GMC Vintage RVing Magazine - Winter 2019 by CEVA Design

Winter 2019 | Issue 146

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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

Motorhomes Using the

Olds Engine

and the Front Wheel Drive Train

[

2019 Spring Convention in Tallahassee, Florida

[

GMC Motorhome Vendor Profile

[

GMC Motorhome Chapters

president’s corner

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

GMC Motorhomes International was founded in 1982 by Ralph Luby

I am continually in awe of how much is going on in the GMC Community. With far fewer rallies in the winter, we are getting together at “lunch bunch” gatherings all over the country, including new groups in areas like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The support of the Community remains strong doing important work like helping a widow sell a beloved coach or sharing technical details.

>> GMC Motorhomes International 1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit 273 Pharr, TX 78577 | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com | gmcmi.com >> GMC Vintage RVing Magazine Published quarterly for members of GMC Motorhomes International. A chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). Managing Editor | Graphic Designer Kimberlea Weeks | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com

Dolph Santorine

Editor Janet Frey | 215-536-9064 freyjanetr@yahoo.com

Our response will be in their next issue and I want to thank the many regional chapters and their leadership who provided important input to the final response.

>> Online and Digital Delivery Magazine Versions A digital flipbook version of the magazine is available online at gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving/.

The goal was to share the unique attributes of the GMC Motorhome without becoming negative or “blamestorming”. I think we accomplished that goal with the article, I hope their editor runs it as written. A copy of the submission is on page 10. I know how important this magazine is to our Community. It keeps us informed, adds to the shared history of the coach, and makes GMCMI special. It is part of your membership in GMCMI, and we can only continue to do this with your thoughtful support. If you have already renewed your membership, you will continue to receive this magazine. Otherwise, this will be the last issue you will receive. Please renew online (gmcmi.com/ join-renew-2), via mail, or see Kim Weeks at the Convention in Tallahassee.

For delivery of your magazine by email (pdf format), send an email to admin@ gmcmi.com. It will then not be delivered via the postal service. >> GMC Article and Part Number Submission Please send article contributions and newly found part number crossovers to the editor for publication. >> GMCMI.com Website 612-501-4600 | admin@gmcmi.com >> Disclaimer Articles are contributed by members and others which are published as a service to members. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Independent verification is urged.

Since we are on the subject of publications, the next mailing will include the new GMCMH Parts Interchange.

Here’s to safe travels and to saying “Ahoy, Matey in Tallahassee, lads and lassies!”

2018-19 GMCMI Board of Directors Gary Coaster VP Western

Margie McLaughlin Jerry Work VP Northeast VP Northwest

David Blackshear VP Eastern

Kim Weeks VP Administration

Lou Boone VP Southeast

Janet Frey Secretary

Randy Van Winkle VP South Central

Fred Hudspeth Treasurer

Dale Ropp VP Great Lakes

John Smyrski National Director

Lucy Weidner VP Midwest

Keith Weeks Alt. Nat. Director

Emery Stora VP Rocky Mountain

Stan Edwards Past President

Only some of the electronic parts systems used by auto parts retailers even list our coaches, and often there is more to the parts story that could possibly show up on the screen in front of the parts clerk. To me, the Parts Interchange is as critical as tools and a credit card when travelling or just working on the coach. It is great having the online version, but quite often the paper version provides a better browse. Either way, it is essential.

I hope to see everyone at the Spring Convention in Tallahassee! It is a great location to get together, with terrific weather in late March and lots to do. Besides, with the theme of “Tallahassee Treasures”, we can all enjoy those pirate references you cannot make anywhere else, matey!

– DOLPH SANTORINE, GMCMI PRESIDENT

Dolph Santorine President

We recently experienced what many of us felt was a slight by FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) with an article in their Family RVing magazine. The article highlighted one couple’s problems with an overweight and poorly balanced coach, and failed to mention how many of us enjoy the superior handling and ride of our front wheel drive motorhomes with its unique rear suspension.

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

During Conventions, I find myself re-visiting technical sessions that I have previously attended. Regardless of how closely you pay attention, there is always more to learn. The questions asked are different every time, adding another dimension to the presentation. It is something we as a group do very, very well. Registration information can be found on page 18. Since the Fall issue, there have been more coach fires, and I am more firmly convinced than ever that we need to be ever vigilant when it comes to fire prevention. The organization of the Fire Prevention Roundtable is coming together nicely, and this promises to be a highly informative session. It will be moderated by Fred Hudspeth.

2019 Dues Notice

GMCMI Chapter Status

Renew your 2019 dues online at gmcmi.com/joinrenew-2 or renew by mail. Send a check or money order – $40 US dollars to: Kim Weeks | GMCMI, 1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit 273, Pharr, TX 78577-6288

Membership stands at 1,115. We have 12 new members since our last publication. Congratulations GMCMI Monthly eNews, a member benefit.

Refer a new member today! Receive a $10 voucher which can be used towards renewal of GMCMI dues, products, apparel or fees for a Convention.

CONTENTS WINTER 2019

Motorhomes Using the

Keep informed about GMCMI Events and Members.

Olds Engine

Join us at facebook.com/ GMCMI

and the Front Wheel Drive Train

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

4 | TRAVOY, TIARA, CORTEZ, AND REVCON MOTORHOMES

Be part of the GMC Community Facebook page by sharing photos of our GMCs, adventures and those important technical questions.

18 | GMCMI 2019 SPRING CONVENTION

DEPARTMENTS

What Oil Viscosity Ratings Mean

Join us at facebook.com/ groups/vintage gmcmotorhomes/

2 Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner 10 FMCA Report 11 GMCMH Vendor Profile 12 Sunshine Report 13 GMC Motorhome History 14 Technical Corner 22 GMCMH Suppliers List

Technical Support, Parts Interchange, History and More! GMCMI.com

24 Classified Ads 26 GMCMH Chapters

12 | OIL VISCOSITY

27 GMCMH Events Calendar

ON THE COVER Illustrations courtesy of Byron Songer | full-timer | previous owner 1978 Royale

Shop for specialized GMCMH items and previous magazines! thegmcmhstore.com

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Motorhomes Using the

Olds Engine and the Front Wheel Drive Train Year of Introduction

Utilizing the 455ci Olds Toronado V8

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

The concept of front wheel drive may have been a bit of an expensive over-kill for the personal luxury 1966 Toronado coupe. But when the Oldsmobile engineers created the unitized power package (UPP), a compact engine, and powertrain assembly, this was just the beginning of a revolution for powering motorhomes. Who knew that you could integrate a powerful and slick package to the front end of a motorhome. The following pages show the creative and perhaps unexpected adventure that utilized the UPP in ways that the creators could never have imagined. How many of these unique vehicles have you seen on the road?

Travoy Motorhome The 26-foot Travoy was introduced in 1969 six months before the Tiara by the Travoy Corporation out of San Jacinto, California. The Travoy featured a long aerodynamic nose that had two benefits: access to the engine and high speed. Here are some of its features: • General Motors power and transmission, front-wheel drive 455 cubic inch Rocket V-8 with four-barrel carburetor driving the front wheels through turbohydromatic 425 Series three-speed transmission. • An 8.5 to 1 compression ratio is adjusted to provide efficiency on no lead, low lead, and regular fuels. Included a heavy duty towing service Harrison radiator. All components are of standard General Motors production as utilized in the Toronado. Exhaust is full-flow dual. Trav

For more information: curbsideclassic.com

A Stock Travoy Sets Speed Record Alex Tremulis was the designer of the Tucker ‘48, the car at the center of Preston Tucker’s spectacular rise and fall. The designer had a long and colorful career, beginning long before he met Preston Tucker and lasting several decades after the fall of the Tucker Corporation. One highlight was the day he drove a Travoy Motorhome and set an official land speed record.

So here is the story. The Travoy Coach Company needed a way to get their Travoy known. Bob Marcks worked at a small firm in California that had been helping Travoy with its advertising. He had crossed paths with Alex Tremulis years earlier when he had worked as an automotive designer. Marcks thought Tremulis might have some ideas on how to draw attention to the new company. Marcks explained how the makers of the Travoy wanted to promote how powerful it was. In fact, the designers boasted it could hit 70 mph in second gear. Upon hearing it was fast, and that the company did not mind stressing this fact, Tremulis

suggested something only he could make sound reasonable: Let’s take the motorhome to a dry lake bed in California, bring along official timers from the Southern California Timing Association, and see if we can set a land speed record. Tremulis made some phone calls and they were set. Marcks and his team brought the Travoy to El Mirage on May 16, 1970, and met Tremulis and Otto Crocker, the man who would set up the course, official timing equipment, and made sure that everything was proper. Tremulis volunteered to drive the motorhome. He asked Marcks and the others what modifications would be allowed for the run. When he was told they wanted to run the course with a stock motorhome, he was disappointed. He was convinced he could make the motorhome even faster with a few tweaks, but he was only allowed to remove the mufflers. Tremulis went out and drove the Travoy through the course and clocked an amazing 97.613 mph. At the time, it was an official world record for a motorhome.

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Ultra Van & Tiara Motorhome In 1961 Dave Peterson, a barnstorming aircraft pilot, designed the first 22-foot Ultra Van in Oakland, California. He rented a large garage and four months later, the “Go-Home” (as the first Ultras were named) was completed. Soon he was asked if he could build more. Using a unique technical school apprentice program, Peterson and his students built around 15 early Ultra Vans which were advertised for under $7,000. The Prescolite Corporation saw the Ultra as an ideal lightweight mobile showroom weighing only 3,420 pounds. In 1963, it is believed that eight were built for them and called the Travalon. In 1965, John E. “Mr. T” Tillotson I, a publisher, purchased the Ultra Van Company. In the same year, Ralph Nader’s Unsafe at Any Speed: The designed-in Dangers of the American Automobile book is published targeting the safety issues in automobile manufacturing and specifically, the GM’s Corvair 307ci/200hp engine (which the Ultra Van used).

This postcard featured the Ultra Van (top) and the Tiara (bottom).

In 1966, the Ultra Van production moved to Hutchinson, Kansas situated on the old Hutchinson Naval Air Station. In all, around 330 Ultras were Corvair-powered. In 1969, the the Corvair-powered Ultra Vans were phased-out. This led to the introduction of the 23-foot Oldsmobile Toronado front-wheel drive platform (455ci/375hp) motorhome called the “Tiara”, weighing about 6,000 lbs and selling for $14,650. Ultra, Inc. ceased production in 1970 building only some 39 Tiaras.

For more information: corvair.org http://ultravan.club/dir/

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Cortez Motorhome Production of the Cortez Motorhome, commonly referred to as Clark Cortez Motorhome, began in 1963 by the Clark Forklift Company in Battle Creek, Michigan. Early units used a Chrysler 225ci industrial slant-6 engine. In 1969, a V-8 engine was introduced, using a Ford 302ci engine but still using the 4-speed manual transaxle. In 1971, the Oldsmobile Toronado front-wheel transaxle with a 455ci engine in conjunction with a GM 3-speed automatic was used. Unlike the typically light framed, aluminum skinned motorhomes on a ladder frame, the Cortez was built like a forklift. The unitized structure was made up of substantial steel welded together, including steel external panels. The overall length of the Cortez was 18.5 feet and weighed between 8,000-9,000 lbs. Unfortunately, fighting rust was a never ending challenge.

Clark Cortez Motorhomes had envisioned a variety of uses for the Cortez. They were made as mobile offices, classrooms, and ambulances.

In 1970, Clark Forklift sold the Cortez Motorhome division to Alco-Standardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kent Industries located in Kent, Ohio. The motorhomes produced from 1971 are commonly referred to as Kent Cortez Motorhomes. In 1975, the company was acquired by 26 owners of Cortez coaches and production continued through 1978 when the company folded. A final batch of units were completed by a bank in 1979, making the total production from 1963 to 1979 of 3,211 units built.

Below is pictured the Apollo 10 crew leaving the Kennedy Space Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Manned Spacecraft Operations Building during the Apollo 10 prelaunch countdown. Leading is astronaut John W. Young, command module pilot, followed by astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot. The transfer van carried them over to Pad B, Launch Complex 39, where their spacecraft awaited them. Liftoff for the lunar orbit mission was at 12:49 p.m. (EDT), May 18, 1969. NASA Images

James Krantz purchased the tooling, spare parts, and a few unfinished units around 1980 and moved operations to Lafayette, Louisiana. There under the name Cortez Inc., he sold parts, performed service, and did robust drivetrain conversions to earlier model Clark Cortez units, converting them to the V8 automatic transaxle, similar to that found in 1970+ models. Operations ceased in Lafayette around 1990.

During the Apollo era and the first six Space Shuttle missions, NASA used a smaller Cortez Motorhome which was capable of ferrying four astronauts at a time. It now resides at the Kennedy Space Center Musuem at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

For more information: cortezcoach.com curbsideclassic.com

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Revcon Motorhome The Revcon Motorhome dates back to 1968, when a man named John Hall conceived the idea of a low-profile, front-wheel drive coach with a lightweight aluminum monocoque body. John, the stepson of Wally Byam, the founder of Airstream, had worked at Airstream for 20 years as an engineer and later in marketing. Production started in Fountain Valley, California, with the 1972 model using the Oldsmobile Toronado 455 engine and drive system. The original ‘flat nose’ version of the motorhome featured an aircraft grade, 6061 aluminum body, bolted to a steel ladder chassis. In 1978, when General Motors down-sized the big Toronado, Revcon changed to a Chevrolet 454 based drivetrain of their own design. It featured the same construction but with a redesigned molded fiberglass nose section and wheel openings. It was more aerodynamic and stylish than the bus-like looks of the original ‘flat nose’ series. A few of the last 1978 units featured the newer styling with the original Toronado drivetrain. Suggested list price in 1972 was $20,720 and in 1975 was $30,750.

Portion of the Revcon 250 Standard Specifications Sheet

For more information: revcon.org cifumotorsports.com/revcon

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Ad from Motorhome Life, August 1973

GMC Motorhome Did these earlier front-wheel motorhomes influence the design of the GMC Motorhome? by Bill Bryant, GMC Motorhome Historian I was interested in this very question in 1997 while interviewing two key GMC Engineers, Ralph Merkle and John Locklin, as they had designed much of the GMC Motorhome. Ralph Merkle had responsibility for the “mechanical” pieces. The rear suspension was his idea, around that he assembled the package supporting the rest of the running gear. Ralph’s hobby was collecting minerals, and a “rock hound”. On one of his vacations he had rented a Cortez Motorhome to haul home his find of minerals (rocks) and appreciated the low floor height and compactness of the Cortez as well as the use of the Olds Toronado front-wheel drive assembly.

John Locklin had responsibility for the GMC body engineering and assembly (not styling). He had come from a company that built gliders for WWII providing a background in light weight construction of air frames. John told me the one thing he did not like was having to find his way around the engine housing to get to the front seats. The GMC’s flat floor took care of that concern. GMC had evaluated many competitors designs, floor plans, lengths, construction, etc. My take away is that in many cases GMC chose to take a different direction, not to copy, but with the uniqueness of new and outstanding ideas built a vehicle that is admired by many, even now some 40+ years later. I would suggest that is an accomplishment few achieve.

BREAKING NEWS

Disclaimer: Extensive research was used in compiling this article. However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and independent verification is always recommended.

To our intrepid readers: You know the old saying, “If you see something, say something?” Well, that could be used to describe us in our search for our favorite motorhome and its “cousins”. Please be on the lookout for pictures, articles, or even first hand sightings! Provide as much information as you can, and submit it to the admin@gmcmi.com. Here is an example of a great find, but there is no other information as to when or where it was posted. If you have information, please let us know so we can share.

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

fmca report

Letter to FMCA on behalf of GMCMI The members of the GMC Motorhome Community were dismayed to read the article “From Junker to Museum Piece”, but can understand the Princes’ profound disappointment after chasing their version of the motorhome dream. John Smyrski

99th International Convention & RV Expo March 13-16, 2019 | Perry, Georgia GMCMI member, Ken Henderson, is offering his aunt’s farm before and/or after the FMCA Convention. It would be a convenient layover for those of you going from FMCA then to Tallahassee, Florida. At the very least, it would be a convenient rendezvous location for a caravan into Perry, 47 miles, thus ensuring parking together. From Ken: For those who have never been there, nor remember past descriptions, the farm is nothing but a playground now. The 250 acres are completely covered with trees, except for the various roads, the barn, a house, smokehouse, and ponds. The wildlife is basically undisturbed, as are the fish. Basically, there are three, full 30A hookups, available around the barn. Other than that, there are essentially unlimited dry camping spots, which I will try to get mowed before/about March 10. I do not expect to make any plans for your visit, but there is plenty to do in the area.

Article Published in the February issue of Family RVing

Regardless of its enhancements or the amount of money spent, it is still a 1977 special interest vehicle. A vehicle that requires special knowledge and tools that RV “generalists” do not typically possess. It is not the truck based chassis they usually service or upfit. We are an association of over 1,100 members who regularly drive and enjoy their front wheel drive GMC motorhomes. GMC Motorhome information is curated by a dedicated group of enthusiasts, and supported by dedicated specialists throughout the country who are able to service and repair the coaches. The place for information on these motorhomes is GMC Motorhomes International, an FMCA chapter that is a vibrant national association of owners, in association with regional chapters who have frequent rallys and meetings to enjoy fellowship and share technical details. More than four decades after production of the GMC Motorhome ceased, it is still a sought after model, because of its superior driveability and riding comfort. To this day, it is the only motorhome designed, built and tested by a major automobile manufacturer. It was produced by General Motors from 1973 to 1978, with total production run of 12,921 units, a stunning number of a single model of RV. There are estimates that today, approximately 6,000 are still around. Nearly half of them are still out there after 40 years! There are a number of reasons for the GMC Motorhome’s spectacular longevity, and chief among them is handling and ride, both of which were design goals for the engineers. There are two videos that clearly demonstrate the superior ride and performance, and they are available here: gmcmi.com/commercials-and-videos. It is also a stunning piece of design that’s been adopted by our culture. From Hot Wheels toys, to Barbie (her most popular motorhome is a GMC) to Hollywood movies, it remains an iconic shape, and it is what many people think of when motorhomes are mentioned. Some of the coaches even have antique license plates on them, mostly because they are antique vehicles, and their reliability is going to be heavily influenced by the person maintaining them. I hope that the RV/MH Hall of Fame will concentrate on the positive aspects of this coach, and not the driveability problems caused by the extensive modifications which appear to have been made without consulting the people who restored the chassis. In March, more than 250 vintage GMC Motorhome enthusiasts will gather at Tallahassee, Florida for one of our two annual Conventions. There will be fun and good fellowship. Technical sessions for those so inclined, and general fun and mirth.

The article titled “From Junker to Museum Piece” is the story of a couple who spent a lot of money to have a GMC Motorhome heavily modified by contractors lacking the knowledge of our Community, only to have it perform badly and drive poorly.

These motorhomes will be driven to Tallahassee by their owners. Based on an average distance of 275 miles each way, they will log a total in excess of 68,000 miles. I know most of them will experience a smooth ride, and precise and easy driving.

GMCMI President, Dolph Santorine has been in touch with the editor of Family RV’ing magazine, and has composed a response on behalf of GMCMI, and it will run in the next issue of Family RV’ing.

GMC motorhome owners usually enjoy a smooth ride and enjoyable drive.

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

The GMC Motorhome is also one of the few enthusiast vehicles that is being admired and purchased by the upcoming generation of RV owners. That’s rare for any vehicle, but especially a vintage motorhome. The Prince’ experience is indeed both uncommon and unfortunate. I invite you to ask one of us who makes memories in our vintage coaches, and to join us and our chapters!

A GMC Motorhome Vendor Profile BY BYRON SONGER | FULL-TIMER | PREVIOUS OWNER 1978 ROYALE

A Family Affair and More Many GMCers are very aware of Alex Sirum GMC Motorhomes, Inc. as one of the “big” vendors in the Community. However, because they depend more on “word of mouth” promotion than large-format advertising, few may know of the significant role that the Sirum family has played, and continues to fill, in the GMC Motorhome ecosystem. I say this because even I, after nearly a dozen years dealing with the TZE universe, learned a lot on my recent visit to Okeechobee in preparation for writing this article. The only problem with writing this particular vendor feature is knowing where to start. In fact, Alex expressed the same concern when attempting to tell me how he got started as a GMCer. As a lot of our conversations become non-linear, I will just pick a point and go from there. Alex has always enjoyed doing two things; camping out and working on vehicles. When growing up on a farm in Massachusetts, he annually cleaned out the chicken coop or some other small building in which to make his own camping space because he did not have a tent. Since he always liked messing with motors and the things in which they are placed, it seemed natural that a motorhome became the object of those interests. Alex and Romona started their wedded life in New England, Alex went to Florida to see if he would enjoy visiting there. While on that trip in the mid-1960’s, he learned that the motel in which he was staying was for sale. To be sure he would return to Florida, he arranged to buy the motel. He readily admits he knew nothing of running one but, with the assistance of Romona, his brother Henry, and Henry’s wife Marjorie, the motel became a successful venture. After reading articles about the introduction of the GMC Motorhome, he and Romona took off to a Fort Lauderdale dealership to drive a unit. Since he was still concerned with the motel, he put off buying one until ten years later. The coach he purchased was a 23-foot model originally owned by a musician who traveled a lot. Naturally, when Alex took possession he went over everything on the chassis in order to ready it for a trip to Alaska. He replaced, repaired, or serviced everything on the chassis and learned a lot in the process. While at a gathering of GMCers, he told his new friends what all he had done to the coach. He says the next thing he knew he was doing work for other owners. By this time Alex had taken over a business with a repair facility so he had space for the work.

Jeff, the son who now runs the business, says the word just spread from that point on and, before long, Alex opened the business that bears his name. Jeff started working with his dad in 1988, just five years after Alex first acquired the 23-foot. Since Henry was also in Florida, he chipped in from time to time even to the point of rebuilding four units himself. At one time Alex also owned and serviced a fleet of diesel trucks in addition to having a car rental business. The Sirum’s joined every FMCA chapter dedicated to the GMC. Of course, when they showed up at rallies, the wives would engage with the other women. Alex and Henry would share their knowledge of the GMC platform with Alex taking center stage. Alex and Romona always had good things to say about FMCA and, as a result, received awards for enlistment efforts. The business enjoyed success and grew year-over-year. Being located in south-central Florida was not detrimental because their customer base includes owners across the entire USA and some foreign countries. As Jeff will tell you, the average customer lives more than 2,000 miles from Okeechobee. This growth created a need for a larger facility so the business moved to a bigger building with more acreage. This provided room for more service bays, office space, and retail area. With the added acreage there was room to start a “boneyard”. When visiting the shop one will see motorhome shells, units for parts, and whole coaches ready for refurbishment sitting in an orderly fashion. One will also see many working coaches in storage or others available under consignment. Another little-known fact is that Alex Sirum developed a relationship with Cinnabar and within time, Alex was selling more parts than Cinnabar. Alex provided consultation to Jim at Applied GMC helping him get up and running even though Alex had an existing customer base west of the Rockies. The business was incorporated nearly 20 years ago and carries an inventory of 1,600 to 1,800 items with less than ten components coming from GM. Their suppliers cover a wide range of suppliers including many GMC cottage vendors. As he has backed away from actively running things, Jeff, one of the couple’s four children, has assumed responsibility. But it does not end there. At Alex and Romona’s home north of Okeechobee, there is a metal building with room to store their 26-foot GMC and their 45-foot diesel pusher as well as room for rebuilding engines, something Alex always enjoyed doing. They also allow other GMC friends to camp on their property when in the area. As he recalls, he also refurbished several classic Corvettes and rebuilt 17 vintage Mustangs. Some of their clientele from the past includes well-known people such as Tammy Wynette and Paul Newman. For more information go to: sirumvintagegmc.com

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

sunshine report

Diane Dugger

What Oil Viscosity Ratings Mean Winter is Here and....

Fred Fred Hudspeth Hudspeth || 1978 1978 Royale Royale || Tyler, Tyler, Texas Texas || based based on on an an article article in in Hemmings Hemmings Motor Motor News News

Jack Frost is nipping at your nose

Cell: 620-802-1200 Email: sunshinelady48@cox.net Mail: 4510 Nickerson Blvd Hutchinson, KS 67502 Diane Dugger, GMCMI Sunshine Lady

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

SAE 10W30

If you have any information regarding a member that would benefit from a card (illness, hospitalization, sympathy, etc.) please contact me: cell, text, email, snail mail.

86°F

SAE 10W

Everyone needs to know they are cared about. Knowing someone does care can mean the world to them.

30°C

Viscosities are measured 20°C 68°F in several different ways and are numbered using 10°C 50°F industry-standard scales. 0°C 32°F Engine oils are measured on an SAE crankcase scale. (-10°C) 14°F The SAE scales measure (-20°C) (-4°F) kinematic viscosity at 100 (-30°C) (-22°F) degrees Fahrenheit. When comparing multi-grade (-40°C) (-40°F) oils, the lower number (-55°C) (-67°F) represents the oil’s viscosity at the lowest recommended temperature, the higher number representing its viscosity at the upper end of its recommended operating temperature. For example, 10W-40 is recommended for ambient (outside air) temperatures of +5 F to +122 F, while 5W-30 works best in temperatures between -22 F and +86 F. Good old 30W straight oil is currently only rated for +32 F to +86 F, and even 20W is not rated for temperatures below 14 F. SAE 5W30

———

SAE 30

Thank you for your assistance

SAE 5W20

Please contact me via email or cell listed below and I will email you a biography form.

SAE 15W30

My favor: Please prepare your biographies before the Convention starts. This ensures that the board will be completed in a timely manner.

Simply stated, viscosity is merely a measurement of oil and other fluids’ resistance to flow. This flow can best be described as the difference between pouring water (with a viscosity of 1) through a funnel and then molasses (which has a viscosity of about 2,000) through the same funnel. The amount of friction from the contents of the molasses causes it to flow at a much slower rate than the water. Viscosity measures the amount of friction that is within the oil, preventing it from moving freely. Higher-viscosity oils have more friction and flow more slowly than a low-viscosity fluid. This friction is caused by the makeup of the molecules used to create the oil byproduct during manufacture. Polymers are added to the mineral oil base to reduce changes in viscosity when the oil is subjected to extreme temperatures at either end of their effectiveness. There is a limit to just how much polymer material can be added, though: While heavier polymers are good for thickening oil for a wider range of temperatures, they also have a lower resistance to mechanical shear than lighter polymers or base mineral oil, so it is a complicated balance that is 50°C 122°F sought when engine oil is 40°C 104°F formulated.

SAE 15W40

I have a favor to ask of the members who are planning to attend. Every convention, we, (Fred and I) set up the Picture/Biography Board and we are expecting a great turn out.

SAE 40

And so is the GMCMI Spring Convention in Tallahassee, Florida. Come join us, March 22-28, 2019 and get out of the cold.

Choosing the correct oil viscosity can be an important factor in determining the life expectancy and performance of your engine. Using the correct-viscosity oil can also keep the engine running at its peak efficiency, and plays a small part in the overall fuel economy of your vehicle. Modern engines have very different viscosity requirements over vintage engines, and manufacturers invest a lot of time and money to determine which mixture of oil and oil additives will work best with their engine components. This is why you often see original equipment recommendations for new weight ranges that were unheard of a few decades ago. These new formulations will eventually lead to the replacement of non-detergent straight-weight oils as well as some of the old, reliable multi-viscosity oils of the last five decades.

ARCTIC OIL

BUT WAIT! SPRING IS ON THE WAY!

Exploring the

GMC Motorhome History GMC Vintage RVing magazine is pleased to present the first column by Bill Bryant, GMC Motorhome Historian, where he will share tidbits of the GMC Motorhome history with us.

GMC Motorhome Development History: Longer Length The following GMC Motorhome prototypes, longer than 26-foot, were built according to my contacts: • One 27-foot prototype was built and tested, details unknown. • Two 28-foot prototypes were built and tested. Comments from the road tests indicated ride and handling concerns. An additional concern was a 28-foot coach would not fit between plant #29 building pillars since it traveled down the interior upfitting line sideways.

21’

24’ 26’ 27’ 28’

• One contact remembers a trip to Canada testing a 32-foot motorhome. Further collaboration for this could not be found. These longer designs would have been tested at the proving grounds as well as road tests. A consideration for a longer coach would be the gross vehicle weight. A redesign increasing the gross vehicle weight would have been costly and build volumes would not

support a business case.

32’

Shorter Length The initial GMC Motorhome design by Ralph Merkle were to be 21-foot and 24-foot motorhomes. This size would allow Ralph to use a number of passenger car components and help to contain costs in building the motorhome.

Q&A

As the interior designers from the GM Frigidaire Division got involved with the interior upfitting, it became apparent more space was needed for the appliances, seating, bath, etc., 23-foot and 26-foot lengths were decided upon. Ralph now had to recalculate many design parameters, and the increased loading likely contributed to traction concerns and stressing of passenger car parts further.

GMC Engineer Ralph Merkle was asked what he might design differently in retrospect?

His answer was he would “kick up” the frame five or six inches just ahead of the rear wheels. This would allow more space for the tanks, storage, etc. A corresponding floor and roof “kick up” would have resulted as well.

Have a historical question about the GMC Motorhome? Submit it to gmc.bill@gmail.com

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE

Frame Repairs Ken Frey | 1976 Palm Beach | 215-536-1246 | Ken L. Frey Auto Repair | www.kenlfreyautorepair.com

One of the unfortunate facts of life with a GMC motorhome is the issue with rust. A frustrating and costly area affected is the frame rails. To do these repairs, you must have some required equipment. This would be a 220 welder (stick or MIG), ear protection, eye protection, gloves, steel for the repairs, and other necessary supplies. It is a very dirty job, so be sure to dress for it! It is also very time consuming, and not a one day job. Please note that these repairs were done on a lift. That is another very important consideration when planning this type of repair.

PICTURE 1: Above shows the frame as the motorhome arrived. The bottom edge is rusted and has bent down as it weakened. The most straight forward course of action is to clean out all the rust from the affected area. This usually involves grinding wheels, wire wheels, thin blade chisel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in other words, whatever is necessary to loosen the rust and scale. It is critical to get as much removed as possible to create a clean surface.

PICTURE 2: If there is an area that has actually bowed down, that must be corrected before any welding. It must be straightened and clamped in place prior to welding. Then, the welding must be done to secure that area.

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PICTURE 3: Here is the area cleaned and prepped. Prior to welding, clamp everything tightly in place with clamps, vice grips, or whatever is necessary to hold everything in place during welding.

PICTURE 4: This is the completed job.

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

Two Electrical Circuits of Concern Jim Bounds | 1975 Transmode 407-857-5777 | Cooperative Motor Works| gmccoop.com

General Motors was proud to announce in 1973 that the GMC motorhome was designed for a fifteen year lifespan. It has done that and withstood the test of time, but today things are failing that GM never anticipated. The focus today is to keep our beloved coaches on the road. Here are two electrical circuits that might additionally take out critical circuits if they fail.

Neutral Safety Switch This switch, whose main function is to start your motor, has a secondary function of switching on the buzzer and the telltale “Ride Height Safety” light. If the main circuit fails, your coach will not start.

PICTURE 5: Here is a badly rusted area on the right front wheel area. This has been cleaned to prep for welding.

If the secondary circuit shorts out, it could also take out the start circuit. Since the secondary circuit is only a timed light and buzzer you can keep it from possibly triggering problems for the start circuit by unplugging the two wire connector that will disarm the timer circuit (wire colors: black and brown).

Transmission “Kick Down Switch” It is located just above the accelerator pedal. You should not drop down a transmission with the gas pedal on the floor. Our heavy coaches are really hard on the transmission when this occurs. Unplug the two wire connector (wire colors: both burnt Orange). Power for this circuit pulls from your dash gauges. So, if that wire running to the side of the transmission shorts out, your dash gauges also go out.

PICTURE 6: This is the same area with the repair completed with new steel plates. At this point, the area needs to be treated with an anti-rust coating such as Rustoleum.

As I said today, we want to keep our GMCs on the road. In my opinion, getting rid of unused and secondary circuits that are not necessary is a good thing to do to protect you on the road.

Depending on the overall condition of the frame, this procedure may or may not be appropriate. A complete inspection of the entire undercarriage is necessary to determine the type of repairs required. I have seen situations where the rust and deterioration was so advanced that a repair was not possible. In that situation, a complete frame replacement would be needed.

Check out this video and others at YouTube site “jimbounds”. The link for this subject matter is: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=luggKtmNW5M&t=17s

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE

What Electrical Items Can I Run At The Same Time? Written by a Woman Who Hates it When the Circuit Breaker Blows! Kimberlea Weeks | 1973 Painted Desert | Pharr, Texas

So here is the skinny...after asking my husband Keith to reset the circuit breaker and his questioning of what I plugged in, I decided to go to the internet and do some research. Now, granted, I am not an electrician and have not always understood how many GMCs I can plug into one pedestal at a Convention, but here goes. Starting An Appliance Almost every result indicated that I needed to keep in mind that many appliances require more amps to start the appliance than they do to run the appliance. For instance, a roof air conditioner can draw 16 amps to start, but may only use 13 amps once it is running. So, if you look at the amp chart, I am making coffee (9 amps), drying my hair (10 amps), and reach up and turn on the air (16 amps).....oh NO! That totals 35 amps and we are only plugged into 30 amp. So What is the Big Deal, Just Reset the Circuit Breaker When you are plugged into a 30 or 50 amp socket, it means you will be limited as to what appliances you can run at one time. In the previous scenario when I turned on the air conditioner, the amperage needed exceeded what was available. That caused the circuit breaker to trip. This essentially saved the air conditioner compressor and other appliances, because the voltage would have been too low and that could have caused problems. Whoops...

How can you prevent tripping a circuit breaker in a GMC? Knowing how much amperage each of your appliances requires while operating will help you avoid tripping circuit breakers. Our GMCs (and most S.O.B. – some other brands) are wired for either 30 or 50 amp service. An amp is a measure of electrical current. Every time you use an electrically-powered appliance in the GMC, you are drawing more current from the 120 V shore power pedestal. Once you reach the limits of your GMC’s shore power electrical system (either 30 amps or 50 amps), a circuit breaker will trip to protect the GMC from an electrical overload. To determine how many amps a piece of equipment draws, you will need to either obtain the value from the product or appliance manual, or do a quick back-of-the-envelope calculation. How to Determine Current Draw of An RV Appliance You can determine the current draw of an appliance in a few ways:

• sometimes the product manual or online description will tell you how many amps the product draws during use (this is the easiest way!) • find the number of watts the appliance uses, and then divide by 120 to arrive at the amps Although certain types of products, like hair dryers, curling irons, and heating pads will draw different amounts of current, we can make a reasonably accurate generalization for each type of appliance While you would have thought a crock pot would draw much more than 2 amps, take a look at the amps for the ceramic space heater and handheld vacuum cleaner! You can see how easy it is to reach a 30 amp limit running just a few of these appliances. Appliance Amps Air Conditioner (13,500 BTU) Cooling Mode

13.5

Heating Mode

Blender 2.5 Clothes Iron Coffee Maker

9.2 10-12

Computer 2 Convection Oven Crock Pot Curling Iron Electric Fry Pan Fantastic Fan Furnace Fan Hair Dryer (1500 watts)

15 2 0.7 6-12 3 7-9 13

Iron 8 Microwave (1.2 cubic feet)

Refrigerator 3 Space Heater (Ceramic)

7.5 - 12.5

Television 1-2 Toaster 8-10 Vacuum Cleaner (Corded/handheld) 6-12

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

Old Wires and Corrosion Dolph Santorine | 1977 Palm Beach | Wheeling, West Virginia

Time marches on, and even the well insulated copper wiring provided by GMC when they built our coaches can corrode, making it difficult to make a good quality connections by crimping or soldering. How you deal with this will effect the reliability of your coach today and in the future. When you strip a wire on the coach, and you find nice, bright copper, you know you will be making a good, low resistance connection. If you strip it, and it looks like this:

It is time to find a way to eliminate the corrosion and neutralize the acid you used to eliminate the corrosion and get to the copper. I have compiled the following list of techniques for doing this...I have used them all, and have two that I personally prefer. 1. Vinegar solution (I fill a pill bottle with vinegar and keep adding salt until it will not go into solution anymore). Second pill bottle filled with baking soda and water to neutralize the vinegar. Clean, flux, and solder. 2. Muriatic (HCL) acid to dip the wire, neutralized this baking soda. Clean, flux, and solder. 3. Lemon juice and salt solution (as above), neutralize with baking soda. Clean, flux, and solder.

4. Citric Acid (if you or your wife does canning, you have it), neutralize with baking soda. Clean, flux, and solder. 5. Oatey No. 95 “Tinning Flux”. It can be found at the big box home improvement stores (Blue, Orange, Green or whatever is in your neighborhood). Clean, flux (with electronics flux), and solder. Yes, you can use different acids for the first step of the process. I have seen people use trisodium phosphate, or a phosphoric acid solution. Those are things that are not regularly around my shop. I keep two pill bottles in my electrical kit with the vinegar solution, the baking soda solution, and a small bottle of 91% iso-propyl alcohol. I also keep a bottle of “liquid solder flux” for electronics that I use in addition to the rosin flux that is already present in the solder. These are common household items, and none of them are horrible if spilled. You can substitute brake cleaner for the alcohol if it is more common around your shop. Remember, this is not the flux used for copper plumbing. This is rosin or flux for electronics.

With any of this, you do not want to get acid up under the insulation where it will be hard to neutralize. Make absolutely certain that you neutralize any of the acid methods throughly with the baking soda/water solution, and that the insulation is good where the copper emerges. Then clean, flux, and solder, taking care not to use too much solder. Stranded wire is designed to flex, and if you add a big solder joint, it is another place for a failure. Be safe with the fumes you will generate when you solder. All of us breath better without a snoot full of soldering smoke. Even when I am using a crimped connection, I will tin the end of the wire. Just the end, down to about where the crimp connector will capture the wire. Just to insure its integrity. Throughout this process, carefully examine the copper conductors, as it is not unusual to see broken strands where insulation is present. If you have to trim back further, a splice may be required. If I am replacing wiring, I have had best luck with the pre-tinned marine grade wire. Sure, it is more expensive, but it keeps me from going back and having to do it again. Also, endeavor to mark your wires. There are few things worse than trying to decipher either your or the previous owners wiring rats nest when a few minutes with a label making machine would save you time and insure your sanity.

My second choice is the Oatey No. 95. While it is not specifically designed for electronics, it will do a nice job of cleaning the corrosion away, just be careful to clean it from the wire before proceeding. I treat it just like the acids when I am done, cleaning it away with brake cleaner before going on to the next step.

Finally, do a real job of insulating any wiring you repair or add. Fuse or circuit breaker protect what you add, and remember that heat shrink tubing is far superior to tape. Electrical problems are a top three cause of automotive fires, and as a Community, we do not need to lose any more coaches to unnecessary fires.

Parts Interchange: Call for Current Parts Numbers The GMCMH Community would most appreciate your help in making the listings in the GMCMH Parts Interchange as current as possible. So, when you use or otherwise discover a part number that does not exist (or is incorrect/obsolete) in the Parts Interchange, please provide that information to admin@gmcmi.com. Thank you.

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

Convention Highlights • Six nights of camping with water and 30 or 50 amp service, Friday through Wednesday night, dump station available • Come early for Wednesday and Thursday for only $25 a night • 18-24 hours of tech sessions • 12-19 hours of non-technical sessions • Vendors, Vendors, Vendors... • Three ice cream socials • Two catered dinners • Two Lunches • Daily Coffee Hour and Book Exchange • Hot waffles daily and one egg breakfast • Ladies Luncheon • GMC Parts Exchange, Craft & Flea Market • Vintage GMCMH Show “Open House” • Weighing of the Coaches • Participate in the Sunday Worship Service Choir • Pineblock Derby – don’t forget your racer! • The popular raffle for $1,000 in cash, free convention fees for two, plus many more items.

PLUS... DAILY DOOR PRIZES

The Ammenities >> North Florida Fairgrounds The physical and mailing address is 441 E. Paul Russell Road Tallahassee, Florida 32301; Lon: -84.276429, Lat: 30.403633.

>> Campground Ammenities • Beautiful buildings and grounds • All sites have water and electric • Dumpstation available • Comfort station with restrooms and showers • Daily trash pick-up

Vendor Area A designated outdoor vendor area will be available near the main building for your shopping convenience. Vendors are supplied with a large free-standing “Vendor” sign.

March 22-28, 2019

North Florida Fairgrounds | Tallahassee, Florida >> GMC Part Exchange, Craft & Flea Market Bring those no longer needed GMCMI items to sell on Sunday afternoon! Also, we enjoy seeing and purchasing those lovely things you make. >> GMC Motorhome Open House Tour and enjoy seeing original and updated GMC Motorhomes. The tour will follow the Parts, Craft, and Flea Market on Sunday. >> Request for Tech Sessions What is that one thing that you may wish to share? Here is your opportunity! The Mini-Tech Sessions consist of 15-20 minute tech/ informational sessions that feature one thing that the presenter wishes to share. Need more time than 15-20 minutes, not a problem. We have a couple of session openings left. Contact Kim for more information. >> Request for General Sessions We have a couple of sessions open, just in case you have an idea or session you would wish to lead contact Kim today! Possible items: • Cooking • Genealogy • Smart Phone • Nutrition • Travel • GMCMH Tech for Ladies • Napkin Folding >> Skip Newhouse Memorial Food Drive Please bring non-perishable food items and paper products which will be donated to a local charity.

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>> Pineblock Derby Get those GMC racers ready for the GMCMI Pineblock Derby! For updated GMCMI Pineblock Derby Rules go to gmcmi.com/ gmcmi-pineblock-derby/. Those of you who have made additional GMC racers, please do bring them so that others can race them. Thank you! >> Blanket Making for Charity We are making fleece blankets and they are easy to do. You do not even need to sew! Just bring one yard of plain fleece and one yard of printed fleece and your scissors. On Saturday we will learn to cut and assemble. During “The She Shed” we can continue to work on them. >> The She Shed Ladies, join us at the “She Shed” where we socialize and have fun! Are you working on a project...come work on it and share it with the ladies. Bring any type of project you are working on or better yet...lead a group and help others to make one. >> Remember to bring your books, tapes and dvds for the Book Exchange held each morning. Also, bring your favorite book and share it at the “Bookworms and their Diet” session. Previous lists are available at gmcmi.com/ community-book-list/. >> Welcome GMC Chapters! We welcome the following chapters that are utilizing the GMCMI Convention as their spring rally. They are the GMC Sunshine Statesmen and the GMC Dixielanders.

TALLAHASSEE Infinitely Interesting! TALLAHASSEE is all-Florida but so distinctly different from the rest of the Sunshine State with its rolling hills and four seasons. Sure, like the rest of Florida, Tallahassee remains “green” throughout the year, but fall brings a hint of color. Yes, leaves change colors here. Tallahassee is a place where some of the state’s most treasured historic sites sit comfortably near where the world’s brightest minds develop and refine tomorrow’s scientific advances. Tradition meets futuristic fusion here, even in restaurants. Bustling districts like Downtown, CollegeTown, Midtown, North Town, Gaines Street and the Market District each offer special enticements for food, shopping, and entertainment. Tallahassee by The Numbers 1 private residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright 5 and counting number of local breweries 9 Florida State Parks in the area 80 degrees is average high temperature, 54 average low 150 rare cars on display at Tallahassee Automobile Museum 325 bird species recorded in the area 420 members in Florida A&M University’s “Marching 100” Band 600 miles of trails for biking, hiking, or paddling in the area 1824 tThe year Tallahasee was established as the state capital 10,230 ways you can order a hot dog at Dog Et Al 45,700 artifacts in the Museum of Florida History collection 3 million bricks used at the Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium, the largest continuous brick structure in the U.S.

LADIES SOCIAL: HISTORY OF “THE SWIMSUIT”

Chances are you will find a lot more than you expected, and in typical Tallahassee fashion, it will be delivered with welcome and a smile.

Please join the GMC Sunshine Statesmen and the GMC Dixielanders for the Ladies Luncheon on Monday. It will be a fun fact filled look at the History of the Swimsuit. If you happen to have a bathing suit from the olden days that you would like to share, please bring it with you. Otherwise put on your sun dress and flip flops/sandals and join us for a delicious picnic lunch. Hope to see you all there.

Treasures in Tallahassee Par ty

Tallahassee Festival & Grand Parade March 29–30, 2019 | Downtown Tallahassee For more information: SpringtimeTallahassee.com

Celebrating its 51st anniversary, Springtime Tallahassee kicks off with a concert by a national recording artist on Friday night and continues on Saturday with the Grand Parade – one of the largest and most celebrated parades in the Southeast – the Jubilee in the Park art show, the Children’s Park and a 5K run. The event began as a celebration of Tallahassee’s role in Florida history after central Florida lawmakers discussed moving the state capital to Orlando. Arrangements have been made that you can stay and camp at the North Florida Fairgrounds after the Convention ends. No reservations required.

Order the official tourism guide at: VisitTallahassee.com

Ahoy, Me Mates, Yo Ho! Keep a weathered eye on the horizon. For fun in the sun and some buccaneer swashbucklin. Chart your course for your loot! Pirate attire requested but not required.

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

UP-TO-DATE

Information

Watch gmcmi.com for additional information and final schedule. Attendees will receive a confirmation email and email when final schedule is posted.

Reservation Information The North Florida Fairgrounds is reserved for our Spring Convention. All campground reservations from March 13-30 are arranged thru GMCMI. We do have a limited number of full-hookup sites available. We currently are holding them for handicapped attendees. A list is being compiled on a first-come, first-served basis for a possible site. You may cancel your reservation any time before March 7 and receive a refund less a $35 cancellation fee. For cancellations after that date, the cancellation fee is $75.

Unable to Attend the Entire Convention... Not a problem! Contact Kim for additional information.

PINEBLOCK Derby Kit

Order your kit today and build your own derby racer for the Derby in Tucson! Only $20 each with free shipping. Order at: thegmcmhstore.com

the schedule WED. | MARCH 20 | PRE-CONVENTION 1:00 pm Early Arrival & Registration THURS. | MARCH 21 | PRE-CONVENTION 7:30 am Morning Coffee and Waffles 9:00 am Early Arrival & Registration 7:30 pm Ice Cream Social 8:00 pm Bingo (free cards, prizes awarded) FRIDAY | MARCH 22 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, & Waffles 9:00 am GMCMI Arrival & Registration 1:00 pm Choir Practice for Sunday Worship Service 4:15 pm First-Timers Meeting – All Members Welcome 5:15 pm Welcome Meeting 6:30 pm Catered Meal and Entertainment SATURDAY | MARCH 23 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 7:30 am Book Exchange 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 6:00 pm GMC Sunshine Statesmen Get-together 7:30 pm Ice Cream Social SUNDAY | MARCH 24 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice & Fruit 7:30 am Egg Breakfast 7:30 am Book Exchange 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Worship Service 10:30 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 1:00 pm GMC Parts Exchange, Craft & Flea Market 3:00 pm GMC Motorhome Open House Tour

TENTATIVE THAT IS... MONDAY | MARCH 25 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 7:30 am Book Exchange 7:30 am Pineblock Derby Weigh-in 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 12:00 pm “History of the Swimsuit” Ladies Social 12:00 pm Chili for the Men 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech Sessions 3:00 pm Afternoon Non-Tech Sessions 6:00 pm GMC Dixielanders Get-together 7:30 pm Ice Cream Social 8:00 pm Pineblock Derby Races TUESDAY | MARCH 26 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 7:30 am Book Exchange 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 12:00 pm Lunch provided 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Session 3:00 pm GMCMI Regional Member Meetings 5:30 pm Treasures in Tallahassee Party! – catered meal and entertainment WEDNESDAY | MARCH 27 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 7:30 am Book Exchange 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 10:30 am Membership Meeting, Awards, GMCMI Raffle (luncheon to follow Membership Meeting) THURSDAY | MARCH 28 Noon Campground Checkout – Convention Ends – Have A Safe Trip Home!

Convention Checklist: Items for Parts Exchange, Craft & Flea Market Pirate Attire Old Swimsuit, Sun Dress, Flip Flops/Sandals Skip Newhouse Food Drive items Email Kim about conducting a session Books for the Book Review

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Books, books-on-tape, DVD’s and VCR tapes for the Book Exchange Fleece for blankets for local charity Items for “The She Shed” Bring musical instrument for jamming Bring your Pineblock Derby Racer

Registration Deadline is March 7!

GMCMI’s 2019 Spring Convention Friday, March 22 to Thursday, March 28 | North Florida Fairgrounds, Tallahassee, Florida Downloadable interactive registration pdf available at: www.gmcmi.com/2019s-conv-info

_________________________________________________________________ GMCMI Member Number (if you are a member) _________________________________________________________________ First Person _________________________________________________________________ Second Person _________________________________________________________________ Street _________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________________________ State | Postal Code | Country

Registration | bringing a motorhome Unable to attend the entire Convention. Email Kim at address below.

Convention & Camping Fee (Two-Person Motorhome)

$435.00 $__________

Convention & Camping Fee (One-Person Motorhome)

$295.00 $__________

Additional Adult in above ____ x $160.00 $__________ Motorhome (19 & older) Additional Child in above Motorhome (7-18, FREE under 7) ____ x $ 100.00 $__________ Optional Early Night(s) Wednesday, March 20

$25.00 $__________

Thursday, March 21

$25.00 $__________

_________________________________________________________________ Telephone

Registration | NOT bringing a motorhome

_________________________________________________________________ First Name Cellular Second Name Cellular

Convention Registration (Two-Person Party)

$290.00 $__________

_________________________________________________________________ Email

Convention Registration (One-Person Party)

$145.00 $__________

_________________________________________________________________ Year, Make, Model and Length of Motorhome You Are Attending With

Registration | For Everybody

Names, City, and State of Extra People in Coach if different than above ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Handicap Parking Needed?

Yes

Is this your first GMCMI Convention?

Yes

Are you a GMC Dixielander Member?

Yes

Are you a GMC Sunshine Statesmen Member?

Yes

Convention T-Shirt(s) (indicate quantity) S _____ M _____ L _____ XL _____ x $ 12 each $__________ 15 each $__________ XXL _____ XXXL _____ x $ Late Reservation Fee (ONLY IF SPACE IS AVAILABLE) (postmarked after March 7, 2019) $25.00 $__________ Credit Card Fee (If charging your fee.) $15.00 $__________

Total Enclosed $__________

Are you CPR certified? (name/s)______________________________

Payment Options

_________________________________________________________________

Check/Money Order Enclosed – Number_______________ Please make payable to GMCMI – U.S. funds drawn on U.S. bank

We/I wish to participate in the Sunday Morning Worship

NOTE: there is a $15 charge to use a credit card as listed above.

Service Choir (name/s)___________________________________________ I am a supplier/vendor, my products/services are:____________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Please list any tech/non-tech session topic(s) you could present:

To charge, email registration form to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com, you will then receive a Paypal invoice via email. Simply click and pay with a Paypal account or major credit credit card.

Additional Registration Information • Checks must be in U.S. funds and drawn on a U.S. bank. Foreign checks cannot be processed. • Email confirmation will be sent.

_________________________________________________________________

• Late Reservation Fee of $25 (if available) after March 7

_________________________________________________________________

• Cancellations after Mar. 7 will be refunded minus a $35 fee. • Cancellations after Mar. 18 will be refunded minus a $75 fee.

_________________________________________________________________

Mail with payment to: Kim Weeks, 1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit 273, Pharr, TX 78577

Email: kimweeksgmc@gmail.com

Fax: 866-519-0047

WINTER 2019

Questions: 612-501-4600

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

GMC Motorhome Suppliers List >> FULL SERVICE, PARTS & REPAIR FACILITIES

>> SERVICE & REPAIR FACILITIES

Alex Sirum GMC Jeff Sirum | 863-763-1121 | sirum@gmcmh.com | www.gmcmh.com 1800 Hwy 70E, Okeechobee, FL 34972-3279 Specializing in GMC Motorhome sales, service, repairs & hard to find parts. We ship to all states & Canada. New updates available.

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

Applied GMC Jim Kanomata | 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.appliedgmc.com 38424 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560 Specializing in GMC Service, Repairs and Parts. Final Drives with various gear ratios, Headers, 3" Mandrel Bent Exhaust Parts, Mufflers. Tranny & Engine Replacement. Low every day prices on thousands of RV parts...plus tips and a “free” tech line for assistance.

DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhome Service 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@embarqmail.com | www.djsgmcs.com 233 Northwest Olive, Sheridan OR 97378 Cinnabar certified service and repair. Frank Borrman 519-335-3857 | Fax 519-325-6263 | frank@borrmannsgarage.com 86924 Brussels Line, Bluevale, ON N0G 1G0, Canada Complete gmc mechanical service and repair.

Cooperative Motor Works Jim Bounds | 407-857-5777 | 877-275-4462 coopmotorworks@yahoo.com | www.gmccoop.com 6101 Anno Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809 Information, parts & service for the GMC Motorhome. Repair and maintenance to Full Renovations available. Read more on our web site.

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

Golby Motor Corp 352-793-7000 | golby@golbymotorcorp.com www.golbymotorcorp.com 3375 County Rd 528, Sumterville, FL 33585 Specializing in GMC Motorhome service, repairs and original body parts. Check out our website today!

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

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

GMC

www.thegmcmhstore.com

O RH

MES INT ER N

HH HHH

AL ON TI A

Calendar | Merchandise | Back Magazine Issues

Visit the GMC Motorhome Store MEMBER

BENEFIT HH HH H

>> COMMERCIAL PARTS SUPPLIERS

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

Classic Coaches & Accessories, LLC JR Slaten | 502-836-2097 | 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)

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

Dave Lenzi 810-653-3902 | mlenzi@charter.net 2285 Montague Road, Davison MI 48423-9103 Steering components, leveler linkage, leveler valve rebuilding, embossed copper exhaust gasket. DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhomes DJ Eberhart| 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@embarqmail.com www.djsgmc.com 233 NW Olive, Sheridan, Or 97378 New and used GMC parts.

Gateway Motorhome 636-931-8282 | 800-654-0374 | www.gmcmotorhomeparts.com 4897 Schumacher Rd, High Ridge, MO 63049 Large selection of GMC parts. Ship daily. Golby Motors 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!

DL Design Store Terry Taylor | 510-276-5111 | n6mon@pacbell.net www.dldesignstore.com 801 Via Manzanas, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 GMC Model Name Emblems, personalized GMC paraphernalia. DMAR Enterprises | Stainless Steel Tanks Jim DeMaere | 403-329-3091 2812 – 48th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B3 SS replacement air and water heater tanks.

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

Frank Jenkins | Fiberglass & Aluminum Parts 352-485-1397 | NEW NUMBER – 352-281-8082 Cell gmcfrank@yahoo.com | http://geocities.ws/gmcfrank/ 18214 NE 21st Street, Gainesville, FL 32609 GMC fiberglass & aluminum fabrication. Instrument panels, bumper covers, toolboxes, grills, skirts and flares, radiator fan shrouds.

Albert Branscombe | Parking Brakes | $525 519-368-7129 | branscoa@bmts.com | www.bdub.net/branscombe/ 33 Rae Street, P.O. Box 44,Tiverton, ON, N0G 2T0 CANADA All SS/Alum/Teflon kit, includes all cables, pulleys, brackets. Also, Air Powered Actuator kit – $575. Disc brake parking caliper kit -$475. Complete instructions included. 10 year warranty. Bill Bryant 914-475-2916 | gmc.bill@gmail.com 374 Overlook Road, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 GMC Motorhome Historian. DVDs and CDs available on the history, dealer showroom videos and workprint. Flashdrive now available with the history, dealer showroom videos, and workprint for $45. Blaine Merrell 765-522-3241 | dsekula@tds.net | www.bdub.net/blainemerrell/ 101 Way West Airpark, Bainbridge, IN 46105-9449 Front window screens, wind wings, lower radiator guard.

Gary Bovee 530-200-6247 | gary.bovee@gmcidiotsguide.com www.gmcidiotsguide.com 12495 Muller Avenue, Red Bluff, CA 96080 Alternator & A/C belt tensioners, Electronic Ignition Kit (Onan 4KW & 6KW), GMC valve stem caps, and Headlight & Turn Signal alarms. Gary Kosier 740-366-1833 | gkosier@roadrunner.com | www.bdub.net/kosier 534 Welcome Drive, Newark, OH 43055-9615 Bogie Greaser Kit, Awning Protector. GMC RV Shades (formerly Guske Sales) Gary Coaster | 810-650-5111 | gmcshades@gmail.com 2600 Knob Hill Drive, Reno, NV 89502 “Guske” Day/Night shades custom fitted for GMC Motorhomes, outside window covers. WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

GMC Motorhome Suppliers List | continued Jim Hupy 503-362-1583 | jamesh1296@gmail.com | www.bdub.net/jhupy/ 1754 82nd Avenue SE, Salem, OH 97317 | Master Cylinder Power Bleeder and Remote Controlled Wireless Air Suspension System. John Biwersi | Engine Cooling Fan | Direct Replacement 651-779-6498 | jbiwersi@mac.com 2938 N Mary St, Maplewood, MN 55109-1671 For all GMCMH that have the original steel blade fan. It is the same OD and pitch but has 10 blades instead of 7. Hub is steel and blades are molded nylon, this is not a “flexfan”. “Made in the USA” and is 100 % precision balanced to minimize vibration to the fan clutch and water pump. John Richardson 850-830-6100 | jrichsr@aol.com | P.O. Box 5191, Niceville, FL 32578 AMSoil synthetic motor oil. CamShield ZDDP motor oil additive. Ken Henderson | Electric Windshield Wiper Kit | $300 229-924-0851 | hend4800@bellsouth.net | www.gmcwipersetc.com 110 O’Hara Road, Americus, GA 31719-2140 GMC Motorhome Electric Windshield Wiper Kit. All mechanical and electrical parts to install your locally purchased electric motor w/ intermittent sweep. Free shipping for GMC Club members. Kerry Pinkerton – K.I.S.S. Shelf | $21.50 A simple aluminum tray that hooks over the lip under either of your front hoods to hold tools, parts, or whatever. Kerry Pinkerton | 256-859-2999 | pinkertonk@mchsi.com

Manny’s Transmissions | Torsion Bar Unloading Tool Manny Trovao | 408-937-1583 | mannystrans@gmail.com Rebuilt THM425 Transmission, Switch Pitch Converter, Power Drive, 3.21:1 Final Drive, One-Ton Front End, New Steering Box, Reaction Disk Brake System, Torsion Bar Pork Chops

New Aluminum Radiator | $799 Jim Buchanan | 828-464-5105 | gmcmei@charter.net PO Box 893, Conover, NC 28613-0893 Modern radiator designed specifically for your GMC Motorhome. Easy installation, dependable cooling. Ships for less than $40.

Paul Bennett 803-799-4323 | bennettpz@aol.com | www.bdub.net/paulbennett 216 Old Forge Road, Chapin, SC 29036-9751 Jack pads, air bag lifters. Center line hitch ($439.50 plus shipping) designed exclusively for the GMC. Mounts through center of the bumper. Easy bolt on install with no welding. Rance Baxter 814-596-5254 | rancefi@frontiernet.net | www.rancefi.com 230 Mountain View Road, Genesee, PA 16923-9725 Port fuel injection, Cadillac and Oldsmobile engine cores, and 425 transmission/ final drive cores.

Variety Ventures Dan Stuckey | 519-844-2083 | stuckey@brktel.on.ca Box 105 3249 Inwood Road, Inwood, Ontario Canada N0N 1K0 New Main Frame Components (side rails, cross members, H-frames) DIY or I install, Macerator kits.

Classifieds >> GMC MOTORHOMES FOR SALE 1973 Custom GMC Canyon Lands Handicap Accessible photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com OH | $27,900 | Rebuilt final drive, transmission, good frame, sleeps 4, new dash, handicap shower and toilet, Alcoa wheels. tom@grandviewmotorhome.com | 937-537-1612 1973 Painted Dessert – 23 foot photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com AZ | $18,000 | The interior of the coach is essentially as it came from the factory and not in need of replacement. It is ready to get in and go! Many upgrades and replacements. Very clean. Melvin | 505-603-1964 1975 Glenbrook & 1978 VW Karman Convertible! photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com WA | $22,500 GMC and $14,000 VW | GMC-custom exterior paint, new dash, floors furnace, refrig, sink, faucet, countertop, headliner, see website for complete list. VW-70,910 miles, fuel injection, original paint, interior dash, etc. Stored in garage. Elaine | 509-375-3432 1976 Glenbrook – Price Lowered MN | $21,000 $27,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 93,000 miles. This coach is road worthy. We have spent almost two years having professions make repair and improvements. This spring, the coach was reviewed by a professional for all kinds of little things to get all systems as perfect as possible. See website for complete list. Greg | gmc.bus@yahoo.com 1976 Glenbrook – Price Lowered NY | $13,000 entertain all offers $14,999 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com About 54K mi; owned by former GMCMI board member, George DelVecchio. Dinette w/captain chairs; kitchen w/stove, oven, refrig/freezer, sink; rear full-sized bed. Wet bath. Please help George’s wife, Joan, find a new owner for this lovely motorhome! Suzanne (DelVecchio) Glenn | sglenn@juno.com | 214-616-9792

Springfield Performance Ignition Dick Paterson | 705-325-4554 | Fax 705-325-3569 dick@paterson-gmc.com | www.paterson-gmc.com 3956 Line 11 North, RR#3, Coldwater, Ontario, Canada LOK 1EO Re-curved distributors. Rebuilt carburetors, engines, transmissions. Wire sets, HEI conversion.

1977 Eleganza II OR | $29,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com This motorhome is completely original and in amazing condition! Having always been garage kept, it is as-new inside and out as they come. Upholstery is fantastic! Mechanically ready with only 65,000 miles. Newer chrome wheels with good tires, flatscreen TV. Tow package and air conditioning that works very well! We are selling this vehicle for a life-long friend. Elan Davis | 503-231-1940

TZE Zone Restorations John R. Wright | 989-859-0715 | powerjon@chartermi.net 1196 E Olson Road, Midland, MI 48640-8610 Front Air Dam, Bolt kits for bumpers, axles, exhaust manifolds, and header.

1977 Royale BC | $22,900 USD | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Dry side bath, rear twin beds with new custom mattresses, 97,500 miles, over 20 years of maintenance records. Doug Brown | dbca@telus.net | 250-307-0661

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Classified Ads 1977 Royale MO | $10,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 53,000 miles, rear full bath, many updates, cabinet doors removed for refinishing. Needs a good home. I bought to refurbish, but found that I’m not up to the task. Larry | turtlebutt_k@yahoo.com | 651-260-9037 or 651-343-0046 1978 Eleganza MI | $25,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Mechanically sound with 40,000 miles on the engine and 120,000 on the coach. The coach drives like a dream, check website ad for list of many upgrades. Greg Smith | gsmith7859@aol.com | 313-886-8546 1978 Eleganza II NY | $10,000 entertain all offers | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Original w/ 112K Mi; Wet hot kit and bath; rear bedroom w/full; sofa and dinette convert to sleep many; lots storage; owned by mechanical engineer, George DelVecchio. Suzanne (DelVecchio) Glenn | sglenn@juno.com | 214-616-9792

Engine Gantry/Hoist | NV GMC engine installation and removal gantry. Used once and works well. (For removal through the entry door.) Comes with chain hoist and dolly. Evan Jones | type3yel@yahoo.com | 702-334-7008 Parts from 1977 Kingsley | SC Six side windows, propane tank, three-burner stove w/oven, furnace, over stove vent w/lights, front dinette seats, table and engine air cleaner. Duane Weber | 843-817-1120 Transmission | TX Used transmission for 455 – unknown condition for $200. Craig Bennett | 940-387-6258 | srvhm1@gmail.com

>> WANTED Zip Dee Awning Factory Original Good condition for a 1973 Painted Desert. Frank Shepherd | candoez007@aol.com

1978 Royale CA | $26,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 116,000 approx. miles. Many upgrades. Engine replaced at 55,000. Has been lovingly cared for with most all systems replaced or upgraded. Well known in the GMC Community and she has seen many rallies.We have had many wonderful memories in the 11 years we have owned this coach and have met a great many people in the GMC Community. Our life has taken us in a different direction and we have decided to go with a bigger coach. Jackie or Paul Jones | jmariejo@msn.com | 661-821-9815 or 360-813-4919

Clean Chrome Bumpers For 26' 1973 GMC Canyonlands (both front and back) If found in the Midwest, I can pick them up. Doug Smith | 402-416-3585 (Lincoln, NE) | dsmithy18@gmail.com Want to sell your GMC Motorhome? Want to sell your GMC Motorhome? Call Buddy Bethune at Bethune Sales Co. We cover the US and Canada. Buddy Bethune | 704-892-1234 | www.bethunesales.com

1978 Royale CT | $17,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Very good condition, ready to travel. Has many extras including awnings and shower. Call for more information. Roderick White | roderick.m.white@snet.net | 860-434-2673 1978 Royale OR | $20,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Beautiful coach inside and out. No mechanical issues. All systems work. Dave Tolle | 661-904-6781 | dave.tolle@sweethome.k12.or.us

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

1978 Royale – Giant Price Slash! photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com PA | $21,700 $26,000 | Joe Ekl’s coach, the “Key Man”. Rebuilt 403 engine with 100 miles. Thorley headers, 4 bag suspension, macerator, great paint job, rear bath with tub and shower, new gas/elec frig and new blinds. Check gmcmi.com for additional information. Frances Ekl | 724-864-1233

>> PARTS/TOW VEHICLES/ETC. FOR SALE GMCMI MEMBERSHIP HAS BENEFITS

GMC

GMCMI members can place an ad in this quarterly magazine and on the gmcmi.com website free-of-charge! HH HHH GMC Motorhome classified ads can include MEMBER up to nine photos on the website. BENEFIT HH HH H Email your ad to admin@gmcmi.com.

Parts from Royale and More! | IA Many Royale parts and more! Complete list on gmcmi.com Bob Dunahugh | 319-521-4891 | yenko108@hotmail.com

O RH

MES INT ER N

AL ON TI A

Newly Rebuilt 455 CI Engine | FL Dick Paterson blueprint, 3-hour burn-in. In storage with Alex Sirum, Okeechobee, FL. Craig Stanley | 916-205-7822

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

>> Regional GMC Chapters...Join in on the Fun!

>> GMC 49ers Motorhome Club

>> GMC Sunshine Statesmens Christmas Rally

The GMC 49ers celebrated their anniversary at the Santa Cruz Redwoods Resort and RV Park. Festivities included a steam train ride along the San Lorenzo River and a Prom/Seventies dinner dance.

The board of directors hosted the rally at the Lake Magic RV Resort in Clermont, Florida. Much food, fun, and frolick was had by everyone.

>> GMC Dixielanders & Sunshine Statesmen

>> GMC Classics

A joint winter rally was held at the Compass RV Park in St Augustine, Florida. A really great familiar venue. As always there was great food, friendship, and this time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; great weather.

The winter rally was definitely cold but many warm hearts and a lot of fun! It was held at the Chactaw Casino & KOA in Durant, Oklahoma. The theme was Mardi Gras and it was a hoot!

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

>> GMC Pacific Cruisers La Conner, Washington was decked out in its holiday attire to welcome them for the Christmas rally held at the Port of La Conner RV Park. Coaches were decorated in various holiday cheer to make a festive start to the season. Mr. & Mrs. Claus dropped in for a great photo opportunity.

GMCMH Events Calendar

MARCH 2019 1 Tulsa Lunch Bunch 12 GMC Central Great Lakers Lunch Bunch 14-16 GMC Saguaro Jetset | gmcsj.com 22-28 GMCMI Spring Convention GMC Sunshine Statesmen utililzing Convention as rally GMC Dixielanders utilizing Convention as rally 29 East Texas Lunch Bunch

>> GMC Saguaro Jetset The GMC Saguaro Jetset held their January rally at the Wells Fargo RV Park in Tombstone, Arizona. Everyone enjoyed the first nights dinner at Big Nose Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saloon.

SPRING 2019 CONVENTION March 22-28 Tallahassee, Florida The GMC Dixielanders and GMC Sunshine Statesmen are utilizing the Convention as their Spring Rally.

FALL 2019 CONVENTION October 4-10 Mansfield, Ohio

REGIONAL CHAPTER OPPORTUNITY Consider utilizing one of the GMCMI Conventions as one of your rallies, it comes with benefits! Contact admin@gmcmi.com for more information. FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION Go to gmcmi.com/gmc-calendar/ TO SUBMIT A DATE Email date and information to admin@gmcmi.com

WINTER 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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