Winter 2022 | Issue 158
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
A magazine dedicated to promoting the legacy and use of GMC Motorhomes
! s U n i Jo The Ultimate Barn Find
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FOUND! An Anheuser-Busch Sales Training & Hospitality Coach
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GMCMI Spring Convention
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1982-2022
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The Hugh Hefner Connection
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Technical Corner
president’s corner
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
GMC Motorhomes International was founded in 1982 by Ralph Luby >> GMC Motorhomes International Admin:1214 N Jefferson Way Ste 352 Indianola, IA 50125
The oldest GMC Motorhome is 49. The youngest is 44. Your association, GMC Motorhome International is 40!
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. ©2022 GMC Motorhomes International
2021-22 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.
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Dolph Santorine
The changes over the past four decades have been amazing. You were wearing bell-bottom corduroy pants back then. Ladies rayon dresses and poofy hair were still a thing. Disco was on the radio and the shag carpet in the motorhome was still hip, cool, and groovy!
Only well-run associations survive the test of time and I know that GMCMI is in that select group that makes it to this important milestone, the 40th Anniversary. What does it take? Passionate volunteers, interesting programs, and Conventions that create those all-important friendships. If there were a recipe book for the kind of success that GMCMI has experienced in these four decades, I do not think you could re-create it. There is something special that is so difficult to describe. It is something magical but essential. We have it at GMCMI and it is you! We are kicking off the 40th Anniversary with a “Cajun Crazy” Spring Convention in Patterson, Louisiana, which will also be a rally for the GMC Classics, GMC Dixielanders, and the GMC Flatlanders. I am so excited that these fine clubs and chapters chose to use the Convention as one of their rallies. I urge you to visit with each of them. You probably already know the names of some of the people involved. Here is the time to know them better.
“It is our 40th Anniversary!” – DOLPH SANTORINE, GMCMI PRESIDENT
In this issue, check out the follow-up to the Anheuser-Busch Training and Hospitality coach from the last issue. It is still on the road and still helping to make memories!
Also, there is a great article on an unique Transmode barn-find that was never sprayed with interior insulation. The inside is still the bare aluminum and fiberglass shell. It also only accumulated 16,000 miles in 47 years! An amazing find by any measure.
The world of parts for our coaches is constantly changing, and please remember to submit updates and improvements to the Parts Interchange. It is a foundational document for this organization and is internationally respected. Let us endeavor to make it as complete and correct as possible. Share your changes and additions to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com. Our 40th year celebration lasts all 365 days of 2022. Two great Conventions are planned with huge participation from regional clubs and chapters. It is going to be an amazing year!
2022 Dues Notice Renew your 2022 dues online at gmcmi.com/joinrenew-2 or renew by mail. Send a check or money order – $40 US dollars to: Kim Weeks | GMCMI, 1214 N Jefferson Way, Ste 352, Indianola, IA 50125
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5 Congratulations GMCMI eNews, a member benefit.
GMCMI Status Membership stands at 1,011. We have 29 new members since our last publication. Refer a new member today! Receive a $10 voucher which can be used towards renewal of GMCMI dues, products, apparel, or fees for a Convention.
CONTENTS WINTER 2020
THE ULTIMATE CONTENTS BARN FIND GMCMI . . . A New Era WINTER 2022
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Keep informed about GMCMI Events and Members. Join us at facebook.com/ GMCMI
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The Hugh Hefner Connection
DEPARTMENTS 2 President’s Corner 10 FMCA Report
11 GMCMH Vendor Profile FOUND!
An12Anheuser-Busch Sales GMC Motorhome History Training and Hospitality Coach 13 Technical Corner 22 GMCMH Suppliers List
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BEWARE OF CONTENTS SCAMS WINTER 2020
24 Classified Ads 26 Regional GMCMH Activities
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.
27 GMCMH Events Calendar
GMCMI . . . A New Era
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Read the flipbook version of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine online at gmcmi.com
GMCMI Spring Convention Information and Registration
2 President’s Corner
10 FMCA Report
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11 GMCMH Vendor Profile 12 GMC Motorhome History 1982-2022
BEWARE OF SCAMS
DEPARTMENTS
ersary v i n n 0 A Anderson of Hugo, Minnesota. This coach features a rear bed, wet bath, side
13 Technical CornerON THE COVER Pictured along the banks of Lake Pepin on the Minnesota sideList looking at Wisconsin is a 1976 Palm Beach owned by Tim and Niki th Suppliers 22 GMCMH 2 President’s Corner
24 Classified Ads
8 Letters to above the Editor kitchen with oak countertop along with bunks the sofa. The coach is mostly original interior with the original paint job on the outside plus Alcoa 26 Regional GMCMH Activities 13 Generally Speaking wheels, recently rebuilt 455 engine, Carefree awning, Sully style air bags, 27 GMCMH Events Calendar Technical Cornermiles on the odometer and air horn. They purchased 22 it in 2013 with ~40,000 from friends of the original owners in Kansas. They plan on installing fuel 29 GMCMH Theatrical Appearances ON THE COVER | An almost original injection this Spring in preparation for a trip from Minnesota to California. 1978 Kingsley owned by Tony Hibl from GMCMH Suppliers List thru fall they When not on vacation, almost30 every other weekend from spring Erie, Colorado. The photo was taken travelatto campgrounds, car shows, parades, pumpkin patch, tailgating at the 32 Classified Ads Alvarado Campground near Westcliffe, racetrack, GMC rallies, and all sorts of other activities. They proudly show 34 Regional GMCMH Activities their coach at the car shows. Pictured are Cooper (9), Logan (7), Nash (5), Colorado. The coach has a 403 engine, and Remington aka Remi the golden doodle (3 months). quad-bag system, and Alcoa wheels. 35 GMCMH Events Calendar Otherwise it is mostly original, inside and out.
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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/
WINTER 2020
GMC MOTORHOMES
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GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
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THE ULTIMATE Another Incredible Tale! BY JANET FREY | GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE EDITOR
In the fall of 2010, Bob Besch (Wallingford, Connecticut) had something of a lifechanging experience. Those of us who have owned or still own a GMC Motorhome can clearly identify with this feeling. I think we can all say that owning a GMC is a lifechanging experience! Anyway, Bob has sent copious notes on his experience and I will tell you his story.
Fall of 2010 Bob was walking around the State of Connecticut Quarterly Equipment Auction in Wethersfield, Connecticut. One item on the auction sheet was a 1975 GMC van. He wondered who would keep such a vehicle that long. But as he toured the outdoor lot, he saw a GMC Motorhome! He checked the auction number and realized that the item listed as a van was actually the GMC Motorhome. 4
Note: Bob was always a big fan of the GMC, so he was familiar with the standard models offered. But this one had no windows. He contacted Steve at Cinnabar and asked him about the motorhome. Steve confirmed that the model was very unique in the GMC line up and was intended for customization as mobile showrooms, ambulances, transit, or anything else that someone might want in a custom use vehicle. So now he knew that it was a Transmode.
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It was still in its factory white paint with steel wheels, no hub caps, state sticker on both sides and it appeared to be in the original condition with no damage. He asked a CT employee if it still ran, and was told, YES, it was driven out of the warehouse for the auction. Bob asked what was not working on the vehicle. He was told that the front gear-box dripped power steering fluid, the bias-ply tires were shaped like triangles, and the interior needed a good cleaning. After numerous
BARN FIND
pumps of the gas pedal, the employee started it right up and it ran great. The History of this GMC Transmode He was told that the state purchased it brand new in 1975 and finished the inside with some simple counters and cabinets. The intent was to use the GMC as a mobile water testing office. The idea was sound but the application was short-sighted. Most of the technicians
who did the water testing were women. The supervisors could not talk them into driving the 26 ft. long vehicle down the road. So, the GMC sat most of its life in the warehouse and the techs drove state cars. Occasionally, when a site required many techs, someone was found to take the GMC to the site for extended testing periods. When the job was completed, the GMC went back to the warehouse. The Transmode was used less and less and the state decided to dispose of it along
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with other equipment. At the time of the auction, the GMC had 16,000 miles on it. Whether to Buy? So, now Bob had information on what it was and how it had been used. He had to consider whether or not he wanted to get involved in an all-new journey down the “what is wrong” with the Transmode. He decided to stay at the auction until the item came up for bidding. It started at $2,500, but there were no bids. GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
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After awhile, the auctioneer said, “Someone make an offer.” Finally a bid – at $50! Bob and another fellow traded bids. When it reached $300, the auctioneer said “SOLD” and Bob owned a GMC! He took it to his business, about a 30-minute drive south, opened the overhead door, backed it into the annex part of the storage area, closed the door, and tried to decide what to do next. Another Life-Changing Moment In the fourth week into GMC ownership, he spotted a yellow GMC traveling the opposite direction on the highway as he went to work. It had lettering on the sides, but as things happened so quickly, he did not notice what was being advertised. But that did not matter. Now he had a premonition and a destiny for the GMC Transmode. He planned to do a total refurbish of the GMC to full factory condition. He noted that he is a manufacturer of high-end All-American Battery Chargers and was used to going above and beyond. So, in the evenings, he would go over every inch of the coach, researched all the noted parts suppliers, and found sources for his project. He says he met some of the nicest people ever in his search, and it actually began to be more like a hobby and adult fun! He began to develop a concept with a theme for how he could use the Transmode involving the company.
Read more about the Commercial Transmode Upfitters in the 2017 Spring issue of GMC Vintage RVing at www.gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving
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Without side windows, both sides of the coach are rolling billboards. At night, he would do concept sketches and work on refurbishing. He nicknamed the GMC “The Machine.” It had the Olds 455 engine, but the factory A/C was the only option. Through the years, he removed the interior and refurbished the cockpit with High Tech Grey on the ceiling, walls, and dash. All the original gauges were in great shape and everything was in working order. Since there was no radio, Bob installed a modern high-end radio system that fit perfectly in the original radio panel opening. It even had a remote control. The body had no damage, so it was painted with Porsche Guard Red. Then it was six new Alcoa wheels, six new Michelins, custom balance, new lug nuts, and caps. Now it was rolling beautifully. Then there was the suspension, new high-end shocks, brake inspection, lubing, air-lines, and upgrading of the air ride control valves for faster response time and fine leveling control. The one area where Bob had to have some professional servicing was the front steering gear-box. It had a nasty leak. Jeff
Sirum of Alex Sirum GMC Motorhome in Okeechobee, Florida knew all about the problem and rebuilt it with new seals and to the perfect positioning in the gear box. The glass was in perfect condition and the chrome bumpers and hardware were like new. Jeff also supplied a factory template cut rear glass with Limo Tint. Also installed were new door guard rubber inserts down both sides. The interior is not complete. However, the plan is to use “The Machine” as a rolling display vehicle for trade shows and the like. A few years ago Bob was invited to the All New England Oldsmobile car show because a member spotted the coach on the road. He was aware that it had an Olds engine and thought it would make a unique interest vehicle. Turns out it won an award! Last summer Bob was invited to attend a Nor’Easters GMC Club rally in Connecticut. He got there late Saturday morning, and everyone was so friendly and kind. What a super group. There were about 25 GMCs there of all models, sizes, and conditions. He met Bill Bryant and they had the nicest time. But Bob could not get him to stop crawling under “The Machine”. When Bill finally emerged, he had a big smile. He was amazed that the underside was so remarkably clean, and the factory undercoating was still shiny. “The Machine” is quite a show stopper nowadays Bill Bryant checking out the since they are becoming so rare. Everywhere he underneath of the GMC Transmode. goes he gets noticed, and people want to talk about it. (Editor’s note: Sound familiar??) Getting a fill-up always brings folks around. Bob says that he is always available to answer any questions about the GMC with any enthusiasts. He says, keep up the great support!
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Letters to the Editor
SUBMIT YOUR LETTERS TO ADMIN@GMCMI.COM
Free!
The publication goes stateby-state supplying information, a campground listing contact information, amenities, things to do and see near the campground, and pricing.
https://qrco.de/bcoM1V
Paul & Ardys Randall | 1976 Glenbrook | Maplewood, Minnesota We sold our GMC Motorhome to a nice couple in Connecticut a few months ago and GMCMI was instrumental in the sale. We had listed it elsewhere with no positive responses. Once we placed an ad in the GMCMI magazine we got multiple offers. When it sold we had four couples that were willing to pay what we were asking. We are extremely pleased with GMCMI. We highly recommended it to the new owners, and would highly recommend it to anyone considering buying a GMC Motorhome. Best wishes for a prosperous 2022. Editor’s Note: GMCMI members selling a GMC BENEFIT Motorhome can receive HH HH H a “free” ad listing on the gmcmi.com website (plus up-tonine photos), quarterly magazine, and announcement on the GMCMI Facebook page, Vintage GMC Motorhome Facebook page and the GMCMH Marketplace Facebook page. Simply send an email to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com with your ad content, contact information, location, price and up-to-nine photos. TO
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Plus a link to individual state “trip guide” for each leg of the Route 66 experience.
Thank you to GMCMI
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We came across this “free” publication and thought we would share it with the GMCMH Community.
Sold!
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Keith Carrel | previous 1973 Glacier owner | Olatha, Kansas
GMC
The RVer’s Guide to Route 66 Campgrounds
MEMBER
Cute Little “JoJo”
2023 GMCMH Calendar Photo Submission Barbara Darsch | 1977 Eleganza II | Weymouth, Massachusetts We bought the 2022 calendar and when I saw all the pups featured in it I said to Christo (my husband) “You didn’t submit a picture of Jojo?” So, he said I should send it along for next year. Here she is happily lounging in our coach. I thought the calendar was wonderful! Happily hung it on our kitchen wall. Love seeing everyone’s color schemes. If I could make a suggestion, it would be to caption the photos to include some info like year, model, coach’s name (if one) and state or even owner, if that would be allowed. Editor’s Note: Great suggestion! Anyone that would like to submit a high-resolution photo of their GMC Motorhome and/or their pet, please send the photo and information to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com. Thank you!
Submit a “Letter to the Editor”. The GMC Vintage RVing magazine wants to hear what you think. Send your email to admin@gmcmi.com. By submitting a letter, you have agreed to let us use it – in part or in full – in our magazine and/or in our eNews. By default, our published letters include a writer’s full name, city, state, and GMC Motorhome information.
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FOUND! An Anheuser-Busch Sales Training and Hospitality Coach I was delighted to receive my fall 2021 issue of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine. I was fascinated by the story about the A-B coach and how it was used. When the article mentioned that Tom Michalsen could not find any information on any of the A-B coaches, I said... I can help with that!
BY CRAIG BUCKLEY | GLASTONBURY, CONNECTICUT | 1978 ROYALE
My wife, Mary, and I own a 1978 GMC that was upfitted for an Anheuser Busch distributor. Everyone who has ever owned a GMC has a story about how they came to own one or more GMC coaches. Some are long, some are short, and some are lost to time. I hope mine is none of the preceding as I relate the saga of our GMC. I saw my first GMC in 1973 in a parking lot. It was a very early 1973 and I know that because this coach did not have skirts and the suspension was completely exposed. I saw those big airbags and the tandem rears. I had
spent a little time around campers and I could see that this was something truly different. I thought to myself, “Wow! This remarkable, a real innovation, someone has great vision.” Then I saw the luxurious interior through those huge tinted curved glass windows and I was awe struck! I told myself “If I ever own a motorhome it is going to be one of these.” Sometime after we got married I was chatting with my wife and casually mentioned that “If we ever own a motorhome it is going to be a GMC” As you might suspect, she replied “What’s a GMC?”
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I think most folks begin to ponder owning a GMC coach after a vision or personal epiphany, maybe because of admiration (or jealousy) and chase that dream until they find the right one. And then of course, there are some who can not make their minds. In our case, it was pure serendipity. One day in early 1992, my wife and I were in Massachusetts in search of the ‘elusive cluster of furniture outlet stores’. We eventually gave up and decided to go visit a friend in Vermont. Our new route took us across country roads as we traveled to Route 91. We had left the house pretty early that morning, and we both wanted a cup of coffee so we stopped at the first coffee and donut shop we found. My wife went in to get our java and I stayed in the car. While I was waiting, some cheerleaders from a nearby university caught my attention as they did routines attracting folks to fundraiser car wash. Behind them in a GMC dealer lot was a GMC Motorhome. When my wife returned I asked her if she remembered me talking about a GMC and with a roll of her eyes said “Yes dear.” I told her to look across the street because I had just noticed one of those motorhomes for sale. “Yeah, right, what you noticed is the cheerleaders” (caught in the act). Then she said, “Why don’t we go look at it?” I did not know if I was thrilled or frightened. We went to the dealership and wound up speaking with the dealership owner who told us that he was selling it for his brother. His brother owned the Anheuser Busch distributor across the street. We learned that the coach was known as the ‘Budbus’ (it said so on the vanity license plate), and had been used as a ‘Hospitality Wagon’ and mobile advertising sign board. It chauffeured A-B executives around, drove in parades, transported radio contest and raffle winners to various places, and brought employees to many football games. Occasionally his brother took it camping. I looked the coach over, did not see anything too scary, and a couple of weeks later the Budbus was ours. What we had not completely understood yet was that the Budbus was one of four or maybe five custom coaches in a genre of especially up-fitted units akin to a small run of Coca-Cola coaches. In our nearly 30-years of ownership we have only met one person who was aware of the A-B coaches but all he could tell us about was the paint scheme. He had worked at a different Anheuser Busch distributor and since retirement had a small business, sadly of scrapping and parting out GMC coaches. The paint scheme he described mirrored the coach that Tom showed in his article. When I first saw my coach, the paint scheme had given me the notion that it had a beer heritage. When we bought it, you could see the shadow of a large golden “A” trademark on the panel between the kitchen window and the rear banquet/bed window. Neither he nor I could find any evidence of a legend painted on the red band around at midsection. The Budbus is a 1978 Royale Center Kitchen. At first, I did not understand why they had super aggressive knobby snow tires on the front and your basic truck tires on the rears. Umm, believe me, now I know. I have learned that locking differentials are now available and that is next on my to-do list. When we bought the coach there were 30,000 miles on the odometer and now has 110,000. About 60,000 from 20-years of commuting from Hartford, Connecticut to Disney World. The balance comes from participating in GMC Nor’Easter rallies, Patriots and 10
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UConn football games, vacations, and multiple graduations. Just curious, does anyone else have a dog that just has to sit in the copilot seat? One of our dogs would bark at you until you got out of his seat where he would sit for hours just as still as hood ornament and watch the world go by. The coach came with two roof top air conditioners, a rear ladder, spare tire, and roof pod. I have since installed a new AC/heat pump in the front hole and put a MAXX fan in the rear. To my wife’s disappointment, we do not have an awning. The 8-track player is no more. The coach has the somewhat rare dry shower that we consider a tad too small to use so we hung a closet pole in it and use it as a much needed closet. The Budbus comfortably sleeps three adults and two children, but could sleep a fourth adult if any two of them were very, very good friends… My wife and I have made several small changes to the living area of the coach, but not so many or so significant that it has changed the aura. The microwave has been swapped for a combination microwaveconvection oven and the gas range has been replaced with a two-burner marine type electric glass stove top. We have replaced the kitchen counter but elected not to install the flush mount blender as we had already replaced the carafe four times. Unlike the coach featured in the Fall 2021 issue, our coach did not include a Kegerator or triple sinks. Instead of this large special purpose refrigerator, our coach pulled a 3,500 lb beer wagon! My wife had a huge role in directing any changes we made so we avoided the black light, Elvis on velour, and lava light I suggested. We replaced the combination propane and 12-volt refrigerator with a small household refrigerator and installed an inverter so we can run it while were are underway. Believe it or not, the furnace and the dual source hot water heater are original, but we ditched the vacuum because the hose and accessories took too much space. It also did not work very well. We replaced the shag carpet with commercial grade cut pile carpet, engineered flooring, and reupholstered the cockpit seats. But to this day, the most impressive thing about the interior is the solid walnut cabinets! They are beautiful and would enhance any home.
A GMCMI Member Profile BY JANET FREY | GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE EDITOR
And who are GMCMI members CRAIG AND MARY BUCKLEY? Craig has included many interesting details of his life with the GMC in his article. However, I can add a few more after a pleasant phone call. He is almost a native of Connecticut (Craig’s family moved from Long Island to Connecticut when he was a child), and his wife Mary is also from Connecticut. They met in 1970 in New Haven where they both went to college and married in 1974. They have two daughters, and one granddaughter Pearl who sounds like a delightful little girl. Craig started his career as an apprentice in elevator construction, and continued to advance from there. His engineering experience allowed him to expand his responsibilities, eventually retiring as manager of International Field Engineering after 40 years with a major elevator company. Mary was a school teacher who owned and ran a Montessori school for 30 years. But these two found time to travel to Disney twice a year for 24 years, yes in the GMC. As noted in the article, they have passed the GMC on to a daughter, and her husband who are both anxious to begin their own adventures in the Bud Bus!
There have also been a few outside upgrades. Wheel skirts are on hinges, and along with the propane and generator doors are on gas springs. At least two of the “Hatch Covers” have been replaced with diamond plate because the originals disappeared. I turn a pretty good wrench but I cannot paint unless it involves a brush and roller so the coach continues to display the iconic paint scheme as imperfectly today as it did 29 years ago. We did install Alcoa wheels. I do not want this short history to sound like one of those For Sale ads that highlights everything ever done to the coach right down to changing light bulbs, but I will say that the Budbus now features just about every accessory or re-engineered component anyone in our community has ever offered. While yes, I could have saved a few dollars buying parts at NAPA or Rock Auto, I chose to support the innovators and specialty suppliers of our community who invest in inventory and tooling to ensure they can continue to support us as long as possible. I hope you do too.
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If you are or are in any way affiliated with these enterprises that come to mind (in no particular order): Jim Bounds, Alan Branscome, Bill Bryant, Cinnabar, Ken Frey, Cliff Gateway, Mike Glover, Golby, Tom Hampton, Leigh Harrison, Jim Kanamotta, Dave Lenzi, Mondello, Ocean Atlantic, Dick Paterson, Ragusa, Jeff and Alex Sirum, Chuck Stoddard, and Dan Stuckey (and my apologies to those I have missed). I Thank You! Please know that each of you has a part in preserving and maintaining the excellent mechanical condition of this rare and historic vehicle. Although it has tried on a few occasions, the Budbus has never left my family and I stranded on the side of the road wondering what to do. This is solely because you folks have so often helped me know what I needed to know in advance.
This coach has taken us many places and we have shared hundreds of hours of joy with our fellow GMCers. Like most, we have had dozens and dozens of people lean out of their car windows to take our picture, given us the thumbs up or occasionally an alternate finger if I had strayed into their lane. We have been approached by folks who wanted to talk about how they want one, have one now or had one in the past or have a friend who did. Many just asked what the coach is. No Virginia, this is not the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile. I am sure 12
like many, we became familiar with the sight of a car closely “drafting” us. I am sure that was to save them a little gas but always gave me a lot of heartburn in return. I have also been very impressed with how cohesive the GMC Community is. Time, knowledge, tools, labor, parts, and fellowship are freely exchanged without expectation of compensation. Then of course there are the campfire stories, often held while enjoying a beverage paying homage to the original owner of my coach. You know the guy who claims his coach is so fast that he once made it from New York City to Lorton Virginia in 90 minutes or the fellow who says his 23 footer is so spacious that he used to bring the entire University of Michigan football team, trainers, and cheerleaders to all the away games, or the guy who says he uses his coach to pull tree stumps. I have got a couple of humdingers too but that is something for a different article. Now, most folks reading this already own a GMC and you already know everything I have said between the first paragraph and this next paragraph. Thank you for your patience. Sadly, a change in my health means I will not drive the coach anymore and it will need to live in a different place where someone will love it as much as my family
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and I have. I am delighted to tell you that I have found that place about 10 miles down the road where there now is a Budbus in my daughter’s driveway. I’m not giving up on the bus! I still get to work on it but will now have my son-in-law as a built in helper. Most of our time together so far has been devoted to teaching him the “howto” of driving, maintaining, repairing, and winterizing their new coach (a GMC is never old). He is an avid student so we may see another 43 years of joy and pleasure from the Budbus. Now, if you will excuse me, it is time to pay a personal tribute to the Budbus with a Bud! Here comes the King!
Generally Speaking Ò
QUESTIONS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS, AND MORE
The “Generally Speaking” column, is a place to share maintenance ideas, parts, tips, innovations, and more. We all have encountered situations that tested our creativity and ability to think outside the box. So, here is a place to share these ideas, or even request a solution. Contact GMCMI Admin with your ideas or questions, and look for them in a future magazine.
GMCmotorhome.org Forum is Two Years Old
Windshield Replacement Clinic Video
Christo Darsch | 1977 Eleganza II | Weymouth, Massachusetts
Our GMCMI Windshield Replacement Clinic leader, Ken Burton, asked if there was anyone that would be willing to videotape an installation at the 2021 Fall GMCMI Convention in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
On October 2, 2021, GMCmotorhome. org celebrated its second anniversary. Owner/admin Christo Darsch is thrilled. “In December we reached 1,000 members and we are getting more than 20,000 page views every month.”
Awesome! Jeremy Sanford | Sacramento, California | 1977 Kingsley
Pictured is a NEO model that I purchased a few years back from an European company. I believe that they modeled it on someone’s actual coach. The “GMC Sign of Leadership” promotional desk dealership signs can occasionally be found on eBay for insane money (I have a real Chevrolet one) but I do not believe they ever made one for the “Motor Home Center”, so I cobbled together my own.
Read more about the GMC Motor Home Centers feature in the Fall 2019 issue of GMC Vintage RVing magazine: www.gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving/
GMCmotorhome.org is intended to complement the other messaging platforms available to GMCers, including Facebook groups and the venerable GMCnet forum. Darsch explains, “We wanted to create a more permanent, manageable, and credible resource than the Facebook groups while offering more modern features than GMCnet, like mobile device support, inline photos and videos, and a powerful search engine”.
We are pleased that Doug Smith volunteered to accommodate Ken’s request by filming, editing, and supply the voiceover. A big thank you to Paul Hudak, Drew Hudak, and Paul Hudak from PDK Enterprises who have been working with Ken to make the clinic a great success!
According to frequent contributor Todd Snyder, “The platform is great… People are creating threads for build projects, FAQs, less common questions and answers, troubleshooting problems, travel logs, the future of GMC mods; anything and everything that has been done or could be done to a GMC or in a GMC”. Longtime member Jeremy Sanford adds, “I am a very visual person and the ability to include a picture of the thing you need help with makes it infinitely easier for other members to help you”. Darsch noted that moderating the forum has been easy. “It is a tribute to our Community that 99% of the time people are cordial and treat one another with respect.”
Check out the Windshield Replacement video at: www.gmcmi.com/technicalpresentations-papers/
WINTER 2022
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
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H
| GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
S INTERNAT E IO OM
N AL
GMC MO TO R
40th Anniversary
1982-2022
0
y r a s r e v th Anni
BY JANET FREY | GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE EDITOR
2022 is going to be a year of celebration for GMC Motorhomes International! It is our 40th Anniversary year, and there will be special happenings all year. As a way of kicking off this year, I want to share some thoughts and observations on this most important organization for owners and supporters of the vintage GMC Motorhomes. GMCMI was founded by Ralph Luby and was chartered as a FMCA chapter in 1982. It is important to note that Ralph had the foresight to see the need for such a group and the determination and organizational skills to make it happen. And, as with most groups, the membership started small. But more and more GMC owners
joined as they saw the value in a group that specifically supported and promoted a vehicle that was manufactured only from 1973 to 1978. The numbers grew as the vehicles were bought and sold, required maintenance, and more owners found that it was FUN to get together. So, here we are, 40 years later and still going strong. The question is, what has made GMCMI successful? The Members On a personal note, Ken and I joined GMCMI in 1988, and at that time we had owned a 1976 Palm Beach for just over a year. Ken was getting more and more involved with the maintenance of our GMC, and was discovering that
Read more about the history of GMCMI in the 35th Anniversary feature of the Fall 2017 issue of GMC Vintage RVing magazine: www.gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving/
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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
other GMC owners needed service, parts, and repair. Our “local” club, the GMC Colonial Travelers, was an active group of about 30 to 40 members who supported rallies and each other. They were delighted to have a new member who knew something about the mechanics of the GMC. When we went to our first GMCMI Convention in Goshen, Indiana, in 1990, we were amazed at the attendance and the activities. Ken began to advertise his service and installed front access transmission dipstick tubes as one of the first innovations of our business. While he became more recognized as Ken Frey, mechanic, I was known as “Mrs. Dipstick” because I helped him with installations. Thankfully, since then I have become known as Janet! Anyway, the GMCers that we met at that Convention were priceless. They were friendly, helpful, full of information, and totally welcoming. The activities were designed to inform owners, and encourage fellowship. By the way, that has never changed! It did not take long to realize that the members form the backbone of this organization. The Community What is the Community? It represents the group of dedicated GMCers who are always willing to jump in and help. This includes volunteering at Conventions and local rallies, answering questions while traveling (just go to a gas station with your GMC and you know what I mean), helping fellow members with information, and helping others with issues while they are traveling. Jokes are made about how owners cannot stop talking about GMCs once they get started, but that same enthusiasm morphs into action. What is that under the hood? How do I...? Where to do you get...? Just open the hood panels on a GMC at a rally or Convention, and
there will be a flock of GMCers there in an instant! That is the Community. Again, on a personal note, Ken and I were planning to attend the Chippewa Falls Convention in Wisconsin in September 2021. We were committed to help on a number of projects, with Ken cooking and involved with sessions, and I would be taking minutes at several GMCMI meetings. At almost the last minute, we received word that our daughter Sue was in critical condition and in the ICU in San Diego. We were in our RV, three hours from home. Immediately, we turned around, went home, flew to San Diego, and were there for two intense weeks until she finally began her recovery. During this time, people stepped up to help Kim while she set up the Convention so that activities could take place with a minimum of disruption. And almost every day, Kim called to check on our daughter’s condition and our condition, too. She alerted the attendees at the Convention and we could feel the concern and prayers. We felt very fortunate to have such a wonderful group supporting us. We could feel the prayers! And another example of the Community. The Leadership From Ralph Luby to the present, GMCMI has been blessed with outstanding leadership. The original structure proved to be a brilliant base for years of success. Have you looked at the GMCMI Board List on the website? You will note that the entire country is represented, as well as other areas outside the US. This provides opportunities for
communication from all members and ensures that there is always a way to compliment, complain, inform, and interact with leadership. As someone who went from being a GMCMI member, to a vice president, then the secretary, I have seen the leadership at work and it is remarkable. The resources represented by the board members are amazing. These members have experience in leadership but also practical matters such as traveling, maintenance, communication including technology, and knowledge from their extensive careers. GMCMI could not be in better hands! Get to know the board members at the next Convention...chat with them, ask questions, and you will see that the future of the GMCMI is bright indeed! The Full Service, Parts and Repair Facilities Pick up a Vintage RVing magazine, any one of them, and you will find extensive information on those wonderful souls who monitor the care and feeding of our beloved GMCs. Hey, these vehicles are not getting any younger, and we need those clever people who know how to keep them on the road. Some are specialists, and some can do it all. As we all know, the list of suppliers can change with retirements, etc. But here is a place where you can find information! The Cottage Suppliers Okay, we all want to keep the GMC rolling along, and there are the practical matters that are handled by the owners
WINTER 2022
themselves, and the facilities as noted above. But, let’s have some fun, too! Here we have access to fun things like new curtains, a better way to store stuff, how to update certain things from tech to cosmetic, or just great ideas to share. It is so much fun to read about these things, but come to a Convention and see them in person! The Benefits What do you get from a GMCMI membership? What don’t you get! There are two Conventions a year, the parts interchange, the award-winning magazine, article index, the website, GMCMI Facebook page, Vintage GMC Motorhome Community Facebook page, monthly eNews, thegmcmhstore.com, “free” advertising, getting to see other GMC Motorhomes and their owners, and joining a Community that is always willing to offer support. Maybe one of the most important benefits is information. The GMCMI flashdrive is truly priceless. Just check out the information on the website and then think of that information on a flashdrive that you can take anywhere and access it without the internet. Remember, the GMC Motorhome is almost 50-years-old, and here you have all those years of manuals, diagrams and drawings, recall bulletins, and so much more. So, what has made GMCMI successful? You. The leadership. And all those people from the past who had the foresight to create an organization that is still relevant and vibrant today!
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
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The Hugh Hefner Connection... BY JANET FREY | GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE EDITOR
As we know, the GMC Motorhome has always been unique and has appeared in all kinds of situations. A new one was discovered by Jaye Steinbrick (Riverside, California | 1973 Palm Beach). In 1977, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
determined that the “HOLLYWOOD” sign in Los Angeles was in disrepair and needed complete rebuilding. With the price tag of a quarter of a million dollars, it was uncertain if the job could be completed.
Now, here is where the GMC enters. There was a Bon Voyage party in August 1978 near the site of the old sign. Photos from that party show Hugh Hefner in front of an Eleganza II which is adorned with a sign, “Bon Voyage, Hollywood Sign”. Other photos show celebrities (including the famed Bunnies) around the GMC during the festivities. And, eventually, the sign was re-born and we can still enjoy it today.
Have you discovered a famous person and a GMC Motorhome Connection? The GMC Vintage RVing magazine wants to hear from you! Email kimweeksgmc@gmail.com with your find. 16
GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
HEFNER PHOTOS: STEPHEN & CHRISTY MCAVOY FAMILY TRUST | HOLLYWOODPHOTOGRAPHS.COM
Enter Hugh Hefner (yes, THAT Hugh Hefner of Playboy fame). He hosted a gala fundraiser at his mansion where individual letters were ceremonially “auctioned” off at $27,700 per letter. For example, rocker Alice Cooper bought an “O” in honor of Groucho Marx, Gene Autry an “L”, and Andy Williams sponsored the “W”.
Convention Highlights • Six nights of camping, Friday through Wednesday night (level grassy sites with water and electric) • Restrooms, showers, and dumpsite available • Come early for Wednesday and Thursday for only $25 a night • 15-21 hours of tech sessions • Vendors, Vendors, Vendors...
GMCMI Spring Convention | April 22-28, 2022
• 12-19 hours of nontechnical sessions
Patterson Area Civic Center | Patterson, Louisiana
Louisiana Cajun Louisiana’s Cajun culture runs deep. The word Cajun popped up in the 19th century to describe the Acadian people of Louisiana. The Acadians were descendants of the French Canadians who were settling in southern Louisiana and the Lafayette region of the state. They spoke a form of the French language and today, the Cajun language is still prevalent. The Cajuns had a large impact on Louisiana’s culture bringing diverse cuisine, music styles, and dialects to the region. The Cajun Coast Located in the Bayou Teche region the Cajun Coast is midway between New Orleans and Lafayette via Hwy. 90. It includes five municipalities: Morgan City, Franklin, Berwick, Baldwin, Patterson, and the Sovereign Nation of the Chitimacha. The blending of French, Spanish, English, African, Native American, and Cajun traditions have created a rich and flavorful gumbo of food, music, art, and history. Patterson, Louisiana Whatever your interests, you will find Patterson in St. Mary Parish is the perfect place to meet new friends and share in the rich history, heritage, and natural beauty. It is located only 90 minutes or less from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or Lafayette.
Attractions The Wedell-Williams Aviation Museum The museum highlights the legacy of Louisiana aviation pioneers Jimmie Wedell and Harry P. Williams, who formed an air service together in 1928 in Patterson. Both men perished in plane crashes, their legacy lives on in the memorabilia and planes on display. Located next door and free to the public. The Cypress Sawmill Museum Lumbering became the state’s first significant manufacturing industry. Patterson was once home to the largest cypress sawmill in the world, owned by Frank B. Williams. The exhibit features artifacts, photographs, and a film that tells the story of this regional industry. Located next door and free to the public.
WINTER 2022
• Two Lunches • Three Ice Cream Socials • “Mardi Gras!” featuring a Parade, Dinner, and Dance • Two “Free” Bingo Sessions with prizes! • Book Exchange & Bookworms and Their Diet • “Pajama Party” Ladies Brunch • GMC Parts Exchange, Craft & Flea Market
• GMCMI Silent Auction • Weighing of the Coaches • Participate in the Sunday Worship Service Choir
So many other things to see and do in the area: Atchafalaya Water Heritage Trail, Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, The Brown House, Berwick’s Heritage Museum, Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower, International Petroleum Museum & Exposition, Swamp Tours, Oaklawn Manor, Shadowlawn, Southwest Reef Lighthouse, Young-Sanders Center, Franklin Historic District, Diving & ROV Historical Preservation, the Great Wall, Historic Riverfront District, Petting Zoo in Morgan City, Grevember House Museum, bird watching, wildlife management, Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild (located next door), plus so much more!
• Two Dinners
• “Show & Shine” Open House Tour
Bike throughout St. Mary Parish along Hwy. 182, also known as the Old Spanish Trail and the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. Along the way, you will get a glimpse of sugarcane mills, plantation homes, a turn of the century boulevard, Bayou Teche, and more.
Visit www.cajuncoast.com for more information.
• Hot waffles daily, two egg breakfasts, and one SOS breakfast
• Bring those instruments for a jam session. • Pineblock Derby – don’t forget your racer! • The popular raffle for $1,000 in cash, free convention fees for two, plus many more items.
PLUS... DAILY DOOR PRIZES
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
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Tech Notes...
What’s a Happening
GMC’s Full Service Parts & Repair Facility Owners
GMC Part Exchange, Craft & Flea Market Bring those no longer needed items to sell! Also, we enjoy seeing and purchasing those lovely things you make.
• Jeff Sirum of Alex Sirum GMC will be present with an array of parts, fiberglass parts, and products. He is offering “free delivery” to the Convention, order today! He will also be conducting a couple of tech sessions and the famous “Weighing of the Coaches”. www.sirumvintagegmc.com • Jim Kanomata of Applied GMC will be present with a selection of GMC parts and products. Pre-order parts that you need (up to 10 lbs.) and have them delivered to the Convention “free”. www.gmcrvparts.com • Jim Bounds of Cooperative Motor Works will be presenting a tech session. www.gmccoop.com Some of the Tech Sessions • Dave Lenzi: Brake Issues & Solutions • Jeff Sirum: The Importance of Weighing Your GMC • Paul Doane: Fuel Tank System Venting • Ty Hardiman: GMC Motorhomes 101 • Randy VanWinkle: Fuel Injection Series of Sessions... Fuel Injection Options for the GMC Motorhome, Installing Fuel Injection, and Deep Dive into Fuel Injection Programming & Fine-Tuning • Craig Shumaker: Electric Vehicles and Converting a GMC Motorhome • Plus tech sessions presented by Jim Kanomata, Jim Bounds, Jeff Sirum and more!
Crafts We have a couple of craft items scheduled but if you would like to share and lead a group....fantastic! This is always a fun time and it is amazing what we make and how proud we are when we are done. Email Kim today at kimweeksgmc@gmail.com
PINEBLOCK Derby Kit Order your kit on the Convention registration form for the Clinic (pickup on arrival) or build your derby racer at home. Only $20 each with free shipping. Order at: thegmcmhstore.com
Pineblock Derby! Get those GMC racers out of the closet and fine-tune them for the Derby! For rules go to: www.gmcmi.com/gmcmi-pineblock-derby/
Book Exchange & Bookworms Remember to bring your books, tapes, and DVDs for the Book Exchange held during the Convention. Bring your favorite book and share it at the Bookworms and Their Diet Session. A list will be provided of all books shared following the session. Check out previous lists at: www.gmcmi.com/ community-book-list
Blankets, Pet Beds, Etc. We have made over 1,000 fleece blankets since 2006. If you wish to learn or bring one you are working on, great! It is fun to sit and work on a blanket (while others are working on other items, playing cards, coloring, etc.) and chat away while getting to know each other. The blankets are easy to do. You do not have to sew! Just bring one yard of plain fleece and one yard of printed fleece along with your scissors.
Fred & Diane Dugger Food Drive Bring nonperishables and paper products for the local food pantry in Patterson. We ask that you check the expiration date on whatever you bring. Thank you.
GMC Regional Rallies GMCMI is happy to welcome the GMC Classics, the GMC Dixielanders, and the GMC Flatlanders who will be utilizing the GMCMI Spring Convention as one of their rallies! Each of them will be having a gettogether during the Convention.
Bring
a Bear
Indoor and Outdoor Vendor Area Indoor and outdoor vendor space is available. We are leaving it up to the vendors where they prefer to present their products and services. Vendors, please indicate on the registration form if you wish to utilize the indoor vendor area. Thank you.
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Monday, April 25
10:00 am Brunch
Ladies, we thought we would bring back a theme that the GMC Classic Ladies hosted at the first Spring GMCMI Convention (2011) held in Patterson, Louisiana, the “Pajama Party”. Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite teddy bear and/or bring a teddy bear to donate to the local fire department. (In 2011 we donated 137 teddy bears!)
GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
Brunch will be served, along with a lot of fun!
Notes of Interest Silent Auction At the 2021 Fall Convention a “Silent Auction” was conducted and raised monies for a new sound system. We are almost there and looking forward to replacing the coffee pot in addition to the sound system. Check out the items....bidding will close on Sunday at 3:00 pm. Convention First-Timers We are pleased that you are planning on coming to the Convention. Plan on attending the First-Timers Orientation Meeting on Friday at 3:15 pm followed by a social, dinner, and program. We invite first-timers to sign up on the bulletin board to serve ice cream on Saturday evening. It is a great opportunity to meet all of you! Can’t Come for the Entire Week? Not a problem. Call Kim at 612-501-4600 or email her at kimweeksgmc@gmail.com and let her know when you would like to arrive and depart. See you there!
GMCMI Flashdrive Updates Bring your GMCMI Flashdrive and have it updated with all the new items available. Note: the program that we use will not delete any of your files from the flashdrive. If you do not own one, purchase one at the Convention for only $20! Sing, Sing, Sing...Play, Play, Play Sunday morning we have a nondenominational worship with a choir! We need you...join the choir and fun. Choir rehearsal is on Friday, April 22 at 1:00 pm. Instruments welcome! (GMCMI can supply a keyboard.) Contact Kim at kimweeksgmc@gmail.com for the commonly known music selection.
DANCE
RYAN FORET & FORET TRADITION
3:00 PM
Pets
PARTY! 5:30 PM
In Closing This is just a few of the items we are planning. I know there will be more as the Convention gets closer. Please do check the website (www.gmcmi.com) for additional information along with the special “Convention Update eNews” that will be emailed to all attendees.
PARADE!
GMCMI
DINNER
Additional Sessions We have a couple of session slots open, just in case you have an idea or session you would wish to lead, please contact Kim. Thank you. Local Food!?!?!?!?!? Umm, Umm.... crawfish, shrimp, jambalaya, etouffee, Po’Boy sandwiches, gumbo, boudin, bread pudding, and more!
Early Arrival Come early and explore Patterson and Cajun Coast. Stay at the Patterson Area Civic Center for $25 a night. All camping reservations prior and for the Convention are made via the GMCMI Convention registration form.
Tuesday • April 26
Rooms for Gatherings Rooms are available (no charge) for club gatherings, social gatherings, etc. Contact Kim for arrangements.
Floats
7:00 PM
Cars
Listen to them at https://tinyurl.com/2k7p4z3u
WINTER 2022
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
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The Schedule
TENTATIVE THAT IS...
WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20 | PRE-CONVENTION 1:00 pm Early Arrival & Registration Begins (closes at 5pm) THURSDAY | APRIL 21 | PRE-CONVENTION 7:30 am Morning Coffee and Donuts 9:00 am Early Arrival & Registration Begins (closes at 5pm) 7:30 pm Ice Cream Social 8:00 pm Bingo (free cards, prizes awarded) FRIDAY | APRIL 22 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Oatmeal & Waffles 9:00 am GMCMI Arrival & Registration (closes at 4pm) 1:00 pm Choir Practice for Sunday Worship Service 3:15 pm First-Timers Meeting – All Members Welcome 5:15 pm Welcome Meeting 6:15 pm Social, Catered Meal, and Program SATURDAY | APRIL 23 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 7:30 am Egg Breakfast 8:00 am Update Your GMCMI Flashdrive 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 6:00 pm GMC Dixielanders Get-Together 7:30 pm Ice Cream Social served by First-Timers 8:00 pm Bingo (free cards, prizes awarded) SUNDAY | APRIL 24 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice & Fruit 7:30 am SOS Breakfast 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Worship Service 10:15 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 1:15 pm GMC Parts Exchange, Craft & Flea Market 3:00 pm “Show & Shine” Open House Tour! 6:00 pm GMC Flatlanders Get-Together
MONDAY | APRIL 25 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 7:30 am Pineblock Derby Weigh-in 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 10:00 am “Pajama Party” Ladies Luncheon Noon Chili for the Men 1:00 pm Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 3:45 pm Weighing of the Coaches & Headlight Alignment Clinics 6:00 pm GMC Classics Get-together 7:30 pm Ice Cream Social 8:00 pm Pineblock Derby Races TUESDAY | APRIL 26 | MARDI GRAS! 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 7:30 am Egg Breakfast 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Session 2:00 pm GMCMI Regional Member Meetings 3:00 pm “Mardi Gras” Parade – Pets welcomed 5:30 pm Mardi Gras Party! Catered meal and music by Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition WEDNESDAY | APRIL 27 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Session 3:00 pm Membership Meeting, Awards, GMCMI Raffle, and Meal THURSDAY | APRIL 28 Noon Campground Checkout – Convention Ends – Have A Safe Trip Home!
M I C amp Mardi Gras C M G “Let’s have fun!!” Decorate the campground in “Mardi Gras” style 20
GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
Prizes will be awarded!
GMCMI’s 2022 Spring Convention
Registration Deadline is April 1!
Friday, April 22 to Thursday, April 28 | Patterson, Louisiana Downloadable interactive registration pdf available at: gmcmi.com/2022s-convention-info/
Registration | Bringing a Motorhome ___________________________________
GMCMI Member Number (if you are a member)
_________________________________________________________________ First Person
_________________________________________________________________ Second Person
_________________________________________________________________ Street
_________________________________________________________________ City
_________________________________________________________________ State | Postal Code | Country
_________________________________________________________________ Telephone
Unable to attend the entire Convention? Email Kim at address below.
Convention & Camping Fee
$485.00
$__________
$315.00
$__________
Additional Adult in above ____ x $185.00 Motorhome (19 & older)
$__________
Additional Child in above Motorhome (7-18, FREE under 7) ____ x $100.00
$__________
Optional Early Night(s) Wednesday, April 20 Thursday, April 21
$__________ $__________
(Two-Person Motorhome)
Convention & Camping Fee (One-Person Motorhome)
Registration | NOT Bringing a Motorhome
_________________________________________________________________
Convention Registration
_________________________________________________________________
Convention Registration
First Person Cellular
Second Person Cellular
_________________________________________________________________
$25.00 $25.00
(Two-Person Party) (One-Person Party)
$365.00
$__________
$185.00
$__________
Year, Make, Model and Length of Motorhome You Are Attending With
Registration | For Everybody
Names, City, & State of Extra People in Coach (if different than above) _
Convention Logo T-Shirt(s) (indicate quantity) S _____ M _____ L _____ XL _____ x $15 each $__________ XXL _____ XXXL _____ x $18 each $__________
_________________________________________________________________
Handicap Parking Needed? Yes No Yes No Is this your first GMCMI Convention? Are you a GMC Classics member? Yes No Are you a GMC Dixielander member? Yes No Are you a GMC Flatlanders member? Yes No Are you a current CPR certified? Name/s:______________________
Pineblock Derby (pu in Patterson) $20 each $__________ Late Reservation Fee (ONLY IF SPACE IS AVAILABLE) (received after April 1) $25.00 $__________ Credit Card Fee (If charging)
$15.00
$__________
Total Enclosed $__________
_________________________________________________________________
We/I wish to participate in the Sunday Worship Service Choir Name/s:_________________________________________________________ We/I wish to conduct a session at the Convention. Subject is: _______________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
We/I wish to conduct a craft class: _________________________ Indoors I am a supplier/vendor, I prefer: Outside My products/services are:____________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
Please list any tech/non-tech session topic(s) you would like: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
Mail with payment to: Kim Weeks, 1214 No Jefferson Way, Suite 352, Indianola, Iowa 50125
Payment Options Check/Money Order Enclosed – Number_______________ Please make payable to GMCMI – U.S. funds drawn on U.S. bank NOTE: there is a $15 charge to use a credit card as listed above. To charge, email registration form to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com, you will then receive a Paypal invoice via email. Simply click and pay with a Paypal account or major credit credit card.
Additional Registration Information • A signed GMCMI Convention Waiver and Release of Liability for Exposure to COVID-19 required for attending the Convention. (Available at www.gmcmi.com/2022s-convention-info/)
• Checks must be in U.S. funds and drawn on a U.S. bank. Foreign checks cannot be processed. • Email confirmation will be sent. • Cancellations after April 17 will be refunded minus a $40 fee. • Cancellations after April 22 will be refunded minus a $75 fee.
Email: kimweeksgmc@gmail.com
WINTER 2022
Fax: 866-519-0047
Questions: 612-501-4600
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
21
Technical Corner
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GMC Motorhome
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AIR SPRI
MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE
Maintenance for New Owners
Ty Hardiman | 1977 Kingsley | Norman, Oklahoma
GMC Motorhome 101 is a recurring column written for owners who may be new to mechanic work but have an interest in learning how to perform their own repairs. We cover common GMC maintenance projects that can be accomplished with basic tools. Our goal is to perform this work ourselves while aiming to achieve the quality found in professional mechanic shops. Overtime we will gain confidence, save money, and increase the reliability of our coach. The parts needed to perform the work in this column can be purchased from GMC vendors that support our community by their membership and participation in GMCMI. Many parts will also be available at auto parts stores.
Log Books All GMC owners benefit from maintaining a logbook of maintenance work performed to their coach by themselves or others. This need not be a complicated task, simply a notebook, or even a sheet of paper to start. Information should include the date, odometer reading, and a short description of the work. Including the part numbers of any parts installed will save time in the future. Over the years the logbook will help us remember what work has been completed and what work is due. In addition, the logbook increases resale value to potential buyers. Maintenance Manuals The primary source for GMC mechanical knowledge is found in the wonderfully comprehensive “Maintenance Manual” series of books written by the GMC Truck and Coach division. These manuals are an essential part of any GMC mechanic’s library. You can purchase printed copies of these books (eBay), download electronic versions, or purchase a GMCMI Flashdrive which includes the GMC Maintenance Manuals. This column will refer to these books regularly as we tackle mechanical projects. My recommendation would be for GMC owners of all years to acquire book X-7525, which is almost 900 pages. If you
Maintenance Manuals AVAILABLE AT...
...www.thegmcmhstore.com
This 8g flashdrive consists of a collection of GMC documentation and tools of over 1,200 items. Here is a sampling: Operators, Maintenance, and Onan Manuals, Wiring Diagrams and Structural Drawings, Factory Service, Recall Bulletins, GMC Vintage RVing Magazines, GMCMI Newsletters, Newsletter Article Index, GMC Parts and Service Suppliers Listings plus so much more! $20 includes U.S. Shipping
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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
Engine Air Cleaner
have a 1976 coach you can add supplemental book X-7625, at 142 pages. And if you have a 1977 or 1978 model, you can add the supplemental book X-7725, at 473 pages. The books may seem overwhelming in size and information density, but they are well organized and the electronic versions are easy to search. Air Cleaner When we open the engine hatch the first thing we see is the large round air cleaner housing. Since we will be removing this often to access other areas of the engine, let’s take a closer look at this component. The job of the air cleaner is to provide filtered air to the engine. Our engines need lots of air. In fact, at highway speeds our Oldsmobile engines consume thousands of liters of air per minute. We need this air to be free from dirt, water, and contamination
...www.gmcmi.com
The most extensive collection of GMC Motorhome information including: downloadable pdfs of the GMC Motorhome Operators, Maintenance and Onan Manuals, Service Bulletins, and so much more! And it is FREE!
www.gmcmi.com/gmcmh-manuals
For additional technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
– operating without an air filter would allow sand and small particles to wear the engine out sooner than need be, and operating with a dirty, clogged filter will starve the engine for air. So it is important to keep our air cleaner system in good shape, and to keep a clean filter supplying our engine needs. The GMC maintenance schedule, found in Book X-7525, Section Zero, page 6, recommends air cleaner filter replacement every 12,000 miles. Instructions are found in Book X-7525, section 6M, pages 27-28. Begin by removing the wing nut in the center of the air cleaner housing. Sometimes the wing nut has been replaced with a hex nut which requires pliers or a wrench to remove. This is a hassle and eventually you will want to return to the original style 1/4”-20 wing nut. You can then remove the lid and expose the air filter underneath. If you do not have a record of the most recent air filter change, you will likely want to replace it. The part number is AC 212CW (WIX 42095) or equivalent.
by hand, without needing tools. Second, look for the large, flexible metal tube on the driver’s side that serves to bring warm air to the carburetor when needed. This “Hot Air Pipe”, if present, can be separated without tools. Third, look for a small rubber “Vacuum Hose” on the underside of the air cleaner housing that connects to the engine. This hose is used to help regulate the warm air supply and can be disconnected by hand at the engine end.
Now that you have exposed the top of your Quadrajet carburetor, look for the presence of the air cleaner housing gasket. If you are missing this gasket, make a note to order one for future installation. It is necessary to ensure clean air and long engine life. The part number is Fel-Pro 60038 or equivalent.
At this point, all three hoses should be loose and the air cleaner housing can be lifted and set aside to perform additional work to the carburetor and top of the engine. Set the housing on an old towel or rag to keep oil and dirt off of your carpet and upholstery.
Air cleaner housing gasket
It is a good idea to wipe down the air cleaner housing, inside and out, while you have it out. Cleaning with hot water and Dawn soap or Simple Green would be even better.
To remove the lower air cleaner housing we will have to dig a little deeper. From the factory the housing had three hose connections to the engine which we will need to identify for disconnect and reconnect. Your coach may be missing some of these hose connections due to modifications from previous owners. That is fine, just lift the housing a couple of inches and inspect what you have so you can return it to the same condition.
With the air cleaner out of the way, you now have easy access to perform work to items like the carburetor, spark plugs, fuel pump, carb fuel filter, and engine thermostat. And that is about all there is to the air cleaner system. You can reassemble everything in just a few minutes and update your logbook if you have installed any new components. You will be removing this assembly many times during your GMC ownership and the process will become second nature. This will be helpful as future “GMC Motorhome 101” columns will address more items on top of the engine.
First, look for the 6” long “L” shaped breather tube on the driver’s side (“PCV Pipe” in the illustration). You should be able to pull this hose loose
In conclusion, be proud that you are doing this work yourself, and by the book. While you can hire a professional mechanic to change your air filter, you cannot hire one that will do the job any better.
Air Cleaner System
WINTER 2022
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
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Technical Corner
MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE
Grease vs Silicon Grease vs Dielectric Grease Matt Colie| 1973 Glacier | Belleville, Michigan
Grease like you might use in most places stays below pour point for the larger part. A good and clear exception is in wheel bearings. In that application, it wants to be able to go liquid if the bearing temperature gets high. If (when) that happens, the excess grease you load into the bearing space can save the day. Most every place else, it stays its sticky self and gets pulled into loaded contact points by just being there near the moving parts. All good greases have a very high film strength, that is to say, they will keep loaded metal surfaces apart. Can you guess why this is not what you want in a connector? Silicon Grease was a development during WWII and at first aircraft instrument makers thought they had the answer to a lot of their temperature problems. Aircraft at very high altitudes had instrument trouble because the lubricants used would go hard with the low temperatures that they encountered. Silicon greases did not do not this. They thought that this was the golden grease.
The readers may believe that this is a little fractured and indeed it is. This was an experiment on my part to link both the original forum known as “GMCNet” (www. gmcnet.org) maintained by Patrick Flowers and the newer “gmcmotorhome.org” forum (www.gmcmotorhome.org) (see story on page 13). This is presented here pretty much as the thread came together on those two forums. There has been some minor editing for clarity. We have had Oil Wars and Tire Wars and I am going to fire a salvo into a possible Grease War.....
First, some definitions – sort of: • Grease is a lubricant with a very high pour point temperature, so high that it does not become liquid in many applications. • Pour point is an engineering evaluation of the temperature that a material will migrate (run) of its own accord with gravity only. • Soap as used in this context is typically a molecule of metal and non-metal that has and extremely low shear strength. All normal lubricating greases are non-conductive, that is to say they are dielectric. Greases that are conductive at all are very special products. I do have some, but it is not out where unknowing people could get at it because the cost of the product will convince you that you do not want to waste it. 24
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Problem: They started doing test and yes, the new stuff did not have low temperature issues, but it was not a good lubricant at all. Things wore out fast. This was needed for control gyros that were critical to fire (as in shooting) control and attitude instruments. Things called Dynamotors were also a constant problem. A dynamotor is a low voltage DC motor turning a high voltage generator. This was a way to get the high voltages needed for the operation of the electronics of the day. It did have a wonderful application as a film creator to keep things you might want to take apart from sticking together like spark plug boots and as a mold release agent for the manufacture of fiberglass reinforced plastics that were arriving on the scene and bringing a whole new set of manufacturing problems with them. Now, let’s talk about Dielectric Grease. This comes in two “flavors”: First is just plain grease type. This is what you can use to prevent oxidation in connections. It does wonders for little light bulbs. As this is a non-lubricating grease, it is very effective at limiting exposure of surfaces to elements that may degrade the electrical contacts in connections. At the same time, with its almost nonexistent film strength, it will not interfere with the intended connections. Second is heat sink compound. This compound is absolutely just silicon grease that had been loaded with something to enhance its thermal conductivity. The most often used is Barium Titanate. That is the White Stuff we put under HEI modules. This is an essential part of many semi-conductor application because the junctions that do all the important work create heat while they are doing what we need them to do. While the heat sink compounds have
For technical session presentations and papers, go to www.gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
thermal conductivity that is higher than the plain silicon grease, they may also still be enough dielectric to mess up a connection that is supposed to exist or create one where it should not be. In case you did not identify that above as the situation under an HEI module, look at the parts and think about it again. Same is true of the voltage regulator in the xxSI series Delco alternator family. (The SI 10, 13, 17, 21 family of alternators are what most of our coaches are have installed.) The mounting screws need to make essential connections to the grounded part of the system, and then there is the big metal area that is the heat sink for the electronics inside. Without that heat sink compound in there, the gap between the frame and the electronics works as what engineers call a “Heat Dam”. As in it stops heat flow. This is what you really do not need to cool the inner workings of the module. How does Matt know all about this? His father was developing aircraft systems during the war and he often talked about the interesting discoveries that were made. All I had to do was listen and even though I did not understand everything, I retained enough to ask questions after I finished engineering school.
When we played with these materials, we could get a reading over a short span with a 1kV megger, (a device for testing insulation) but no normal meter would report conductivity until the probes actually touched. I did think about using it in a connector when my silicon grease was not in my kit, but as the connector body was plastic and I did not know how that material would deal with the lithium grease, I got off the ladder and went to get the Dow silicon grease. Contributor #1 wrote:
OxGard is available from your local big box store. Its original purpose was for use on aluminum wiring. I think you can get it in a 1 oz. package now. The 8 oz. tube that I have would last me several lifetimes. Be careful with it tho’, it will happily create a short circuit if you apply too much. Contributor #2 wrote:
Good info, Matt. I might add, where you define non-conductive greases, you may want to stipulate that you are talking about electrically non-conductive, particularly as you go on to discuss thermally conductive greases below. It could confuse some folks that do not understand the context.
Emery Stora wrote:
Dick Paterson has told me that he uses an electrically conductive grease called OxGard. He said that the module heat sink grease can run down into the two screws and act to insulate it electrically. The module depends on the grounding through those two screws to operate properly. So, he puts OxGard on the screws when he mounts the module. My Response:
I was unsure as to whether I should try to bring in those connection enhancement sorts. I am not sure that they qualify as a grease. They are greasy enough. Oxgard, NOALOX, and PENETROX (the only three I have used) all seem be pretty much the same stuff. They start out as lithium based grease but all mention that they use a reduced sulfur stock and then stir in mostly a zinc powder. They may have other stuff too. The plan is that when the joint is compressed, the grease and other stuff gets pushed out of the zinc gets left in the connection areas of the joint. The grease prevents exposure and the zine makes the actual connection over more area than would normally be in a dry joint.
**
Originally, I thought that these were a silicon grease base, but MSDS and consults with a manufacturers said otherwise. I guess if you were desperate, you could use it in place of a lithium grease at only about eleven times the cost.
Response:
I was aware that this could be an issue, but I was also aware that I have heard people refer to heat sink compound as silicon grease. It is for its major component, but it is a different animal. Contributor #3 wrote:
I use Penetrox and NoAlox interchagably to coat mating surfaces of aluminum elements of directional amateur radio antennas. It is definitely conductive and when applied to clean surfaces, allows those antennas to be taken apart and put back together easily in a new location. I believe both of these use powdered aluminum as the electrical carrier. DX Engineering Co. also has a similar product that is copper bearing for use in connecting grounding rods of copper or copper coated steel. I am certain that electrical supply houses also carry this product. Contributor #4 wrote:
Matt, maybe I am all messed up now but don’t you mean silicone grease. Silicon is an element used in semiconductors. A solid at room temp. Response:
You are correct that silicon is an element, so are carbon and hydrogen. WINTER 2022
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Technical Corner
MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE
Grease vs Silicon Grease vs Dielectric Grease Silicone is the silicon based material than is created by manufacturers and these do not exist in nature. Silicon Dioxide is very common material which we call quartz. These greases are silicon based as they are not organic in origin. It is called silicone grease by some, but that is technically incorrect. It has pervaded the vernacular, like so many other things. I suppose you could call it silicone grease, because it is manufactured. Silicon grease is not manufactured using silicone, it is the other way around. Contributor #5 wrote:
Silicones are similar to hydrocarbon compounds but silicon replaces the carbon in the molecule. Contributor #6 asked:
Matt, so where does white lithium grease fall in the scheme of things? My Response:
Lithium greases are regular petrochemical greases as that they are lithium “soap” in a conventional oil base. While not exemplary lubricants, in that they do not have very high film strength, they are excellent at preventing corrosion. Most have relatively high pour points and so will stay where you put them. A soap in this case is any material with an extremely low shear strength. Most common of these are graphite (carbon in a loose lattice) and molybdenum-disulfide (MoS2). Contributor #7 wrote:
I just noticed something else my brain had just been skipping over and filling in the blanks. You might want to distinguish between silicone (the polymer) and silicon (the element). The words often get used interchangeably, but I would guess only the former applies here. I do have more questions though, Matt, if you have got the time. I know nothing about film strength properties of different greases. Is a purpose built dielectric grease based on a silicone grease? I had thought they were very closely related, and have seen silicone grease used extensively for the purpose of protecting contacts from oxidation. I have done it extensively myself with no ill effects, but perhaps I have just been lucky? I have seen silicone grease defined as a silicone oil thickened with a lithium soap, and silicone paste defined as a silicone oil thickened by other inert fillers. Perhaps that is what I have been missing. Would a silicone oil thickened with a lithium base result in the type of silicone grease that has a film strength which would be bad for use on electrical contacts? 26
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continued
My go-to has always been Super Lube. It definitely does a great job protecting contacts, and I have rebuilt a lot of oxidized antique automotive switches and whatnot over the years with it. It is always worked for me, but I would hate to think I have been adding contact resistance all this time. Perhaps I need to start paying more money for those smaller tubes. My Response:
We had part of the silicon/silicone discussion over on GMCnet. Most of that issue seems to be that silicone has replaced silicon in the common vernacular even though this is sometimes incorrect. About film strengths, real lubricating greases all have some, real silicon grease has virtually none. This is why it is so good in electrical connectors. It simply cannot interfere with things making proper contact. If the contact points actually make contact, a silicon grease will not interfere if there is any contact pressure. This is why it is so often referred to as dielectric grease. It will not cause issues in electric contacts by introducing low resistance. The silicon grease that is thickened with a lithium soap could have too much film strength to use in the area of contacts. The real silicon greases that I have used have all been clear and the dry lithium soap that we used in one application was as white as most lithium grease I have seen. When it comes to a label like Super Lube, my knowledge about their specific products is limited at best. As I recall (iirc) they have a number of products under that label and I would have to look at each to be able to provide a better answer to this question. From my experience in rebuilding switches (what a PITA with the little balls and springs that try escape), most have enough contact pressure (if you re-assemble it correctly – BTDT) so they will break the film strength of most simple greases. So, most available light greases have not been an issue to me (see note above) that prevented proper operation when the switch was returned to service. As this has probably not answered all your questions or if you would like another answered, I will do my best with the knowledge that I have. I am not afraid to say when I do not know about something. AUTHOR’S NOTE: I can be reached on either of the forums, but not reliably on Facebook.
For technical session presentations and papers, go to www.gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/
Staying Warm Dolph Santorine | 1977 Palm Beach | Wheeling, West Virginia
Your GMC Motorhome can be a cozy and safe place in colder weather. It is a matter of how you camp and what is important to you. Before I share what we have learned, it is essential that we discuss the safety issues. The GMC Motorhome is a confined space with limited egress, and because of that I believe in taking extra precautions. Our coaches have three different energy sources on board – electricity, propane, and gasoline. Two of those sources emit carbon monoxide – which can kill you. Any of the three can cause a fire. Because of this, we have three warning systems in our Palm Beach. Mounted low by the entry door on the refrigerator cabinet, we have a 12volt powered RV-specific propane and carbon monoxide detector. It is mounted low because propane is heavier than air, and will naturally move to the lowest point. Mounted up high on the same module is a smoke detector of the dual photoelectric and ionization type. These are more expensive but worth every penny. Expect them in the $30 range at your favorite home improvement emporium. Ours is powered by replaceable batteries. You can mount the smoke detectors up high because smoke rises. In the back of our coach (permanent bed where the settee was), we have a third combination smoke and CO alarm mounted on the cabinet above where we sleep. There is no way any of us could miss that alarm, even with our declining hearing. I intentionally chose units with replaceable batteries and it is part of the spring checklist to replace them and blowing it out (spider webs will cause it to false alarm). Batteries are cheap,
and I move the old batteries to the lights that we use camping. Finally, we have foam-type fire extinguishers everywhere. Two in the headboard in the permanent bed area, one in the entry way, and two near the seats on the flight deck. Staying warm when on mains (in order of preference): Ceramic Space Heaters – we travel with two of them, which, with the rest of the electrical devices in the coach, uses all of our 30 amp service. We can run both of them, plus the coffee maker OR the microwave. If we accidentally try running both, it’s back outside to reset the breaker on the power pedestal! Heat Pump – the rooftop unit we have will make heat down to about 40 degrees ambient temperature. It also makes a lot of noise, so it is a distant second when we are on mains. (Editor’s note: a Houghton low-profile heat pump was suggested by one of our proofreaders. They mentioned it is extremely quiet – they can even watch television without an issue.) Staying warm when boondocking: The propane heater is a subject of discussion in itself. Depending on the furnace that shipped with your coach, there are a number of different options to modernize your furnace. I chose to replace the original “Solarie” that was in the coach with a modern 25,000 BTU Atwood “Hydroflame” unit from a year-old wrecked coach at a RV boneyard. I am the kind of geek that will take things apart to see how they are built, and I pulled the Solarie apart. The heat exchanger was rusted, but without apparent holes. It had not been used in a number of seasons. Its appearance did not instill confidence, especially since the thermal cycling that furnace heat exchangers go through will find the weakest part of the metal and cause cracks. Those cracks will pump carbon monoxide into your living area.
I followed the installation instructions published by Ray Swartzendruber back in 2004, and they were excellent. Download “Horizontal Installation of the Atwood Furnace” at www.gmcmi.com/technicalpresentations-papers. I went from an old furnace with stinky ductwork to a modern unit that according to the manufacturer is more efficient, using less propane for the same amount of heat. It is also a lot safer. When traveling, I always run the unit for a bit before retiring for the evening. I want to know that the pothole I hit, or the last thermo cycle did not damage the furnace. The triple redundant alarms are important for my peace of mind as well. With our LiFePo4 battery (300 ah available) and the stock propane tank we have found that we can boondocks comfortably for three or four days before power becomes an issue. Propane consumption becomes more of an issue with colder ambient temperatures. Just remember, the furnace will burn about 1 pound of propane per operating hour. The stock tank in the Palm Beach is 42” long and holds 62 lbs of propane. When it is in the mid 20’s outside, I figure about 50% duty cycle. Wind and lower temperatures can and will effect those numbers. As always, these are vintage motorhomes, and you need to keep safety first and foremost in your mind. With so many options to stay warm, there is no reason not to travel when there is frost on the pumpkin!
WINTER 2022
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Technical Corner
MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE
GMC Motorhome Parts Interchange We would like to thank the members that have been submitting updates and additions for the GMCMH Parts Interchange.
STEERING | Page 25
FURNISHINGS | Page 32
Below are some of the new submissions:
General Steering Shaft Universal Sphere (tilt column) AC/Delco.................................. 26026564
Generator Onan, Muffler, Exhaust Cummins.................................... 1551258 Amazon...................................... 1551258
ELECTRICAL | Page 15
BODY | Page 29
FUEL | Page 22
Directional Signals Horn Button Contact Brush and Turn Signal Cam AC/Delco.................................. 26047013
Windshield Washers/Wipers 24” Wiper Blade APV Refill NAPA............................................6-024-1
Exhaust Manifold, Seals (Donuts) O’Reilly Auto Parts......................EG24062 Exhaust System, Pipes HighwayStars.net..Contact Highway Stars
M
GMC
TO
O RH
MES INT ER N
HH HHH
AL ON TI A
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Flasher, Turn Signal and Warning Autozone................................Novita LF12
MEMBER
BENEFIT HH HH H
Call for Current Part Numbers The GMCMH Community would most appreciate your help in making the listings in the Parts Interchange as current as possible. So. when you use or otherwise discover a part number that does not exist (or is incorrect/obsolete) in the Interchange, please provide that information to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com.
Your GMC Motorhome Information Source
www.gmcmi.com 28
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GMC Motorhome Theatrical Appearances Great Eye! Members Have Discovered...
Movies
The Incredible Hulk | 1977-1989 | Ep. 1.08
Nashville | 1975
Atish Bazi (Fireworks) | 2015
WOW! Look at all of new sightings that we received for the Theatrical Appearances page for the GMCMI website. Check them out!
TELEVISION Baskets | 2016-2019 Songbird | 2020 Typisch Sophie | 2004-2006 Furthest Witness | 2017
Maid | 2021 Late Show | 1999
Documentary Just Before Dawn | 1981
Passport to the World: Route 66 | 2019
Road Dreams | 2013-2017 The Lonely Lady | 1983
Check out over 70 appearances, photos, videos, and an IMDb link with additional information including cast, production crew and personal biographies, plot summaries, trivia, ratings, and fan and critical reviews: www.gmcmi.com/theatrical-appearances/
WINTER 2022
GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
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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.
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 – formerly Frey Auto Repair
New, Used, and Rebuilt GMC Motorhome Parts NEW PHONE NUMBER: 215-219-8685 2230 Milford Ave., PO Box 4, Milford Square, PA 18935 Check website at www.kenLfreyautorepair.com for partial listing, please call to check availability, or for parts or service information. PLEASE CALL BETWEEN 8 a.m. and Noon, eastern time.
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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
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
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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.
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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.
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>> GMC MOTORHOME FOR SALE 1973 – 26’ GMC Motorhome photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com FL | $16,900 | 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 – 23’ Custom Glacier – NEW! FL | $80,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com “One of a Kind”, fully customized, everything upgraded/new and ready to roll! Have over $120,000 in her. All major mechanical work performed by Jim Bounds, Coop Motor Works. John & Julie Eidson | 206-999-9023 | JulieMEidson@gmail.com
GMCMI MEMBERSHIP HAS BENEFITS GMCMI members can place an ad in this quarterly magazine and on the gmcmi.com website free-of-charge! GMC Motorhome classified ads can include up-to-nine photos on the website. Email your ad to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com.
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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
1973 – 26’ Custom GMC Motorhome – NEW! CA | $75,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com A beautiful paint job along with many new items, custom solid wood cabinetry, must see photos and list of items. Jerry Schneider | 310-962-7208 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 – NEW! CA | As is $18,000 in primer. Finished $30-55,000 photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Here is your chance to build your own. This 77 is going into primer tomorrow. You can pick both the paint scheme/colors and interior upholstery. Mechanically it will be ready for the road. Ty Chamberlain | 425-9711-9304 | tycham@vintagecoach.net 1977 GMC Motorhome Clasco NY | $9,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 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. Anthony Rovito | 801-783-8582
Classified Ads 1977 Eleganza II IL | $49,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Complete renovation in 2010 and stored inside. Olds 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 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 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 1978 Revcon Chamelot 31.5’ w/Toronado drivetrain! NC | $19,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 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.
>> PARTS/TOW VEHICLES/ETC. FOR SALE Olds 403 Engine, Complete photo on www.gmcmi.com MA | $3,150 | This engine powered a 1977 GMC motorhome for eight years and approx 8,800 miles. The engine needs a new camshaft, however, runs well and all cylinders make power. See ad for additional information. Matthew Haggerty | 617-293-8033 message | mkhagg56@gmail.com 3:21 Limited Slip Differential/Final Drive & Switch Pitch Transmission Out of a 1966 Elderado FL | $950 for Final Drive | $595 for Switch Pitch Transmission Final drive in good condition. PU in Orlando or at GMCMI Spring Convention. Check ads for more information. Paul Doane | 904-397-3159 | pauldoane47@gmail.com 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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>> Regional GMCMH Activities... >> GMC Sunshine Statesmen – February Rally We had a great rally at the Wekiva Falls RV Resort in Sorrento, Florida, February 11-13. It was a no-host rally with dining options provided by the resort. Some members went to see the manatees at the nearby springs, and others explored the local cuisine. The men had a great tech session about improved braking for the GMCs. Nine GMCs were there along with five SOB’s, and a few day visitors as well, for a total of 30 attendees.
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>> GMC Pacific Cruisers – December Rally
>> GMC Classics Winter Rally
We meet at the Emerald Desert RV Resort where 12 coaches gathered. Cruisers enjoyed lots of great food, fellowship, and many took advantage of the facility’s amenities.
Our rally was held January 27-30 at the Circle W RV Ranch in Rockport, Texas. We laughed, ate, and had a great time. Thank you GMCMI for the door prizes!
GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | WWW.GMCMI.COM
GMCMH Events Calendar
Looking for a regional rally in your area? Go to www.gmcmi.com/gmc-calendar/ SUBMIT A RALLY DATE FOR GMC COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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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
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WELCOME TO... The GMC Dixielanders, GMC Flatlanders, GMC Great Lakers, GMC Six Wheelers, GMC Sunshine Statesmen, and GMC Tidewater Crabs who will be utilizing the GMCMI Fall Convention as a rally.
>> Area Chapter/Club Opportunity...
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We invite you to to utilize one of our Convention facilities for your rally. Either come in a day or two early or use our Convention as your rally and hold a social and/or business meeting.
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We take care of the registrations for you! We offer coffee, bottled water, paper products, etc. at no cost for your gathering.
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April 3-9, 2024 Mineola, Texas
Contact Kim for more information. 612-501-4600 | kimweeksgmc@gmail.com
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GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL
1214 N Jefferson Way, Ste 352 Indianola, IA 50125
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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!