks in Santa Nella and we figured it would be the larger park so we called for a reservation, but had to leave a message. Hours later with our arrival imminent and weary from the heat, we called the other park and got a reservation. Upon arrival, we discovered that the small RV park is just the tip of a larger mobile home park that was once temporary housing for dam workers. It was a very large RV park in the 1970’s, a perfect place for the National Hiker & Camper Convention back then. We found it! The name of our tour is “There and Back Again.” We found “There!” And so it begins! The testing tour was made in an orange 1973 Sequoia model, so of course they took it to Sequoia National Park. A quick stop at the Pancake House (now Country Waffles), Gustine Park and an impromptu parade in Los Banos, we went in search of Giant Groves of Sequoias. The road into Sequoia National Park from the Hwy 180 is a steady climb and it kept me checking the temperature gauge. Slow and steady wins the race. As a race driver, that one was hard to swallow, but the challenge was to remember this was not a sprint, but a marathon. We had thousands of miles yet to come so it behooved us to baby the engine a bit now. The Park provided plenty of turn outs for viewing that also served well as cool down points for the engine coolant. FALL 2021

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We needed to take it slow so as to find the site of Grandma and Grandpas picture in Sequoia National Park. We hoped to recreate the photos we found in their photo album of the testing trip. Another reenactment was to stay at Lodgepole camp. Greg managed to snag a reservation online from a list of cancellations. Bea settled in for a well deserved rest. We soaked up the essence of the Sequoia forest, Rainy’s favorite scent thus far. The road down was just as steep as the road in but more twisty. We pulled over for a few scenic overlook photos just to let the transmission cool down. Bakersfield, was hot! So hot that we visited several fruit stands to let the tranny fluid cool. There seems to be an ideal set of variables: if it is over 90 degrees we need to drive a moderate 50 mile an hour pace to keep the gauges in the green. It is just enough wind over the radiator to cool things and not enough tax on the engine to heat it up. So as to stay out of the way we looked for alternate routes parallel to major freeways. This was how we discovered Tehachapi Loop, the train track that loops over itself to climb the grade. Bea was indeed climbing steep grades but she was fine and dandy at 30-miles-anhour just south of Tehachapi. We were so grateful that Bea made the climb that we stopped for a solid rest and cooked lunch. As we sat to eat we noted the thermometer read 114 degrees. No wonder the transmission fluid was running hot. Everything was stinking hot! Note to self: let us not drive in the heat of the day. An early start may make for a cooler, smoother drive. We explored Calico, an honest to goodness Ghost Town just outside of Barstow. It was not on Grandpa’s list but hey it’s our trip too! After an early dinner we hid in our air conditioned coach while plugged into shore power. As soon as the temperature started falling we decided to drive to Lake Havasu where our friends had a pool! Even taking the scenic route it should be a 3.5 hour drive so we could make it there before full dark. It was still pretty warm so to be kind to Bea we again took the parallel route frequently driving through small almost abandoned towns. While we wondered what kept these little towns alive and guessed at their stories we were greeted by a highway number painted directly on the road, Route 66! Since the main freeway was not yet finished when Grandma and Grandpa came through here, they likely took this route as well. Amboy, California had the most attractive gas station sign so we fueled up and chatted with the gas station owner/mayor/post master, a man 14

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of many hats in their little not yet ghost town. The remainder of the trip needed to be on the major highway because Route 66 had washed out a few years ago. As we hopped onto Interstate 40 the clouds bunched and dumped rain. Suddenly the little dry washes and riverbeds were gushing. As the darkness closed in I drove slower in the driving rain, giving the windshield wipers a chance to catch up. The big rigs were whizzing by rattling the windows. An attempt to wait it out at a rest stop was foiled due to the rest stop exit being under water. We fought through the storm until the lights blinked out. I pulled off at a chain up area where I disassembled the dash to access the headlight switch connection. Affecting repairs we continued on noting the overturned semi that had whizzed past earlier and listening to the buzzing of our cell phone flood watch warning. Onward seemed our best course of action. Slow and steady we picked our way through to Lake Havasu arriving at, you guessed it, 11 pm! Still plenty warm we were soaking in the swimming pool and sipping wine by midnight. Determined to improve the cooling capability of the transmission we sought help and consulted the Black List. This is how we met GMCMI members Ken and Judy Booth. As residents of the desert they had cooling systems refined. Jim even offered us a spare transmission cooler and use of a welder. Better yet, they invited fellow GMC Motorhome owners and enthusiast and we had a fourcoach rally in their driveway; lots of travel stories and lots of repair ideas were exchanged. Best of all they already knew our Bea. They had rallied with the original owner Marylin Rowland years ago.

Lake Havasu was our respite, but Las Vegas was on the tour list and conveniently, Hoover Dam and the Route 66 Museum in Kingway are on the way, both great historical sites that demonstrate American endeavor. Las Vegas is many things to many people. For us it was an awesome glow in the dark mini golf experience and Desert Buick GMC. This was one of the places where Grandpa had

repairs done. We were enthusiastically greeted by a sales lady that had just inherited a Birchaven. An overnight with friends in St. George, Utah got us close to Zion National Park so that we could attack that challenge with a cool rested vehicle very early while the temperatures were still cool. Although not completely sure, we thought that one of the testing trip photos was in Zion so we drove the road casually taking in the views with a discerning eye looking for the familiar scene in Grandma’s picture.

posing at the elevation sign we reenacted Grandma’s picture.

Popping out of Zion late morning we sought a place to wait out the heat of the day, preferably near water so that our bodies didn’t overheat while letting the engine rest. We chose to swim at the Chains on the Navajo reservation. The Glen Canyon Dam creates Lake Powell here but because the water line was so low it made for a challenging hike/rock climbing adventure to get to the water. But in 109 degree heat it is the only way to survive. The early evening drive through the Navajo Nation offered vermillion cliffs, red mesas, farm country, and high desert mountains.

Next on the testing tour was Mesa Verde, a place steeped in ancient native history and culture. We chose Durango for our lunch stop before we tackled the reverently feared Wolf Creek Pass. The mountains passes were cooler so the engine temperatures were fairly consistent. The aspens waved as if to cheer us on as we climbed up highway 160. The GPS counted our steps as we cleared the pass at 10,857 ft and we spotted the familiar sign marking the summit. Positioning the coach and

To be super authentic Bea thought it necessary to spring a fuel leak while in Fairplay, Colorado. It happened when we fueled up and stopped after a few minutes, but with fuel leaks of unknown origin, it makes for uneasy driving. For approximately 80 miles I drove and Rainy made phone calls from the Black List to find a quiet place to stop for repairs. GMCMI members Jim and Julia Dodrill of Lakewood, Colorado kindly offered us a driveway, use of their tools, cold water, and fresh peaches. I was able to tighten a hose clamp in hopes of staving off the drips. In Denver we stopped at Shortline GMC, as it was the decendent of the dealership that assisted Grandpa years before. The mechanics were most welcoming and so excited to see this old rig on the road, they took video and pictures with their phones. Bea really is photogenic. Grandpa’s memo mentioned a dealership in Omaha where they were excited to be selling GMC Motorhomes. Alas the dealership was no longer in business, so our stop in Omaha was for steak, and what a steak it was!

Grandpa and Grandma mentioned spending the night at Cutty’s Camping Resort in Iowa so we went to check it out. Now it is a membership only resort so we only got to visit the gate for our photo op. On our way to Cutty’s, I took a quick unexpected detour as a surprise. The signs to Winterset, Iowa proudly announced it was the birthplace and museum of John Wayne. As explorers we kept open minds and

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camping with Grandma and Grandpa or visiting his basement shop in Clawson where he tinkered out the details on GMC systems and built screen doors.

enjoyed the museum and childhood home tour. He really was a persona larger than real life. Returning to the freeway, I took one more detour and the curve in the road revealed a covered bridge, cedar bridge. Rainy’s eyes lit up and I earned some serious brownie points by taking her for a walk on one of the Bridges of Madison County. True to stereotypes, Iowa is flat with lots of corn fields and cooler than California. Bea was able to make good time at full highway speeds without concern about transmission temperature. For much the same reason, Illinois flew past the windows. When we hit Indiana the coach was running so reliably and the traffic was so thick we didn’t even stop for fuel until we reached Michigan.

One of the goals of this trip was to connect with as many Birch relatives as possible to share the excitement of driving one of the GMC Motorhomes Grandpa Alex has helped develop. While in Michigan we visited Alex & Bea’s son, Chuck

Read more about the GMC Motorhome Plant and now M1 Concourse in the Summer 2020 issue of GMC Vintage RVing. www.gmcmi.com/ gmc-vintage-rving/

Birch and his wife MaryAnn, cousins Sue (Birch) Reinhoel, Olivia Reinhoel, Doug, Lynn, Gracie and Matthew Birch, Julie (Birch) Harris, and Scott, Jason, Jordan, and Stephanie Harris. It was fun to hear what the cousins remembered about

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Of course a trip to the GM Heritage Museum was in order. I made reservations weeks before and we got a two on one personal tour of concept and iconic GM vehicles. And yes, there is a stunning fully outfitted GMC Motorhome there too! We left with a better understanding of the rich heritage of the General Motors group and how it evolved and contributed to automotive history. We drove North up Woodward Avenue and pulled into the entrance of the M1 Concourse, the site of old GM plant where they built motorcoaches/transmodes. Bea had really come full circle; there and back again.

Our GMC history tour culminated with a visit to the Great Lakers Rally at Algonac State Park. They readily welcomed us, simply because we drove a GMC Birchaven. When they realized we were descendants of Alex Birch, one of the co-founders of the Great Lakers, they made us honorary members for the weekend, complete with Great Laker lanyards and wine glasses. Fireside chats are a hoot with this group. Then again, everything is better

when you are steeped in campfire smoke. The event was billed as a do nothing rally, but they do know how to play. Frank, a longtime member was having a birthday, so a surprise birthday party was suddenly organized complete with pizza and ice cream cups. A friendly member named Sharon offered us a ride to the group restaurant outing in Marine City. We enjoyed getting to know everyone and later became facebook friends with a few like Joe and Alicia, Maureen and Nancy. It was interesting to note

how many of the Great Lakers have direct connections to General Motors beyond their own coaches. Many worked for GM or in auto manufacturing. These folks were genuine GMC fans. We will be back! We had a few days to get to the GMCMI Fall Convention in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, so we used them to reminisce through our search for the perfect donut and cider in Michigan. We visited some of my childhood vacation spots; Mio for ice cream, Frankenmuth for chicken dinner where we ate ourselves stupid, Aloha State Park for striking sunsets, Mackinac Island for fudge and the Upper Peninsula for pastie pies. While in Sandusky, we were not hungry so we stopped at Cinnabar and got a tour. Steve even showed us his recently acquired piece of GMC Motorhome history, some of the early concept designs for the motorhome. They looked like something straight out of the Jetsons! Some time between then and now sensibility hit the mark. We purchased a fuel vapor canister separator to aid with the still occasional leak while fueling when cold. Although I live in Washington State, I am not an automatic Seahawks fan. My neighbor had such enthusiasm for his homestate team, it was infectious and I caught the Green Bay Packer bug. When I saw signs for Lambeau Field my arms involuntarily turned toward the stadium. When in Green Bay, one must make the pilgrimage to the cheesehead holy grail. We even walked the grounds of Title Town and ran the 40-yard dash. Well, when in Wisconsin, one must try the cheese, so fried cheese curds and aged cheddar were in the cards at our next two stops. Now if we only had some beer to go with this delicious cheese. Leinenkugel’s of Chippewa Falls to the rescue!

mechanics that keep these old rigs on the road inspiring the next generation to respect the ingenious design of the GMC Motorhome. Graciously, Kim Weeks found a time slot for us to share Grandpa and Grandpa’s story; their connection to the design and production and testing of the GMC Motorhome. We were happy to share how Grandpa had patented a screen door and installed hundreds of them. We were so excited to share the GMC model that Grandpa was given at retirement by GM, one of 12 known models.

Greg holding his grandfather’s GMC Motorhome model in front of a GMC dealership showroom signage donated to GMCMI by GMCMH Historian Bill Bryant which is displayed at GMCMI Conventions.

We were thrilled to be able to share original photos from the inaugural cross country testing trip, and over the moon to present our pictures re-enacting the original testing trip pics. Did we find all of the sites? Did we get the angle right? Did we follow in their footsteps? After 35 days living, traveling, and writing from the coach, it was the most memorable trip we have ever taken. Waking up to a new adventure every day, touching the past and present that Alex and Bea touched. Meeting new and old GMC owners that have the same passion grandpa had about this crazy wonderful vehicle. I can’t wait to do it again. Cheers!

It was fantastic to be with so many GMC Motorhome enthusiasts in one spot! The GMCMI Convention in Chippewa Falls had useful tech sessions, challenging crafts, and fun group gathering activities like ice cream socials, quilt making, and an ugly Christmas sweater contest judged by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The best part of any rally really is the chat over coffee where newfound friends share travel stories and remodel or repair ideas. And let’s not forget the open house where we all get to borrow great ideas to improve our coaches. It was encouraging to see that there are folks all over the United States that are stewards of the GMC heritage, these owners and

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2021 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

WELCOME BACK

CONVENTION

Reminiscing The Past, Living the

SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2021 CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN

Convention Numbers 100

Is the number of registrations; 23 were partial attendees, 34 first timers, 10 off-site, and 12 additional day passes. With 75 GMC Motorhomes!

21.25

Is the number of hours of technical sessions, plus four clinics: Windshield Replacement, Weighing of the Coaches, Headlights Alignment, and Updating Your GMCMI Flashdrive.

Convention Update BY LUCY WEIDNER MENOMONIE, WISCONSIN | 1978 ROYALE

GMCMI lived up to its Convention theme “Welcome Back” held at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. We came together in the beautiful fall weather of Wisconsin, and 34% of those in attendance were first-timers! We celebrated many of the themes from past Conventions and truly welcomed folks back with open arms. COVID precautions were put in place and all participated as much as they felt comfortable. Some fun things we did were laughing at our Ugly Sweaters for our “Christmas in September” themed catered meal on Friday, enjoying chili and hot dogs at the “Great Chili Cookoff” where Mark Bowers

Regional GMC Chapters utilized the Convention as their rally. They were the GMC Great Midwest Classics and the GMC Six-Wheelers.

Zoom sessions conducted.

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(a first-timer) won best chili and the Weidner’s winning for best table decorations. Thank you to our volunteers who assisted in preparing breakfasts: the Greater Midwest Classics under the guidance of the Keith and Karin Wickenhauser, and the Six Wheelers with Kim Carter and crew. We had a Ladies Driving Class and a trip to the historic Mabel Tainter Theater to enjoy a wonderful dinner, show featuring Carla Cooke (Sam Cookes daughter) and an Open House that featured a vintage 1969 Dodge RV “food truck” that was enjoyed by so many and gave folks a break from cooking!

O M

GMC

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MES INT ER N

HH HHH

AL ON TI A

Present, and Looking Forward to the Future.

MEMBER

BENEFIT HH HH H

Held September 24-30, 2021 | Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

Thank you to our Convention photographers: Gary & Terry Coaster, Rick & Tammy Drummond, and Teresa Dall! A big thank you to Bob Miller for emceeing “My Favorite Theme Party” where couples played in the “GMCMI Couples Game”, competed in the Best Costume Contest (won by Rick and Tammy Drummond), a “beer drinking” contest (to celebrate Octoberfest), and Karaoke with Marshall Putt. The Ladies Luncheon theme was “Famous Cowgirls of the West” and was sponsored by the Greater Midwest Classics. Pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, and cowboy caviar was served. Gift baskets representing each of the states that belong to the Greater Midwest Classics and the Chippewa Valley were auctioned off. George Beckman, a GMCMI member, discussed his book, Members of the Cast, with the Bookworms. (see page 20)

Jean Kubisen, a first timer, provided direction and support for the women who worked on the GMCMI quilt. The quilt was made from past GMCMI Convention t-shirts provided by Stan & Eileen Edwards and the niece of Fred & Diane Dugger. It will be a lovely gift and item to be auctioned off at a future GMCMI Convention. There also was bingo, card playing, puzzle, coloring, ice cream socials, two craft classes, treasure hunt, tai chi, frisbee competition plus the first Regional GMC Chapter/Group Networking session. After a hiatus of two years it was so exciting to be back together again, to reconnect, to share stories and feel hugs again from friends.

THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION VENDORS A big thank you to our vendors for all of the time and support! When looking for that part or information, check out this list and give them a call. Alex Sirum GMC Jeff Sirum 863-763-1121 | sirum@gmcmh.com Specializing in GMC Motorhome sales, service, repairs, and hard to find parts. We ship to all states and Canada. Bob Stone 618-964-9124 Service and parts. Classic Coaches & Accessories, LLC J.R. Slaten 502-836-2097 | Jrslaten@aol.com Stainless steel braided oil cooler lines, new brass airleveling valves and faceplate, lighted handles for door entry, etc. GMC RV Shades Gary & Terry Coaster 810-650-5111 | gmcshades@gmail.com GMC RV shades, day/night shades, & exterior window covers. Mike Sadlon 734-777-1878 | misadlon2932@yahoo.com Fiberglass

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WELCOME BACK

CONVENTION

SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2021 CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN

GMC Pineblock Derby Results Overall Fastest Time Jeff Sirum

Men’s Division Jeff Sirum – 1st Wayne Hasek – 2nd Rick Drummond – 3rd Ladies’ Division Lexie Denovia – 1st Sonya Null – 2nd Mary Thompson – 3rd People’s Choice Ed Manning Turtle Award Nancy Donaghue

Raffle Winners A special thank you to J.R. Slaten and Teresa Dall 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) GMCMI – Frosty Palmer Second Place Prize: $500 Gift CertificateJim Kanomata, Applied GMC – Nancy Donaghue Third Place Prize: $500 Gift CertificateJim Kanomata, Applied GMC – Constance Boudeman Fourth Place Prize: GMCMI Convention for Two-GMCMI – Jeff Sirum GMC Motorhome Coach Key Chain – Richard Barthel

Collapsible Strainer, Measuring Cup and Spoons – Lora Kaye Santorine GMC Key Chain – Lucy Weidner GMC Motorhome Bottle Opener-Cruzingear, Cristo Darsch – Adam Libby Neck Hammock – John Roach Rhapsody Homemade SoapCountry Treasures/Chippewa – John Donahue GMC Motorhome Bottle Opener-Cruzingear, Cristo Darsch – Caroline Putt Thin Bins Storage Set – Tim Healy Puzzle with a GMC Motorhome – JR Slaten Fire Extinguisher-Jim Bounds, The CO-OP – Richard Waters Collapsible Dish Pan – Richard Waters

Set of 2 Thermos Can/Bottle Coolers – Sharon Hudspeth

Into The Woods Handmade Soap-Country Treasures/ Chippewa – Douglas Smith

Fire Extinguisher-Jim Bounds, The CO-OP – John Nepper

Pair of Wine GlassesLucy Weidner – Mary Palmer

Sound Bot Wireless Speaker – James Scheibe Lasergrip 774 – Keith Wickenhauser Parking Hook-up Set/ Electrical & Water Adapters – Wally Anderson Domino Sugar Packets with “pink” GMC Motorhome – Lori Adams Wooden GMC Motorhome Sign-Terry & Sonya Null – Margie Van Winkle “Olivia” The 1950’s Singing Bear – Billie Kelley ½ Window ShadeGary Coaster, GMC RV Shades – Scott Campbell Jump Start-as featured in the “Vintage GMC RVing” magazine – Alex Rengers $200 Fiberglass Gift Certificate-Jeff Sirum/Mike Saldon, Alex Sirum GMC – Tim Healy Lighted Engraved Entry Door Handle-JR Slaten, Classic Coaches and Accessories – Rick Thompson

Thank you to all that donated items, as well as those who purchased tickets in Chippewa Falls.

Thanks to all of the derby helpers and the “Vanna Ladies”!

Birthing a Book BY GEORGE BECKMAN COLFAX, CALIFORNIA | 1974 ELEGANZA SE

At the GMCMI 2021 Fall Convention, I gave a book talk on Members of the Cast via Zoom. Members of the Cast, a novel: In 1959, Margo’s parents break their promise, leaving her behind for another archaeological dig. She is sent to California to spend her junior year with a great uncle she’s only met once. Her parent’s interests remain buried in ancient ruins, but Margo begins to discover herself beneath a lifetime of family secrets. For the first time, she has a close circle of friends, a budding romance, and an academic future. But a struggle between herself, the past, and her parents test all she has learned.

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Members of the Cast is a clean and fun, wholesome novel. It is my first published novel, but I have a trilogy in the works. It is a steampunk novel (a science fiction western adventure) set in 1892. Look for The Ship from Wolfskill. One reviewer put it this way- [Members of the Cast] is a lovely story about the family you are born into and the family that grows around you. Another wrote, “Best book I’ve read in forever. It’s so… nonviolent and heartwarming and interesting and refreshing and IT MADE ME FEEL GOOD FEELINGS.” If you have been thinking about writing and publishing a novel, feel free to contact me at gbeckman@graestone.org. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing may seem complicated, but I can steer you through it. KDP costs nothing, but of course, Amazon takes a cut of sales. Kindle and Print books are available at https:// books2read.com/graestonewriter or amazon.

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Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE

Technical Sessions at 2021 Fall GMCMI Convention 2021 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

WELCOME BACK

CONVENTION

SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2021 CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN

The technical program is the flagship of GMC Motorhomes International. The topics are developed and presented by owners and enthusiasts to merit your confidence. These presentation summaries serve as a review for those in attendance and are designed to inspire others to attend Conventions and experience in-person the ambiance of the presentations.

>> GMC 101: Maintenance for New Owners | Ty Hardiman

Ty continued his presentations to new and prospective owners of the GMC Motorhome at Chippewa Falls. He emphasizes in his presentations the importance of attention to detail on the maintenance of many aspects of the vehicle including: • The air suspension system • Bogies/pins with emphasis on proper lubrication

• Wheel bearings – front and rear • Fluid changes – differential, transmission, engine, coolants • Filters – fuel, transmission, and engine • CV joints • Wheels and tires – with special emphasis on date codes • And more…

to consider the alignment of the rear in addition to the front. The bogies may need to be bent to bring the rear into proper alignment. Jeff’s shop goes by the book for front alignment, caster (+2 to 2.5 degrees at least), camber (+.5 - .7), toe (+1/8”). >> Fuel Injection | Randy VanWinkle

This session explored the different fuel injection systems available for the GMC Motorhome. Holley Sniper, FiTech, MSD Atomic, and Howell with EBL systems were discussed. Advantages to converting to fuel >> Wheel Alignment | Jeff Sirum injection include: Altitude adjustment, more Jeff discussed everything about wheel positive starting and shutting down (no alignment that you may have wanted to run-on), compensation for engine wear over know but didn’t know how to ask. time, minimizes cylinder wall wash down, Part of feeling comfortable and reduces chances for, and, in some with driving a GMC cases, eliminates vapor lock. The Motorhome is to different components that are used realize that overin all the above fuel injection steering can cause systems were discussed. Sources problems so it is for these components were given important to get As usual, an excellent session for when they are not proprietary. used to driving both newbies and gray beards. Common issues when installing the motorhome member for five years, any of the above systems and understand third Convention on a GMC Motorhome were that it utilized the mentioned with solutions for most technology available given. Finally, idle calibration that in the 70s. Other items is required on all systems was discussed. to consider before getting to Randy encouraged questions throughout the alignment is shock absorbers, steering session and addressed many concerns that dampers, sway bars (front & rear – were introduced into the session. fights the tendency to over-steer), wheel bearings, A-frame bushings, etc. Issues that >> Fuel Vapor Lock | Jim Kanomata via Zoom should be addressed when doing a wheel This session pointed out how to avoid vapor alignment include the steering column, lock. Check out Jim’s article on page 28. steering gearbox, etc. It is also important See an article by Ty on page 24, on a couple of the topics he addresses in his presentations.

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Attendee Comment

For additional technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/

>> The Future of the GMC Motorhome | Jim Bounds & Jason Stryker This

session discussed the market, restoration, and future upgrades for the GMC Motorhome. Jim joined the GMCMI Convention via Zoom from Florida. He posed himself in front of a newly rebuilt engine sporting a Serpentine Belt System featuring a Sanden AC compressor. According to Jim, it is cheaper to rebuild a GMC Motorhome than to purchase a good quality downsized motorhome (approximately $150,000). The future of the GMC Motorhome is still good because it is made with aircraft quality aluminum so it will last – the other components can be fixed. The future of automobiles may be in question as the industry is heading toward electrification. Jim suggested that it would be cool to look at electrification for the GMC Motorhome. Jim introduced Jason Stryker who was also on the Zoom session (on vacation in Jamaica). Jason is taking over Cooperative Motor Works. Jason’s vision is to keep updating components for the motorhome such as fuel injection, serpentine belt systems, aluminum radiators, and develop other new and innovative ideas. Jim will stay active as a consultant. They will be expanding the business with a separate building for interior work, another for exterior painting, etc. The Motorhome Rehab Ranch is a resource with descriptions and videos for DIY people who want to work on their own coaches. The biggest take-away from this session is Jim’s announcement of stepping back and letting Jason take over the day-to-day operation.

>> Bolts and Gaskets | Matt Colie

Matt modestly stated that he would address in his presentation information needed to “keep the GMC Motorhome together”. He then described the technology of fasteners and gaskets, including: • How they are made • Bolt grades and markings

• Achieving proper bolt tension and gasket compression • Torque tools and their proper calibration • And much more… >> Brakes, Steering, Bearings, Etc. | Dave Lenzi via Zoom

This question and answer session gave participants the opportunity to ask those burning questions about brakes, steering, bearings, etc. Dave’s latest findings show that many of the brass combination valves limit pressure to the rear brakes. This is fine for lighter cars and trucks but is not wanted for our heavy GMC Motorhomes. Read more about the the Brass Proportioning Valve in the Winter 2021 issue of GMC Vintage RVing. (www.gmcmi.com/ gmc-vintage-rving/)

The Mini-Tech Sessions consist of a 15-20 minute tech/informational sessions that features one thing that the presenter wishes to share.

>> GMC Motorhome Headlights | Richard Waters

Richard showed an interesting array of videos depicting : • the history of automotive lighting • current technology and • and what the future may hold… He additionally addressed lighting upgrades for the GMC Motorhome and techniques for aiming them properly.

>> Installing the Cadillac 500 in a GMC Motorhome | Larry Weidner

This session familiarized the audience with the methods and materials needed to upgrade the engine to a Cadillac 500. Advantages that the Cadillac 500 offers are: • The 500 has 45 extra cubic inches that gives more HP and torque than the 455. • It is lighter than an Olds 455. • The 500 has a high nickel content so wear characteristics are very good. • There are two bolts per port (total of eight) on the exhaust manifold which helps keep exhaust leaks to a minimum. Larry gave a breakdown of all of the Cadillac 500 engines identifying which years are the best candidates. Larry also identified which years have the correct motor mount to use in the motorhome. Additional issues include the axle setup, exhaust manifolds with the possibility

MINI TECH SESSIONS

FALL 2021

>> Quick Fixes | Richard Waters

With the use of videos to supplement his remarks, Richard described some new (and not so new) tips, “tricks” and products for under $50 to help maintain the GMC Motorhome.

for headers, brackets for accessories, and attention to rocker arms. It fits in the space with some work and tweaking resulting in more horsepower and torque. >> Whoa Means Stop | Bob Stone

The focus of Bob’s presentation was on the brake fluid volumes and pressures required to safely stop the GMC Motorhome. He described extensive testing, using several master cylinders activated by a Hydroboost brake assist, and the results. The end components consisted of 70 and 80MM front calipers and the hydraulic rear brake

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Technical Corner

Technical Clinics >> Windshield Replacement This is always a big job! Thanks to Ken Burton for again organizing it (as he has done for several Conventions). Ken, however, was ill and could not attend the Chippewa Convention. Larry Weidner and Jon Roche stepped up and did what Ken usually does on-site in coordinating the work between the owners and the windshield installation company. Our thanks to Larry and Jon for pinch-hitting for Ken (and a job well done).

>> Headlight Alignment | Richard Waters

Thanks to Richard Waters for again providing the alignment equipment and conducting the clinic. He has done this several times at GMCMI Conventions. Owners appreciated the opportunity to have their headlight alignment checked and adjusted if needed.

>> Updating GMCMI Flashdrives A big thanks to Matt Colie who conducted the first clinic that updated 28 GMCMI Flashdrives.

>> Weighing of the Coaches Thanks and congratulations to Jeff Sirum and the entire team of volunteers for their service in weighing coaches at the Chippewa Convention. Thanks also to Jeff for providing the scales and his guidance for the weighing of the coaches/checking ride height.

MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE

cylinders. He provided results of the testing and recommendations for achieving the optimum brake fluid volumes and pressures for the calipers and cylinders.

GMC 101: Maintenance for New Owners

>> Horsepower and Torque and the Effect on A GMC Motorhome |

Ty Hardiman | 1977 Kingsley | Norman, Oklahoma

Mike Sadlon

In this presentation, Mike explained the relationship of horsepower and torque under various operating load conditions for the GMC Motorhome, including means of calculating estimated power requirements and fuel consumption. He also addressed alternate engine possibilities for the motorhomes’ OEM “403” and “455” Oldsmobile engines. All, however, require significant modifications for application to the motorhome and, depending on the engine, transmission/final drive modifications. He additionally discussed some electrification concepts as a means of extending the life of the GMC Motorhome indefinitely. >> GMC Motorhome Mentor Program | This was coordinated by Ty Hardiman, pinch-hitting for Ken Henderson

This program was continued at Chippewa Falls. It is designed to team owners seeking information about their coaches with experienced owners of the coaches. Owners who would like one-on-one mentoring are requested to “sign-up” on the bulletin boards and likewise for those volunteering to be mentors. On the first day of the technical program, there is a short session at which those seeking mentoring are paired with volunteer mentors.

>> Understanding Your Coach Weighing Numbers | Jeff Sirum Jeff discussed data collected from the field weighing/ ride height clinic. He noted that the design weight distribution for the motorhome is about 1/3rd front and 2/3rds rear and preferably equally divided between the driver and passenger sides. Most of the coaches were imbalanced, ranging from minor to significant. He described various means for improving the weight distribution. As it was convenient to check ride height when weighing the loads at each wheel, he noted there was often a wide variance from design. He cited causes for that with special emphasis on proper weight distribution and torsion bar “wrap”.

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These classes were presented WELCOME BACK on Saturday CONVENTION and Sunday morning of the Convention. TECH SESSION They were developed to help all GMC Motorhome owners, regardless of experience level, become more comfortable with maintenance, tools, and troubleshooting. The GMC Motorhome continues to be a popular and affordable path to RV living, but some owners may lack experience and confidence to work on their coaches. Modern cars are so reliable and maintenance-free that many drivers today have not had the opportunity or necessity to learn automotive repair skills. In the 1970s, GMC Motorhome buyers often knew how to perform basic maintenance. In addition, mechanics who understood the coach were common in that decade since the powerplant and drivetrain were borrowed from Oldsmobile sedans that were familiar to auto shops in any town. Because knowledgeable mechanics have dwindled over the decades, it is more important (and rewarding) than ever for coach owners to learn and perform basic maintenance items. 2021

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SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2021 CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN

The Value of Clubs and Relationships Long-time coach owners always have an experienced mentor or friend who can help solve problems and give advice. The best way to build these relationships is to join a regional club and attend regional

For additional technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/

rallies, and also to join GMCMI and attend the GMCMI National Conventions. It is common for regional clubs to have a monthly lunch to share problems and experiences, and to schedule work weekends where several owners come together and help each other work on coaches. These regional and national gatherings promote the sharing of knowledge and techniques, as well as building friendships that can last for decades. Class Topics Many items were covered during the GMC 101 classes. One topic listed reliable sources for information – such as the GMC Motorhome Maintenance Manual, GMC Vintage RVing magazine, as well as local GMC clubs and, of course, the GMCMI Conventions. Additional topics included towing, highway safety, and fire safety concerns. Rear-wheel bearing service was discussed in detail, using real (and heavy!) suspension parts that attendees could examine up close following the class. 12V Battery Disconnects Many GMC owners have experienced unexpected battery drain, where the engine starting battery runs down while the coach is parked, leaving the coach unable to start without Ty will be writing an article for a boost or jump start. This is often each of the upcoming magazines caused by “phantom” or “parasitic” on additional items that he loads, which are small electrical covers in his GMC 101: loads that slowly drain the battery. Maintenance for New For example, an aftermarket radio may Owners Session contain a digital clock that will gradually discharge the battery over a period of days or weeks. This is hard on a battery and will shorten its lifespan. An easy way to eliminate the possibility of a discharged battery is to install a switch to disconnect the battery when not in use.

Regular Tech Article

Wirthco/Battery Doctor makes numerous variations of “knife blade” disconnect switches that are simple to install directly on the negative terminal of the battery and require no additional wiring. Another method is to use a rotary battery disconnect switch made by Blue Sea or Wirthco/Battery Doctor. Rotary switches will require some new battery cables in order to complete the installation.

Knife Blade Switch

Carburetor Fuel Filters All GMC Motorhomes were originally equipped with Rochester carburetors to supply fuel and air to the engine. These carburetors contain a fuel filter which will cause poor engine performance when clogged. The correct replacement filter is a Wix 33048 or 33052. It is good practice to carry one or two spares in case of roadside trouble. Another good practice is to replace the filter once a year, at home, before the filter becomes clogged while on the road.

Fuel Filter: Wix 33048 or 33052

Carburetor Model Numbers A total of seven different carburetor models were used Fuel during the six years that the Filter coaches were produced. Model The model numbers Number that originally shipped with the GMCs are as follows: 7043254, 7045254, 7045554, 17057254, 17057559, 17058254, and 17058559. These carburetors were designed to meet the requirements of the motorhome powerplant. A good carb shop will be able to rebuild these units and make them perform like Model new, and the GMC vendors Number can also provide the correct carbs. Local auto parts stores will attempt to sell or exchange an incorrect carb for the GMC application. Avoid these exchanges and call a friend for advice if necessary. The Future The goal of maintenance is that the coach will become more reliable with each year of ownership. By using the right resource books, joining regional clubs and GMCMI, and attending rallies and Conventions, GMC Motorhome ownership can be a wonderful vehicle to help create memories, foster friendships, and build confidence as a “Do It Yourself ” mechanic.

Rotary Switch

GMC vendors can help evaluate battery switch options and supply the best fit for the application. Regardless of the style of switch installed, battery disconnects are helpful modifications that maximize battery lifespan and provide peace of mind when starting the coach.

FALL 2021

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE

Previous Presentation

SeeLevel II System Monitor in a GMC Motorhome

This article was presented as a presentation at the GMC Western States 2021 Fall Rally at the Wine Country RV Resort in Paso Robles, California.

Eric Schulte | 1978 Royale | Santa Barbara, California

Why do I Need a New Monitoring System Do your existing gauges for black and freshwater tanks work? Are they providing the correct levels or are they “stuck” in one position or providing intermittent readings? Many owners have not fixed or replaced their non-working analog gauges because it appears to be a daunting task: • Finding the correct sensor can be difficult. • Replacing sensors requires draining the tank. • Opening up the black tank (yuk!!!) • Dealing with rusted mounting hardware. • The potential for introducing leaks. Most owners would like a modern, precise gauge system that is easy to install and won’t break the bank. Introducing the SeeLevel II The sensors mount on the outside of the black water and freshwater tanks. Also, the grey water tank if you have a Royale. This eliminates the potential of compromising the integrity of the tanks with intrusive sensor types. The following list describes how it installs and works: • Capacitive sensors read liquid level through the plastic tank wall. • Uses 3M adhesive mounting tape. • Uses existing sensor wiring. • Installation takes about 5 minutes per tank. • The system has a 3% digital precision on readings. It will also monitor house voltage. In addition, you can hook up the existing LPG sensor and it will monitor your propane level. It also includes switches and telltale LEDs for the water pump and water heater. The SeeLevel II Monitor is designed and produced in North America. Several different panel configurations are available depending on your needs. The complete system includes 3 sensors; you select the size depending on tank dimensions (one 12” and two 6” sensors are good for most GMCs). The kit includes a wiring harness for behind-

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the-panel connections. The unit consumes zero power until a status button is pushed then shuts off with its auto-timeout feature. Included with the purchase is an excellent instruction manual! A complete system only costs approximately $200. A Bluetooth capable panel is also available as well as a panel with an alarm, both at a higher price. Go to revupgrades. com as they seem to have the best prices. 5 pin connector harness Water pump or Onan prime

709RP Display

+12VDC

Connection Layout

Chassis ground

Fresh water tank

Grey water tank

Black water tank

LPG tank

Panel Connections The following is an outline of the required panel connections. Comprehensive instructions are in the manual. 1. Open the current panel and disconnect the +12V wire. Tape it up, for now, to prevent shorting. 2. Identify the sense wires for each water tank, remove them from the old panel and connect them together and to the blue wire on the new harness. Note: The old sense wires become a single digital bus, and each sensor is identified digitally. 3. Identify the ground wires for each tank, and the ground wire for the old panel, remove them from the old panel and connect them together and then to the black wire on the new harness. 4. Identify the LPG tank sense wire and connect it to the green wire on the new harness. 5. Identify the +12V wire to the old panel and connect it to the red wire on the new harness. 6. Install the sensors on each tank (next page) and plug in the harness to the panel. Test! 7. NOTE: This author plans to re-label the water pump switch and wire it to the Onan fuel pump for priming the Onan before starting.

For technical session presentations and papers, go to www.gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/

GMC Motorhome Fiberglass Parts Jeff Sirum | 1977 Eleganza | Okeechobee, Florida | Alex Sirum GMC | www.sirumvintagegmc.com

Mounting the Tank Sensors The following is an outline of the installation steps for the tank sensors. Comprehensive instructions are in the manual. No tab cut for FRESH sender programming

Tab cut for BLACK sender programming

2021 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

WELCOME BACK

CONVENTION Tab cut for GRAY sender programming

Our beloved GMC Motorhomes, who would have thought they would still be so popular after almost 50 years. I am pretty sure the original engineers did not.

The factory plastic is dying after all this time. That is why Jeff Sirum of Alex Sirum GMC and Mike Sadlon of Make It Right Restorations have decided to concentrate on reproducing most of the original plastic panels in fiberglass. SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2021 CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN

TECH SESSION

The recent GMCMI Convention in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin was an excellent opportunity to see some of the current and new items we now have for the motorhomes. Several attendees took advantage of the free delivery to the Convention on some of the large nonshippable items. We have about 90% of the parts available now, and the balance will get reproduced over time. Pieces like the front and rear inside caps can simplify your project’s work load. The exact copy of the dash “birdcage” will make that rattly instrument cluster stay where it belongs. A simple part, but unobtainable until recently, the front cockpit side window trim is now available.

Blue masking tape for temporary mounting and verification of function

1. Program the sensor for which tank you are mounting to, by snipping off a tab with scissors. 2. Trim off one or two of the capacitive sensors, if necessary, to fit the tank. 3. The ideal fit is 1/2” from the top and the bottom of the tank. 4. Connect the blue wire to the sense wire from the old sensor. 5. Connect the black wire to the ground wire of the old sensor. 6. Mount the sensor to the tank wall with temporary masking tape and check functionality to panel. 7. When satisfied, clean the tank wall with alcohol, remove the backing from the sensor, and permanently secure the sensor to the tank. 8. Use a piece of duct tape to secure the sensor wires to the tank for stress relief.

One of the latest projects was the acquisition of Frank Jenkins’ fiberglass business. Frank was a mainstay of GMC Motorhome fiberglass for over 35 years. Frank, at 90, had decided it was time to finally retire. We purchased all of Frank’s molds and will be making most of his designs available again. Jeff and Mike work hard to support the GMC Community. They plan on attending all future GMCMI Conventions where they will be featuring new items. Hope to see you at the Spring 2022 Convention in Patterson, Louisiana, April 22-28.

That’s it! Welcome to the 21st Century! This image shows the panel mounted in a Royale. It makes for a nice-looking mount onto the original panel. GMC outfitted coaches may require further modifications for mounting. Product purchased from www.RVupgradestore.com.

FALL 2021

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE

Vapor Lock Jim Kanomata | 1978 Royale | Belmont, California | Applied GMC | www.gmcrvparts.com

2021 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

WELCOME BACK

CONVENTION

SEPTEMBER 24-30, 2021 CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN

TECH SESSION

Definition of Vapor Lock Vapor lock is an interruption in the flow of a liquid through a fuel line as a result of the vaporization of the liquids. A fuel pump cannot pump vapor therefore no fuel can reach the engine.

Symptoms of Vapor Lock When your engine is warm, it may: • Run rough • Experience rough idle • Lack power • Hesitate on acceleration • Surge • Stall then start after cooling for an hour or two • Be hard to start or not start Main Causes Heat contributes to vapor lock so summer with high ambient temperatures is when vapor lock becomes more of a problem. High altitudes during warm weather also contribute because the altitude lowers the boiling point of liquids. Vapor lock was not as much of a problem in carburetored engines before the introduction of fuel injection. Because fuel-injected engines were not as prone to vapor lock, fuels could be blended allowing for lower boiling points which helped atomize the fuel to the engine allowing for better combustion. The introduction of

Causes of Vapor Lock

ethanol further contributed to the vaporization of the fuel in hightemperature situations. The GMC Motorhome has flat “pancake” type tanks that pick up heat from the pavement heating the fuel. The higher the fuel temperature the better chance for vaporization. On an original coach, the mechanical fuel pump is located on the engine (picking up more heat) and pulls the fuel a relatively long distance from the fuel tanks. This “suction” of the fuel lowers the pressure in the line which allows the fuel to vaporize easier. The engine compartment of the GMC Motorhome is a high heat area that contributes to fuel vaporization from the fuel pump to the carburetor and boiling of fuel in the carburetor. Vapor Lock Mitigation For a carburetor engine, adding an auxiliary electric fuel pump near the fuel tanks can help get past a vapor lock incidence. Some owners place the pump on the aux tank (before the selector valve) and wire it to the aux tank switch. Switch to the aux tank and the electric pump comes on and puts the fuel under positive pressure up to the mechanical pump. This can also be wired to a separate switch if desired. Routing the fuel line from the tanks and selector valve to the outside of the frame rail then installing the aux pump there will help keep the fuel cooler. A better solution is to put the electric fuel pumps inside of the fuel tanks. This works for both carburetored and fuel injection systems. For carburetored engines, the mechanical fuel pump can be eliminated. This solution keeps pressure on the fuel as it travels a long distance from the tank(s) to the intake manifold reducing chances for fuel vaporization. Other considerations to mitigate vapor lock include: • Put exhaust pipe shields by both tanks (this was OEM on later model California certified coaches). • Heatshield coatings on the tanks. • Side exhaust vents to help evacuate heat from the engine compartment. • Insulated fuel line from the mechanical pump to the carburetor. • Block off the intake manifold exhaust crossover passage with stainless steel plates. • Keep tanks over ½ full. • Make sure the proper fuel tank cap is working properly (should be replaced periodically). • When ambient temperatures are high, consider driving in the morning hours or at night.

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For technical session presentations and papers, go to www.gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/

Reducing Chances of Vapor Lock

If your engine has been upgraded with fuel injection, then the chance of vapor lock is greatly reduced. However, depending on the placement of the fuel pumps, vapor lock can still occur. In-tank fuel pumps are the best guard against vapor lock on a fuel-injected system. Short of that, the pump(s) should be placed as close to the

tanks as possible so that the distance on the suction side of the pump is as short as possible. The good news is that fuel boiling points cannot get much lower and still perform well in modern-day engines. However, some modern vehicles are now pressurizing the tanks so someday the blend of fuels may be changed again.

Your GMC Motorhome Information Source... www.gmcmi.com • Manuals • Drawings • Maintenance & Schedules • Service/Recall Bulletins • Technical Presentations/Papers • and MUCH more!

FALL 2021

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

GMC Motorhome Supplier/Vendors List >> FULL SERVICE, PARTS & REPAIR FACILITIES

>> 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, and hard to find parts. We ship to all states and Canada. New updates available.

Applied GMC Jim Kanomata | 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.gmcrvparts.com 38424 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560 Specializing in GMC Service, repairs, and parts. Final drives with various gear ratios, headers, 3” mandrel bent. Low every day prices on thousands of RV parts...plus tips and a “free” tech line.

Applied GMC Jim Kanomata | 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.gmcrvparts.com 38424 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560 Specializing in GMC Service, repairs, and parts. Final drives with various gear ratios, headers, 3” mandrel bent eExhaust parts, mufflers, trannies, and 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 and service for the GMC Motorhome. Repair and maintenance to full renovations available. 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!

>> SERVICE & REPAIR FACILITIES Bob Stone 618-964-9124 | Carbondale, IL Service and repair. DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhome Service

DJ Eberhart| 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@gmail.com | www.djsgmc.com 233 NW Olive St., Sheridan, OR 97378-1125 Cinnabar certified service and repair. New and used GMC parts.

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.

Ken Frey Auto HAS PARTS! Frey Auto Repair has closed, but Ken still has many miscellaneous parts. Check the website or call him to check availability. He is also happy to chat with GMCers who need service or part information. PLEASE CALL BETWEEN 8 a.m. and Noon, EDT. 215-536-1246 | freyautoken@yahoo.com 2230 Milford Ave., PO Box 4, Milford Square, PA 18935

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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, and service for the GMC Motorhome. Repair and maintenance to full renovations available. Gateway Motorhome Company 636-931-8282 | 800-654-0374 | www.gmcmotorhomeparts.com Committed only to the GMC Motorhome since 1986. Large selection of GMC Motorhome parts. Shipped daily. Golby Motors 352-793-7000 | golby@golbymotorcorp.com www.golbymotorcorp.com 3375 County Road 528, Sumterville, FL 33585 Specializing in GMC Motorhome service, repairs, and original body parts. Check out our website today! Grandview Motorhome Tom Hampton | 937-644-4238 | 937-537-1612 cell grandviewh@gmail.com 13880 Weaver Road, Marysville, Ohio 43040 Miscellaneous GMC Motorhome parts. SS brake and tranny lines.

>> OTHER PART SUPPLIERS Alan Henderson | Two Items! 478-320-5974 | alan@mgcads.com | gmcwipersetc.com GMC Motorhome Electric Windshield Wiper Conversion Kit Mechanical and electrical parts to install your locally purchased electric motor. Replaces hydraulic motor with a reliable electric motor with intermittent sweep. Large Format Electrical Diagrams Enlarged wiring diagrams for GMC Motorhomes - All years 12V Chassis, 12V &120V Living area – 18”, 24”, 36” wide

Gmcmotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Motorhome_Wiring_Diagrams.pdf

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.

GMC Motorhome Supplier/Vendors List 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 | rburkitt@cinci.rr.com | www.bdub.net/bobburkitt/ 11382 Marlette Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249-2210 Offer repairs, parts, and accessories for existing Birch doors. Classic Coaches & Accessories, LLC JR Slaten | 502-836-2097 | jrslaten@aol.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) CruzinGear Christo Darsch | info@cruzingear.co | www.cruzingear.co GMC Motorhome Wall-Mounted Bottle Openers. Get Your Shine On.

High-End Motorsports 916-774-6686 | sales@high-end-motorsports.com | www.high-end-motorsports.com 8331 Sierra College Blvd, #210, Roseville, CA 95661 Made in the USA accessories, custom sunshades, plate frames, tags, receiver covers, and more. 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 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.

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.

Keith Vasilakes | MicroLevel 763-732-3419 | my427v8@hotmail.com Intro, Install & Oper, Diagram at www.gmcmi.com/air-suspension/ 5131 Greenwood Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112-4834 MicroLevel: A Microprocessor controlled air suspension controller with RF Remote and Camp Ground Leveling.

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.

Rance Baxter 814-596-5254 | 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.

DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhome Service DJ Eberhart| 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@gmail.com | www.djsgmc.com 233 NW Olive St., Sheridan, OR 97378-1125 Cinnabar certified service and repair. New and used GMC parts.

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. Wire sets, 1973-74 points conversion.

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.

GET YOUR SHINE ON.

Gary Bovee 530-200-6247 | gary.bovee@gmcidiotsguide.com www.gmcidiotsguide.com 12495 Muller Avenue, Red Bluff, CA 96080 Electronic Ignition Kit for 4kw & 6kw Onan Generators

Heavyweight Polished Stainless Wall-Mounted Boole Openers

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.

www.cruzingear.co info@cruzingear.co

FALL 2021

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Classified Ads 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, & header. 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.

>> CAMPGROUNDS/RESORTS Road Runner RV Park Ray Doonkeen | 405-677-2373 | www.roadrunnerrvparkokc.com 4740 S I-35 Service Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73129 Our new facilities boast a 6,000 sq. ft. Event Center/Rec Hall with full kitchen, 132 full hook-up concrete sites with grass, paved roads, four storm shelters, and free Wi-Fi. Closest RV park to downtown Oklahoma City & medical center. We are easy on & off I-35. Open year-round. South Bend/Elkhart North KOA Holiday Recreation Thomas Jetzer & Patricia Schenk Reserve: 800-562-2470 | Info: 574-277-1335 50707 Princess Way, Granger, IN 46530 | Open May 1- Nov 15 Enjoy the peaceful rustic feel of a wooded setting family campground, nestled between the cities of South Bend and Elkhart. We offer level full hookup RV sites, spacious deluxe cabins, rustic cabins, and Louise, our beautiful classic trailer! Plus 54-channel cable TV access and free WiFi. Private showers, restrooms, laundry, pool, snack bar, mini golf, bike rentals, arcade, gelato bar, Glo Wagon Rides, two CampK9®s and a room for RV rallies.

Classifieds >> GMC MOTORHOME FOR SALE 1973 – 26’ GMC Motorhome FL | $16,900 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Second owner and stored inside. It has a 455 cu engine, 75,000 miles, generator, sofa, and table turn into beds, plus an awning. William MacKenzie | 352-873-7857 | bmack0121@gmail.com 1973 – Custom Canyon Land – Price Lowered FL | $38,500 $50,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Jim has owned the GMC for the last 20 plus years. The previous owner had the interior done by Prevost. GMC was completely mechanically refurbished by Jim Bounds at the Coop with a new Drew Koba flat tappit engine, fresh transmission and all the other mechanicals needed. Jim Galbavy | 804-426-8022 | Ada Galbavy 407-687-2023 32

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM

1974 – 26’ GMC Motorhome BC/WA | $16,500 US OBO | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com This coach is a pampered survivor. All original with 86K original miles on the coach and 42K miles on a new 455 engine. Looks great, drives great, feels great. Sleeps 6. Looking for a good home. Stored 30 miles east of Bellingham, which is north of Seattle. Jim | dci1988@hotmail.com | 800-401-2211 1975 – 26’ GMC Airport Transport OR | $8,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com This was an airport transporter. It has no seats and is ready for someone with an imagination. The entry door, as you can see, is extra wide and will accommodate a wheel chair or, as we used it, for motorcycles. It has a 455 Toronado rebuilt engine and an automatic transmission. Body is in excellent condition. Terry | 503-320-0226 1976 Palmbeach FL | $5,000 Owned GMC for over 20 years. Have altered it half way. Stored under canopy. Outside is cream color. Have not started for several years. Call for more information.. Steven Light | 850-980-0565 1976 Royale TX | $19,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Previously used to attend weekend soccer tournaments. Stored in building and batter tenders. Rebuilt 403 engine/transmission and new diffeential transaxle in 2020. Passed TX inspection. Kristopher Hochart | 210-421-2691 1977 Eleganza II – Price Lowered CA | $17,500 $23,000/OBO | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Recently serviced and certified by Applied GMC in Newark, California! All repair paperwork and GMC manuals. Ronald Shoffeitt | bigbearmoon@aol.com 1977 GMC Motorhome Clasco photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com NY | $9,000 | This coach has a rebuilt 455 Oldsmobile engine with new bearings, cam, pistons, valves, valve springs and retainers new oil pump, intake manifold and exhaust headers; engine block and cylinder heads machined and line bored less than 10,000 miles on the engine. It needs a carburetor put back on it as the Holley fuel injection that was put on it 18 years ago no longer works. Anthony Rovito | 801-783-8582 1977 Kingsley Clasco – Price Lowered FL | $60,000 $70,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Extensive update by Jim Bounds at the Cooperative Motor Works in 2016-2020. “New” 455 cubic inch engine – by Cinnabar. Bruce Bisping | 952-237-3882 1977 Eleganza II IL | $49,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Complete renovation in 2010 and stored inside. Oldsmobile 455 engine replaced with a factory-rebuilt engine in 2013 for $12,649 and has 7,300 miles on it. Need to check list of updates and new items! Roger Deichman | 217-971-4972 | problemsolver50@gmail.com

Classified Ads 1978 Kingsley (restored) photo on www.gmcmi.com MI| $49,000 OBO | This super smooth-running coach has been used continuously for the past 18 years and is ready to roll. We have meticulously restored her over the years, in a constant effort to keep her looking and performing great. Located near Ann Arbor, Michigan. Nick | 734-368-2671

>> PARTS/TOW VEHICLES/ETC. FOR SALE

1978 Palm Beach photo on www.gmcmi.com IL | $40,000 | Restomod frame-off rebuilt 455 motor, transmission, 366 final drive, front suspension, four bagger, Hydroboost stainless steel lines and hoses, macerator, stainless mandrel bent exhaust into 1 - 3” out. Bob Stone | 618-964-9124

1973 Caddy Engine and Transmission CO | $3,000 takes it all! Perfect swap for a GMC Motorhome! Roughly 110,000 miles on the engine, 502 cubic in (“the mighty Caddy 500”!). Also have gantry crane from inside the motorhome. Local pickup only in Lakewood, Colorado. Briant Grossi | 303-921-4030 | briantgr@comcast.net

1978 Revcon Chamelot 31.5’ w/Toronado drivetrain! photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com NC | $19,500 | Zombie Themed – Many repairs/new items done by Barry Owen in the past two years, plus additional mechanicals. Michael Owens at 336-225-1445 | Calls ONLY please.

455 CID Oldsmobile Engine CO | $750 Engine is from a 1973 GMC Motorhome: long block, was running when removed. Will deliver FREE up to 200 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado. Jim Egan | 720-308-4586 call or text

2006 Mini Cooper with Two Bar Set-up photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com WI | $8,500 | Est 60,000 miles and about 20,000 towed (not exact). Runs perfectly. Easy hook up. Some small dings on hood from towing. Bought it with coach last year, but do not plan on using it. Doc Frederick Prehn | 715-218-0831 | fred@prehn.co

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FALL 2021

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

>> Regional GMCMH Activities... >> Western States – Fall 2021 Rally The Wine Country RV Resort in Paso Robles, California was a beautiful setting for our first rally in two years. It was wonderful to see everyone again and to meet some new members. The weather was perfect and we had lots of delicious meals, great entertainment, and plenty of activities to keep us busy. For those who chose to kick back and relax, the pools and the jacuzzi were popular, and the local wineries were enjoyed by many. As reported by Jim Kanomata: • Dean Hanson pointed out what to have with you when recovering these neglected coach and what he felt need to be addressed first. • Eric Schulte demonstrated how to install the sensors as well as how it works in detail. Tech article available on page 26. • Manny Trovao led discussion from desel mechanical as well as side sSlide outs body modification. • Don Guttman’s two part presentation via video and on-site, as what and how he did the modification on his coach to work for tall people. • Armand Minnie showed us how the tire pressure senders work and also several reasons why he values them.

>> GMC 49ers Motor Club – November 2021

>> GMCEU Meeting 2021

The 49ers held an Anniversary Rally at the 49er RV Village in Plymouth, California on November 12-14. There was great food and friends, plus line dancing and cake!

Our meeting was held September 3-5, in Veendam, the Netherlands. There were several friends and new friends who had lots of fun plus a tech talk that was fantastic.

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM

>> GMC Sunshine Statesmen – November 2021

Please check the GMCMH Community Calendar for up-to-date information about GMC Community rallies, lunch bunches, and Conventions at: www.gmcmi.com/gmc-calendar/ (or scan QR code).

The rally was hosted by Don Fenwick and Bob Hughson at Creekside, Punta Gorda, Florida. A gathering of great friends where some went to see Alex Ferrara’s 1957 Ford Truck under restoration and other visited Fisherman’s Village to walk, shop, and eat at the Captains Table. It was a great time.

GMCMH Events Calendar

WELCOME TO... The GMC Classics, GMC Dixielanders, and GMC Flatlanders who will be utilizing the GMCMI Spring Convention as a rally.

April 22-28, 2022

>> GMC Colonial Travelers – 40th Anniversary

GMCMI.com

We celebrated with a small but mighty rally, and with our guests, FMCA Eastern VP Gaye Young and her husband Jerry, and FMCA Northeast Regional VP Phylilis Britz and her husband Eric. Our hosts made sure we had a full banquet at all meals, and we managed to avoid the rain most of the time. It was a great feeling to return to the familiar routine of eating, chatting, eating, chatting, and even a Mexican Train choo chooed around a table. The presentation by Gaye was a very special occasion, and we thank her very much. As our president Lazlo Nelidin accepted the certificate and check, we all posed in front of Lazlo’s vintage GMC Motorhome. Gaye and Phyllis were sure to greet everyone and promote the benefits of the FMCA. We look forward to (at least) another 40-years of RVing!

WELCOME TO... The GMC Dixielanders GMC Flatlanders GMC Great Lakers GMC Six Wheelers GMC Sunshine Statesmen GMC Tidewater Crabs who will be utilizing the GMCMI Fall 40th Anniversary Convention as a rally.

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SUBMIT A RALLY DATE FOR GMC COMMUNITY CALENDAR Email date and information to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com REGIONAL CHAPTER/CLUB OPPORTUNITY Consider utilizing one of the GMCMI Conventions as one of your rallies. Contact kimweeksgmc@gmail.com for more information.

FALL 2021

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

1214 N Jefferson Way, Ste 352 Indianola, IA 50125

GMCMI

LIPSE

CONVENTION APRIL 3-9, 2024 Join us at the 2024 Spring GMCMI Convention in Mineola, Texas located near the eclipse centerline and experience the total darkness of the eclipse together! Mark you calendar today!