GMC Vintage RVing magazine - Summer 2020

Summer 2020 | Issue 152

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

A magazine dedicated to promoting the legacy and use of GMC Motorhomes Brought to you by GMC Motorhomes International

Celebrating r ou

GMCMI Member

The Beginning of a Classic...

[

The “Testing” Trip Of Its Namesake – PART TWO

[

Technical Corner

[

The Manufacturing of the GMC Motorhome

GMC Motorhome Vendor Profile

[

Generally Speaking

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

president’s corner

GMC Motorhomes International was founded in 1982 by Ralph Luby >> GMC Motorhomes International 1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit 273 Pharr, TX 78577 | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com | gmcmi.com

I find the GMCMI Motorhome Community truly delightful. We are unique, quirky, opinionated, skilled and fun. We enjoy each other. This is truly a social organization with a common motorhome!

>> GMC Vintage RVing Magazine Published quarterly for members of GMC Motorhomes International.

Throughout this pandemic, the one thing I have heard time and time again is how we miss our GMCMI friends and the adventures that traveling brings.

Dolph Santorine Someone is always saying how we can’t wait until we can get together again. I agree, and hope that as we head into 2021 the pandemic is under control. Then we can begin to enjoy the Conventions that get us together again.

Managing Editor | Graphic Designer Kimberlea Weeks | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com Editor Janet Frey | 215-536-9064 freyjanetr@yahoo.com >> Online Version A digital flipbook version of the magazine is available online at gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving/.

So, with a positive attitude, I know you are making the best of what is left of 2020.

This was really the reason for the President’s Challenge. The various lockdowns had us confined to our homes. As restaurants opened for “take out”, who had about the best portable dining room? We, the GMC owners did! Seeing the pictures of people getting out and having fun is terrific. Pictures of responsible quarantine travels can still be submitted until October 9 (information on back cover). Look for the photos in the next magazine.

>> GMC Article and Part Number Submission Please send article contributions and newly found part number crossovers 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. ©2020 GMC Motorhomes International

Did you know that your association, GMCMI has just passed an amazing milestone of 9,000 members?

“Point of pride – our 9,000th Member!”

– DOLPH SANTORINE, GMCMI PRESIDENT

This should be a point of pride – our 9,000th member! And our founder, Ralph Luby is still a member! (page 24)

Making the decision to cancel a single major event in a calendar year is remarkable, but having to cancel two is huge. That is just the pickle we found ourselves in this year.

2019-20 GMCMI Board of Directors Dolph Santorine President

From #1, Ralph Luby 38 years ago to #9000. Amazing, isn’t it?

We have something durable here that was done right from the beginning. It is now cared for and maintained by careful and deliberate stewardship of the current leadership.

It is not just the “rules and recommendations” at the Convention location, it is a matter of how we get from here to there. Also, there are minimum expenses for a Convention, and while GMCMI is on solid financial footing, there was no reason to risk it.

Gary Coaster VP Western

Margie McLaughlin Jerry Work VP Northeast VP Northwest

The board voted overwhelming to cancel the Black Hills Adventure Convention.

David Blackshear VP Eastern

Kim Weeks VP Administration

Lou Boone VP Southeast

Janet Frey Secretary

Randy Van Winkle VP South Central

Fred Hudspeth Treasurer

With the cancellation of the Fall Convention in Rapid City, there were organizational housekeeping issues that would be difficult to handle remotely. The board voted to allow term limited officers and board members to continue for another year in light of the pandemic. I believe that this is the best possible course of action. I know GMCMI and all the members will be well served by about the best group of volunteers I know.

John Pryzbylek VP Great Lakes

John Smyrski Director

I hope this issue finds you healthy and well, and planning for a simply amazing 2021.

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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GMC Motorhome Items For Sale...

GMCMI Status

We invite you check out the many items for sale at the GMCMH Store. You will find back issues of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine, GMCMI items, GMC Motorhome apparel, and so much more.

Membership stands at 837. Welcome to our 54 new members since last magazine!

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www.thegmcmhstore.com

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

Celebrating r

WINTER 2020

GMCMI . . .oAu New Era

4

GMCMI Member

DEPARTMENTS 2 President’s Corner 10 FMCA Report 11 GMCMH Vendor Profile 12 GMC Motorhome History 13 Technical Corner 22 GMCMH Suppliers List 24 Classified Ads 26 Regional GMCMH Activities

24 | WILLIAM (WILLIE) AND 8 JULIA COLÓN

BEWARE OF CONTENTS SCAMS

SUMMER 2020

4 | THE BEGINNING OF A CLASSIC...

THE GMC MOTORHOME

17

DEPARTMENTS DEPARTMENTS 2 President’s Corner 2 18 2 2 23 26 31 33 34 35

President’s 10 FMCACorner Report 8 Letters to the 11 GMCMHEditor Vendor Profile Generally Speaking 12 GMC Motorhome History GMCMH Vendor Profile 13 Technical CornerON THE COVER Pictured along the banks of Lake Pepin on the Minnesota Technical Corner side looking at Wisconsin is a 1976 Palm Beach owned by Tim and Niki 22 GMCMH Suppliers GMCMH Suppliers List List Anderson of Hugo, Minnesota. This coach features a rear bed, wet bath, side 24 Classified Classified Ads Ads kitchen with oak countertop along with bunks above the sofa. The coach is mostly original interior with the original paint job on the outside plus Alcoa Regional GMCMH Activities 26 Regional GMCMH Activities 19 engine, | THECarefree “TESTING” OFair bags, wheels, recently rebuilt 455 awning, TRIP Sully style GMCMH EventsEvents Calendar

27 GMCMH Calendar

ITS NAMESAKE – PART TWO

BEWARE OF SCAMS

and air horn. They purchased it in 2013 with ~40,000 miles on the odometer from friends of the original owners in Kansas. They plan on installing fuel injection this Spring in preparation for a trip from Minnesota to California.

When not on vacation, almost every other weekend from spring thru fall they travel to campgrounds, car shows, parades, pumpkin patch, the ON THE COVER | Pictured top left to right: our 9,000th GMCMI member William (Willie) and tailgating Julia Colónatfrom racetrack, GMC rallies, andLavoe, all sorts of other activities.

They singer proudly New Rochelle, New York; their 1976 Eleganza II; and Hector Willie Colón, and another atshow the mic in coach at the car shows. are Cooper (9), Logan (7), Nash (5), the 1970s. Pictured bottom left totheir right: factory photos of GMCPictured Motorhome manufacturing. and Remington aka Remi the golden doodle (3 months).

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

Beinformed part of the Keep about GMC Community GMCMI Events Facebook page by and Members. sharing photos of Joinour us at our GMCs, facebook.com/ GMCs, adventures adventures andand GMCMI those important technical questions.

GMCMI . . . A New Era

CONTENTS

Join us at facebook.com/ GMCMI

WINTER 2020

27 GMCMH Events Calendar

4

Keep informed about GMCMI Events and Members.

SUMMER WINTER 2020

GMC MOTORHOMES

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 INTERNATIONAL 3 gmcmotorhomes/

The Beginning of a Classic...

The Manufacturing of the GMC Motorhome

BY JANET FREY | 1976 PALM BEACH | MILFORD SQUARE, PENNSYLVANIA | GMCMI SECRETARY AND BILL BRYANT | PREVIOUS OWNER OF 1976 PALM BEACH | PLEASANT VALLEY, NEW YORK | GMC MOTORHOME HISTORIAN

H

Have you ever wondered where our much admired GMC Motorhomes began life? Well, wonder no more. Due to some incredible research by your Managing Editor, and documentation and knowledge provided by Bill Bryant, GMC Motorhome Historian, we are able to provide you with the Story of Plant 3, the birthplace of the GMC Motorhome.

Pontiac West Assembly The Pontiac West Assembly (also known as GMC Truck & Coach, GM Truck Validation Center, and Pontiac Centerpoint Campus Validation Center) was a General Motors manufacturing facility located in Pontiac, Michigan. The manufacturing complex occupied an irregular 82 acre site bounded on the North by Rapid Street, on the South by South Boulevard West, on the East by the Grand Trunk Western Railroad/Saginaw Street (later named Woodward Avenue), and on the West by Franklin Road. The complex included GMC Truck & Coach Plant 1, 3, 4, and 5, as well as numerous administrative and support buildings.

History of the Site Originally, the site was home to many separate privately owned parcels, including various manufacturing companies and some private homes.

Here are some highlights of the property that housed the Pontiac West Assembly.

1904

1908

1909

1911

In March, the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company was formally organized. In 1905 a 35,000 sq. ft. truck assembly plant was built at 25 Rapid Street abutting the Grand Trunk Western Railroad tracks. General Motors acquired Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, making it Plant #1.

On September 16, William C. Durant founded General Motors Company.

In November, William C. Durant gained control of Rapid Motor Vehicle Company and made it a General Motors subsidiary.

The Rapid Motor Vehicle Company ceased to exist when General Motors Truck Company was created and all of General Motors truck subsidiaries were absorbed into the new business unit. In 1912 the Rapid brand name was discontinued in favor of GMC.

1906 Ad 4

From the GMC Motorhome Employee Handbook.

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

On August 1, a 1909 Rapid truck became the first commercial vehicle to climb Pike’s Peak in Colorado.

Pontiac West Plant, then the Rapid Motor Co., as it appeared in 1905.

The Rapid Truck that climbed Pikes Peak in a parade.

No Extra Charge

No Extra Charge

Pages from the 1973 GMC Showroom Sales Album illustrating the exterior colors available.

No Extra Charge

Optional at Additional Cost

Exterior and Interior Color Availability

Interior Decor Group Exterior Opt. 690 692 693 695 Color No. Sequoia Painted Glacier Canyon Desert Lands White 532 X X X X Camel 533 X X X X Yellow 527 X X X Green 577 X Bittersweet 575 X X Sky Blue 554 X

Optional at Additional Cost

Optional at Additional Cost

Chart reproduced from the 1973 GMC Motorhome Selector

1919

1925

1937

1943

1972

Wilson Foundry & Machine Co., Detroit Weather Proof Body Company, and Pontiac Drop Forge Company were some of the other property owners.

General Motors acquired controlling interest in Yellow Coach Manufacturing Company and began moving its engineering operation to the Rapid Street plant. General Motors renamed the company to Yellow Truck and Coach Manufacturing Company.

Yellow Truck began purchasing the plants owned by Wilson Foundry & Machine Co., including Plant #4 and Plant #5 along with Plant #3 in 1940.

Three of the buildings that were to eventually become Pontiac West were acquired from the Wilson Foundry Company, a firm that manufactured castings such as motors.

On September 30, GM acquired the remaining interest in Yellow Truck & Coach Manufacturing Co. only to dissolve it the next day to establish the GMC Truck & Coach Division.

Production of the 1973 GMC Motorhome models began.

1973 model names were Canyon Lands, Glacier, Painted Desert, and Sequoia and offered in 23’ and 26’ lengths.

The Wilson Foundry & Machine Co. was the largest producer of automobile castings in the world and produced engines for Whizzer motorcycle.

Wilson Foundry & Machine Co. Employee Badge 1917 Ad

1937 Yellow Coach Model

1948 Ad

SUMMER 2020

Timeline continues on next page

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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The Employee Handbook A Bit About the GMC Motorhome While many of us have read the story of the GMC Motorhome in some detail, here is some information from a different perspective: the GMC Employee Handbook!

Here is their (condensed) version: In 1968, GMC’s Product Development Department was looking into mini buses to connect commuters to mass transit. During this investigation, various sized vehicles were studied as to their market potential.

Out of this evolved a new chassis and body

From the GMC Motorhome Employee Handbook.

Note from Handbook to employees: “And so, you are helping to record another chapter in the illustrious history of GMC Truck & Coach which started at the turn of the century! Remember, our customers expect quality-they depend on us!”

1978

1981

2005

2008

2011

2014

GMC Motohome production ended in July.

Around then Plant #1 was demolished.

Around then Plant #5 was demolished.

Plants #3 and #4 were demolished and site cleared.

The vacant property was trasferred to RACER Trust as part of the GM bankruptcy settlement.

On August 6, 87 acres were sold to M1 Concourse and developed into a playground for auto enthusiasts with the world’s largest community of private garages and a state-of-the-art 1.5-mile performance track with its own private motorsports club.

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3 4

Google aerial map before demolishment.

Specifics of destruction of the site (as noted in documentation at the time): “Deconstruction is the process of selectively and systematically disassembling buildings that would otherwise be demolished and landfilled.

The object is to reuse materials and can be used prior to demolition, part of demolition, or largely replace traditional structural removal. Benefits include reducing landfill space used, creating jobs, reducing noise and dust, and salvaging materials that can be distributed for reuse. Deconstruction is good for the environment, the community, and the local economy. “ GM participated in restoration of former industrial or waste sites in conjunction with other parties such as local governments, developers, and communities.

Note: Demolishing the Pontiac West facility produced two million square feet of concrete.

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design with a potential for a variety of applications, including a motorhome. By 1970, work intensified and in early 1972 it was announced that GMC Truck & Coach would produce and market, in 1973, the world’s finest motorhome.

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Original Copy from 1973-74 Tour Brochure

Plant No. 3

Download PDF of handbook at: gmcmi.com/ gmc-motorhomeodds-ends

Birthplace of the GMCMH The following copy is from a 1973-1974 three-panel brochure handed out during tours of GMC Plant No. 3.

(Unfortunately, all we have is a photocopy of one.) Plant No. 3 in Pontiac, Michigan, had been outfitted with equipment and tooling. This was one of GM’s older plants, and it had a split-level floor plan.

The handbook also included some information on the motorhome that they would be manufacturing: The GMC Motorhome utilizes frontwheel drive, a low wide frame, tandem independent rear suspension, and an aluminum and molded-fiberglass body.

There will be 23 and 26 foot models in the 10,500 pound gross vehicle weight class.

Within the walls of the GMC’s historic Plant 3 you will see a revolution in motorhome building technology, as the best of traditional production line techniques combined with startling new methods and materials to make the GMC Motorhome the finest in the industry.

More notes to employees: “There are few, if any, jobs in which ability alone is sufficient. Needed also is loyalty, sincerity, enthusiasm, and team play.”

Plant 3 operates on two levels. On the upper level, you will see the body shell grow, starting with the welding of many rugged aluminum frame members into a truss-like structure that is as rigid as a bridge but far lighter. Onto this structure, in a system unique with GMC, side and roof panels are bonded with a radical new adhesive that is stronger and certainly more attractive than convention riveting.

GMC Motorhome dealerships were separate, stand-alone facilities. GMC Truck dealerships did not automatically become motorhome dealers. (Read about dealerships in the Fall 2019 issue of GMC Vintage RVing at gmcmi.com/ gmc-vintage-rving.)

And, another cheer for the employees was: “The difference between success and failure is doing a thing nearly right and doing it exactly right.”

The “body in white”, as the unpainted shell is called, then moves into the paint area where it receives the deep, lustrous baked finish which is so much a part of the motorhome’s beauty.

Then on to successive work stations where teams of skilled workers install the lights, trim, interior equipment, and windows.

Meanwhile, on the lower level, the chassis has been taking shape. It starts with the fabrication of the rugged steel perimeter frame. Mounted on a conveyor, the frame moves steadily along – a new work station every 15 minutes – as subassemblies are built up and added: air suspension units, wheels and tires; hydraulic brakes and brake lines; power steering; engine, transmission, and GMC’s exclusive frontwheel drive.

Finally, the completed chassis moves into position under the completed body on the upper level. Then comes the dramatic body drop, as body and chassis are mated and permanently secured into a single, strong, durable unit.

88

From the GMC Motorhome Employee Handbook.

After final quality-control testing and inspection, the exterior of the new GMC Motorhome is now complete, as well as the interior of the driver’s compartment. It is now ready to move to Gemini to have the rest of the interior fitted out and be made ready for delivery.

SUMMER 2020

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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Original Copy and Recreated Map from 1973-74 Tour Brochure

Plant No. 3 – Second Floor Body Line MAINT.

TOOL CRIB

C

WAREHOUSE

QUALITY CONTROL

WAREHOUSE

OFFICES

WAREHOUSE

3 SUB. ASSEM.

11

1

2

BODY UPFIT

BODY IN WHITE

AFTER PAINT

TRUCK WELL

A A. B. C. D.

Time Clock Canteen Area Men’s Restroom Women’s Restroom

4 B

WAREHOUSE

WAREHOUSE

OFFICES

10 A

5

6

D C

7

BODY PAINT SHOP

9

8 A

Top roof assembly fixture.

Photos courtesy of Bill Bryant

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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Body side frame assembly fixture.

1. Roof and Side Panel Assembly • Welding aluminum extrusions into rugged, truss-line structures • Space-age adhesive used to “glue” exterior panels to side and top frames • Adhesion, curing under controlled heat and pressure

6. Final Sanding • Thorough inspection, rubbing out of all remaining rough spots 7. Final Sealing • Interior seams sealed with Plastisol plastic

Top roof panel to frame bonding entering cure oven.

2. Main Framing Fixture • Joining roof and sides into single unit • Welding bottom cross members • Extreme accuracy required so that interior modules will fit 3. Final Body Fitting • Front and rear molded fiberglass panels fitted and installed • Plywood installed • Body shell now complete, rigid enough to sit on dolly without supporting fixtures

9. Paint Completion • Thorough inspection to detect flaws • Paint touch-up line, if necessary, for paint repair

Body assembly.

10. Body Trim Line • Team operation, men stay with motorhome until body is complete • Installation of exterior lights and wiring • Front and rear insulation • Side Trim • Dashboard subassembly • Side windows • Windshield

4. Final Body Fitting • Doors fitted • Interior joints and seams caulked • Body now ready for painting 5. Undercoating • Pre-cleaning wash to remove impurities • Sanding to remove rough spots • Spraying with primer coat

8. Painting Preparation • “Blow-off” and air suction removal of dust • “Tack-off”, rubbing all over with tacky cloth • Magnetized blow-off for fiberglass panels • Spraying two wet coats of high-gloss enamel • Flow-out booth where paint smooths out • Baking oven to set and harden finish coat

Body assembly.

11. Final Body Inspection • Overall inspection • Testing electrical system • Checking vacuum heater controls

Body ready to be mated to chassis.

SUMMER 2020

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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Original Copy and Recreated Map from 1973-74 Tour Brochure

Plant No. 3 – First Floor Chassis Line

ENTRANCE TO CAFETERIA

Engine testing.

WAREHOUSE

17 20 – –

ALIGN

16

PRETEST

ROLLS

PAINT REPAIR

15

BRAKE AND ALT

WAREHOUSE

21

18

Body drop.

14 A. B. C. D.

Time Clock Canteen Area Men’s Restroom Women’s Restroom

B

ENGINE UPFIT

WATER TEST

13 CHASSIS

19 MECHANICAL REPAIR

C

12

BODY MOUNT

D

FILTER ROOM

PAINT

MECHANICAL REPAIR

A

MIX ROOM

RECEIVING DOCK PLANT ENTRANCE

Photos courtesy of Bill Bryant

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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Final Assembly

12. Frame Assembly • High-strength steel frame members placed in “Pin-up Buck” for precision alignment • Frame members bolted together • Frame mounted on conveyor • Three-man “team” of workers stays with chassis until completed 13. Suspension Installed • Front and rear subassemblies and front-wheel drive units inspected, installed • Adjustable torsion bar front suspension • Self-adjusting rear air suspension, no axle 14. Engine Assembly • Starts with basic Oldsmobile V-8 • On moving line accessories are added: carburetor, starter, air conditioning, power steering, transmission, etc.

19. Body Mount • Completed body from upper level lowered onto completed chasis • Body-setting team takes over, stays with vehicle to the end • Body indexed to frame, bolted in place • All air and electrical lines hooked up

Spraying of foam insulation.

20. Dead Roll Test • With front wheels on rollers, engine is started • Transmission shift points checked • Cruise control checked • Testing for excessive noise

Check of motorhome engine/drive train.

15. Engine Installation • Engine transferred on hoist, lowered into chassis • Three-point mounting 16. Brake System Filling • Brakes filled, tested on machine • Brake system is evacuated, filled, and tested 17. Fluid System Filling • Fuel tank filled • Overhead hoses used to fill radiator, transmission, crankcase, power steering • All systems filled, ready to go

21. Audit Lane • Complete final inspection • Front wheel alignment test • Brakes tested on rollers for stopping force, possible imbalance, etc.

• Paint inspection and repair • Water leak test

The Motorhome is now ready to be driven to the Gemini Plant for interior fitting out – a nearly 25-mile road test in which all operational systems are checked out.

Bear Alignment station.

18. Vehicle Start-up • Engine started and warmed up • Transmission tested in all gears • Thorough inspection for fluid leaks • Exhaust emissions checked

Final assembly.

Videos available at gmcmi.com/commercials-and-videos.

SUMMER 2020

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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1973-74 Model Interiors Interiors by Gemini

Gemini was responsible for upfitting of the GMC Motorhome interiors for 1973 and 1974.

GMC had decided to vendor out the interior upfitting. Bids were received from four manufacturers: Open Road, Sportcoach, Muntz Corp., and PRF Industries. Muntz Corp. had returned the most attractive bid, but they were located in California. GMC officials desired someone closer to Pontiac, Michigan. While PRF Industries was not the lowest bidder the decision to go with them was made since their location was 25 miles from the Pontiac Plant and further negotiations brought their bid close to GMC’s price point.

PRF Industries was owned by Peter R. Fink, the Builder of Travco and Sightseer Motorhomes. A new PRF division was formed to build the GMC interiors, Gemini Corporation, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Rumor has it that Peter Fink named the new corporation “Gemini” because it was “GM & I”, rumor also has it that his zodiac sign may have been Gemini, take your pick on which (or both) you want to believe.

The Gemini facility designed and built all of the furniture, assembled all the modules, applied the Texolite laminate, and installed everything...bringing it all through the motorhome rear access opening.

A number of start-up concerns had to be resolved. Between the motorhome body manufacturing tolerances and the interior module tolerances (which were affected by temperature and humidity) changes had to be implemented to make things fit.

Every subassembly had to have a drawing and GMC part number.

This was not a simple task. The complexity of fifteen different floor plans and the many available options contributed to a complicated interior assembly process as well. Approvals of the many different state and federal requirements had to be reviewed and met also.

Gemini had a target of completing the interiors of thirty two coaches per day, the best they achieved was closer to twenty per day.

GMC Motorhomes were manufactured in the Pontiac, Michigan plant and were driven the 25 miles to Mt. Clemens. This 25 mile drive provided the newly manufactured coaches with a “shakedown” trip prior to the interiors being installed.

These photos are of a Bittersweet (orange) coach is an early 1973 GMC Motorhome through the Gemini facility.

Photos courtesy of Bill Bryant

Pages from the 1973 Showroom Sales Album illustrating the interior options.

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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Bob Stelter, GMC (right) is receiving first unit “keys” from D.W. Jones, PRF.

Photo of Gemini employees. Note...employee circled is GMCMI Member Frank Griffin.

An Interview with Frank Griffin 1976 Palm Beach | Grand Blanc, Michigan

BY JANET FREY | GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE EDITOR

Note: no hub caps or stripes.

Sample Gemini Vehicle Traveler Build Sheet

I was able to chat with Frank about his involvement with the GMC Motorhome when he worked as a foreman installing interiors. He was with GMC for about a year and a half at the beginning of the manufacturing process. His most significant memory was working in a small space. The body of the GMC Motorhome was virtually a box closed at both ends, and the interior was assembled last. While installing the interiors, they sometimes ran out of space. So, when the materials were not sized correctly, it was up to the workers to make the necessary adjustments. If an engineer was notified of the problem, the solution was to “make it fit”.

Frank said that he learned a lot from the people on the line. Many had a history of working in RV manufacturing, and that knowledge often was critical in the completion of the interiors. Frank was responsible for overseeing the complete installation, so he became a “jack of all trades”.

After his involvement with the GMC Motorhome manufacture, he went on to own five GMCs over the years. His first was purchased in 2003 and required a lot of work.

But due to his experience, he was able to do it himself. As he says, it is a lot of fun and pain!

He presently has two GMC Motorhomes, noting that if the opportunity presents itself and a GMC Motorhome is available, it is good to take advantage. As an aside, he mentioned that his daughter has a GMC Motorhome.

His latest GMC has an electric fireplace. He wondered if he would get a reaction if he put some stovepipe up the side of the motorhome, complete with smoke?

SUMMER 2020

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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1975-78

GMC Motorhomes & Transmodes What is the Difference?

A GMC Motorhome is a coach completed by GMC in total (inside and out).

A GMC Transmode is an empty GMC coach upfitted by someone else. We invite you to learn more about the GMC Transmode (motorhome and commercial coaches) by reading two of our previous GMC Vintage RVing magazines (information below).

The GMC Transmode, an “empty GMC coach”, advertised as “The Mobile Anything” for those who wanted to build their own interiors was available from 1975 through 1978. Since GMC no longer offered the 23-foot unit as a motorhome, it was available only as a Transmode to be upfitted by others.

Model Build by Year Model Year 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 GMC Motorhome Interiors done by GMC Canyon Lands X X Glacier X X Painted Desert X X Sequoia X X Eleganza SE X Glenbrook X X Eleganza II X X X X Palm Beach X X X X Edgemonte X Coca Cola X X Kingsley X X Transmode Motorhome Upfitters* Avion X X Birchaven X X X Cresmont X X Midas X X Landau X Royale X X X Note: 1973-1974 GMC Interiors were done by Gemini

1975-1978 GMC Motorhome Interiors were done by GMC

1975-1978 GMC Transmodes – Interiors done by Upfitters

Coca Cola Interiors done by GMC. Gadabouts finished by L.R.P.

GMC Motorhome Interiors Return to GMC There had been a number of problems with the Gemini interior build, primarily the level of quality (which was a common concern during the 1970s) and a slower interior build than desired. The new plans being very different than the 1973-74 build at Gemini as well as bringing the build in-house left no place for Gemini in GMC’s plans. These changes ended the need and association with Gemini which had been formed for just this purpose.

Starting with the 1975 models, GMC had decided to upscale and improve the overall quality especially the areas customers had complained about with the earlier coaches. The interior needed a serious upgrade to accomplish this, new seating with Flexsteel, better quality fabrics, new furniture modules by Grand Rapids Furniture Co., and Imron exterior paints played a large part in this effort now being done in house at GM Plant 4.

#138 – Winter 2017 Transmodes...

The GMC Motorhome Upfitters

14

#139 – Spring 2017 Transmodes...

The Commercial Upfitters

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

*This chart is not all inclusive for Transmode Motorhome Upfitters.

Production by Model Year

GMC Interiors Transmodes Model Year 23 foot 26 foot 23 foot 26 foot Total

1973 461 1,598 0 0 2,059 1974 168 1,496 0 0 1,664 1975 0 1,196 36 425 1,657 1976 0 2,413 549 298 3,260 1977 0 1,694 253 455 2,402 1978 0 689 178 1,012 1,879

Total 629 9,086 1,016 2,190 12,921

For more information on the Transmodes (motorhome and commercial) check out the two magazines (left) available at: gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving.

Original Copy and Recreated Map from 1976 Tour Brochure

Plant No. 4

1975-Fall 1977 Interior Line In brief, this is a factory tour of how quality is built into GMC Motorhome and Transmode* units. Included are body construction, building of the chassis, and the many finishing steps involved.

The following copy is from a 1976 brochure handed out during tours. The Body and Chassis Construction was similar as the previous brochure but now the addition of the interior finishing was added.

This folder shows outline maps of the three major areas in which the construction of Motorhome and Transmode vehicles takes place. Each important area is designated by letters (A, B, C, etc.) and described.

Lines with arrows indicated your tour route.

When touring GMC’s Motorhome plant, this folder will assist you in knowing where you are and what you are seeing as the vehicles take shape. Away from the plant, this folder will serve as a reminder of the care GMC uses in building Motorhomes and Transmode units – America’s great adventure vehicles. *GMC Transmode units are similar to the Motorhome except they have varying window configurations and unfinished interior for upfitting as special purpose vehicles for both business and recreation.

Brochure available at gmcmi.com/literature.

Remnants after carpets have been cut.

GMC Motorhomes conveyed sideways on dollies along assembly line.

Upfitting of interior modules.

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GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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Original Copy and Recreated Map from 1976 Tour Brochure

Plant No. 4

1975-Fall 1977 Interior Line A

AREA A GMC Motorhome interior finishing begins in a separate building. Here, carpeting is installed in the driver’s section.

Grills and head light bezels are put in place. The rear “cap” (panel) is removed to faciliate installing major interior components throught the rear of the vehicle.

B

C

G

AREA B Motorhomes are conveyed sideways on dollies along the interior finishing assembly line. Furnace and ducts are installed, then the four largest modules – bath, gallery, refrigerator, and wardrobe go in place. This is followed by fresh water tanks and water pump.

AREA C Fresh water system is checked for leaks and filled with an anti-freeze solution to protect the system during shipping.

Ceiling panels, living quarter lighting, overhead cabinets, and curtains are then installed.

D

E

AREA D Soft ware, including beds, seating, floor carpeting, and drapes are put in place here.

Next, the rear “cap” (panel) is reinstalled and sealed against leaks. The spare tire is then added.

AREA E Front end alignment is checked here and adjustments made.

Completed motorhomes.

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H

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F

AREA F Further repair work, if needed, is performed in this area.

AREA G & H Here, the unit is cleaned inside and out and loose items, such as tables and tools are secured. Final inspection completed, the GMC Motorhome is now ready for shipment to the dealer.

Modules and supplies for interiors.

Plant No. 2-Building 29 Fall 1977-July 1978

In August 1977 production from Plant 3 and 4 was moved to Plant 2-Building 29, also in Pontiac, Michigan.

around 275,000 sq. ft. plus some 50-75,000 sq. ft. in remote warehouse to be able to fit in the new location.

Per a September 9, 2008 email from James Cote, GMC Motorhome Supervisor of Industrial Engineering, “In Fall 1976, I was asked to return to the GMC operation (after a short absence) to take charge of the project to move the operation to Plant 2-Building 29 from Plant 3 and 4 to make room for the G-10 Van operation. We did that move with no loss of production and within budget.

The move gave us a chance to completely rethink the way we were building the GMC based on then years of experience and to make many improvements in the process not feasible before. Many employees on the line had input into this and we tested many ideas ahead of time, as you can well imagine, in production.”

Plant 2-Building 29, was used through the end of production in 1978.

A fundamental difference that made better use of the floor space. We had to reduce from 425,000 sq. ft. to I think

The End

GMC Motorhome Production Ends A press release datelined Pontiac, November 11, 1977 read as follows: “GMC Truck and Coach Division of General Motors plans to discontinue producing luxury Motorhomes and similar TransMode multi-purpose vehicles and convert those plant facilities to expand truck operations”, a GM vice president said today.

Robert W. Truxell, General Manager of GMC Truck and Coach said, “As a result of this action, GMC will be able to utilize production facilities more effectively for servicing growing truck demands.” Production finally ended in July of 1978.

Total Production for 1973-1978 = 12,921

A Final Note As Bill and I were reviewing this extraordinary amount of information regarding the birthplace of GMC Motorhome from the beginning to end, we came to a realization: The GMC Motorhome is a 40+ year-old vehicle that is still being used today and the site of its manufacture was deconstructed with consideration given to reuse, recycle, and care for the environment. It is truly a “green” machine!

Credits: Wikipedia, GM Heritage Center, nailhed.com, “The First Century of GMC Truck History” compiled by Donald E. Meyer, James Cote, and Bill Bryant’s Archives.

Article Disclaimer: Significant attempts to accurately portray the GMC Motorhome history has been our goal. Many of these details have been found in era documentation and publications as well as some first-person accounts. Please provide feedback should you have additional data or corrections to offer.

Image from the 1978 GMC Motorhome Brochure

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Letters to the Editor

SUBMIT YOUR LETTERS TO ADMIN@GMCMI.COM

Aluminum Radiator Still Available

Jim Buchanan | 1975 Eleganza II Conover, North Carolina

Motorhome Enhancement Inc. is completely out of buiness. We shut down officially December 31, 2019.

Thirty Years Ago FMCA Convention

Dick Holley | 1976 Palm Beach Marietta, Ohio

In combing through ‘OldStuff’, I found this aerial photo of the FMCA Convention, March 3-27, 1990, which I thought you might want to add to your collection if you do not have one.

This meeting was held at the Tampa, Florida Fairgrounds with 5,244 registered motorhomes.

In the red circled group of motorhomes was some 50 GMCs that had caravanned down I-75 from their Convention held in Silver Springs, Florida. According to the CB Chatter, the caravan stretched some eight miles due to some stragglers. It must have been quite a sight, and I wish I had a video of it. The ‘Tail Gunner’, last in the caravan, reported that another GMC wanted to join the group. The Wagon Master quickly agreed that he could join.

CB Radio silence was enforced so that the Wagon Master and the Tail Gunner could 18

keep the group posted on which lane to be in and close up the gaps when we got strung out too far.

At Tampa, the State Fire Marshall did not like the congested parking of some vehicles and ordered that some be parked elsewhere during the Convention. Glad we were not ones to be put out.

Some notable entertainers at the Convention were: Pat Boone, Myron Floren (Lawrence Welk group), the Gatlin Brothers-very loud!

And of course, Reba McEntire, who in the early days, was a frequent entertainer at FMCA Conventions.

We always enjoyed the occasional FMCA Convention, and the logistics of handling such a large group, with additional telephone service, (before cell phones), parking committees, medical services, etc. The Blue Bird Motorhome Company, furnished free, freshly baked donuts (on-site) and coffee each morning, with the Blue Bird Bakery bus.

Editor’s Note: Thank you Dick Holley for the photo. It has been added to the GMCMI Collection.

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We have been experiencing weekly requests of “do you still have radiators?” Our response has to be no. The shut down was hard to do, because we approached Griffin with the question, “can you make this radiator?” That approach started a two-year period of design, manufacturer, redesign, test, and go at it again. The product stabilized and we settled in for manufacturing. We had all the difficulties of putting into market the aluminum radiator.

This was the beginning of engineering improvements in GMC. The GMC Motorhome, as we discussed earlier, is made up of a series of systems. The cooling system, of course, being one of the most important.

Steve Ferguson did the best work of the publication on the cooling system sections.

These sections included engine oil cooling, transmission cooling, water pump, fan, radiator, and thermostats. We receive the radiator from Griffin after these systems had been put together.

The radiator is still produced by Griffin Thermal Products in Piedmont, South Carolina. The contact at Griffin is Pam. She will take your information and order, then ship it directly to the you.

Griffin Thermal Products Toll free: 800-722-3723 Local: 864-845-5000 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 on our website. By default, our published letters include a writer’s full name, city, state, and GMC Motorhome information.

PART TWO

The “Testing” Trip of its Namesake The Sequoia Story Told by a Birch

BY GREGORY BIRCH | PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON | 1977 BIRCHAVEN

My grandfather, Alex Birch, was a driver.

I am sure he tested these GMC Motorhomes in ways I cannot imagine. Breaking test, acceleration test, and rollover test were performed by staff other than my grandfather. But he and my grandmother alone performed the first cross country test in the newly minted and exotic vehicle conceived in 1969.

front wheel drive”. Conversation usually trails off into the weeds from there, but what a feeling of awe and wonder. Imagine being the very first couple to drive cross country in a rock star vehicle that you had a large part in creating with one of the world’s largest vehicular manufacturers backing the trip – a once in a lifetime gig.

I have a video of my grandfather referencing 1969 as the year the GMC Motorhome became a concept. In 1970 they were testing and he evolved into the stage manager for the whole thing.

They knew there would be heat and there was. They knew the trip would involve break downs because that was the purpose of the trip, find the flaws.

That is why Alex was chosen. He knew everything.

As my grandmother often said slowly, “he knows everything” about the GMC Motorhome. I am going to digress a little on this topic because my cousin Doug gave me a stack of DVDs with tons of videos of Alex Birch speaking at motorhome rallies as he often did while installing screen doors. When I watch and listen to these GMC Motorhome #005 videos I realize his depth of knowledge is Testing Trip really special. Deep background details as to why they changed directions at the

by Alex and Bea Birch factory for certain things, his run ins Miles Travelled: 7,000 with engineering and design. A quote from one of his videos: “So many times Miles Per Gallon: 7.5 as the engineers held up production for Gas Usage: 926 gallons testing, I had to say sooner or later you Cost of Gas: $380.72 have to build something”. He was the Eng ine Oil Consumption: 4 quarts voice of reason, a common sense and Generator Oil Consumption: 5 quarts practical voice that pushed to make the Average Cost Per Mile: 5.5 cents GMC Motorhome a reality.

In the first paragraph of his memo to GM dated August 13, 1973, he notes how many people would stop to talk with him and how much attention this vehicle received whenever they stopped. It got me thinking about the new C8 Corvette, mostly because I saw a new C8 Corvette last week and how I reacted to that marvel of engineering. Awe and wonder at the pinnacle of American vehicular design was all I could think about. I would love to take a new Corvette on the track. I was treated to laps in an earlier Corvette and I can say they are spectacular and do almost everything track cars that transform into docile every day driver cars like none before.

With the World War II generation hitting the road in the late 60s and early 70s, I can only imagine how they felt when they saw the very first GMC Motorhome roll by. Later in his memo Alex tells a story about someone passing them on the freeway hanging out the window to take pictures. At that time the GMC Motorhome was the pinnacle of vehicular luxury travel (some would argue it still is).

That feeling of awe and wonder still exists. Almost every time I fuel my Birchaven, someone inevitably walks over and strikes up a conversation that most of the time starts with “hey….Stripes van right?” I can easily start their head spinning by replying “yeah,

In summary, test the new pinnacle of vehicular travel from the leading vehicular manufacturer in the world, find out where it breaks and come up with solutions to fix them.

Showcase this vehicle in route and at the NCHA Convention. Report back ASAP because they are rolling off the line now and we need to know that it is going to work. Check.

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It was very clear that grandpa was reluctant to take such an early coach (#5) on this trip. Coach #5 was bound to have flaws and Alex was very clear in his memo that this was expected. Talking with Bill Bryant, he mentioned the first few coaches were destroyed after testing.

How do you pack for a trip like this?

Oh, if I were a fly on the wall listening to my grandparents bicker a bit about what to bring! He packed tools, I am sure. I have a race box that has been honed down over the years to just what I need.

Alex would have taken the basics but then they also had the entirety of the General Motors Corporation network of dealerships supporting them.

In 1973, they launched their trip that took 30 days, constantly being late or missing out on meals due to people wanting to see the motorhome. Their trip would take them through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, and Arizona.

Day two, out of Des Moines, Iowa, they smelled fuel due to a cracked tee fitting to the auxiliary fuel tanks.

A patch was made to get them to the dealership, McKenzie Pontiac in Omaha, Nebraska. Next he discovered two things: one, the dump hose was full of water, and two, their fresh water connection was leaking. Grandpa never mentions if it was black water or grey water but a pop rivet had fallen into one of the valves preventing it from closing all the way. I guess this is not something you elaborate on to corporate, a basis for too many easy jokes.

My fresh water connection still leaks and I find it takes a new garden hose washer every year to have any hope of stopping the drip. It would be really nice if the connection was metal and not plastic, or some kind of quick connect.

This trip took place during the heat of summer and they discovered some things very early on about the GMC. There was not enough ventilation.

I think their coach only had small round vents like most coaches have in the bathroom, not Fantastic fan vents like most coaches I have seen today. Most coaches have a preheat system that warms the water heater with heat from the engine. Alex mentions the pre-heater should have a shut off valve because heat soaked from this system which heated their bathroom like an oven.

Finally, they needed more air conditioning. With temperatures over 90 degrees they had to run their generator to keep the roof air conditioner going and 20

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the air conditioner on the engine at the same time just to keep temperatures bearable while driving.

Two nights in Denver, Colorado to replace a holding tank sending unit, then off to a KOA in Winnamucca, Nevada. They arrived at the Santa Nella Village in California where the National Camper and Hiker Convention was held in 1973.

When they arrived, there were no hookups left. It was 110 degrees during the day which caused the 12v refrigerator to run 24/7 draining their batteries.

Thus, began the very first dry camping battery swap, generator running adventure in a GMC Motorhome. Stories about a generator saving a GMC Motorhome in some fashion are legion, suffices to say this was the first time it was necessary in the field.

Alex and Bea had the only GMC Motorhome in the campground. He describes it as a “showpiece”.

I can only imagine the crowds of people flocking to their camp. There was also a commercial area where Chrysler Corporation had a complex showing their chassis using a few vehicles for seminars. In true gorilla marketing fashion Alex and Bea would drive through the commercial area, and like pied pipers they would draw crowds back to their camp in the “non-commercial area”. If they had access to social media back then, they would have been accused of trolling. I think this kind of analog trolling was more fun.

Next was a parade in Los Banos, California. They were entered and were number 47 and yes, more trolling of people during the parade as many came back to camp for a visit after watching. That night 22 adults were loaded into the motorhome, a thousand pounds overweight, and drove to the Los Banos Pancake House. This building still exists. It is now a Waffle House and we are making it a photo stop on our trip. I am not sure if we can fit 22 people in our coach for the drive but we might be up for the challenge.

San Jose, California was next where they lost freon from their air conditioner. Larry Hopkins Motorhome Center in Sunnyvale, California fixed them up.

At this point in his memo my grandfather shows his true colors. Steve Hopkins at Hopkins Motorhome Center must have been a relation to the owner. He mentioned a customer who had a GMC Motorhome that would not start.

Grandpa Alex at that moment could have asked the dealership to send someone out to fix the issue, or could have asked General Motors to fix the issue.

No way, not Alex Birch. He went personally to the GMC Motorhome owner and helped get his coach

going. Grandpa probably did not mention that he was the production engineer and a test driver for the whole project. However, part of this trip was as an ambassador for the GMC Motorhome and I guess this fit right in.

With the NCHA Convention behind them it was time for the track home. Lodge Pole Camp in Sequoia National Park was on the way, and I believe it is where these photos were taken.

The General Sherman tree (photo at left) has been identified by a kind member of the GMC Pacific Cruisers. On route 180 on Highway 198 up the mountain at about 30 mph, wide open climbing that mountain to Lodge Pole, GMC Motorhome #5 experienced the very first horror…of what would be many, many for GMC owners. Grandpa described losing his power steering assist, and power brakes on a mountain pass, in his typical understated way as “quite an experience”. I can only imagine, and I have always just assumed that my grandmother’s hair was white because of this moment. Grandpa also used this experience to suggest a 3.361 differential be used. I love my 3:55 differential. It was one of the first modifications I made to my coach largely due to reading this memo. Grandpa had a sticky fast idle lever on the carburetor here and suggested it could be why they were having a fast idle diesel problem.

Apparently driving down the road from Lodge Pole was fun because he described driving the hairpin turns with a GMC Motorhome as “wonderful”. Did I mention my grandmother’s hair was white at an early age? Being a race car driver, I can say that a GMC Motorhome handles as well as a ten thousand pound vehicle can handle. It certainly does not flick between corners, but it is delightful to drive, smooth and responsive. Upgrades to my suspension are as follows: new front torsion bars, upgraded rear bags with Sully plates, new sway bar bushings up front and Bilstein shocks all the way around.

The memo from Los Angeles, California to Las Vegas, Nevada is not very detailed. When my wife and I retrace this trip we plan on visiting cousins in Los Angeles and stopping at the Cal Tech Wind Tunnel (when it is open again) where the scale model we have was used to test the coefficient of drag for the GMC Motorhome. We will probably go to the Peterson Museum and take in the tar pits.

Grandpa had an issue with an outboard axle seal at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

While staying at Bryce Canyon, Grandpa was trying to level the coach on a hill that was too steep. When he tried to raise the right side a bit more the bellows hotdogged and folded. Alex was very tactful when writing the memo and mentioned that no one was around to see this catastrophic failure. Neither did he mention if Grandma was in the coach or not when it happened (Did I mention her hair was white?). Apparently, he had spare bellows because he describes replacing it in about fifteen minutes.

Then onto the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Wolf Creek Pass at the elevation of 10,850 ft. I would imagine they needed some time to destress because at the 9,000 foot mark the motorhome vapor locked and died again, only this time losing power and brakes looking over a 1,000 foot cliff. Alex also mentions taking the fuel cap off to relieve pressure in that tank so he could restart the motor and having the cap “almost blow his hand off”. I have shared this experience and was quite surprised when it happened. You did not fix that one grandpa… moving on.

That night was spent at Lathrop State Park where they met a senator from Oregon and his wife who owned a Barth Motorhome. Like the good ambassador he was, grandpa handed out information and gave them the grand tour.

In Nebraska, at 70 mph on their way home a car pulled along side and took some pictures, then passed around front in the other lane next to them and slowed down. When grandpa began to pass at 75 mph, a passenger in the car held the wheel while the driver pulled himself out the window to his waist with a camera and started to take pictures. They were rock stars, and while this would be the very first cross country trip in a GMC Motorhome it would also be the very first cross country trip of many in a GMC for my grandparents. During retirement they would live in Florida, install screen doors, start motorhome clubs, cross the country many times, and make friends and always, always talk with GMC Motorhome owners. Not only did my grandfather help to make the GMC Motorhome a reality, he loved them deeply for the experience they provided in bringing people together. He could not imagine how much they have become part of RV and American culture in movies, holding speed records, and seeding family memories.

SUMMER 2020

Grandma Bea in front of the Wolf Creek Pass sign.

In Closing The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of my all time favorite movies. It has everything I love: dogs, family, and race cars. Enzo is a golden retriever in the movie who tells his story from a dog’s perspective. Our family has a similar story only instead of race cars it is our Birchaven. Some months ago, we had to say goodbye to Shadow. He was a great friend, teacher, companion, and GMC Motorhome lover. Shadow’s favorite place in the world was riding between the front seats where the engine would warm up the floor, or sitting in the passenger seat where he could sit and watch the road or stick his nose out the open window.

Family memories are priceless!

Thanks, Grandpa and Shadow.

We will unfortunately have to postpone our trip this year due to COVID pandemic. Most GMC rallies have been canceled, and finally the GMCMI rally where we were going to summarize the trip has also been canceled. This being the second time we have had to postpone our trip (last year our daughters wedding pushed it back) I guess third time’s a charm! We will be planning our trip for 2021, we hope to attend as many GMC rallies and see as many coach owners we can. See you on the road.

Cheers!

Greg and Rainy Birch GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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Generally Speaking Ò

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.

Free Cross Stitch GMCMH Pattern

Kim Weeks 1973 Custom Painted Desert Pharr, Texas

I was going through some boxes of items that GMCMI members have donated for the GMCMI Collection on display in Indianola, Iowa (a full hook-up available) and found a cross stitch pattern of a GMC Motorhome.

I called the creator Ellen and she mentioned that she was no longer doing cross stitch patterns but now has a website of quilt patterns. (ellensquiltcreations.com).

I asked if would be ok if I shared the pattern with the GMC Motorhome Community.

She has given GMCMI approval to do so without cost. Thank you, Ellen.

Pattern can be found at: gmcmi.com/gmcmhpattern

Bathroom Fan Replacement Dolph Santorine | 1977 Palm Beach Wheeling, West Virginia

When it comes to fans, it is possible the most important one is the one in the bath module. It is also the one that gets the least amount of attention.

With decades of heat cycling, they can be reduced to a “feature” that is very good at

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QUESTIONS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS, AND MORE

turning battery power into noise, when it would be doing so much more.

Our vendors have replacement units available, but there are two new trends as of late.

• The MAXXAIR 00-03810B MaxxFan Dome Plus Roof Vent w/ 12V fan, LED light, 6” diameter, and manual lift. This bath module fan fits in the existing holes.

The word is it is quiet, and comes with a light which brightens up a fairly tight space.

• The Ventline VP543 12V Smoke Van Roof Air Vent is the same size but the number of mounting holes are different (8 vs 6). Otherwise we heard it was a good fit.

They are both fairly straight forward installs. Either way, you will want to have your preferred sealant (Dicor/Eternabond or other).

The other option that is much more involved is installing a Fantastic Fan or MaxxFan in the top of the bath module.

You will need to make certain that you have enough space for the top (roof railings may be in the way…. check and measure carefully). This install requires significant cutting into the outer aluminum of the

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coach. It will change the entire feel of the bath module, just be careful if you set it on “high”. Depending on your shower curtains, they might get pulled right up to the fan.

No matter how you approach it, it will make your time on the road a little more convenient.

Dawn Powerwash Janet Frey | 1976 Palm Beach Milford Square, Pennsylvania

I just tried a new product, Dawn Platinum Powerwash dish spray. The advertisements on television say that this product can be used to replace traditional dishwashing in the sink and is intended to reduce water usage. Of course, the emphasis is on convenience, but for those of us who RV, lower water usage is a point of interest.

So, I tried the product and carefully monitored water usage. I can say that the product worked as advertised! Just rinse or wipe off excess food from the dishes, spray with the product, swish with a sponge, and rinse. Then dry the dishes and put them in the cupboard! I even tried it on an oil-based salad dressing and there was no problem.

I would highly recommend trying this product. I think you will find that your water usage will be greatly reduced without compromising the cleanliness.

A GMC Motorhome Vendor Profile

BY JANET FREY | 1976 PALM BEACH | MILFORD SQUARE, PENNSYLVANIA

One of our more specialized vendors is Custom Instrument Panels, owned by MAC & SHIRLEY MCNEAL. I recently had a chat with this fun couple about their connection to GMC Motorhomes and each other!

Mac explained that they met briefly as youngsters when attending a wedding. At that point, Shirley had moved with her family from Arkansas and Mac was a native Californian. When they were in high school, their paths crossed again, and this time it was much more serious – so serious, they ended up getting married! Mac went to work right out of high school, starting in a grocery store stocking shelves, and working his way up to salesman. Continuing education was a priority as Mac took classes at the community college where he studied wiring and electrical assembly, and Shirley graduated from college with honors and a degree in accounting. Mac and Shirley started their family, bought a house, and Mac continued his career. Eventually, he was able to start his own janitorial business in 1972. His business became much more sophisticated as he began servicing air conditioners in the aerospace industry, and also filtering systems in clean rooms. This expertise enabled him to obtain government contracts and work on projects including the space shuttle. Along the way, their family grew (two boys, one girl), and they considered purchasing a motorhome. When they saw a 1973 GMC, it was love! But it was not affordable at that point in time.

After the children were grown they found a GMC for sale, and in 1988 it went home with them! They were the third owner, and still have the 1976 Eleganza.

After becoming a GMC Motorhome owner, they began going to rallies with the GMC Western States and GMC Pacific Cruisers.

Their first rally was in Mesa, Arizona, in 1989. There he saw many GMCs, always a fantastic sight for GMC owners! In time, Mac became interested in a custom dashboard that he saw offered by a company that built dashboards for motorhomes and big rig diesels.

He liked their product, but it was too expensive. Then, through a fellow GMCer, he met someone who was able to sell him custom

dashes. He bought two, but found that he did not like them. Since the company would not allow him to return them, he decided what he wanted to change and began the process.

Eventually, he found that he was able to design custom dashes, and sell them. He had contacts to get the parts, and Shirley and Mac assembled the dashboards. His business thrived and he was able to sell his product all over the world. Today, Mac is looking to wind down. He is still able to supply the custom dash boards, but it has become something of an adventure getting the components.

Since many parts are now made in China, there can be significant delays in obtaining critical parts. So, that has added another challenge to many businesses, Mac’s included.

Before we ended our chat, I reminded Mac and Shirley that they have a claim to fame with their business – a Custom Instrument Panel dashboard was used in the black GMC Motorhome that appeared in the movie “Twister”.

Pay attention and you will see it!

You may know that Mac and Shirley live in North Carolina.

I asked how that came about and he explained that they both wanted to get away from California. They had friends that had moved to North Carolina and asked them to visit. So, when the GMCMI Convention was in Myrtle Beach, they took a side trip to visit their friends. The following year, they visited again and Shirley went house hunting. Soon, they were making plans to move. Mac has some stories from the coast to coast move that are worth hearing! In any event, he and Shirley finally became residents of Albemarle, North Carolina, in 2009.

If you already know Mac and Shirley, you know they are a fun and loving couple. They have been married for 57 years and Mac says that “The Boss” (as he calls Shirley) is the love of his life. If you do not yet know them, make a point of stopping by their vendor table at the next Convention and say hi. You will be glad you did!

For more information go to: gmcmi.com/suppliers

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Celebrating r ou

GMCMI Member

Willie and Julia (left) and Gemma (right).

WILLIAM (WILLIE) AND JULIA COLÓN

BY JANET FREY | GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE EDITOR

In July 2020, GMCMI recruited its 9,000th member!

What an accomplishment! Of course, it would not have been possible without “Mr. & Mrs. 9,000” – William (Willie) and Julia Colón. I recently chatted with Willie...

Willie is now working on the GMC, and thinking of staying close to home for the first few trips. He explained that he is good with electronics, but nothing heavy duty, and there is the matter of the holding tanks – he is hoping to learn a lot more about them!

When I asked him how his wife, Julia, felt about the GMC, he said that he told her that she was in charge of the interior and could do what she wanted. He added “As it turns out, she wants to restore it. I like the way she thinks!” When they have the GMC ready, they hope to go on longer trips and may even go south for the warmer weather this winter.

EARLY YEARS

THE MUSIC

CAREER, AWARDS, AND HONORS

Willie was born in the South Bronx, New York, to American-born parents of Puerto Rican descent.

He picked up the trumpet from a young age, and later switched to the trombone.

At the age of 15 he was signed to Fania Records and at 17 he recorded his first album, which ultimately sold more than 300,000 copies.

Colón has been a civil rights, community, and political activist since the age of 16.

Beyond the trombone, he has also worked as a composer, arranger, and singer, and eventually as a producer and director. Combining elements of jazz, rock, and salsa, his work incorporates the rhythms of traditional music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the other ancestral homeland, Africa.

In addition to serving as a visiting professor and receiving honorary degrees for music and humane letters at various universities.

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He went on to have many successful collaborations with salsa musicians and singers such as Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, and Soledad Bravo, and singer-songwriter Rubén Blades.

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1995: Became the first person of color to serve on the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.

2000: Inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.

2004: Received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy.

wikipedia.org: Salsero73

He purchased a 1976 Eleganza II in November 2019. He said it brought back memories of seeing the GMC when they first came out. He liked the concept and the size. He mentioned their “space ship” look and advanced styling. And, not surprisingly, those were the reasons he decided to search for a GMC as his RV. He ended up going to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to pick up his GMC. The trip was an adventure, and he realized some key truths about a GMC Motorhome: there are going to be mechanical issues and you will find a way to deal with them; it does cost to own a GMC; you begin to love the vehicle; and people love to ask you about the GMC! In fact, someone tried to buy the GMC from him even before he got it home!

Hector Lavoe, Willie Colón, and another singer at the mic in the 1970s.

2006: In the movie El Cantante, starring Jennifer Lopez, is about the life of Héctor Lavoe and Colón which covered their early career as the top salsa duo from the 1960s through the mid-1970s.

Willie met Julia in New York City. He was living near Julliard and she was taking some acting classes there.

He noticed Julia walk by a couple times, and he found out that she was working as a waitress at a nearby restaurant, as most aspiring actors do. He ate at the restaurant every day for weeks. He told her that he was a musician, but she was not impressed. One day he invited her to a concert at Madison Square Garden. She thought that he was connected when they were able to go in through the backstage door. He told her to come closer to the stage so they could see better. Then the MC announced his name, he took her hand to come on stage with him, and she was shocked that he was the headliner. They have three boys: Adan Diego-39, Alejandro Miguel-36, and Antonio-31. Willie has an older son Willie-52. They reside in New Rochelle, New York with Gemma (named after Sons of Anarchy matriarch character Gemma Telamaro), a three-year-old wire haired fox terrier.

I also asked Willie about his career. When we were trying to connect, he suggested that I go to Wikipedia for his information. Below is just a brief summary of what I found.

Do Google “Willie Colón” and go to Wikipedia, you will find a great deal of information about this interesting fellow. He mentioned that he usually does concerts in South America and Mexico, but with the pandemic, this is no longer an option. At the present time, he is investigating other venues, possibly virtual options, so that he can get back to his music. Don’t forget to Google his music – it is fun, filled with energy, and a driving beat that will have you dancing around your house!

For now, Willie is looking to get the GMC on the road, and perhaps convince his two grandsons to join him – before they decide they are too old!

Welcome, Willie and Julia! Thanks for chatting with me.

I, and GMCMI, look forward to meeting you in person at a future GMCMI Convention!

2010: Bestowed the International Trombone Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

2011: Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association recognized Colón for his social and community activism and support.

2014: After graduating from the Westchester County Police Academy, Colón was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff. In 2017 he was sworn to the rank of Deputy Lieutenant.

2015: Was named “30 Most Influential Latin Artists of All Time” by Billboard magazine.

WHO IS GMCMI’S FIRST MEMBER? Ralph and Sue Luby and still GMCMI Members!

We celebrated Ralph Luby, founder of GMCMI, in 2017 when we were marking 35 years of GMCMI. (Check out the article in the Fall 2017 issue of GMC Vintage RVing magazine at gmcmi. com/gmc-vintage-rving.)

There he explained that he purchased his first GMC, a new Sequoia, in 1974, when he and wife Sue were living in Andover, Massachusetts, and only 15 miles from a GMC Motorhome dealer. When he found he was not using the motorhome, it was sold. But, when he discovered that GMC was going to discontinue production of the motorhome, he decided to purchase another new GMC Motorhome. He surprised Sue one afternoon when he showed up with a 1978 Palm Beach model. When someone asked Ralph why he bought the motorhomes, he replied that he fell in love with them due to their unique design.

He sold this motorhome in 2010 with 133,000 miles. He also converted a 1990 40-foot MCI bus into a beautiful motorhome in York, Maine. That coach was sold in 2019 and he keeps in touch with the new owner (who recently told him that they had driven over 30,000 miles and only had to replace a fan belt).

At 84 years old Ralph keeps very busy, and he now owns an Army M923 5-ton truck and flat bed trailer. He is in quite a few parades, and at Christmas the truck and trailer are decorated with thousands of lights.

It is a tribute to his determination, dedication, and leadership that GMCMI is still going strong. And to think it all started with a simple flyer. Ralph, at the 1982 Summer FMCA Convention at Notre Dame University, placed a flyer under the windshield wiper of each GMC Motorhome in attendance. A meeting was held, with 62 present, to discuss organizing GMCMI on July 12, 1982.

At year-end of 1983, GMCMI had 909 members! We are so pleased that 38-years later GMCMI continues to be a strong leader and resource for the GMC Motorhome Community! Thank you Ralph and Sue!

2019: Inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

SUMMER 2020

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

25

Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE

TZE Batteries and Charging –

largely excised from a GMCnet post

Matt Colie | 1973 Glacier | Belleville, Michigan

In the early years, batteries were cheap and copper was expensive. That changed in 1975 when copper went to historic lows.

The early years had both the house and the main engine batteries in the right front.

There was a single battery in the rear to crank the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).

There is only one advantage of this if you do not know the costs. With this arrangement, if one was careless or ignorant enough to kill both the main engine and house bank, he could still crank up the APU and recover. It did provide another battery that required attention.

There was also a relatively severe problem with the #10 fore to aft conductor. First off, it is not even a real #10. It is #10SAE and that makes it about 90% of a #10AWG. This means its ampacity is also 90% and its forward voltage drop is 110%. When charging lead/acid batteries that have their entire working life between 11.9 and 12.7 volts (those can vary a little) that voltage drop can make or break a system.

Parallel To +12v

To Ground

Result = +12V at 220 AH

In the early coaches, it was a bust because the period standard ferro-resonant converter was built for a fixed output voltage that

26

could not overcome the line loss built into the coach electrics. I knew this was a problem, but it was only after I installed a real battery monitor that I identified that the wire run was a lot of the issue.

We have dry camped at more than a few summer music festivals. With the combination of not being able to create more than a moderate recharge and the electric refrigeration, the APU would often run 40 hours on a weekend. The shore power charging loss is less of an issue with the house bank in the rear. Even when upgraded to a pair of group GC2s (6v golf cart batteries), that loss is still not a big issue.

Even with a new PD9140+wizard converter(with a maximum output of 14.4V), the best charge current I could make was about 27 amps and that would trail off well before the converter was ramping down. This was the result of a 0.8V drop in the system between the converter and the bank. I did some careful measurements at that time. Those proved very educational. One tends to think of the copper conductors as all that matters (unless he has been working in fiberglass boats). Well, I was getting a 0.3V loss on the negative side and no amount of cleaning connections could improve that. If you are not willing to make some serious mods, you are stuck with that.

There are two positive sides to the house bank in the front. First is that the boost function works well (small victory) and the second is that the main engine alternator can throw more power at it because of the low cable loss. This second

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

one is yet another two-edged sword.

After I kept burning belts when leaving the aforementioned weekend dry camps, I tried to improve the belt tension to absolute maximum. With this, we still burned belts if I tried to move the coach too soon (like a half-hour) after start-up. I knew from my marine work that 100amps for a nominal 15volt system (~2hp) was the absolute limit for a single V belt but I did not believe that the 80amp version of the alternator could do that. Well, I was wrong. It seems that the combination of the shorter and heavier cable and the pair of GC2s made more of a difference than I had expected. At home, I put a DC probe on the alternator lead after simulating a weekend dry camp. With the engine running at 1800 RPMs (secondary road speed), the alternator output would hold at 96~98 amps for as long as I dared (I could smell the hot belt). At startup, the meter had trapped a peak reading of over 100 amps. The 27SI alternator didn’t seem to mind. So, that was when I elected to go the dual belt route.

These issues are not present in the later 26’ builds. With the current limit imposed by the #10 cable, I suspect that the

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

80amp alternator is never overloaded. But, unless you have a very late coach with the upgraded fore to aft cable, you cannot do a lot for a dead main engine battery in a real hurry. Even without the larger cable, you can bring a lot of power to the front battery if you are patient. That is a small problem as the later coaches also have a momentary switch for this function. I can understand why GM did that. If the main engine battery is low and you really need to get the main engine started, fire up the APU. If you have a good multistage converter, it will most likely jump right in at boost mode (~14.2/4). Then the line loss to the main engine battery matters less. If everything else is in decent shape, it should take less than 10 minutes until you can crank your main engine.

If you have read to here, you may well have a question that I did not answer. If you do, contact me and if I can’t answer it right away, I can search my 10+ year-old notes from the experiments. If there is no answer there, maybe I need to do another experiment or two. I don’t mind, because we all learn something.

The following items are responses to questions posed on the GMCnet concerning this subject:

3. One problem with a pair of 12V battery jars (jars refers to the battery case originally made with glass) is that you will be hard-pressed to ever get capacity times two out of them. It is just the cantankerous nature of the beasts to not want to play nice. There is also the issue that if a cell in one fails, you can cut that jar out of the bank and live with the lower capacity. That is only if you catch the bad cell before it does other damage.

4. If you get a pair of Grp 27(100AH) jars that came off the production line sequentially and connect them so that

Series To +12v

To Ground

Equal Length Cables

1. Virtually everything is a compromise depending on how you use your coach.

So much about these coaches is use or user dependent that some areas are difficult to optimize.

2. If you plan to upgrade the front-to-back cable don’t bother with just upgrading to a #10AWG. To optimize the upgrade, you need to do a double run (positive and negative) of something like #6 or even #4 cable. As I often told owners when working on a proposal, the best thing about copper is you only have to buy it once, if you don’t, you may have

there is minimal difference in charge and drain, you will still not likely see your 200Ah capacity. By the end of your first weekend, they will have developed enough differentiation so one is working harder than the other. This will cause a loss of bank capacity. There is nothing that can be done about this.

If you push the life of this arrangement, you also get close to the case where one cell in one jar fails and then one of them may have a thermal runaway. This often results in a small explosion.

to pay for it forever. With the upgrade to the house bank link, the double pulley may be worth your while because increased alternator loads could cause belt slippage issues.

5. If you go with a the pair of 6V (GC2s) route, and you lose a cell, you are stuck with a 10V system until you can replace them. You should still replace them as a pair.

6. A pair of 200Ah 6V jars may have more capacity and will keep it because all the cells have to see the same charge and drain, but if you lose one cell, you will have a system voltage loss that cannot be corrected without replacing the bank.

At this point, I will suggest that anybody planning to do anything serious in this area take a look at this link and digest what the late Gary Bunzer (aka the RV doctor) had to say about multi-battery banks. It is well worth the read.

By gary Bunzer

alance is critical for motorhomes. From a safety standpoint, we are reminded of the placement of cargo. For instance, you wouldn’t want to stow your bowling ball collection on the same side of the motorhome as the generator. But have you ever given thought to the relevance of balance when it comes to your battery bank?

What do I mean by battery balance?

Well, just as it is vital to ensure that those four large 8D batteries aren’t overloading the axle weight rating on one side of the motorhome, it’s also important to understand the significance of the “electrical” balance in banks of two or more batteries.

BATTERY BANKS

46

Result = +12V at 420 AH

SUMMER 2020

the

In a nutshell, Mr. Peukert found that discharging a battery at higher rates depletes the capacity more than simple math would indicate. It’s better to deplete a battery bank slowly with lower amounts of current flow rather than through large discharges. In other words, discharging a battery at a 5-amp rate does not remove half as much amperage as discharging that

a load, “T” is the time in hours, and “C” is the amp-hour capacity of that battery. The superscript “n” is the Peukert exponent for that battery type (wet cell, AGM, gel, etc.). Though the Peukert exponent will vary depending on the battery capacity and manufacturer, a relative figure to use for true deep-cycle, wet-cell batteries ranges from approximately

of BALA NCe of

PoWeR

Most Type A motorhomes and many Type Cs are equipped with multiple batteries connected together to form one big bank of DC electricity availability. The sad news is that 12-volt batteries wired in parallel or 6-volt batteries wired in a series or a series/ parallel configuration are often connected in a manner that does not take full advantage of the storage capacity of the batteries in that bank. In some instances, they may have been miswired before they left the factory, or they may not be connected in a way that optimizes the potential of a motorhome’s auxiliary battery bank.

This becomes crucial especially for motorhome owners who often camp without hookups.

Batteries are an interesting study, and many FMCA members have taken the plunge. This article is not a thorough study of all things batteryrelated. But for casual motorhome owners or those new to the lifestyle, the following information may seem a bit foreign. The bottom line is that in order to get the most out of the money you put into your batteries, you’ll want to get the most out of your auxiliary battery bank. As a means to that end, it might be a wise investment to perform upgrades if necessary and be assured that the battery

Equal Length Cables

bank on your motorhome is indeed balanced and optimized.

Since battery installations on motorhomes vary greatly, every coach should be considered individually. The number of batteries in the bank, the type of batteries used, the electrical sizing (amp-hour rating) of the batteries, and the quality of the batteries (how well they

familymotorcoaching • January 2012

are constructed) all play a part in whether we maximize or trivialize the DC power they store. Quite often, because of the demands placed on the RV auxiliary battery system, many motorhome owners find themselves without enough lasting DC power. Just take a quick inventory of the number of 12-volt-DC devices found in a typical motorhome and consider the amount of electricity needed to power the collection.

CONSIDERING MR. PEUKERT One of the keys to optimizing DC battery use is to look at discharge rates and a formula called Peukert’s equation. I won’t bore you with the details, but it is an interesting study if you ever care to indulge yourself.

same battery at a 10-amp rate. One would think (and correctly so) that a 100 amp-hour battery would service a 5-amp load for 20 hours (the standard time element for rating batteries).

One also would assume that the same battery would power a 10-amp load for 10 hours, but Peukert’s equation says this is not the case. It actually would take less time to drain the battery at the higher discharge rate. The same concept applies for charging a battery bank.

It’s important to take into account an exponent in Peukert’s formula when mathematically trying to figure out how long a motorhome battery bank will last under certain loads.

Peukert’s equation is as follows: In x T = C, where “I” is the amperage draw of

1.25 to 1.60. For marine/RV hybrid batteries, the exponent typically is around 1.15, and for AGM batteries it is 1.10. Many believe that the lower this exponent, the better a battery can deliver a higher rate of current.

Battery age and temperature also come into play.

BATTERY BANK RESISTANCE It’s equally important to consider a battery’s internal resistance, otherwise known as the self-discharge rate. It, too, factors into how well a battery bank is optimized. All batteries have internal resistance. It can be calculated by dividing the voltage difference when a known load is applied to a battery by the amperage of that load. Here’s an example: a 12-voltDC device draws 50 amps of current.

The voltage at the battery measures 12.8 volts before the load is applied.

During the load, the battery voltage drops to 11.2. The voltage difference, 1.6 volts, is then divided by 50 (the amperage draw of the device). The result is the amount of battery internal resistance measured in ohms.

12.8 - 11.2 = 1.6 1.6 ÷ 50 = 0.032 ohm When measuring the resistance on a bank of batteries, the resistance measured incorporates the cumulative internal resistance of all batteries in the bank.

In addition to heat, any electrical resistance is a negative factor when it comes to motorhome battery banks, which brings us to the main intent of this article. The proper battery balance in any battery bank

learn how to optimize the efficiency of your motorhome’s house batteries. is obtained by keeping the resistance to the flow of current in the system as low as possible. The resistance in any circuit, the internal battery resistance, and Peukert’s exponent must all be considered when fully analyzing a battery system. It’s all relative and typically limited in application to serious troubleshooters continued » January 2012 • familymotorcoaching

47

https://familyrvingmag.com/wp-content/ uploads/2012/01/the-balance-of-power_ FMC0112.pdf

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

27

Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE

Sticking Steering

Alternative to the Scorching Hot Dipstick

Ken Henderson | 1976 Birchaven | Americus, Georgia

Billy Massey | 1976 Palm Beach | Brownwood, Texas | bdub.net

gmcmhphotos.com | gtw5

Does your steering feel “notchy”? Does it seem to stick and then loosen when turned a bit further? That is a common problem caused by the upper CV joint of the lower steering column. It is very similar in feel to a ball bearing containing one or more bad balls. The CV contains ball bearings which may indeed cause the problem. But there is a good chance that re-lubricating it will correct the problem.

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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Alternatively, store the dipstick someplace cooler!

In 2004 at the GMC Western States Balloon Fiesta Rally in Albuquerque, Harold Kennedy (deceased long-time member of GMCMI) taught me to simply tie a 3/8” tube across the front, inside and below the front hoods for use as a dipstick scabbard rather than storing it in the dipstick tube. That way it is always cool to the touch and only picks up a little heat when used.

Use a 5/16” bolt for a plug in the tube.

It will not get hot because it is not close to 1 the manifold.

2

gmcrvparts.com

Here is how you should do that: 1. Remove the lower steering shaft by loosening the top and bottom clamp bolts which hold it to the steering column and the steering box.

2. Mark the CV joint at the top end to be sure you reassemble it correctly (five of six possible ways are wrong!); grinding marks on both halves of the body is the best way I know.

3. Bend the locking tabs out of the way on the 6 bolts holding the two halves together. When they are separated, you will find there are six grooves containing one 5/8”OD ball each in the lower half.

4. Clean and examine the grooves and the balls carefully for bad wear and/or rust. Even if they look bad, do not give up yet. The grease used here is very critical.

The only grease I will use is Valvoline Synpower Moly fortified (with MS02). Many other GMCers and I have found it to perform superbly; it is well worth its cost.

Try others if you like, but do not be surprised if you still have binding.

5. Fill the cavities with grease and reassemble the unit, being careful to realign those assembly marks. Use Loctite on the six bolts even if the locking tabs are reusable.

6. While you have got the shaft out, be sure to check the blue slip splines and the lower universal joint and lubricate them properly (as you can not really do in the coach).

7. Reinstall the shaft and tighten the upper and lower clamp bolts tight! The lower one, especially, is notorious for dangerous looseness.

8. If the steering is still sticky, contact a vendor for a replacement CV joint.

The dipstick tube on our GMCs passes right beside the very hot exhaust manifold on its way into the engine block. One set of blistered fingers is normally enough to teach new owners to be very careful of the hot dipstick when checking the oil.

3 4

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

Upgrading Trasmission Cooler Lines Larry Weidner | 1978 Royale | Menomonie, Wisconsin

Using the Correct Line Adapter One of the things that many have done when rebuilding the TH425 Transmission is to upgrade the coolant lines going from the transmission to the radiator cooler. This upgrade involves going from the original 5/16” diameter lines to 3/8” diameter lines to increase fluid flow and decrease resistance to flow. To do this you must change the fitting on the transmission to a fitting that is a 3/8” inverted flare. Some have simply used the existing fitting and obtained an adapter to go from 5/16” inverted flare to 3/8” inverted flare.

Standard Drill Sizes – Inches Drill Decimal Size Equiv.

80 = .0135 79 = .0145 1/64 = .0156 78 = .016 77 = .018 76 = .020 75 = .021 74 = .0225 73 = .024 72 = .025 71 = .026 70 = .028 69 = .0292 68 = .031 1/32 = .0313 67 = .032 66 = .033 65 = .035 64 = .036 63 = .037 62 = .038 61 = .039 60 = .040 59 = .041 58 = .042 57 = .043 56 = .0465 3/64 = .0469 55 = .052 54 = .055 53 = .0595 1/16 = .0625 52 = .0635 51 = .067 50 = .070 49 = .073 48 = .076 5/64 = .0781 47 = .0785 46 = .081 45 = .082

Drill Decimal Size Equiv.

43 = .089 42 = .0935 3/32 = .0938 41 = .096 40 = .098 39 = .0995 38 = .1015 37 = .104 36 = .1065 7/64 = .1094 35 = .110 34 = .111 33 = .113 32 = .116 31 = .120 1/8 = .1250 30 = .1285 29 = .136 28 = .1405 9/64 = .1406 27 = .144 26 = .147 25 = .1495 24 = .152 23 = .154 5/32 = .1563 22 = .157 21 = .159 20 = .161 19 = .166 18 = .1695 11/64 = .1719 17 = .173 16 = .177 15 = .180 14 = .182 13 = .185 3/16 = .1875 12 = .189 11 = .191 10 = .1935

Drill Decimal Size Equiv.

8 = .199 7 = .201 13/64 = .2031 6 = .204 5 = .2055 4 = .209 3 = .213 7/32 = .2188 2 = .221 1 = .228 A = .234 15/64 = .2344 B = .238 C = .242 D = .246 1/4(E) = .250 F = .257 G = .261 17/64 = .2656 H = .266 I = .272 J = .277 K = .281 9/32 = .2813 L = .290 M = .295 19/64 = .2969 N = .302 5/16 = .3125 O = .316 P = .323 21/64 = .3281 Q = .332 R = .339 11/32 = .3438 S = .348 T = .358 23/64 = .3594 U = .368 3/8 = .375 V = .377

Drill Decimal Size Equiv.

25/64 = .3906 X = .397 Y = .404 13/32 = .4063 Z = .413 27/64 = .4219 7/16 = .4375 29/64 = .4531 15/32 = .4688 31/64 = .4844 1/2 = .500 33/64 = .5156 17/32 = .5313 35/64 = .5469 9/16 = .5625 37/64 = .5781 19/32 = .5938 39/64 = .6094 5/8 = .625 41/64 = .6406 21/32 = .6563 43/64 = .6719 11/16 = .6875 45/64 = .7031 23/32 = .7188 47/64 = .7344 3/4 = .750 49/64 = .7656 25/32 = .7813 51/64 = .7969 13/16 = .8125 53/64 = .8281 27/32 = .8438 55/64 = .8594 7/8 = .875 57/64 = .8906 29/32 = .9063 59/64 = .9219 15/16 = .9375 61/64 = .9531 31/32 = .9688

When you use a 3/8” A inverted female to 5/16” inverted male adapter, B you are defeating the reason for going to the C 3/8” line. If you look in the transmission line D adapter (the fitting still in the transmission), A. Original 5/16 line fitting with .244 hole you will see a smaller B. 3/8 line fitting with .282 hole hole than the ID that the C. 3/8 line fitting with .312 hole 3/8” line provides. The D. 3/8 tubing with .312 ID original 5/16” line adapter on the transmission has a hole in it that is .244”.

The 3/8” line adapter that you will use has .282” hole in it, and the A B C actual ID of the 3/8” line is .312”. So if you use A. Original 5/16 line fitting with .244 hole the 3/8” inverted female B. 3/8 line fitting drilled to .312 hole To 5/16” inverted male C. 3/8 line fitting with .282 hole adapter you are necking down actual flow from .312” to .218”. That is a .094” restriction before the oil even gets into the 3/8” line. IMO, you should replace the original line adapter with the correct adapter that you can get from Jimmy K at Applied GMC. It is a brass adaptor that has standard SAE straight threads on one end and 3/8” Female inverted flare on the other end. Then before you put that adapter in the trans, take it to a drill press and drill the hole out with a 5/16 drill which will approximate the .312 ID of the 3/8” tubing.

The images show how to check the ID of the tubing and adapters using a drill bit. Use the drill size chart below to identify the correct drill bit to use. Clean up the shavings and install using a copper crush washer. With this you will have NO transmission fluid line restriction. You then need to make sure that all adapters, at the radiator or other external coolers are likewise at a 5/16” ID. IMO, failing to do that is no better than using the old 5/16” lines with the 7/32” ID. Just a word of caution, the fittings going into the transmission must be straight SAE thread fittings on one end going to a female inverted flare on the other end. DO NOT use pipe fitting threaded adapters which have a tapered thread. They have the same threads per inch as the straight SAE fittings but when tightened, the tapered portion could crack the casting of the aluminum transmission. Additionally, if you make the change to 3/8” lines with the proper straight adapter, you must be careful not to over tighten it. Over tightening it runs the risk of stripping the soft aluminum in the transmission. Crack it or strip it… you’re looking at a new transmission case. So be careful!

SUMMER 2020

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

29

Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS, AND MORE

Stripe Removal & Replacement Ken Frey | 1976 Palm Beach | Milford Square, Pennsylvania kenlfreyautorepair.com

What a job it was to replace all the stripes on our Palm Beach! But, in the end, it was well worth the time and effort. There has been much discussion about the proper way to remove the stripes from a GMC Motorhome when a new paint job is neither required nor desired. The best way seems to be using a commercial blow dryer (AKA heat gun) to heat the stripe and then peeling it off. Some people have used a variety of tools, but it can result in damage to the paint on the coach.

For me, removal of the old stripes that required no tools was the best solution. However, it involved a painstakingly slow process using the blow dryer. The procedure was heating about 6” of the existing stripe on the low setting, working slowly, and pulling the end with my fingernail (remember, no tools). By heating the stripe slowly using the low heat, the stripe comes away rather nicely.

But, it took approximately 12 hours of time and careful work not to damage the paint.

of striping requires a lot of careful work to remove all the air bubbles, tuck in the ends, and line up the seams. The curved areas at the front corners presented a puzzle to get the correct alignment. This is not a job for the faint of heart! My professional did a super job and you can see, the finished product in the photos. The “Palm Beach” logo was obtained from Tom and Nina Hampton of Grandview.

By the way, we have been complimented on our new “paint job” many times since the new stripe was installed in 1999!

When all the old striping had been stripped away, I had a professional detailer apply the new stripes. The process of applying this type

Bathroom Faucet Aerator

Christo Darsch | 1977 Eleganza II | Weymouth, Massachusetts

Do you have an original bathroom faucet with the pull knob for the shower on the front? They are notorious for having a terrible spray pattern, especially if the star-shaped insert inside the spigot falls out.

I was nearly resigned to replacing the whole faucet when I found the perfect solution!

Just get a Universal Faucet Adapter Neoperl TA-309 by NRG, available directly from nrgideas.com or from Amazon ($4.99).

30

To install it, pull out the star-shaped insert (if you still have one) from the spigot.

Install the faucet adapter into the spigot using the smallest rubber sleeve.

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Then lightly tighten the screw.

Now, you can add any standard aerator and you’ll have a soft, splash-free spray pattern.

What a difference!

Go to gmcmi.com/technicalpresentations-papers/ to see a post-installation video.

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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 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.

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 & service for the GMC Motorhome.

Repair and maintenance to full renovations available.

Read more on our web site.

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. Read more on our website.

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 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

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!

Bob Stone 618-964-9124 | Carbondale, IL Service and repair.

>> OTHER PART SUPPLIERS

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.

Grandview Motorhome Tom Hampton | 937-644-4238 | info@grandviewmotorhome.com www.grandviewmotorhome.com 13880 Weaver Road, Marysville, Ohio 43040 Restoration, service, and repair exclusively for GMCs. SS brake and tranny lines.

Ken L. Frey Auto Repair 215-536-1246 | freyautoken@yahoo.com www.kenlfreyautorepair.com 1669 N. Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown PA 18951 Service and repair of GMC Motorhomes.

Alan Henderson | Large Format Electrical Diagrams info@midgacomputers.com www.bdub.net/GMC_Motorhome_Wiring_Diagrams.pdf Large format electrical diagrams. Honda EV4010 and EV6010 mounting templates at full scale.

Albert Branscombe | Parking Brakes | $525 519-368-7129 | branscoa@bmts.com | www.bdub.net/branscombe/ 33 Rae Street, P.O. Box 44,Tiverton, ON, N0G 2T0 CANADA All SS/Alum/Teflon kit, includes all cables, pulleys, brackets. Also, Air Powered Actuator kit – $575. Disc brake parking caliper kit -$475.

Complete instructions included. 10 year warranty.

Blaine Merrell 765-522-3241 | dsekula@tds.net | www.bdub.net/blainemerrell/ 101 Way West Airpark, Bainbridge, IN 46105-9449 Front window screens, wind wings, lower radiator guard.

Bob Burkitt 513-530-5021 | Fax 513-530-5023 | rburkitt@cinci.rr.com www.bdub.net/bobburkitt/ 11382 Marlette Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249-2210 New screen door and Birch door replacement parts.

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GMC Motorhome Suppliers List 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)

Classified Ads

Custom Instrument Panels Mac McNeal | 704-985-0171 | cipdash@sbcglobal.net www.custominstrumentpanels.com 28585 Valley Drive, Albemarle, NC 28001 Springfield Performance Ignition Custom panels and instruments.

Dickinstrument Paterson | 705-325-4554 | Fax 705-325-3569 dick@paterson-gmc.com | www.paterson-gmc.com

Dave Lenzi 3956 Line 11 North, RR#3, Coldwater, Ontario, Canada LOK 1EO 810-653-3902 | mlenzi@charter.net Re-curved distributors.

Rebuilt carburetors.

2285Wire Montague Road,points Davison MI 48423-9103 sets, 1973-74 conversion.

Steering components, leveler linkage, leveler valve rebuilding, embossed TZE Zone Restorations copper exhaust gasket.

John R. Wright | 989-859-0715 | powerjon@chartermi.net E OlsonGMC Road, Midland, MI 48640-8610 DJ’s1196 Classic Motorhome Service

Front Air Dam, Bolt kits for| djsgmcs@gmail.com bumpers, axles, exhaust| manifolds, and DJ Eberhart| 503-706-6402 www.djsgmc.com header.

233 NW Olive St., Sheridan, OR 97378-1125 Cinnabar certified service and repair. New and used GMC parts.

Variety Ventures Dan Stuckey | 519-844-2083 | stuckey@brktel.on.ca

DL Box Design Store 105 3249 Inwood Road, Inwood, Ontario Canada N0N 1K0 TerryNew Taylor | n6mon@pacbell.net Main| 510-276-5111 Frame Components (side rails, cross members, H-frames) www.dldesignstore.com DIY or I install, Macerator kits.

801 Via Manzanas, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 GMC Model Name Emblems, personalized GMC paraphernalia.

Classifieds

DMAR Enterprises | Stainless Steel Tanks Jim DeMaere | 403-329-3091 2812 – 48th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B3 SS replacement air andMOTORHOME water heater tanks. FOR SALE >> REVCON Frank Jenkins | Fiberglass & Aluminum 1978 Chamelot 31.5’ Zombie Themed Parts photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com NC | $18,000 | 352-485-1397 | 352-281-8082 cell Has Toronado drivetrain!

Slantnose Revcon, many repairs completed in gmcfrank@yahoo.com | http://geocities.ws/gmcfrank/ theNE last 21st two years. tires, carpet, lights, etc. Do check out listing 18214 Street,New Gainesville, FLled 32609 on fiberglass the website.

GMC & aluminum fabrication. Instrument panels, bumper Michael | 226-225-1445 | Calls not do texts or email. covers, toolboxes, grills, skirts andonly...do flares, radiator fan shrouds.

Gary Bovee 530-200-6247 | gary.bovee@gmcidiotsguide.com www.gmcidiotsguide.com 12495 Muller Avenue, Red Bluff, CA 96080 Alternator & A/C belt tensioners, Electronic Ignition Kit (Onan 4KW & 6KW), GMC valve stem caps, and Headlight & Turn Signal alarms.

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 GMC covers.

MOTORHOME FOR SALE

Motorsports 1973High-End Canyon Land – 2nd 916-774-6686 Production GMCMH Sold to Public | sales@high-endmotorsports.com | www.highWI | endmotorsports.com $5,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Historically Significant...Coach built 11-14-72 been maintained 8331 Sierra College Blvd, #210, Roseville, CA 95661 with few modifications. Running gear appears original, floor plan kept with Made in the USA accessories, custom sunshades, plate frames, tags, changes in seating colors & fabrics. The odometer indicates 94K miles, receiver covers, the 16.5 tires have agedand out,more. the coach is roadable for short distances.

MikeJim Mager | 920-765-0557 | chavezthemonkey@yahoo.com Hupy

| jamesh1296@gmail.com | www.bdub.net/jhupy/ 1974503-362-1583 GMC Motorhome Price1754 Lowered | WA | $5,900 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 82nd Avenue SE, Salem, OH 97317 | Master Cylinder Power I haveBleeder made this dropControlled to move! $5,900 was Air 9,750!

Lets find her andPRICE Remote Wireless Suspension System. a new home... Let’s talk. A great coach to finish and personalize. I have invested time + $ and am now sharing this with the GMC Community.

John Biwersi | Engine Cooling Fan | Direct Replacement Jeff Eichen | 360-774-2235 | jeichen@anet.net 651-779-6498 | jbiwersi@mac.com

N Mary St, Maplewood, MN 55109-1671 19752938 Eleganza all GMCMH that have the original steel blade fan. It is the same WI | For $2,100 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Engine runs good (120,000). is questionable. much OD and pitch but hasTransmission 10 blades instead of 7. HubPretty is steel and blades are original.

Newernylon, elec/gas frigerator. step.“Made Pod onintop. molded this is not aRagusa “flexfan”. the USA” and is 100 % Mikeprecision Prettner | balanced 920-285-2342 | carol_prettner@msn.com to minimize vibration to the fan clutch and water pump.

1975 Glenbrook & 1978 VW Karman Convertible!

John Richardson WA | $22,500 GMC and $14,000 VW | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 850-830-6100 jrichsr@aol.com | P.O. Box 5191, GMC-custom exterior| paint, new dash, floors furnace, refrig, Niceville, sink, faucet,FL 32578 AMSoil synthetic motormiles, oil additive. countertop, headliner, seemotor websiteoil. for CamShield complete list.ZDDP VW-70,910 fuel injection, original paint, interior dash, etc. Stored in garage.

Henderson | Electric Windshield Wiper Kit | $300 ElaineKen | 509-375-3432

229-938-2797 | hend4800@bellsouth.net | www.gmcwipersetc.com

1976110 Glenbrook O’Hara Road, Americus, GA 31719-2140 photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com FL | $22,500 | GMC Motorhome Electric Windshield Wiper Kit. All mechanical 109K miles, runs great with many upgrades done to make this coach road and electrical parts to your locally worthy. New fule lines, masterinstall cylinder front pads,purchased rotors and electric bearings,motor w/ intermittent sweep.

Free shipping for GMC Club members. shocks, rear brakes plus more items.

Elias Ohan | 305-772-8810 call or text

Rance Baxter

“Just wanted to inform you that the GMC Royale I listed sold today [one monthly later] for the k asking price of $29,900! I can’t than you enough for your help on this – ers what a GREAT service to GMC own who are trying to sell their coaches! can Thanks again for the help and you now move the ad to the sold ads!”

– Jim

GMCMI MEMBERSHIP HAS BENEFITS

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GMCMI MEMBERSHIP HAS BENEFITS GMCMI members can place an ad in this quarterly magazine and on the gmcmi.com website free-of-charge!

HHH HHGMCMI members can place an adclassified in this quarterly GMC Motorhome ads canmagazine include and MEMBER upthe togmcmi.com nine photoswebsite on the free-of-charge! website.

BENEFIT on HH HH HH HHH H Email ad to admin@gmcmi.com.

MEMBER GMCyour Motorhome classified ads can include BENEFIT HH HH H

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up to nine photos on the website.

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Email your ad to admin@gmcmi.com.

1976814-596-5254 Glenbrook | rancefi@frontiernet.net | www.rancefi.com photo(s) www.gmcmi.com MA |230 $39,000 | Mountain Viewon Road, Genesee, PA 16923-9725 Second Owner.

A “Head Turner”, beautifully restored with custom Port fuel injection, Cadillac and Oldsmobile engine cores, and 425 interior decor. Always garaged. New Jasper engine with 6,000 miles transmission/ final drive cores. on the odometer. New Transmission. Bicycle hookup at rear bumper, trailerSpringfield or auto towing hook-up.

There are soIgnition many little things….Let the Performance pictures speak for themselves. Turn the key and drive her home.

Dick Paterson | 705-325-4554 | Fax 705-325-3569 Lloyd Donnellan | 781-749-1441 leave message | ornart1937@gmail.com

dick@paterson-gmc.com | www.paterson-gmc.com

19763956 Glenbrook – PriceRR#3, Lowered Line 11 North, Coldwater, Ontario, Canada LOK 1EO photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com NY | Re-curved $13,000 entertain all offersRebuilt $14,999carburetors. | distributors.

About 54K mi; owned by former GMCMI board member, George Wire sets, 1973-74 points conversion.

DelVecchio. Dinette w/captain chairs; kitchen w/stove, oven, refrig/freezer, sink; TZE rear full-sized Wet bath. Please help George’s wife, Joan, find a Zone bed.

Restorations new owner for Wright this lovely motorhome!

John R. | 989-859-0715 | powerjon@chartermi.net Suzanne (DelVecchio) Glenn |Midland, sglenn@juno.com | 214-616-979 1196 E Olson Road, MI 48640-8610

AirBeach Dam,–Bolt for bumpers, axles, exhaust manifolds, and 1976Front Palm 28’ kits Stretch NJ | $37,000 header. | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Florida Coach Bought In Florida in 2014. Brought it to Cooperative for a Variety checkout and firstVentures round of upgrades. $55,000 invested in last 5 years. 455 rebuiltDan engine, 425 Manny trans, check |out list for more details.

Stuckey | 519-844-2083 stuckey@brktel.on.ca Jon Darcy | 646-464-3123 | jrjsjr@msn.com Box 105 3249 Inwood Road, Inwood, Ontario Canada N0N 1K0

New Main Frame Components (side rails, cross members, H-frames) Kingsley Clasco 19776 DIY or |I install, kits. photo(s)Macerator on www.gmcmi.com FL | $70,000 Extensive update by Jim Bounds at the Cooperative Motor Works in 2016-2020. “New” 455 cubic inch engine – rebuilt and installed by Cinnabar. 1500 miles on rebuilt engine.

Brian at the GMC Coop | 407-857-5777 or 407-415-6854

Classified Ads Classifieds >> GMC MOTORHOME FOR SALE 1976 Eleganza II photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com CA | $16,500 | 65,000 miles, owned & used by me for 20+ years, many upgrades, many in last year: see ad for more information. Reliable Onan generator has been serviced, low mileage Michelin tires all around.

VIN #TZE166V100421 Passes smog for California. Near San Francisco.

Tim Jordan | timberjordan@icloud.com | text 650-464-5666 1976 Glenbrook photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com MA | $39,000 | Second Owner. A “Head Turner”, beautifully restored with custom interior decor. Always garaged. New Jasper engine with 6,000 miles on the odometer. New Transmission. Bicycle hookup at rear bumper, trailer or auto towing hook-up. There are so many little things….Let the pictures speak for themselves. Turn the key and drive her home.

Lloyd Donnellan | 781-749-1441 leave message | ornart1937@gmail.com 1976 Glenbrook – Price Lowered NY | $13,000 entertain all offers $14,999 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com About 54K mi; owned by former GMCMI board member, George DelVecchio. Dinette w/captain chairs; kitchen w/stove, oven, refrig/freezer, sink; rear full-sized bed. Wet bath. Please help George’s wife, Joan, find a new owner for this lovely motorhome!

Suzanne (DelVecchio) Glenn | sglenn@juno.com | 214-616-9792

1978 Eleganza II photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com NY | $10,000 entertain all offers | Original w/ 112K Mi; Wet hot kit and bath; rear bedroom w/full; sofa and dinette convert to sleep many; lots storage; owned by mechanical engineer, George DelVecchio.

Suzanne (DelVecchio) Glenn | sglenn@juno.com | 214-616-9792 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 26’ Golby Clasco Twin Bed Conversion photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com KS | Asking $39,000 | Conversion to rear twin beds, dry side bath by Golby GMC. 403 motor runs great, awnings, rooftop storage, Alcoa wheels, laminate wood floor, fire suppression system, macerator, and more!

Steve Riley | sriley@casstel.net 1978 Revcon Chamelot 31.5’ with an Oldsmobile Toronado drivetrain! photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com NC | $19,500 | Zombie Themed – Walking Dead – MadMax – Gothic themed.

Many repairs/new items done by Barry Owen in the past two years, plus additional mechanicals. SEE ALL RENOVATIONS! Michael Owens at 336-225-1445 | Calls ONLY please. I do not do texts or email!

1976 Palm Beach PA | $36,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Ken & Janet Frey’s personal GMC – owned since 1987, 184,000 miles. Garaged in climate controlled garage since 199 – -Professionally maintained, many mechanical upgrades, interior almost all original, see details and photos at www.gmcmi.com. This is for the buyer who admires the original motorhome as manufactured, but with common sense updates that respect the traditions of the GMC motorhome. It is fully functional and ready to be enjoyed!

Ken Frey | 215-536-1246 1977 Eleganza II photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com CA | $23,000/OBO | Recently serviced and certified by Applied GMC in Newark, California!

Oil lines, Onan control board and harness, coil, spark plugs replaced, Onan generator serviced, adjustable height link airbag isolators installed, LED Safari headlights. All repair paperwork and GMC manuals.

Ronald Shoffeitt | bigbearmoon@aol.com 1977 Kingsley Clasco – Price Lowered FL | $60,000 $70,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Extensive update by Jim Bounds at the Cooperative Motor Works in 2016-2020. “New” 455 cubic inch engine – rebuilt and installed by Cinnabar. 1500 miles on rebuilt engine.

Bruce Bisping | 952-237-3882 1977 Royale photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com VA | $12,000 | 26’ – Engine runs well; comes with awnings that are only 3 years old; center bath; rear twin beds; parquet floors; stove; refrigerator; microwave, & TV included; silver with blue stripes. Needs a good home! Selling as is!

Mae Arrington | ccamba2@aol.com | 804-780-0093 | 804-335-6075 cell

Visit the GMC Motorhome Store Back GMC Vintage RVing Magazine Issues GMC Merchandise GMCMI Merchandise T-Shirts • Pin • Children’s Activity Book Plus the GMCMI Flashdrive

www.thegmcmhstore.com SUMMER 2020

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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>> Regional GMCMH Activities... >> GMC Pacific Cruisers Rally – June 11-14 We had a delightful rally at the Menghini Winery in Julian, California. At this point we do not have any club sponsored rallies scheduled for the remainder of 2020, though I am hopeful for November or December.

DETOUR

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We welcome event photos and writeups.

Submit them to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com.

Thank you.

>> GMC Heritage Cruisers – Mid-July

>> GMC Classics Rally – July 23-26

Jean and Lorne Hawley hosted us at their home and business near Belleville, Ontario. It was a beautiful location where we were parked. There were some very interesting places to visit including a water buffalo farm and agricultural museum. Meals were excellent with chefs, Lorne, John Podmore, and Steve Lill. Many thanks to Jean and Lorne for a wonderful rally, enjoyed by all.

We met at the Rusk KOA in Rusk, Texas. It was fun event plus live entertainment, county singer Jake Penrod.

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

GMCMH Events Calendar

>> GMC 49ers – July 12 What an awesome time we had at our First Virtual Zoom Meeting and Happy Hour. Since the rally was cancelled, Suzanne List came up with this great idea. It was our first Zoom meeting and we were apprehensive about how it would work but it was great. Suzanne was a great host and being able to silence the microphones was a big help so we were not all talking at once. We all got caught up on what each of us had been doing. Suzanne is planning to set-up another Zoom meeting in September where we will have a chance to get together virtually. Thanks Suzanne for making our day!!

Due to the constantly changing of events during this time, please check out the GMCMH Community Calendar for up-to-date information. Thank you.

Go to gmcmi.com/gmc-calendar/

April 16-22, 2021

GMCMI.com

A Message About GMCMI 2021 Dues....

Due to COVID-19 Keith and I have decided to stay in Iowa till possibly the end of the year. We do have mail forwarding from the Texas address but to ensure timely receipt, I would like to ask that you send your dues to our Iowa address: 1214 No Jefferson Way, Suite 352, Indianola, IA 50125.

(Note: mail received in Iowa is forwarded if we are not there.)

>> The Great Midwest Classics – August 21-23 We met for the first and only rally for the year at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. There were 19 coaches from Minnesota and Wisconsin, with 31 adults, nine kids, and two couples who came for one day. There was much excitement to finally see folks again, while wearing masks, trying to maintain social distancing, and using lots of hand sanitizer! There was lots of tech talk and just catching up with everyone. The Fairgrounds was hosting several food vendors, so the group could support those local groups with their food purchases.

It was like a breath of fresh air to see everyone again.

Don’t forget – there is no penalty for taking care of your dues early, and it makes one less thing for you to remember during the upcoming holiday season.

Thank you. Kim Weeks Renewal of membership is due by December 31, 2020.

REGIONAL CHAPTER OPPORTUNITY

Consider utilizing one of the GMCMI Conventions as one of your rallies, it comes with benefits! Contact admin@gmcmi.com for more information.

TO SUBMIT A DATE Email date and information to admin@gmcmi.com

SUMMER 2020

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit 273 Pharr, TX 78577

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G M C M I

PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE The Challenge is...Use your imagination. Go somewhere.

Enjoy the day. It can be your driveway, a local park, a shopping center, outside a favorite restaurant, whatever. Or, if you choose to go on an excursion, how about a campground, or state park, or in a driveway at a friend’s cabin, or at a nice cool lake, the mountains, the seashore?

Let’s see where you have been.

Take a picture and send it into kimweeksgmc@gmail.com with info about the photo. (Note: each photo submitted counts as an entry in the drawing.) Just be sure that your GMC is in it. Even if it is in the midst of a remodel or service – remember, use your imagination.

And, since we are in the midst of a pandemic, just be sure to follow the guidelines of your state or region. Be safe, but have fun.

And Here Is the Best Part!

A drawing will be held with 20 winners! Each winner will receive two “Life Rocks” T-shirts of their choice and their photo will appear in the Fall Issue of GMC Vintage RVing Magazine.

So, get going! Pick up your camera or phone, and you’ll have fun, fun, fun!

Men, Ladies, and Kids • Multiple Styles • Multiple Colors Available at www.thegmcmhstore.com

Deadline is October 9, 2020.