29 minute read
Technical Corner
GMC Motorhome Entry Door Latch Tutorial Ken Henderson | 1976 Birchaven | Americus, Georgia
This treatise is intended to share some of the knowledge I have gained about the GMC’s entry door latch assembly. It includes instructions for unlatching the door when neither the outside nor the inside handle is effective.
First, a general description of the latch’s operation (all numbers refer to the red on black labels I have added):
At the right of the photo, at 11, is the actual latch, those being the two jaws which grip the striker when the door is closed and latched. Those jaws, and their operating mechanism are part of a discrete assembly, which is everything to the right of, and including, the arm labeled 5.
The jaws, 11, operate simultaneously when depressed by the striker. They have two “latched” positions, “intermediate” and “closed”. When in either of those positions, they cannot open unless arm 5 is rotated clockwise.
Arm 5 can be rotated by either the outside or the inside handle. Pulling the outside handle causes the arm with the labels 9 and 10 to rotate counterclockwise. If the latch is not locked, the 9/10 arm pushes up on connecting rod 6, which results in arm 5 rotating clockwise, releasing the latch jaws. Alternately, the inside handle can rotate the 9/10 arm via a connecting rod which fits on pin 10. (The inside handle being attached to the cover over all this stuff, it obviously can not be shown.)
Now to the locking mechanism: Notice the slot at 9 on the 9/10 arm. In this photo, the latch is unlocked – the pin of link 6 is seated in a “notch” of the slot so that movement of arm 9/10 results in movement of link 6. In the locked position, arm 8 moves link 6’s pin into the curved slot at 9 so that movement of arm 9/10 does not cause movement of link 6. The movement of arm 8 is caused by motion of the vertical link with the 3 & 4 labels – the threads at the top of that link are for the “lock button”.
I previously posted to the GMCNet about the lockout prevention feature that is available to us. Here is how it works: When the jaws 11 close, arm 5 momentarily rotates clockwise very slightly. It is not visible in this photo, but link 3/4 passes through a hole in an arm bent to the rear of arm 5. So, when arm 5 rotates, it raises link 3/4, causing arm 8 to rotate counter clockwise, moving link 6’s pin into the curved slot at 9 – unlocking the latch. If the lockout prevention feature is to be implemented, the locknut at 3 must be loosened so that the barrel nut 4 can be adjusted pretty precisely – if it is too low, the latch cannot be locked; too high and the door can be latched with the lock ON. Be sure to re-tighten the locknut 3.
One more note: The reason this latch is exposed is because the coach’s owner was locked out. He had to send a grandson in through a cockpit window to open a large window so he could get inside himself. He then had to remove the lower door panel and work behind the metal top 1 trim to unlock the door. Remember that the metal panel CANNOT be removed with the door closed – there are four each 1/4”-20 screws through that panel securing the latch mechanism into the concealed surface of the door. You do not want to allow those 4 screws to become loose!
That is all that was keeping this owner out of the coach. Locktite them and check their security frequently.
Now, a fix, in case you disregard the previous paragraph: Notice the machinist’s scale at the upper right of the photo: Just above it, at 1, is a nutsert for one of the 5 exposed screws holding the metal trim panel. That is an always-visible reference point which one could use as a guide for emergency opening of the latch. Notice hole 2 in arm 5. It is not used for anything.
So, if one drilled a hole through the metal trim panel directly over (or slightly to the right of) hole 2, it would be possible to rotate arm 5 CW, unlatching the door! The best I could measure, a 1/8” (or larger) hole 7/8” below the nutsert at 1 and 1-1/8” to its left, would suffice. A nail, punch, screwdriver, etc., could be inserted to pry the lever to the right. It might even be a good idea to use a 3/4”-1” hole saw at that position to create an emergency access which could be unobtrusively concealed with a hole cover. At any rate, there is really no need for a large hole to be cut to unlatch the door – if moving arm 5 won’t do it, you have got a BIG problem.
If you ever see this situation, I strongly suggest that you remove the entire assembly, clean all the old grease out, and re-grease and oil the mechanism. My door, which always latched nicely, after that treatment now latches superbly!
Breaking in a Rebuilt Engine is All About Bringing Surfaces Together It takes time, but it will save you in the long run. Based on an article by Jake Lingeman, Associate Editor | Autoweek Magazine, February 3, 2020 | used with permission
The internal combustion engine (ICE) may have been man’s greatest creation. It’s powered us across land, seas, and skies. And over the past 220-or-so years, these controlled explosions have exponentially increased in power and efficiency. Advances in engineering and machining have helped the ICE become more powerful and efficient as it has developed. Still, when slamming an engine back together with factory specs or stuffing an engine with lots of exotic performance parts, the right break-in procedure helps keep those precise measurements in check.
Tighter tolerances, smoother surfaces, and smaller gaps lead to more power and less wear. And if you spent a ton of money building up your rebuilt engine, the last thing you want is for it to lose power because of a bad break-in.
For starters, you need a place to start your engine. If you do not have a handy engine stand in a dynamometer cell, you can always put together your own run-in stand (though if you are like us, you will probably just install your freshly rebuilt engine into its future home). Making sure you have simple but essential gauges for oil pressure and coolant temperature will help you know if you did anything catastrophically wrong. Hooking it up to an exhaust system will help you hear if one of your rod bearings is eating itself or if you have valves slapping pistons.
Now is also a time to make a good visual inspection. The folks over at MAPerformance 1 recommend “thoroughly inspecting all of the moving parts you have touched during installation,” along with all of your fluids.
Fluids – namely oil – is one of those hotbutton issues over which we will probably
A Rudimentary Engine Cooling Setup
never reach a consensus. It is best you follow whatever your camshaft or valvetrain component supplier recommends. For instance, if you are using a flat-tappet camshaft, you should probably lean on a healthy dose of ZDDP, but, again, your camshaft supplier should offer break-in instructions. An area where everyone does agree: priming the system. If you can, priming your oil pump and feeding oil throughout the engine will help prevent excessive wear from dry running. Yes, you should have oil and assembly lube already in place on your wear components, but it is still good practice. And change your oil early and often, like after initial
ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA GETTY IMAGES
break-in, at 500 miles, 1,500 miles, and 4,000 miles.
If you are running a flat tappet, run the engine between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm with no load on the engine for the first 30 minutes, according to Summit Racing 2 . Let the engine cool down completely and repeat the process two-three more times. “Do not idle the engine for any extended period at this time. This is critical to break in the camshaft.” Roller cam engines do not require this procedure.
An engine needs to build up cylinder pressure to expand the piston rings and
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 GMCMH Parts Interchange, please provide that information to admin@gmcmi.com. Thank you.
allow them to seat. Failure results in poor performance and blow by (high pressure on the top side of the piston pushes combustion gasses, as well as droplets of oil and fuel, past the piston rings and into the crankcase).
Once you’re finally rolling out of the garage, drive the vehicle at varying speeds and loads for the first 200 miles, according to ATK 2 . Occasional full-throttle runs from a rolling start will help seat the rings. We said occasional! After 200 miles check the rockers/ valve clearance and retorque the head bolts and intake manifold bolts.
If you want to be extra gentle, after 200 miles do five or six medium-throttle accelerations, a couple hard throttle accelerations and coast back to about 20 mph. From 500 to 1,000 miles, drive normally but keep rpm below 5,000. Always avoid long periods of idling during this time, says Summit.
It’s all a pain in the you-know-what. But it’s only 1,000-1,500 miles, and if you want to go 100,000 or 150,000 miles on your rebuilt or built-up motor, it’s a small price to pay. And your engine internals will thank you for it. Tolerance!
1 maperformance.com/pages/engine-break-in-procedure 2 https://static.summitracing.com/global/images instructions/hpe-df15.pdf
Tip on Remembering John Heslinga | 1974 Canyon Lands | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Sometimes we think that we can remember everything. Especially when we need to get back to finish something off, only to find that we missed that crucial item. I want to share something with you that can help to avoid that problem. There are many times we do something that if we do not fully address or finish can cause headaches.
One is placing a bogey lifter to keep the bogies up when changing a tire, or putting the awning up temporarily without locking it down for some reason. Often times we install a wheel and plan to torque them later, or work on something over a few days (or longer). Maybe you just need a reminder that you have your “significant other” with you. There are, of course, many things we need to keep in mind before we head out and many of us follow some kind of mental checklist or do a “walk around” before heading out to ensure certain conditions are ok. But this suggestion is for the extraordinary issues.
I use this trick to ensure I complete, or check specific items if I find myself in a position of not following through right away. It is an adaptation of aircraft safety strategies.
Go to the “Dollar Store” (today’s five and dime) pickup some velcro cable bundling ties and put them into the driver’s storage pocket. (In my toolbox, too.) Anytime you need to make sure you remember something before driving away, place one on your steering wheel. That done, when you jump into your seat, it is a “flag” to remind you that something is still incomplete. I do this every time I take a wheel off! It is surprising how many times you are distracted by something and may miss that final torquing.
Often, one pulls up the awning in a big wind or down-pour without locking it down completely, planing on doing it once the weather settles down. Maybe a raised television antenna that cannot be seen on a walk around.
I, personally, labelled only two velcro ties because they are the most common things I do not want to miss. But, if there are others, simply having another flag will remind me there is something else. Sometimes I have even stapled a note onto the tie, identifying its purpose. Of course, if you do not remember what the tie is there for, you have some head-scratching to do. But at least it forces you to think about it.
The 500 CID Cadillac Engine Tech Session Larry Weidner | 1978 Royale | Menomonie, Wisconsin
Largest production engine built for passenger use can be adapted to the GMC Motorhome. Looking for better acceleration on those on ramps? Better pulling power in the mountains? 500 ft lbs of torque all in below 3K rpm? Smooth 600 rpm idle at 21in vacuum? Port Fuel Injection? Only 50 lbs more than a SBC? Same gas milage as the 455 Olds? And it will bolt up to our 425? I will be giving a presentation on the upgrading and installing of the Cad 500 in a GMC Motorhome at the GMCMI Spring Rally in Patterson, Louisana. Join me and let’s see if this is an option for you.
The Case Against Radiator Additives Emery Stora | 1977 Kingsley | Frederick, Colorado
The following information has been extracted from GM Research Laboratories investigations concerning radiator additives for the prevention of overheating in the engine cooling system. The information is provided as an aid to the motorhome owner in understanding the effects of using radiator additives.
The object of the investigation was to review the use of radiator additives that are being marketed with the claim that they improve heat transfer and reduce the coolant temperature in the engine cooling system.
Conclusions were: 1. These radiator additives are composed principally of either water, ethylene glycol, or a combination of the two, and inhibitors such as those commonly used in antifreezes. Some additives contain oil and/or a surfaceactive agent.
2. Tests with these additives fail to show any added benefit in heat transfer or reduction in coolant temperatures.
3. When these additives are used with water alone, they will probably provide less corrosion protection than an antifreeze used at the recommended concentration; when used with conventional water-glycol solutions, the additive inhibitors may not be compatible with those from the glycol antifreeze
4. Engine damage may result from loss of coolant due to overheating if the vehicle owner follows the recommendation to use these additives with water alone. (The boiling point of water is below the temperature at which the warning light is activated and the driver may not receive warning of a boiling condition.)
5. It is recommended that a strong position be taken AGAINST the use of these additives.
There has been a proliferation of additive products on the market that are purported to increase the cooling capability of the cooling system. These products are usually sold in one-quart containers at a price ranging between $3.00 and $5.00.
Although a number of claims are made for these products, such as added corrosion protection, the removal of scale, and pump lubrication, the principal claim is that associated with improved cooling.
The major portion of these additives is either water, ethylene glycol, or a mixture of the two. Inhibitors have been added that are typical of those commonly used in antifreeze or in summer inhibitor additives. Some of the inhibitors in the additives may be incompatible with inhibitors in antifreeze solutions; for example chromates are often incompatible with ethylene glycol antifreeze. If the additives are used with water alone, the inhibitors may not provide sufficient protection to all metals, and in some cases, they may cause excessive corrosion; for example, amine inhibitors are aggressive to copper alloys and nitrite attacks solder unless other inhibitors are present to compensate for these effects.
The one variant in some cases is the use of a surface-active agent that may increase heat
Effect of System Pressure on Boiling Point Coolant 0 psi 4 psi 8 psi 12 psi 16 psi 20 psi 24 psi Water 212ºF 225ºF 233ºF 242ºF 252ºF 260ºF 265ºF 33% 220ºF 230ºF 240ºF 253ºF 260ºF 268ºF 273ºF 44% 224ºF 234ºF 245ºF 257ºF 265ºF 272ºF 279ºF 60% 231ºF 241ºF 253ºF 264ºF 273ºF 280ºF 285ºF 50% 226ºF 236ºF 248ºF 259ºF 267ºF 275ºF 280ºF
transfer at a metal surface. One laboratory has shown increased heat transfer under controlled laboratory conditions but not in automotive service. However, surface-active agents are often unstable at high temperatures, and they would not be expected to endure for long. The disadvantage of the surface-active agent, as well as oil, is its tendency to cause increased foaming in the cooling system.
Most of the claims are associated with better heat transfer or cooling, but these claims are not supported by test data. Since the bulk of the material is water or ethylene glycol, it should not be expected that the addition of these additives would prevent overheating or make the engine run any cooler than when a quart of water or antifreeze had been added. It is possible that, in practice, the addition of a quart of this material may restore the coolant to the proper level, which provides better cooling, but so would the addition of water or ethylene glycol antifreeze.
The claim that these additives provide better heat transfer when added to water alone, is based on the fact that they contain inhibitors that prevent the formation of corrosion products that would impair heat transfer. However, the suggestion that they can be used with water alone may offer a problem. First, the concentration of inhibitors may be less than that normally provided by a good antifreeze at the minimum recommended concentration of 33-1/3 percent and second, the inhibitors may not be as effective in preventing corrosion as those in a wellformulated antifreeze. Furthermore, the boiling point of water is 17 degrees lower than that of a 50 percent ethylene glycol solution (242°F vs. 259°F at 12 PSIG), and this may lead to loss of coolant and damage to the engine because the warning light is set to come on at higher temperature than that of the boiling point of water.
Ca • jun / key-juh n / adj. relating to the Cajuns, especially with reference to their folk music (typically featuring the concertina, accordion, and fiddle) or spicy cuisine.
The Cajun Coast is a sampler of everything Louisiana offers, in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that is the heart of Cajun hospitality.
The past and present have contributed to a fascinating cultural mix of French, Spanish, English, African, Native American, and Cajun traditions with rich and flavorful food, music, art, and history.
St. Mary Parish With a population of over 53,000 and 700 square miles of land is located in the Bayou Teche region of Cajun Country between New Orleans/Baton Rouge (90 minutes to the east) and Lafayette (60 minutes to the west) via Hwy. 90. It consists of five municipalities: Morgan City, Franklin, Berwick, Baldwin, Patterson, and the Sovereign Nation of the Chitimacha. The economic lifeblood is agriculture, seafood, and the oil industry.
We invite you to stroll a 19th century boulevard of cast iron street lamps and moss-covered oaks in the heart of a community with many properties of which are listed on the National Register.
Explore the exotic beauty of the Atchafalaya on a swamp tour. Visit museums, antebellum homes, plantations, and historic communities. Play the Atchafalaya Golf Course at Idlewild (adjacent to the Convention site), named to Golf Digest’s Top 10 Best Louisiana Courses 2013 and Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play in 2012. Whatever your interests, you will find St. Mary Parish is the perfect place to experience Louisiana adventure.
Come to the Cajun Coast and immerse yourself in what National Geographic called this “hauntingly beautiful land” for a taste of the real Louisiana.
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 $20 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 • Zydeco Ladies Luncheon • Gumbo Cook-Off! • Early Bird Horseshoe Tournament • 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
>> Patterson Area Civic Center Physical address: 116 Cotton Rd, Patterson, LA 70392 Lon: -91.290475, Lat: 29.677687
Mailing address: PO Box 148, Patterson, LA 70392
>> Campground Ammenities • Beautiful buildings and grounds • All sites have water and electric • Dumpstation available • Comfort station with restrooms and showers
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.
>> Weighing of the Coaches Clinic Ever wondered what your loaded GMC weighs? Here is your opportunity to find out. Prior to weighing, your front and rear ride heights at four points will be recorded. During the weighing all six wheels of your coach will be independently weighed – two at a time.
>> GMC Parts 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 & Flea Market on Sunday.
>> Request for Tech Presenters What is that one thing that you may wish to share? Here is your opportunity! The MiniTech 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. 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 • Smart Phone • Crafts • Nutrition • Genealogy • Travel • Tech for Ladies • Health Issues >> Convention T-shirt Above is the featured t-shirt for the Spring Convention. Thank you Byron Songer for another great design. Order yours on the Convention registration form.
>> “The Shed” All attendees are invited for a fun session of craft projects, cards, socializing, and so much more! Are you working on a project...come work on it and share. For more information contact Kim.
>> Remember to bring your books, tapes, and dvds for the Book Exchange table. 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/.
>> Convention Volunteers Volunteers welcome at the Convention! Helping with coffee/breakfast, luncheon, etc. – or an event of your own that you would like to lead. Contact Kim today!
>> Early Bird Horseshoe Tournament Come early and participate in the Early Bird Horseshoe Tournament on Thursday, April 16 at 2:30 pm. Prizes will be awarded.
PINEBLOCK Derby Kit
Order your kit on the Convention registration form for the Clinic (pickup on arrival) or build your derby racer at home. Only $20 each with free shipping. Order at: thegmcmhstore.com
Pineblock Derby Get those GMC racers 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!
>> Vendors, Vendors, Vendors This is your opportunity to view all of the great innovations that our GMC Motorhome vendors have for us. Show your appreciation by purchasing those much needed items.
Place your orders today with Alex Sirum GMC and pick them up at the Convention – no shipping charge!
Unable to Attend Entire Convention
Not a problem! Contact Kim for additional information.
Zydeco Luncheon zy • de • co / zahy-di-koh / n. popular music of southern Louisiana that combines tunes of French origin with elements of Caribbean music and the blues and that features guitar, washboard, and accordion. >> Worship Service We invite you to join the choir for Sunday’s service. Rehearsal is at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 17. We are also looking for a volunteer to direct the choir. Play the piano or other instrument? We welcome all to participate. We can supply the keyboard if needed. Please contact Kim for more information. >> Fred & Diane Dugger Memorial Food Drive Please bring non-perishable food items and paper products which will be donated to a local charity. >> Crafts Back by popular demand – fleece projects such as blankets, dog beds, and child car seat coverups. We are looking for additional crafts for the Convention. Have an idea? Please call Kim. >> Updates The GMCMI website will provide seminar, vendor, schedule confirmations/additions and other pertinent updates. Go to gmcmi.com.
Ladies slip on your Zydeco shoes, grab your hat, and join the Ladies of GMCMI for lunch and a multi-dimensional, knock-your-socksoff tour of the spicy spectrum of Cajun culture...a way that celebrates living!
What goes best with shoes...socks! We ask that you bring a pair of socks (any size) to be donated to a local charity. Thank you.
Monday, April 20 | 12:00 pm
>> CPR/AED Certification & Recertification Class Two years ago at the Spring Convention in Tucson, Arizona, GMCMI held classes where members became certified to operate the GMCMI defibrillator. Recertification is required every two years. We have made arrangements for training at Patterson. It will be held on Friday, April 17 at 8:00 am. GMCMI will subsidize a portion of the fee for those who participate. To attend the class, simply check the box on the registration form and pay only $25 per person!
>> Patterson • Louisiana State Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Foundation Museum Visit the new exhibit “From Berwick Bay to Etouffee: Shrimping in Louisiana” (next door) • Captain Cavair Swamp Tours Discover the beauty and tranquility of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area – a federally designated area that is filled with winding bayous, rivers, and a large Cypress swamp. (across the street)
>> Berwick (7 miles) • Brown House – Berwick’s Heritage Museum The Brown House was built in 1893 and donated to the town of Berwick by Dewey Brown and his wife, Wilhelmina “Billie” Diboll Brown around 1970.
>> Morgan City (8 miles) • Diving & ROV Historical Preservation Diving & ROV equipment on display showing the preservation and history. • Great Wall Located along the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City and Berwick, the “Great Wall” stands 21 feet. • International Petroleum Museum & Exposition Visit “Mr. Charlie” the only place in the world where the general public can walk aboard an authentic offshore drilling rig. Learn about the oil industry, past and present, the functions of the oil rig, and tales about the industry’s beginnings. • Morgan City Historic District Includes unique shops and restaurants and is close to several attractions within the historic district. Morgan City’s historic district is also home to splendid churches ranging from the 1870s to the early 1900s.
>> Franklin (15 miles) • Franklin Historic District On the National Register of Historic Places, the District boasts more than 420 noteworthy structures. Stunning antebellum homes under a live oak arcade, charming Victorian cottages and a late 19th-century downtown shopping district all contribute to the romance and elegance of this jewel of the Bayou Teche. A walking tour is a must for lovers of historic architecture and those looking for the authentic Old South. • Young-Sanders Center The Center for the Study of the War Between the States in Louisiana. A research library museum.
For additional information visit: cajuncoast.com.
G MBO COOK-OFF Enter Your Favorite Style... mild, spicy, bean, hot, chicken, beef, seafood, vegetarian SATURDAY, APRIL 18 | NOON Sign up on the registration form and get more details. For more information email kimweeksgmc@gmcmi.com Cooks Wanted!
Awards Presented for BEST GUMBO & BEST TABLE DECOR We can not have a Gumbo Cookoff without Gumbo... enter as a GMC chapter, group, or individual. No entry fee. Open to all Convention attendees. GMCMI will be providing rice for the gumbo and $30 to each gumbo entry to assist in the cost of the gumbo.
gum • bo / guhm-boh / n. primarily of a strongly-flavored stock, meat or shellfish, a thickener, and what Louisianians call the “Holy Trinity” of vegetables, namely celery, bell peppers, and onions. Gumbo is often categorized by the type of thickener used, whether okra or filé powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves).
WED. | APRIL 15 | PRE-CONVENTION 1:00 pm Early Arrival & Registration
THURS. | APRIL 16 | PRE-CONVENTION 7:30 am Morning Coffee and Donuts 9:00 am Early Arrival & Registration 2:30 pm Early Bird Horseshoe Tournament 7:30 pm Ice Cream Social 8:00 pm Bingo (free cards, prizes awarded)
FRIDAY | APRIL 17 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, & Waffles 8:00 am CPR Training (pre-registration required) 9:00 am GMCMI Arrival & Registration 1:00 pm Choir Practice for Sunday Worship Service 3:15 pm First-Timers Meeting – All Members Welcome 5:15 pm Welcome Meeting 6:30 pm Catered Meal and Entertainment
SATURDAY | APRIL 18 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 12:00 pm Gumbo Cook-Off! 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 7:30 pm Ice Cream Social
SUNDAY | APRIL 19 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice & Fruit 7:30 am Egg Breakfast 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Worship Service 10:15 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 1:15 pm GMC Parts Exchange, Craft & Flea Market 3:00 pm GMC Motorhome Open House Tour MONDAY | APRIL 20 | ZYDECO DAY 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 7:30 am Pineblock Derby Weigh-in 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 12:00 pm “Zydeco Luncheon” for the Ladies 12:00 pm Chili for the Men 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech Sessions 3:00 pm “The Shed” 7:30 pm Ice Cream Social 8:00 pm Pineblock Derby Races
TUESDAY | APRIL 21 | MARDI GRAS! 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 2:30 pm GMCMI Regional Member Meetings 3:45 pm Mardi Gras Parade! (pets welcome) 5:30 pm Mardi Gras! – catered meal and entertainment
WEDNESDAY | APRIL 22 7:30 am Morning Coffee, Donuts, Waffles, Bagels, English Muffins, Oatmeal, Juice, & Fruit 8:30 am Announcements/Daily Drawings 9:00 am Morning Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 1:00 pm Afternoon Tech & Non-Tech Sessions 3:30 pm Membership Meeting, Awards, GMCMI Raffle (meal to follow Membership Meeting)
THURSDAY | APRIL 23 Noon Campground Checkout – Convention Ends – Have A Safe Trip Home!
The GMCMI Mardi Gras Parade & Celebration! Tuesday, April 21 Bring your beads, masks, hats, feathers, and colorful clothing. Decorate those wagons, build a float, and play those instruments. Don’t forget to dress up your pet for the parade! How about your campground site...let’s decorate and party!
Registration Deadline is April 1!
Friday, April 17 to Thursday, April 23 Patterson Area Civic Center • Patterson, Louisiana Downloadable interactive registration pdf available at: www.gmcmi.com/2020s-conv-info
_________________________________________________________________ GMCMI Member Number (if you are a member)
_________________________________________________________________ First Person
_________________________________________________________________ Second Person
_________________________________________________________________ Street
_________________________________________________________________ City
_________________________________________________________________ State | Postal Code | Country
_________________________________________________________________ Telephone
_________________________________________________________________ First Person Cellular Second Person Cellular
_________________________________________________________________ Email
_________________________________________________________________ Year, Make, Model and Length of Motorhome You Are Attending With Names, City, & State of Extra People in Coach (if different than above) _________________________________________________________________ Handicap Parking Needed? Yes No Is this your first GMCMI Convention? Yes No Are you CPR certified? (name/s) _____________________________ _________________________________________________________________ We/I wish to participate in the Early Bird Horseshoe Tournament (name/s) ___________________________________________ We/I wish to participate in the the CPR Class (Friday, April 17) (name/s) ________________________________________________________ We/I wish to participate in the Sunday Worship Service Choir (name/s) ________________________________________________________ We/I wish to receive additional information about the Gumbo Cook-Off (Saturday, April 18)
We/I wish to participate in the the Mentor Program (name/s) Year _____ Model _________________Area of assistance requested _________________________________________________________________
I am a supplier/vendor. My products/services are: ___________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Wish to volunteer? ________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ List any session topic(s) you could present: ______________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
Registration | Bringing a motorhome Unable to attend the entire Convention? Email Kim at address below. Convention & Camping Fee $440.00 $__________ (Two-Person Motorhome) Convention & Camping Fee $280.00 $__________ (One-Person Motorhome) Additional Adult in above Motorhome (19 & older) ____ x $160.00 $__________ Additional Child in above Motorhome (7-18, FREE under 7) ____ x $100.00 $__________ Optional Early Night(s) Wednesday, April 15 $20.00 $__________ Thursday, April 16 $20.00 $__________
Registration | NOT bringing a motorhome Convention Registration (Two-Person Party) $320.00 $__________ Convention Registration (One-Person Party) $160.00 $__________
Registration | For Everybody Convention T-Shirt(s) (indicate quantity) S _____ M _____ L _____ XL _____ x $12 each $__________ XXL _____ XXXL _____ x $15 each $__________ CPR Class (Thursday, April 16) _____ x $25 each $__________ Late Reservation Fee (ONLY IF SPACE IS AVAILABLE) (postmarked after April 1, 2020) $25.00 $__________ Credit Card Fee (If charging) $15.00 $__________ Total Enclosed $__________
Payment Options Check/Money Order Enclosed – Number______________ Please make payable to GMCMI – U.S. funds drawn on U.S. bank 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. NOTE: there is a $15 charge to use a credit card as listed above.
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 April 1 • Cancellations after April 1 will be refunded minus a $40 fee. • Cancellations after April 10 will be refunded minus a $75 fee.